Multi-TRP Transmission Signaling Overhead Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently supporting multi-transmission/reception point (TRP) scenarios due to increased signaling overhead, particularly in 3GPP new radio (NR) Release 15, which limits the scalability and flexibility of downlink control information (DCI) signaling for multi-TRP physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmission.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves configuring a network node with processor circuitry to generate and transmit RRC signals, map PDSCH layers to multiple TRPs, and use MAC control elements to dynamically activate cooperation clusters, thereby optimizing DCI signaling to support multi-TRP PDSCH transmission by defining the size of TRP clusters and dynamically selecting TRPs for cooperation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-TRP transmission is supported using conventional DCI signaling, then downlink control information can be transmitted, but signaling overhead increases and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the TRP configuration into multiple stages: RRC signaling configures a set of TCI states, MAC CE activates specific TCI states for multi-TRP operation, and DCI format 1_1 selects from pre-configured TCI state combinations. This segmentation allows multi-TRP support without requiring all TRP information to be transmitted in every DCI message, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of TCI states and their associations with TRPs through RRC signaling before actual data transmission. This preliminary action prepares the system in advance, allowing DCI to simply reference pre-defined configurations rather than transmitting complete TRP information dynamically, thus reducing real-time signaling overhead while preserving multi-TRP versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If DCI signaling is extended to support multi-TRP scenarios, then transmission flexibility improves, but DCI message size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic multi-stage configuration approach where RRC signaling establishes a pool of TCI states, MAC CE dynamically activates specific states based on current channel conditions and TRP availability, and DCI format 1_1 selects from the activated states. This dynamic progression allows the system to adapt transmission flexibility to actual needs while keeping DCI complexity manageable through progressive refinement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces MAC CE as an intermediary between RRC configuration and DCI transmission. MAC CE acts as a mediator that filters and activates only the relevant TCI states needed for current multi-TRP operation, thereby simplifying the DCI message by reducing the search space from all possible TCI states to only those currently activated, balancing flexibility with complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional RRC signaling is used for TRP configuration, then configuration can be established, but signaling overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses RRC signaling to perform preliminary configuration of a comprehensive set of TCI states and their associations with TRPs in advance. This preliminary action establishes the complete configuration space beforehand, allowing subsequent MAC CE and DCI operations to work with pre-processed information, thereby reducing real-time configuration latency while maintaining full TRP configuration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the configuration process into distinct phases: RRC signaling handles the comprehensive setup of TCI states, MAC CE handles dynamic activation of specific states, and DCI handles final selection. This segmentation allows each stage to operate independently with optimized timing, reducing overall configuration latency while preserving complete TRP configuration capability across the multi-stage process
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of this disclosure include systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable media for use in a wireless network to support multi-transmission/reception point (TRP) transmission. Some embodiments are directed to a network node. The network node includes processor circuitry and radio front end circuitry. The processor circuitry can be configured to generate a radio resource control (RRC) signal that includes a multitransmission/reception point (TRP) cluster size. The processor circuitry can be further configured to transmit, using the radio front end circuitry, the RRC signal to a user equipment (UE).