Network device, network scheduler device and method for enhanced ACK-NACK for multi-TRP transmissions

Abstract

A network device comprising a radio interface, and a controller configured to determine a first reception quality for a first TRP, determine a second reception quality for a second TRP, select at least one of the first TRP and the second TRP as a selected TRP based on the first and / or the second reception quality, and send a data communication acknowledgement message to a network scheduler device. Moreover, the data communication acknowledgement message indicates the selected TRP.

Description

[0001] NETWORK DEVICE, NETWORK SCHEDULER DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED ACK-NACK FOR MULTI- TRP TRANSMISSIONS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of wireless communication and more specifically, to a network device, a network scheduler device and a method utilizing radio interface and controller for retransmission, such as by enhancing the acknowledgement and negative acknowledgement for multi-transmission Reception Point (TRP) transmissions.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Multi-Transmission Reception Points (mTRP) in 5G networks work by coordinating multiple TRPs to transmit and receive data to / from a single user equipment (UE), using network-related information, such as Channel State Information (CSI), Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), and Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) states that enables reliable connections through joint transmissions. Moreover, UEs that are configured to coordinate with mTRPs often face many challenges, such as outdated channel measurements, increased signalling overhead, bottlenecks, and the like, thereby limiting the ability of the mTRP to manage data effectively in large or dynamically changing environments.

[0006] Certain attempts have been made to manage data effectively in large or dynamically changing environments, such as by implementing a centralized scheduler that is configured to transmit the data over long distances in a wireless network. However, such attempts often fail due to various reasons, such as inefficient data transmission due to reliance on outdated channel measurements, increased signalling overhead, latency issues, inefficient resource allocation, and the like. Thus, there exists a technical problem of how to enhance the quality of transmission or retransmission from TRPs by exploiting information available at network devices.

[0007] Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with the conventional network devices and conventional methods for retransmission.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] The present disclosure provides a network device, a network scheduler device and a method utilizing radio interface and controller for retransmission, such as by enhancing the acknowledgement and negative acknowledgement for multiTransmission Reception Point (TRP) transmissions. The present disclosure provides a solution to the existing problem of how to enhance the quality of transmission or retransmission form TRPs by exploiting information available at the network device. An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in the prior art and provides the network device, the network scheduler device, and the method for retransmission.

[0010] One or more objectives of the present disclosure are achieved by the solutions provided in the enclosed independent claims. Advantageous implementations of the present disclosure are further defined in the dependent claims.

[0011] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides the network device comprising the radio interface and the controller configured to determine a first reception quality for a first TRP, determine a second reception quality for a second TRP, and select at least one of the first TRP and the second TRP as a selected TRP based on the first and / or the second reception quality. Furthermore, the controller is configured to send a data communication acknowledgement message to a network scheduler device. Moreover, the data communication acknowledgement message indicates the selected TRP. Advantageously, the network device is configured to optimize the data communication by dynamically selecting the required TRP based on real-time reception quality assessments in order to enhance the signal quality, such as by reducing data retransmissions. Additionally, the adaptive resource management allows the network device to respond to changing network conditions, thereby reducing the overall latency for various applications that require real-time data exchange. Additionally, the network device is configured to provide TRP selection for transmission or retransmission, where the network device suggests the network about the required TRP to be used, thereby allowing fast adaptation to channel conditions without requiring further measurements from the network device, resulting in reduced delay in selecting TRPs, reduce resource network messaging overhead, and optimal TRP selection.

[0012] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for the network device determining a first reception quality for the first TRP, determining the second reception quality for the second TRP, selecting at least one of the first TRP and the second TRP as a selected TRP based on the first and / or the second reception quality, and sending a data communication acknowledgement message to the network scheduler device, wherein the data communication acknowledgement message indicates the selected TRP enabling the network scheduler device to use the selected TRP as a retransmission TRP.

[0013] The method achieves all the advantages and technical effects of the network device of the present disclosure.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides the network scheduler device comprising the radio interface and the controller, wherein the controller is configured to cause the first TRP to transmit the first data communication message to the network device, receive the data communication acknowledgement message from the network device, wherein the data communication acknowledgement message indicates the selected TRP, and to use the selected TRP to transmit retransmission of data communication messages to the network device.

