MULTI-TRP GC-PDCCH DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

BACKGROUND:

Field:

[0001] Certain embodiments may relate to communication systems. For example, some embodiments may relate to multiple transmission reception point and panel transmissions.

Description of the Related Art:

[0002] 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release (Rel)-16 includes improvements associated with multiple transmission reception point (TRP) and panel transmissions as a deployment enhancement for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) capability. Multi-TRP/panel transmission are considered an important aspect of new radio (NR) deployments for their benefits in enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) operations, as well as their ability to improve reliability for ultra reliable low latency communication (URLLC) services.

SUMMARY:

[0003] In accordance with some embodiments, a method may include communicating, by a user equipment, according to a semi-static resource configuration, with at least a first network entity and a second network entity. The method may further include receiving, by the user equipment, from the first network entity, at least one dynamic resource configuration. The method may further include communicating, by the user equipment, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration and/or the semi-static resource configuration, with the first network entity and the second network entity.

[0004] In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include means for communicating, according to a semi-static resource configuration, with at least a first network entity and a second network entity. The apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the first network entity, at least one dynamic resource configuration. The apparatus may further include means for communicating, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration and/or the semi-static resource configuration, with the first network entity and the second network entity.

[0005] In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least communicate, according to a semi-static resource configuration, with at least a first network entity and a second network entity. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive, from the first network entity, at least one dynamic resource configuration. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least communicate, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration and/or the semi-static resource configuration, with the first network entity and the second network entity.

[0006] In accordance with some embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium can be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include communicating, according to a semi-static resource configuration, with at least a first network entity and a second network entity. The method may further include receiving, from the first network entity, at least one dynamic resource configuration. The method may further include communicating, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration and/or the semi-static resource configuration, with the first network entity and the second network entity.

[0007] In accordance with some embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include communicating, according to a semi-static resource configuration, with at least a first network entity and a second network entity. The method may further include receiving, from the first network entity, at least one dynamic resource configuration. The method may further include communicating, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration and/or the semi-static resource configuration, with the first network entity and the second network entity.

[0008] In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include circuitry configured to communicate, according to a semi-static resource configuration, with at least a first network entity and a second network entity. The circuitry may further be configured to receive, from the first network entity, at least one dynamic resource configuration. The circuitry may further be configured to communicate, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration and/or the semi-static resource configuration, with the first network entity and the second network entity.

[0009] In accordance with some embodiments, a method may include communicating, by a first network entity, according to a semi-static resource configuration, with at least a user equipment which is in communication with at least a second network entity according to the semi-static resource configuration. The method may further include transmitting, by the first network entity, at least one dynamic resource configuration to the user equipment. The method may further include transmitting, by the first network entity, at least one indication of at least one new resource configuration to the second network entity. The method may further include communicating, by the first network entity, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration, with the user equipment which is in communication with the second network entity according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration.

[0010] In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include means for communicating, according to a semi-static resource configuration, with at least a user equipment which is in communication with at least a second network entity according to the semi-static resource configuration. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting at least one dynamic resource configuration to the user equipment. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting at least one indication of at least one new resource configuration to the second network entity. The apparatus may further include means for communicating, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration, with the user equipment which is in communication with the second network entity according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration.

[0011] In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least communicate, according to a semi-static resource configuration, with at least a user equipment which is in communication with at least a second network entity according to the semi static resource configuration. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least transmit at least one dynamic resource configuration to the user equipment. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least transmit at least one indication of at least one new resource configuration to the second network entity. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least communicate, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration, with the user equipment which is in communication with the second network entity according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration. [0012] In accordance with some embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium can be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include communicating, according to a semi-static resource configuration, with at least a user equipment which is in communication with at least a second network entity according to the semi-static resource configuration. The method may further include transmitting at least one dynamic resource configuration to the user equipment. The method may further include transmitting at least one indication of at least one new resource configuration to the second network entity. The method may further include communicating, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration, with the user equipment which is in communication with the second network entity according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration.

[0013] In accordance with some embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include communicating, according to a semi-static resource configuration, with at least a user equipment which is in communication with at least a second network entity according to the semi-static resource configuration. The method may further include transmitting at least one dynamic resource configuration to the user equipment. The method may further include transmitting at least one indication of at least one new resource configuration to the second network entity. The method may further include communicating, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration, with the user equipment which is in communication with the second network entity according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration.

