WO2021229323A1

WO2021229323A1 - Determining quasi-co-location assumption for multi-transmission reception point operation

Info

Publication number: WO2021229323A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/053216
Authority: WO
Inventors: Youngsoo Yuk; Keeth Saliya Jayasinghe LADDU; Nitin MANGALVEDHE
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2020-05-14
Filing date: 2021-04-19
Publication date: 2021-11-18

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for determining quasi-co-location assumption for multi-transmission reception point operation. A method may include receiving, at a user equipment, a message comprising a list of code points wherein each code point comprises at least one transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel; in response to receiving the message comprising the list of code points, operating based on one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure; receiving, in a downlink control information, a transmission configuration indication with a states field indicating one of the code points; and in response to receiving the transmission configuration indication with the states field, deciding whether to change a default transmission configuration indication state.

Description

DETERMINING QUASI-CO-LOCATION ASSUMPTION FOR MULTI-TRANSMISSION

RECEPTION POINT OPERATION

FIELD: [0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology, or other communications systems. Lor example, certain example embodiments may relate to apparatuses, systems, and/or methods for determining quasi-co-location assumption for multi-transmission reception point operation.

BACKGROUND:

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE- A), MulteFire, LTE- A Pro, and/or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology. Fifth generation (5G) wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architecture. 5G is mostly built on a new radio (NR), but the 5G (or NG) network can also build on E-UTRAN radio. It is estimated that NR will provide bitrates on the order of 10-20 Gbit/s or higher, and will support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency- communication (URLLC) as well as massive machine type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extreme broadband and ultra-robust, low latency connectivity and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT). With IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication becoming more widespread, there will be a growing need for networks that meet the needs of lower power, low data rate, and long battery life. It is noted that, in 5G, the nodes that can provide radio access functionality to a user equipment (i.e., similar to Node B in UTRAN or eNB in LTE) are named gNB when built on NR radio and named NG-eNB when built on E-UTRAN radio.

SUMMARY:

[0003] Various aspects of examples of the invention are set out in the claims. [0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method comprising: receiving, at a user equipment, a message comprising a list of code points wherein each code point comprises at least one transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel; in response to receiving the message comprising the list of code points, operating based on one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure; receiving, in a downlink control information, a transmission configuration indication with a states field indicating one of the code points; and in response to receiving the transmission configuration indication with the states field, deciding whether to change a default transmission configuration indication state. [0005] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: receive a message comprising a list of code points wherein each code point comprises at least one transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel; in response to receiving the message comprising the list of code points, operate based on one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure; receive, in a downlink control information, a transmission configuration indication with a states field indicating one of the code points; and in response to receiving the transmission configuration indication with the states field, decide whether to change a default transmission configuration indication state.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory computer storage medium encoded with a computer program, the program comprising instructions that when executed by one or more computers cause the one or more computers to perform operations comprising: receiving, at a user equipment, a message comprising a list of code points wherein each code point comprises at least one transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel; in response to receiving the message comprising the list of code points, operating based on one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure; receiving, in a downlink control information, a transmission configuration indication with a states field indicating one of the code points; and in response to receiving the transmission configuration indication with the states field, deciding whether to change a default transmission configuration indication state.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method comprising: sending to a user equipment, a message comprising a list of code points wherein each code point comprises at least one transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel; and sending, in a downlink control information, a transmission configuration indication with a states field indicating one of the code points to initiate one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure in the user equipment.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: send to a user equipment, a message comprising a list of code points wherein each code point comprises at least one transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel; and send, in a downlink control information, a transmission configuration indication with a states field indicating one of the code points to initiate one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure in the user equipment. [0009] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory computer storage medium encoded with a computer program, the program comprising instructions that when executed by one or more computers cause the one or more computers to perform operations comprising: sending to a user equipment, a message comprising a list of code points wherein each code point comprises at least one transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel; and sending, in a downlink control information, a transmission configuration indication with a states field indicating one of the code points to initiate one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure in the user equipment.

[00010] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, an apparatus comprising: means for receiving a message comprising a list of code points wherein each code point comprises at least one transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel; in response to receiving the message comprising the list of code points, means for operating based on one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure; means for receiving, in a downlink control information, a transmission configuration indication with a states field indicating one of the code points; and in response to receiving the transmission configuration indication with the states field, means for deciding whether to change a default transmission configuration indication state.

[00011] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, an apparatus comprising: means for sending to a user equipment, a message comprising a list of code points wherein each code point comprises at least one transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel; and means for sending, in a downlink control information, a transmission configuration indication with a states field indicating one of the code points to initiate one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure in the user equipment.

[00012] According to a nineth aspect of the present invention, a method comprising: receiving, at a user equipment, a configuration for a first transmission configuration indication state of a first radio channel; assuming that a second transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel is the same as the first transmission configuration indication state; receiving at least one message carrying control information related to the second transmission configuration indication state and a third transmission configuration indication state of the second radio channel; and updating the second transmission configuration indication state and the third transmission configuration indication state based on the at least one message.

