Interference mitigation for uplink MIMO

Abstract

When a UE 310 performs an uplink MIMO transmission to a primary base station (p-gNB) 320, this may cause interference at a neighbouring base station (N-gNB) 330. The present invention aims to mitigate this problem. A UE 310 receives 7 from a first network node (P-gNB 320) or a second network node (N-gNB 330), a power delta parameter (MPD-P0) for one or more layers or antenna ports of a multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) transmission. The power delta parameter is associated with a maximum power for transmission of data to the first network node. The UE also performs a measurement 5 of a strength of a received signal 4 from the second network node. The UE determines 8, based on the power delta parameter and the strength of the received signal from the second network node, a transmit power level for the transmission of the data. The transmit power level is chosen to ensure transmit power is within an acceptable range 10 for neighbor cell interference mitigation. The UE transmits data 9 to the first network node using the determined transmit power level. A base station is also claimed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This description relates to wireless communications. BACKGROUND

[0002] A communication system may be a facility that enables communication between two or more nodes or devices, such as fixed or mobile communication devices. Signals can be carried on wired or wireless carriers.

[0003] An example of a cellular communication system is an architecture that is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). A recent development in this field is often referred to as the long-term evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio-access technology. EUTRA (evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access) is the air interface of 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) upgrade path for mobile networks. In LTE, base stations or access points (APs), which are referred to as enhanced Node AP (eNBs), provide wireless access within a coverage area or cell. In LTE, mobile devices, or mobile stations are referred to as user equipments (UE). LTE has included a number of improvements or developments. Aspects of LTE are also continuing to improve.

[0004] 5GNew Radio (NR) development is part of a continued mobile broadband evolution process to meet the requirements of 5G, similar to earlier evolution of 3G and 4G wireless networks. In addition, 5G is also targeted at the new emerging use cases in addition to mobile broadband. A goal of 5G is to provide significant improvement in wireless performance, which may include new levels of data rate, latency, reliability, and security. 5G NR may also scale to efficiently connect the massive Internet of Things (loT) and may offer new types of mission-critical services. For example, ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC) devices may require high reliability and very low latency. 6G and other networks are also being developed. SUMMARY

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus including: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from at least one of a first network node or a second network node, a first message including a power delta parameter for one or more layers or antenna ports of a multiple input and multiple 1 output (MIMO) transmission, wherein the power delta parameter is associated with a maximum power for transmission of data of the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission to the first network node; perform a measurement of a strength of a received signal from the second network node; determine, based on the power delta parameter and the strength of the received signal from the second network node, a transmit power level for the transmission of the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission; and transmit, to the first network node, the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission, based on the transmit power level, the transmit power level being within an acceptable range for neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus including: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine based on communication with a second network node, a power delta parameter for one or more layers or antenna ports of a multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) transmission; transmit to a user device, a first message including the power delta parameter; and receive from the user device, data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission, based on a transmit power level, the transmit power level being within an acceptable range for neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method including: receiving by a user device, from at least one of a first network node or a second network node, a first message including a power delta parameter for one or more layers or antenna ports of a multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) transmission, wherein the power delta parameter is associated with a maximum power for transmission of data of the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission to the first network node; performing a measurement of a strength of a received signal from the second network node; determining, based on the power delta parameter and the strength of the received signal from the second network node, a transmit power level for the transmission of the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission; and transmitting, to the first network node, the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission, based on the transmit power level, the transmit power level being within an acceptable range for neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method including: determining by a first network node, based on communication with a second network node, a power delta parameter for one or more layers or antenna ports of a multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) transmission; transmitting to a user device, a first message including the power delta parameter; and receiving from the user device, data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission, based on a transmit power level, the transmit power level being within an acceptable range for neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0009] Other example embodiments are provided or described for each of the example methods, including: means for performing any of the example methods; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, are configured to cause a computing system to perform any of the example methods; and an apparatus including at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform any of the example methods.

[0010] The details of one or more examples of embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. lisa block diagram of a wireless network.

[0012] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example mechanism for uplink transmission.

[0013] FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transmission.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an apparatus (e.g., which may be a UE or user device, or other apparatus).

[0015] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of an example embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating operation of an apparatus (e.g., which may be a UE or user device, or other apparatus) according to an example embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating operation of an apparatus (e.g., which may be a UE or user device, or other apparatus) according to an example embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a wireless station or node (e.g., network node (such as gNB), user node or UE, relay node, or other node). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] It shall be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,”..., etc. in front of noun(s) and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another and they do not limit the order of the noun(s). For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0020] As used herein, unless stated explicitly, performing a step “in response to A” does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs and one or more intervening steps may be included.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless network 130. In the wireless network 130 of FIG. 1, user devices 131, 132, 133 and 135, which may also be referred to as mobile stations (MSs) or user equipment (UEs), may be connected (and in communication) with a base station (BS) 134, which may also be referred to as an access point (AP), an enhanced Node B (eNB), a gNB or a network node. The terms user device and user equipment (UE) may be used interchangeably. A BS may also include or may be referred to as a RAN (radio access network) node, and may include a portion of a BS or a portion of a RAN node, such as e.g., such as a centralized unit (CU) and / or a distributed unit (DU) in the case of a split BS or split gNB. At least part of the functionalities of a BS (e.g., access point (AP), base station (BS) or (e)Node B (eNB), gNB, RAN node) may also be carried out by any node, server or host which may be operably coupled to a transceiver, such as a remote radio head. BS (or AP) 134 provides wireless coverage within a cell 136, including to user devices (or UEs) 131, 132, 133 and 135. Although only four user devices (or UEs) are shown as being connected or attached to BS 134, any number of user devices may be provided. BS 134 is also connected to a core network 150 via a SI interface 151. This is merely one simple example of a wireless network, and others may be used.

[0022] A base station (e.g., such as BS 134) is an example of a radio access network (RAN) node within a wireless network. A BS (or a RAN node) may be or may include (or may alternatively be referred to as), e.g., an access point (AP), a gNB, an eNB, or portion thereof (such as a centralized unit (CU) and / or a distributed unit (DU) in the case 4 of a split BS or split gNB), or other network node.

[0023] Some functionalities of the communication network may be carried out, at least partly, in a central / centralized unit, CU, (e.g., server, host or node) operationally coupled to distributed unit, DU, (e.g., a radio head / node). Thus, 5G networks architecture may be based on a so-called CU-DU split. The gNB-CU (central node) may control a plurality of spatially separated gNB-DUs, acting at least as transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) nodes. In some embodiments, however, the gNB-DUs (also called DU) may comprise e.g., a radio link control (RUC), medium access control (MAC) layer and a physical (PHY) layer, whereas the gNB-CU (also called a CU) may comprise the layers above RUC layer, such as a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio resource control (RRC) and an internet protocol (IP) layers. Other functional splits are possible too.

