A node in a wireless telecommunications system, a method and a computer program

Abstract

The disclosure provides a first node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising the first node, a second node, a third node and a fourth node, the first node serving the second node and the third node using a time-domain multiple access scheme via the fourth node, the first node comprising circuitry configured to: determine that the fourth node should serve the second node and the third node simultaneously; generate indication information, the indication information including transmission indication information indicating transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node and time indication information; and transmit data for the second node and the third node, wherein data for the second node and the third node is transmitted, at a time indicated by the time indication information, in at least one of a time-domain pattern of frames, a frequency-domain pattern of frames, a code-division pattern of frames and / or a polarization pattern of frames.

Description

[0001] A NODE IN A WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM, A METHOD AND A COMPUTER PROGRAM BACKGROUND

[0002] Field of the Disclosure

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a node in a wireless telecommunications system, a method and a computer program.

[0004] Description of the Related Art

[0005] The “background” description provided is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in the background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0006] Recent generation mobile telecommunication systems, such as those based on the 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP (RTM)) defined Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G New Radio (NR) architectures, are able to support a wider range of services than simple voice and messaging services offered by previous generations of mobile telecommunication systems. For example, with the improved radio interface and enhanced data rates provided by LTE and NR systems, a user can experience high data rate applications such as mobile video streaming and mobile video conferencing that would previously only have been available via a fixed line data connection.

[0007] However, it is often desired to increase efficiency within a wireless telecommunication system. This can be difficult to achieve when one or more restrictions are placed on the operation of the telecommunication system.

[0008] It is an aim of the present disclosure to address these issues.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] The present disclosure is defined by the claims.

[0011] In accordance with the present disclosure, the efficiency of a wireless telecommunication system can be improved.

[0012] However, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to this advantageous technical effect. Other advantageous technical effects will become apparent to the skilled person when reading the disclosure.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Non-limiting embodiments and advantages of the present disclosure are explained with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0015] FIG. 1 schematically represents some elements of an LTE-type wireless telecommunications system; FIG. 2 schematically represents some elements of an NR-type wireless telecommunications system;

[0016] FIG. 3 schematically represents some components of the wireless telecommunications system shown in FIG. 2 in more detail;

[0017] FIG. 4A schematically illustrates use of a coverage enhancement device in a wireless telecommunication system;

[0018] FIG. 4B schematically represents capacity curves for two different cases;

[0019] FIG. 5 schematically represents a first node in a wireless telecommunication system;

[0020] FIG. 6 schematically represents a second node or a third node in a wireless telecommunications system;

[0021] FIG. 7 schematically represents a fourth node in a wireless telecommunications system;

[0022] FIG. 8A schematically represents transmission between a first node, a second node, a third node and a fourth node in a wireless telecommunication system;

[0023] FIG. 8B schematically represents frames of data transmitted by a first node;

[0024] FIG. 9 shows a first example method of controlling a wireless telecommunication apparatus;

[0025] FIG. 10 shows a second example method of controlling a wireless telecommunication apparatus; and

[0026] FIG 11 shows a third example method of controlling a wireless telecommunication apparatus.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views).

[0029] In the following description, a number of specific details are presented in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to a person skilled in the art that these specific details need not be employed to practice the invention. Conversely, specific details known to the person skilled in the art are omitted for the purposes of clarity where appropriate.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used herein to describe structural relationships between components of the apparatus or system for performing the operations herein. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, "connected" is used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other while "coupled" is used to indicate two or more elements are in either direct or indirect (with other intervening elements between them) physical or electrical contact with each other, and / or that the two or more elements co-operate or communicate with each other (e.g., as in a cause and effect relationship). Furthermore, the drawings are to be regarded as being schematic representations and elements illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. Rather, the various elements are represented such that their function and general purpose become apparent for the person skilled in the art. Any connection or coupling between functional blocks, devices, components or other physical or functional units shown in the drawings or described herein may also be implemented by an indirect connection or coupling. A coupling between components may also be established over a wireless connection. Functional blocks may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0031] Long Term Evolution (LTE) Wireless Communications System

[0032] FIG. 1 provides a schematic diagram illustrating some basic functionality of a mobile telecommunications network I system 6 operating generally in accordance with LTE principles, but which may also support other radio access technologies, and which may be adapted to implement embodiments of the disclosure as described herein. Various elements of FIG. 1 and certain aspects of their respective modes of operation are well-known and defined in the relevant standards administered by the 3GPP body, and also described in many books on the subject, for example, Holma, H. and Toskala, A [1], It will be appreciated that operational aspects of the telecommunications networks discussed herein which are not specifically described (for example in relation to specific communication protocols and physical channels for communicating between different elements) may be implemented in accordance with any known techniques, for example according to the relevant standards and known proposed modifications and additions to the relevant standards.

[0033] The network 6 includes a plurality of base stations 1 connected to a core network 2. Each base station provides a coverage area 3 (i.e. a cell) within which data can be communicated to and from communications devices 4.

[0034] Although each base station 1 is shown in FIG. 1 as a single entity, the skilled person will appreciate that some of the functions of the base station may be carried out by disparate, interconnected elements, such as antennas (or antennae), remote radio heads, amplifiers, etc. Collectively, one or more base stations may form a radio access network.

[0035] Data is transmitted from base stations 1 to communications devices 4 within their respective coverage areas 3 via a radio downlink (DL). Data is transmitted from communications devices 4 to the base stations 1 via a radio uplink (UL). The core network 2 routes data to and from the communications devices 4 via the respective base stations 1 and provides functions such as authentication, mobility management, charging and so on. A communications device may also be referred to as a mobile station, user equipment (UE), user terminal, mobile radio, terminal device and so forth.

[0036] Services provided by the core network 2 may include connectivity to the internet or to external telephony services. The core network 2 may further track the location of the communications devices 4 so that it can efficiently contact (i.e. page) the communications devices 4 for transmitting downlink data towards the communications devices 4.

[0037] A base station, which is an example of network infrastructure equipment, may also be referred to as a transceiver station, nodeB, e-nodeB, eNB, g-nodeB, gNB and so forth (note g-nodeB and gNB are related to 5G New Radio - see below). In this regard different terminology is often associated with different generations of wireless telecommunications systems for elements providing broadly comparable functionality. However, certain embodiments of the disclosure may be equally implemented in different generations of wireless telecommunications systems, and for simplicity certain terminology may be used regardless of the underlying network architecture. That is to say, the use of a specific term in relation to certain example implementations is not intended to indicate these implementations are limited to a certain generation of network that may be most associated with that particular terminology.

[0038] In the present disclosure, any apparatus (e.g. communications device, infrastructure equipment and the like) which transmits and / or receives wireless telecommunications signals in any of the exemplified wireless telecommunication networks I systems may be referred to generally as a wireless telecommunications apparatus.

[0039] 5G New Radio (NR) Wireless Communications System

[0040] An example configuration of a wireless communications network which uses some of the terminology proposed for NR is shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2 a plurality of transmission and reception points (TRPs) 10 are connected to distributed control units (Dlls) 41, 42 by a connection interface represented as a line 16. Each of the TRPs 10 is arranged to transmit and receive signals via a wireless access interface within a radio frequency bandwidth available to the wireless communications network. Thus, within a range for performing radio communications via the wireless access interface, each of the TRPs 10, forms a cell of the wireless communications network as represented by a circle 12. As such, wireless communications devices 14 which are within a radio communications range provided by the cells 12 can transmit and receive signals to and from the TRPs 10 via the wireless access interface. Each of the distributed units 41 , 42 are connected to a central unit (CU) 40 (which may be referred to as a controlling node) via an interface 46. The central unit 40 is then connected to a core network 20 which may contain all other functions required for communicating data to and from the wireless communications devices and the core network 20. The core network 20 may be connected to other networks 300.

[0041] The elements of the wireless access network shown in FIG. 2 may operate in a similar way to corresponding elements of an LTE network as described with regard to the example of FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that operational aspects of the telecommunications network represented in FIG. 2 and of other networks discussed herein in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure which are not specifically described (for example in relation to specific communication protocols and physical channels for communicating between different elements) may be implemented in accordance with any known techniques, for example according to currently used approaches for implementing such operational aspects of wireless telecommunications systems, e.g. in accordance with the relevant standards.

[0042] The TRPs 10 of FIG. 2 may in part have a corresponding functionality to a base station or eNodeB of an LTE network. Similarly, the communications devices 14 may have a functionality corresponding to the UE devices 4 known for operation with an LTE network. It will be appreciated, therefore, that operational aspects of an NR network (for example in relation to specific communication protocols and physical channels for communicating between different elements) may be different to those known from LTE or other known mobile telecommunications standards. However, it will also be appreciated that each of the core network component, base stations and communications devices of an NR network will be functionally similar to, respectively, the core network component, base stations and communications devices of an LTE wireless communications network. In terms of broad top-level functionality, the core network 20 connected to the NR telecommunications system represented in FIG. 2 may be broadly considered to correspond with the core network 2 represented in FIG. 1 , and the central unit 40 and associated Dlls 41 , 421 TRPs 10 may be broadly considered to provide functionality corresponding to the base stations 1 of FIG. 1. The term network infrastructure equipment / access node may be used to encompass these elements and more conventional base station type elements of wireless telecommunications systems. Depending on the application at hand the responsibility for scheduling transmissions which are scheduled on the radio interface between the respective distributed units and the communications devices may lie with the CU 40, Dlls 41 , 42 and / or TRPs 10. Communications devices 14 are represented in FIG. 2 within the coverage area of respective communication cells 12. These communications devices 14 may thus exchange signalling with the CU 40 via the TRP 10 associated with their respective communication cells 12.