[00013] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: receive a configuration for a first transmission configuration indication state of a first radio channel; assume that a second transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel is the same as the first transmission configuration indication state; receive at least one message carrying control information related to the second transmission configuration indication state and a third transmission configuration indication state of the second radio channel; and update the second transmission configuration indication state and the third transmission configuration indication state based on the at least one message. [00014] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory computer storage medium encoded with a computer program, the program comprising instructions that when executed by one or more computers cause the one or more computers to perform operations comprising: receiving, at a user equipment, a configuration for a first transmission configuration indication state of a first radio channel; assuming that a second transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel is the same as the first transmission configuration indication state; receiving at least one message carrying control information related to the second transmission configuration indication state and a third transmission configuration indication state of the second radio channel; and updating the second transmission configuration indication state and the third transmission configuration indication state based on the at least one message.

[00015] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, an apparatus comprising: means for receiving a configuration for a first transmission configuration indication state of a first radio channel; means for assuming that a second transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel is the same as the first transmission configuration indication state; means for receiving at least one message carrying control information related to the second transmission configuration indication state and a third transmission configuration indication state of the second radio channel; and means for updating the second transmission configuration indication state and the third transmission configuration indication state based on the at least one message. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[00016] For proper understanding of example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[00017] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a beam update procedure with quasi-co-location (QCF) assumption. [00018] FIG. 2 illustrates a beam update with QCF, according to certain example embodiments. [00019] FIG. 3 illustrates another beam update with QCF, according to certain example embodiments.

[00020] FIG. 4 illustrates a further beam update with QCF, according to certain example embodiments. [0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. [0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. [0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 9(a) illustrates an apparatus, according to according to certain example embodiments. [0026] FIG. 9(b) illustrates another apparatus, according to according to certain example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION: [0027] It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for determining quasi-co-location assumption for multi-transmission reception point operation. [0028] The features, structures, or characteristics of example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification do 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 example embodiments. [0029] Additionally, if desired, the different functions or procedures discussed below may be performed in a different order and/or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the described functions or procedures may be optional or may be combined. As such, the following description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles and teachings of certain example embodiments, and not in limitation thereof. [0030] Certain example embodiments may relate to multiple transmission and reception point (multi-TRP)/panel transmissions, which may provide an ability to enhance multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO). Further, multi-TRP/panel transmission may provide certain benefits in new radio (NR) deployments by being able to enhance mobile broadband (eMBB) operations and provide improved reliability for ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) services. In this regard, 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Rel-16/17 describes certain enhancements in MIMO. For instance, multi-TRP/panel transmission may be enhanced by improving reliability and robustness with both ideal and non-ideal backhaul. This may include specifying downlink (DL) control signaling enhancement(s) for efficient support of non-coherent joint transmission. It may also include specifying enhancements on UL control signaling and/or reference signal(s) for non- coherent joint transmission. In addition, it may include multi-TRP techniques for URLLC requirements. [0031] Rel-16 provides certain URLLC schemes for physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), and the basic framework of non-coherent joint transmission schemes based on single and multiple physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) design. Further, Rel-17 describes certain enhancements on the support for multi-TRP deployment, which targets both frequency range 1 (FR1) and frequency range 2 (FR2). In particular, Rel-17 identifies and specifies features to improve reliability and robustness for channels other than PDSCH (e.g., PDCCH, physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), and physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)) using multi-TRP and/or multi-panel, with Rel-16 reliability features as the baseline. Furthermore, Rel-17 identifies and specifies quasi-co-location (QCL)/transmission configuration indicator (TCI) related enhancements to enable inter-cell multi- TRP operations, assuming multi-downlink control information (DCI) based multi-PDSCH reception. [0032] Additionally, beam-management-related enhancements have been specified for simultaneous multi-TRP transmission with multi-panel reception. In addition, enhancements to support high-speed train (HST) - single frequency network (SFN) deployment scenarios have been described. For instance, the enhancement may include identifying and specifying solution(s) on QCL assumption for demodulation reference signal (DMRS) port(s), targeting downlink (DL)-only transmission. The enhancement may also include evaluating and, if the benefit over Rel-16 HST enhancement baseline is demonstrated, specifying QCL/QCL-like relation (including applicable type(s) and the associated requirement) between DL and uplink (UL) signal by reusing the unified TCI framework. Rel-17 also specifies enhancements on channel state information (CSI) measurement and reporting. This may include evaluating and, if needed, specifying CSI reporting for DL multi-TRP and/or multi-panel transmission to enable more dynamic channel/interference hypothesis for non-coherent joint detection (NCJT), targeting both FR1 and FR2.

[0033] In the single PDCCH design of Rel-16, a PDCCH from one TRP schedule PDSCH from one or two TRPs, and coordinated scheduling may be performed. Thus, this technique may be suitable for cases of ideal backhaul. Further, a TCI code point (CP) in DCI may indicate one or more TCI states, and it has been agreed in related DMRS port mapping that a TCI state corresponds to one DMRS code division multiplex (CDM) group.

