Unified framework for physical layer measurements

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for a unified framework for physical layer measurements. A method may include obtaining, based on a channel state information configuration for a cell, a transmission reception point, or a network node, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements. The method may also include ranking measurement values associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector. The method may further include transmitting at least part of the ranked measurement values to the network element.

Description

TITLE:UNIFIED FRAMEWORK FOR PHYSICAL LAYER MEASUREMENTS FIELD:

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) access technology, or 5G beyond, or sixth generation (6G) access technology, or other communications systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to a unified framework for physical layer measurements.BACKGROUND:

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology and / or sixth generation (6G) radio access technology. Fifth generation (5G) and sixth generation (6G) wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architecture. 5G and 6G network technology is mostly based on new radio (NR) technology, but the 5G / 6G (or NG) network can also build on E-UTRAN radio. It is estimated that NR may provide bitrates on the order of 10-20 Gbit / s or higher, and may support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) as well as massive machine-type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extreme broadband and ultra-robust, low-latency connectivity and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT).SUMMARY:

[0003] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include obtaining a reference signal resource set for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel statie informationacquisition. The method may also include performing intra-cell mobility measurements and inter-cell mobility measurements via a first set of antenna ports associated with the reference signal resource set, and channel state information acquisition and interference measurements via a second set of antenna ports associated with the reference signal resource set. The method may further include reporting the intra-cell mobility measurements, the inter-cell mobility measurements, and the channel state information acquisition and interference measurements to a network element.

[0004] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the apparatus at least to obtain a reference signal resource set for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel statie information acquisition. The apparatus may also be caused to perform intra-cell mobility measurements and inter-cell mobility measurements via a first set of antenna ports associated with the reference signal resource set, and channel state information acquisition and interference measurements via a second set of antenna ports associated with the reference signal resource set. The apparatus may further be caused to report the intra-cell mobility measurements, the inter-cell mobility measurements, and the channel state information acquisition and interference measurements to a network element.

[0005] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for obtaining a reference signal resource set for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel statie information acquisition. The apparatus may also include means for performing intra-cell mobility measurements and inter-cell mobility measurements via a first set of antenna ports associated with the reference signal resource set, and channel state information acquisition and interference measurements via a second set of antenna ports associated with the reference signal resource set. The apparatus may further include means for reporting the intra-cell mobility measurements, the inter-cell mobility measurements, and the channel state information acquisition andinterference measurements to a network element.

[0006] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include obtaining a reference signal resource set for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel statie information acquisition. The method may also include performing intra-cell mobility measurements and inter-cell mobility measurements via a first set of antenna ports associated with the reference signal resource set, and channel state information acquisition and interference measurements via a second set of antenna ports associated with the reference signal resource set. The method may further include reporting the intra-cell mobility measurements, the inter-cell mobility measurements, and the channel state information acquisition and interference measurements to a network element.

[0007] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include obtaining a reference signal resource set for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel statie information acquisition. The method may also include performing intra-cell mobility measurements and inter-cell mobility measurements via a first set of antenna ports associated with the reference signal resource set, and channel state information acquisition and interference measurements via a second set of antenna ports associated with the reference signal resource set. The method may further include reporting the intra-cell mobility measurements, the inter-cell mobility measurements, and the channel state information acquisition and interference measurements to a network element.

[0008] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to obtain a reference signal resource set for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel statie information acquisition. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to perform intra-cell mobility measurements and inter-cell mobility measurements via a first set of antenna ports associated with the reference signal resource set, and channelstate information acquisition and interference measurements via a second set of antenna ports associated with the reference signal resource set. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to report the intra-cell mobility measurements, the inter-cell mobility measurements, and the channel state information acquisition and interference measurements to a network element.

[0009] Further example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include obtaining, from a network element, a single reference signal resource set. The method may also include obtaining, from the network element, a set of reference signal antenna ports for a mobility measurement. The method may further include performing a mobility measurement per a set of reference signal antenna ports, or per a combination of the set of reference signal antenna ports or a spatial domain basis vector. In addition, the method may include determining at least one spatial domain basis vector based on the mobility measurement associated with at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports. Further, the method may include transmitting, to the network element, measurement results associated with the at least one spatial domain basis vector.

[0010] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to obtain, from a network element, a single reference signal resource set. The apparatus may also be caused to obtain, from the network element, a set of reference signal antenna ports for a mobility measurement. The apparatus may further be caused to perform a mobility measurement per a set of reference signal antenna ports, or per a combination of the set of reference signal antenna ports or a spatial domain basis vector. In addition, the apparatus may be caused to determine at least one spatial domain basis vector based on the mobility measurement associated with at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports. Further, the apparatus may be caused to transmit, to the network element, measurement results associated with the at least one spatial domain basis vector.

[0011] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for obtaining, from a network element, a single reference signal resource set. The apparatus may also include means for obtaining, from the network element, a set of reference signal antenna ports for a mobility measurement. The apparatus may further include means for performing a mobility measurement per a set of reference signal antenna ports, or per a combination of the set of reference signal antenna ports or a spatial domain basis vector. In addition, the apparatus may include means for determining at least one spatial domain basis vector based on the mobility measurement associated with at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports. Further, the apparatus may include means for transmitting, to the network element, measurement results associated with the at least one spatial domain basis vector.

