Terminal Timing Advance Coordination Across Multi-TRP Networks

The patent segments the timing advance management by introducing separate TA values for different network devices (gNBs). Instead of using a single TA value for all TRPs, the terminal device now maintains multiple TA values (e.g., TA1 for gNB1, TA2 for gNB2), allowing independent timing adjustment for each network device and eliminating synchronization errors in multi-TRP scenarios.

The patent adds a new dimension to timing advance management by introducing network device identification (gNB ID) as an additional parameter. The TA value is no longer a single scalar but is associated with specific network devices through identification, enabling differentiated timing control across multiple TRPs while maintaining systematic management.

The patent applies preliminary action by having the terminal device perform a single random access procedure to acquire a first TA value before actual multi-TRP communication begins. This pre-acquired TA value serves as a baseline, and subsequent TA values for other network devices are derived through differential adjustments or calculations based on known parameters, avoiding the need for separate random access procedures for each TRP.

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where a network controller or serving gNB acts as a mediator to provide timing advance information for multiple TRPs. Instead of the terminal device independently performing random access with each TRP, the intermediary provides TA values or adjustment parameters based on its centralized knowledge of the network topology and timing relationships, significantly reducing acquisition time.

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the terminal device monitors uplink transmission performance and reports timing-related information back to the network. The network device uses this feedback to adjust and optimize TA values, providing automated TA value updates through MAC CE or DCI signaling. This feedback loop reduces the burden on the terminal device to manually manage multiple TA values while maintaining high reliability.

The patent enables self-service by allowing the terminal device to autonomously select appropriate TA values from received indications and automatically apply them to corresponding network devices. The device independently manages the mapping between gNB IDs and TA values, performing self-adjustment based on received signaling without requiring complex external coordination, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining TRP-specific timing accuracy.