[0034] When assuming single-TRP operation, two types of beam switching mechanisms for PDSCH may be provided. For example, a first implementation option may provide full dynamic switching via DCI. Under the first implementation, RRC may configure a full set of TCI states, and the medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) may select up to 8 candidate TCI states among a group of configured TCI states. Here, the logical channel ID (LCID) for NR MAC header may be equal to 53, which indicates that this MAC protocol data unit (PDU) may include the MAC- CE for PDSCH updated TCI states. In addition, the TCI states activation/deactivation may be configured for UE-specific PDSCH MAC CE. In addition, for PDSCH, DCI-based dynamic beam switching among candidate TCI states may be performed, and PDSCH TCI states may be switched within the 8 candidate 8 TCI states. [0035] A second implementation operation may provide semi-dynamic switching via MAC-CE. In this implementation, RRC may configure the full set of TCI states, and the MAC-CE may signal a TCI state of control resource set (CORESET) used for PDCCH transmission. Under the second implementation, LCID = 52, and TCI state information for UE-specific PDSCH MAC-CE may be provided. For PDSCH, the TCI state or QCL assumption used for the PDCCH may be applied to the PDSCH, and PDSCH TCI states may be switched with the update of PDCCH TCI state by the MAC- CE. Further, in FR2, the TCI state may be defined with QCL Type-D, which specifies what RX beam is applied. For instance, if the scheduling offset is smaller than the timedurationForQCL, the UE may not know which TCI state is applied to PDSCH, and may not know what RX beam shall be used for the reception. Moreover, the UE may not know whether or not PDSCH is transmitted. As such, the UE may receive and buffer the potential data with a default assumption such as, for example, a QCL assumption.

[0036] For multi-TRP operation, the operation based on implementation option 1 described above may be applicable. However, when applying this for a FR2 high-frequency system, the one or two slots of a scheduling offset (K0) may be required between PDCCH and PDSCH. In particular, this offset may be a UE capability and configured as “timedurationForQCL.” For instance, in FR2, the amount of scheduling offset may be required because the UE may apply an appropriate RX beam to receive PDSCH after determination of the TCI state signaled in DCI. In order to determine TCI states, the UE may complete decoding of PDCCH, and the UE may report its capability of “timedurationForQCL,” which indicates the time offset to be ready for applying the TCI state including the completion of decoding PDCCH. Due to this scheduling offset, for multi-TRP operation, the UE may have constant a scheduling offset regardless of beam switching. Thus, the constant offset may introduce additional delay, and in order to reduce the latency, the UE may be scheduled with a default QCL assumption as specified in implementation option 2 described above. However, the existing operation may just be applicable for single TRP operations.

[0037] 3GPP discussions have focused on default QCL assumption for multi-TRP operation. In particular, consideration may be made of single-DCI based multi-TRP/panel transmission with at least one configured TCI state for the serving cell of the scheduled PDSCH containing QCL-TypeD. QCL-TypeD may correspond to receiver beam information on the UE side. Further, if the offset between the reception of the PDCCH and the corresponding PDSCH is less than timeDurationForQCL and after the reception of activation command of TCI states for UE specific PDSCH, the UE may assume that DMRS ports of PDSCH follows QCL parameters indicated by default TCI state(s). For instance, the TCI states corresponding to the lowest CP among the TCI CPs containing two different TCI states that are activated for PDSCH may be used. If a certain number of TCI CPs are mapped to a single TCI state, then Rel-15 behavior may be followed.

[0038] The beam operation that multi-TRP supports may be based on a DCI-based approach (implementation option 1 described above). However, at least for default operation, when the scheduling offsets between PDCCH and PDSCH are smaller, the default QCL assumption may be based on the principle of the implementation operation 2. Due to the mismatch between the principles to be used, the different QCL assumption may be applied according to the signaled MAC-CE contents. A feature on default QCL assumption may serve as a solution for a specific scenario when only semi-static beam switching is expected for multi-TRP operation in FR2. Whenever beam change in a TRP is observed, the UE may be updated with new MAC-CE for CORESETs, and this may be more suitable for static channel such as fixed/line of sight (LOS) environment. However, certain cases may be limited to MAC-CE based beam switching.

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a beam update procedure with QCL assumption. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates the operation of the above-described QCL assumption. Based on Rel- 16, the lowest CP that carries two TCI states may be used as the default beam assumptions. Thus, the UE may receive data transmission with TCI 1 and TCI 3 in the initial set of PDSCH reception, and later require a MAC-CE update to switch towards a different beam operation (TCI 2 and TCI 4). In other words, if beam switching occurs, new MAC-CE may be transmitted to update the TCI code points set. Further, to update the TCI code points, a break or non-optimized period (beam mismatch) may be needed with the amount of time for “PDSCH for MAC-CE delivery + PUCCH ACK + 3m.” [0040] However, the procedure illustrated in FIG. 1 exhibits a problem with increased UE complexity at least because in 3GPP Rel-15, the default QCL assumption for the PDSCH is to apply the same TCI state applied to the PDCCH scheduling the PDSCH. The above default QCL assumption for multi-TRP uses different QCL assumption even though it can be either single or multi-TRP operations. According to UE operation mode, even with the same PDCCH beams, the UE may follow different QCL assumptions. Thus, this increases the UE complexity, and reliable performance cannot be guaranteed for the same operation. In addition, whenever the TCI state of PDCCH is updated, PDCCH MAC-CE would also need to be updated. [0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a beam update with QCL, according to certain example embodiments. In particular, certain example embodiments may provide methods of UE’s QCL assumption to have more flexibility, to be less complex, and to have low latency when supporting single DCI based multi-TRP operation. For instance, certain example embodiments may provide a first method. Specifically, in the first method, a common QCL assumption may be provided at least for the TRP transmitting PDCCH. Further, instead of using the lowest TCI CP with two TCI states, the UE in certain example embodiments may assume that the lowest TCI CP with two TCI states among the one of TCI states is the same as TCI states of the PDCCH.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 2, when the TCI state of PDCCH is TCI 1, the UE may assume TCI states of the one TRP is the same as TCI 1, and the TCI of the other TRP is the TCI state in the lowest TCI CPs having two TCI states, where one of the TCI states is TCI 1 (e.g., CP 1 and 2 may have two TCI states and one of the TCI states is TCI 1, and the lowest of these CPs is CP 1). Further, if the UE receives MAC-CE for updating the PDCCH TCI state (e.g., TCI 2 in FIG. 2), or using a CORESET with activated TCI state as TCI 2, the candidate CPs may include CP 4 or CP 5. In addition, the lowest CP of CP 4 may be assumed as the default TCI states. Further, in this case, the UE may apply the same default QCL assumption for the primary TRP for both single/multi-TRP operations, where the primary TRP may correspond to the TRP transmitting PDCCH. [0043] FIG. 3 illustrates another beam update with QCL, according to certain example embodiments. In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates a variant of the beam update in FIG. 2. In the beam update illustrated in FIG. 3, when the UE receives MAC-CE for PDCCH TCI state, the UE may receive additional information for the default state of PDCCH applied for the other TRP. For a TRP, the UE may follow the TCI states of PDCCH as a default TCI state of PDSCH as illustrated in FIG. 2. For the other TRP, the UE may be signaled with an indication of default TCI states by any one of three options.