[0012] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include obtaining, from a network element, a single reference signal resource set. The method may also include obtaining, from the network element, a set of reference signal antenna ports for a mobility measurement. The method may further include performing a mobility measurement per a set of reference signal antenna ports, or per a combination of the set of reference signal antenna ports or a spatial domain basis vector. In addition, the method may include determining at least one spatial domain basis vector based on the mobility measurement associated with at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports. Further, the method may include transmitting, to the network element, measurement results associated with the at least one spatial domain basis vector.

[0013] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include obtaining, from a network element, a single reference signal resource set. The method may also include obtaining, from the network element, a set of reference signal antenna ports for a mobility measurement. The method may further include performing a mobility measurement per a set of reference signal antenna ports, or per a combination of the set of referencesignal antenna ports or a spatial domain basis vector. In addition, the method may include determining at least one spatial domain basis vector based on the mobility measurement associated with at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports. Further, the method may include transmitting, to the network element, measurement results associated with the at least one spatial domain basis vector.

[0014] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to obtain, from a network element, a single reference signal resource set. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to obtain, from the network element, a set of reference signal antenna ports for a mobility measurement. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to perform a mobility measurement per a set of reference signal antenna ports, or per a combination of the set of reference signal antenna ports or a spatial domain basis vector. In addition, the apparatus may include circuitry configured to determine at least one spatial domain basis vector based on the mobility measurement associated with at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports. Further, the apparatus may include circuitry configured to transmit, to the network element, measurement results associated with the at least one spatial domain basis vector.

[0015] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include obtaining, based on a channel state information configuration for a cell, a transmission reception point, or a network node, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements. The method may also include ranking measurement values associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector. The method may further include transmitting at least part of the ranked measurement values to the network element.

[0016] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the apparatus at least to obtain, based on a channel state information configuration for a cell, a transmission reception point, or a network node, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements.The apparatus may also be caused to rank measurement values associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector. The apparatus may further be caused to transmit at least part of the ranked measurement values to the network element.

[0017] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for obtaining, based on a channel state information configuration for a cell, a transmission reception point, or a network node, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements. The apparatus may also means for ranking measurement values associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting at least part of the ranked measurement values to the network element.

[0018] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include obtaining, based on a channel state information configuration for a cell, a transmission reception point, or a network node, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements. The method may also include ranking measurement values associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector. The method may further include transmitting at least part of the ranked measurement values to the network element.

[0019] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include obtaining, based on a channel state information configuration for a cell, a transmission reception point, or a network node, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements. The method may also include ranking measurement values associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector. The method may further include transmitting at least part of the ranked measurement values to the network element.

[0020] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may includecircuitry configured to obtain, based on a channel state information configuration for a cell, a transmission reception point, or a network node, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to rank measurement values associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to transmit at least part of the ranked measurement values to the network element.

[0021] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include transmitting a reference signal resource set for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel statie information acquisition. The method may also include transmitting a reference signal configuration or a reporting configuration to a user equipment. The method may further include receiving at least one measurement report from the user equipment based on the refence signal configuration or the reporting configuration.

[0022] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the apparatus at least to transmit a reference signal resource set for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel statie information acquisition. The apparatus may also be caused to transmit a reference signal configuration or a reporting configuration to a user equipment. The apparatus may further be caused to receive at least one measurement report from the user equipment based on the refence signal configuration or the reporting configuration.

[0023] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for transmitting a reference signal resource set for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel statie information acquisition. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting a reference signal configuration or a reporting configuration to a user equipment. The apparatus may further include means for receiving at least one measurement report from the user equipment based on the refence signal configuration or the reportingconfiguration.

[0024] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include transmitting a reference signal resource set for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel statie information acquisition. The method may also include transmitting a reference signal configuration or a reporting configuration to a user equipment. The method may further include receiving at least one measurement report from the user equipment based on the refence signal configuration or the reporting configuration.

[0025] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include transmitting a reference signal resource set for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel statie information acquisition. The method may also include transmitting a reference signal configuration or a reporting configuration to a user equipment. The method may further include receiving at least one measurement report from the user equipment based on the refence signal configuration or the reporting configuration.

[0026] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to transmit a reference signal resource set for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel statie information acquisition. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to transmit a reference signal configuration or a reporting configuration to a user equipment. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to receive at least one measurement report from the user equipment based on the refence signal configuration or the reporting configuration.

[0027] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include transmitting a single reference signal resource set to a user equipment. The method may also include transmitting a set of reference signal antenna ports for a mobility measurement to the user equipment. The method may further includereceiving, from the user equipment, measurement results associated with at least one spatial domain basis vector based on the set of reference signal antenna ports.

[0028] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the apparatus at least to transmit a single reference signal resource set to a user equipment. The apparatus may also be caused to transmit a set of reference signal antenna ports for a mobility measurement to the user equipment. The apparatus may further be caused to receive, from the user equipment, measurement results associated with at least one spatial domain basis vector based on the set of reference signal antenna ports.

[0029] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for transmitting a single reference signal resource set to a user equipment. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting a set of reference signal antenna ports for a mobility measurement to the user equipment. The apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the user equipment, measurement results associated with at least one spatial domain basis vector based on the set of reference signal antenna ports.