[0024] According to an illustrative example, a BS node (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, ...) or a radio access network (RAN) may be part of a mobile telecommunication system. A RAN (radio access network) may include one or more BSs or RAN nodes that implement a radio access technology, e.g., to allow one or more UEs to have access to a network or core network (CN). Thus, for example, the RAN (RAN nodes, such as BSs or gNBs) may reside between one or more user devices or UEs and a core network. According to an example embodiment, each RAN node (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, ...) or BS may provide one or more wireless communication services for one or more UEs or user devices, e.g., to allow the UEs to have wireless access to a network, via the RAN node. Each RAN node or BS may perform or provide wireless communication services, e.g., such as allowing UEs or user devices to establish a wireless connection to the RAN node, and sending data to and / or receiving data from one or more of the UEs. For example, after establishing a connection to a UE, a RAN node or network node (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, ...) may forward data to the UE that is received from a network or the core network, and / or forward data received from the UE to the network or core network. RAN nodes or network nodes (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, ...) may perform a wide variety of other wireless functions or services, e.g., such as broadcasting control information (e.g., such as system information or on-demand system information) to UEs, paging UEs when there is data to be delivered to the UE, assisting in handover of a UE between cells, scheduling of resources for uplink data transmission from the UE(s) and downlink data transmission to UE(s), sending control information to configure one or more UEs, and the like. These are a few examples of one or more functions that a RAN node or BS may perform.

[0025] A user device or user node (user terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile terminal, handheld wireless device, etc.) may refer to a portable computing device that includes wireless mobile communication devices operating either with or without a subscriber identification module (SIM), including, but not limited to, the following types of devices: a mobile station (MS), a mobile phone, a cell phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handset, a device using a wireless modem (alarm or measurement device, etc.), a laptop and / or touch screen computer, a tablet, a phablet, a game console, a notebook, a vehicle, a sensor, and a multimedia device, as examples, or any other wireless device. It should be appreciated that a user device may also be (or may include) a nearly exclusive uplink only device, of which an example is a camera or video camera loading images or video clips to a network. Also, a user node may include a user equipment (UE), a user device, a user terminal, a mobile terminal, a mobile station, a mobile node, a subscriber device, a subscriber node, a subscriber terminal, or other user node. For example, a user node may be used for wireless communications with one or more network nodes (e g., gNB, eNB, BS, AP, CU, DU, CU / DU) and / or with one or more other user nodes, regardless of the technology or radio access technology (RAT). In LEE (as an illustrative example), core network 150 may be referred to as Evolved Packet Core (EPC), which may include a mobility management entity (MME) which may handle or assist with mobility / handover of user devices between BSs, one or more gateways that may forward data and control signals between the BSs and packet data networks or the Internet, and other control functions or blocks. Other types of wireless networks, such as 5G (which may be referred to as New Radio (NR)) may also include a core network.

[0026] In addition, the techniques described herein may be applied to various types of user devices or data service types, or may apply to user devices that may have multiple applications running thereon that may be of different data service types. New Radio (5G) development may support a number of different applications or a number of different data service types, such as for example: machine type communications (MTC), enhanced machine type communication (eMTC), Internet of Things (loT), and / or narrowband loT user devices, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), and ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). Many of these new 5G (NR) - related applications may require generally higher performance than previous wireless networks.

[0027] loT may refer to an ever-growing group of objects that may have Internet or network connectivity, so that these objects may send information to and receive information from other network devices. For example, many sensor type applications or devices may monitor a physical condition or a status and may send a report to a server or other network device, e.g., when an event occurs. Machine Type Communications (MTC, or Machine to Machine communications) may, for example, be characterized by fully automatic data generation, exchange, processing and actuation among intelligent machines, with or without intervention of humans. Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) may support much higher data rates than currently available in LTE.

[0028] Ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC) is a new data service type, or new usage scenario, which may be supported for New Radio (5G) systems. This enables emerging new applications and services, such as industrial automations, autonomous driving, vehicular safety, e-health services, and so on. 3GPP targets in providing connectivity with reliability corresponding to block error rate (BLER) of 10-5 and up to 1 ms U-Plane (user / data plane) latency, by way of illustrative example. Thus, for example, URLLC user devices / UEs may require a significantly lower block error rate than other types of user devices / UEs as well as low latency (with or without requirement for simultaneous high reliability). Thus, for example, a URLLC UE (or URLLC application on a UE) may require much shorter latency, as compared to an eMBB UE (or an eMBB application running on a UE).

[0029] The techniques described herein may be applied to a wide variety of wireless technologies or wireless networks, such as 5G (New Radio (NR)), cmWave, and / or mmWave band networks, loT, MTC, eMTC, eMBB, URLLC, 6G, etc., or any other wireless network or wireless technology. These example networks, technologies or data service types are provided only as illustrative examples.

[0030] A user device (or UE) may measure various signals and may transmit one or more measurement reports to the network. For example, a UE may measure reference signals received from one or more network nodes (e.g., gNBs or DUs), including channel state information-reference signals (CSI-RSs) and / or synchronization signal block (SSB) reference signals, demodulation references signals, and / or other reference signals. Based on received reference signals, the UE may measure various signal parameters, e.g., such as reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), or other signal parameter.

[0031] The PHY (physical) layer may refer to layer 1 (LI) and MAC (media access control) may refer to layer 2 (L2). RSRP, RSRQ, SINR and RSSI are signal quantities measured at layer 1 (LI). The UE may send LI measurement reports (e.g., CSLRS reports, which include measurements of one or more signal parameters for one or more cells) to a gNB, source DU or serving cell. These LI measurement reports may be sent periodically, for example, or aperiodically. L1 / L2 measurement reports may include no averaging or filtering of measurement values or may include less averaging or filtering than what is performed for L3 measurement reports. LI (or L1 / L2) measurement reports may be transmitted by a UE to a serving network node or source DU and may cause the network node to trigger or initiate a L1 / L2 triggered mobility (LTM) handover of the UE to another cell. LI measurements (e g., RSRP RSRQ, RSSI) may be provided or reported periodically to the DU (MAC / PHY).