[0044] In a first option, PDCCH MAC-CE may have an extension field to include the TCI state of the other TRP (the second default TCI state). Alternatively, in a second option, the new MAC-CE may indicate the second default TCI state following the PDCCH MAC-CE. Further, in a third option, the PDSCH MAC-CE may have TCI CPs, and one TCI CP associated with two TCI states. According to the procedure illustrated in FIG. 3, PDSCH MAC-CE may not be used for the first and second options. In addition, a one or two bit TCI field in DCI may be used for indicating a single-TRP operation or a multi-TRP operation. For example, the TCI field may include a “0” indication, which may represent “single: the first TCI only” or “1” indication, which may represent “multi-TRP: the first and the second TCI.” In addition, the bit-map of 2 bits may indicate enabling of the first default TCI and the second default TCI (enabled (1) or disabled (0)): 00 (reserved), 10 (the first TCI), 01 (the second TCI), and 11 (the first and the second TCIs), where the reserved combination may be used to indicate other purposes (e.g., triggering URLLC schemes). According to certain example embodiments, triggering of multi-TRP operation may be determined. This may be accomplished when, for example, PDCCH MAC-CE with extended field is received, or a new MAC-CE for the second default TCI is received.

[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates a further beam update with QCL, according to certain example embodiments. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates a method where beam update is not frequently occurring. In general, the UE beam may not be frequently switched, but it may instead be changed at intervals of 100 ms or more. If it is assumed that beam switching is not frequently occurring, the scheduled beams from two TRPs may not significantly change. In addition, the UE may simply assume that the same PDSCH beams are used for a certain period.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a new UE default QCL assumption may be provided. For example, the UE may be configured with any scheme that transmission is based on S-DCI based multi-TRP operation. Before the UE receives a new MAC-CE containing at least one TCI CP with two TCI states, the UE may assume that the default TCI state for PDSCH is the same as that of the PDCCH. However, after receiving the new MAC-CE command, the UE may operate based on two separate alternatives. As a first alternative, the UE may not be expected to receive PDSCH with a smaller offset than the threshold (timedurationForQCL) after PDCCH reception. In a second alternative, the UE may assume that the default QCL assumption is the lowest TCI CP having two TCI states. [0047] According to certain example embodiments, after the UE receives a PDCCH including a TCI states field (a scheduling with a larger offset than timedurationForQCL), the UE may change the default QCL assumptions, which may be the same as that of the latest received PDSCH. In certain example embodiments, when beam switching occurs, the network may use scheduling offset KO>timedurationForQCL in the first instance, and this may be one possible break time for this operation, after which the network may again use scheduling offset KO<timedurationForQCL (see FIG. 4). Further, in other example embodiments, for beam switching, MAC-CE transmission may not be required, and a small break with timedurationForQCL may be needed, which reduces network overhead and latency.

[0048] In certain example embodiments, the beam update procedure illustrated in FIG. 4 may be applicable to a single TRP operation, maintaining the latest TCI states for the PDSCH as a default QCL assumption. According to certain example embodiments, the determination of the default QCL assumption may be configured through RRC. In other example embodiments, a scenario may involve a single TRP transmission and single-DCI based muIti-TRP/panel transmission with at least one configured TCI state for the serving cell of scheduled PDSCH containing ‘QCL-TypeD,’ and at least one PDSCH that is received based on one or two states indicated by DCI according to the latest MAC CE command. In this scenario, if the offset between the reception of the PDCCH and the corresponding PDSCH is less than timedurationForQCL, the UE may assume that DMRS ports of PDSCH follows QCL parameters indicated by default TCI state(s) as using the TCI-states scheduled for the latest PDSCH reception.

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, the flow diagram of FIG. 5 may be performed by a telecommunications network, network entity or network node in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G- NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 5 may be performed by mobile station and/or UE, for instance similar to apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 9(a).