[0030] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include transmitting a single reference signal resource set to a user equipment. The method may also include transmitting a set of reference signal antenna ports for a mobility measurement to the user equipment. The method may further include receiving, from the user equipment, measurement results associated with at least one spatial domain basis vector based on the set of reference signal antenna ports.

[0031] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include transmitting a single reference signal resource set to a user equipment. The method may also include transmitting a set of reference signal antenna ports for a mobility measurement to the user equipment. The method may further include receiving, from the user equipment,measurement results associated with at least one spatial domain basis vector based on the set of reference signal antenna ports.

[0032] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to transmit a single reference signal resource set to a user equipment. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to transmit a set of reference signal antenna ports for a mobility measurement to the user equipment. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to receive, from the user equipment, measurement results associated with at least one spatial domain basis vector based on the set of reference signal antenna ports.

[0033] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include providing, to a user equipment, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements based on a channel state information configuration for the apparatus. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, at least part of ranked measurement values based on the ranked measurement values which are associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector.

[0034] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the apparatus at least to provide, to a user equipment, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements based on a channel state information configuration for the apparatus. The apparatus may also be caused to receive, from the user equipment, at least part of ranked measurement values based on the ranked measurement values which are associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector.

[0035] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for providing, to a user equipment, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements based on a channel state information configuration for the apparatus. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, from the user equipment, at least part of ranked measurement values based on theranked measurement values which are associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector.

[0036] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include providing, to a user equipment, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements based on a channel state information configuration for the apparatus. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, at least part of ranked measurement values based on the ranked measurement values which are associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector.

[0037] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include providing, to a user equipment, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements based on a channel state information configuration for the apparatus. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, at least part of ranked measurement values based on the ranked measurement values which are associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector.

[0038] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to provide, to a user equipment, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements based on a channel state information configuration for the apparatus. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive, from the user equipment, at least part of ranked measurement values based on the ranked measurement values which are associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0039] For proper understanding of example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an indication of antenna ports of a channelstate information (CSI) configuration for mobility measurements, according to certain example embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a user equipment (UE) selecting two beams for mobility measurement according to a CSI configuration of a cell, according to certain example embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates an example flow diagram of a procedure to determine mobility measurement values, according to certain example embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates an example flow diagram of a measurement and ranking procedure, according to certain example embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates an example flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments .

[0048] FIG. 9 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0049] FIG. 10 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0050] FIG. 11 illustrates a set of apparatuses, according to certain example embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0051] It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for a unified framework for physicallayer measurements. For instance, certain example embodiments may relate to art a unified framework for physical layer measurements in 6G.

[0052] The features, structures, or characteristics of example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable maimer in one or more example embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. Further, the terms “base station”, “cell”, “node”, “gNB”, “network” or other similar language throughout this specification may be used interchangeably.

[0053] 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.

[0054] In 5G technology, different reference signals, measurement procedures, and reporting methods may be utilized in various ways. For example, 5G technology may utilize synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), tracking reference signals (TRS), channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) for broadcast multicast (BM), CSI-RS for mobility, and CSI-RS for CSI acquisition. Various types of measurement reporting may take advantage of SSBs. For instance, SSBs may be used for intra-cell beam measurements and related Layer 1 reference signal received power (Ll-RSRP) reporting, inter-cell mobility measurements and related Layer 3 RSRP (L3-RSRP) reporting, and inter-cell mobility measurements and related Ll-RSRP reporting. Theinter-cell mobility measurements may include, for example, lower-layer triggered mobility (LTM), multiple transmission and reception point (mTRP), and inter-cell beam management (ICBM).

[0055] TRS may involve intra-cell time and frequency tracking without any reporting. CSI-RS BM may involve intra-cell beam measurements and related Ll-RSRP reporting, inter-cell (LTM) beam measurements and related Ll-RSRP reporting, and user equipment (UE) side beamforming training without reporting. Further, CSI-RS for mobility may involve inter-cell mobility measurements and related L3 RSRP reporting, and CSI-RS for CSI acquisition may involve intra-cell CSI acquisition and related Type I or Type II CSI reporting. Type I or Type II CSI reporting may be associated with 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) NR CSI codebook and reporting for downlink (DL) multiple input multiple output (MIMO). Type-I may be optimized for single user MIMO transmission with smaller UL overhead, whereas Type-II may be optimized for multi-user MIMO transmission with finer channel information. As a result of Type-II transmission, larger UL overhead may result.

[0056] With regard to mobility in 5G, intra-cell and inter-cell mobility may be facilitated by different measurement procedures. For instance, intra-cell mobility may be handled via means of beam management (BM) where the UE is configured with dedicated resources including, for example, either SSB or CSI-RS resources, or both, for Ll-RSRP measurements and reporting. Based on the received Ll-RSRP measurement reports, a serving cell gNB may perform a beam switching for DL and / or uplink (UL) for the UE via means of updating indicated transmission configuration indication (TCI) state or TCI codepoint. The indicated TCI state may be a joint DL and UL TCI state, or the TCI codepoint may include separate DL and UL TCI states in a single-TRP deployment, and up to two DL and / or up to two UL TCI states.