[0015] Advantageously, the network scheduler device is configured to enhance the data communication reliability, such as by enabling efficient and reliable retransmission processes. By allowing the first TRP to send the data communication message and subsequently receive an acknowledgement indicating the selected TRP, the network scheduler device can adaptively utilize the best-performing TRP for retransmissions that minimize the likelihood of data loss and improve the overall communication efficiency of the network and also ensures that the messages are sent through an optimal path. Additionally, the network scheduler device is configured to reduce the overall latency and improve the user experience by facilitating an efficient and more reliable message delivery, making the network more resilient and capable of handling varying dynamic conditions.

[0016] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for the network scheduler device, the method comprising causing a first TRP to transmit the first data communication message to the network device, receiving the data communication acknowledgement message from the network device, wherein the data communication acknowledgement message indicates the selected TRP, and using the selected TRP to transmit the retransmission of data communication messages to the network device.

[0017] The method achieves all the advantages and technical effects of the network scheduler device of the present disclosure.

[0018] It is to be appreciated that all the aforementioned implementation forms can be combined.

[0019] It has to be noted that all devices, elements, circuitry, units, and means described in the present application could be implemented in the software or hardware elements or any kind of combination thereof. All steps which are performed by the various entities described in the present application, as well as the functionalities described to be performed by the various entities are intended to mean that the respective entity is adapted to or configured to perform the respective steps and functionalities. Even if, in the following description of specific embodiments, a specific functionality or step to be performed by external entities is not reflected in the description of a specific detailed element of that entity that performs that specific step or functionality, it should be clear for a skilled person that these methods and functionalities can be implemented in respective software or hardware elements or any kind of combination thereof. It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0020] Additional aspects, advantages, features, and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative implementations construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network device configured to provide multi- Transmission Reception Points (mTRP) transmissions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for a network device for providing mTRP’s, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a network scheduler device configured to mTRP’s, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for a network scheduler device for providing mTRP’s, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram that depicts a sequence of execution of a process for mTRP’s, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 6 is a diagram that illustrates an implementation scenario where different layers with different messages are transmitted from two Transmission Reception Points (TRPs), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 7 is a diagram that illustrates another implementation scenario where different layers with different messages are transmitted from two Transmission Reception Points (TRPs), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network device configured to provide multi- Transmission Reception Point Transmissions (mTRP’s), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram 100 that includes a network device 102, a first controller 104, a first memory 106, and a first radio interface 108.

[0033] The network device 102 is configured to provide multi- Transmission Reception Point (TRP) transmissions. Examples of the network device 102 may include but are not limited to a user equipment, such as a computer, a personal digital assistant, a portable computing device, or an electronic device. In an implementation, the network device 102 is a User Equipment. Advantageously, the user equipment enhances the overall communication efficiency, such as by allowing faster and more reliable retransmissions, optimizing resource usage, and minimizing delays in a multi-TRP environment.

[0034] The first controller 104 is configured to send a data communication acknowledgement message to a network scheduler device. Examples of the first controller 104 may include but are not limited to a central data processing device, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) processor, a reduced instruction set (RISC) processor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) processor, a state machine, and other processors or control circuitry.

[0035] The first memory 106 is used to store data related to data communication acknowledgement message, and the like. Examples of implementation of the first memory 106 may include, but are not limited to, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Flash memory, a Secure Digital (SD) card, Solid-State Drive (SSD), and / or CPU cache memory.

[0036] There is provided the network device 102 that includes the first radio interface 108 and the first controller 104, which is configured to determine a first reception quality for a first TRP. The first controller 104 is configured to process the signal measurements received through the first radio interface 108, such as by using various parameters, for example, Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Channel State Information (CSI), and the like. Moreover, such parameters are used to determine the quality of the reception from the first TRP. As a result, the determination of the first reception quality for the first TRP is further used for decision-making on whether the first TRP should continue to serve the network device 102 , or if other TRPs can be considered.

[0037] Furthermore, the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) is configured to determine a second reception quality for a second TRP. In an implementation, the first controller 104 is configured to process the signal measurements received through the first radio interface 108, such as by using various parameters, for example, Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Channel State Information (CSI), and the like. Moreover, such parameters are used to determine the quality of the reception from the second TRP. As a result, the determination of the second reception quality for the second TRP is further used for decision-making on whether the second TRP should continue to serve the network device 102, or if other TRPs can be considered.