[0050] According to certain example embodiments, the method of FIG. 5 may include, at 500, receiving, at a user equipment, a configuration for a first transmission configuration indication state of a first radio channel. The method may also include, at 505, assuming that a second transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel is the same as the first transmission configuration indication state. The method may further include, at 510, receiving at least one message carrying control information related to the second transmission configuration indication state and a third transmission configuration indication state of the second radio channel. In addition, the method may include, at 515, updating the second transmission configuration indication state and the third transmission configuration indication state based on the at least one message. [0051] According to certain example embodiments, the second transmission indication state and the third transmission indication state may be associated with a first code point that includes two transmission configuration indication states. In certain example embodiments, the first code point designating the second transmission indication state may include a lowest transmission configuration indication code point out of a group of code points, and may include two transmission configuration indication states, where one of the transmission configuration indication states is the same as the first transmission indication state. In other example embodiments, the first radio channel may be a physical downlink control channel, and the second radio channel may be a physical downlink shared channel. In further example embodiments, the updating may include receiving a physical downlink control channel medium access control control element for the first radio channel, and the physical downlink control channel medium access control control element changes the first transmission configuration indication state for the first radio channel to an indicated transmission configuration indication state.

[0052] In certain example embodiments, the second code point designating two additional transmission configuration indication states may be a lowest code point out of a group of code points with two transmission configuration indication states. In some example embodiments, one of the two transmission configuration indication states in the second code point may be the same as the first transmission configuration indication state. In other example embodiments, the second transmission configuration state may be changed to a first transmission configuration indication state in the second code point, and the third transmission configuration indication state may be changed a second transmission configuration state in the second code point. According to certain example embodiments, a default transmission configuration indication state of a physical downlink shared channel may be determined from receiving of the configuration for the first transmission configuration indication state, to which the second transmission configuration indication state is changed, and may also determined from receiving additional information. According to certain example embodiments, the additional information may include a physical downlink control channel medium access control control element with an extension field that comprises the third transmission configuration indication state.

[0053] In some example embodiments, the additional information may include a physical downlink control channel medium access control control element with an extension field that comprises the third transmission configuration indication state. In other example embodiments, the additional information may include a medium access control control element to indicate the third transmission configuration indication state. In further example embodiments, the additional information may include a physical downlink shared channel medium access control control element comprising transmission configuration indication code points, and one transmission configuration indication code point associated with two transition configuration indication states. According to certain example embodiments, the method may further include receiving a physical downlink control channel medium access control command with an extended field, or a new medium access control command for a default transmission configuration indication state. According to other example embodiments, the method may include performing a multi-transmission reception point operation in response to receiving the physical downlink control channel medium access control command or the new medium access control command.

[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments. As with the flow diagram of FIG. 5, in certain example embodiments, the flow diagram of FIG. 6 may be performed by a telecommunications network, network entity or network node in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 6 may be performed by mobile station and/or UE, for instance similar to apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 9(a).

[0055] According to certain example embodiments, the method may include, at 600, receiving, at a user equipment, a message including a list of code points wherein each code point may include one or two transmission configuration indication states of a second radio channel. The method may also include, at 605, in response to receiving the message including the list of code points, operating based on one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure. In addition, at 610, the method may include receiving, in a downlink control information, a transmission configuration indication with a states field indicating one of the code points. Further, at 615, the method may include, in response to receiving the transmission configuration indication with the states field, deciding whether to change a default transmission configuration indication state. If yes, at 620, the method may include changing the default transmission configuration indication state. However, if no, at 625, the method may include maintaining the default transmission configuration indication state.

[0056] According to certain example embodiments, the method may further include, before receiving the message comprising the list of code points, assuming the default transmission configurations state is the same as a first transmission configuration indication state of a first radio channel. According to other example embodiments, the expectation procedure may include expecting not to receive a transmission configuration indication in the second radio channel with a smaller offset than a threshold after receiving data from the first radio channel. According to other example embodiments, the assumption procedure may include assuming that the default transmission configuration indication state is associated with a lowest code point having two transmission configuration states out of a set of code points. In certain example embodiments, the second transmission configuration indication state may be one of the two transmission configuration states. In other example embodiments, the default transmission configuration indication state may be the same as that of a previously received transmission configuration indication of the second radio channel. According to certain example embodiments, the transmission configuration indication states field may include a scheduling with an offset greater than the threshold. According to other example embodiments, the transmission configuration indication states field may include a scheduling with an offset less than the threshold. According to further example embodiments, changing or maintaining the default transmission configuration indication state may be configured through radio resource control.

[0057] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 7 may be performed by a telecommunications network, network entity or network node in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G- NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 7 may be performed by a target base station, target eNB, or target gNB for instance similar to apparatus 20 illustrated in FIG. 9(b). [0058] According to certain example embodiments, the method may include, at 700, configuring a user equipment with a first transmission configuration indication state of a first radio channel. The method may also include, at 705, initiating a beam switching procedure by sending a message related to a second transmission configuration indication state and a third transmission configuration indication state. According to certain example embodiments, the third transmission configuration indication state may be associated with a second radio channel. [0059] In certain example embodiments, the second transmission configuration indication state and the third transmission configuration indication state may be associated with a first code point that includes two transmission configuration indication states. In other example embodiments, the first code point designating the second transmission indication state may include a lowest transmission configuration indication code point out of a group of code points, and comprises two transmission configuration indication states, where one of the transmission configuration indication states is the same as the first transmission indication state. According to certain example embodiments, the first radio channel is a physical downlink control channel, and the second radio channel is a physical downlink shared channel.