[0014] In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include circuitry configured to communicate, according to a semi-static resource configuration, with at least a user equipment which is in communication with at least a second network entity according to the semi-static resource configuration. The circuitry may further be configured to transmit at least one dynamic resource configuration to the user equipment. The circuitry may further be configured to transmit at least one indication of at least one new resource configuration to the second network entity. The circuitry may further be configured to communicate, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration, with the user equipment which is in communication with the second network entity according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration.

[0015] In accordance with some embodiments, a method may include communicating, by a first network entity, according to a semi-static resource configuration, with at least a user equipment which is in communication with at least a second network entity according to the semi-static resource configuration. The method may further include receiving, by the first network entity, at least one indication of at least one dynamic resource configuration from the second network entity. The method may further include communicating, by the first network entity, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration, with the user equipment which is in communication with the second network entity according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration.

[0016] In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include means for communicating, according to a semi-static resource configuration, with at least a user equipment which is in communication with at least a second network entity according to the semi-static resource configuration. The apparatus may further include means for receiving at least one indication of at least one dynamic resource configuration from the second network entity. The apparatus may further include means for communicating, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration, with the user equipment which is in communication with the second network entity according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration.

[0017] In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least communicate, according to a semi-static resource configuration, with at least a user equipment which is in communication with at least a second network entity according to the semi static resource configuration. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive at least one indication of at least one dynamic resource configuration from the second network entity. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least communicate, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration, with the user equipment which is in communication with the second network entity according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration.

[0018] In accordance with some embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium can be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include communicating, according to a semi-static resource configuration, with at least a user equipment which is in communication with at least a second network entity according to the semi-static resource configuration. The method may further include receiving at least one indication of at least one dynamic resource configuration from the second network entity. The method may further include communicating, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration, with the user equipment which is in communication with the second network entity according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration.

[0019] In accordance with some embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include communicating, according to a semi-static resource configuration, with at least a user equipment which is in communication with at least a second network entity according to the semi-static resource configuration. The method may further include receiving at least one indication of at least one dynamic resource configuration from the second network entity. The method may further include communicating, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration, with the user equipment which is in communication with the second network entity according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration.

[0020] In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include circuitry configured to communicate, according to a semi-static resource configuration, with at least a user equipment which is in communication with at least a second network entity according to the semi-static resource configuration. The circuitry may further be configured to receive at least one indication of at least one dynamic resource configuration from the second network entity. The circuitry may further be configured to communicate, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration, with the user equipment which is in communication with the second network entity according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS :

[0021] For proper understanding of this disclosure, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of PDCCH scheduling transmissions of NR-PDSCH from a different TRP according to certain embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of higher layer and dynamic signaling parameters according to certain embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a signaling diagram according to certain embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a method performed by a user equipment according to certain embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a method performed by a network entity according to certain embodiments. [0027] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a method performed by a network entity according to certain embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a system according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0029] 3 GPP Rel-16 includes enhancements to MIMO by specifying downlink control signalling enhancement(s) for efficient support of non-coherent joint transmission, as well as enhancements on uplink control signalling and/or reference signal(s) for non-coherent joint transmission. Rel-16 also includes multi-TRP techniques for URLLC requirements.

[0030] Two techniques have been agreed to in RANI for supporting multi-TRP transmissions in NR: single physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) design and multiple PDCCH design. Single PDCCH schedules single physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), where separate layers are transmitted from separate TRPs, while multiple PDCCHs each schedule a respective PDSCH, and each NR-PDSCH is transmitted from a separate TRP. In the multiple PDCCH design, PDCCHs from different TRPs may schedule respective PDSCHs, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The transmission of PDCCHs may happen independently from two TRPs, which may improve both ideal and non-ideal backhaul operations.