[0043] It will further be appreciated that FIG. 2 represents merely one example of a proposed architecture for an NR-based telecommunications system in which approaches in accordance with the principles described herein may be adopted, and the functionality disclosed herein may also be applied in respect of wireless telecommunications systems having different architectures.

[0044] Thus certain embodiments of the disclosure as discussed herein may be implemented in wireless telecommunication systems I networks according to various different architectures, such as the example architectures shown in FIG. 1 and 2. It will thus be appreciated the specific wireless telecommunications architecture in any given implementation is not of primary significance to the principles described herein. In this regard, certain embodiments of the disclosure may be described generally in the context of communications between network infrastructure equipment I access nodes and a communications device, wherein the specific nature of the network infrastructure equipment I access node and the communications device will depend on the network infrastructure for the implementation at hand. For example, in some scenarios the network infrastructure equipment I access node may comprise a base station, such as an LTE-type base station 1 as shown in FIG. 1 which is adapted to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein, and in other examples the network infrastructure equipment may comprise a CU 40, DU 41 , 42 and I or TRP 10 of the kind shown in FIG. 2 which is adapted to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described.

[0045] A more detailed diagram of some of the components of the network shown in FIG. 2 is provided by FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, a TRP 10 as shown in FIG. 2 comprises, as a simplified representation, a wireless transmitter 30, a wireless receiver 32 and a controller or controlling processor 34 which is configured to control the transmitter 30 and the receiver 32 to transmit radio signals to and receive radio signals from one or more UEs 14 within a cell 12 formed by the TRP 10. As shown in FIG. 3, an example UE 14 is shown to include a corresponding wireless transmitter 49, wireless receiver 48 and a controller or controlling processor 44 which is configured to control the transmitter 49 to transmit signals representing uplink data to the wireless communications network via the wireless access interface formed by the TRP 10 and the receiver 48 to receive downlink data as signals transmitted by the transmitter 30.

[0046] The transmitters 30, 49 and the receivers 32, 48 (as well as other transmitters, receivers and transceivers described in relation to examples and embodiments of the present disclosure) may include radio frequency filters and amplifiers as well as signal processing components and devices in order to transmit and receive radio signals in accordance, for example, with the 5G / NR standard. The controllers 34, 44 (as well as other controllers described in relation to examples and embodiments of the present disclosure) may be, for example, a microprocessor, a CPU, or a dedicated chipset, etc., configured to carry out instructions which are stored on a computer readable medium, such as a non-volatile memory. The processing steps described herein may be carried out by, for example, a microprocessor in conjunction with a random access memory, operating according to instructions stored on a computer readable medium.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the TRP 10 also includes a network interface 50 which connects to the DU 42 via a physical interface 16. The network interface 50 therefore provides a communication link for data and signalling traffic from the TRP 10 via the DU 42 and the CU 40 to the core network 20.

[0048] The interface 46 between the DU 42 and the CU 40 is known as the F1 interface which can be a physical or a logical interface. The F1 interface 46 between CU and DU may operate in accordance with specifications 3GPP TS 38.470 and 3GPP TS 38.473 and, for example, may be formed from a fibre optic or other wired high bandwidth connection. In one example, the connection 16 from the TRP 10 to the DU 42 is fibre optic. The connection between a TRP 10 and the core network 20 can be generally referred to as a backhaul, which comprises the interface 16 from the network interface 50 of the TRP 10 to the DU 42 and the F1 interface 46 from the DU 42 to the CU 40.

[0049] Coverage Enhancement Device

[0050] A coverage enhancement device (CED) can be used in order to increase a coverage area for wireless communication in a telecommunication system. Coverage enhancement devices include re-configurable relaying device (RRD). A RRD includes a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) or a Network Reconfigurable Repeater (NCR), for example.

[0051] More specifically, a RIS is an electrical device (which is preferably low cost). Its task is to take as input a signal s(t) from a given direction and reflect the signal into another direction. This should happen within a given frequency band, say W = [ / i,2] Hz. That is, normally, a RISs is treated as if the reflection is “perfect” within the band W, and what happens outside W is ignored. In the present disclosure, the frequency properties of RISs - and the subsequent implications - are considered..

[0052] Scenarios are possible where multiple nodes (such as multiple UEs) are served via a single CED (such as a single RIS). In this situation, the CED may be rapidly or abruptly reconfigured in order that it may alternate between two or more configurations in order to serve multiple nodes. Such an arrangement is schematically illustrated in FIG. 4A of the present disclosure.

[0053] In FIG. 4A the TRP communicates with the UEs via the CED. That is, the TRP of this example communicates with the UEs via the CED in Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) operations. At time Ti, the TRP sends the CED a data transmission for the first UE and configures the CED such that the CED sends this data transmission to the first UE. Then, at a second time T2, the TRP sends the CED a data transmission for the second UE and configures the CED such that the CED sends this data transmission to the second UE. Rapid, or abrupt, re-configuration of the CED is required in order to perform this transmission as illustrated in FIG. 4A of the present disclosure. While TDMA operations are described in the example of FIG. 4A, the present disclosure may also be applied to other situations. For example, the present disclosure may be applied also to Time Division Duplexing (TDD) operations. In TDD operations, the CED is configured to switch between UL and DL transmissions for a same device (e.g. a same UE served by the TRP).

[0054] Ideally, a RIS would reflect perfectly inside W, and would not reflect at all outside W. But this is not necessarily a very accurate model of a RIS. A more reasonable model would be to assume that the spectral RIS characteristics act as a band-pass filter with non-ideal roll-off. That is, towards the edges of W the reflection is somewhat reduced compared to the central frequencies, but also that there may be non-negligible reflections outside W. In the RIS ETSI ISG, the frequency interval in which the RIS is reflecting at non-negligible efficiencies is known as “bandwidth of influence (Bol)” of the RIS. If the Bol of a RIS is strictly regulated, then the useful bandwidth of the RIS may be much smaller than the frequency band under operation by the operator, and a rather substantial loss in spectral efficiency may emerge.

[0055] If, on the other hand, a restriction on the Bol is more loosely defined, then the implication is that other operators (here called B) may have their signals reflected by the RIS. Ostensibly, this appears harmless as signals are anyway reflected by all kind of objects - man-made or not. However, the whole point of a RIS is that it can be reconfigured (by its owner, A) so that it can adapt to the current environment. But with each re-configuration follows an abrupt change of the propagation channel for operator B (who may also have their signals reflected by the RIS). This channel discontinuity may happen so fast so that it is very difficult for it to be tracked by reference signals. For operator A (the owner of the RIS), on the other hand, this is not an issue as A, aware of the new reconfiguration, may design its reference signal structure accordingly.

[0056] Implicit in this discussion above is that B serves a UE, likely in the vicinity of A’s RIS and that part of the channel over which B’s communication takes place is induced by the RIS. Consider, now, such an example where B serves a UE at a particular subcarrier and the channel model reads: y = hx + n, h = hNat+ hRIS(1)

[0057] Let us now assume that the RIS-induced contribution is / iRIS= 0.2 and the propagation channel not due to the RIS is / iNat= 0.8. The noise is zero-mean circularly symmetric complex Gaussian with variance Noand we assume that the channel inputs are complex Gaussian with unit variance. Under those assumptions, the channel capacity is simply C = log2(l + 1 / / VO). Now, assume that the RIS is abruptly reconfigured and that the RIS induced contribution vanishes, i.e. , / iRIS= 0. Then, after the reconfiguration we have a model: z = hNatx + n (2)

[0058] However the receiver maintains data decoding on the basis of a channel that behaves according to y = hx + n; thus, we are in the domain of mismatched receivers. By the framework of generalized mutual information, we reach an achievable capacity for our setting which reads for the case where h = hNat+ / iRIS= 1, (we assume / inatto be real valued): We may identify its first term as the capacity C, i.e., the capacity pre reconfiguration. The remaining two terms are penalty terms due to the mismatch. For our example / iRIS= 0.2, which accounts for much less power than / iNat, the two rates compare as shown in FIG. 4B. As can be seen, the abrupt change in channel propagation conditions lead to substantial rate losses. The peak of the lower curve gets pushed to the left for larger values of / iRIS.

[0059] In the above-equations, it is assumed that both / iNatand / iRISare real valued and positive. However, this is only an example situation to which embodiments of the disclosure can be applied. More generally, the values of / iNatand / iRISare not particularly limited in this respect. Indeed, the person skilled in the art will understand that the equations may be applied (more generally) to other values of / iNatand / iRISwith appropriate modification as known in the art.