[0038] In accordance with an embodiment, the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) is further configured to receive a first data communication from the first TRP over the radio interface, receive a second data communication from the second TRP over the radio interface, determine a first reception quality for the first TRP based on the first data communication, and determine a second reception quality for the second TRP based on the second data communication. Firstly, the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) is configured to receive the data packets from the first and second TRPs through the radio interface (i.e., the first radio interface 108). Thereafter, the first controller 104 is configured to evaluate the first reception quality based on the first TRP’s data communication and the second reception quality based on the second TRP’s data communication that enables the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) to compare the quality of communication between the two TRPs and determine the optimal TRP for further transmission or retransmission. As a result, the network device 102 is configured to assess the quality of the signals from different TRPs and make intelligent decisions about which TRP should handle the data communication in order to optimize the overall performance of the network by selecting the TRP that provides the best signal strength, reliability, or efficiency, which directly impacts the quality of communication and user experience.

[0039] Furthermore, the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) is configured to select at least one of the first TRP and the second TRP as a selected TRP based on the first and / or the second reception quality. In an implementation, the controller is configured to select the first TRP as the selected TRP based on the first and / or the second reception quality. In another implementation, the controller is configured to select the second TRP as the selected TRP based on the first and / or the second reception quality. As a result, the network device 102 is configured to communicate via the selected TRP based on current network conditions. As the first TRP and the second TRP may experience fluctuating signal strength due to various factors (e.g., interference, network congestion, or user movement), the network device 102 is configured to dynamically select the most suitable TRP for optimizing the data communication, such as by switching between the TRPs for a stable and efficient connection.

[0040] In accordance with an embodiment, the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) is further configured to determine the quality based on the position of the network device 102, and / or based on a measurement. In an implementation, the first controller 104 is configured to determine the position of the network device 102, such as through GPS, triangulation, or other locationdetermining methods and techniques in order to analyse the signal quality. As a result, the determination of the quality based on the position of the network device 102 is used to ensure an efficient and effective resource allocation with improved signal stability, reduced latency, enhanced network performance, improved user experience, and reduced network congestion.

[0041] In accordance with an embodiment, the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) is further configured to select the first TRP as a selected TRP when the first reception quality is higher than a reception quality threshold. In an example, the quality of the first TRP is higher if Rx-level, RSRP, RSRQ, and the like have higher values. In another example, the quality of the first TRP is lower if Rx-level, RSRP, RSRQ, and the like have lower values. As a result, the selection of the TRP when the first reception quality is higher than a reception quality threshold is used to reduce the likelihood of failed transmissions, thereby reducing the retransmission attempts and conserving the bandwidth and energy that reduces the overall latency, improves the overall data throughput, and also enhances the overall user experience, thereby ensuring that the data communication remains robust even in a dynamic environment.

[0042] In accordance with an embodiment, the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) is further configured to select the second TRP as the selected TRP when the second reception quality is higher than the reception quality threshold. In an example, the quality of the second TRP is higher if Rx-level, RSRP, RSRQ, and the like have higher values. In another example, the quality of the second TRP is lower if Rx-level, RSRP, RSRQ, and the like have lower values. As a result, the selection of the TRP when the second reception quality is higher than a reception quality threshold is used to reduce the likelihood of failed transmissions, thereby reducing the retransmission attempts and conserving the bandwidth and energy that reduces the overall latency, improving the overall data throughput, and also enhances the overall user experience, thereby ensuring that the data communication remains robust even in the dynamic environment.

[0043] In accordance with an embodiment, the data communication includes a Physical Data Shared Channel (PDSCH) message. The first controller 104 is configured to process the incoming and outgoing PDSCH messages by interpreting the relevant control information associated with the incoming and outgoing PDSCH messages in order to perform various functions, such as monitoring the quality of the PDSCH transmissions, managing resource allocation among multiple users, and ensuring that the data is correctly received and acknowledged by the network device 102. Furthermore, the inclusion of the PDSCH message allows the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) to manage the allocation and reception of the data over the network channel while maintaining a high throughput and service quality in a multi-user environment, such as by providing an efficient utilization of shared resources for meeting the demands of various applications and network devices.

