Cell DTX/DRX Control Across Multiple TRPs for Timing Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in implementing cell discontinuous transmission (DTX) and cell discontinuous reception (DRX) in scenarios where a user equipment (UE) is connected to multiple transmission reception points (TRPs), particularly due to latency and misalignment issues in non-ideal backhaul scenarios, leading to reduced communication reliability and increased signaling overhead.
Innovation Solution
Techniques are developed to support flexible activation and deactivation of DTX and DRX across multiple TRPs using RRC and DCI signaling, with different bit designs for DCI signaling to manage activation/deactivation in single and multiple DCI scenarios, ensuring timing alignment between TRPs and the UE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If cell DTX and DRX are implemented in multi-TRP scenarios, then energy savings are improved, but latency and misalignment issues occur leading to reduced communication reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the DTX/DRX control into separate indications for each TRP. Each TRP receives an independent indication to activate/deactivate DTX/DRX, allowing per-TRP control rather than a single unified control signal. This segmentation enables the system to manage energy savings at each TRP independently while maintaining coordination through the gNodeB, thereby improving reliability in multi-TRP scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE provides feedback information about its connection status with each TRP, and the gNodeB uses this feedback to make informed decisions about DTX/DRX activation. The system continuously monitors connection status and adjusts DTX/DRX indications based on real-time feedback, ensuring reliable operation while achieving energy savings.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If cell DTX and DRX are activated for multiple TRPs, then power consumption is reduced, but signaling overhead increases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the DTX/DRX control function into a unified management approach where the gNodeB coordinates activation across all TRPs. Instead of requiring separate independent control signals for each TRP, the system uses a centralized indication mechanism that efficiently manages power saving across multiple TRPs, reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining power consumption reduction benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal DTX/DRX indication mechanism that can be applied across all TRPs simultaneously or selectively. This multi-functional indication structure allows the system to manage power saving in a standardized way regardless of the number of active TRPs, reducing the complexity of signaling required compared to individual per-TRP control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If DTX and DRX activation is coordinated across multiple TRPs, then communication reliability is improved, but timing alignment becomes complex and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the gNodeB send DTX/DRX indications to the UE in advance, allowing the UE to prepare for the timing changes. The system establishes the activation timing before the actual DTX/DRX cycle begins, giving the UE sufficient time to align its reception/transmission windows with the coordinated TRP schedules, thereby simplifying timing alignment while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical timing coordination mechanisms with a more flexible indication-based system. Instead of requiring precise synchronized control signals for each TRP, the system uses higher-layer indications that convey timing information in a more manageable format, reducing the complexity of timing alignment while maintaining coordinated operation across TRPs.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for controlling cell discontinuous transmission (DTX) and cell discontinuous reception (DRX). A method performed by an apparatus generally includes maintaining a connection with a plurality of transmission reception points (TRPs) of at least one serving cell of the apparatus, receiving an indication associated with the plurality of TRPs indicating to change an activation state for at least one of cell DTX or cell DRX for at least one of the plurality of TRPs, and based at least in part on the indication, changing the activation state for at least one of the cell DTX or the cell DRX for the at least one of the plurality of TRPs.