DCI-Based Beam Switching and Path Loss Reference Signal Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR and LTE, face challenges in reducing latency for beam switching and path loss reference signal activation, as existing methods like MAC-CEs introduce significant delays due to processing at higher network levels.
Innovation Solution
Implementing downlink control information (DCI) based beam switching and path loss reference signal (PL RS) activation, where user equipment (UE) reports its capability to support DCI-based activation, and the network entity transmits DCI to activate these processes directly at the physical layer, reducing the need for lower-layer signaling and thus minimizing latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MAC-CE based beam switching and PL RS activation is used, then reliability is maintained through higher-layer signaling, but latency increases due to processing delays at higher network levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capability indication into two parts: UE capability reporting (indicating support for DCI-based activation) and network configuration (enabling DCI-based activation). This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through capability verification while enabling low-latency DCI-based activation when supported, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the signaling parameter from MAC-CE based activation to DCI based activation. By modifying the activation mechanism parameter, the system achieves faster response times (reduced latency) while maintaining reliability through proper capability checking and configuration management.
2Loss of time
If DCI based beam switching and PL RS activation is implemented, then latency is reduced through physical layer signaling, but device complexity increases due to capability reporting and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE report its capability to support DCI-based activation before actual beam switching or PL RS activation occurs. The network entity stores this capability information and uses it to determine whether to employ DCI-based or MAC-CE-based activation. This advance capability indication simplifies subsequent operations by pre-establishing the appropriate activation mechanism, thereby reducing latency without significantly increasing ongoing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE autonomously determines and reports its own capability to support DCI-based activation. This self-service approach allows the UE to inform the network of its capabilities without requiring complex network-side assessments, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enabling low-latency activation when supported.
3Adaptability or versatility
If capability reporting for DCI based activation is required, then adaptability is improved by supporting both MAC-CE and DCI methods, but information overhead increases due to additional capability indications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by requiring capability reporting only for DCI-based activation, not for the traditional MAC-CE method. Since MAC-CE-based operation is the baseline and always supported, the system only needs to verify capability for the enhanced DCI-based method. This partial capability indication provides adaptability for advanced features while minimizing additional information overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE capability indication serves multiple functions: it informs the network of DCI-based activation support, enables the network to select the appropriate activation method, and allows fallback to MAC-CE-based operation if DCI-based is not supported. This multi-functionality provides system adaptability without requiring separate capability indications for each activation method, thereby reducing information overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provide apparatus, methods, processing systems, and computer readable mediums for enabling downlink control information (DCI) based beam and path loss (PL) reference signal (RS) activation. An example method generally includes reporting, to a network entity, a capability of the UE to support at least one of downlink control information (DCI) based activation of at least one of beam switching, beam activation, or path loss (PL) reference signal (RS) activation; receiving, from the network entity, DCI activating at least one of the beam switching, beam activation, or PL RS; and performing the beam switching, beam activation, or PL RS measurement in response to the DCI.