TRP Beam Configuration Update in Carrier Aggregation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current next-generation mobile communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing data transmission and reception between terminals and multiple transmission and reception points (TRPs), particularly in scenarios involving carrier aggregation and beam configuration updates.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a terminal receiving radio resource control (RRC) messages and medium access control (MAC) control elements to configure and activate transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states for multiple TRPs, allowing for simultaneous data transmission and reception through multiple TRPs using multiple input multiple output (MIMO) capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If beam configuration updates are performed sequentially for each serving cell and bandwidth part, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring multiple TCI states in advance through RRC signaling before actual beam updates are needed. The network pre-configures a set of candidate TCI states that can be quickly activated later through MAC CE, avoiding the need for sequential reconfiguration during actual beam switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the beam configuration process into two distinct phases: RRC-level configuration of multiple candidate TCI states (long-term configuration) and MAC CE-level activation of specific TCI states (short-term switching). This segmentation allows each phase to operate independently with optimized timing, reducing overall configuration delay.
2Productivity
If multiple TCI states are configured for multiple TRPs, then data transmission efficiency improves, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the TCI state configuration universal by creating a shared pool of TCI states that can be applied to multiple serving cells and bandwidth parts. A single RRC configuration message can define TCI states that serve multiple TRPs, and MAC CE commands can activate these states across different cells simultaneously, reducing redundant signaling.
3Loss of time
If sequential MAC CE commands are used to activate TCI states for each TRP, then configuration precision is maintained, but transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple TCI state activation operations into a single MAC CE command that can simultaneously activate multiple TCI states for multiple TRPs. Instead of sending separate MAC CE commands for each TRP, the system combines these operations, allowing parallel activation while maintaining configuration accuracy through unified command processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method and a system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT) are provided. The disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. The disclosure discloses a method and apparatus for supporting transmission and reception to a plurality of TRPs, and a method and apparatus for updating PDSCH beam information of several serving cells together in a CA situation.