Inter-cell multi-TRP based cell selection

Abstract

A method for cell selection in a telecommunications network is based on inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point (multi-TRP) operation. A first apparatus (such as a terminal device) receiv

Description

FIELDS

[0001] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunication and in particular, to apparatuses, methods and computer readable storage medium for cell selection based on an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point (multi-TRP) operation. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a multiple transmission and reception (or transmit / receive) point (multi-TRP or mTRP) operation, a serving cell may schedule user equipment (UE) from two TRPs, providing better coverage, reliability and / or data rates. Currently, during cell selection or reselection, a UE may perform ranking of cells for (re)selection to a suitable cell. However, a cell ranking procedure in the fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) does not take into account cell deployment and neighbour cell suitability for inter-cell multi-TRP connections. SUMMARY

[0003] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: receive, from a second apparatus, a first configuration of at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; receive, from the second apparatus, a second configuration of a threshold of a difference between cell qualities of candidate cells; and perform at least one of cell selection or cell ranking, based on at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration.

[0004] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second apparatus. The second apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus at least to: transmit, to a first apparatus, a first configuration of at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; and transmit, to the first apparatus, a second configuration of a threshold of a relative cell quality between a pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation, where at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration is appliable to at least one of cell selection or cell ranking by the first apparatus.

[0005] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method. The method comprises: receiving, from a second apparatus, a first configuration of at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; receiving, from the second apparatus, a second configuration of a threshold of a difference between cell qualities of candidate cells; and performing at least one of cell selection or cell ranking, based on at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration.

[0006] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method. The method comprises: transmitting, to a first apparatus, a first configuration of at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; and transmitting, to the first apparatus, a second configuration of a threshold of a relative cell quality between a pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation, where at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration is appliable to at least one of cell selection or cell ranking by the first apparatus.

[0007] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a second apparatus, a first configuration of at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; means for receiving, from the second apparatus, a second configuration of a threshold of a difference between cell qualities of candidate cells; and means for performing at least one of cell selection or cell ranking, based on at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration.

[0008] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second apparatus. The second apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to a first apparatus, a first configuration of at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; and means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a second configuration of a threshold of a relative cell quality between a pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation, where at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration is appliable to at least one of cell selection or cell ranking by the first apparatus.

[0009] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: determine respective cell qualities of a plurality of cells; determine a first cell from the plurality of cells based on the respective cell qualities; determine at least one second cell from the plurality of cells, where a difference between a respective cell quality of each second cell of the at least one second cell and a cell quality of the first cell is smaller than or equal to a threshold; and perform at least one of cell selection or cell ranking for the first cell and the at least one second cell.

[0010] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method. The method comprises: determining respective cell qualities of a plurality of cells; determining a first cell from the plurality of cells based on the respective cell qualities; determining at least one second cell from the plurality of cells, where a difference between a respective cell quality of each second cell of the at least one second cell and a cell quality of the first cell is smaller than or equal to a threshold; and performing at least one of cell selection or cell ranking for the first cell and the at least one second cell.

[0011] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises means for determining respective cell qualities of a plurality of cells; means for determining a first cell from the plurality of cells based on the respective cell qualities; means for determining at least one second cell from the plurality of cells, where a difference between a respective cell quality of each second cell of the at least one second cell and a cell quality of the first cell is smaller than or equal to a threshold; and means for performing at least one of cell selection or cell ranking for the first cell and the at least one second cell.

[0012] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: obtain information related to at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; and select a cell from a set of cells based on the information.

[0013] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method. The method comprises: obtaining information related to at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; and selecting a cell from a set of cells based on the information.

[0014] In a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises means for obtaining information related to at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; and means for selecting a cell from a set of cells based on the information.

[0015] In a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: obtain information related to at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; determine at least one cell from a set of cells based on the information; and select a cell from the at least one cell based on a respective number of at least one paired cell of each cell of the at least one cell.

[0016] In a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method. The method comprises: obtaining information related to at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; determining at least one cell from a set of cells based on the information; and selecting a cell from the at least one cell based on a respective number of at least one paired cell of each cell of the at least one cell.

[0017] In a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises means for obtaining information related to at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; means for determining at least one cell from a set of cells based on the information; and means for selecting a cell from the at least one cell based on a respective number of at least one paired cell of each cell of the at least one cell.

[0018] In a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: obtain information related to at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; determine at least one cell from a set of cells based on the information, each cell of the at least one cell having at least one paired cell to provide the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; and select a cell from the at least one cell based on a respective number of detected transmission and reception points across each cell of the at least one cell and at least one paired cell of the cell.

[0019] In a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method. The method comprises: obtaining information related to at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; determining at least one cell from a set of cells based on the information, each cell of the at least one cell having at least one paired cell to provide the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; and selecting a cell from the at least one cell based on a respective number of detected transmission and reception points across each cell of the at least one cell and at least one paired cell of the cell.

[0020] In an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises means for obtaining information related to at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; means for determining at least one cell from a set of cells based on the information, each cell of the at least one cell having at least one paired cell to provide the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; and means for selecting a cell from the at least one cell based on a respective number of detected transmission and reception points across each cell of the at least one cell and at least one paired cell of the cell.

[0021] In a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: obtain information related to at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; and rank a set of cells based on the information.

[0022] In a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method. The method comprises: obtaining information related to at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; and ranking a set of cells based on the information.

[0023] In a twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises means for obtaining information related to at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; and means for ranking a set of cells based on the information.

[0024] In a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the third, fourth, eighth, eleventh, fourteenth, seventeenth or twentieth aspect.

[0025] It is to be understood that the Summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily comprehensible through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, where:

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication environment in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a signaling diagram of cell selection or ranking according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of an example method implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example method implemented at a second apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of another example method implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of yet another example method implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of another example method implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of yet another example method implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of another method 900 implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 10 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a device that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0037] FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer readable medium in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It is to be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Embodiments described herein can be implemented in various manners other than the ones described below.

[0040] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0041] References in the present disclosure to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” and the like indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but it is not necessary that every embodiment includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0042] It shall be understood that although the terms “first,” “second” 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. 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.

[0043] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0044] As used herein, unless stated explicitly, performing a step “in response to A” does not indicate that the step has to be performed immediately after “A” occurs and one or more intervening steps may be included.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having”, “includes” and / or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0046] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0047] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0048] As used herein, the term “communication network” refers to a network following any suitable communication standards, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-loT) and so on. Furthermore, the communications between a terminal device and a network device in the communication network may be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocols either currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in various communication systems. Given the rapid development in communications, there will of course also be future type communication technologies and systems with which the present disclosure may be embodied. It should not be seen as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to only the aforementioned system.