[0032] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example mechanism for uplink transmission that may include one or more operations. The one or more operations may include at least one of: Scrambling: The scrambling process may use a cell-specific scrambling sequence generated based on a cell ID and a scrambling identity. The scrambling identity may be unique for each user (UE) within a cell, ensuring that the scrambling sequences used by different UEs are orthogonal to each other. Modulation mapper: may include modulation of scrambled bits to generate complexvalued symbols. In other words, the modulation mapper may take binary digits, 0 or 1, as input and may produce complex-valued modulation symbols as output. - Layer mapper: may include mapping of the complex-valued symbols onto one or several transmission layers. Transform precoder: may transform precoding to generate complex-valued symbols. - Precoding: may include precoding of the complex-valued symbols. - Resource element mapper: may include mapping of precoded complex-valued symbols to resource elements. Signal generation: may include generation of complex-valued time-domain single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) signal for an antenna port. In an example, when transform precoding is enabled, a SC-FDMA signal for uplink transmission may be generated. These operations are illustrated as examples, and it is anticipated that other mechanisms may be implemented in various embodiments.

[0033] In an example embodiment, an aspect of the uplink transmission may include power control mechanisms. The power control mechanisms may be employed for the purpose of controlling the interference. In an example, the interference may be toward other cells.

[0034] In an example embodiment, power control may be applicable to uplink power control. The uplink power control may include a set of algorithms and tools by which the transmit power for different uplink physical channels and signals may be controlled to ensure that they, to the extent possible, are received by the network at an appropriate power level. For example, for an uplink physical channel, the appropriate power may be the received power needed for proper decoding of the information carried by the physical channel. In an example, high transmit power may cause unnecessarily high interference to other uplink transmissions. In an example, the appropriate transmit power may depend on the channel properties, including the channel attenuation and the noise and interference level at the receiver side. The required received power may be dependent on the data rate. For example, if the received power is too low, the transmit power may be increased and / or the data rate may be reduced. In other words, in an example implementation in the case of physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission, there is a relationship between power control and link adaptation (e.g., rate control).

[0035] In an example embodiment, uplink power control (e.g., for the case of new radio NR) may be based on a combination of open-loop power control, and / or closed loop power control. In an example, the open loop power control may include support for fractional path-loss compensation, wherein the device may estimate the uplink path loss based on downlink measurements and may set the transmit power accordingly. In an example, the closed-loop power control may be based on explicit power control commands provided by the network. For example, the power control commands may be determined based on prior network measurements of the received uplink power.

[0036] As an example, uplink transmit power for PUSCH transmissions may be calculated by the following expression: Ppusch = min {Pcmax , Po(j) + a(j). PL(q) + 10 . log io (2“ . Mrb ) + Atf + 8(1)} Where: - Ppusch is the PUSCH transmit power; - Pcmax is the maximum allowed transmit power per carrier; - Po(.) is a network-configurable parameter that can, somewhat simplified, be described as a target received power; - PL(.) is an estimate of the uplink path loss; a(.) is a network-configurable parameter (<=1) for fractional path-loss compensation; u relates to the sub-carrier spacing Af used for the PUSCH transmission. More specifically, Af = 2g . 15 kHz; • Mrb is the number of resource blocks assigned for the PUSCH transmission; • Atf relates to the modulation scheme and channel-coding rate used for the PTTCCIJ transmission; and 5(.) is the power adjustment due to the closed-loop power control.

[0037] FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transmission. In an example embodiment, the MIMO transmission may include a technique to increase the data throughput by using multiple transmitter antenna(s) and multiple receiver antenna(s). For example, in the MIMO transmission, multiple (independent) data streams may be transmitted simultaneously to achieve higher data throughput in comparison to a single input single output (SISO) transmission. In an example embodiment, a data stream may correspond to a layer or an antenna port of the MIMO transmission.

[0038] In an example, a power amplifier (PA) of the user device or the UE may include a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier. For example, the PA (or the RF power amplifier) may include an electronic amplifier that converts a low power RF signal into a higher power RF signal. In an example, a configuration parameter of the PA may determine a gain of the PA, an output power of the PA, and / or the like. For example, the gain may include a power gain wherein the power gain is based on a ratio of the output power to the input power of the PA. In another example, the gain may include a voltage gain wherein the voltage gain is based on a ratio of the output voltage to the input voltage of the PA. In another example, the gain may include a current gain wherein the current gain is based on a ratio of the output current to the input current of the PA. In an example, the PA or the RF power amplifier may be employed in a final stage of a radio transmitter, wherein the output of the PA may drive the antenna.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an apparatus (e.g., which may be a UE 310 or user device, or other apparatus). In an example, an interference problem may arise during an uplink (UL) MIMO transmission. The UE 310 may perform an UL MIMO transmission of the UL data for a primary gNB (P-gNB) 320. In an example, an interference may occur at a neighbour gNB (N-gNB) 330.

[0040] In existing technologies, power control of the MIMO transmission is based on the lowest pathloss between the UE 310 and a primary gNB (P-gNB 320) or a base station. As a result during an uplink (UL) MIMO transmission, a neighbour gNB (N-gNB 330) may be subject to an interference due to the UL MIMO transmission. In an example, the interference may occur due to variation of antenna characteristics that are implemented in the UE 310. For example, the variations or differences in antenna characteristic may include differences in total radiation efficiency, differences in directivity, differences in angular direction of the maximum gain, and / or the like. As a result, such differences in antenna characteristics may result in signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR) imbalance at a gNB (e.g., the P-gNB 320, or the N-gNB 330) for different layers of the MIMO transmission (e.g., UL MIMO layers), and subsequently may cause an interference to one or more N-gNB(s) 330. In another example, interference may occur when the transmit power level results in a received power level that exceeds a P0 level of the N-gNB 330 wherein the P0 level of the N-gNB 330 may be a required received power level of an UL MIMO transmission of the UE 310 to the N-gNB 330.

[0041] In another example, per layer or antenna port power control mechanisms may be implemented. In an example, the UE may determine to increase a transmit power level of an antenna (e.g., a selected antenna). However, the selected antenna may not be the optimal antenna for a transmit power level increase. In an example implementation of the per layer or antenna port power control, the transmit power level of the antenna may cause interference with the N-gNB, because the antenna may have a larger gain in the direction of the N-gNB than the P-gNB. The larger gain in the direction of the N-gNB may result in an increase of interference with the N-gNB. In other words, the likelihood of exceeding the P0 threshold of the N-gNB may increase. Therefore, adjusting the transmit power level without taking into account the potential interference with N-gNB may result in a decrease of SINR at the N-gNB and may cause performance degradation for UEs that connect to the N-gNB.

[0042] Therefore, a mechanism to mitigate (e.g., relieve, alleviate, abate or decrease) the interference may be beneficial. To mitigate the interference, the UL transmit power of the UE should be within an acceptable range for a neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission, wherein the UE transmits the data based on a transmit power level to reach the P-gNB 320 and the transmit power level does not result in a received power level that exceeds the P0 of the N-gNB 330. Example embodiments are directed to methods of power control to mitigate interference, e.g., for neighbor cell interference mitigation of MIMO transmission. The methods of power control may be on a per MIMO layer or antenna port basis and further may be based on information of neighbour base stations e.g., one or more neighbour gNBs (N-gNBs).

