Multiple-TRP Timing Advance Management Through Targeted Random Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in handling different timing advances (TAs) in multiple transmission reception points (TRPs) operations, with issues not adequately addressed in existing 3GPP standards.
Innovation Solution
A user equipment (UE) and network node (e.g., base station) are configured to handle different TAs by performing random access (RA) procedures and managing time alignment timers (TATs) for multiple TRPs, with mechanisms for RA initiation, failure handling, and mobility management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple TRPs with different TAs are supported, then the adaptability and coverage of wireless communication system is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of managing time alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time alignment management by introducing separate time alignment timers (TATs) for each TRP. When a UE is configured with multiple TRPs having different TAs, each TRP gets its own TAT (e.g., TAT1 for TRP1, TAT2 for TRP2). This segmentation allows independent management of time alignment for each TRP, reducing the overall complexity compared to managing a single unified TAT for all TRPs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic TA management through conditional RA procedure initiation. The UE dynamically decides whether to perform RA based on TAT expiration status and data arrival conditions. For example, if TAT1 expires and data arrives, the UE performs RA to TRP1; if TAT2 expires, RA to TRP2 is triggered. This dynamic approach adapts the system behavior to current operational conditions, managing complexity through context-aware decision making.
2Reliability
If RA procedure is performed upon TAT expiration or data arrival, then the reliability of communication is improved, but the loss of time and signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the UE with multiple TATs in advance, one for each TRP. This allows the UE to proactively monitor TAT expiration for each TRP independently before actual communication failures occur. By having TATs pre-configured and being ready to trigger RA procedures immediately upon expiration or data arrival, the system maintains reliability while minimizing delays through preparedness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE continuously monitors TAT status and provides feedback through RA procedures when TATs expire or data arrives. The network receives feedback about TAT expiration and data arrival conditions, enabling it to adjust TA values and reconfigure TRP associations as needed. This closed-loop feedback ensures reliable communication while optimizing the timing of RA procedures to minimize unnecessary delays.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present application relate to methods and apparatuses for handling different timing advance (TA) in a multiple transmission reception points (TRPs) operation. According to an embodiment of the present application, a user equipment (UE) includes a transceiver and a processor coupled to the transceiver. The processor may be configured to: access a serving cell with a transmission reception point (TRP) associated with a timing advance (TA); receive a radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration message related to another TRP associated with another TA via the transceiver from a network, wherein the abovementioned another TA is different from the TA; and perform a random access (RA) procedure to the abovementioned another TRP, after receiving the RRC reconfiguration message.