[0049] As used herein, the term “network device” or “network access device” refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. The network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low power node such as a femto, a pico, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-ground network device such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, an aircraft network device, and so forth, depending on the applied terminology and technology. In some example embodiments, radio access network (RAN) split architecture comprises a Centralized Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU) at an IAB donor node. An IAB node comprises a Mobile Terminal (IAB-MT) part that behaves like a UE toward the parent node, and a DU part of an IAB node behaves like a base station toward the next-hop IAB node.

[0050] The term “terminal device” refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example rather than limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), a Subscriber Station (SS), a Portable Subscriber Station, a Mobile Station (MS), or an Access Terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, a tablet, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like. The terminal device may also correspond to a Mobile Termination (MT) part of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms “terminal device”, “communication device”, “terminal”, “user equipment” and “UE” may be used interchangeably.

[0051] As used herein, the term “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block” (PRB), “uplink resource,” or “downlink resource” may refer to any resource for performing a communication, for example, a communication between a terminal device and a network device, such as a resource in time domain, a resource in frequency domain, a resource in space domain, a resource in code domain, or any other resource enabling a communication, and the like. In the following, unless explicitly stated, a resource in both frequency domain and time domain will be used as an example of a transmission resource for describing some example embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted that example embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0052] FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. The communication environment 100 includes a first apparatus 110 which may operate as a terminal device such as a UE. The first apparatus 110 may communicate with a plurality of second apparatuses, for example, including second apparatuses 120-0, 120-1, 120-2 and 120-3 (individually or collectively referred to as second apparatus(es) 120) which may operate as a network device such as a gNB.

[0053] Each second apparatus 120 may provide at least one cell. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the second apparatuses 120-0, 120-1, 120-2 and 120-3 may provide cells 125-0, 125-1, 125-2 and 125-3 (individually or collectively referred to as cell(s) 125), denoted by physical cell identity 0 (PCI0), PCI1, PCI2 and PCI3, respectively. The first apparatus 110 may be served in each of the cells 125. The cell 125-0 which is serving the first apparatus 110 may be called a serving cell of the first apparatus 110. The cells 125-1, 125-2 and 125-3 will also be referred to as neighbour cells.

[0054] It is to be understood that the cells 125-1, 125-2 and 125-3 are shown to be provided respectively by the second apparatuses 120-1, 120-2 and 120-3 only for the purpose of illustration, without suggesting any limitation. More than one cell 125 may be provided by a single second apparatus 120. It is also to be understood that the numbers and types of apparatuses and cells illustrated in FIG. 1 are only illustrative, but not limited. The communication environment 100 may include any suitable numbers and types of apparatuses and cells for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] In the example embodiments where the first apparatus 110 operates as a terminal device and the second apparatus 120 operates a network device, a link from the second apparatus 120 to the first apparatus 110 may be referred to as a DL, and a link from the first apparatus 110 to the second apparatus 120 may be referred to as an uplink (UL). In DL, the second apparatus 120 is a transmitting (TX) device (or a transmitter) and the first apparatus 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or a receiver). In UL, the first apparatus 110 is a TX device and the second apparatus 120 is an RX device. In the example embodiments where both the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 operates as terminal devices, a link between the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 may be referred to as a sidelink (SL). In SL, one of the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 is a Tx device, and the other of the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 is a Rx device.

[0056] In the following, for the purpose of illustration, some example embodiments are described with the first apparatus 110 operating as a terminal device and the second apparatus 120 operating as a network device. However, in some example embodiments, operations described with respect to a terminal device may be implemented at a network device or other devices, and operations described with respect to a network device may be implemented at a terminal device or other devices.

[0057] Communications in the communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any proper communication protocol(s), comprising, but not limited to, cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), the fifth generation (5G), the sixth generation (6G), and the like, wireless local network communication protocols such as Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 and the like, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Moreover, the communication may utilize any proper wireless communication technology, comprising but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) and / or any other technologies currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0058] The multi-TRP (or mTRP) operation is allowed in the environment 100. In the multi-TRP operation, the first apparatus 110 may be scheduled from a plurality of TRPs in a cell 125, to provide better coverage, reliability and / or data rates, for example, for a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), and a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH).

[0059] There are two different operation modes to schedule multi-TRP PDSCH transmissions: single-downlink control information (DCI) and multi-DCI. For both modes, control of uplink and downlink operation may be done by a physical layer and a medium access control (MAC) layer, within a configuration provided by a radio resource control (RRC) layer. In a single-DCI mode, the UE is scheduled by the same DCI for both TRPs, and in a multi-DCI mode, the UE is scheduled by independent DCIs from each TRP.

[0060] There are two different operation modes for multi-TRP PDCCH: PDCCH repetition and single frequency network (SFN) based PDCCH transmission. In both modes, the UE can receive two PDCCH transmissions, one from each TRP, carrying the same DCI. In a PDCCH repetition mode, the UE may receive the two PDCCH transmissions carrying the same DCI from two linked search spaces each associated with a different CORESET. In an SFN based PDCCH transmission mode, the UE may receive the two PDCCH transmissions carrying the same DCI from a single search space / CORESET using different transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states.

[0061] For multi-TRP PUSCH repetition, according to indications in a single DCI or in a semi-static configured grant provided over RRC, the UE performs a PUSCH transmission of the same contents toward two TRPs with corresponding beam directions associated with different spatial relations. For multi-TRP PUCCH repetition, the UE performs PUCCH transmission of the same contents toward two TRPs with corresponding beam directions associated with different spatial relations.

[0062] For the inter-cell multi-TRP operation, for multi-DCI PDSCH transmission, one or more TCI states can be associated with synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) with a PCI different from a PCI of a serving cell (also called a serving cell PCI). The activated TCI states may be associated with at most one PCI different from the serving cell PCI at a time.

[0063] For the inter-cell and intra-cell multi-DCI multi-TRP operation, up to two timing advance groups (TAGs) with associated TAG identifiers (IDs) can be configured per serving cell. Each uplink (UL) / Joint TCI state is associated with a TAG ID and the UE applies the timing advance of the TAG ID associated with the UL / joint TCI state utilized for UL transmission.

[0064] For single-DCI multi-TRP simultaneous transmission with multi-panel (STxMP) spatial domain multiplexing (SDM) PUSCH transmission, different layers of one PUSCH are separately transmitted towards two TRPs. For single-DCI multi-TRP STxMP SFN PUSCH transmission, same layers of one PUSCH are transmitted towards two TRPs. For multi-DCI based multi-TRP STxMP PUSCH+PUSCH transmission, two PUSCHs are transmitted towards two TRPs. For single-DCI multi-TRP STxMP SFN PUCCH transmission, one PUCCH is transmitted towards two TRPs.