[0044] In accordance with an embodiment, the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) is further configured to identify the TRP, from which the data communication is received by receiving a Reference Signal associated with the TRP. Moreover, the identification of the source TRP allows the network device 102 to maintain accurate communication links and further manage the network resources effectively and efficiently, such as by making an informed decision regarding quality assessments, resource allocation, and potential retransmissions.

[0045] In accordance with an embodiment, the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) is further configured to receive a Transmission Channel Indicator (TCI) state and the TCI state indicates the Reference Signal and the associated TRP. The TCI state is used for improving the adaptability of the communication process, such as by understanding the current state of the transmission channel in order to enable the first controller 104 to make informed decisions regarding the resource allocation, TRP selection, and the scheduling of data communications especially in dynamic environments.

[0046] In accordance with an embodiment, the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) is further configured to receive the TCI state in a Downlink Control Information (DCI) message. The utilization of the DCI message for conveying the TCI state allows the first controller 104 to receive timely and structured information regarding the transmission channel in order to establish efficient and reliable coordination between the network and the network device.

[0047] In accordance with an embodiment, the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) is further configured to select the second selected TRP. In an implementation, the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) is configured to analyse the reception qualities of the first and the second TRPs in order to further determine which one to select based on predefined criteria, such as signal strength, quality thresholds, or the current network conditions. As a result, the second TRP is selected to maintain high-quality communication, especially in environments where signal quality may fluctuate or when the network devices are moving. Therefore, by allowing the selection of TRP from multiple TRPs, the network device 102 can provide continuous connectivity, reduce latency, and improve overall performance for users.

[0048] In accordance with an embodiment, the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) is further configured to select the first and second TRP are part of a TRP cluster, and the selected TRP is in the same cluster. The clustering of the TRPs allows the network device 102 to provide efficient resource management with improved signal coverage. Moreover, by selecting the TRPs that are in the same cluster, the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) is configured to optimize the communication link based on collective characteristics, such as shared frequency bands and interference patterns, in order to enhance the overall performance and reliability of the network.

[0049] In accordance with an embodiment, the first and second TRP are part of a TRP sub-cluster, which is a sub-cluster to the TRP cluster, and the selected TRP is in the same sub-cluster. The first controller 104 is configured to assess the available TRPs within the defined sub-cluster, evaluating their reception qualities and other relevant metrics to make an informed selection. Moreover, by selecting the TRPs from the same sub-cluster, the controller (i.e. , the first controller 104) ensures that the selection of the TRP is optimal for the specific conditions (e.g., proximity and signal quality) faced by the user.

[0050] Furthermore, the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) is configured to send the data communication acknowledgement message to the network scheduler device, and the data communication acknowledgement message indicates the selected TRP. In an implementation, the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) is configured to select the TRP for data communication and further configured to generate an acknowledgement message that includes the relevant information about the selected TRP. Thereafter, the generated acknowledgement message is sent to the network scheduler device in order to update the operational status. As a result, the transmission of the communication acknowledgement message is used for maintaining synchronization between the network device 102 and the network in order to manage retransmissions or adjustments in data flow based on the status of the communication link, thereby enhancing the overall reliability of the data transmission.

[0051] In accordance with an embodiment, the data communication acknowledgement message indicates that the data communication was not successfully received, NACK. In an implementation, the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) is configured to analyze the reception quality of the data communication, and if the controller determines that the communication was not successful, then, in that case, the controller (i.e., the first controller 104) is configured to include NACK in the acknowledgement message sent to the network scheduler device. As a result, the indication that the data communication has not been successfully received is further utilized for error correction and maintaining communication integrity in order to allow the network device 102 to initiate appropriate measures, such as retransmissions and the like.

[0052] In accordance with an embodiment, the data communication acknowledgement message indicates that data communication was successfully received, ACK. In an implementation, the ACK message serves as a positive confirmation that data has been successfully received, which is further utilized for maintaining the data integrity and allows the network device 102 to proceed with further data transmissions without any unnecessary retransmissions.