[0060] According to other example embodiments, configuring the user equipment may include configuring the user equipment with additional information for a default transmission configuration indication state of a physical downlink shared channel. According to further example embodiments, the default transmission configuration indication state may be determined from the first transmission configuration indication state, which defines the second transmission configuration indication state, and is also determined from a medium access control command updating the third transmission configuration indication state. In certain example embodiments, the additional information may include a physical downlink control channel medium access control control element with an extension field that includes the third transmission configuration indication state.

[0061] In some example embodiments, the additional information may include a medium access control control element to indicate the third transmission configuration indication state. In other example embodiments, the additional information may include a physical downlink shared channel medium access control control element that includes transmission configuration indication code points, and one transmission configuration indication code point associated with two transition configuration indication states. Further, in other example embodiments, the method may include sending to the user equipment a physical downlink control channel medium access control command with an extended field, or a new medium access control command for a default transmission configuration indication state. [0062] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments. Similar to FIG. 7, the method of FIG. 8 may be performed by a telecommunications network, network entity or network node in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 8 may be performed by a target base station, target eNB, or target gNB for instance similar to apparatus 20 illustrated in FIG. 9(b). [0063] According to an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 8 may include, at 800, sending to a user equipment, a message including a list of code points wherein each code point includes one or two transmission configuration indication states of a second radio channel. The method may also include, at 805, sending, in a downlink control information, a transmission configuration indication with a states field indicating one of the code points to initiate one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure in the user equipment.

[0064] According to certain example embodiments, the expectation procedure comprises expecting not to receive a transmission configuration indication in the second radio channel with a smaller offset than a threshold after receiving data from a first radio channel. According to other example embodiments, the assumption procedure may include assuming that the default transmission configuration indication state is associated with a lowest code point having two transmission configuration states out of a set of code points. In certain example embodiments, a second transmission configuration indication state may be one of the two transmission configuration states. In other example embodiments, the default transmission configuration indication state may be the same as that of a previously received transmission configuration indication of the second radio channel. In other example embodiments, the transmission configuration indication states field may include a scheduling with an offset greater than the threshold. Further, in some example embodiments, the transmission configuration indication states field may include a scheduling with an offset less than the threshold. In addition, according to certain example embodiments, initiating one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure in the user equipment is configured through radio resource control.

[0065] FIG. 9(a) illustrates an apparatus 10 according to an example embodiment. In an embodiment, apparatus 10 may be a node or element in a communications network or associated with such a network, such as a UE, mobile equipment (ME), mobile station, mobile device, stationary device, IoT device, or other device. As described herein, UE may alternatively be referred to as, for example, a mobile station, mobile equipment, mobile unit, mobile device, user device, subscriber station, wireless terminal, tablet, smart phone, IoT device, sensor or NB-IoT device, or the like. As one example, apparatus 10 may be implemented in, for instance, a wireless handheld device, a wireless plug-in accessory, or the like.

[0066] In some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage medium (for example, memory, storage, or the like), one or more radio access components (for example, a modem, a transceiver, or the like), and/or a user interface. In some embodiments, apparatus 10 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and/or any other radio access technologies. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 10 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 9(a).

[0067] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 9(a), apparatus 10 may include or be coupled to a processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 12 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. In fact, processor 12 may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. While a single processor 12 is shown in FIG. 9(a), multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments. For example, it should be understood that, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing. According to certain example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0068] Processor 12 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 10 including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain/phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 10, including processes illustrated in FIGs. 1-6.

[0069] Apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to a memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 12, for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 12. Memory 14 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and/or removable memory. For example, memory 14 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 12, enable the apparatus 10 to perform tasks as described herein. [0070] In an embodiment, apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processor 12 and/or apparatus 10 to perform any of the methods illustrated in FIGs. 1-6.

[0071] In some embodiments, apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for receiving a downlink signal and for transmitting via an uplink from apparatus 10. Apparatus 10 may further include a transceiver 18 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 18 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 15. The radio interface may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, and the like. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital- to-analog converters and the like), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) module, and the like, to process symbols, such as OFDMA symbols, carried by a downlink or an uplink.

[0072] For instance, transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 15 and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 15 for further processing by other elements of apparatus 10. In other embodiments, transceiver 18 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, apparatus 10 may include an input and/or output device (I/O device). In certain embodiments, apparatus 10 may further include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or touchscreen.

[0073] In an embodiment, memory 14 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 10. The components of apparatus 10 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to an example embodiment, apparatus 10 may optionally be configured to communicate with apparatus 20 via a wireless or wired communications link 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0074] According to certain example embodiments, processor 12 and memory 14 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some embodiments, transceiver 18 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry.

[0075] As discussed above, according to certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be a UE for example. According to certain embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to perform the functions associated with example embodiments described herein. For instance, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive a configuration for a first transmission configuration indication state of a first radio channel. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to assume that a second transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel is the same as the first transmission configuration indication state. In addition, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive at least one message carrying control information related to the second transmission configuration indication state and a third transmission configuration indication state of the second radio channel. Further, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to update the second transmission configuration indication state and the third transmission configuration indication state based on the at least one message. [0076] According to certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive a a message including a list of code points wherein each code point includes one or two transmission configuration indication states of a second radio channel. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to, in response to receiving the message including the list of code points, operate based on one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure. In addition, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive, in a downlink control information, a transmission configuration indication with a states field indicating one of the code points. Apparatus 10 may further be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to, in response to receiving the transmission configuration indication with the states field, decide whether to change a default transmission configuration indication state. [0077] FIG. 9(b) illustrates an apparatus 20 according to an example embodiment. In an example embodiment, the apparatus 20 may be a network element, node, host, or server in a communication network or serving such a network. For example, apparatus 20 may be a base station, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), 5G Node B or access point, next generation Node B (NG-NB or gNB), and/or WLAN access point, associated with a radio access network (RAN), such as an LTE network, 5G or NR. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 20 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 9(b).