[0065] In the communication environment 100, when the first apparatus 110 is moving, for example, towards an edge of a cell 125-0, cell (re)selection may be performed by the first apparatus 110 based on cell ranking. A cell ranking procedure is defined in 5G NR. Regarding intra-frequency and equal priority inter-frequency cell reselection criteria, the cell-ranking criterion Rs for serving cell and Rn for neighbouring cells is defined by: Rs Qmeas,s "tQhyst - Qoffsettemp, (1) Rn ’meas,!! -Qoffset — Qoffsettemp. (2)

[0066] Qmeas represents RSRP measurement quantity used in cell reselections. For intra-frequency, Qoffset equals to Qoffsets.n, if Qoffsets,n is valid, otherwise this equals to zero. For inter-frequency, Qoffset equals to Qoffsets,n plus Qoffsetfrequency, if Qoffsets,n is valid, otherwise this equals to Qoffsetfrequency. Qoffsettemp represents offset temporarily applied to a cell.

[0067] A UE may perform ranking of all cells that fulfil the cell selection criterion S, which is defined in the third-generation partnership project (3GPP) standards. The cells may be ranked according to the R criteria specified above by deriving Qmeas,n and Qmeas,s and calculating the R values using averaged reference signal receiving power (RSRP) results.

[0068] If rangeToBestCell is not configured, the UE may perform cell reselection to the highest ranked cell. If rangeToBestCell is configured, then the UE may perform cell reselection to the cell with the highest number of beams above the threshold (i.e. absThreshSS-BlocksConsolidalion) among the cells whose R value is within rangeToBestCell of the R value of the highest ranked cell. If there are multiple such cells, the UE may perform cell reselection to the highest ranked cell among them. The parameter rangeToBestCell specifies the R value range which the cells whose R value is within the range can be a candidate for the highest ranked cell. The parameter absThreshSS-BlocksConsolidation specifies the minimum threshold for beams which can be used for selection of the highest ranked cells, if rangeToBestCell is configured, and for beams used for derivation of cell measurement quantity.

[0069] In all cases, the UE may reselect a cell, if the following conditions are met: the cell is better than the serving cell according to the cell reselection criteria specified above during a time interval; and more than 1 second has elapsed since the UE camped on the current serving cell. It is to be noted that if rangeToBestCell is configured but absThreshSS-BlocksConsolidation is not configured on an NR frequency, the UE considers that there is one beam above the threshold for each cell on that frequency. However, the current 5G NR cell ranking procedure does not take into account the cell deployment and the neighbour cell suitability for inter-cell mTRP connection.

[0070] Example embodiments of the present disclosure propose a solution for cell (re)selection or ranking. This solution takes into account suitability for inter-cell mTRP communication as a criterion for a cell ranking and (re)selection procedure. In an example embodiment, the inter-cell mTRP operation may be inter-changeably used with inter-cell beam management (ICBM). In some example embodiments, a serving cell may be selected based on potential candidate cells for inter-cell mTRP. In some example embodiments, the cell selection may be based on information provided by a network and / or based on UE determination. Some example implementations will be described below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0071] FIG. 2 shows a signaling diagram 200 of cell selection or ranking according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the second apparatus 120, for example, the second apparatus 120-0 that is serving the first apparatus 110, may transmit (202) a configuration (referred to as a first configuration) of at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multi-TRP operation to the first apparatus 110. Correspondingly, the first apparatus 110 may receive (204) the first configuration from the second apparatus 120.

[0072] In some example embodiments, the first configuration may be transmitted in a broadcast message such as system information (SI) and / or a dedicated message such as dedicated signaling. In some example embodiments, the first configuration may be transmitted in static signaling, semi-static signaling and / or dynamic signaling. For example, the first configuration may also be called an inter-cell mTRP candidate pair configuration which may be provisioned in the system information or via dedicated (RRC) signaling.

[0073] The first configuration may indicate which cells are configured as a candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multi-TRP operation, also called an (inter-cell) mTRP candidate pair. For example, the first configuration may indicate that the cell 125-1 is configured as an (inter-cell) mTRP candidate pair with the cell 125-2.

[0074] In some example embodiments, the first configuration may indicate, for a frequency range, a list of candidate pairs of cells capable of the inter-cell multi-TRP operation. In one example, the first apparatus 110 may be provided with a list of intercell mTRP cell pairs for a given frequency range. A frequency range may be corresponding to a frequency layer that may be associated with a set of (frequency) resources. The cell list may be e.g. listing possible candidate pairs for the inter-cell mTRP operation for the current frequency layer or for other frequency layer.

[0075] In addition to the first configuration, or as an alternative, as shown in FIG. 2, the second apparatus 120 may transmit (206) a configuration (referred to as a second configuration) of a threshold of a difference between cell qualities of candidate cells to the first apparatus 110. Correspondingly, the first apparatus 110 may receive (208) the second configuration from the second apparatus 120.

[0076] In some example embodiments, the second configuration may be transmitted in a broadcast message such as system information and / or a dedicated message. In some example embodiments, the second configuration may be transmitted in static signaling, semi-static signaling and / or dynamic signaling. In some example embodiments, the second configuration may indicate a value of the threshold. In an example, a relative cell quality value threshold parameter (denoted by threshold inter cell mTRP), which may indicate the threshold, may be configured by the network. This may be provided in the SI. The threshold may be set as any suitable value. For example, a value of the relative cell quality value threshold parameter may be expressed in dBs (e.g. 3 dB, 6dB, 9 dB etc.).

[0077] In some example embodiments, one or more other configurations of other parameters for cell selection and / or cell ranking may be transmitted from the second apparatus 120 to the first apparatus 110. Some example embodiments in this regard will be described in the following paragraphs.

[0078] In any of the example embodiments, the cell selection may refer to cell reselection. The cell reselection may be performed in IDLE or INACTIVE modes of an RRC connection.

[0079] Based on the first configuration and / or the second configuration, the first apparatus 110 may perform (210) at least one of cell selection or cell ranking. In some example, the first apparatus 110 may determine that the first configuration is applied for the at least one of the cell selection or the cell ranking, based on receiving the second configuration. In an example embodiment, the first apparatus 110 may be configured to perform inter-cell mTRP based cell (re)selection if the parameter threshold inter cell mTRP is provided / present in the system information. In another example embodiment, the first apparatus 110 may be configured to perform inter-cell mTRP based cell (re)selection if the parameter threshold inter cell mTRP is provided to the first apparatus 110, e.g., via dedicated signaling.

[0080] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may utilize the second configuration of the threshold to determine a set of cells for (re)selection or ranking. In some other example embodiment, the threshold may not be configured by the network, but predefined or hardcoded in the 3GPP standards.

[0081] In some example embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the first apparatus 110 may determine (212) respective cell qualities of a plurality of cells. The cell quality may be measured in any suitable metric. In some example embodiments, the cell equality may be indicated by the R value as defined by the equations (1) and (2). By way of example, the first apparatus 110 may determine the cell quality value (e.g. R value as defined by the equations (1) or (2) for cells it can detect, for example, including the serving cell (e.g. the serving cell 125-0) and one or more neighbour cells (e.g. the cells 125-1, 125-2 and 125-3).