[0053] Advantageously, the network device 102 is configured to optimize the data communication by dynamically selecting the required TRP based on real-time reception quality assessments in order to enhance the signal quality, such as by reducing data retransmissions. Additionally, the adaptive resource management allows the network device 102 to respond to changing network conditions, thereby reducing the overall latency for various applications that require real-time data exchange. Additionally, the network device 102 is configured to provide TRP selection for transmission or retransmission, where the network device 102 suggests to the network the required TRP to be used, thereby allowing fast adaptation to channel conditions without requiring further measurements from the network side, resulting in reduced delays in selecting TRPs, resource network messaging overhead, and optimal TRP selection.

[0054] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for a network device for providing mTRP’s transmissions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 2, there is shown a flowchart of a method 200 that includes steps 202 to 208. The network device (i.e., the network device 102 of FIG. 1) is configured to execute the method 200.

[0055] At step 202, the method 200 includes determining a first reception quality for a first TRP. At step 204, the method 200 includes determining a second reception quality for the second TRP. The determination of the first reception quality and the second reception quality for the first and the second TRP is used for decision-making on whether the first or the second TRP should continue to serve the network device 102, or if other TRPs can be considered. At step 206, the method 200 includes selecting at least one of the first TRP and the second TRP as a selected TRP based on the first and / or the second reception quality. As the first TRP and the second TRP may experience fluctuating signal strength due to various factors (e.g., interference, network congestion, or user movement), the network device 102 is configured to dynamically select the most suitable TRP for optimizing the data communication, such as by switching between the TRPs for a stable and efficient connection.

[0056] Furthermore, at step 208, the method 200 includes sending the data communication acknowledgement message to the network scheduler device. Moreover, the data communication acknowledgement message indicates the selected TRP enabling the scheduler to use the selected TRP as a retransmission TRP. The network device 102 is configured to communicate via the selected TRP based on current network conditions. As the first TRP and the second TRP may experience fluctuating signal strength due to various factors (e.g., interference, network congestion, oruser movement), the network device 102 is configured to dynamically select the most suitable TRP for optimizing the data communication, such as by switching between the TRPs for a stable and efficient connection. Advantageously, the method 200 is used to optimize the data communication by dynamically selecting the required TRP based on real-time reception quality assessments in order to enhance the signal quality, such as by reducing data retransmissions. Additionally, the adaptive resource management allows the network device 102 to respond to changing network conditions, thereby reducing the overall latency for various applications that require real-time data exchange. Additionally, the method 200 is used to provide TRP selection for transmission or retransmission, where the network device 102 suggests to the network the required TRP to be used, thereby allowing fast adaptation to channel conditions without requiring further measurements from the network side, resulting in reduced delays in selecting TRPs, resource network messaging overhead, and optimal TRP selection.

[0057] The steps 202 to 208 are only illustrative, and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claim herein.

[0058] There is further provided a computer program product comprising program instructions for performing the method 200 when executed by one or more processors in the communication system. The computer program product is implemented as an algorithm, embedded in a software stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer- readable storage means may include but are not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Examples of implementation of computer-readable storage medium, but are not limited to, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Elard Disk Drive (1TDD), Flash memory, a Secure Digital (SD) card, Solid-State Drive (SSD), a computer-readable storage medium, and / or CPU cache memory.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a network scheduler device configured to provide multi- Transmission Reception Point transmissions (mTRP’s), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG.3, there is shown a block diagram 300 that includes a network scheduler device 302. The network scheduler device 302 includes a second controller 304, a second memory 306 and a second radio interface 308.

[0060] The network scheduler device 302 is configured to a specialized network infrastructure component designed to manage and coordinate the mTRP’s communications within a network environment. The network scheduler device 302 serves as the central coordination point for managing TRP clusters and ensures frequent communication between TRPs and the network device 102.

[0061] The second controller 304 is configured to process enhanced NACK / ACK messages received from the network device 102, which include TRP selection information. Examples of the second controller 304 may include but are not limited to a central data processing device, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) processor, a reduced instruction set (RISC) processor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) processor, a state machine, and other processors or control circuitry.

[0062] The second memory 306 is configured to store comprehensive data about TRP cluster configurations and assignments. Examples of implementation of the second memory 306 may include, but are not limited to, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Flash memory, a Secure Digital (SD) card, Solid-State Drive (SSD), and / or CPU cache memory.

[0063] There is provided the network scheduler device 302 that includes the second radio interface 308 and the second controller 304 configured to determine the first TRP to transmit the first data communication message to the network device. The second controller 304 is configured to receive the first data communication message from the network device 102 through the second radio interface 308, such as by using various parameters, for example, Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SINR), Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), and Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ). Moreover, such parameters are used to provide real-time insights for network performance, ensuring an effective and reliable transmission and retransmission that allows the network scheduler device 302 to select the required reliable TRP for communication.

[0064] Furthermore, the second controller 304 is configured to use the selected TRP to transmit the retransmission of data communication messages to the network device 102. Additionally, the second controller 304 is configured to process the signal measurements received through the second radio interface 308, such as by using the various parameters (e.g., SINR, CQI,

[0065] RSRP, RSRQ) to identify the optimal path for retransmission. Moreover, such parameters are used to determine the quality of the transmission path for the selected TRP that can be further used for decision-making on whether to proceed with retransmission through the selected TRP or not.

[0066] In accordance with an embodiment, the network scheduler device 302 is configured to receive the data communication acknowledgement message indicating that the first data communication was not successfully received, prompting a negative acknowledgement (NACK). The second controller 304 is configured to utilize the selected TRP to transmit the retransmission of the first data communication message to the network device 102. Moreover, the parameters, such as SINR, CQI, RSRP,

[0067] RSRQ, and the like are used to provide real-time insights of the network conditions. Moreover, by assessing the parameters, the second controller 304 is configured to select a reliable communication path (i.e., either the first TRP or the second TRP), thereby ensuring an effective retransmission with an improved overall network performance, especially in environments where signal quality may vary.

[0068] Furthermore, the second controller 304 is configured to determine selected TRP to use for retransmissions based on a previous Channel State Information (CSI) report. The multiple selected TRPs are used to allow the network scheduler device 302 to select options for retransmission, thereby enhancing the data delivery. By reviewing the previous CSI report that provides insights into the quality and performance of the channels associated with each TRP, the controller (i.e., the second controller 304) is configured to select the TRP for retransmissions in order to reduce the possibility of signal degradation and enhance the overall network performance and user experience, particularly in dynamic environments where channel conditions change rapidly.

[0069] Advantageously, the network scheduler device 302 is configured to enhance the data communication reliability, such as by enabling efficient and reliable retransmission processes. By allowing the first Transmission Reception Point (TRP) to send the data communication message and subsequently receive an acknowledgement indicating the selected TRP. Moreover, the network scheduler device 302 is configured to utilize the required TRP for retransmissions that minimizes the likelihood of data loss and improves the overall communication efficiency of the network and also ensures that the messages are sent through an optimal path. Additionally, the network scheduler device 302 is configured to reduce the overall latency and improve the user experience by facilitating an efficient and more reliable message delivery, making the network more resilient and capable of handling varying dynamic conditions.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for the network scheduler device that is configured to provide multi- Transmission Reception Point’s (mTRP) transmissions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 4, there is shown a flowchart of a method 400 that includes steps 402 to 406. The network scheduler device 302 is configured to execute the method 400.

[0071] At step 402, the method 400 includes causing the first TRP to transmit first data communication message and at step 404, the method 400 includes receiving the data communication acknowledgement message. The transmission of the first data is used for initiating the communication and establishing a connection between the network device 102 and the network in order to ensure an efficient resource allocation and the communication pathway by confirming that the network device 102 has selected the best TRP, thereby enhancing the reliability and performance of the network. Finally, at step 406, the method 400 includes using the selected TRP for transmission and retransmission.

[0072] Advantageously, the method 400 is used to enhance the data communication reliability, such as by enabling efficient and reliable retransmission processes. By allowing the first Transmission Reception Point (TRP) to send the data communication message and subsequently receive an acknowledgement indicating the selected TRP, the network scheduler device 302 can adaptively utilize the best-performing TRP for retransmissions that minimizes the likelihood of data loss and improve the overall communication efficiency of the network and ensures that the messages are sent through an optimal path. Additionally, the method 400 is used to reduce the overall latency of the network scheduler device 302 and improves the user experience by facilitating an efficient and more reliable message delivery, making the network more resilient and capable of handling varying dynamic conditions.

