mTRP TCI State Activation and Deactivation via Unified MAC CE
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing communication networks lack a method for configuring and activating/deactivating transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states in multi-transmission and reception point (mTRP) systems, which is necessary for improving communication quality and addressing issues like quality of service degradation and inter-cell interference.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for activating and deactivating TCI states in an mTRP system by using a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state activation/deactivation medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) to identify and manage multiple TRPs, with options for joint or separate TCI state types and simultaneous updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If TCI states are configured for single TRP (sTRP), then configuration method is simple and well-defined, but it cannot support multi-transmission and reception point (mTRP) systems which require multiple TCI states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the TCI state configuration by introducing separate configuration methods for different TRPs. Each TRP can have its own TCI states configured independently through separate RRC signaling and MAC CE commands, allowing the system to support multiple TRPs while maintaining manageable complexity for each individual TRP configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to TCI configuration by introducing TRP-specific TCI state indicators. The MAC CE command structure is extended to include TRP identification fields alongside TCI state fields, enabling independent control of TCI states for multiple TRPs through dimensional expansion of the configuration space
2Reliability
If multiple TCI states are activated for mTRPs, then communication quality and service reliability improve, but the signaling overhead and activation/deactivation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal MAC CE command structure that can handle TCI state activation/deactivation for multiple TRPs simultaneously. The same MAC CE format with extended fields can activate or deactivate TCI states for any combination of TRPs, reducing the need for multiple separate signaling mechanisms and thereby reducing overall signaling overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the TCI state activation/deactivation functionality for multiple TRPs into a single unified MAC CE command. By combining TRP identification fields with TCI state fields in one command structure, the system can manage multiple TCI states through consolidated signaling, reducing the information loss and overhead associated with separate signaling for each TRP
3Ease of operation
If separate TCI configuration methods are defined for each TRP, then precise control over each TRP is achieved, but the overall system complexity and difficulty of management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic TRP-specific TCI state activation and deactivation through MAC CE commands. The system can dynamically adjust which TRPs use which TCI states based on current communication conditions, allowing precise control when needed while maintaining flexibility to simplify management when conditions change
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a method and device for activating/deactivating a TCI in an mTRP system. The method performed by a LTE comprises the steps of: receiving, from a base station, a TCI state activation/deactivation MAC CE indicating activation or deactivation of a TCI state; identifying one or more TRPs indicated by a TRP indicator field included in the TCI state activation/deactivation MAC CE; identifying one or more TCI state IDs associated with the one or more TRPs on the basis of the TCI state ID fields included in the TCI state activation/deactivation MAC CE; and activating or deactivating one or more TCI states having the one or more TCI state IDs.