Preconfigured TCI States for Low-Latency Candidate Cell Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communications systems face challenges in quickly transitioning between cells due to latency in activating transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states, which hinders fast cell switching and disrupts communication efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method where a user equipment (UE) receives a set of preconfigured TCI states for inactive candidate cells while communicating with an active cell, allowing it to switch to a new cell using these preconfigured states with reduced latency by tracking reference signals associated with the TCI states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If TCI states are activated only after cell switching, then device complexity is reduced, but switching speed deteriorates due to latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by activating TCI states for inactive candidate cells before the actual cell switching occurs. The network entity configures and activates TCI states in advance during mobility procedures, so that when cell switching is triggered, the UE can immediately use the pre-configured TCI states without waiting for activation latency, thereby enabling faster cell switching.
2Productivity
If TCI states are preconfigured for inactive candidate cells, then switching speed is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional state management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making TCI states multi-functional: they serve both as configuration parameters for inactive candidate cells and as active transmission configuration indicators when switching occurs. The same TCI state structure and management mechanisms are reused across different cell states (active and inactive), reducing the need for separate complex management systems and minimizing additional device complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple TCI states are maintained for candidate cells, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively activating TCI states only for specific inactive candidate cells that are likely to be switched to, rather than maintaining all possible TCI states uniformly. The network entity configures TCI states locally for relevant candidate cells based on mobility patterns and channel conditions, ensuring high communication reliability where needed while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary state maintenance elsewhere.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for a user equipment (UE) to receive, via a first active cell serving the UE, a first control message activating a set of transmission configuration indicator states associated with a set of candidate cells that are inactive at the UE. The UE may receive, via the first active cell after receiving the first control message, a second control message indicating for the UE to switch to a second cell of the set of candidate cells. In response to receiving the second control message indicating for the UE to switch to the second cell, the UE may switch to communicating with the second cell using a first transmission configuration indicator state of the activated set of transmission configuration indicator states.