[0057] Inter-cell mobility may be handled via radio resource control (RRC) level handover or LTM cell switch command. Under inter-cell mobility, the UE may perform L1 / L3-RSRP measurements from SSBs of neighbor cells, or from explicitly configured CSI-RS resources for mobility. Based on the received L1 / L3-RSRPmeasurements, the UE may report the measurements to a serving cell gNB, which may then perform a serving cell change for DL and UL for the UE.

[0058] A TCI framework and a unified TCI framework may be provided to provide the UE with quasi co location (QCL) information. For instance, the QCL information may include reference signal(s) based on which the UE can perform estimation of large scale radio parameters such as doppler shift, doppler spread, delay spread, average delay, and spatial RX parameter. The unified TCI framework may define a functionality to provide the UE with a QCL source reference signal based on which the UE may determine a reception beam for the DL reception and transmission beam for the UL transmission. In some cases, the UE may be provided with a TCI codepoint which may include one or multiple TCI state(s) where each TCI state may include one or more QCL source reference signals. One of the one or more QCL source reference signals may be used for RX and TX beam determination.

[0059] Since 5G utilizes different frameworks, different reference signals, different measurement and reporting configurations for different procedures (e.g., BM, intercell mobility, CSI acquisition, receive beam training, etc.) that rely on physical layer measurements, and complications may occur. For instance, 5G procedures may result in complicated system design, added overhead, added implementation cost, and complexity. In view of such drawbacks of current 5G implementations, certain example embodiments may provide a way to enable common physical layer measurement framework for intra-cell mobility, inter-cell mobility, and CSI acquisition.

[0060] Certain example embodiments may provide a single physical layer measurement framework, which may be applied to procedures that are based on physical layer measurements. Such framework may cover, for example, both intra-cell (e.g., BM), including multi-TRP, and inter-cell (e.g., inter-cell mobility) mobility, and CSI acquisition from intra-cell and inter-cell mobility. According to certain example embodiments, a common set(s) of reference signal resources may be defined for the intra-cell and inter-cell measurements. For instance, in one example embodiment, a first set of antenna ports associated with CSI-RS resources for CSIacquisition may be used by the UE to perform intra-cell and inter-cell related mobility measurements in connected mode. Additionally, a second set of antenna ports associated with CSI-RS resources may be used for CSI acquisition related channel and interference measurements.

[0061] The common set(s) of reference signal resources may also be defined for the intra-cell and inter-cell measurements where the first and the second set of antenna ports of one or more resources may be partially, fully, or non-overlapping. The overlap may be in terms of logical antenna port identifiers (IDs) as well as physical antenna elements in an antenna array. In other example embodiments, the UE may be provided by the network (e.g., gNB) with CSI-RS configurations for neighbor cells using common system information blocks (SIBs) or dedicated signaling.

[0062] In certain example embodiments, a reporting configuration that includes mobility, and channel and interference measurements may be defined as facilitating UE reporting of both intra-cell and inter-cell measurement values. In other example embodiments, a common mobility command signaling may be transmitted to the UE by the gNB, and the common mobility command signaling may be used by the UE for intra-cell and inter-cell cases by updating the indicated TCI state (e.g., gNB may command the UE to update the indicated TCI state which the UE follows). In some example embodiments, different application times may be defined to account for different TCI switching scenarios. For instance, one TCI switching scenario may be where the indicated TCI state refers to an intra-cell reference signal, which results in a shorter (switching time 1) switching time assuming UL timing does not need to be acquired. According to certain example embodiments, a shorter switching time may be defined when updating the indicated TCI state occurs within a cell and no UL timing needs to be acquired. Another TCI switching scenario may be where the indicated TCI state refers to an inter-cell reference signal, which results in a longer (switching time 2) switching time assuming UL timing does not need to be acquired. According to certain example embodiments, the longer switching time may be defined when updating the indicated TCI state occurs from one cell to another but no UL timing needs to be separately acquired. A further TCI switching scenario may bewhere the indicated TCI state refers to an inter-cell reference signal, which results in a longest (switching time 3) switching time assuming UL timing is needed to be acquired. According to certain example embodiments, the longest switching time may be defined when updating the indicated TCI state occurs from one cell to another and the UE also needs to acquire UL timing.

[0063] According to certain example embodiments, a single reference signal resource set for the intra-cell mobility and the inter-cell mobility measurements, and CSI acquisition may be configured for the UE which is using a higher layer configuration (e.g., via SIB signaling or dedicated signaling). According to certain example embodiments, cell specific CSI-RS resources may be defined and configured. For example, the UE may perform mobility measurements per CSI-RS antenna port, per combination of CSI-RS antenna ports, or per spatial domain basis vector (e.g., two-dimensional (2D) discrete fourier transform (2D DFT beams) according to a codebook configuration provided with CSI-RS configuration. According to other example embodiments, CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI) based reporting may be configured for the mobility measurement reporting. For example, the UE may perform mobility measurements based on CSI-RS resource specific measurements.

[0064] In certain example embodiments, the network may provide the UE with a CSI feedback configuration in a system information or via dedicated signaling to provide CSI feedback. The CSI feedback may include serving cell CSI feedback configuration and non-serving cell CSI feedback configuration. Combined with the mobility measurement report, the UE may provide a corresponding CSI report for a DL MIMO transmission.