[0043] Thus, example embodiments are directed to enhancement of signalling between the UE and a base station to mitigate (UL) interference of the MIMO transmission. The example embodiments include enhancement of power control of the UE on a per MIMO layer or antenna port basis. An example embodiment may include enhancements of signalling from the UE to the network by transmitting a capability support indication that may indicate a per layer or per antenna port power control support for neighbor cell interference mitigation of a multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) transmission. An example embodiment may further include receiving from a base station (e.g., the P-gNB, or the N-gNB), power control information associated with one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission, a transmit power delta value for the one or more layers or the antenna ports of the MIMO transmission, and / or the like. Thus, according to an example embodiment, the UE may then determine based on at least one of the power control information, the transmit power delta value, and a strength of received signal from one or more neighbour gNBs (N-gNBs), a transmit power level for a transmission of data associated with the one or more layers or the antenna ports of the MIMO transmission. Subsequently, the UE may transmit the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission, to the P-gNB based on the determined transmit power level. As a result, the transmit power level may meet a received target power requirement of the second network node (e.g., the transmit power level may be within the acceptable range) to mitigate interference. In other words, the transmitted signals to the P-gNB are non-interfering (e.g., with reduced interference) with respect to the N-gNB(s).

[0044] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of an example embodiment. The P-gNB 320 may be a first network node and the N-gNB 330 may be a second network node. At step 1, the UE 310 may establish a radio resource control (RRC) connection with the first network node, P-gNB 320. In order to establish the RRC connection, the UE may perform a random access procedure. In an example, the RRC connection establishment procedure may be employed by the UE to establish a signalling radio bearer (SRB) such as SRB1. In an example, the RRC connection may be established as follows. The UE may send to the p-gNB 320, a RRC setup request message. The RRC setup request message may include an identifier of the UE 310, e.g., UE ID, an establishment cause indicating the purpose of establishing the RRC connection such as for emergency, mobile originated data transmission, high priority access, and / or the like. In an example, the P-gNB 320 may send a RRC setup message to the UE 310. For example, the RRC setup message may include a transaction identifier associated with the RRC setup request message. The UE 310 may send a RRC setup complete message to the P-gNB 320. In an example, the RRC setup complete message may include the transaction identifier associated with the RRC setup request message, an identifier of a network, an identifier of a core network node (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME) or an access and mobility management function (AMF)) serving the UE 310, and / or the like. At step 2, the UE 310 may transmit to the P-gNB 320, a second message that may include a capability indication or capability information. In an example, the second message may be a RRC message. In an example, the second message may be transmitted via the SRB, SRB1, and / or the like. In an example, the capability indication or the capability information may be an information element (IE) (such as UE capability information) that may be transmitted by the second message from the UE 310 to the first network node or P-gNB 320. In an example, the UE capability information may include an indication of per layer or per antenna port power control support for neighbor cell interference mitigation of a MIMO transmission.

[0045] At step 3 of FIG. 4, the UE 310 may receive synchronization signal block (SSB) from the P-gNB 320. At step 4, the UE 310 may receive a synchronization signal block (SSB) from the N-gNB 330 or one or more N-gNB(s). At step 5, the UE 310 may monitor the SSBs from at least one of the P-gNB 320 or the one or more N-gNB(s) 330. In an example, based on a SSB measurement or a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) measurement timing configuration (SMTC), the UE 310 may determine a pathloss between the UE and at least one of the P-gNB 320 or the N-gNB 330 (or the one or more N-gNB(s)).

[0046] At step 6 of FIG. 4, the P-gNB 320 (e.g., the first network node) and the N-gNB 330 (e.g., the second network node) may determine or negotiate the power delta parameter for the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission. The determination / negotiation may be performed by communicating the power delta parameter via the Xn interface. As an example, the P-gNB 320 may receive from the N-gNB 330, a power delta parameter for one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission. In an example, the P-gNB 320 may receive from the N-gNB 330, an updated value of the power delta parameter. In an example, the P-gNB 320 may receive from the N-gNB 330 the power delta parameter via at least one of: a Xn setup request message, or a NG-RAN node configuration update message. In an example, the P-gNB 320 or the N-gNB 330 may employ a Xn setup procedure. The purpose of the Xn setup procedure may be to exchange configuration data needed for two NG-RAN nodes (gNBs) to interoperate correctly over a Xn or a Xn-C interface, wherein the Xn interface is between two NG-RAN nodes or two gNBs and the Xn-C interface may be used for control plane of the Xn interface. For example, the N-gNB 330 may initiate the procedure by sending a Xn setup request message to a candidate NG-RAN node such as the P-gNB 320. The P-gNB 320 may reply with a Xn setup response message. In an example, the P-gNB 320 or the N-gNB 330 may employ a NG-RAN node configuration update procedure. The purpose of the NG-RAN node configuration update procedure may be to update configuration data needed for two NG-RAN nodes (gNBs) to interoperate correctly over the Xn or the Xn-C interface. For example, the N-gNB 330 may initiate the procedure by sending a NG-RAN node configuration update message to a candidate NG-RAN node such as the P-gNB 320. The P-gNB 320 may reply with a NG-RAN node configuration update acknowledge message.

[0047] At step 7 of FIG. 4, the UE 310 may receive from the P-gNB 320, a first message. In an example, the first message may include the power delta parameter for one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission. In an example, the power delta parameter may be associated with a maximum power for transmission of data of the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission to the first network node. In an example, the power delta parameter may be associated with a maximum allowed (transmit) power level for one or more layers of antenna ports of the MIMO transmission. In an example, the power delta parameter may be determined by the N-gNB 330 (or the one or more N-gNB(s)) and may be provided to the P-gNB 320 via the Xn interface as described in step 6. In an example, the power delta parameter may be determined by the P-gNB 320. In an example, the first message may include power control information associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission. For example, the power control information may include information for configuration of a PA of the UE 310. In an example, the first message may include a downlink control information (DCI), wherein the DCI may include the power delta parameter. In an example, the first message may include a radio resource control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message may include the power delta parameter. In an example, the first message may include a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), wherein the MAC CE may include the power delta parameter. In another example embodiment, the power delta parameter may be received via at least one of: a master information block (MIB) from the N-gNB 330, or the P-gNB 320; a system information block (SIB) received from N-gNB 330, or the P-gNB 320, or may be contained within a synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission from N-gNB 330, or the P-gNB 320.

