Multi-TRP Access Point Coordination for mmWave Coverage Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile communication systems face challenges in maintaining signal performance due to attenuation and reflection of radio waves in high frequency bands, particularly in the millimeter wave range, necessitating improved methods for utilizing multiple wireless access points to enhance coverage and terminal performance.
Innovation Solution
A communication method and apparatus that utilize multiple transmission and reception points (TRPs) to manage radio resources and control signaling, enabling efficient configuration and management of multi-TRP functions through condition-based selection and release of additional TRPs to support improved coverage and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple wireless access points (TRPs) are utilized to improve coverage and signal performance in high frequency bands, then coverage area and signal quality are improved, but system complexity and control signaling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the base station functionality into multiple TRPs (transmission and reception points), each capable of independent operation. This allows the system to utilize multiple access points for improved coverage while managing complexity through modular architecture where each TRP handles specific spatial layers of communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal control mechanism that can manage multiple TRPs with different identifiers (first TRP with first identifier, second TRP with second identifier). The control signaling framework is designed to handle various TRP configurations and switching scenarios, making the system adaptable to different deployment topologies without requiring separate control mechanisms for each TRP type.
2Reliability
If multiple TRPs are deployed to overcome signal attenuation and reflection in mmWave bands, then communication performance at cell edges is improved, but radio resource management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the terminal reports measurement information about different TRPs to the base station. Based on this feedback, the base station dynamically selects which TRP(s) to activate for communication with the terminal, optimizing resource allocation while reducing management complexity through data-driven decision making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic TRP selection and activation based on terminal location and channel conditions. The system can switch between different TRPs (first TRP, second TRP) depending on the terminal's position relative to the base station coverage areas, allowing flexible resource management that adapts to changing communication requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If functional split scheme is applied with remote radio transmission and reception blocks, then deployment flexibility is improved, but control signaling and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies functional split by separating base station functions into distributed TRPs that can be independently deployed and controlled. Each TRP contains radio transmission and reception functions that can be activated or deactivated based on deployment needs, enabling flexible network configuration while using standardized control signaling protocols to manage the segmented architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation method of a terminal in a mobile communication system may include: receiving configuration information for support of an mTRP function from a first base station through a first TRP belonging to the first base station; detecting and selecting a second TRP supporting the mTRP function based on the configuration information; transmitting a measurement report for the second TRP or a first control message requesting support of the mTRP function in which the second TRP participates to the first base station through the first TRP; and receiving a second control message indicating a start of the mTRP function in which the first TRP and the second TRP participate from the first base station through the first TRP or the second TRP.