[0065] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an indication of antenna ports of the CSI configuration for the mobility measurements, according to certain example embodiments. For instance, FIG. 1 illustrates, as one example, the UE being able to provide a set of groups of CSI-RS antenna ports that the UE uses to perform mobility measurements of a cell. According to certain example embodiments, the UE may be provided with a set of multiple groups of CSI-RS antenna ports when the UE is configured with the CSI-RS resources for physical layer measurement. According tosome example embodiments, the group size of the CSI-RS antenna ports may be one or more. As illustrated in FIG. 1, cell specific measurements may be obtained by aggregating and / or averaging the physical layer measurement using multiple different CSI-RS antenna ports that are physically separated (e.g., the network provides indices of the antenna ports).

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the UE may determine one or more strongest spatial domain basis vectors (e.g., beams) according to a codebook configuration provided with a CSI-RS configuration. In particular, FIG. 2, which illustrates an example of a UE selecting two beams for mobility measurement according to a CSI configuration of a cell, according to certain example embodiments. As also illustrated in FIG. 2, the network may signal UE CSI configurations of cells in system information and / or the network may signal UE CSI configurations using dedicated signaling.

[0067] FIG. 3 illustrates an example flow diagram of a procedure to determine mobility measurement values, according to certain example embodiments. For instance, FIG. 3 illustrates that the procedure to determine mobility measurement values may be based on measured CSI-RS antenna ports. Additionally, FIG. 4 illustrates an example flow diagram of a measurement and ranking procedure, according to certain example embodiments. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates a measurement and ranking procedure based on measured spatial domain basis vectors. According to certain example embodiments, ranking of cells, TRPs / gNB arrays, and / or beams may be defined according to measurement values such as, for example, Ll-RSRP, CQI, and / or rank aggregated and / or averaged over the number of CSI-antenna ports of the gNB / TRP / cell. According to other example embodiments, ranking of cells, TRPs / gNB arrays, and / or beams may be defined according to measurement values such as, for example, Ll-RSRP, of spatial domain basis vectors of the gNB / TRP / cell. According to certain example embodiments, the cell specific measurement may be an average of multiple spatial domain basis vectors of the gNB / TRP / cell. According to other example embodiments, in CRI-based mobility measurements, the UE may perform the above-described ranking based on cell / TRP / gNB specific CRIs.

[0068] With reference to FIG. 3, a measurement and ranking procedure is illustrated. At 300, the UE reads CSI configurations of cells / TRPs / gNBs received from the network (e.g., gNB). At 305, the UE measures indicated CSI-RS antenna ports of the cells / TRPs / gNBs. At 310, the UE creates cell / TRP / gNB specific mobility measurement values based on aggregated and / or averaged measurements across the indicated CSI-RS antenna ports. At 315, the UE ranks the cell / TRP / gNB specific mobility measurement values according to the strengths of the cell / TRP / gNB specific mobility measurement values. At 320, if certain conditions are fulfilled to inform the network about the measurements, the UE sends the ranked mobility measurement values to the network.

[0069] As to FIG. 4, the measurement and ranking procedure may be based on measured spatial domain basis vectors. At 400, the UE reads CSI configurations of cells / TRPs / gNBs. At 405, the UE measures CSI-RS antenna ports of the cells / TRPs / gNBs, and determines one or multiple strongest spatial domain basis vectors. At 410, the UE creates a cell / TRP / gNB specific mobility measurement value based on the best spatial domain basis vector or from an average of multiple strongest spatial domain basis vectors. To determine the best / strongest spatial domain basis vector, the UE may calculate (e.g., RSRP) measurements for each spatial domain basis vector, and the best spatial domain basis vector may correspond to the one with the highest measurement value. At 415, the UE ranks the cell / TRP / gNB specific mobility measurement values according to the strengths of the cell / TRP / gNB specific mobility measurement values. At 420, if certain conditions are fulfilled to inform the network about the measurements, the UE transmits the ranked mobility measurement values to the network.

[0070] FIG. 5 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 5 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3 GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 5 may be performed by a UE, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the method may include, at 500 obtaining a reference signal resource set for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel statie information acquisition. The method may also include, at 505, performing intra-cell mobility measurements and inter-cell mobility measurements via a first set of antenna ports associated with the reference signal resource set, and channel state information acquisition and interference measurements via a second set of antenna ports associated with the reference signal resource set. The method may further include, at 510, reporting the intra-cell mobility measurements, the inter-cell mobility measurements, and the channel state information acquisition and interference measurements to a network element.

[0072] According to certain example embodiments, at least one antenna port of the first set of antenna ports and at least one antenna port of the second set of antenna ports may not overlap, partially overlap, or fully overlap in terms of logical antenna port identifiers and physical antenna elements in an antenna array. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include obtaining a reference signal configuration for at least one neighbor cell from a network element via a common system information block or a dedicated signaling. According to other example embodiments, the method may also include obtaining, from a network element, a reporting configuration comprising configuration for reporting mobility, channel and interference measurements.

[0073] In certain example embodiments, the method may further include implementing a common mobility command signaling for the intra-cell mobility measurements and the inter-cell mobility measurements by updating a transmission configuration indication state. In some example embodiments, the transmission configuration indication state refers to at least one of an intra-cell reference signal with a first switching time assuming uplink timing does not need to be acquired, an inter-cell reference signal with a second switching time longer than the first switching time assuming uplink timing does not need to be acquired, or an inter-cell reference signal with a third switching time longer than the second switching time assuming uplink timing is needed to be acquired.1

[0074] FIG. 6 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 6 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3 GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 6 may be performed by a UE, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the method may include, at 600, obtaining, from a network element, a single reference signal resource set. The method may also include, at 605, obtaining, from the network element, a set of reference signal antenna ports for a mobility measurement. The method may further include, at 610, performing a mobility measurement per a set of reference signal antenna ports, or per a combination of the set of reference signal antenna ports or a spatial domain basis vector. In addition, the method may include, at 615, determining at least one spatial domain basis vector based on the mobility measurement associated with at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports. Further, the method may include, at 620, transmitting, to the network element, measurement results associated with the at least one spatial domain basis vector.

[0076] According to certain example embodiments, the single reference signal resource set may be obtained for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel state information acquisition. According to some example embodiments, the determination of the at least one spatial domain basis vector may be performed by aggregating or averaging measurements associated with at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports. According to other example embodiments, the mobility measurement may be performed based on reference signal resource specific measurements.

[0077] In certain example embodiments, the method may also include receiving, from the network element, a channel state information feedback configuration in system information or via a dedicated signaling. In some example embodiments, the method may further include transmitting, to the network element, a channel state information report for a downlink multiple input multiple output transmission.

[0078] FIG. 7 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 7 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3 GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 7 may be performed by a UE, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0079] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the method may include, at 700, obtaining, based on a channel state information configuration for a cell, a transmission reception point, or a network node, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements. The method may also include, at 705, ranking measurement values associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector. The method may further include, at 710, transmitting at least part of the ranked measurement values to the network element .

[0080] According to certain example embodiments, the method may further include obtaining the measurement values by aggregating or averaging measurements associated with the at least part of the set of refence signal antenna ports. According to some example embodiments, the method may also include obtaining the measurement values by a strongest spatial domain vector among the at least one spatial domain basis vector, or by averaging measurements of multiple strongest spatial domain basis vectors among the at least one spatial domain basis vector. According to other example embodiments, the ranking of the measurement values may be based on a signal strength associated with the measurement values.

[0081] FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 8 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3 GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 8 may be performed by a NW or gNB, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the method may include, at 800 transmitting a reference signal resource set for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements,inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel statie information acquisition. The method may also include, at 805, transmitting a reference signal configuration or a reporting configuration to a user equipment. The method may further include, at 810, receiving at least one measurement report from the user equipment based on the refence signal configuration or the reporting configuration.

[0083] According to certain example embodiments, the reference signal configuration may be transmitted to the user equipment via a common system information block or a dedicated signaling. According to some example embodiments, the reporting configuration may include configuration for reporting mobility, channel and interference measurements. According to other example embodiments, at least one measurement report may include reports of intra-cell mobility measurements, intercell mobility measurements, and channel state information acquisition and interference measurements.

[0084] FIG. 9 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 9 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3 GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 9 may be performed by a NW or gNB, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the method may include, at 900, transmitting a single reference signal resource set to a user equipment. The method may also include, at 905, transmitting a set of reference signal antenna ports for a mobility measurement to the user equipment. The method may further include, at 910, receiving, from the user equipment, measurement results associated with at least one spatial domain basis vector based on the set of reference signal antenna ports.

[0086] According to certain example embodiments, the single reference signal resource set may be used for the user equipment to perform at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel state information acquisition. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include transmitting, to the user equipment, a channel state informationfeedback configuration in system information or via a dedicated signaling. According to other example embodiments, the method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, a channel state information report for a downlink multiple input multiple output transmission.

[0087] FIG. 10 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 10 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3 GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 10 may be performed by a NW or gNB, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0088] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the method may include, at 1000, providing, to a user equipment, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements based on a channel state information configuration for the apparatus. The method may also include, at 1005, receiving, from the user equipment, at least part of ranked measurement values based on the ranked measurement values which are associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector.

[0089] According to certain example embodiments, a ranking of the ranked measurement values may be based on a signal strength associated with the ranked measurement values. According to some example embodiments, a network element may include a cell, a transmission reception point, or a network node.

[0090] FIG. 11 illustrates a set of apparatuses 10 and 20 according to certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may be elements in a communications network or associated with such a network. For example, apparatus 10 may be a UE, or other similar radio communication computer device, and apparatus 20 may be a BS, gNB, network, or other similar computing device.

[0091] In some example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage medium (for example, memory, storage, or the like), one or more radio access components (for example, amodem, a transceiver, or the like), and / or a user interface. In some example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-loT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technologies. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatuses 10 and 20 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 11.

[0092] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 11, apparatuses 10 and 20 may include or be coupled to a processor 12 and 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processors 12 and 22 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. In fact, processors 12 and 22 may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, DSPs, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. While a single processor 12 and 22 is shown in FIG. 11, multiple processors may be utilized according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that, in certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processors 12 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing. According to certain example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0093] Processors 12 and 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatuses 10 and 20 including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatuses 10 and 20, including processes and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-10.

[0094] Apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include or be coupled to a memories 14 and 24 (internal or external), which may be respectively coupled to processors 12 and 24 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processors 12 and 24. Memories 14 and 24 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitablevolatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, memories 14 and 24 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memories 14 and 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processors 12 and 22, enable the apparatuses 10 and 20 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0095] In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processors 12 and 22 and / or apparatuses 10 and 20 to perform any of the methods and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-10.