[0048] At step 8 of FIG. 4, the UE 310 may calculate or determine a transmit power level for the transmission of the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission. In an example, the UE 310 may determine the transmit power level based on the power delta parameter and the strength of the received signal from the N-gNB 330. At step 9, the UE 310 may transmit data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission. In an example, the transmit power may be based on the transmit power level determined in step 8. In an example, the transmit power level may be within an acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission. For example, the acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission is for interference mitigation with the N-gNB 330. In other words, for the transmit power level to be within the acceptable range, the transmit power level may not result in a received power level that exceeds a P0 level of the N-gNB 330. In an example, the P0 level of the N-gNB 330 may be a required power level of a received signal at the N-gNB 330. As an example, if a P0 level of a gNB (or a base station) is -80 dBm, then any UE that connects to the gNB may be required to adjust an UL MIMO transmission power according to the P0 = -80 dBm in order to connect to the gNB. Therefore, the acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission may be achieved when the UE 310 transmits the data based on a transmit power level to reach the P-gNB 320 wherein the transmit power level does not result in a received power level that exceeds the P0 of the N-gNB 330. Thus, it may be advantageous that the power delta parameter to be determined by the N-gNB 330 or one or more N-gNB(s) according an example embodiment. Subsequently, as shown in step 10, the UL MIMO transmission may be performed without substantial interference to the N-gNB 330, e.g., the interference to the N-gNB 330 may be less than a threshold or may be within an acceptable range.

[0049] In an example embodiment, the UE may determine a first transmit power level for transmission of data associated with a first layer based on the strength of the received signal of the first network node. In an example, the UE may determine a second transmit power level for transmission of data associated with a second layer based on the strength of the received signal of the second network node. In an example, the first transmit power level may be different from the second transmit power level.

[0050] In an example embodiment, during an initial access of the UE to a gNB, e.g., the P-gNB, preamble transmission and a random access procedure may be performed. The UE may estimate a pathloss to the P-gNB by decoding a master information block (MIB) and a system information block (SIB) information related to a SSB beam transmitted by the P-gNB. The UE may estimate pathloss to the P-gNB with the antenna selected for MIMO transmission of a second UL MIMO layer and the estimated pathloss (value) may be used to set the PA power level for the second MIMO layer transmission to ensure SINR. balance at the P-gNB. However, the selected PA power level may result in a received power level at the N-gNB close to P0 of the N-gNB or above the P0 of the N-gNB. As a result, performance degradation may occur at the N-gNB.

[0051] In an example, to avoid degradation of performance at the N-gNB and to mitigate the interference, the P-gNB may inform the UE of the power delta parameter. In an example, the power delta parameter may include a maximum allowed power delta to P0 (MPD-P0) of the N-gNB. In an example, the UE may estimate a pathloss to the N-gNB(s) with a selected antenna intended to be used for the UL MIMO transmission of the second MIMO layer. In the following, a numerical example is provided.

[0052] In a first example, when a P0 level of -85 dBm is used for a N-gNB, then a MPD-P0 = 0 dB, may indicate to the UE that the maximum allowed PA power level of the UE for the second MIMO layer (data stream), may not result in a received power level at the N-gNB to be higher than -85 dBm.

[0053] In a second example, when a P0 level of -85 dBm is used for the N-gNB, then a MPD-P0 = 10 dB, may indicate to the UE that the maximum allowed PA power level of the UE for the second MIMO layer (or data stream), may not result in a received power level at the N-gNB to be higher than -75 dBm.

[0054] In a third example, when a P0 level of -85 dBm is used for a N-gNB, then a MPD-PO = -10 dB, may indicate to the UE that the maximum allowed PA power level of the UE for the second MIMO layer (or data stream), may not result in a received power level at the N-gNB to be higher than -95 dBm.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating operation of an apparatus (e.g., which may be a UE or user device, or other apparatus) according to an example embodiment. Operation 520 includes receiving by a user device, from at least one of a first network node or a second network node, a first message including a power delta parameter for one or more layers or antenna ports of a multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) transmission, wherein the power delta parameter is associated with a maximum power for transmission of data of the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission to the first network node. Operation 530 includes performing a measurement of a strength of a received signal from the second network node. Operation 540 includes determining, based on the power delta parameter and the strength of the received signal from the second network node, a transmit power level for the transmission of the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission. Operation 550 includes transmitting, to the first network node, the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission, based on the transmit power level, the transmit power level being within an acceptable range for neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0056] With respect to the method of FIG. 5, the method may further include: transmitting to the first network node, a second message including an indication of per layer or per antenna port power control support for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0057] With respect to the method of FIG. 5, the method may further include: wherein the first message includes power control information associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission.

[0058] With respect to the method of FIG. 5, the method may further include: wherein the power delta parameter is associated with the second network node; the acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission is for interference mitigation with the second network node; and the power delta parameter associated with the second network node is based on the acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0059] With respect to the method of FIG. 5, the method may further include: wherein the first message is received from the first network node and includes at least one of: a downlink control information (DCI), wherein the DCI includes the power delta parameter; a radio resource control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message includes the power delta parameter; or a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), wherein the MAC CE includes the power delta parameter.

[0060] With respect to the method of FIG. 5, the method may further include: receiving an updated value of the power delta parameter via at least one of a DCI, a RRC message, or a MAC CE.

[0061] With respect to the method of FIG. 5, the method may further include: wherein the first message is received from the second network node.

[0062] With respect to the method of FIG. 5, the method may further include: wherein the power delta parameter is received via at least one of: a master information block (MIB) from the second network node; a system information block (SIB) received from the second network node; or contained within a synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission from the second network node.

[0063] With respect to the method of FIG. 5, the method may further include: wherein the one or more layers or antenna ports includes a second layer or antenna port other than a first layer or antenna port of the MIMO transmission.

[0064] With respect to the method of FIG. 5, the method may further include: wherein the transmit power level associated with the second layer or antenna port of the MIMO transmission is less than a maximum power for transmission of data of the second layer or antenna port of the MIMO transmission that is determined based on the power delta parameter.

[0065] With respect to the method of FIG. 5, the method may further include: monitoring synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) from at least one of the first network node or the second network node based on a SSB measurement timing configuration (SMTC); and determine based on the monitored SSBs a pathloss between the user device and at least one of the first network node or the second network node.

[0066] With respect to the method of FIG. 5, the method may further include: wherein the second network node includes one or more second network nodes.