[0031] For a UE supporting multiple-PDCCH based multi-TRP/panel transmission, where each PDCCH schedules one PDSCH at least for eMBB with non-ideal backhaul, the UE may be scheduled with fully/partially/non- overlapped PDSCHs at time and frequency domain by multiple PDCCHs. The UE may not be expected to assume different DMRS configurations with respect to the actual number of front loaded demodulation reference signal (DMRS) symbol(s), the actual number of additional DMRS, the actual DMRS symbol location and DMRS configuration type if the UE may be scheduled with full/partially overlapping PDSCHs by multiple PDCCHs. The UE may not expected to have more than one transmission configuration indication (TCI) index with DMRS ports within the same code division multiplexing (CDM) group for fully /partially overlapped PDSCHs.

[0032] In addition, full scheduling information for receiving a PDSCH may be indicated and carried only by the corresponding PDCCH. The UE may be expected to be scheduled with the same active bandwidth part (BWP) bandwidth and the same subcarrier spacing (SCS) if the UE is expected to receive multiple PDSCHs simultaneously at given symbols. Furthermore, the number of active BWPs for a UE may be one per component carrier (CC). However, it remains unclear how to obtain PDSCH mapping types from two co-scheduled PDSCHs, as well as an alignment of at least one physical resource block group (PRG)- level grids from multiple TRPs. There are also no solutions for how to ensure the same active BWP between multiple TRPs. These restrictions create uncertainty for the scheduler when considering all other UEs that are to be supported.

[0033] In Rel-15, NR operates with the UEs with uplink (UL)- downlink (DL) slot configuration, which may be configured based on higher layer parameter TDD-UL-DL-ConfigurationCommon. Additionally, there is an option that the UE may additionally be provided TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated , which may override only flexible symbols per slot over the number of slots as provided by TDD-UL-DL-ConfigurationCommon. In multi-TRP/panel operations with non ideal backhaul, TRPs may coordinate higher layer settings of two TRPs used for the supported UE. However, the restrictions in the DMRS configurations and PDSCH mapping types limit usable slot configurations at different TRPs when supporting multi-TRP transmission to at least one UE.

[0034] In general, it is desirable for TRP to have flexibility on defining the same slot configuration for all UEs, regardless of whether they are multi-TRP supported or not, such that intracell interference may be minimized. In addition, used slot configurations may be determined based on the DL and UL traffic of that cell. When two TRPs serve a different set of UEs, the slot configurations may not fully match with each other. In such occasions, satisfying all restrictions on DMRS configurations, PDSCH mapping types, and others may be not feasible when supporting multi-TRP transmission for one or more UEs.

[0035] In the case of non-ideal backhaul between TRPs, a dynamic indication of the usage of the flexible resources may also be problematic. TRPs may define resource usage for flexible resources by indicating the UE accordingly by means of group common (GC)-PDCCH (with DCI format 2 0) in Rel-15. The UE may determine the actual resource usage for flexible time resources based on rules defined in 3GPP technical specification (TS) 38.213, section 11.1, and according to received DCI and/or higher layer configuration. For example, the UE may determine that flexible time resources are assigned for the UE when DCI 2_0 (if configured/detected) indicates that flexible time resources are used as DL or UL, the UE has received an indication (DCI or higher layer configuration) to receive PDCCH, PDSCH, or CSI-RS during flexible time resources, and/or the UE has received an indication (DCI or higher layer configuration) to transmit PUSCH, PUCCH, PRACH, or SRS during flexible time resources.

[0036] If the UE receives DCI format 2 0 only from one TRP, and if that has a definition which differs from the resource definition or use (higher layer configured) from the other TRP, the UE may have trouble when supporting multi-TRP transmission. Thus, improvements are needed to ensure that multi- TSP operations work smoothly with the other features defined for dynamic time- division duplex (TDD).

[0037] Certain embodiments described herein may overcome some of the challenges described above, such as improving multi-TRP operations with other features defined for dynamic TDD. Furthermore, certain embodiments may enable the use of multi-TRP/panel transmissions as an essential component of NR deployment due to the benefits of eMBB operations and the capability of improving reliability for URLLC services. Certain embodiments are, therefore, directed to improvements in computer-related technology, specifically, by conserving network resources and reducing power consumption of network entities and/or user equipment located within the network.

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a signalling diagram according to some embodiments. User equipment (UE) 320 may be similar to UE 710 in FIG. 7, and network entities (NE) 330 and 340 may be similar to NE 720 in FIG. 7. Although only a single UE and two NEs are illustrated, a communications network may contain one or more of each of these entities.