[0060] Results such as the one in FIG. 4B clearly show the need of countermeasures in this regard.

[0061] That is, a known problem within RIS technology is that a RIS is typically more wideband than the signals it is intended to reflect. This may lead to inter-operator interference since if operator A configures a RIS within operator A’s band, then the RIS will in fact reflect part of operator B’s signal in the different frequency bands (i.e. the band(s) operated by operator B). Indeed, RIS reflections are particularly bad from a channel estimation perspective. When a signal reflects off a building, then the induced channel contribution from said reflection changes slowly and smoothly. But for a RIS, which can be re-configured, at least in principle, from symbol to symbol, the channel changes abruptly (as it switches, or “ping-pongs”, between different spatial beam directions (e.g. for different UEs), rendering operator B’s gNB with no chance of ever estimating this channel using, say, DMRS.

[0062] That is, in TDMA operations in which the RIS serves two (or more) UEs in, say, alternating PRBs (Physical Resource Blocks) - such as illustrated with reference to FIG. 4A of the present disclosure - the RIS would be reconfigured on a per-PRB basis (i.e. with a first configuration for a first UE and a second, different, configuration for a second UE depending upon the intended recipient of the PRB).

[0063] However, a RIS may be informed that abrupt beam re-configurations are not allowed (e.g. that the RIS may no longer “ping-pong” between two different spatial beam directions). Alternatively, for a TDD operation, the RIS (or other CED) may be configured for full duplex (with a static configuration (no switching) for UL / DL).

[0064] When a coverage enhancement device (such as a RIS) cannot undergo abrupt beam reconfigurations, there is a desire to improve the efficiency of a wireless communication. For example, it is desired to increase communication efficiency and / or power efficiency in the wireless communication system despite this restriction on operation.

[0065] Thus, in view of the above (in addition to the information in the Background) nodes, methods and computer programs are provided in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0066] First Node:

[0067] FIG. 5 schematically represents a first node in a wireless telecommunication system. The first node 5000 is wireless telecommunications apparatus. In examples, the first node 5000 may be a TRP (e.g. a gNB). In examples, such as when performing device-to-device communication, the first node may be a UE. The wireless telecommunications system comprises the first node 5000, a second node, a third node and a fourth node, the first node 5000 serving the second node and the third node using a time-domain multiple access scheme via the fourth node. For example, the second and third nodes may be UEs within the wireless telecommunication system, being served by the first node. In examples, the fourth node is a coverage enhancement device via which the first node serves the second node and the third node. In examples, the fourth node may be a RIS.

[0068] The first node 5000 comprises circuitry 5002.

[0069] The circuitry 5002 may be a microprocessor carrying out computer instructions or may be an Application Specific Integrated Circuit. In examples, the circuitry 5002 may be configured as determining circuitry 5004, generating circuitry 5006 and transmitting circuitry 5008.

[0070] The circuitry 5004 is configured to determine that the fourth node should serve the second node and the third node simultaneously. This may be in response to an instruction that the fourth node (e.g. a RIS or other coverage enhancement device) is no longer authorised to perform abrupt re-configurations (e.g. between different spatial beam directions).

[0071] The circuitry 5006 is configured to generate indication information, the indication information including transmission indication information indicating transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node and time indication information. The time indication may indicate, for example, a time (such as an initial time) at which transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node (e.g. a time at which simultaneous transmission by the fourth node begins). The time indication may indicate a period of time in which transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second and the third node (e.g. a duration of the simultaneous transmission by the fourth node).

[0072] The circuitry 5008 is configured to transmit data for the second node and the third node, wherein data for the second node and the third node is transmitted, at a time indicated by the time indication information, in at least one of a time-domain pattern of frames, a frequencydomain pattern of frames, a code-division pattern of frames and / or a polarization pattern of frames.

[0073] Second and Third Nodes

[0074] FIG. 6 schematically represents a second node (or a third node) in a wireless telecommunication system. In examples, the second node (or the third node) 6000 may be a UE.

[0075] The wireless telecommunications system comprises the first node 5000 (as described with reference to FIG. 5), the second node 6000, the third node 6000 and a fourth node, the first node 5000 serving the second node 6000 and the third node 6000 using a time-domain multiple access scheme via the fourth node. For example, the second and third nodes may be UEs within the wireless telecommunication system, being served by the first node. In examples, the fourth node is a coverage enhancement device via which the first node serves the second node and the third node. In examples, the fourth node may be a RIS.

[0076] The second node 6000 comprises circuitry 6002.

[0077] The circuitry 6002 may be a microprocessor carrying out computer instructions or may be an Application Specific Integrated Circuit. In examples, the circuitry 6002 may be configured as receiving circuitry 6004, determining circuitry 6006 and performing circuitry 6008. The receiving circuitry 6002 is configured to receive indication information, the indication information including transmission indication information indicating transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node and time indication information.

[0078] Furthermore, the receiving circuitry 6004 is configured to receive a transmission from the first node.

[0079] The determining circuitry 6006 is configured to determine whether the transmission from the first node comprises data for the second node or the third node.

[0080] The performing circuitry is configured to perform channel estimation and / or energy harvesting using the transmission from the first node when it is determined that the transmission from the first node comprises data for the third node.

[0081] Fourth Node:

[0082] FIG. 7 schematically represents a fourth node in a wireless telecommunication system. In examples, the fourth node 7000 may be a coverage enhancement device. In examples, the coverage enhancement device may be a RIS.

[0083] The wireless telecommunication system comprises the first node 5000 (as described with reference to FIG. 5), the second node 6000 and the third node 6000 (as described with reference to FIG. 6), and the fourth node 7000. For example, the second and third nodes may be UEs within the wireless telecommunication system, being served by the first node (e.g. a gNB) via the fourth node 7000 as a coverage enhancement device.

[0084] The circuitry 7002 may be a microprocessor carrying out computer instructions or may be an Application Specific Integrated Circuit. In examples, the circuitry 7002 may be configured as receiving circuitry 7004 and fixing circuitry 7006.

[0085] The receiving circuitry 7004 may be configured to receive a control information from the first node.

[0086] The fixing circuitry 7006 may be configured to fix a configuration of the fourth node as a static configuration in response to receiving the control information from the first node for transmission of data from the first node to the second node and the third node, such that the fourth node serves the second node and the third node simultaneously for a period of time. In this way, each of the second and third nodes 6000 may receive all frames being transmitted from the first node.

[0087] With each of the first node, the second node (the third node) and the fourth node, the efficiency of the telecommunication system can be improved.

[0088] That is, the first node (serving the second and third node via the fourth node) may determine that the fourth node should serve the second and third nodes simultaneously. For example, the first node may determine that abrupt re-configurations of the fourth node are no longer allowed (e.g. for the reasons discussed in detail hereinbefore). At this stage, the first node can inform the second and third nodes (through generation of the indication information) that they will receive all frames being transmitted from the first node. The first node can then continue to transmit signals for the second and third node in the same way (e.g. in a time-domain pattern, a frequency domain pattern, a code-division pattern and / or a polarization pattern). However, as the second node has been made aware that it will receive all frames transmitted from the first node, the second node may be able to make use of all reference signals embedded in the frames for the other UE (i.e. the third node). That is, the second node can make use of reference signals contained in frames for the second node and make use of reference signals contained in frames for the third node. In a similar way, the third node is able to make use of the transmissions for the second node. Thereby, improved synchronization, channel estimation and phase tracking can be attained. This, in turn, improves efficiency in the telecommunication system.

[0089] In examples, the indication that the two (or more) UEs have the same spatial setting at the gNB and / or CED and can therefore benefit (for example) from the reference signal of the other UE(s) may be provided by indicating that the two (or more) UEs are in Quasi Co Location (QCL) with each other. That is, in examples, a QCL framework may be used to indicate to the UE which reference signal(s) are relevant. In examples, the reference signal of another UE (such as the reference signals of the third UE) may be indicated as QCL-ed with the reference signal of the second (dedicated) UE.

[0090] Alternatively or in addition, the second node may also use frames of the other UE (i.e. the third node) for energy harvesting. That is, the second node will receive transmissions from the first node for each of the second node and the third node (as described above). There is no data for the second node in the transmission for the third node (albeit, the second node may use the reference signals embedded in the frames for the third node as described above). Since there is no data for the second node in the transmission for the third node, the second node may instead use the transmission power for the frames for the third node for energy harvesting. That is, the second node may use energy harvested from the wireless radio waves of the transmission from the first node (for the third node) and may store this energy in an energy storage device (such as a battery, a capacitor or the like) for use in powering one or more functions of the second node. In this way, the energy from the transmissions (for the third node) received at the second node can be used in order to power the second node and thus improve the efficiency of the telecommunication system.

[0091] Further details will now be described with reference to a specific example implementation. However, while certain details of the present disclosure are described with reference to this specific example implementation, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure is not particularly limited in this regard. Techniques of the present disclosure may, more generally, be applied to any suitable wireless telecommunication system as required.