[0073] The steps 402 to 406 are only illustrative, and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claim herein.

[0074] There is further provided a computer program product comprising program instructions for performing the method 400 when executed by one or more processors in the communication system. The computer program product is implemented as an algorithm, embedded in a software stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer- readable storage means may include, but are not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Examples of implementation of computer-readable storage medium, but are not limited to, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Elard Disk Drive (1TDD), Flash memory, a Secure Digital (SD) card, Solid-State Drive (SSD), a computer-readable storage medium, and / or CPU cache memory.

[0075] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram that depicts a sequence of execution of a process for multi-TRP transmission and retransmission, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 5, there is shown a diagram 500 depicting the flow of the execution process of the network device 102 implementing the multi-Transmission Reception point process between the network devicel02, cluster of TRPs 502 (502A, 502B, 502N), and the network scheduler device 302. The diagram 500 depicts operations from 504 to 532.

[0076] In an exemplary scenario, the network scheduler device 302 is configured to provide mapping information (e.g., through mapping logic TCI states to TRP positions 504) between logical TCI states and TRP positions with corresponding indexes to the network device 102. Moreover, the information is further involved in the TRPs 502 and is further communicated along with a first download control information (DCI) (e.g., at operation 508) and a second DCI (e.g., at operation 510) to the network device 102. A first physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and a second PDSCH (e.g., at operation 512 and at operation 514) are transmitted from different TRPs, where signal / data is received from the network device 102, such as operation 518. Upon transmission failure, acknowledgement is sent from the network device 102, followed by NACK to the TRP cluster at operation 520. For example, at operation 522, an enhanced Nack is received by the whole cluster broadcast or unicast to the selected TRP. Furthermore, at operation 524, the network scheduler device 302 is configured to receive the data and send back the information to the Nth TRP, such as at operation 526. At operation 528, the timing for successful retransmission is optimized, and at operation 530, the second PDSCH is retransmitted to the network device 102. Finally, at operation 532, the ACK message is transmitted from the network device 102 to the network scheduler device 302, thereby providing an enhanced and reliable retransmission. FIG. 6 is a diagram that illustrates an implementation scenario where different layers with different messages are transmitted from two Transmission Reception Points (TRPs), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG.6, there is shown a diagram 600 that depicts an implementation scenario depicting different layers with different messages that are further transmitted from two Transmission Reception Points (TRPs).

[0077] In an implementation scenario, when two layers with different messages are transmitted from two TRPs, then the periodic channel state information is reported every 20ms (e.g., TTI= I ms-> CSI report 604 every 20TTIs) and the network scheduler device policy is used for retransmissions after the NACK(s) is selected based on the new channel measurements (i.e., on the new CSI report after NACK). The PDSCHs (i.e., the first PDSCH and the second PDSCH) are transmitted, and if the transmission of the second PDSCH fails, then, in that case, a non-acknowledgement message (NACK) is sent to the network scheduler device 302 that must wait for the new CSI report before selecting the new TRP for retransmission, such that there is no delay 606 in the new CSI report. Furthermore, the process of TRP’ s selection 602 is executed by the network device 102. As a result, the network scheduler device 302 is configured to ensure retransmissions that are based on updated channel measurements, thereby optimizing the TRP selection and enhancing the reliability of the transmission.

[0078] FIG. 7 is a diagram that illustrates another implementation scenario where different layers with different messages are transmitted from two Transmission Reception Points (TRPs), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG.7, there is shown a diagram 700 that depicts an implementation scenario depicting different layers with different messages that are further transmitted from two Transmission Reception Points (TRPs).

[0079] In an implementation scenario, the network device 102 is configured to report together with the NACK for the second PDSCH transmission failure along with the information on the new TRP selected for the retransmission through TRP’s selection update 702. Furthermore, the network scheduler device 302 is configured to select the TRPs for retransmission without waiting for the CSI report, thereby introducing a time gain 704. Additionally, the network scheduler device 302 is configured to provide the network scheduler device policy that utilizes the values from the CSI report 604 before the NACK (i.e., the one used to decide in the first instance which TRPs must do the transmissions). In such case, the network scheduler device 302 does not have to wait for the new CSI report, but the channel estimates can be outdated. As a result, the network scheduler device 302 is configured to provide fast adaptation to the channel conditions without requiring further measurements from the network side to provide an enhanced ACK-NACK transmission for multi-TRPs.

