Dynamic TRP On-Off Control Using TCI for Network Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in dynamically managing the power consumption of transmission and reception points (TRPs) to reduce energy consumption and operational costs while maintaining effective communication.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for dynamically turning TRPs on or off by using transmission configuration information (TCI) and control resource set (CORESET) pool indications, allowing terminals to switch between multi-TCI and single-TCI-based transmission and adjust PDCCH monitoring operations based on group common downlink control information (DCI).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple TRPs are continuously activated to maintain communication coverage and quality, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic TRP activation and deactivation based on real-time communication conditions. The base station receives feedback from terminals about communication quality and traffic conditions, then dynamically adjusts which TRPs are active. This allows the system to maintain reliability when needed while saving energy during low-traffic periods or when fewer TRPs are sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of TRPs by transitioning them between active and dormant states. The base station sends activation/deactivation indications to specific TRPs based on monitored communication quality metrics and traffic load, effectively changing their operational state to balance reliability and energy consumption.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If TRPs are dynamically activated or deactivated to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where terminals report communication quality metrics and traffic conditions to the base station. The base station uses this feedback to make informed decisions about TRP activation and deactivation, reducing the complexity of managing dynamic TRP states through data-driven control rather than complex predictive algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables TRPs to transition between states based on pre-configured criteria and base station instructions. Once activation/deactivation thresholds and procedures are established, the system automatically manages TRP states without requiring complex manual intervention or highly sophisticated control algorithms, reducing operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If TCI states are dynamically switched to control TRP activation, then adaptability is improved, but control overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses existing TCI (Transmission Configuration Indicator) state mechanisms for dual purposes: maintaining beam management functionality and controlling TRP activation/deactivation. By making the TCI states multi-functional, the system achieves adaptability without requiring separate dedicated signaling channels for TRP control, thereby reducing control overhead.
4Reliability
If all terminals are monitored for TRP activation decisions, then communication quality is maintained, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station monitors communication quality and activates or deactivates TRPs based on partial information from terminals rather than continuously processing data from all terminals. The system uses selective monitoring and threshold-based decision making to reduce processing requirements while maintaining adequate communication quality through targeted TRP management.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a device for dynamic on-off of a TRP in a communication system are disclosed. A method of a first terminal comprises the steps of: performing communication with a first TRP and a second TRP associated with a base station; receiving a TCI on-off indication for at least one TRP among the first TRP and the second TRP; identifying a TCI indicated for an off state, on the basis of the TCI on-off indication; and performing communication with the remaining TRP other than one TRP, for which the TCI has been configured, among the first TRP and the second TRP.