[0067] With respect to the method of FIG. 5, the method may further include: determining a first transmit power level for a transmission of first data associated with a first layer of the MIMO transmission; and wherein the determined transmit power level for the transmission of the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission is different from the first transmit power level.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating operation of an apparatus (e.g., which may be a UE or user device, or other apparatus) according to an example embodiment. Operation 620 includes determining by a first network node, based on communication with a second network node, a power delta parameter for one or more layers or antenna ports of a multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) transmission. Operation 630 includes transmitting to a user device, a first message including the power delta parameter. Operation 640 includes receiving from the user device, data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission, based on a transmit power level, the transmit power level being within an acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0069] With respect to the method of FIG. 6, the method may further include: receiving from the user device, a second message including an indication of per layer or per antenna port power control support for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0070] With respect to the method of FIG. 6, the method may further include: determining based on communication with the second network node, an updated value of the power delta parameter.

[0071] With respect to the method of FIG. 6, the method may further include: wherein the first message includes at least one of: a downlink control information (DCI), wherein the DCI includes the power delta parameter; a radio resource control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message includes the power delta parameter; or a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), wherein the MAC CE includes the power delta parameter.

[0072] With respect to the method of FIG. 6, the method may further include: wherein the determining based on communication with the second network node includes at least one of: receiving, from the second network node, the power delta parameter for the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission; or negotiating with the second network node the power delta parameter for the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission.

[0073] With respect to the method of FIG. 6, the method may further include: wherein the power delta parameter is received via at least one of: a Xn setup request message, or a NG-RAN node configuration update message.

[0074] With respect to the method of FIG. 6, the method may further include: wherein the first message includes power control information associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission.

[0075] With respect to the method of FIG. 6, the method may further include: wherein: the acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission is for interference mitigation with the second network node; and the power delta parameter associated with the second network node is based on the acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0076] Some examples will now be described, based on the description and figures provided herein.

[0077] Example Al. An apparatus including: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from at least one of a first network node or a second network node, a first message including a power delta parameter for one or more layers or antenna ports of a multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) transmission, wherein the power delta parameter is associated with a maximum power for transmission of data of the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission to the first network node; perform a measurement of a strength of a received signal from the second network node; determine, based on the power delta parameter and the strength of the received signal from the second network node, a transmit power level for the transmission of the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission; and transmit, to the first network node, the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission, based on the transmit power level, the transmit power level being within an acceptable range for neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0078] Example A2. The apparatus of example Al, wherein the apparatus is further caused to transmit to the first network node, a second message including an indication of per layer or per antenna port power control support for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0079] Example A3. The apparatus of example Al or A2, wherein the first message includes power control information associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission.

[0080] Example A4. The apparatus of any of examples Al to A3, wherein: the power delta parameter is associated with the second network node; the acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission is for interference mitigation with the second network node; and the power delta parameter associated with the second network node is based on the acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0081] Example A5. The apparatus of any of examples Al to A4, wherein the first message is received from the first network node and includes at least one of: a downlink control information (DCI), wherein the DCI includes the power delta parameter; a radio resource control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message includes the power delta parameter; or a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), wherein the MAC CE includes the power delta parameter.

[0082] Example A6. The apparatus of example A5, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: receive an updated value of the power delta parameter via at least one of a DCI, a RRC message, or a MAC CE.

[0083] Example A7. The apparatus of any of examples Al to A4, wherein the first message is received from the second network node.

[0084] Example A8. The apparatus of example A7, wherein the power delta parameter is received via at least one of: a master information block (MIB) from the second network node; a system information block (SIB) received from the second network node; or contained within a synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission from the second network node.

[0085] Example A9. The apparatus of any of examples Al to A8, wherein the one or more layers or antenna ports includes a second layer or antenna port other than a first layer or antenna port of the MIMO transmission.

[0086] Example A10. The apparatus of example A9, wherein the transmit power level associated with the second layer or antenna port of the MIMO transmission is less than a maximum power for transmission of data of the second layer or antenna port of the MIMO transmission that is determined based on the power delta parameter.

[0087] Example Al 1. The apparatus of any of examples Al to A10, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: monitor synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) from at least one of the first network node or the second network node based on a SSB measurement timing configuration (SMTC); and determine based on the monitored SSBs a pathloss between the apparatus and at least one of the first network node or the second network node.

[0088] Example A12. The apparatus of any of examples Al to All, wherein the second network node includes one or more second network nodes.

[0089] Example Al 3. The apparatus of any of examples Al to A12, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: determine a first transmit power level for a transmission of first data associated with a first layer of the MIMO transmission; and wherein the determined transmit power level for the transmission of the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission is different from the first transmit power level.

[0090] Example Al4. An apparatus including: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine based on communication with a second network node, a power delta parameter for one or more layers or antenna ports of a multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) transmission; transmit to a user device, a first message including the power delta parameter; and receive from the user device, data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission, based on a transmit power level, the transmit power level being within an acceptable range for neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0091] Example A15. The apparatus of example A14, wherein the apparatus is further caused to receive from the user device, a second message including an indication of per layer or per antenna port power control support for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0092] Example A16. The apparatus of example A14 or A15, wherein the apparatus is further caused to determine based on communication with the second network node, an updated value of the power delta parameter.

[0093] Example Al 7. The apparatus of any of examples A14 to Al 6, wherein the first message includes at least one of: a downlink control information (DCI), wherein the DO includes the power delta parameter; a radio resource control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message includes the power delta parameter; or a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), wherein the MAC CE includes the power delta parameter.

[0094] Example Al 8. The apparatus of any of examples A14 to Al 7, wherein the determining based on communication with the second network node includes at least one of: receiving, from the second network node, the power delta parameter for the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission; or negotiating with the second network node the power delta parameter for the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission.

[0095] Example Al 9. The apparatus of any of examples A14 to Al 8, wherein the power delta parameter is received via at least one of: a Xn setup request message, or a NG-RAN node configuration update message.

[0096] Example A20. The apparatus of any of examples A14 to A19, wherein the first message includes power control information associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission.

[0097] Example A21. The apparatus of any of examples A14 to A20, wherein: the acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission is for interference mitigation with the second network node; and the power delta parameter associated with the second network node is based on the acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0098] Example B1. A method including: receiving by a user device, from at least one a first network node or a second network node, a first message including a power delta parameter for one or more layers or antenna ports of a multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) transmission, wherein the power delta parameter is associated with a maximum power for transmission of data of the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission to the first network node; performing a measurement of a strength of a received signal from the second network node; determining, based on the power delta parameter and the strength of the received signal from the second network node, a transmit power level for the transmission of the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission; and transmitting, to the first network node, the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission, based on the transmit power level, the transmit power level being within an acceptable range for neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0099] Example B2. The method of example Bl, further including transmitting to the first network node, a second message including an indication of per layer or per antenna port power control support for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0100] Example B3. The method of example Bl or B2, wherein the first message includes power control information associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission.