[0039] In step 301, NE 330 may transmit a first semi-static resource configuration to UE 320. The first semi-static resource configuration may be associated with at least one first set of slot format configuration parameters configured for single TRP operation. The first semi-static resource configuration may be based on higher layer signaling and/or with dynamic signaling, as in Rel-15.

[0040] In step 303, NE 330 may coordinate a second semi-static resource configuration with NE 340. The second semi-static resource configuration may be associated with at least one second set of slot format configuration parameters configured for multi-TRP operation. The second semi-static resource configuration may be based on higher layer signaling. The second semi-static resource configuration may be coordinated between two TRPs before initial configuration and/or in any reconfiguration instances.

[0041] In step 305, NE 330 may transmit the second semi-static resource configuration to UE 320. In step 307, NE 340 may transmit the second semi static resource configuration to UE 320. In step 309, UE 320 may communicate with the NE 330 and NE 340 according to the second semi-static resource configuration. [0042] In step 311, NE 330 may transmit at least one dynamic resource configuration to UE 320, which may be associated with at least one dynamic slot format configuration. In some embodiments, multi-TRP operations may be allowed based on the dynamic slot format configuration.

[0043] In step 313, UE 320 may delay switching to the dynamic resource configuration for a predefined time period. For example, UE 320 may wait the predefined time period to apply the indicated slot format configuration parameters for multi-TRP operation. The predefined time period may depend on the backhaul latency between NE 330 and/or 340, and/or may be preconfigured to UE 320. During the predefined time period, UE 320 may operate according to at least one higher layer configured parameter for multi- TRP operations. Additional or alternatively, during the predefined time period, other NEs may indicate the same slot format configuration to UE 320. In step 315, NE 330 may transmit at least one indication of the dynamic resource configuration to NE 340.

[0044] In step 317, UE 320 may communicate with NE 330 and NE 340 according to the dynamic resource configuration. In some embodiments, the communication may follow the expiration of the predefined time period in step 313. The at least one dynamic resource configuration may be used by one TRP to define slot format configuration.

[0045] In some embodiments, multi-TRP operation may not be permitted based on the at least one dynamic resource configuration. The new indication may be valid only if UE 320 is expected to have a single TRP transmission with NE 330. Alternatively, the at least one dynamic resource configuration may not be valid if UE 320 is expected to have multi-TRP operation.

[0046] In certain embodiments, if the higher layer signalling is used by NE 330 and/or NE 340 when scheduling multi-TRP transmissions are not aligned, UE may assume the values described in FIG. 2(a). In this case, NE 330 (TRPl) may be considered to be the priority, which may be associated with a lower cell ID, NE 330 (TRP1) may be used in the initial access, or some other indication received from the other TRPs.

[0047] In various embodiments, if dynamic signalling is used by NE 330 (TRP1) andNE 340 (TRP2) in multi-TRP transmissions, UE 320 may assume the values described in FIG. 2(a), and/or consider DL resources to be prioritized, as described in FIG. 2(b). Finally, if the dynamic signalling is used by NE 330 (TRP1), and NE 340 (TRP2) uses higher layer configured parameters in the scheduling multi-TRP transmissions, UE 320 may assume the value described in FIG. 2(c). While this example is similar to the example of FIG. 2(a), the NE (TRP) with dynamic signalling is the primary NE (TRP).

[0048] In some embodiments, UE 320 may be configured with more than one dynamic slot format configuration, wherein a first dynamic slot format configuration may be used for single TRP operations, while a second dynamic slot format configuration may be used for multi-TRP operations, which may be valid when a second configuration is used by at least one NE. The separation of the dynamic signalling may be supported by the use of GC- PDCCH, where different radio network temporary identifier (RNTIs) may indicate single NE GC-PDCCH and multi-TRP GC-PDCCH.

[0049] In some embodiments, if there are conflicts of resource allocations in the multi-NE transmissions, for example, DL and UL resources from each NE conflicting each other, conflict resolutions rules may be applied be UE 320. For example, resource conflicts may occur when UE 320 receives different slot configuration parameters in a semi-static manner for multi-TRP operation, where the higher layer configured slot format configuration for multi-TRP operation may not be aligned. As another example, resource conflicts may occur when UE 320 receives two different dynamic indications for slot format configuration from multiple TRPs, which may be within/outside the preconfigured time interval. As a further example, resource conflicts may occur when UE 320 receives one dynamic indication from one TRP, and other TRP may still use the higher layer configured slot format configuration parameters, which may conflict, even after the predefined time interval.