[0082] From the plurality of cells, the first apparatus 110 may determine (214) a first cell based on the respective cell qualities. In some example embodiments, the first cell may have the highest cell quality of the plurality of cells. In an example, the first apparatus 110 may determine the cell with the highest R value. For example, the cell 125-3, i.e. PCI3 may have the highest R value. In this case, PCI3 is selected first.

[0083] Then, the first apparatus 110 may determine (216) at least one second cell from the plurality of cells. A difference between a respective cell quality of each second cell of the at least one second cell and a cell quality of the first cell is smaller than or equal to the threshold. For example, the first apparatus 110 may determine the cells that are within the threshold inter cell mTRP of the cell with highest R value. By way of example, PCI3 is the cell with the highest R value of - 83dBm. The cell 125-1, i.e. PCI1 has a R value of - 83dBm. If threshold inter cell m TRP = 3dB, then a difference between the R values of PCI1 and PCI3 is within 3dB. That is, PCI1 is a cell within the range (e.g. threshold inter cell mTRP) of the cell with the highest R value.

[0084] The first apparatus 110 may perform (218) cell selection and / or cell ranking for the first cell and the at least one second cell. For example, for a set of cells, including the cell with highest R value and the cells within threshold inter cell m TRP of the cell with highest R value, the first apparatus 110 may perform cell selection and / or cell ranking.

[0085] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may obtain (220) information related to at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multi-TRP operation. For the purpose of illustration, the information may also be referred to as inter-cell mTRP information. In some example embodiments, the information may be obtained from the received second configuration. In some other example embodiments, the information may be predefined or hardcoded in the 3GPP standards.

[0086] The first apparatus 110 may perform (222) cell select and / or cell ranking based on the inter-cell mTRP information. In an embodiment, cell ranking calculation may apply the inter-cell mTRP information in a cell ranking procedure for determining the cell re-selection and / or ranking.

[0087] According to some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may select a cell from a set of cells based on the inter-cell mTRP information. In some example embodiments, the set of cells may be selected based on respective cell qualities of the set of cells, for example, as described above with reference to the determination (212, 214, 216).

[0088] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may select a cell that has at least one paired cell to provide the inter-cell multi-TRP operation. For example, the inter-cell mTRP information may indicate that the cell 125-1 (i.e. PCI1) is configured as an inter-cell mTRP candidate pair with the cell 125-2 (i.e. PC12). PCI and PC3 are calculated to have R values that are close to each other and within the threshold inter cell mTRP range. For example, PCI3 has a higher R value, but PCI1 is within the threshold value range of the PCI3. Since PCI1 has an inter cell mTRP candidate cell PCI2, the first apparatus 110 may rank PCI1 higher than PCI3, and, accordingly, select PCI1 instead of PCI3.

[0089] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine, from the set of cells, a first cell with a first cell quality. Then, based on the inter-cell mTRP information, the first apparatus 110 may determine whether the first cell has a paired cell to provide the inter-cell multi-TRP operation. The first apparatus 110 may perform cell selection based on the determining. In some example embodiments, if it is determined that the first cell has at least one paired cell to provide the inter-cell multi-TRP operation, the first apparatus 110 may select the first cell.

[0090] In an example, the first cell may have the highest cell quality of the set of cells. For example, the first apparatus 110 may select the cell with the highest R value if the cell has at least one inter-cell mTRP candidate. By way of example, the first apparatus 110 may determine the inter-cell candidate cells for the cell with highest R value, for example, based on the SI or dedicated RRC signaling carrying the inter-cell mTRP information. If at least one candidate cell is found from the set of cells that are within threshold inter cell mTRP of the cell with the highest R value, the first apparatus 110 may select the cell with the highest R value.

[0091] In some example embodiments, if it is determined that the first cell has no paired cell to provide the inter-cell multi-TRP operation, the first apparatus 110 may determine, from the set of cells, a second cell with a second cell quality lower than the first cell quality. Based on the information, the first apparatus 110 may determine whether the second cell has a paired cell to provide the inter-cell multi-TRP operation. If it is determined that the second cell has at least one paired cell to provide the inter-cell multi-TRP operation, the first apparatus 110 may select the second cell.

[0092] In an example, in the example embodiments where the first cell has the highest cell quality of the set of cells, the second cell has the second highest cell quality of the set of cells. By way of example, if no candidate cell is found from the set of cells that are within threshold inter cell mTRP of the cell with the highest R value, the first apparatus 110 may determine the inter-cell mTRP candidate cells (for example, based on the SI or dedicated RRC signaling carrying the inter-cell mTRP information) for the cell with the second highest R value. If at least one candidate cell is found from the set of cells that are within threshold inter ceI! mTRP of the cell with the second highest R value, the first apparatus 110 may select the cell with the second highest R value. If no candidate cell is found for the cell with the second highest R value, the first apparatus 110 may determine the inter-cell candidate cells (e.g., based on SI or dedicated RRC signaling) for the cell with the third, fourth, etc. highest R value.

[0093] In some example embodiments, based on the inter-cell mTRP information, the first apparatus 110 may determine that none of the set of cells has a paired cell to provide the inter-cell multi-TRP operation. Then, the first apparatus 110 may select, from the set of cells, a cell with the highest cell quality. For example, if no cell has inter-cell mTRP candidate within the set of cells, the first apparatus 110 may select the cell with the highest R value.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may select a cell that is capable of the inter-cell multi-TRP operation. In some example embodiments, based on the inter-cell mTRP information, the first apparatus 110 may determine at least one cell from the set of cells where each of the at least one cell is capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation. Then, the first apparatus 110 may select a cell from the at least one cell based on a respective cell quality of each cell of the at least one cell. In an example, the first apparatus 110 may select the cell that has the highest cell quality of the at least one cell.

[0095] By way of example, the first apparatus 110 may select a cell that has the highest R value cell and supports inter-cell mTRP. For example, the first apparatus 110 may determine the cell(s) supporting inter-cell mTRP. Out of the cells supporting inter-cell mTRP, the first apparatus 110 may (re)select the cell having the highest R value.

[0096] In some example embodiments, if the first apparatus 110 determines, based on the inter-cell mTRP information, that none of the set of cells is capable of the multiple transmission and reception point operation, then the first apparatus 110 may select, from the set of cells, a cell with the highest cell quality. For example, if no cells supporting inter-cell mTRP is detected, the first apparatus 110 may (re)select the cell having the highest R value.

[0097] In some example embodiments, whether two or more cells are considered as suitable inter-cell candidate pairs may be further based on a determination of the first apparatus 110. In an example, the first apparatus 110 may determine a set of cells based on the information, where each cell of the at least one cell has at least one paired cell to provide the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation. The first apparatus 110 may detect reference signals from a cell of the set of cells and at least one paired cell of the cell, using different antenna configurations. The antenna configurations may include any configuration related to antennas, such as antenna panels. If the reference signals are detected from the cell and the at least one paired cell using the different antenna configurations, the first apparatus 110 may determine the cell and the at least one paired cell as at least one candidate pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multi-TRP operation.