[0096] In some example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 and 25 for receiving a downlink signal and for transmitting via an UL from apparatuses 10 and 20. Apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include a transceivers 18 and 28 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceivers 18 and 28 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antennas 15 and 25. The radio interface may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, and the like. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to-analog converters and the like), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) module, and the like, to process symbols, such as OFDMA symbols, carried by a downlink or an UL.

[0097] For instance, transceivers 18 and 28 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antennas 15 and 25 anddemodulate information received via the antenna 15 and 25 for further processing by other elements of apparatuses 10 and 20. In other example embodiments, transceivers 18 and 28 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include an input and / or output device (I / O device). In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or touchscreen.

[0098] In certain example embodiments, memories 14 and 34 store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processors 12 and 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatuses 10 and 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatuses 10 and 20. The components of apparatuses 10 and 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may optionally be configured to communicate each other (in any combination) via a wireless or wired communication links 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0099] According to certain example embodiments, processors 12 and 22 and memories 14 and 24 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceivers 18 and 28 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry.

[0100] For instance, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to obtain a reference signal resource set for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel statie information acquisition. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to perform intra-cell mobility measurements and intercell mobility measurements via a first set of antenna ports associated with the reference signal resource set, and channel state information acquisition and interference measurements via a second set of antenna ports associated with thereference signal resource set. Apparatus 10 may further be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to report the intra-cell mobility measurements, the inter-cell mobility measurements, and the channel state information acquisition and interference measurements to a network element.

[0101] In other example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to obtain, from a network element, a single reference signal resource set. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to obtain, from the network element, a set of reference signal antenna ports for a mobility measurement. Apparatus 10 may further be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to perform a mobility measurement per a set of reference signal antenna ports, or per a combination of the set of reference signal antenna ports or a spatial domain basis vector. In addition, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to determine at least one spatial domain basis vector based on the mobility measurement associated with at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports. Further, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit, to the network element, measurement results associated with the at least one spatial domain basis vector.

[0102] In other example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to obtain, based on a channel state information configuration for a cell, a transmission reception point, or a network node, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to rank measurement values associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector. Apparatus 10 may further be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit at least part of the ranked measurement values to the network element.

[0103] In other example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit a reference signal resource set for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel statie information acquisition. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit a reference signal configuration or a reporting configurationto a user equipment. Apparatus 20 may further be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive at least one measurement report from the user equipment based on the refence signal configuration or the reporting configuration.

[0104] In other example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit a single reference signal resource set to a user equipment. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit a set of reference signal antenna ports for a mobility measurement to the user equipment. Apparatus 20 may further be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive, from the user equipment, measurement results associated with at least one spatial domain basis vector based on the set of reference signal antenna ports.

[0105] In other example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to provide, to a user equipment, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements based on a channel state information configuration for the apparatus. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive, from the user equipment, at least part of ranked measurement values based on the ranked measurement values which are associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector.

[0106] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include means for performing a method, a process, or any of the variants discussed herein. Examples of the means may include one or more processors, memory, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program code for causing the performance of the operations.

[0107] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for obtaining a reference signal resource set for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel statie information acquisition. The apparatus may also include means for performing intra-cell mobility measurements and inter-cell mobility measurements via a first set of antenna ports associated with the reference signal resource set, and channel stateinformation acquisition and interference measurements via a second set of antenna ports associated with the reference signal resource set. The apparatus may further include means for reporting the intra-cell mobility measurements, the inter-cell mobility measurements, and the channel state information acquisition and interference measurements to a network element.

[0108] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for obtaining, from a network element, a single reference signal resource se. The apparatus may also include means for obtaining, from the network element, a set of reference signal antenna ports for a mobility measurement. The apparatus may further include means for performing a mobility measurement per a set of reference signal antenna ports, or per a combination of the set of reference signal antenna ports or a spatial domain basis vector. In addition, the apparatus may include means for determining at least one spatial domain basis vector based on the mobility measurement associated with at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports. Further, the apparatus may include means for transmitting, to the network element, measurement results associated with the at least one spatial domain basis vector.

[0109] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for obtaining, based on a channel state information configuration for a cell, a transmission reception point, or a network node, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements. The apparatus may also include means for ranking measurement values associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting at least part of the ranked measurement values to the network element.

[0110] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for transmitting a reference signal resource set for at least one of intra-cell mobility measurements, inter-cell mobility measurements, or channel statieinformation acquisition. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting a reference signal configuration or a reporting configuration to a user equipment. The apparatus may further include means for receiving at least one measurement report from the user equipment based on the refence signal configuration or the reporting configuration.

[0111] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for transmitting a single reference signal resource set to a user equipment. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting a set of reference signal antenna ports for a mobility measurement to the user equipment. The apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the user equipment, measurement results associated with at least one spatial domain basis vector based on the set of reference signal antenna ports.

[0112] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for providing, to a user equipment, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements based on a channel state information configuration for the apparatus. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, from the user equipment, at least part of ranked measurement values based on the ranked measurement values which are associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector.