[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a method performed by a UE, such as UE 710 in FIG. 7. In step 401, the UE may receive a first semi-static resource configuration from a first network entity, which may be similar to NE 720 in FIG. 7. The first semi-static resource configuration may be associated with at least one first set of slot format configuration parameters configured for single TRP operation. The first semi-static resource configuration may be based on higher layer signaling and/or with dynamic signaling, as in Rel-15.

[0051] In step 403, the UE may receive a second semi-static resource configuration from the first network entity. In step 405, the UE may receive the second semi-static resource configuration from a second network entity, which may also be similar to NE 720 in FIG. 7. In some embodiments, the UE may receive the second semi-static resource configuration only from one of the network entities and assume two network entities is using the same semi-static resource configuration. In step 407, the UE may communicate with the first network entity and the second network entity according to the second semi static resource configuration.

[0052] In step 409, the UE may receive at least one dynamic resource configuration from the first network entity, which may be associated with at least one dynamic slot format configuration. In some embodiments, multi- TRP operations may be allowed based on the dynamic slot format configuration.

[0053] In step 41 1, the UE may, upon receiving the at least one dynamic resource configuration, delay a resource configuration switching procedure by a predefined time period. For example, the UE may wait the predefined time period to apply the indicated slot format configuration parameters for multi-TRP operation. The predefined time period may depend on the backhaul latency between the NEs, and/or may be preconfigured to the UE. During the predefined time period, the UE may operate according to at least one higher layer configured parameter for multi-TRP operations. Additional or alternatively, during the predefined time period, other NEs may indicate the same slot format configuration to the UE.

[0054] In step 413, the UE may perform a first resource configuration switching procedure. In step 415, the UE may communicate with the first network entity and second network entity according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration and/or the semi-static resource configuration. In some embodiments, the communication may follow the expiration of the predefined time period in step 411. The at least one dynamic resource configuration may be used by one TRP to define slot format configuration.

[0055] In some embodiments, multi-TRP operation may not be permitted based on the at least one dynamic resource configuration. The new indication may be valid only if the UE is expected to have a single TRP transmission with the first NE. Alternatively, the at least one dynamic resource configuration may not be valid if the UE is expected to have multi-TRP operation.

[0056] In certain embodiments, if the higher layer signalling is used by the first or second NE when scheduling multi-TRP transmissions are not aligned, the UE may assume the values described in FIG. 2(a). In this case, the first NE (TRPl) may be considered to be the priority, which may be associated with a lower cell ID, TRPl may be used in the initial access, or some other indication received from the other TRPs.

[0057] In various embodiments, if dynamic signalling is used by the first NE (TRPl) and the second NE (TRP2) in multi-TRP transmissions, the UE may assume the values described in FIG. 2(a), and/or consider DL resources to be prioritized, as described in FIG. 2(b). Finally, if the dynamic signalling is used by the first NE (TRPl), and the second NE (TRP2) uses higher layer configured parameters in the scheduling multi-TRP transmissions, the UE may assume the value described in FIG. 2(c). While this example is similar to the example of FIG. 2(a), the NE (TRP) with dynamic signalling is the primary NE (TRP).

[0058] In some embodiments, the UE may be configured with more than one dynamic slot format configuration, wherein a first dynamic slot format configuration may be used for single TRP operations, while a second dynamic slot format configuration may be used for multi-TRP operations, which may be valid when a second configuration is used by at least one NE. The separation of the dynamic signalling may be supported by the use of group- common (GC) PDCCH, where different RNTIs may indicate single NE GC- PDCCH and multi-TRP GC-PDCCH.