[0098] By way of example, if the first apparatus 110 may detect reference signals of a first cell and a second cell using different antenna configurations (for example, different antenna panels), the first apparatus 110 may determine that cells are a suitable inter-cell candidate pair.

[0099] According to some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may take into account a respective number of at least one paired cell of each cell. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine at least one cell from a set of cells based on the inter-cell mTRP information that may be obtained from the first configuration received (204) or predefined or preconfigured. In some example embodiments, the set of cells may be selected based on respective cell qualities of the set of cells, for example, as described above with reference to the determination (212, 214, 216). Then, the first apparatus 110 may select a cell from the at least one cell based on a respective number of at least one paired cell of each cell of the at least one cell.

[0100] In some example embodiments, based on the inter-cell mTRP information, the first apparatus 110 may determine the at least one cell each having at least one paired cell to provide the inter-cell multi-TRP operation. In some example embodiments, the at least one paired cell of each cell of the at least one cell may be detected by the first apparatus 110. Then, the first apparatus 110 may select the cell that has the highest number of paired cells to provide the inter-cell multi-TRP operation, among the at least one cell. For the purpose of discussion, a paired cell to provide the inter-cell multi-TRP operation may also be referred to as an inter-cell candidate cell.

[0101] By way of example, the first apparatus 110 may determine a cell that has the highest number of (detected) inter-cell candidate cells listed in the cells that may be determined by the first apparatus 110 to have at least one paired cell to provide the intercell multi-TRP operation. Then, the first apparatus 110 may (re)select to that cell having the highest number of (detected) inter-cell candidate cells.

[0102] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may select the cell from the at least one cell further based on a respective cell quality of each cell of the at least one cell. In some example embodiments, a subset of cells are determined from the set of cells based on inter-cell mTRP information. Among the subset of cells, the first apparatus 110 may determine a plurality of cells with the highest number of paired cells to provide the inter-cell multi-TRP operation. In this case, the first apparatus 110 may select a cell from the plurality of cells based on respective cell qualities of the plurality of cells. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may select the cell that has the highest cell quality of the plurality of cells.

[0103] In an example, the first apparatus 110 may select the cell with the highest R and the highest number inter-cell mTRP candidates. For example, the first apparatus 110 may determine multiple cells that have the same number of inter-cell candidates, the first apparatus 110 may select to the cell with the highest R value of those cells. In an example, if no cell has inter-cell mTRP candidate within the set of cells, the first apparatus 110 may select the cell with the highest R value.

[0104] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine the at least one cell from the set of cells based on the inter-cell mTRP information, where each of the at least one cell may be capable of the inter-cell multi-TRP operation. In an example, the at least one paired cell of each cell of the at least one cell may be supported by the cell. Then, the first apparatus 110 may select a cell from the at least one cell based on a respective number of at least one paired cell of each cell of the at least one cell.

[0105] In an example, the first apparatus 110 may select the cell that supports the most inter-cell mTRP candidates. For example, the first apparatus 110 may determine the cell(s) supporting inter-cell mTRP. Out of the cells supporting inter-cell mTRP, the first apparatus 110 may (re)select the cell having the highest number of inter-cell candidates that may be tentative, but not measured or detected. In an example, if multiple cells have the same number of inter-cell candidates, the first apparatus 110 may select the cell with the highest R value.

[0106] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine the at least one cell from the set of cells based on the inter-cell mTRP information, where a paired cell of each cell of the at least one cell may have a cell quality with a quality offset with respect to a cell quality of the cell. The quality offset may be smaller than or equal to a threshold. For example, the first apparatus 110 may select the cell that has the most candidate cells for inter-cell mTRP that are within a value of a quality offset (e.g. a threshold of a quality offset between a pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multi-TRP operation) from each other.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 may transmit, to the first apparatus 110, a configuration (referred to as a third configuration) of this threshold. Correspondingly, the first apparatus 110 may receive the third configuration from the second apparatus 120. In an example, the threshold may be indicated by a parameter offset value Inter Cell. In an example, the first apparatus 110 may select the cell that has the highest R value and has the most inter-cell candidate cells, where the inter-cell candidate cells may have R values within offset value Inter Cell of each other. For example, if a cell is to be considered as an mTRP candidate cell for a certain cell, it may have to have a quality that is within offset value Inter Cell of the certain cell. The value of offset value Inter Cell may be configured by the network and may be expressed in dBs. In some other example embodiments, the threshold of a quality offset between a pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multi-TRP operation may be predefined or specified in the 3GPP standards.

[0108] According to some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine at least one cell from a set of cells based on the inter-cell mTRP information, where each cell of the at least one cell having at least one paired cell to provide the intercell multiple transmission and reception point operation. In some example embodiments, the set of cells may be selected based on respective cell qualities of the set of cells, for example, as described above with reference to the determination (212, 214, 216). Then, the first apparatus 110 may select a cell from the at least one cell based on a respective number of detected TRPs across each cell of the at least one cell and at least one paired cell of the cell. In some example embodiments, the number of detected TRPs across the selected cell and the at least one paired cell of the selected cell may be highest among the at least one cell.

[0109] By way of example, the first apparatus 110 may perform cell selection based on the TRP level information, for example, including the number of intra and / or inter cell TRPs. For example, the first apparatus 110 may determine the combined number of detected TRPs across a first cell and a second cell, where the second cell is the inter-cell candite cell for the first cell. The first apparatus 110 may perform this for each cell listed in the cells that are determined from a set of cells based on the inter-cell mTRP information. Then, the first apparatus 110 may select the cell with the highest number of TRPs. [OHO] In some example embodiments, the cell may be selected from the at least one cell further based on a respective cell quality of the at least one cell. In some example embodiments, a subset of cells are determined from the set of cells based on inter-cell mTRP information. Among the subset of cells, the first apparatus 110 may determine a plurality of cells each having the highest number of detected TRPs across the cell and the at least one paired cell of the cell. In this case, the first apparatus 110 may select a cell from the plurality of cells based on respective cell qualities of the plurality of cells. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may select the cell that has the highest cell quality of the plurality of cells. By way of example, if the first apparatus 110 determines that multiple cells have the same number of detected TRPs, the first apparatus 110 may select to the cell with the highest R value.

[0111] In some example embodiments, whether TRPs is detected or not may be determined based on signal qualities of reference signals from the TRPs. In an example, if at least one reference signal from a TPR is detected to have a signal quality greater than or equal to a threshold, the TRP may be determined to be detected. In other words, at least one reference signal from each of the detected TRPs may be detected to have a signal quality greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0112] In some example embodiments, this threshold may be configured by a network. In an example, the second apparatus 120 may transmit, to the first apparatus 110, a configuration (referred to as a fourth configuration) of a threshold of a signal quality of a TRP. Correspondingly, the first apparatus 110 may receive the fourth configuration. This threshold may be denoted as a TRP detection threshold. For example, TRP detection may refer to detection of a TRP having at least one downlink reference signal (DL RS) above a signal quality threshold "TRP detection threshold" (configured by the network). In some other example embodiments, this threshold may be predefined or hardcoded in the 3GPP standards.

[0113] According to some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may utilize the inter-cell mTRP information for cell ranking. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may rank a set of cells based on the information. The set of cells may be selected based on respective cell qualities of the set of cells, for example, as described above with reference to the determination (212, 214, 216).

[0114] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine at least one cell from the set of cells based on the inter-cell mTRP information. Each cell of the at least one cell may have at least one paired cell to provide the inter-cell multi-TRP operation. Then, the first apparatus 110 may increasing a respective ranking value of each cell of the at least one cell. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may select a cell from the set of cells based on the ranking of the set of cells. [0H5] In some example embodiments, a respective ranking value of each cell of the at least one cell may be increased by a value associated with a number of at least one paired cell of the cell. By way of example, the first apparatus 110 may determine the R values for the (detected) cells. For each cell for which the R value is determined, the first apparatus 110 may further increase the R value for the cell by X dB if an inter-cell mTRP candidate is detected for the cell. Then, the first apparatus 110 may select the cell with the highest R value.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the increased value may be configured by a network. For example, XdB to be increased may be configured by the network or predefined in standards. In an example, the second apparatus 120 may transmit, to the first apparatus 110, a configuration (referred to as a fifth configuration) of a reference value for increasing a ranking value of a cell. Correspondingly, the first apparatus 110 may receive the fifth configuration from the second apparatus 120. In some other example embodiments, the reference value may be predefined or hardcoded in the 3GPP standards.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the increased value for a cell of the at least one cell may be equal to a multiple of the reference value, and a value of the multiple may be associated with a number of at least one paired cell of the cell. For example, PCI1 may have the R value of -86dBm, and 2 inter-cell mTRP candidate cells are detected for PCI1. In this case, if X = 3 dB, the R value of PCI 1 may be increased 2X=6dB and then become -80dBm. In this way, the R value for the cell may be increased for each of the inter-cell candidates associated with the cell. Further, during the cell selection, the cell that supports the most inter-cell mTRP candidates may be prioritized.

[0118] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, inter-cell mTRP connectivity may be enabled or favored when a UE is selecting the cell for camping. This may increase the UE throughput and connectivity robustness in a connected mode. Moreover, the UE may benefit from the multiple TRP connection due to increased data rates and reliability / robustness. By considering suitability for inter-cell mTRP communication, the cell ranking procedure may be improved or enhanced to enable the UE to (re)select to a cell that provides better performance.

[0119] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of an example method 300 implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 300 will be described from the perspective of the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1.

[0120] At block 310, the first apparatus 110 receives, from the second apparatus 120, a first configuration of at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation.

[0121] At block 320, the first apparatus 110 receives, from the second apparatus 120, a second configuration of a threshold of a difference between cell qualities of candidate cells.

[0122] At block 330, the first apparatus 110 performs at least one of cell selection or cell ranking, based on at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration.

[0123] In some example embodiments, at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration may be received in at least one of a broadcast message or a dedicated message.

[0124] In some example embodiments, at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration may be received in at least one of static signaling, semi-static signaling or dynamic signaling.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine that the first configuration is applied for the at least one of the cell selection or the cell ranking, based on receiving the second configuration.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the first configuration indicates, for a frequency range, a list of candidate pairs of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive, from the second apparatus 120, a third configuration of a threshold of a quality offset between a pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation. The at least one of the cell selection or the cell ranking may be performed further based on the third configuration.

[0128] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive, from the second apparatus 120, a fourth configuration of a threshold of a signal quality of a transmission and reception point. The at least one of the cell selection or the cell ranking may be performed further based on the fourth configuration.

[0129] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive, from the second apparatus 120, a fifth configuration of a reference value for increasing a ranking value of a cell. The at least one of the cell selection or the cell ranking may be performed further based on the fifth configuration.

[0130] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of an example method 400 implemented at a second apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 400 will be described from the perspective of the second apparatus 120 in FIG. 1.

[0131] At block 410, the second apparatus 120 transmits, to the first apparatus 110, a first configuration of at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation.

[0132] At block 420, the second apparatus 120 transmits, to the first apparatus 110, a second configuration of a threshold of a relative cell quality between a pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation. At least one of the first configuration or the second configuration is appliable to at least one of cell selection or cell ranking by the first apparatus.

[0133] In some example embodiments, at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration may be transmitted in at least one of a broadcast message or a dedicated message.

[0134] In some example embodiments, at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration may be transmitted in at least one of static signaling, semi-static signaling or dynamic signaling.

[0135] In some example embodiments, the second configuration may be transmitted to indicate that the first configuration is applicable to the at least one of the cell selection or the cell ranking.

[0136] In some example embodiments, the first configuration may indicate, for a frequency range, a list of candidate pairs of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 may transmit, to the first apparatus 110, a third configuration of a threshold of a quality offset between a pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation. The third configuration may be applicable to the at least one of the cell selection or the cell ranking.

[0138] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 may transmit, to the first apparatus 110, a fourth configuration of a threshold of a signal quality of a transmission and reception point. The fourth configuration may be applicable to the at least one of the cell selection or the cell ranking.

[0139] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 transmit, to the first apparatus 110, a fifth configuration of a reference value for increasing a ranking value of a cell. The fifth configuration may be applicable to the at least one of the cell selection or the cell ranking.

[0140] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of another example method 500 implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 500 will be described from the perspective of the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1.

[0141] At block 510, the first apparatus 110 determines respective cell qualities of a plurality of cells.

[0142] At block 520, the first apparatus 110 determines a first cell from the plurality of cells based on the respective cell qualities.

[0143] At block 530, the first apparatus 110 determines at least one second cell from the plurality of cells. A difference between a respective cell quality of each second cell of the at least one second cell and a cell quality of the first cell is smaller than or equal to a threshold.

[0144] At block 540, the first apparatus 110 performs at least one of cell selection or cell ranking for the first cell and the at least one second cell.

[0145] In some example embodiments, the first cell may have the highest cell quality of the plurality of cells.

[0146] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive a configuration of the threshold from the second apparatus 120.

[0147] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may obtain information related to at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation. The at least one of cell selection or cell ranking may be performed for the first cell and the at least one second cell based on the information.

[0148] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive, from the second apparatus 120, a configuration of the at least one candidate pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation, where the information is obtained from the received configuration.

[0149] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of yet another example method 600 implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 600 will be described from the perspective of the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1.