[0113] Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and / or advantages. For instance, in some example embodiments, it may be possible to provide a simplified system design since the CSI-RS configuration and measurement framework may be applied to mobility measurements.

[0114] A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out some example embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it. Modifications and configurations requiredfor implementing functionality of certain example embodiments may be performed as routine(s), which may be implemented as added or updated software routine(s). Software routine(s) may be downloaded into the apparatus.

[0115] As an example, software or a computer program code or portions of it may be in a source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers may include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectrical and / or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0116] In other example embodiments, the functionality may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 or apparatus 20), for example through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functionality may be implemented as a signal, a non-tangible means that can be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0117] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus, such as a node, device, or a corresponding component, may be configured as circuitry, a computer or a microprocessor, such as single-chip computer element, or as a chipset, including at least a memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operation and an operation processor for executing the arithmetic operation.

[0118] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the disclosure as discussed above may be practiced with procedures in a different order, and / or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the disclosure has been described based upon these example embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certainmodifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of example embodiments. Although the above embodiments refer to 5G NR and LTE technology, the above embodiments may also apply to any other present or future 3GPP technology, such as LTE-advanced, and / or fourth generation (4G) technology.

[0119] Partial Glossary:

[0120] 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

[0121] 5G 5th Generation

[0122] 5GCN 5 G Core Network

[0123] 5GS 5G System

[0124] BS Base Station

[0125] CRI CSI-RS Resource indicator

[0126] CSI-RS Channel State Information Reference Signal

[0127] DL Downlink

[0128] eNB Enhanced Node B

[0129] E-UTRAN Evolved UTRAN

[0130] gNB 5G or Next Generation NodeB[O131]L1 Layer 1

[0132] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0133] NR New Radio

[0134] RS Reference Signal

[0135] RSRP Reference Signal Received Power

[0136] TRP Transmission and Reception Point

[0137] UE User Equipment

[0138] UL Uplink

Claims

35WE CLAIM:

1. An apparatus, comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory including computer program code which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:obtain, based on a channel state information configuration for a cell, a transmission reception point, or a network node, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements;rank measurement values associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector; and transmit at least part of the ranked measurement values to the network element.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the computer program code, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the apparatus to at least:obtain the measurement values by aggregating or averaging measurements associated with the at least part of the set of refence signal antenna ports.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the computer program code, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the apparatus to at least:obtain the measurement values by a strongest spatial domain vector among the at least one spatial domain basis vector, or by averaging measurements of multiple strongest spatial domain basis vectors among the at least one spatial domain basis vector.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the ranking of the measurement values is based on a signal strength associated with the measurement values.

365. A method, comprising:obtaining, based on a channel state information configuration for a cell, a transmission reception point, or a network node, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements;ranking measurement values associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector; and transmitting at least part of the ranked measurement values to the network element.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising:obtaining the measurement values by aggregating or averaging measurements associated with the at least part of the set of refence signal antenna ports.

7. The method according to claim 5, further comprising:obtaining the measurement values by a strongest spatial domain vector among the at least one spatial domain basis vector, or by averaging measurements of multiple strongest spatial domain basis vectors among the at least one spatial domain basis vector.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein the ranking of the measurement values is based on a signal strength associated with the measurement values.

9. An apparatus, comprising:means for obtaining, based on a channel state information configuration for a cell, a transmission reception point, or a network node, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements;means for ranking measurement values associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference signal antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector; andmeans for transmitting at least part of the ranked measurement values to the network element.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising:means for obtaining the measurement values by aggregating or averaging measurements associated with the at least part of the set of refence signal antenna ports.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising:means for obtaining the measurement values by a strongest spatial domain vector among the at least one spatial domain basis vector, or by averaging measurements of multiple strongest spatial domain basis vectors among the at least one spatial domain basis vector.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein the ranking of the measurement values is based on a signal strength associated with the measurement values.

13. An apparatus, comprising :at least one processor; andat least one memory including computer program code which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:provide, to a user equipment, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements based on a channel state information configuration for the apparatus; andreceive, from the user equipment, at least part of ranked measurement values based on the ranked measurement values which are associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a ranking of the ranked measurement values is based on a signal strength associated with the ranked measurement values.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the apparatus comprises a cell, a transmission reception point, or a network node.

16. A method, comprising:providing, to a user equipment, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements based on a channel state information configuration for the apparatus; andreceiving, from the user equipment, at least part of ranked measurement values based on the ranked measurement values which are associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference antenna ports or at least one spatial domain basis vector.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein a ranking of the ranked measurement values is based on a signal strength associated with the ranked measurement values.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein a network element comprises a cell, a transmission reception point, or a network node.

19. An apparatus, comprising:means for providing, to a user equipment, a set of reference signal antenna ports for mobility measurements based on a channel state information configuration for the apparatus; andmeans for receiving, from the user equipment, at least part of ranked measurement values based on the ranked measurement values which are associated with at least one of at least part of the set of reference antenna ports or at least one39spatial domain basis vector.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein a ranking of the ranked measurement values is based on a signal strength associated with the ranked measurement values.

21. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the apparatus comprises a cell, a transmission reception point, or a network node.

22. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing the method according to any of claims 16-18.

23. An apparatus comprising circuitry configured to cause the apparatus to perform the method according to any of claims 16-18.

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