[0101] Example B4. The method of any of examples Bl to B3, wherein: the power delta parameter is associated with the second network node; the acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission is for interference mitigation with the second network node; and the power delta parameter associated with the second network node is based on the acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0102] Example B5. The method of any of examples Bl to B4, wherein the first message is received from the first network node and includes at least one of: a downlink control information (DCI), wherein the DCI includes the power delta parameter; a radio resource control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message includes the power delta parameter; or a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), wherein the MAC CE includes the power delta parameter.

[0103] Example B6. The method of any of examples Bl to B4, further including receiving an updated value of the power delta parameter via at least one of a DCI, a RRC message, or a MAC CE.

[0104] Example B7. The method of any of examples Bl to B6, wherein the first message is received from the second network node.

[0105] Example B8. The method of any of examples Bl to B7, wherein the power delta parameter is received via at least one of: a master information block (MIB) from the second network node; a system information block (SIB) received from the second network node; or contained within a synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission from the second network node.

[0106] Example B9. The method of any of examples Bl to B8, wherein the one or more layers or antenna ports includes a second layer or antenna port other than a first layer or antenna port of the MIMO transmission.

[0107] Example B10. The method of any of examples Bl to B9, wherein the transmit power level associated with the second layer or antenna port of the MIMO transmission is less than a maximum power for transmission of data of the second layer or antenna port of the MIMO transmission that is determined based on the power delta parameter.

[0108] Example Bl 1. The method of any of examples Bl to B10, further including: monitoring synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) from at least one of the first network node or the second network node based on a SSB measurement timing configuration (SMTC); and determine based on the monitored SSBs a pathloss between the user device and at least one of the first network node or the second network node.

[0109] Example B12. The method of any of examples Bl to Bl 1, wherein the second network node includes one or more second network nodes.

[0110] Example B13. The method of any of examples Bl to B12, further including: determining a first transmit power level for a transmission of first data associated with a first layer of the MIMO transmission; and wherein the determined transmit power level for the transmission of the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission is different from the first transmit power level.

[0111] Example B14. A method including: receiving, by a first network node from a user device, a first message including an indication of per layer or per antenna port power control support for neighbor cell interference mitigation of a multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) transmission; determining by a first network node, based on communication with a second network node, a power delta parameter for one or more layers or antenna ports of a multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) transmission; transmitting to a user device, a first message including the power delta parameter; and receiving from the user device, data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission, based on a transmit power level, the transmit power level being within an acceptable range for neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0112] Example B15. The method of example B14, further including receiving from the user device, a second message including an indication of per layer or per antenna port power control support for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0113] Example B16. The method of example B14 or B15, further including determining based on communication with the second network node, an updated value of the power delta parameter.

[0114] Example B17. The method of any of examples B14 to B16, wherein the first message includes at least one of: a downlink control information (DCI), wherein the DCI includes the power delta parameter; a radio resource control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message includes the power delta parameter; or a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), wherein the MAC CE includes the power delta parameter.

[0115] Example B18. The method of any of examples B14 to B17, wherein the determining based on communication with the second network node includes at least one of: receiving, from the second network node, the power delta parameter for the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission; or negotiating with the second network node the power delta parameter for the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission.

[0116] Example B19. The method of any of examples B14 to B18, wherein the power delta parameter is received via at least one of: a Xn setup request message, or a NG-RAN node configuration update message.

[0117] Example B20. The method of example B14, wherein the first message includes power control information associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission.

[0118] Example B21. The method of any of examples B14 to B20, wherein: the acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission is for interference mitigation with the second network node; and the power delta parameter associated with the second network node is based on the acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

[0119] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a wireless station or node (e.g., UE, user device, AP, BS, eNB, gNB, RAN node, network node, TRP, or other node) 1300 according to an example embodiment. The wireless station 1300 may include, for example, one or more (e.g., two as shown in FIG. 7) RF (radio frequency) or wireless transceivers 1302A, 1302B, where each wireless transceiver includes a transmitter to transmit signals and a receiver to receive signals. The wireless station also includes a processor or control unit / entity (controller) 1304 to execute instructions or software and control transmission and receptions of signals, and a memory 1306 to store data and / or instructions.

[0120] Processor 1304 may also make decisions or determinations, generate frames, packets or messages for transmission, decode received frames or messages for further processing, and other tasks or functions described herein. Processor 1304, which may be a baseband processor, for example, may generate messages, packets, frames or other signals for transmission via wireless transceiver 1302 (1302A or 1302B). Processor 1304 may control transmission of signals or messages over a wireless network, and may control the reception of signals or messages, etc., via a wireless network (e.g., after being down-converted by wireless transceiver 1302, for example). Processor 1304 may be programmable and capable of executing software or other instructions stored in memory or on other computer media to perform the various tasks and functions described above, such as one or more of the tasks or methods described above. Processor 1304 may be (or may include), for example, hardware, programmable logic, a programmable processor that executes software or firmware, and / or any combination of these. Using other terminology, processor 1304 and transceiver 1302 together may be considered as a wireless transmitter / receiver system, for example.

[0121] In addition, referring to FIG. 7, a controller (or processor) 1308 may execute software and instructions, and may provide overall control for the station 1300, and may provide control for other systems not shown in FIG. 7, such as controlling input / output devices (e.g., display, keypad), and / or may execute software for one or more applications that may be provided on wireless station 1300, such as, for example, an email program, audio / video applications, a word processor, a Voice over IP application, or other application or software.

[0122] In addition, a storage medium may be provided that includes stored instructions, which when executed by a controller or processor may result in the processor 1304, or other controller or processor, performing one or more of the functions or tasks described above.

[0123] According to another example embodiment, RF or wireless transceiver(s) 1302A / 1302B may receive signals or data and / or transmit or send signals or data. Processor 1304 (and possibly transceivers 1302A / 1302B) may control the RF or wireless transceiver 1302A or 1302B to receive, send, broadcast or transmit signals or data.

[0124] Example embodiments are provided or described for each of the example methods, including: An apparatus (e.g., 1300, FIG. 7) including means (e.g., processor 1304, RF transceivers 1302A and / or 1302B, and / or memory 1306, in FIG. 7) for carrying out any of the methods; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., memory 1306, FIG. 7) comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor (processor 1304, FIG. 7), are configured to cause a computing system (e.g., 1300, FIG. 7) to perform any of the example methods; and an apparatus (e.g., 1300, FIG. 7) including at least one processor (e.g., processor 1304, FIG. 7), and at least one memory (e.g., memory 1306, FIG. 7) including computer program code, the at least one memory (1306) and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor (1304), cause the apparatus (e.g., 1300) at least to perform any of the example methods.

[0125] Embodiments of the various techniques described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. Embodiments may be implemented as a computer program product, i.e., a computer program tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a machine-readable storage device or in a propagated signal, for execution by, or to control the operation of, a data processing apparatus, e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers. Embodiments may also be provided on a computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium, which may be a non-transitory medium. Embodiments of the various techniques may also include embodiments provided via transitory signals or media, and / or programs and / or software embodiments that are downloadable via the Internet or other network(s), either wired networks and / or wireless networks. In addition, embodiments may be provided via machine type communications (MTC), and also via an Internet of Things (IOT).

[0126] As used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ or “circuit” refers to all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations, such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry, and (b) combinations of circuits and soft-ware (and / or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of processor(s) or (ii) portions of processor(s) / software including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus to perform various functions, and (c) circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of ‘circuitry’ applies to all uses of this term in this application. As a further example, as used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term ‘circuitry’ would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or another network device.

[0127] The computer program may be in source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectrical and / or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer, or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers.

[0128] Furthermore, embodiments of the various techniques described herein may use a cyber-physical system (CPS) (a system of collaborating computational elements controlling physical entities). CPS may enable the embodiment and exploitation of massive amounts of interconnected ICT devices (sensors, actuators, processors microcontrollers,...) embedded in physical objects at different locations. Mobile cyber physical systems, in which the physical system in question has inherent mobility, are a subcategory of cyberphysical systems. Examples of mobile physical systems include mobile robotics and electronics transported by humans or animals. The rise in popularity of smartphones has increased interest in the area of mobile cyber-physical systems. Therefore, various embodiments of techniques described herein may be provided via one or more of these technologies.

[0129] A computer program, such as the computer program(s) described above, can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a standalone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit or part of it suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0130] Method steps may be performed by one or more programmable processors executing a computer program or computer program portions to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. Method steps also may be performed by, and an apparatus may be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

[0131] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer, chip or chipset. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. Elements of a computer may include at least one processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer also may include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magnetooptical disks, or optical disks. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program 29 instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0132] To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments may be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a user interface, such as a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

[0133] Embodiments may be implemented in a computing system that includes a backend component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a frontend component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an embodiment, or any combination of such backend, middleware, or frontend components. Components may be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN), e.g., the Internet.

[0134] While certain features of the described embodiments have been illustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the various embodiments.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:receive, from at least one of a first network node or a second network node, a first message comprising a power delta parameter for one or more layers or antenna ports of a multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) transmission, wherein the power delta parameter is associated with a maximum power for transmission of data of the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission to the first network node;perform a measurement of a strength of a received signal from the second network node;determine, based on the power delta parameter and the strength of the received signal from the second network node, a transmit power level for the transmission of the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission; andtransmit, to the first network node, the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission, based on the transmit power level, the transmit power level being within an acceptable range for neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further caused to transmit to the first network node, a second message comprising an indication of per layer or per antenna port power control support for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first message comprises power control information associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein:the power delta parameter is associated with the second network node;the acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission is for interference mitigation with the second network node; andthe power delta parameter associated with the second network node is based on the acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

5. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first message is received from the first network node and comprises at least one of:a downlink control information (DCI), wherein the DCI comprises the power delta parameter;a radio resource control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message comprises the power delta parameter; ora medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), wherein the MAC CE comprises the power delta parameter.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: receive an updated value of the power delta parameter via at least one of a DCI, a RRC message, or a MAC CE.

7. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first message is received from the second network node.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the power delta parameter is received via at least one of:a master information block (MIB) from the second network node;a system information block (SIB) received from the second network node; or contained within a synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission from the second network node.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the one or more layers or antenna ports comprises a second layer or antenna port other than a first layer or antenna port of the MIMO transmission.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the transmit power level associated with the second layer or antenna port of the MIMO transmission is less than a maximum power for transmission of data of the second layer or antenna port of the MIMO transmission that is determined based on the power delta parameter.

11. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: monitor synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) from at least one of the first network node or the second network node based on a SSB measurement timing configuration (SMTC); anddetermine based on the monitored SSBs a pathloss between the apparatus and at least one of the first network node or the second network node.

12. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second network node comprises one or more second network nodes.

13. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the apparatus is further caused to:determine a first transmit power level for a transmission of first data associated with a first layer of the MIMO transmission; andwherein the determined transmit power level for the transmission of the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission is different from the first transmit power level.

14. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:determine based on communication with a second network node, a power delta parameter for one or more layers or antenna ports of a multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) transmission;transmit to a user device, a first message comprising the power delta parameter; andreceive from the user device, data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission, based on a transmit power level, the transmit power level being within an acceptable range for neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is further caused to receive from the user device, a second message comprising an indication of per layer or per antenna port power control support for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 or 15, wherein the apparatus is further caused to determine based on communication with the second network node, an updated value of the power delta parameter.

17. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the first message comprises at least one of:a downlink control information (DCI), wherein the DCI comprises the power delta parameter;a radio resource control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message comprises the power delta parameter; ora medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), wherein the MAC CE comprises the power delta parameter.

18. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the determining based on communication with the second network node comprises at least one of:receiving, from the second network node, the power delta parameter for the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission; ornegotiating with the second network node the power delta parameter for the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission.

19. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the power delta parameter is received via at least one of: a Xn setup request message, or a NG-RAN node configuration update message.

20. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 19, wherein the first message comprises power control information associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission.

21. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 20, wherein:the acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission is for interference mitigation with the second network node; andthe power delta parameter associated with the second network node is based on the acceptable range for the neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

22. A method comprising:receiving by a user device, from at least one of a first network node or a second network node, a first message comprising a power delta parameter for one or more layers or antenna ports of a multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) transmission, wherein the power delta parameter is associated with a maximum power for transmission of data of the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission to the first network node;performing a measurement of a strength of a received signal from the second network node;determining, based on the power delta parameter and the strength of the received signal from the second network node, a transmit power level for the transmission of the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission; andtransmitting, to the first network node, the data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission, based on the transmit power level, the transmit power level being within an acceptable range for neighbor cell interference mitigation of the MIMO transmission.

523. A method compri sing:determining by a first network node, based on communication with a second network node, a power delta parameter for one or more layers or antenna ports of a multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) transmission;10 transmitting to a user device, a first message comprising the power deltaparameter; andreceiving from the user device, data associated with the one or more layers or antenna ports of the MIMO transmission, based on a transmit power level, the transmit power level being within an acceptable range for neighbor cell interference 15 mitigation of the MIMO transmission.37

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