[0150] At block 610, the first apparatus 110 obtains information related to at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation.

[0151] At block 620, the first apparatus 110 selects a cell from a set of cells based on the information.

[0152] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive, from the second apparatus 120, a configuration of the at least one candidate pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation. The information may be obtained from the received configuration.

[0153] In some example embodiments, the cell may be selected from the set of cells further based on respective cell qualities of the set of cells.

[0154] In some example embodiments, the selected cell may have at least one paired cell to provide the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine, from the set of cells, a first cell with a first cell quality; determine, based on the information, whether the first cell has a paired cell to provide the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; and perform cell selection based on the determining whether the first cell has a paired cell.

[0156] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may select the first cell based on determining that the first cell has at least one paired cell to provide the intercell multiple transmission and reception point operation.

[0157] In some example embodiments, based on determining that the first cell has no paired cell to provide the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation, the first apparatus 110 may determine, from the set of cells, a second cell with a second cell quality lower than the first cell quality; determine, based on the information. The second cell may have a paired cell to provide the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation. Then, the first apparatus 110 may select the second cell based on determining that the second cell has at least one paired cell to provide the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation.

[0158] In some example embodiments, the first cell may have the highest cell quality of the set of cells, and the second cell has the second highest cell quality of the set of cells.

[0159] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine, based on the information, that none of the set of cells has a paired cell to provide the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; and select, from the set of cells, a cell with the highest cell quality.

[0160] In some example embodiments, the selected cell may be capable of the intercell multiple transmission and reception point operation.

[0161] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine, based on the information, at least one cell from the set of cells. Each of the at least one cell may be capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation. The first apparatus 110 may select a cell from the at least one cell based on a respective cell quality of each cell of the at least one cell.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the selected cell may have the highest cell quality of the at least one cell.

[0163] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine, based on the information, that none of the set of cells is capable of the multiple transmission and reception point operation; and select, from the set of cells, a cell with the highest cell quality.

[0164] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine the set of cells based on the information. Each cell of the at least one cell may have at least one paired cell to provide the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation. The first apparatus 110 may detect reference signals from a cell of the set of cells and at least one paired cell of the cell, using different antenna configurations; and in response to detecting the reference signals using the different antenna configurations, determine the cell and the at least one paired cell of the cell as at least one candidate pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation.

[0165] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of another example method 700 implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 700 will be described from the perspective of the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1.

[0166] At block 710, the first apparatus 110 obtains information related to at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation.

[0167] At block 720, the first apparatus 110 determines at least one cell from a set of cells based on the information.

[0168] At block 730, the first apparatus 110 selects a cell from the at least one cell based on a respective number of at least one paired cell of each cell of the at least one cell.

[0169] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive, from the second apparatus 120, a configuration of the at least one candidate pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation. The information may be obtained from the received configuration.

[0170] In some example embodiments, each cell of the at least one cell may have at least one paired cell to provide the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation.

[0171] In some example embodiments, each cell of the at least one cell may be capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation.

[0172] In some example embodiments, the selected cell may have the highest number of paired cells to provide the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation, among the at least one cell.

[0173] In some example embodiments, the cell may be selected from the at least one cell further based on a respective cell quality of each cell of the at least one cell.

[0174] In some example embodiments, the at least one cell may comprise a subset of cells determined from the set of cells based on the information. The first apparatus 110 may determine, among the subset of cells, a plurality of cells with the highest number of paired cells to provide the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; and select a cell from the plurality of cells based on respective cell qualities of the plurality of cells.

[0175] In some example embodiments, the selected cell may have the highest cell quality of the plurality of cells.

[0176] In some example embodiments, the at least one paired cell of each cell of the at least one cell may be detected by the first apparatus.

[0177] In some example embodiments, a paired cell of each cell of the at least one cell may have a cell quality with a quality offset with respect to a cell quality of the cell. The quality offset may be smaller than or equal to a threshold.

[0178] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive a configuration of the threshold from a second apparatus.

[0179] In some example embodiments, the at least one paired cell of each cell of the at least one cell may be supported by the cell.

[0180] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of yet another method 800 implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 800 will be described from the perspective of the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1.

[0181] At block 810, the first apparatus 110 obtains information related to at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation.

[0182] At block 820, the first apparatus 110 determines at least one cell from a set of cells based on the information, each cell of the at least one cell having at least one paired cell to provide the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation.

[0183] At block 830, the first apparatus 110 selects a cell from the at least one cell based on a respective number of detected transmission and reception points across each cell of the at least one cell and at least one paired cell of the cell.

[0184] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive, from the second apparatus 120, a configuration of the at least one candidate pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation. The information may be obtained from the received configuration.

[0185] In some example embodiments, the number of detected transmission and reception points across the selected cell and the at least one paired cell of the selected cell may be highest among the at least one cell.

[0186] In some example embodiments, the cell may be selected from the at least one cell further based on a respective cell quality of the at least one cell.

[0187] In some example embodiments, the at least one cell may comprise a subset of cells determined from the set of cells based on the information. The first apparatus 110 may determine a plurality of cells among the subset of cells. Each cell of the plurality of cells may have the highest number of detected transmission and reception points across the cell and the at least one paired cell of the cell; and select a cell from the plurality of cells based on respective cell qualities of the plurality of cells.

[0188] In some example embodiments, the selected cell may have the highest cell quality of the plurality of cells.

[0189] In some example embodiments, at least one reference signal from each of the detected transmission and reception points may be detected to have a signal quality greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0190] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive a configuration of the threshold from a second apparatus.

[0191] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of another method 900 implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 900 will be described from the perspective of the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1.

[0192] At block 910, the first apparatus 110 obtains information related to at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation.

[0193] At block 920, the first apparatus 110 ranks a set of cells based on the information.

[0194] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive, from the second apparatus 120, a configuration of the at least one candidate pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation. The information may be obtained from the received configuration.

[0195] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine at least one cell from the set of cells based on the information. Each cell of the at least one cell may have at least one paired cell to provide the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation. The first apparatus 110 may increase a respective ranking value of each cell of the at least one cell.

[0196] In some example embodiments, a respective ranking value of each cell of the at least one cell may be increased by a value associated with a number of at least one paired cell of the cell.

[0197] In some example embodiments, the value for a cell of the at least one cell may be equal to a multiple of a reference value. A value of the multiple may be associated with a number of at least one paired cell of the cell.

[0198] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive a configuration of the reference value from a second apparatus.

[0199] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may select a cell from the set of cells based on the ranking of the set of cells.

[0200] In some example embodiments, a first apparatus capable of performing the method 300 and 500 to 900 (for example, the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1) may comprise means for performing the respective operations of the method 800. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module. The first apparatus may be implemented as or included in the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1.

[0201] In some example embodiments, a second apparatus capable of performing the method 400 (for example, the second apparatus 120 in FIG. 1) may comprise means for performing the respective operations of the method 1100. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module. The second apparatus may be implemented as or included in the second apparatus 120 in FIG. 1.

[0202] FIG. 10 is a simplified block diagram of a device 1000 that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 1000 may be provided to implement a communication device, for example, the first apparatus 110 or the second apparatus 120 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the device 1000 includes one or more processors 1010, one or more memories 1020 coupled to the processor 1010, and one or more communication modules 1040 coupled to the processor 1010.

[0203] The communication module 1040 is for bidirectional communications. The communication module 1040 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interfaces may represent any interface that is necessary for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 1040 may include at least one antenna.

[0204] The processor 1010 may be of any type suitable to the local technical network and may include one or more of the following: general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The device 1000 may have multiple processors, such as an application specific integrated circuit chip that is slaved in time to a clock which synchronizes the main processor.

[0205] The memory 1020 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of the non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 1024, an electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, a hard disk, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disk (DVD), an optical disk, a laser disk, and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage. Examples of the volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a randomaccess memory (RAM) 1022 and other volatile memories that will not last in the powerdown duration.

[0206] A computer program 1030 includes computer executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 1010. The instructions of the program 1030 may include instructions for performing operations / acts of some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The program 1030 may be stored in the memory, e.g., the ROM 1024. The processor 1010 may perform any suitable actions and processing by loading the program 1030 into the RAM 1022.

[0207] The example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by means of the program 1030 so that the device 1000 may perform any process of the disclosure as discussed with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 9. The example embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0208] In some example embodiments, the program 1030 may be tangibly contained in a computer readable medium which may be included in the device 1000 (such as in the memory 1020) or other storage devices that are accessible by the device 1000. The device 1000 may load the program 1030 from the computer readable medium to the RAM 1022 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer readable medium may include any types of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, a flash memory, a hard disk, CD, DVD, and the like. The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0209] FIG. 11 shows an example of the computer readable medium 1100 which may be in form of CD, DVD or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium 1100 has the program 1030 stored thereon.

[0210] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, and other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device. Although various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other pictorial representations, it is to be understood that the block, apparatus, system, technique or method described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0211] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, being executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor, to carry out any of the methods as described above. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, or the like that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split between program modules as desired in various embodiments. Machine-executable instructions for program modules may be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0212] Program code for carrying out methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, cause the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may execute entirely on a machine, partly on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the machine and partly on a remote machine or entirely on the remote machine or server.

[0213] In the context of the present disclosure, the computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable the device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of the carrier include a signal, computer readable medium, and the like.

[0214] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable medium may include but not limited to an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer readable storage medium would include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a randomaccess memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc readonly memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0215] Further, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Likewise, although several specific implementation details are contained in the above discussions, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Unless explicitly stated, certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, unless explicitly stated, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in a plurality of embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0216] Although the present disclosure has been described in languages specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first apparatus comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to:receive, from a second apparatus, a first configuration of at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation;receive, from the second apparatus, a second configuration of a threshold of a difference between cell qualities of candidate cells; andperform at least one of cell selection or cell ranking, based on at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration.

2. The first apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration is received in at least one of a broadcast message or a dedicated message.

3. The first apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration is received in at least one of static signaling, semi-static signaling or dynamic signaling.

4. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to:determine that the first configuration is applied for the at least one of the cell selection or the cell ranking, based on receiving the second configuration.

5. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first configuration indicates, for a frequency range, a list of candidate pairs of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation.

6. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first apparatus to:receive, from the second apparatus, a third configuration of a threshold of a quality offset between a pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation,wherein the at least one of the cell selection or the cell ranking is performed further based on the third configuration.

7. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first apparatus to:receive, from the second apparatus, a fourth configuration of a threshold of a signal quality of a transmission and reception point,wherein the at least one of the cell selection or the cell ranking is performed further based on the fourth configuration.

8. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first apparatus to:receive, from the second apparatus, a fifth configuration of a reference value for increasing a ranking value of a cell,wherein the at least one of the cell selection or the cell ranking is performed further based on the fifth configuration.

9. A second apparatus comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus at least to:transmit, to a first apparatus, a first configuration of at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; andtransmit, to the first apparatus, a second configuration of a threshold of a relative cell quality between a pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation,wherein at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration is appliable to at least one of cell selection or cell ranking by the first apparatus.

10. The second apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration is transmitted in at least one of a broadcast message or a dedicated message.

11. The second apparatus of claim 9 or 10, wherein at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration is transmitted in at least one of static signaling, semi-static signaling or dynamic signaling.

12. The second apparatus of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the second configuration is transmitted to indicate that the first configuration is applicable to the at least one of the cell selection or the cell ranking.

13. The second apparatus of any of claims 9 to 10, wherein the first configuration indicates, for a frequency range, a list of candidate pairs of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation.

14. The second apparatus of any of claims 9 to 13, wherein the instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the second apparatus to:transmit, to the first apparatus, a third configuration of a threshold of a quality offset between a pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation,wherein the third configuration is applicable to the at least one of the cell selection or the cell ranking.

15. The second apparatus of any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the second apparatus to:transmit, to the first apparatus, a fourth configuration of a threshold of a signal quality of a transmission and reception point,wherein the fourth configuration is applicable to the at least one of the cell selection or the cell ranking.

16. The second apparatus of any of claims 9 to 15, wherein the instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the second apparatus to:transmit, to the first apparatus, a fifth configuration of a reference value for increasing a ranking value of a cell,wherein the fifth configuration is applicable to the at least one of the cell selection or the cell ranking.

17. A method comprising:at a first apparatus,receiving, from a second apparatus, a first configuration of at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation;receiving, from the second apparatus, a second configuration of a threshold of a difference between cell qualities of candidate cells; andperforming at least one of cell selection or cell ranking, based on at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration.

18. A method comprising:at a second apparatus,transmitting, to a first apparatus, a first configuration of at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; andtransmitting, to the first apparatus, a second configuration of a threshold of a relative cell quality between a pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation,wherein at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration is appliable to at least one of cell selection or cell ranking by the first apparatus.

19. A first apparatus comprising:means for receiving, from a second apparatus, a first configuration of at least one candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation;means for receiving, from the second apparatus, a second configuration of a threshold of a difference between cell qualities of candidate cells; andmeans for performing at least one of cell selection or cell ranking, based on at leastone of the first configuration or the second configuration.

20. A second apparatus comprising:means for transmitting, to a first apparatus, a first configuration of at least one 5 candidate pair of cells capable of an inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation; andmeans for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a second configuration of a threshold of a relative cell quality between a pair of cells capable of the inter-cell multiple transmission and reception point operation,10 wherein at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration is appliable to at least one of cell selection or cell ranking by the first apparatus.

21. A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus at least to perform the method of claim 17 or claim 18.

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