[0078] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 9(b), apparatus 20 may include a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 22 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. For example, processor 22 may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. While a single processor 22 is shown in FIG. 9(b), multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments. For example, it should be understood that, in certain embodiments, apparatus 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g. , in this case processor 22 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing. In certain embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster. [0079] According to certain example embodiments, processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 20, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain/phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 20, including processes illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, 7, and 8.

[0080] Apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to a memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 22, for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 22. Memory 24 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and/or removable memory. For example, memory 24 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (F1DD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 22, enable the apparatus 20 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0081] In an embodiment, apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processor 22 and/or apparatus 20 to perform the methods illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, 7, and 8. [0082] In certain example embodiments, apparatus 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for transmitting and receiving signals and/or data to and from apparatus 20. Apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 28 may include, for example, a plurality of radio interfaces that may be coupled to the antenna(s) 25. The radio interfaces may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, NB-IoT, LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, radio frequency identifier (RFID), ultra wideband (UWB), MulteFire, and the like. The radio interface may include components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to-analog converters and the like), mappers, a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module, and the like, to generate symbols for a transmission via one or more downlinks and to receive symbols (for example, via an uplink).

[0083] As such, transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 25 and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 25 for further processing by other elements of apparatus 20. In other embodiments, transceiver 18 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, apparatus 20 may include an input and/or output device (I/O device). [0084] In an embodiment, memory 24 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 20. The components of apparatus 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0085] According to some embodiments, processor 22 and memory 24 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some embodiments, transceiver 28 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry. [0086] As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to hardware-only circuitry implementations (e.g., analog and/or digital circuitry), combinations of hardware circuits and software, combinations of analog and/or digital hardware circuits with software/firmware, any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processors) that work together to cause an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and 20) to perform various functions, and/or hardware circuit(s) and/or processor(s), or portions thereof, that use software for operation but where the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation. As a further example, as used herein, the term “circuitry” may also cover an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors), or portion of a hardware circuit or processor, and its accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry may also cover, for example, a baseband integrated circuit in a server, cellular network node or device, or other computing or network device.

[0087] As introduced above, in certain embodiments, apparatus 20 may be a network element, node, host, or server in a communication network or serving such a network. For example, apparatus 20 may be a satellite, base station, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), 5G Node B or access point, next generation Node B (NG-NB or gNB), and/or WLAN access point, associated with a radio access network (RAN), such as an LTE network, 5G or NR. According to certain embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to perform the functions associated with any of the embodiments described herein.

[0088] For instance, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to configure a user equipment with a first transmission configuration indication state of a first radio channel. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to initiate a beam switching procedure by sending a message related to a second transmission configuration indication state and a third transmission configuration indication state. In certain example embodiments, the third transmission configuration indication state may be associated with a second radio channel. [0089] According to other example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to send to a user equipment, a a message including a list of code points wherein each code point includes one or two transmission configuration indication states of a second radio channel. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to send, in a downlink control information, a transmission configuration indication with a states field indicating one of the code points to initiate one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure in the user equipment. [0090] Further example embodiments may provide means for performing any of the functions, steps, or procedures described herein. For example one example embodiment may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for receiving a configuration for a first transmission configuration indication state of a first radio channel. The apparatus may also include means for assuming that a second transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel is the same as the first transmission configuration indication state. The apparatus may further include means for receiving at least one message related to the second transmission configuration indication state and a third transmission configuration indication state of the second radio channel. In addition, the apparatus may include means for updating the second transmission configuration indication state and the third transmission configuration indication state based on the at least one message. [0091] Additional example embodiments may be directed to another apparatus that includes means for receiving, at a user equipment, a message including a list of code points wherein each code point includes one or two transmission configuration indication states of a second radio channel. The apparatus may also include means for, in response to receiving the message including the list of code points, operating based on one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure. In addition, the apparatus may include means for receiving, in a downlink control information, a transmission configuration indication with a states field indicating one of the code points. Further, the apparatus may include means for, in response to receiving the transmission configuration indication with the states field, deciding whether to change a default transmission configuration indication state.

[0092] Other example embodiments may be directed to a further apparatus that includes means for configuring a user equipment with a first transmission configuration indication state of a first radio channel. The apparatus may also include means for initiating a beam switching procedure by sending a message related to a second transmission configuration indication state and a third transmission configuration indication state. According to certain example embodiments, the third transmission configuration indication state may be associated with a second radio channel. [0093] Further example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for sending to a user equipment, a message including a list of code points wherein each code point includes one or two transmission configuration indication states of a second radio channel. The apparatus may also include means for sending, in a downlink control information, a transmission configuration indication with a states field indicating one of the code points to initiate one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure in the user equipment.