[0092] Example Implementation

[0093] Consider, now, FIG. 8A of the present disclosure. FIG. 8A schematically represents transmission between a first node, a second node, a third node and a fourth node in a wireless telecommunication system.

[0094] In this example, the first node is a TRP (specifically, here a gNB), the second and third nodes are second and third UEs being served by the gNB and the fourth node is a RIS (as a type of coverage enhancement device).

[0095] In a first state, an operator A operates its RIS (the fourth node) according to a TDMA configuration. This may be in a manner as described with reference to the example of FIG. 4A, for example.

[0096] That is, we assume that A operates the RIS according the TDMA fashion outlined above, i.e., the RIS “ping-pongs” between two different spatial beam directions. This enables the frames from the gNB to be provided to the UEs being served by the gNB alternately.

[0097] In this way, the gNB transmits frames for the second and third UEs (i.e. the UEs served by the gNB). The frames transmitted by the gNB are transmitted in at least one of a time-domain pattern, a frequency-domain pattern, a code-division pattern and / or a polarization pattern. Consider, now, FIG. 8B of the present disclosure. FIG. 8B schematically represents frames of data transmitted by a first node.

[0098] Specifically, in FIG. 8B, a time-domain pattern of frames transmitted by the gNB for the second and third UEs being served by the gNB is shown. While this example is described with reference to a time-domain pattern of frames, it will be appreciated that the gNB may also transmit frames in a frequency-domain pattern, a code-division pattern and / or a polarization pattern of frames.

[0099] Taking a time-domain pattern as an example (as in FIG. 8B), the gNB may transmit frames for the second UE (more generally, the second node) at times corresponding to frames A, C and E and frames for the third UE (more generally, the third node) at times corresponding to frames B, D and F. Thus, in examples, a time-domain pattern of frames (such as that shown in FIG. 8B) is a pattern of frames in which data is transmitted for the second node and then data is transmitted for the third node.

[0100] In examples, the frames may be PRBs. In examples, a frame (as described with reference to FIG. 8B) may comprise a slot or a symbol. However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited in this regard. More generally, however, it will be appreciated that each frame may comprise data for either the second UE or the third UE and reference information. In examples, the reference information may comprise a DeModulation Reference Signal and / or a Sounding Reference Signal (or Sounding Reference Signal configuration information).

[0101] When operating the RIS (more generally, the fourth node) according to TDMA, the gNB (more generally, the first node) may reconfigure the RIS such that frames transmitted for the second UE (i.e. frames A, C and E) are transmitted (via the RIS) to the second UE only while frames transmitted for the third UE (i.e. frames B, D and F) are transmitted to the third UE only.

[0102] In other words, the gNB serves the two UEs by the same RIS by means of alternating, in a TDMA fashion, between two RIS configurations.

[0103] However, as explained hereinbefore, this requires abrupt re-configuration of the RIS throughout the transmission. Abrupt re-configuration of the RIS may be disadvantageous, as it may restrict the ability of a second operator (e.g. operator B) to perform channel estimation. Thus, if the RIS reflects a portion of the signals of operator B (in a different frequency band), rapid reconfiguration of the RIS by operator A may cause disruption for operator B.

[0104] At some point, operator A may therefore be informed by the network that its RIS must now adhere to strict limits of coherence time. That is, operator A may be informed that “pingponging” between configurations (i.e. abrupt reconfiguration of the RIS) must be terminated.

[0105] This may impact efficiency within the telecommunication system, as the operator A may no longer be able to separate the transmission for the second and third UEs via the RIS. That is, an immediate problem is that operator A may no longer serve two UEs by the same RIS by means of alternating, in a TDMA fashion, between two RIS configurations.

[0106] In order to address this problem, the operator A may serve the two UEs with the same RIS using a fixed (or static) configuration. That is, the RIS may serve the two UEs (receiving transmission from the gNB of operator A) simultaneously.

[0107] In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, the gNB of operator A is configured to perform a series of operations in order to configure the RIS and indicate to the second and third UEs (i.e. the UEs served by the gNB) that they will receive all transmissions from the gNB. This is advantageous as it enables the efficiency of the telecommunication system to be improved. In particular, the fact that the second and third UE are aware that they will receive transmissions - although they are not scheduled - allows the second and third node to make advantageous use of the transmissions. As explained, this includes, for example, making use of reference signals embedded in the other UEs signal.

[0108] Therefore, in S1, having determined that the RIS may no longer operate by switching between two RIS configurations, the gNB (first node) signals the RIS in order to configure the RIS to serve the second and third UEs simultaneously.

[0109] In examples, the gNB (more generally, the first node) may be configured to make the determination that the RIS may no longer operate by switching between two RIS configurations (i.e. that the RIS should serve the UEs simultaneously) in response to a received instruction. The instruction may be an instruction from the network. The instruction may be an instruction from a second operator (e.g. operator B) within the network.

[0110] In examples, the gNB may be configured to make the determination in response to a detected condition. The detected condition may be a detected condition of the network. For example, the detected condition may include one or more of an interference condition and / or a channel variation rate condition. The interference condition may include a condition that an interference caused by the gNB operating the RIS in the TDMA fashion (e.g. to operator B) exceeds a threshold value. The channel variation rate condition may include a condition that a rate of channel variation caused by the gNB operating the RIS in the TDMA fashion exceeds a threshold value.

[0111] The present disclosure is not particularly limited to these example ways in which the gNB can make the determination that the RIS should use a static configuration (and thus serve the UEs simultaneously). However, it will be appreciated that once the determination has been made, the gNB (first node) signals the RIS in order to configure the RIS to serve the second and third UEs simultaneously. In examples, the signal from the gNB to the RIS may be provided in control information from the gNB to the RIS.

[0112] Once the RIS receives the signal (control information) from the gNB, it will operate in a static configuration in response to receiving this signal for transmission of data from the gNB to the second and third UEs, such that the signals from the gNB (via the RIS) reach the second and third UEs simultaneously.

[0113] In examples, the RIS may be configured to operate in the static configuration for a period of time indicated by the gNB (i.e. for a given duration). The time duration may be indicated by time indication information. In examples, the RIS may be configured to operate in the static configuration until such time that a further instruction is received from the first node.

[0114] In examples, the gNB may be configured to control the RIS (using signal S1) to use beam splitting when transmitting the data for the second and third node, to serve the second and third node simultaneously. When beam splitting is performed, the RIS (or other coverage enhancement device) may contemporaneously reflect the incident signal along an input spatial direction (e.g. a signal from the gNB) into multiple output spatial directions (e.g. a signal to the second UE and a signal to the third UE). In examples, this may be performed by configuration of one or more antenna elements of the RIS (or other coverage enhancement device) to apply phase shifts to reflect the incident signal into the multiple output spatial directions. So-called beam splitting (using a multi-device transmission via coverage enhancing device) is described in WO 2023 / 021062 A1. The teachings of WO 2023 / 021062 A1 may be applied to embodiments of the present disclosure and are incorporated herein. However, this is one example way in which the gNB (more generally, the first node) may control the RIS (more generally, the fourth node) in order to serve both the second and third UEs (more generally, the second and third nodes) simultaneously.

[0115] In some examples, the RIS may, initially, assign both polarizations to one UE; since the RIS is, initially, able to “ping-pong” between configurations, it can use both polarizations for both UEs while still serving the UEs independently. However, after receiving information that it must stop “ping-ponging” between the UEs (i.e. that it must serve the UEs simultaneously) the RIS may be controlled to devote one polarization to one spatial direction (e.g. the second UE) and the other polarization to another spatial direction (e.g. the third UE). Thus, the RIS may use a certain polarization for a certain UE and split the transmissions from the gNB in this manner.

[0116] In this case, the second (and third) UE would receive information that while, previously, they received two layers of transmission (one per polarization) they will now only receive one layer of transmission (since the other polarization is used for other purposes (i.e. the other UE)). Nevertheless, the second (and third) UE may be informed that they may still utilize the signals in the other polarization (such as reference signals embedded therein) for purposes such as channel estimation and the like. This information may be included in the signals S2 and S3 (which are described in more detail below).

[0117] Thus, in examples, the gNB may be configured to control the RIS to serve both the second and third UEs simultaneously by controlling the polarization used by the RIS for transmission of the signals to the second and third UEs.

[0118] More generally, however, it will be appreciated that the signal S1 from the gNB to the RIS is a signal (control information) which causes the RIS to operate in a static configuration for transmission of data from the gNB to the second and third UEs, such that the signals from the gNB (via the RIS) reach the second and third UEs simultaneously.

[0119] Once the first node (here, the gNB) has signalled the fourth node (here, the RIS) to serve the second and third nodes (here, the second and third UEs) simultaneously, the gNB may signal the second and third UEs indication information (in signals S2 and S3 of this example of FIG. 8A).

[0120] In examples, the signals S2 and S3 comprise indication information including transmission indication information indicating transmission by the gNB may arrive at each of the second UE and the third UE and time indication information.