[0059] In some embodiments, if there are conflicts of resource allocations in the multi-NE transmissions, for example, DL and UL resources from each NE conflicting each other, conflict resolutions rules may be applied be the UE. For example, resource conflicts may occur when the UE receives different slot configuration parameters in a semi-static manner for multi-TRP operation, where the higher layer configured slot format configuration for multi-TRP operation may not be aligned. As another example, resource conflicts may occur when the UE receives two different dynamic indications for slot format configuration from multiple TRPs, which may be within/outside the preconfigured time interval. As a further example, resource conflicts may occur when the UE receives one dynamic indication from one TRP, and other TRP may still use the higher layer configured slot format configuration parameters, which may conflict, even after the predefined time interval.

[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a method performed by a first network entity, such as network entity 720 in FIG. 7. In step 501, the first NE may transmit a first semi-static resource configuration to a UE, which may be similar to UE 710 in FIG. 7. The first semi-static resource configuration may be associated with at least one first set of slot format configuration parameters configured for single TRP operation. The first semi-static resource configuration may be based on higher layer signaling and/or with dynamic signaling, as in Rel-15.

[0061] In step 503, the first NE may coordinate a second semi-static resource configuration with a second NE, which may also be similar to NE 720 in FIG. 7. The second semi-static resource configuration may be associated with at least one second set of slot format configuration parameters configured for multi-TRP operation. The second semi-static resource configuration may be based on higher layer signaling. The second semi-static resource configuration may be coordinated between two TRPs before initial configuration and/or in any reconfiguration instances.

[0062] In step 505, the first NE may transmit the second semi-static resource configuration to the UE. In step 507, the first NE may communicate with the UE according to the second semi-static resource configuration. In step 509, the first NE may transmit at least one dynamic resource configuration to the UE, which may be associated with at least one dynamic slot format configuration. In some embodiments, multi-TRP operations may be allowed based on the dynamic slot format configuration. In step 51 1, the first NE may transmit at least one indication of at least one new resource configuration to the second network entity.

[0063] In step 513, the first NE may communicate, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration, with at least the UE which is in communication with at least the second network entity according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration. In some embodiments, the communication may follow the expiration of a predefined time period. The at least one dynamic resource configuration may be used by one TRP to define slot format configuration.

[0064] In some embodiments, multi-TRP operation may not be permitted based on the at least one dynamic resource configuration. The new indication may be valid only if the UE is expected to have a single TRP transmission with the NE. Alternatively, the at least one dynamic resource configuration may not be valid if the UE is expected to have multi-TRP operation.

[0065] In certain embodiments, if the higher layer signalling is used by the NE when scheduling multi-TRP transmissions are not aligned, the UE may assume the values described in FIG. 2(a). In this case, the NE (TRP1) may be considered to be the priority, which may be associated with a lower cell ID, TRP1 may be used in the initial access, or some other indication received from the other TRPs.

[0066] In various embodiments, if dynamic signalling is used by the NE (TRP1) and the second NE (TRP2) n multi-TRP transmissions, the UE may assume the values described in FIG. 2(a), and/or consider DL resources to be prioritized, as described in FIG. 2(b). Finally, if the dynamic signalling is used by the NE (TRPl), and the second NE (TRP2) uses higher layer configured parameters in the scheduling multi-TRP transmissions, the UE may assume the value described in FIG. 2(c). While this example is similar to the example of FIG. 2(a), the NE (TRP) with dynamic signalling is the primary NE (TRP).

[0067] In some embodiments, the UE may be configured with more than one dynamic slot format configuration, wherein a first dynamic slot format configuration may be used for single TRP operations, while a second dynamic slot format configuration may be used for multi-TRP operations, which may be valid when a second configuration is used by at least one NE. The separation of the dynamic signalling may be supported by the use of group- common (GC) PDCCH, where different RNTIs may indicate single NE GC- PDCCH and multi-TRP GC-PDCCH.

[0068] In some embodiments, if there are conflicts of resource allocations in the multi-NE transmissions, for example, DL and UL resources from each NE conflicting each other, conflict resolutions rules may be applied be the UE. For example, resource conflicts may occur when the UE receives different slot configuration parameters in a semi-static manner for multi-TRP operation, where the higher layer configured slot format configuration for multi-TRP operation may not be aligned. As another example, resource conflicts may occur when the UE receives two different dynamic indications for slot format configuration from multiple TRPs, which may be within/outside the preconfigured time interval. As a further example, resource conflicts may occur when the UE receives one dynamic indication from one TRP, and other TRP may still use the higher layer configured slot format configuration parameters, which may conflict, even after the predefined time interval.