[0094] Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and /or advantages. In some example embodiments, it may be possible to provide default QCL assumption that is applicable for multi-TRP operation. In addition, certain example embodiments may decrease UE complexity, increase performance reliability for the multi-TRP operations, and provide the ability to update PDCCH MAC-CE whenever the TCI state of PDCCH is updated. Other example embodiments provide a way to increase flexibility of the UE’s QCL assumption, decrease complexity and network overhead, and to have low latency when supporting single DCI-based multi-TRP operation.

[0095] A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out some example embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it. Modifications and configurations required for implementing functionality of an example embodiment may be performed as routine(s), which may be implemented as added or updated software routine(s). Software routine(s) may be downloaded into the apparatus.

[0096] As an example, software or a computer program code or portions of it may be in a source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers may include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectrical and/or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0097] In other example embodiments, the functionality may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 or apparatus 20), for example through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functionality may be implemented as a signal, a non-tangible means that can be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0098] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus, such as a node, device, or a corresponding component, may be configured as circuitry, a computer or a microprocessor, such as single-chip computer element, or as a chipset, including at least a memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operation and an operation processor for executing the arithmetic operation.

[0099] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with procedures in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon these example embodiments, 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 example embodiments. Although the above embodiments refer to 5G NR and LTE technology, the above embodiments may also apply to any other present or future 3GPP technology, such as LTE-advanced, and/or fourth generation (4G) technology.

[00100] Partial Glossary [00101] CE Control Element

[00102] CORESET Control Reference Set [00103] DCI Downlink Control Information [00104] DMRS Demodulation Reference Signal [00105] DL Downlink [00106] eNB Enhanced Node B [00107] FR1 Frequency Range 1 [00108] FR2 Frequency Range 2 [00109] gNB 5G or Next Generation NodeB [00110] LTE Long Term Evolution [0111] MAC Medium Access Control [0112] MIMO Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output [0113] NR New Radio ‘ [0114] PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel [0115] PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel [0116] QCL Quasi Co-Location [0117] RRC Radio Resource Control [0118] RS Reference Signal [0119] TCI Transmission Configuration Indicator [0120] TRP Transmission Reception Point [0121] UE User Equipment [0122] UL Uplink

Claims

CLAIMS WE CLAIM:

1. A method, comprising: receiving, at a user equipment, a message comprising a list of code points wherein each code point comprises at least one transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel; in response to receiving the message comprising the list of code points, operating based on one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure; receiving, in a downlink control information, a transmission configuration indication with a states field indicating one of the code points; and in response to receiving the transmission configuration indication with the states field, deciding whether to change a default transmission configuration indication state.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: before receiving the message comprising the list of code points, assuming the default transmission configurations state is the same as a first transmission configuration indication state of a first radio channel.

3. The method according to claims 13 or 14, wherein the expectation procedure comprises expecting not to receive a transmission configuration indication in the second radio channel with a smaller offset than a threshold after receiving data from the first radio channel, wherein the assumption procedure comprises assuming that the default transmission configuration indication state is associated with a lowest code point having two transmission configuration states out of a set of code points.

4. The method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the default transmission configuration indication state is the same as that of a previously received transmission configuration indication of the second radio channel.

5. The method according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the transmission configuration indication states field comprises a scheduling with an offset greater than a threshold.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: changing the default transmission configuration indication state.

7. The method according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the transmission configuration indication states field comprises a scheduling with an offset less than a threshold.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: maintaining the default transmission configuration indication state.

9. The method according to any of claims 1-8, wherein changing or maintaining the default transmission configuration indication state is configured through radio resource control.

10. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: receive a message comprising a list of code points wherein each code point comprises at least one transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel; in response to receiving the message comprising the list of code points, operate based on one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure; receive, in a downlink control information, a transmission configuration indication with a states field indicating one of the code points; and in response to receiving the transmission configuration indication with the states field, decide whether to change a default transmission configuration indication state.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, the apparatus is further caused to: before receiving the message comprising the list of code points, assume the default transmission configurations state is the same as a first transmission configuration indication state of a first radio channel.

12. The apparatus according to claims 10 or 11, wherein the expectation procedure comprises expecting not to receive a transmission configuration indication in the second radio channel with a smaller offset than a threshold after receiving data from the first radio channel, wherein the assumption procedure comprises assuming that the default transmission configuration indication state is associated with a lowest code point having two transmission configuration states out of a set of code points.

13. The apparatus according to any of claims 10-12, wherein the default transmission configuration indication state is the same as that of a previously received transmission configuration indication of the second radio channel.

14. The apparatus according to any of claims 10-13, wherein the transmission configuration indication states field comprises a scheduling with an offset greater than a threshold.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, the apparatus is further caused to: change the default transmission configuration indication state.

16. The apparatus according to any of claims 10-13, wherein the transmission configuration indication states field comprises a scheduling with an offset less than a threshold.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, the apparatus is further caused to: maintain the default transmission configuration indication state.

18. The apparatus according to any of claims 10-17, wherein changing or maintaining the default transmission configuration indication state is configured through radio resource control.

19. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: send to a user equipment, a message comprising a list of code points wherein each code point comprises at least one transmission configuration indication state of a second radio channel; and send, in a downlink control information, a transmission configuration indication with a states field indicating one of the code points to initiate one of an expectation procedure or an assumption procedure in the user equipment.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the default transmission configuration indication state is the same as that of a previously received transmission configuration indication of the second radio channel.