[0121] In this way, the second and third UE are informed that they will receive transmissions from the gNB even when not scheduled. Thus, in examples, the transmission indication information informs the UEs that they will continuously receive (nearly) constant power from the gNB (via the RIS) even though, at times, there will be no data for them to decode (as the data may be for the other of the second and third UE respectively).

[0122] The time indication is not particularly limited in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. However, in examples, the time indication information may include an initial time at which transmission by the gNB may arrive at each of the second and third UEs (i.e. a time at which simultaneous transmission by the RIS will commence).

[0123] Alternatively, or in addition, the time indication information may include information concerning a period of time in which transmission by the gNB may arrive at each of the second UE and the third UE. In this way, a time duration may be signalled to the second and third UEs, such that the second and third UE each receive all transmissions from the gNB during that time duration. The indication information may be transmitted to the second and / or third UE (via the RIS) by the gNB (as indicated in FIG. 8A of the present disclosure). In other examples, the gNB may generate the indication information and the indication information may be transmitted to the second and third UE in another way.

[0124] In examples, the gNB may transmit the information to the second and / or third UE (via the RIS) using at least one of a Radio Resource Control element, MAC signalling and / or PDCCH. Of these signalling elements, it will be appreciated that the Radio Resource Control element is the slowest at signalling the second and / or third UE of the change. However, as the signalling is provided to the second / or third UE a certain time ahead of the change (described in more detail below) the gNB has head room to perform this signalling.

[0125] In examples, the indication information may comprise configuration information for the second and / or third UE. The configuration information may configure the second and / or third UE in order that the second and / or third UE performs one or more operations (described in more detail below) in order to utilize the transmissions for the other of the second and / or third UE. In examples, the indication information may comprise an indication of a predetermined mode of second and / or third UE (such as a predetermined mode of operation corresponding to simultaneous transmission by the RIS). This provides an efficient way in which the gNB can signal the second and third UE.

[0126] Furthermore, in examples, the indication information may include at least one of the timedomain pattern, the frequency domain pattern, the code-division pattern and / or the polarization pattern by which the gNB transmits the frames for the second and third UEs. Therefore, even when the second and third UEs receive all transmissions from the first node (as the RIS serves the second and third UEs simultaneously) the second and third UE may easily and efficiently identify which of those frames contain data relevant for that UE.

[0127] Thus, the signals S2 and S3 inform the respective UEs that they will receive signals from the gNB even though they are not scheduled. This is important because it allows the UEs to make use of all reference signals embedded in the other UE’s signal.

[0128] It will be appreciated that, typically, when the RIS serves the second and third UEs simultaneously (i.e. spatially serves both UEs simultaneously) there is, typically, a small loss in received power per UE compared to the case when each UE receives a dedicated narrow band (i.e. when abrupt re-configurations of the RIS occur). As an example, there may be a 4dB loss in received power per UE compared to the case when each UE receives a dedicated narrow beam. However the present disclosure is not specifically limited to this example power loss.

[0129] In examples, the gNB may perform certain actions when signalling the second and third UEs (with signals S1 and S2) in order to enable the UEs to prepare for this loss in received signal power (which may apply to both UL and DL signals).

[0130] That is, in examples, the gNB may generate the indication information such that the indication information further comprises an indication of a change in channel condition when the RIS serves the second and third UEs simultaneously. The change in channel condition may include a reduction in the received signal power. Thus, the UE can be informed of the change in received signal power that will occur when the configuration of the RIS is made static (such that the RIS serves the second and third UEs simultaneously).

[0131] In examples, this enables the UEs to compensate for the change in received power. As an example, the UEs may adjust a transmission power in accordance with the reduction of received power while the RIS serves the second and third UEs simultaneously. In examples, the gNB may further include one or more additional reference signals within the indication information and / or the subsequent transmissions to the UEs (once the UEs are being served simultaneously by the RIS) in order to enable the UEs to perform a more reliable and accurate estimation of the power loss (which occurs when the gNB co-schedules broadcasted information to the two UEs).

[0132] In this way, with signals S2 and S3 (containing the indication information described above) the UEs can be informed of the simultaneous transmission by the RIS.

[0133] At a time later (once the second node, third node and fourth node have been signalled) the first node (here, the gNB) may transmit data for the second and third node (S4A in FIG. 8A of the present disclosure).

[0134] That is, the gNB transmits data for the second node and the third node, wherein data for the second node and the third node is transmitted, at a time indicated by the time indication information, in at least one of a time-domain pattern of frames, a frequency-domain pattern of frames, a code-division pattern of frames and / or a polarization pattern of frames.

[0135] In the example where the gNB uses a time-domain pattern of frames (as described with reference to FIG. 8B) the gNB will continue with the time-domain pattern of frames. That is, at a time corresponding to frame A (and also times corresponding to frames C and E) the gNB will transmit data for the second UE while at time corresponding to frame B (and times corresponding to frames D and F) the gNB will transmit data for the third UE. Therefore, once the gNB has signalled the second UE, the third UE and the fourth UE, the gNB continues (here) with its TDMA operation.

[0136] These frames are transmitted to the second and third UEs via the fourth node (the RIS, in this specific example).

[0137] However, the difference is that because the gNB has controlled the RIS to fix a configuration of the RIS as a static configuration, the RIS will serve the second and third UEs simultaneously. Accordingly, the RIS will reflect (or transmit) the signals from the gNB to the second UE and the third UE simultaneously (signal S4B in FIG. 8A of the present disclosure). This means that the second UE will receive all frames (i.e. A, B, C, D, E and F in the example of FIG. 8B) transmitted by the gNB and the third UE will also receive all frames (i.e. A, B, C, D, E and F in the example of FIG. 8B) transmitted by the gNB. The RIS may reflect (or transmit) the signals from the gNB to the second UE and the third UE simultaneously immediately once received from the gNB. Alternatively, the RIS may buffer the signals for a period of time before reflecting (or transmitting) the signals to the second and third UE simultaneously once received from the gNB.

[0138] This is in contrast to the situation prior to the signalling S1, S2 and S3, where the second UE would receive only the frames containing data for that second UE (i.e. A, C and E in the example of FIG. 8B) and the third UE would receive only the frames containing data for that third UE (i.e. B, D and F in the example of FIG. 8B).

[0139] However, because the UEs are aware that they will receive signals from the gNB although they are not scheduled (as this has been signalled in S2 and S3) the UEs are able to advantageously use the transmissions from the gNB of frames containing data for the other UE in order to further improve efficiency in the telecommunication system (and thus compensate for the instruction that abrupt reconfigurations of the RIS (or, more generally, the fourth node) may no longer be performed). In this example, the second UE is therefore able to use frames B, D and F (being frames for the third node) in this manner while the third UE is able to use frames A, C and E in this manner.

[0140] Thus, in examples, each UE is configured to determine whether the transmission from the gNB node comprises data for the second UE or the third UE. Then, when it is determined that the transmission from the gNB comprises data for the other UE (e.g. the third UE, when the determination is performed by the second UE) the UE is configured to perform channel estimation and / or energy harvesting using the transmission from the gNB.

[0141] Taking FIG. 8B as an example, the second UE may receive frame A from the gNB and may determine that the frame contains data for that second UE. As such, the UE may decode the frame A received from the gNB and use the data accordingly.

[0142] The UE may determine that the frame contains data that should be decoded in a number of different ways. In examples, the UE may determine that the frame contains data that should be decoded in accordance with a property of the frame which has been received. In examples, the UE may determine that the frame contains data that should be decoded when the UE is able to decode the data in that frame. In examples, the UE may receive - in the indication information (i.e. signal S2 or S3 in the example of FIG. 8A) - at least one of a time-domain pattern of frames, a frequency-domain pattern of frames, a code-division pattern of frames and / or a polarization pattern of frames from the gNB. Then, the UE may identify which frame or frames of the data received from the gNB contains data that should be decoded in accordance with this indication information.

[0143] However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited with respect to the way in which the determination is made.

[0144] Then, the second UE may receive frame B from the gNB and may determine that the frame contains data for the third UE.

[0145] At this stage, the UE may perform channel estimation and / or energy harvesting using the transmission from the gNB in frame B. That is, even though the frame B does not contain data for the second node, since the UE is aware that it will receive all frames, it is able to utilize the frame in order to improve efficiency (by performing channel estimation and / or energy harvesting using the transmission from the gNB).

[0146] Channel estimation performed with respect to frame B still enables the second UE to improve its channel estimation (and thus more reliably remove noise and distortion effects from the received signal) for subsequent frames because the same channel is used for transmission to both the second and third UEs.

[0147] Then, the UE may receive frame C from the gNB. As channel estimation has been performed (in frame B) the UE may receive the frame C more accurately and reliably. Upon determining that the frame C contains data which should be decoded (i.e. data for the second UE) the UE may then decode the data in this frame.

[0148] This process may continue until such a stage that abrupt re-configuration of the RIS (to individually serve the second and third UEs in alternating fashion) may be resumed.

[0149] As such, in examples, when the configuration of the fourth node has been made static, signalling from the first node to the second node of frames (e.g. slots or symbols) in which energy transmitted by the first node may arrive at the second node (e.g. in a time-domain pattern). Some of these frames may contain data for the second node, while others may not (containing data for the third node, for example). The frames that do not contain data may nevertheless contain DM-RS, PT-RS and / or other signals that may help the second node to improve the reception quality of impending transmissions by the first node (e.g. for frames that contain data for the second node). The second node may, alternatively or in addition, also use data-less slots (for that node) for energy harvesting.

[0150] It will be appreciated that while certain aspects of the disclosure have been described with reference to the specific example of FIG. 8A and 8B, the present disclosure is not particularly limited in this regard. More generally, the aspects of the disclosure may be applied to any suitable telecommunication system.

[0151] For example, in the discussion which has been made with reference to FIG. 8A and 8B, the first node has been described as a TRP (and, more specifically, a gNB). This is an example whereby the first and second nodes can be a BS and a UE for Uu-based downlink transmissions. However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited in this regard. In other examples, the first node may be a UE. For example, the first node may be a UE serving a second and third UE by means of device-to-device communication via a coverage enhancement device (such as a RIS).

[0152] Furthermore, the discussion which has been made with reference to FIG. 8A and 8B has been made with reference to a situation where the first node serves a second node and a third node. However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited in this regard. In examples, the first node may serve many more nodes (i.e. many more UEs) than explained in this example.

[0153] Furthermore, the discussion which has been made with reference to FIG. 8A and 8B has been made with reference to a situation where the first node serves the second node and the third node with a time-domain pattern of frames. However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited in this regard. In other examples, the first node may serve the second and third node with at least one of a time-domain pattern of frames, a frequency-domain pattern of frames, a code-division pattern of frames and / or a polarization pattern of frames.

[0154] For example, data for the two (or more) UEs being served by the first node may be separated using a time-domain pattern (TDMA) and / or a frequency-domain pattern (FDMA), such that in every time-frequency resource, there is only data to either the second UE or the third UE, but not both.

[0155] Furthermore, the discussion which has been made with reference to FIG. 8A and 8B has been made with reference to a situation where the first node signals the fourth node (signal S1) prior to signalling the second and third nodes (S2 and S3). However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited in this regard. These signals may be sent in the order indicated in FIG. 8A and 8B. Alternatively, they may be sent in a different order to that indicated in FIG. 8A and 8B. Indeed, these signals indicating activation of a coherence time may indicate that the coherence time (the time when the fourth node is to serve the second and third nodes simultaneously) is to be applied after a certain period of time, which provides the first node with head room to perform re-scheduling and configure the RIS into a beam splitting mode. As such, the order of the signals S1 , S2 and S3 as described with reference to FIG. 8A and 8B of the present disclosure is not particularly limited.

[0156] Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 8A and 8B, each UE may use the reference signals from all frames (whether for the second or third UE) in order to perform channel estimation. This enables a more accurate channel estimation to be performed. However, in examples, the gNB may embed reference signals for channel estimation in only a portion of the frames (such as the frames containing data for the second UE). Since these frames can be used for channel estimation by both the second UE and the third UE, the third UE is still able to perform channel estimation even though the frames containing data for the third UE do not contain reference information for channel estimation (as it can use the reference signals in the frames for the second UE). Thus, a reduction in the transmission of reference signals can be made by the gNB, which reduces overheads of transmission and thus further improves the efficiency within the telecommunication system.

[0157] Example Methods

[0158] Hence, more generally, methods of a first node, a second node (or a third node) and a fourth node are provided in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

[0159] FIG. 9 shows an example method according to the present technique. The example method of FIG. 9 may be implemented by circuitry of a wireless telecommunications apparatus, such as by the controller 44, receiver 48 and / or transmitter 49 of a UE 14 or by the controller 34, receiver 32 and / or transmitter 30 of a TRP (e.g. a gNB). In examples, the method of FIG. 9 is a method of a first node in a wireless telecommunication system.

[0160] The method starts at S901.

[0161] In S902, the method comprises determining, by circuitry, that the fourth node should serve the second node and the third node simultaneously. In examples, the determination may be made in response to a received instruction (e.g. an instruction that a fourth node (such as a RIS) should be prohibited from abrupt beam re-configurations). In examples, this determination may be made in response to a detected condition (e.g. an interference condition and / or a channel variation rate condition).

[0162] In step S903, the method comprises generating, by circuitry, indication information, the indication information including transmission indication information indicating transmission by the first node (via the fourth node) may arrive at each of the second node and the third node and time indication information. The time indication may indicate, for example, a time (such as an initial time) at which transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node (e.g. a time at which simultaneous transmission by the fourth node begins). The time indication may indicate a period of time in which transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second and the third node (e.g. a duration of the simultaneous transmission by the fourth node).

[0163] In step S904, the method comprises transmitting, by circuitry, data for the second node and the third node, wherein data for the second node and the third node is transmitted, at a time indicated by the time indication information, in at least one of a time-domain pattern of frames, a frequency-domain pattern of frames, a code-division pattern of frames and / or a polarization pattern of frames. As explained, as the transmission of data from the first node is made via the fourth node to the second and third nodes, each of the second and third node can receive all frames transmitted from the first node (whether or not those frames contain information for the second or third node respectively). As the second and third node can be aware of this (according to the indication information generated by the first node) the second node and / or the third node can utilize the frames of data received from the first node (even when those frames do not contain data for that node specifically) in order to improve reception quality (through channel estimation) and / or in order to perform energy harvesting.

[0164] The method ends at S905. FIG. 10 shows an example method according to the present technique. The example method of FIG. 10 may be implemented by circuitry of a wireless telecommunications apparatus, such as by the controller 44, receive 48 and / or transmitter 49 of a UE 14. In examples, the method of FIG. 10 is a method of a second node (or a third node) in a wireless telecommunication system.

[0165] The method of FIG. 10 starts at S1001.

[0166] In S1002, the method comprises receiving, by circuitry, indication information, the indication information including transmission indication information indicating transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node and time indication information. In examples, the indication information may be received from the first node. In examples, the indication information may be received using at least one of a Radio Resource Control element, MAC signalling, and / or PDCCH.

[0167] In S1003, the method comprises receiving, by circuitry, a transmission from the first node. The transmission from the first node may comprise data for either the second node or the third node. This is because the fourth node has been configured, by the first node, to transmit data to the second and third node simultaneously. The second node is aware of this because of the indication information which has been received.

[0168] In S1004, the method comprises determining, by circuitry, whether the transmission from the first node comprises data for the second node or the third node. In examples, this may be determined in accordance with the indication information which has been received (e.g. if the indication information includes an indication of the pattern of frames transmitted by the first node).

[0169] In S1005, the method comprises performing, by circuitry, channel estimation and / or energy harvesting using the transmission from the first node when it is determined that the transmission from the first node comprises data for the third node. That is, because the second node is aware that all frames from the first node will be received (whether or not they contain data for that second node), the second node is able to utilize frames which do not contain data for the second node in order to improve reception quality (through channel estimation) and / or perform energy harvesting.

[0170] The method ends at S1006.

[0171] FIG. 11 shows an example method according to the present technique. The example method of FIG. 11 may be implemented by circuitry of a wireless telecommunications apparatus, such as the controller 34, receiver 32 and / or transmitter 30 of a TRP (e.g. a gNB). In examples, the method of FIG. 11 is a method of a fourth node in a wireless telecommunication system.

[0172] The method starts at S1101.

[0173] In step S1102, the method comprises receiving, by circuitry, a control information from the first node. In examples, the fourth node may be a RIS. The control information from the first node may therefore inform the RIS that abrupt beam re-configurations can no longer be performed.

[0174] In step S1103, the method comprises fixing a configuration of the fourth node as a static configuration in response to receiving control information from the first node for transmission of data from the first node to the second node and the third node, such that the fourth node serves the second node and the third node simultaneously. In this way, all frames from the first node are transmitted to each of the second and the third node in the wireless communications system.

[0175] The method ends at S1104. Computer Program

[0176] It will be appreciated that the methods of the present technique may be carried out on hardware (such as that described previously herein) suitably adapted as applicable by software instruction or by the inclusion or substitution of dedicated hardware. Thus, the required adaptation to existing parts of a conventional equivalent device may be implemented in the form of a computer program product comprising processor implementable instructions stored on a non- transitory machine-readable medium such as a floppy disk, optical disk, hard disk, PROM, RAM, flash memory or any combination of these or other storage media, or realized in hardware as an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) or an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or other configurable circuit suitable to use in adapting the conventional equivalent device.

[0177] Separately, such a computer program may be transmitted via data signals on a network such as an Ethernet, a wireless network, the Internet, or any combination of these or other networks.

[0178] Clauses

[0179] Furthermore, example(s) of the present technique may be arranged in accordance with the following numbered clauses:

[0180] 1. A first node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising the first node, a second node, a third node and a fourth node, the first node serving the second node and the third node using a time-domain multiple access scheme via the fourth node, the first node comprising circuitry configured to: determine that the fourth node should serve the second node and the third node simultaneously; generate indication information, the indication information including transmission indication information indicating transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node and time indication information; and transmit data for the second node and the third node, wherein data for the second node and the third node is transmitted, at a time indicated by the time indication information, in at least one of a time-domain pattern of frames, a frequency-domain pattern of frames, a codedivision pattern of frames and / or a polarization pattern of frames.

[0181] 2. The first node according to clause 1 , wherein the time indication information includes at least one of an initial time at which transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node and / or a period of time in which transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node.

[0182] 3. The first node according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the indication information includes at least one of the time-domain pattern, the frequency-domain pattern, the code-division pattern and / or the polarization pattern.

[0183] 4. The first node according to any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the indication information comprises configuration information for the second node and / or the third node.

[0184] 5. The first node according to any preceding clause, wherein the indication information comprises an indication of a predetermined mode of the second node and / or the third node.

[0185] 6. The first node according to any preceding clause, wherein the circuitry is further configured to transmit the indication information to the second node and / or the third node. 7. The first node according to clause 6, wherein the circuitry is further configured to transmit the indication information using at least one of: a Radio Resource Control element, MAC signalling, and / or PDCCH.

[0186] 8. The first node according to any preceding clause, wherein the circuitry is further configured to make the determination in response to a received instruction.

[0187] 9. The first node according to any preceding clause, wherein the circuitry is further configured to make the determination in response to a detected condition.

[0188] 10. The first node according to any preceding clause, wherein the detected condition is at least one of an interference condition and / or a channel variation rate condition.

[0189] 11. The first node according to any preceding clause, wherein the time-domain pattern comprises a pattern of frames in which data is transmitted for the second node and data is transmitted for the third node.

[0190] 12. The first node according to any preceding clause, wherein the frame is a slot or a symbol.

[0191] 13. The first node according to any preceding clause, wherein each frame comprises: i) data for either the second node or the third node and ii) reference information.

[0192] 14. The first node according to any preceding clause, wherein the reference information comprises a DeModulation Reference Signal or a Sounding Reference Signal.

[0193] 15. The first node according to any preceding clause, wherein the fourth node is a coverage enhancement device and the circuitry is further configured to control the coverage enhancement device for transmission of data to the second node and the third node.

[0194] 16. The first node according to clause 15, wherein the coverage enhancement device is a reconfigurable intelligent surface.

[0195] 17. The first node according to clause 16, wherein the circuitry is further configured to a static configuration of the reconfigurable intelligent surface for the time indicated by the time indication information.

[0196] 18. The first node according to any preceding clause, wherein the circuitry is further configured to control the fourth node to use beam splitting when transmitting the data for the second node and the third node, to serve the second node and the third node simultaneously.

[0197] 19. The first node according to any preceding clause wherein the indication information further comprises an indication of a change in channel condition when the fourth nodes serves the second node and the third node simultaneously.

[0198] 20. The first node according to any preceding clause, wherein the change in channel condition comprises an indication of a reduction of received power during the period of time.

[0199] 21. The first node according to any preceding clause, wherein the first node is one of a base station and a user equipment.

[0200] 22. The first node according to any preceding clause, wherein when the first node is the user equipment, the first node performs device-to-device communication with the second node and the third node.

[0201] 23. A method of a first node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising the first node, a second node, a third node and a fourth node, the first node serving the second node and the third node using a time-domain multiple access scheme via the fourth node, the method comprising the steps of: determining that the fourth node should serve the second node and the third node simultaneously; generating indication information, the indication information including transmission indication information indicating transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node and time indication information; and transmitting data for the second node and the third node, wherein data for the second node and the third node is transmitted, at a time indicated by the time indication information, in at least one of a time-domain pattern of frames, a frequency domain pattern of frames, a codedivision pattern of frames and / or a polarization pattern of frames.

[0202] 24. A computer program comprising instructions which, when implemented by the computer, cause the computer to perform a method according to clause 23.

[0203] 25. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium configured to store the computer program according to clause 24.

[0204] 26. A second node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, the second node, a third node and a fourth node, the first node serving the second node and the third node using a time-domain multiple access scheme via the fourth node, the second node comprising circuitry configured to: receive indication information, the indication information including transmission indication information indicating transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node and time indication information; receive a transmission from the first node; determine whether the transmission from the first node comprises data for the second node or the third node; and perform channel estimation and / or energy harvesting using the transmission from the first node when it is determined that the transmission from the first node comprises data for the third node.

[0205] 27. The second node according to clause 26, wherein the time indication information received by the circuitry includes at least one of an initial time at which transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node and / or a period of time in which transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second and third node.

[0206] 28. The second node according to clause 26 or 27, wherein the circuitry is further configured to receive the indication information from the first node.

[0207] 29. The second node according to any of clauses 26 to 28, wherein the circuitry is further configured to receive the indication information using at least one of a Radio Resource Control element, MAC signalling, and / or PDCCH.

[0208] 30. The second node according to any of clauses 26 to 29, wherein the indication information received by the circuitry includes at least one of a time-domain pattern, a frequencydomain pattern, a code-division pattern and / or a polarization pattern, comprising a pattern of frames in which data is transmitted for the second node and data is transmitted for the third node. 31. The second node according to clause 30, wherein the frame is a slot or a symbol.

[0209] 32. The second node according to any of clauses 26 to 31 , wherein the transmission from the first node is received in at least one of a time-domain pattern of frames, a frequency-domain pattern of frames, a code-division pattern of frames and / or a polarization pattern of frames and wherein each frame comprises i) data for either the node or the third node and ii) reference information.

[0210] 33. The second node according to clause 32, wherein the circuitry is further configured to perform channel estimation using the reference information from a frame of the pattern of frames.

[0211] 34. The second node according to clause 32 or 33, wherein the reference information comprises a DeModulation Reference Signal or a Sounding Reference Signal.

[0212] 35. The second node according to any of clauses 26 to 34, wherein the indication information further comprises an indication of a change in channel condition.

[0213] 36. The second node according to any of clauses 26 to 35, wherein the indication information further comprises an indication of a reduction of received power during the period of time and wherein the circuitry is further configured to adjust a transmitting power of the second node in accordance with the reduction of received power during the period of time.

[0214] 37. The second node according to any of clauses 26 to 36, wherein the circuitry is further configured to perform the energy harvesting using an energy of the transmission received from the first node when it is determined that the transmission from the first node comprises data for the third node.

[0215] 38. The second node according to any of clauses 26 to 37, wherein the second node is a user equipment.

[0216] 39. A method of a second node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, the second node, a third node and a fourth node, the first node serving the second node and the third node using a time-domain multiple access scheme via the fourth node, the method comprising the steps of: receiving indication information, the indication information including transmission indication information indicating transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node and time indication information; receiving a transmission from the first node; and determining whether the transmission from the first node comprises data for the second node or the third node; and performing channel estimation and / or energy harvesting using the transmission from the first node when it is determined that the transmission from the first node comprises data for the third node.

[0217] 40. A computer program comprising instructions which, when implemented by the computer, cause the computer to perform a method according to clause 39.

[0218] 41. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium configured to store the computer program according to clause 40.

[0219] 42. A fourth node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, a second node, a third node and the fourth node, the first node serving the second node and the third node using a time-domain multiple access scheme via the fourth node, the fourth node comprising circuitry configured to: receive a control information from the first node; and fix a configuration of the fourth node as a static configuration in response to receiving the control information from the first node for transmission of data from the first node to the second node and the third node, such that the fourth node serves the second node and the third node simultaneously.

[0220] 43. The fourth node according to clause 42, wherein the fourth node is a coverage enhancement device.

[0221] 44. The fourth node according to clause 43, wherein the coverage enhancement device is a reconfigurable intelligent surface.

[0222] 45. The fourth node according to any of clauses 42 to 44, wherein the circuitry is configured to use beam splitting to serve the second node and the third node simultaneously.

[0223] 46. A method of a fourth node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, a second node, a third node and the fourth node, the first node serving the second node and the third node using a time-domain multiple access scheme via the fourth node, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a control information from the first node; and fixing a configuration of the fourth node as a static configuration in response to receiving the control information from the first node for transmission of data from the first node to the second node and the third node, such that the fourth node serves the second node and the third node simultaneously for a period of time.

[0224] 47. A computer program comprising instructions which, when implemented by the computer, cause the computer to perform a method according to clause 46.

[0225] 48. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium configured to store the computer program according to clause 47.

[0226] Numerous modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the claims, the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

[0227] In so far as embodiments of the disclosure have been described as being implemented, at least in part, by one or more software-controlled information processing apparatuses, it will be appreciated that a machine-readable medium (in particular, a non-transitory machine-readable medium) carrying such software, such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, semiconductor memory or the like, is also considered to represent an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the present disclosure should be understood to include a non-transitory storage medium comprising code components which cause a computer to perform any of the disclosed method(s).

[0228] It will be appreciated that the above description for clarity has described embodiments with reference to different functional units, circuitry and / or processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, circuitry and / or processors may be used without detracting from the embodiments. Described embodiments may be implemented in any suitable form including hardware, software, firmware or any combination of these. Described embodiments may optionally be implemented at least partly as computer software running on one or more computer processors (e.g. data processors and / or digital signal processors). The elements and components of any embodiment may be physically, functionally and logically implemented in any suitable way. Indeed, the functionality may be implemented in a single unit, in a plurality of units or as part of other functional units. As such, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in a single unit or may be physically and functionally distributed between different units, circuitry and / or processors.

[0229] Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to these embodiments. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in any manner suitable to implement the present disclosure.

[0230] REFERENCES

[0231] [1] Holma H. and Toskala A, “LTE for UMTS OFDMA and SC-FDMA based radio access”, John Wiley and Sons, 2009.

[0232] [2] Sony Group Corporation et al “Multi-Device Transmission via Coverage Enhancing Device”, international publication number WO 2023 / 021062 A1 , publication date 23 February 2023.

Claims

CLAIMS1) A first node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising the first node, a second node, a third node and a fourth node, the first node serving the second node and the third node using a time-domain multiple access scheme via the fourth node, the first node comprising circuitry configured to: determine that the fourth node should serve the second node and the third node simultaneously; generate indication information, the indication information including transmission indication information indicating transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node and time indication information; and transmit data for the second node and the third node, wherein data for the second node and the third node is transmitted, at a time indicated by the time indication information, in at least one of a time-domain pattern of frames, a frequency-domain pattern of frames, a codedivision pattern of frames and / or a polarization pattern of frames.2) The first node according to claim 1, wherein the time indication information includes at least one of an initial time at which transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node and / or a period of time in which transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node.3) The first node according to claim 1 , wherein the indication information includes at least one of the time-domain pattern, the frequency-domain pattern, the code-division pattern and / or the polarization pattern.4) The first node according to claim 1 , wherein the indication information comprises configuration information for the second node and / or the third node.5) The first node according to claim 1 , wherein the indication information comprises an indication of a predetermined mode of the second node and / or the third node.6) The first node according to claim 1 , wherein the circuitry is further configured to transmit the indication information to the second node and / or the third node.7) The first node according to claim 6, wherein the circuitry is further configured to transmit the indication information using at least one of: a Radio Resource Control element, MAC signalling, and / or PDCCH.8) The first node according to claim 1 , wherein the circuitry is further configured to make the determination in response to a received instruction.9) The first node according to claim 1 , wherein the circuitry is further configured to make the determination in response to a detected condition.10) The first node according to claim 1 , wherein the detected condition is at least one of an interference condition and / or a channel variation rate condition.11) The first node according to claim 1 , wherein the time-domain pattern comprises a pattern of frames in which data is transmitted for the second node and data is transmitted for the third node.12) The first node according to claim 1 , wherein the frame is a slot or a symbol.13) The first node according to claim 1 , wherein each frame comprises: i) data for either the second node or the third node and ii) reference information.14) The first node according to claim 1 , wherein the reference information comprises a DeModulation Reference Signal or a Sounding Reference Signal.15) The first node according to claim 1 , wherein the fourth node is a coverage enhancement device and the circuitry is further configured to control the coverage enhancement device for transmission of data to the second node and the third node.16) The first node according to claim 15, wherein the coverage enhancement device is a reconfigurable intelligent surface.17) The first node according to claim 16, wherein the circuitry is further configured to a static configuration of the reconfigurable intelligent surface for the time indicated by the time indication information.18) The first node according to claim 1 , wherein the circuitry is further configured to control the fourth node to use beam splitting when transmitting the data for the second node and the third node, to serve the second node and the third node simultaneously.19) The first node according to claim 1 wherein the indication information further comprises an indication of a change in channel condition when the fourth nodes serves the second node and the third node simultaneously.20) The first node according to claim 1 , wherein the change in channel condition comprises an indication of a reduction of received power during the period of time.21) The first node according to claim 1 , wherein the first node is one of a base station and a user equipment.22) The first node according to claim 1 , wherein when the first node is the user equipment, the first node performs device-to-device communication with the second node and the third node.23) A method of a first node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising the first node, a second node, a third node and a fourth node, the first node serving the second node and the third node using a time-domain multiple access scheme via the fourth node, the method comprising the steps of: determining that the fourth node should serve the second node and the third node simultaneously; generating indication information, the indication information including transmission indication information indicating transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node and time indication information; and transmitting data for the second node and the third node, wherein data for the second node and the third node is transmitted, at a time indicated by the time indication information, in at least one of a time-domain pattern of frames, a frequency domain pattern of frames, a codedivision pattern of frames and / or a polarization pattern of frames.24) A computer program comprising instructions which, when implemented by the computer, cause the computer to perform a method according to claim 23.25) A non-transitory computer readable storage medium configured to store the computer program according to claim 24.26) A second node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, the second node, a third node and a fourth node, the first node serving the second node and the third node using a time-domain multiple access scheme via the fourth node, the second node comprising circuitry configured to: receive indication information, the indication information including transmission indication information indicating transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node and time indication information; receive a transmission from the first node; determine whether the transmission from the first node comprises data for the second node or the third node; and perform channel estimation and / or energy harvesting using the transmission from the first node when it is determined that the transmission from the first node comprises data for the third node.27) The second node according to claim 26, wherein the time indication information received by the circuitry includes at least one of an initial time at which transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node and / or a period of time in which transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second and third node.28) The second node according to claim 26, wherein the circuitry is further configured to receive the indication information from the first node.29) The second node according to claim 28, wherein the circuitry is further configured to receive the indication information using at least one of a Radio Resource Control element, MAC signalling, and / or PDCCH.30) The second node according to claim 26, wherein the indication information received by the circuitry includes at least one of a time-domain pattern, a frequency-domain pattern, a codedivision pattern and / or a polarization pattern, comprising a pattern of frames in which data is transmitted for the second node and data is transmitted for the third node.31) The second node according to claim 30, wherein the frame is a slot or a symbol.32) The second node according to claim 26, wherein the transmission from the first node is received in at least one of a time-domain pattern of frames, a frequency-domain pattern of frames, a code-division pattern of frames and / or a polarization pattern of frames and wherein each frame comprises i) data for either the node or the third node and ii) reference information.33) The second node according to claim 32, wherein the circuitry is further configured to perform channel estimation using the reference information from a frame of the pattern of frames.34) The second node according to claim 32, wherein the reference information comprises a DeModulation Reference Signal or a Sounding Reference Signal.35) The second node according to claim 26, wherein the indication information further comprises an indication of a change in channel condition.36) The second node according to claim 26, wherein the indication information further comprises an indication of a reduction of received power during the period of time and wherein the circuitry is further configured to adjust a transmitting power of the second node in accordance with the reduction of received power during the period of time.37) The second node according to claim 26, wherein the circuitry is further configured to perform the energy harvesting using an energy of the transmission received from the first node when it is determined that the transmission from the first node comprises data for the third node.38) The second node according to claim 26, wherein the second node is a user equipment.39) A method of a second node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, the second node, a third node and a fourth node, the first node serving the second node and the third node using a time-domain multiple access scheme via the fourth node, the method comprising the steps of: receiving indication information, the indication information including transmission indication information indicating transmission by the first node may arrive at each of the second node and the third node and time indication information; receiving a transmission from the first node; and determining whether the transmission from the first node comprises data for the second node or the third node; and performing channel estimation and / or energy harvesting using the transmission from the first node when it is determined that the transmission from the first node comprises data for the third node.40) A computer program comprising instructions which, when implemented by the computer, cause the computer to perform a method according to claim 39.41) A non-transitory computer readable storage medium configured to store the computer program according to claim 40.42) A fourth node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, a second node, a third node and the fourth node, the first node serving the second node and the third node using a time-domain multiple access scheme via the fourth node, the fourth node comprising circuitry configured to: receive a control information from the first node; and fix a configuration of the fourth node as a static configuration in response to receiving the control information from the first node for transmission of data from the first node to the second node and the third node, such that the fourth node serves the second node and the third node simultaneously.43) The fourth node according to claim 42, wherein the fourth node is a coverage enhancement device.44) The fourth node according to claim 43, wherein the coverage enhancement device is a reconfigurable intelligent surface.45) The fourth node according to claim 42, wherein the circuitry is configured to use beam splitting to serve the second node and the third node simultaneously.46) A method of a fourth node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, a second node, a third node and the fourth node, the first node serving the second node and the third node using a time-domain multiple access scheme via the fourth node, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a control information from the first node; andfixing a configuration of the fourth node as a static configuration in response to receiving the control information from the first node for transmission of data from the first node to the second node and the third node, such that the fourth node serves the second node and the third node simultaneously. 47) A computer program comprising instructions which, when implemented by the computer, cause the computer to perform a method according to claim 46.48) A non-transitory computer readable storage medium configured to store the computer program according to claim 47.

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