[0069] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a method performed by a first NE, such as NE 720 in FIG. 7. In step 601, the first NE may coordinate a first semi-static resource configuration with a second NE, which may also be similar to NE 720 in FIG. 7. In step 603, the first NE may transmit the first semi-static resource configuration to a UE, which may be similar to UE 710 in FIG. 7. In step 605, the first NE may communicate, according to the semi-static resource configuration, with the UE which is in communication with at least the second network entity according to the semi-static resource configuration. In step 607, the first NE may receive at least one indication of the dynamic resource configuration from the UE.

[0070] In step 609, the first NE may communicate, according to the at least one dynamic resource configuration, with at least the UE. In some embodiments, the communication may follow the expiration of a predefined time period. The at least one dynamic resource configuration may be used by one TRP to define slot format configuration.

[0071] In some embodiments, multi-TRP operation may not be permitted based on the at least one dynamic resource configuration. The new indication may be valid only if the UE is expected to have a single TRP transmission with the NE. Alternatively, the at least one dynamic resource configuration may not be valid if the UE is expected to have multi-TRP operation. [0072] In certain embodiments, if the higher layer signalling is used by the NE when scheduling multi-TRP transmissions are not aligned, the UE may assume the values described in FIG. 2(a). In this case, the NE (TRP1) may be considered to be the priority, which may be associated with a lower cell ID, TRP1 may be used in the initial access, or some other indication received from the other TRPs.

[0073] In various embodiments, if dynamic signalling is used by the NE (TRP1) and the second NE (TRP2) n multi-TRP transmissions, the UE may assume the values described in FIG. 2(a), and/or consider DL resources to be prioritized, as described in FIG. 2(b). Finally, if the dynamic signalling is used by the NE (TRP1), and the second NE (TRP2) uses higher layer configured parameters in the scheduling multi-TRP transmissions, the UE may assume the value described in FIG. 2(c). While this example is similar to the example of FIG. 2(a), the NE (TRP) with dynamic signalling is the primary NE (TRP).

[0074] In some embodiments, the UE may be configured with more than one dynamic slot format configuration, wherein a first dynamic slot format configuration may be used for single TRP operations, while a second dynamic slot format configuration may be used for multi-TRP operations, which may be valid when a second configuration is used by at least one NE. The separation of the dynamic signalling may be supported by the use of GC PDCCH, where different RNTIs may indicate single NE GC-PDCCH and multi-TRP GC-PDCCH.

[0075] In some embodiments, if there are conflicts of resource allocations in the multi-NE transmissions, for example, DL and UL resources from each NE conflicting each other, conflict resolutions rules may be applied be the UE. For example, resource conflicts may occur when the UE receives different slot configuration parameters in a semi-static manner for multi-TRP operation, where the higher layer configured slot format configuration for multi-TRP operation may not be aligned. As another example, resource conflicts may occur when the UE receives two different dynamic indications for slot format configuration from multiple TRPs, which may be within/outside the preconfigured time interval. As a further example, resource conflicts may occur when the UE receives one dynamic indication from one TRP, and other TRP may still use the higher layer configured slot format configuration

[0076] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a system according to certain example embodiments. In one example embodiment, a system may include multiple devices, such as, for example, UE 710 and/or NE 720.

[0077] UE 710 may include one or more of a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, smart phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, or portable media player, digital camera, pocket video camera, video game console, navigation unit, such as a global positioning system (GPS) device, desktop or laptop computer, single-location device, such as a sensor or smart meter, or any combination thereof.

[0078] NE 720 may be one or more of a base station, such as an evolved node B (eNB) or 5G or New Radio node B (gNB), a serving gateway, a server, and/or any other access node or combination thereof. Furthermore, UE 710 and/or NE 720 may be one or more of a citizens broadband radio service device (CBSD).

[0079] One or more of these devices may include at least one processor, respectively indicated as 711 and 721. Processors 711 and 721 may be embodied by any computational or data processing device, such as a central processing unit (CPU), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or comparable device. The processors may be implemented as a single controller, or a plurality of controllers or processors.

