Multi-Carrier TCI State Beam Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently managing and optimizing the communication protocols and resources, particularly in heterogeneous networks with a mix of wireless devices supporting multiple technologies and releases.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves configuring wireless devices and base stations to selectively implement advanced communication protocols, such as those described in the New Radio (NR) standard, based on traffic load, device capabilities, and network conditions, to enhance bandwidth management and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If advanced communication protocols (e.g., NR standard) are selectively implemented based on traffic load and device capabilities, then network resource efficiency and data transmission rates are improved, but device complexity and protocol management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic protocol selection where base stations and wireless devices adaptively choose communication protocols (e.g., NR or LTE) based on real-time traffic load conditions, device capabilities, and network state. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize data transmission rates by selecting advanced NR protocols when conditions permit, while falling back to simpler LTE protocols when appropriate, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting protocol selection based on varying traffic load thresholds, device capability indicators, and network configuration parameters. By dynamically modifying which protocol stack is activated (NR-specific protocols versus legacy LTE protocols), the system achieves improved transmission rates when needed while managing complexity through parameter-driven protocol switching
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beam indication methods are supported across multiple carriers, then beam management flexibility and network performance are enhanced, but signal processing complexity and computational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments beam indication handling by introducing a unified Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state framework that separates beam management into distinct, manageable components. Each carrier can be configured with specific TCI states and indication methods (e.g., separate PDCCH-based indication per carrier versus unified indication), allowing the system to achieve beam management flexibility through structured segmentation while controlling signal processing complexity by organizing beam parameters into standardized TCI state containers
Solution Approach 2:
The unified TCI state mechanism serves multiple functions across different carriers and beam management scenarios. A single TCI state structure can represent beam parameters for multiple carriers, support both separate and unified beam indication modes, and accommodate different indication methods (PDCCH-based, MAC CE). This multi-functionality achieves beam management versatility while reducing signal processing complexity by avoiding the need for separate processing structures for each carrier
3Manufacturing precision
If separate PDCCH-based beam indication is implemented for each carrier, then carrier-specific beam optimization is achieved, but control signaling overhead and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam indication strategies where the system can switch between separate PDCCH-based indication per carrier and unified indication approaches based on traffic conditions, carrier importance, and beam management requirements. This dynamic approach allows carrier-specific beam optimization to be applied selectively to carriers that require precise beam alignment, while reducing control signaling overhead by using unified indication for carriers where high precision is less critical
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different beam indication qualities to different carriers based on local requirements. High-priority carriers or carriers operating in challenging radio conditions receive separate PDCCH-based beam indication for precise alignment, while other carriers use unified or MAC CE-based indication. This local quality differentiation achieves necessary beam alignment precision where required while minimizing overall control signaling overhead across the multi-carrier system
4Quantity of substance
If unified TCI state indication across multiple carriers is used, then control signaling overhead is reduced, but carrier-specific beam optimization capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic switching between unified TCI state indication and separate carrier-specific indication modes. The system can transition from unified indication (reducing overhead) to separate PDCCH-based indication (improving precision) based on real-time conditions such as carrier traffic load, beam management requirements, and radio channel characteristics, thereby balancing control signaling overhead against carrier-specific optimization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The unified TCI state structure is segmented into carrier-specific TCI state mappings, allowing the system to maintain a unified indication framework for overhead reduction while enabling precise carrier-specific beam optimization through the mapping mechanism. Each carrier can be configured with its own TCI state associations and indication methods, preserving optimization capability within the unified structure
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device receives, from a base station, a control signal indicating a plurality of transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states for one or more entries. An entry of the one or more entries indicates a first TCI state, of the plurality of TCI states, for a fit cell and a second TCI state, of the plurality of TCI states, for a second cell. The wireless device receives downlink control information (DCI) scheduling a first transport block for the first cell and a second transport block for the second cell. The DCI includes a TCI field indicating the entry. The wireless device communicates, with the base station, the first transport block, via the first cell, based on the first TCI state in the entry and the second transport block, via the second cell, based on the second TCI state in the entry.