[0080] Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe, and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments. The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments". It is appreciated that certain features of the present disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A network device (102) comprising a radio interface and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to determine a first reception quality for a first TRP, determine a second reception quality for a second TRP, select at least one of the first TRP and the second TRP as a selected TRP based on the first and / or the second reception quality, and send a data communication acknowledgement message to a network scheduler device (302), wherein the data communication acknowledgement message indicates the selected TRP.

2. The network device (102) according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to receive a first data communication from the first TRP over the radio interface, receive a second data communication from the second TRP over the radio interface, determine a first reception quality for the first TRP based on the first data communication, determine a second reception quality for the second TRP based on the second data communication.

3. The network device (102) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller is further configured to determine the quality based on the position of the network device (102), and / or based on a measurement.

4. The network device (102) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is further configured to select the first TRP as a selected TRP when the first reception quality is higher than a reception quality threshold.

5. The network device (102) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is further configured to select the second TRP as the selected TRP when the second reception quality is higher than the reception quality threshold,6. The network device (102) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is further configured to wherein the data communication includes a Physical Data Shared Channel, PDSCH, message.

7. The network device (102) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is further configured to identify which TRP a data communication is received from by receiving a Reference Signal associated with the TRP.

8. The network device (102) according to claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to receive a Transmission Channel Indicator, TCI, state wherein the TCI state indicates the Reference Signal and the associated TRP.

9. The network device (102) according to claim 8, wherein the controller is further configured to receive the TCI state in a Downlink Control Information, DCI, message.

10. The network device (102) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is further configured to data communication acknowledgement message indicates that a data communication was not successfully received, NACK.

11. The network device (102) according to any preceding claim, wherein the data communication acknowledgement message indicates that a data communication was successfully received, ACK.

12. The network device (102) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is further configured to select a second selected TRP.

13. The network device (102) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is further configured to wherein the first and second TRP are part of a TRP cluster, and wherein the selected TRP is in the same cluster.

14. The network device (102) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is further configured to wherein the first and second TRP are part of a TRP sub-cluster which is a sub-cluster to the TRP cluster, and wherein the selected TRP is in the same sub-cluster.

15. The network device (102) according to any preceding claim, wherein the network device is a User Equipment.

16. A network scheduler device (302) comprising a radio interface and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to cause a first TRP to transmit a first data communication message to a network device (102) receive a data communication acknowledgement message from the network device (102), wherein the data communication acknowledgement message indicates a selected TRP, and to use the selected TRP to transmit a retransmission of data communication messages to the network device (102).

17. The network scheduler device (302) according to claim 16, wherein the data communication acknowledgement message indicates that the first data communication was not successfully received, NACK, whereby the controller is further configured to use the selected TRP to transmit a retransmission of the first data communication message to the network device (102).

18. The network scheduler device (302) according to any preceding claim, wherein the data communication acknowledgement message indicates a first selected TRP and a second selected TRP, whereby the controller is further configured to determine which selected TRP to use for retransmissions based on a previous Channel State Information, CSI, report.

19. A method (200) for a network device, the method (200) comprising: determining a first reception quality for a first TRP, determining a second reception quality for a second TRP, selecting at least one of the first TRP and the second TRP as a selected TRP based on the first and / or the second reception quality, and sending a data communication acknowledgement message to a scheduler, wherein the data communication acknowledgement message indicates the selected TRP enabling the network scheduler device to use the selected TRP as a retransmission TRP.

20. A method (400) for a network scheduler device (302), the method (400) comprising: causing a first TRP to transmit a first data communication message to a network device (102) receiving a data communication acknowledgement message from the network device, wherein the data communication acknowledgement message indicates a selected TRP, and using the selected TRP to transmit a retransmission of data communication messages to the network device (102).

21. A computer program product comprising program instructions for performing the method (200, 400) according to claim 19 or 20, when executed by one or more processors in a communication system.

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