[0080] At least one memory may be provided in one or more of devices indicated at 712 and 722. The memory may be fixed or removable. The memory may include computer program instructions or computer code contained therein. Memories 712 and 722 may independently be any suitable storage device, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. A hard disk drive (HDD), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, or other suitable memory may be used. The memories may be combined on a single integrated circuit as the processor, or may be separate from the one or more processors. Furthermore, the computer program instructions stored in the memory and which may be processed by the processors may be any suitable form of computer program code, for example, a compiled or interpreted computer program written in any suitable programming language. Memory may be removable or non-removable.

[0081] Processors 711 and 721 and memories 712 and 722 or a subset thereof, may be configured to provide means corresponding to the various blocks of FIGS. 3-6. Although not shown, the devices may also include positioning hardware, such as GPS or micro electrical mechanical system (MEMS) hardware, which may be used to determine a location of the device. Other sensors are also permitted and may be included to determine location, elevation, orientation, and so forth, such as barometers, compasses, and the like.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 7, transceivers 713 and 723 may be provided, and one or more devices may also include at least one antenna, respectively illustrated as 714 and 724. The device may have many antennas, such as an array of antennas configured for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communications, or multiple antennas for multiple radio access technologies. Other configurations of these devices, for example, may be provided. Transceivers 713 and 723 may be a transmitter, a receiver, or both a transmitter and a receiver, or a unit or device that may be configured both for transmission and reception.

[0083] The memory and the computer program instructions may be configured, with the processor for the particular device, to cause a hardware apparatus such as user equipment to perform any of the processes described below (see, for example, FIGS. 3-6). Therefore, in certain example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with computer instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a process such as one of the processes described herein. Alternatively, certain example embodiments may be performed entirely in hardware.

[0084] In certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include circuitry configured to perform any of the processes or functions illustrated in FIGS. 3-6. For example, circuitry may be hardware-only circuit implementations, such as analog and/or digital circuitry. In another example, circuitry may be a combination of hardware circuits and software, such as a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit(s) with software or firmware, and/or any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and at least one memory that work together to cause an apparatus to perform various processes or functions. In yet another example, circuitry may be hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that include software, such as firmware for operation. Software in circuitry may not be present when it is not needed for the operation of the hardware.

[0085] The features, structures, or characteristics of certain embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases“certain embodiments,”“some embodiments,”“other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearance of the phrases“in certain embodiments,”“in some embodiments,”“in other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0086] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that certain embodiments discussed above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims.

[0087] Partial Glossary

[0088] 3 GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

[0089] 5G 5th Generation Wireless System

[0090] BWP Bandwidth Part

[0091] CC Component Carrier

[0092] CDM Code Division Multiplexing

[0093] C-RNTI Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier

[0094] DCI Downlink Control Information

[0095] DL Downlink

[0096] DMRS Demodulation Reference Signal

[0097] eMBB Enhanced Mobile Broadband

[0098] eMTC Enhanced Machine Type Communications

[0099] eNB evolved Node B

[0100] E-UTRAN Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

Terrestrial Radio Access Network

[0101] IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity

[0102] IoT Internet of Things

[0103] gNB Next Generation Node B

[0104] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0105] MIB Master Information Block

[0106] MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output

[0107] MPDCCH Machine Type Communication Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0108] MME Mobility Management Entity

[0109] MT-EDT Mobile Terminated Early Data Transmission

[0110] NAS Non-Access Stratum

[0111] NB-IoT Narrowband Internet of Things

[0112] NE Network Entity

[0113] NPDCCH Narrowband Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0114] NR New Radio (5G)

[0115] OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex

[0116] OTDOA Observed Time Difference of Arrival

[0117] PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0118] PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel

[0119] PO Paging Occasion

[0120] PRB Physical Resource Block

[0121] PRG Physical Resource Block Group

[0122] PUR Preconfigured Uplink Resource

[0123] RE Resource Element

[0124] RNTI Radio Network Temporary Identifier

[0125] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0126] RS Reference Signal

[0127] SCS Subcarrier Spacing

[0128] SIB System Information Block

[0129] SINR Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio

[0130] S-TMSI System Architecture Evolution Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity

[0131] TCI Transmission Configuration Indication

[0132] TDM Time Division Multiplexing

[0133] TRP Transmission Reception Point

[0134] UE User Equipment [0135] URLLC Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication