Selection of channel access priority

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for selection of channel access priority. In example embodiments, a subset of data units is selected from a set of data units for multiplexing into a data packet. The selection is based at least in part on a channel access priority associated with each data unit in the subset of data units. The subset of data units is multiplexed into the data packet, and the data packet is then transmitted.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of communications, and in particular to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for selection of channel access priority. BACKGROUND

[0002] Licensed Assisted Access (LAA) is a technology for utilizing unlicensed spectrum in conjunction with licensed spectrum through Carrier Aggregation (CA) to enhance system performance in Long Term Evolution (LTE). In LAA, at least one Secondary Cell (SCell) operating in unlicensed spectrum is assigned to a User Equipment (UE). Due to the shared nature of unlicensed spectrum, an Evolved NodeB (eNB) and the UE can apply Listen Before Talk (LBT) before performing transmissions on the LAA SCell. During LBT, a transmitter listens to or senses a channel in the unlicensed spectrum to determine whether the channel is idle or busy. If the channel is determined to be idle, the transmitter can initiate a transmission.

[0003] If the channel is not idle, the transmitter will wait for a contention window to perform LBT again. The size of the contention window can be adjusted based on Channel Access Priority Class (CAPC). Generally, transmissions with higher CAPC priority (i.e., lower CAPC number) can use a shorter contention window to have more opportunities to acquire the channel. Four CAPCs are defined in 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) TS 36.213 / 37.213 for uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) transmissions on LAA carriers. The CAPC is associated with a Quality of Service Class Identifier (QCI), which identifies a Quality of Service (QoS) class that the traffic to be transmitted belongs to.

[0004] Prior to LBT, upon receiving a UL grant from the eNB, the UE can multiplex several Medium Access Control (MAC) Service Data Units (SDUs) or MAC Control Elements (CEs) into a MAC Protocol Data Unit (PDU) and then select a CAPC for this UL grant. In LTE Autonomous Uplink (AUL) transmissions, the UE will select the lowest CAPC priority based on the MAC SDUs multiplexed into the MAC PDU. This will result in using lower CAPC priority for data with higher CAPC priority, thus degrading the QoS of the data. SUMMARY

[0005] Generally, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for selection of channel access priority.

[0006] In a first aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to select, from a set of data units, a subset of data units for multiplexing into a data packet. The selection is based at least in part on a channel access priority associated with each data unit in the subset of data units. The apparatus is further caused to multiplex the subset of data units into the data packet, and then transmit the data packet.

[0007] In a second aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to determine a plurality of channel access priorities associated with a plurality of data units multiplexed into a data packet to be transmitted. The apparatus is further caused to select a channel access priority from the plurality of channel access priorities based on a threshold priority. The apparatus is further caused to transmit the data packet in accordance with the selected channel access priority.

[0008] In a third aspect, a method is provided. In the method, a subset of data units is selected, from a set of data units, for multiplexing into a data packet. The selection is based at least in part on a channel access priority associated with each data unit in the subset of data units. The subset of data units is multiplexed into the data packet, and then the data packet is transmitted.

[0009] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. In the method, a plurality of channel access priorities associated with a plurality of data units multiplexed into a data packet to be transmitted is determined. A channel access priority is selected from the plurality of channel access priorities based on a threshold priority. Further, the data packet is transmitted in accordance with the selected channel access priority.

[0010] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising means for performing the steps of the method according to the third or fourth aspect.

[0011] In a sixth aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided, comprising program instructions stored thereon. The instructions, when executed by a processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the method according to the third or fourth aspect.

[0012] It is to be understood that the Summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of example embodiments of the disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the disclosure. Other aspects will become apparent from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0014] It is to be understood that the Summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of example embodiments of the disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the disclosure. Other aspects will become apparent from the following description.Figure 1 An example scenario in which some example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented is shown;

[0015] Figure 2 A flowchart of an example method of transmitting data packets according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0016] Figure 3 A flowchart of an example method of selecting a subset of data units from a set of data units for multiplexing into a data packet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 4 A flowchart of an example method of transmitting data packets according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 5 A flowchart of an example method of selecting a channel access priority for a data packet to be transmitted according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0019] Figure 6 A simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Throughout the drawings, identical or similar reference numerals can designate identical or similar elements throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that the description of these example embodiments is merely intended to illustrate and help understand and implement the present disclosure, and does not in any way limit the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various other ways than described below.

[0022] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0023] As used herein, the term “terminal device” or “user equipment” (UE) refers to any terminal device capable of wirelessly communicating with each other or with a base station. The communication can involve transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic signals, radio waves, infrared signals, and / or other types of signals suitable for conveying information over air. In some example embodiments, the UE can be configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, the UE can transmit information to a network device on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to a request from the network side.

[0024] Examples of UEs include, but are not limited to, user equipment (UE), such as smart phones, wireless-enabled tablets, laptop embedded equipment (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE), sensors, metering equipment, personal wearable devices (such as watches, etc.), and / or vehicles capable of communication. For the purposes of discussion, some example embodiments will be described with reference to UEs as examples of terminal devices, and the terms “terminal device” and “user equipment” (UE) can be used interchangeably in the context of the present disclosure.

[0025] As used herein, the term “network device” refers to a device via which a terminal device in a communication network can be provided with services. Examples of network devices can include relays, access points (APs), transmission points (TRPs), NodeBs (or NBs), evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs or eNBs), New Radio (NR) NodeBs (gNBs), remote radio modules (RRUs), radio heads (RHs), remote radio heads (RRHs), low power nodes (such as femto, pico), etc.

[0026] As used herein, the term “data” refers to any useful information to be transmitted. Data can include control signaling, voice, useful data, etc. As used herein, the term “data unit” refers to a basic unit for data transmission. Data units can be implemented in any suitable form and can comply with any suitable protocol in any suitable layer. In some example embodiments, data units can include media access control (MAC) service data units (SDUs) or MAC control elements (CEs), etc. In various example embodiments of the present disclosure, data units or data can be multiplexed or packed into data packets.

[0027] As used herein, the term “data packet” refers to a block of data carrying, containing, or including one or more data units. Data packets can comply with any suitable protocol, such as Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), etc. Protocols in any suitable layer are applicable. For example, layers can include an IP layer, a radio resource control (RRC) layer, a media access control (MAC) layer, a physical (PHY) layer, etc.

[0028] As used herein, the term “circuitry” can refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0029] (a) hardware-only circuitry implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and

[0030] (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):

[0031] (i) analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) and

[0032] (ii) combinations of software and hardware processing that include digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions and

[0033] (c) hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but need not necessarily have such software present.

[0034] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also includes an implementation that is a combination of hardware circuits and software / firmware (e.g., processor(s) implementing software) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions described herein. This definition of circuitry further applies even if this description uses another term to describe the subject device or device. For example, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit in a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device is a form of circuitry. As a further example, one or more microprocessor(s) in a computer system, such as a personal computer system, are a form of circuitry.

[0035] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "includes" and variations thereof are to be construed as open terms meaning "including, but not limited to." The term "based on" is to be construed as "based at least in part on." The term "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" are to be construed as "at least one embodiment." The term "another embodiment" is to be construed as "at least one other embodiment." Other definitions, explicit and implicit, can be included below.

[0036] As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and the like, can be used herein to describe various elements, which, without limitation, can not necessarily be described in any particular order. Such terms can be used interchangeably with each other. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the example embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms.

[0037] For LAA and CAPC, the following is defined in 3GPP TS 36.300:

[0038]

[0039]

[0040]

[0041] For each UL grant, the UE can perform a logical channel prioritization (LCP) procedure. The LCP procedure requires the UE to multiplex data from different logical channels (LCHs) for an UL grant based on LCH priority, priority bit rate (PBR), bucket size, etc. The LCP procedure in Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) has been defined in 3GPP TS 38.321. For CAPC selection for NR-based access to unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) in 5G NR, the following consensus has been reached:

[0042] • A mapping table between 5G QoS Indicator (5QI) and CAPC should be specified, similar to Table 5.7.1-1 in 3GPP TS 36.300.

[0043] • Except for padding Buffer Status Report (BSR) MAC CE, all MAC CEs use the highest CAPC priority, whose CAPC number is the lowest, as shown in Table 5.7.1-1 in 3GPP TS 36.300, with the recommended rate for voice MAC CE to be further studied (FFS).

[0044] • If for configured grant (CG), when several MAC SDUs are multiplexed, the CAPC is selected, for example, according to the configuration of the LCH with the lowest CAPC priority of the data radio bearer (DRB), it is FFS.

[0045] As mentioned above, for configured grant (CG) in NR-U, the CAPC selection is left as FFS. In LTE AUL transmission, the UE will select the lowest CAPC priority based on the MAC SDUs or MAC CEs multiplexed into a MAC PDU. This will result in the use of lower CAPC priority for data with higher CAPC priority and thus result in undesirable degradation of the transmission efficiency of the data. For example, it can result in larger delay in transmitting data with higher CAPC priority. One direct solution is to limit only certain LCHs of data to be mapped to CG. However, this can result in unnecessary underutilization of the grant if there is little or even no data available for such LCHs.

[0046] In one aspect, some example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mapping mechanism for mapping data having different channel access priorities to a configured grant. The mapping mechanism requires that, when selecting a subset of data units from a set of data units for multiplexing into a data packet, the subset of data units is selected based at least in part on a channel access priority of each data unit in the subset of data units. The selection can be based on a threshold priority. For example, data units having a channel access priority higher than, equal to, or lower than a threshold priority can be selected from the set of data units.

[0047] For example, in a case where data units having a channel access priority higher than or equal to a threshold priority are selected for multiplexing into a data packet, if it is determined that a channel access priority of the data packet is the lowest channel access priority associated with the multiplexed data units, the higher channel access priorities associated with the multiplexed data units are not severely degraded. Thus, the opportunity to access the channel can be increased, the utilization of the configured grant can be increased, and the transmission delay and efficiency of the entire data packet can be improved.

[0048] In another aspect, some example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a selection mechanism for channel access priority of a configured grant. According to the selection mechanism, a channel access priority of a data packet to be transmitted is selected from a plurality of channel access priorities associated with a plurality of data units multiplexed into the data packet based on a threshold priority. This selection mechanism is more flexible.

[0049] The threshold priority can be associated with channel access priorities in a medium access control (MAC) layer or logical channel (LCH) priorities. For example, the channel access priority can be selected based on a comparison of a plurality of channel access priorities with the threshold priority or based on a comparison of a plurality of LCH priorities of the multiplexed data units with the threshold priority. If at least one of the channel access priorities is higher than or equal to the threshold priority or at least one of the LCH priorities is higher than or equal to the threshold priority, the higher channel access priority can be selected. Otherwise, the lower channel access priority can be selected. Thus, the higher channel access priority can be selected according to the channel access priorities or the LCH priorities of the data units multiplexed into a data packet or a transport block (TB).

[0050] In this way, if the channel access priorities or the LCH priorities of the data units multiplexed into a data packet are higher than the threshold priority, the higher channel access priority can be selected as the channel access priority of the data packet. Thus, the data units having the higher channel access priority are not severely degraded due to multiplexing with data units having a very low channel access priority.

[0051] It should be understood that the mapping mechanism and selection mechanism according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure can be used by any suitable device, entity, function or unit in a communication network, such as a terminal device or a network device. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0052] Figure 1 An example environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented is shown. The environment 100, which can be part of a communication network, includes a terminal device 105 and a network device 110. Both the terminal device 105 and the network device 110 can operate in unlicensed and / or licensed spectrum.

[0053] It should be understood that one terminal device and one network device are shown in the environment 100 for illustrative purposes only and without implying any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Any suitable number of network devices and terminal devices can be included in the environment 100.

[0054] The terminal device 105 can communicate with the network device 110 or with another terminal device (not shown) directly or via the network device 110. The communication can follow any suitable communication standard or protocol, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Fifth Generation (5G) NR, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) standards, and employ any suitable communication techniques, including, for example, Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), Code Division Multiplexing (CDM), Bluetooth, ZigBee, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC), Carrier Aggregation (CA), Dual Connectivity (DC) and Unlicensed New Radio (NR-U) techniques.

[0055] Before performing a transmission, the terminal device 105 or the network device 110 can multiplex a plurality of data units having different channel access priorities into a data packet to be transmitted. In some example embodiments, a subset of data units for multiplexing can be selected from a set of data units based at least in part on a channel access priority associated with each of the selected data units.

[0056] The selection of the data units can be determined based on a threshold priority. The threshold priority can be defined or configured by the network device 110 and indicated to the terminal device 105. For example, the network device 110 can transmit a multiplexing configuration indicating the threshold priority to the terminal device 105 via radio resource control (RRC) signaling. Accordingly, the terminal device 105 can receive the multiplexing configuration indicating the threshold priority. The multiplexing configuration can also indicate a selection rule related to the threshold priority.

[0057] In some example embodiments, the selection behavior of the channel access priority of the data packet can be dynamic or adaptive. The channel access priority of the data packet can be selected based on the threshold priority. The lower channel access priority (e.g., the lowest channel access priority) or the higher channel access priority (e.g., the highest channel access priority) can be selected based on the threshold priority according to actual needs to improve the transmission efficiency of the entire data packet. For example, the selection of the lower or higher channel access priority can depend on determining whether a data unit having a certain channel access priority (e.g., denoted as CAPC P in the MAC layer) or a channel access priority higher than the threshold priority (e.g., denoted as CAPC X) is multiplexed in the data packet. Alternatively, in the MAC layer, the selection can depend on determining whether a data unit having a certain LCH priority or an LCH priority higher than the threshold priority is multiplexed in the data packet.

[0058] Figure 2 A flowchart of an example method 200 of transmitting a data packet is shown in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 200 can be implemented in any suitable layer by the terminal device 105 or the network device 110 as shown in FIG. 1. For example, the method 200 can be implemented in the MAC layer by the MAC entity of the terminal device 105. For the purpose of discussion, the method 200 will be described with reference to the terminal device 105. Figure 1 Figure 1 The method 200 is described with reference to the terminal device 105.

[0059] At block 205, a subset of data units is selected from a set of data units for multiplexing into a data packet based at least in part on a channel access priority associated with each data unit in the subset of data units. The set of data units can include all available data units or a portion of available data units that can be determined after a logical channel prioritization (LCP) procedure.

[0060] ​Any suitable form of data units and data packets can be applicable herein. In example embodiments where multiplexing is implemented in the MAC layer, data packets can comprise MAC PDUs, and data units can comprise MAC SDUs or MAC CEs. The MAC SDUs can belong to different LCHs. For example, for configured grant, data of MAC SDUs from different LCHs and / or data from different MAC CEs can be multiplexed into a MAC PDU. The LCHs can be associated with different radio bearers, such as signaling radio bearers (SRBs) and data radio bearers (DRBs). For example, the MAC CEs can be for power headroom reporting (PHR) or buffer status reporting (BSR).

[0061] In this case, the channel access priority is represented by the CAPC priority. The CAPC priority associated with a data unit is determined as the CAPC configured for the data radio bearer (DRB) or logical channel (LCH) that the data unit belongs to, or as the CAPC priority configured for the MAC CE. In some example embodiments, the channel access priority can conform to 3GPP specifications, such as 3GPP TS 36.300 or other future specifications. Other forms of channel access priority are also possible.

[0062] In some example embodiments, the subset of data units can be selected based on a threshold priority according to a relevant selection rule. In some embodiments, the threshold priority and / or the relevant determination rule can be defined or configured by the network device 110 and indicated to the terminal device 105 in the multiplexing configuration via RRC signaling. In some example embodiments, the threshold priority and / or the selection rule can be defined or configured per configured grant, per CAPC category, per LCH priority, per LCH, or per MAC CE. For example, each LCH or MAC CE can be configured with a threshold priority to indicate the lowest priority of other LCHs or MAC CEs that can be multiplexed into the same data packet with the LCH or MAC CE.

[0063] Any suitable selection rule based on the threshold priority can be configured. In some example embodiments, the following configuration can be made: if the channel access priority associated with a data unit is higher than or equal to the threshold priority, the data unit is allowed to be multiplexed into a data packet. Thus, data units higher than or equal to the threshold priority can be selected from the set of data units. For example, in the MAC layer, LCHs with CAPC priorities higher than the threshold priority can be selected to be multiplexed into a MAC PDU. In this example, if the CAPC of the MAC PDU is determined to be the lowest CAPC priority associated with the selected LCHs, the higher CAPC priorities associated with the LCHs can not be severely degraded, and thus the transmission efficiency of the entire data packet can be improved.

[0064] In some example embodiments, if configured to allow multiplexing of data units with a channel access priority equal to a threshold priority, data units with a channel access priority equal to the threshold priority can be selected. It can also be configured to allow multiplexing of data units with a channel access priority lower than the threshold priority. Thus, data units with a channel access priority lower than the threshold priority can be selected.

[0065] The threshold priority can be set to any suitable value. In some embodiments, the threshold priority can be set to a predefined value. For example, in example embodiments where the threshold priority is represented by the CAPC of the LCH, the threshold priority can be set to CAPC=Y. In this example, LCHs with CAPC=Y and / or higher than Y and / or lower than Y can be selected for the configured grant.

[0066] In some example embodiments, the predefined value can be associated with the channel access priority of one of the data units in the selected subset of data units. For example, in example embodiments where the plurality of data units belong to or correspond to different LCHs, the threshold priority can be set to CAPC X, where X>P, and P is the CAPC of a data unit in the plurality of data units. In some example embodiments, LCHs with a channel access priority higher than or equal to the threshold priority (represented by CAPC X) can be selected. In some example embodiments, the threshold priority can be set to the channel access priority of one of the selected data units. For example, the threshold priority can be set to the CAPC P of the LCH with the selected LCH. LCHs with a CAPC < P, i.e. LCHs with a channel access priority higher than the LCH with CAPC P, can be selected. Thus, the degradation of the higher channel access priority associated with the selected LCH can be mitigated by avoiding multiplexing with LCHs with too low channel access priority.

[0067] In addition to the threshold priority, the data unit selection can depend on other rules or configurations. In some example embodiments, a predetermined number of data units with the highest channel access priority can be selected from the set of data units for multiplexing into the data packet. This particular number can be configured by the network device 110 and indicated to the terminal device 105.

[0068] For example, the network device 110 configures a relative channel access priority compared to the highest channel access priority for a configured grant. As an example, the network device 110 can allow the terminal device 105 to multiplex data units with a low two-step CAPC priority compared to data units with the highest CAPC priority, for example. In this case, if the first LCH has CAPC 2, the terminal device 105 can multiplex data from LCHs with CAPC values 3 and 4. If the first LCH has CAPC 1, only LCHs with CAPC 2 and 3 will be allowed. This can be one simple configuration.

[0069] In some example embodiments, the plurality of data units can be selected from the set of data units according to a descending order of a plurality of channel access priorities associated with the plurality of data units. Thus, data units associated with lower channel access priorities are selected after data units with higher channel access priorities. Prioritizing higher priority data units can further improve the transmission efficiency of data units with higher channel access priorities.

[0070] In some example embodiments, the selection of data units can be performed in the MAC layer according to a descending order of associated LCH priorities. For example, the MAC entity of the terminal device 105 can first select a data unit with the highest LCH priority, and check whether there is any selection configuration related to channel access priority configured for the LCH priority of this data unit or a given LCH. If not, the MAC entity can continue to select and check an LCH with the second highest LCH priority represented by CAPC P. If there is a restriction that LCHs with CAPC higher than, for example, CAPC P+1 should not be multiplexed for this LCH, the MAC entity selects a data unit corresponding to the LCH with CAPC P, and checks whether there is an LCH with CAPC P+1. If there is, the MAC entity can select a data unit from the LCH with CAPC P+1. If there is an LCH with CAPC+2 or above, such LCH cannot be mapped to the grant to avoid excessive reduction of the CAPC of the MAC PDU. Alternatively, the above selection process can be performed based on channel access priority instead of LCH priority or LCH.

[0071] In some example embodiments, the selection of data units can be performed in the MAC layer according to the descending order of the associated LCH priority, taking into account only LCHs with data available for transmission. For example, the MAC entity of the terminal device 105 can first select a data unit of an LCH with the highest LCH priority and data available for transmission, and check whether the LCH priority or the given LCH is configured with any selection configuration related to channel access priority. If not, the MAC entity can continue to select and check an LCH with the second highest LCH priority represented by CAPC P and with data available for transmission. If there is a restriction that the LCH should not be multiplexed with LCHs with CAPC higher than, for example, CAPC P+1, the MAC entity selects a data unit corresponding to the LCH with CAPC P, and checks whether there is an LCH with CAPC P+1 and with data available for transmission. If yes, the MAC entity can select a data unit from the LCH with CAPC P+1. If there is an LCH with CAPC+2 or above, such LCH cannot be mapped to the grant so as not to excessively lower the CAPC of the MAC PDU. Thus, for example, the threshold priority for a given UL grant (determined herein by CAPC P+1) is determined based on the threshold priority configured for the logical channel with the highest LCH priority and with data available for transmission and configured with the threshold priority value. Alternatively, the above selection procedure can be performed based on channel access priority instead of LCH priority or LCH.

[0072] In addition to channel access priority, other parameters or factors can be considered when selecting the subset of data units from the set of data units. In some example embodiments, the subset of data units can be selected such that the utilization of the transport block (TB) of the data packet is equal to or higher than a threshold utilization. For example, after selecting the data units, it can be determined whether the utilization of the TB of the data packet is lower than the threshold utilization. If yes, the terminal device 105 can continue to select additional data units to ensure the utilization of the TB.

[0073] In some example embodiments, the data units can be selected such that the amount of padding in the data packet is lower than a threshold amount. For example, after selecting the data units, it can be determined whether the amount of padding in the data packet is greater than the threshold amount. If yes, the terminal device 105 can continue to select additional data units to further improve the transmission efficiency.

[0074] When the utilization of the TB exceeds the threshold utilization or the padding amount decreases to the threshold amount, the data units are no longer selected. The TB can be padded with padding. Thus, in the case that the selection of data units with higher channel access priority is prioritized over data units with lower channel access priority, padding can achieve higher transmission efficiency compared to multiplexing data with too low priority, and thus the transmission efficiency of the entire data packet can be improved.

[0075] In some example embodiments, the selection of data units is performed during the LCP procedure. In this case, various relevant criteria or parameters can be considered, including rules related to channel access priority and LCP rules related to associated LCH priority, PBR, bucket size, etc. In some example embodiments, the threshold priority or other selection rules related to channel access priority can be configured or determined for each UL grant based on threshold priority or selection rules configured for data units (or LCHs) with data available for transmission and with the highest channel access priority. Given the channel access priority, certain LCHs or MAC CEs cannot be multiplexed into a MAC PDU even if they have data available.

[0076] In some example embodiments, in the selection of data units, the channel access priority can be considered after the LCP procedure. An example procedure using channel access priority after the LCP procedure will be discussed below with reference to Figure 3

[0077] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an example procedure 300 of selecting a subset of data units from a set of data units for multiplexing into a data packet according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The procedure 300 can be implemented by a terminal device 105 as shown in Figure 1

[0078] As shown, after the method 300 starts at block 305, at block 310, the terminal device 105 receives a multiplexing configuration indicating that data units with CAPC P should not be multiplexed with data units with CAPC >= X (where P < X). At block 315, the terminal device 105 determines data units for multiplexing into a MAC PDU according to configured LCP rules in the LCP procedure. At block 320, the terminal device 105 determines the CAPC associated with each of the determined data units. Based on the multiplexing configuration, at block 325, the terminal device 105 selects one or more data units to multiplex by limiting the mapping of data units with CAPC >= X to the MAC PDU if the MAC PDU includes data units with CAPC P. The procedure 300 ends at block 330.

[0079] ​​The selected subset of data units can include any suitable number of data units. In some cases, only one data unit (such as a MAC SDU) can end up being selected and multiplexed into a data packet (such as a MAC PDU) by considering multiplexing configuration or restrictions, configured TB size, and other rules or restrictions.

[0080] In some example embodiments, the selection restriction related to channel access priority can not be configured (e.g., default). In this case, the multiplexing of data packets will not consider the channel access priority of data units. For example, any LCH allowed to use the configured grant can be multiplexed into a MAC PDU.

[0081] It should be appreciated that in the case where one or more MAC CEs are multiplexed into a MAC PDU, the selection configuration or rules for LCHs (or MAC SDUs) as described above can apply to MAC CEs. For simplicity, details will be omitted.

[0082] Still referring to Figure 2 At block 210, the selected one or more data units are multiplexed into a data packet, and then at block 215, the data packet is transmitted.

[0083] In some example embodiments, a channel access priority can be selected for the data packet from a plurality of channel access priorities associated with the multiplexed data units prior to transmitting the data packet. Some example embodiments of the present disclosure provide two ways of selecting the channel access priority of the data packet, including selecting a lower channel access priority (e.g., the lowest channel access priority) and selecting a higher channel access priority (e.g., the highest channel access priority). Some example embodiments discussing this aspect will be discussed below with reference to Figure 4

[0084] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an example method 400 of transmitting a data packet according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The method 400 can be implemented in the case where a data packet is generated based on LCH priority according to a conventional LCP procedure without considering the CAPC of LCHs. The method 400 can be implemented by a terminal device 105 or a network device 110 as shown in Figure 1

[0085] As shown, at block 405, a plurality of channel access priorities associated with a plurality of data units multiplexed into a data packet to be transmitted is determined. At block 410, a channel access priority is selected from the plurality of channel access priorities as the channel access priority of the data packet based on a threshold priority.

[0086] ​​In some example embodiments, the threshold priority can be associated with the channel access priority. In this example, the threshold priority is compared with the plurality of channel access priorities. For example, if at least one of the plurality of channel access priorities is higher than or equal to the threshold priority, the higher channel access priority can be selected from the plurality of channel access priorities. In some example embodiments, the highest channel access priority can be selected. If all of the plurality of channel access priorities are lower than the threshold priority, the lower channel access priority (e.g., the lowest channel access priority) can be selected. The threshold priority can be predefined or determined based on the plurality of channel access priorities.

[0087] For example, in example embodiments in which the method 400 is implemented by a MAC entity of the terminal device 105 for CAPC selection, two modes of CAPC selection can be defined, i.e., mode 1 and mode 2:

[0088] • Mode 1: The terminal device 105 shall select the lowest CAPC priority (i.e., with higher number in Table 5.7.1-1, for example) of the LCH(s) whose MAC SDUs are multiplexed into the MAC PDU.

[0089] • Mode 2: The terminal device 105 shall select the highest CAPC priority (i.e., with lower number in Table 5.7.1-1, for example) of the LCH(s) whose MAC SDUs are multiplexed into the MAC PDU.

[0090] By default, the terminal device 105 can apply mode 1 to select the CAPC compatible with the legacy selection behavior or rule defined in the 3GPP specification. When (or only when) the MAC PDU contains MAC SDU(s) from LCH(s) with CAPC <= P, the terminal device 105 can switch to mode 2 to select the CAPC. Alternatively, if the MAC PDU contains MAC SDUs from LCHs with CAPC <= P and LCHs with CAPC > P, the terminal device 105 shall use mode 2 to select the CAPC. The value of P as the third threshold priority is configurable.

[0091] In this way, two selection modes can be provided, including selecting the higher channel access priority and selecting the lower channel access priority. One of the two selection modes can be selected according to the channel access priority or LCH priority of the data units multiplexed into the data packet or transport block (TB), which is more flexible. In addition, the transmission efficiency of the data units with higher channel access priority or LCH priority can be improved.

[0092] In some other example embodiments, a threshold priority can be used for comparison with the multiple LCH priorities associated with the multiplexed data unit. In this case, after determining the multiple LCH priorities, it is determined whether at least one of the LCH priorities is higher than or equal to the threshold priority. If there is at least one LCH priority that is higher than or equal to the threshold priority, the higher channel access priority (e.g., the highest channel access priority) can be selected. In the case where all LCH priorities are lower than the threshold priority, the lower channel access priority (e.g., the lowest channel access priority) can be selected.

[0093] Other rules or configurations for selecting a channel access priority based on a threshold priority can also determine whether to select a lower or higher channel access priority. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0094] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an example method 500 of selecting a channel access priority for a data packet to be transmitted according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this example, the third channel access priority is the lowest channel access priority and the fourth channel access priority is the highest channel access priority. The selection mode selects based on the channel access priorities of the multiplexed data units.

[0095] As Figure 5 shown, at block 505, a data packet to be transmitted is generated. The generation of the data packet can be implemented based on the LCH priorities according to the conventional LCP procedure without considering the CAPC of the LCHs. As an alternative example, the mapping mechanism described above with reference to Figures 1-3 may also be used to generate the data packet.

[0096] At block 510, multiple channel access priorities associated with multiple data units multiplexed into the data packet to be transmitted are determined. At step 515, it is determined whether at least one of the multiple channel access priorities is higher than a threshold priority. If so, at block 520, the highest channel access priority is selected from the multiple channel access priorities as the channel access priority of the data packet. If it is determined at block 515 that none of the channel access priorities is higher than the threshold priority, the method 500 proceeds to block 525, where the lowest channel access priority is selected from the multiple channel access priorities as the channel access priority of the data packet.

[0097] All the operations and features described above with reference to Figure 4 are equally applicable to the method 500 and have similar effects. Details will be omitted for brevity.

[0098] Still referring to Figure 4After selecting a channel access priority for the data packet, at block 415, the data packet is transmitted according to the selected channel access priority. For example, in embodiments in which channel access priority is implemented by CAPC, when performing listen-before-talk (LBT) to transmit the data packet, a size of a contention window can be determined based on the selected CAPC. The higher the CAPC, the more opportunities to acquire the channel, and thus the transmission efficiency of the data packet can be improved.

[0099] Figure 6 is a simplified block diagram of a device 600 suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 600 can be implemented at or as part of a terminal device 105 as shown in Figure 1

[0100] As shown, the device 600 includes a processor 610, a memory 620 coupled to the processor 610, a communication module 630 coupled to the processor 610, and a communication interface (not shown) coupled to the communication module 630. The memory 620 stores at least a program 640. The communication module 630 is for bidirectional communication, e.g., via multiple antennas. The communication interface can represent any interface needed for communication.

[0101] It is assumed that the program 640 includes program instructions that, when executed by the associated processor 610, enable the device 600 to operate in accordance with the example embodiments of the present disclosure, as discussed herein with reference to the Figures 1-5 Example embodiments herein can be implemented by computer software executable by the processor 610 of the device 600, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. The processor 610 can be configured to implement various example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0102] The memory 620 can be of any type suitable to the local technical network and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as non-transitory computer readable storage media, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory, as non-limiting examples. While only one memory 620 is shown in the device 600, several physically different memory modules can be present in the device 600. The processor 610 can be of any type suitable to the local technical network, and can include, by way of non-limiting examples, one or more of: general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures, as non-limiting examples. The device 600 can have multiple processors such as application specific integrated circuit chips that are time-slaved to a clock that is synchronized with a master processor.

[0103] ​When the device 600 is used as or as part of a terminal device 105, the processor 610 and the communication module 630 can cooperate to implement the above- described methods 200-500. Figures 2-5 The above-described methods 200-500.

[0104] The above-described methods 200-500. Figures 1-5 All operations and features described above apply to the device 600 as well and have similar effects. Details will be omitted for brevity.

[0105] In general, the various example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented with hardware or special-purpose circuitry, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented with hardware, while other aspects can be implemented with software or firmware that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device. While various aspects of example embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it will be understood that the block diagrams, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, special-purpose circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controller or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0106] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, executed by devices on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above-described methods 200-500. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules can be combined or split between program modules as desired in various example embodiments. Machine-executable instructions for program modules can be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, program modules can be located in local and remote memory storage devices. Figures 2-5 The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, executed by devices on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above-described methods 200-500. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules can be combined or split between program modules as desired in various example embodiments. Machine-executable instructions for program modules can be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, program modules can be located in local and remote memory storage devices.

[0107] Program code for carrying out methods of the present disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes can be provided to a processor or controller of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the program codes, when executed by the processor or controller, cause the functions / operations specified in the flow charts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. Program codes can be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0108] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program code or related data can be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, and the like.

[0109] The computer readable medium can be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer readable storage medium include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0110] Further, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such an order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous. Likewise, although several specific implementation details are discussed above with respect to the above discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, but merely as providing a description of features that can be associated with a particular example embodiment. Certain features described in the context of separate example embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0111] Although the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0112] Various example embodiments of techniques have been described. In addition to or instead of the above, the following examples are described. Features described in any of the following examples can be used with any other example described herein.

[0113] In some aspects, an apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program codes; the at least one memory and the computer program codes are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: select, from a set of data units, a subset of data units for multiplexing into a data packet, wherein the selection is based at least in part on a channel access priority associated with each data unit in the subset of data units; multiplex the subset of data units into the data packet; and transmit the data packet.

[0114] In some example embodiments, the subset of data units is further selected based on a threshold priority.

[0115] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is a terminal device, and the apparatus is further caused to: receive, from a network device via radio resource control signaling, a multiplexing configuration indicating the threshold priority.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the threshold priority is defined for at least one of a configured grant, a channel access priority, a logical channel priority, and a logical channel.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is caused to select the subset of data units by selecting, from the set of data units, the subset of data units having a channel access priority higher than or equal to the threshold priority.

[0118] In some example embodiments, the threshold priority is predefined.

[0119] In some example embodiments, the threshold priority is associated with a channel access priority of a data unit in the subset of data units.

[0120] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is caused to select the subset of data units by selecting, from the set of data units, the subset of data units having a channel access priority lower than the threshold priority.

[0121] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is caused to select, from the set of data units, a plurality of data units as the subset of data units according to a descending order of a plurality of channel access priorities associated with the plurality of data units.

[0122] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is caused to select the subset of data units such that a utilization of a transport block (TB) of the data packet is equal to or higher than a threshold utilization.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is caused to select the subset of data units such that an amount of padding in the data packet is lower than a threshold amount.

[0124] In some example embodiments, the device is caused to select, from the set of data units, a predetermined number of data units having the highest channel access priority as the subset of data units.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the data packet comprises a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU), and the set of data units comprises a MAC service data unit (SDU) or a MAC control element (CE).

[0126] In some aspects, a device comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to determine a plurality of channel access priorities associated with a plurality of data units multiplexed into a data packet to be transmitted; select a channel access priority from the plurality of channel access priorities based on a threshold priority; and transmit the data packet in accordance with the selected channel access priority.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the device is caused to select the channel access priority from the plurality of channel access priorities by: comparing the plurality of channel access priorities to the threshold priority; and in response to at least one of the plurality of channel access priorities being higher than or equal to the threshold priority, selecting a highest channel access priority from the plurality of channel access priorities.

[0128] In some example embodiments, the device is caused to select the channel access priority from the plurality of channel access priorities by: determining a plurality of logical channel priorities associated with the plurality of data units; comparing the plurality of logical channel priorities to the threshold priority; and in response to at least one of the plurality of logical channel priorities being higher than or equal to the threshold priority, selecting a highest channel access priority from the plurality of channel access priorities.

[0129] In some example embodiments, the data packet comprises a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU), and the plurality of data units comprises a MAC service data unit (SDU) or a MAC control element (CE).

[0130] In some aspects, a method comprises: selecting, from a set of data units, a subset of data units for multiplexing into a data packet, wherein the selection is based at least in part on a channel access priority associated with each data unit in the subset of data units; multiplexing the subset of data units into the data packet; and transmitting the data packet.

[0131] In some example embodiments, the subset of data units is further selected based on a threshold priority.

[0132] In some example embodiments, the method is implemented at a terminal device, and the method further includes receiving, from a network device via radio resource control signaling, a multiplexing configuration indicating the threshold priority.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the threshold priority is defined for at least one of a configured grant, a channel access priority, a logical channel priority, and a logical channel.

[0134] In some example embodiments, selecting the subset of data units includes selecting, from the set of data units, the subset of data units having a channel access priority higher than or equal to the threshold priority.

[0135] In some example embodiments, the threshold priority is predefined.

[0136] In some example embodiments, the threshold priority is associated with a channel access priority of a data unit in the subset of data units.

[0137] In some example embodiments, selecting the subset of data units includes selecting, from the set of data units, the subset of data units having a channel access priority lower than the threshold priority.

[0138] In some example embodiments, selecting the subset of data units includes selecting, from the set of data units, a plurality of data units as the subset of data units according to a descending order of a plurality of channel access priorities associated with the plurality of data units.

[0139] In some example embodiments, selecting the subset of data units includes selecting the subset of data units such that a utilization of a transport block (TB) of the data packet is equal to or higher than a threshold utilization.

[0140] In some example embodiments, selecting the subset of data units includes selecting the subset of data units such that an amount of padding in the data packet is lower than a threshold amount.

[0141] In some example embodiments, selecting the subset of data units includes selecting, from the set of data units, a predetermined number of data units having a highest channel access priority as the subset of data units.

[0142] In some example embodiments, the data packet includes a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU), and the set of data units includes a MAC service data unit (SDU) or a MAC control element (CE).

[0143] In some aspects, a method includes determining a plurality of channel access priorities associated with a plurality of data units multiplexed into a data packet to be transmitted; selecting a channel access priority from the plurality of channel access priorities based on a threshold priority; and transmitting the data packet in accordance with the selected channel access priority.

[0144] In some example embodiments, selecting the channel access priority from the plurality of channel access priorities includes comparing the plurality of channel access priorities to the threshold priority; and in response to at least one of the plurality of channel access priorities being higher than or equal to the threshold priority, selecting a highest channel access priority from the plurality of channel access priorities.

[0145] In some example embodiments, selecting the channel access priority from the plurality of channel access priorities includes determining a plurality of logical channel priorities associated with the plurality of data units; comparing the plurality of logical channel priorities to the threshold priority; and in response to at least one of the plurality of logical channel priorities being higher than or equal to the threshold priority, selecting a highest channel access priority from the plurality of channel access priorities.

[0146] In some example embodiments, the data packet includes a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU), and the plurality of data units includes a MAC service data unit (SDU) or a MAC control element (CE).

[0147] In some aspects, an apparatus includes means for selecting a subset of data units from a set of data units for multiplexing into a data packet, wherein the selection is based at least in part on a channel access priority associated with each data unit in the subset of data units; means for multiplexing the subset of data units into the data packet; and means for transmitting the data packet.

[0148] In some example embodiments, the subset of data units is further selected based on a threshold priority.

[0149] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is implemented at a terminal device, and the apparatus further includes means for receiving a multiplexing configuration indicating the threshold priority from a network device via radio resource control signaling.

[0150] In some example embodiments, the threshold priority is defined for at least one of a configured grant, a channel access priority, a logical channel priority, and a logical channel.

[0151] In some example embodiments, the means for selecting the subset of data units comprises means for selecting, from the set of data units, the subset of data units having a channel access priority higher than or equal to the threshold priority.

[0152] In some example embodiments, the threshold priority is predefined.

[0153] In some example embodiments, the threshold priority is associated with a channel access priority of a data unit in the subset of data units.

[0154] In some example embodiments, the means for selecting the subset of data units comprises means for selecting, from the set of data units, the subset of data units having a channel access priority lower than the threshold priority.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the means for selecting the subset of data units comprises means for selecting, from the set of data units, a plurality of data units as the subset of data units according to a descending order of a plurality of channel access priorities associated with the plurality of data units.

[0156] In some example embodiments, the means for selecting the subset of data units comprises means for selecting the subset of data units such that a utilization of a transport block (TB) of the data packet is equal to or higher than a threshold utilization.

[0157] In some example embodiments, the means for selecting the subset of data units comprises means for selecting the subset of data units such that an amount of padding in the data packet is lower than a threshold amount.

[0158] In some example embodiments, the means for selecting the subset of data units comprises means for selecting, from the set of data units, a predetermined number of data units having a highest channel access priority as the subset of data units.

[0159] In some example embodiments, the data packet comprises a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU), and the set of data units comprises a MAC service data unit (SDU) or a MAC control element (CE).

[0160] In some aspects, an apparatus comprises means for determining a plurality of channel access priorities associated with a plurality of data units multiplexed into a data packet to be transmitted; means for selecting a channel access priority from the plurality of channel access priorities based on a threshold priority; and means for transmitting the data packet according to the selected channel access priority.

[0161] In some example embodiments, the means for selecting the channel access priority from the plurality of channel access priorities comprises means for comparing the plurality of channel access priorities to the threshold priority, and means for selecting a highest channel access priority from the plurality of channel access priorities in response to at least one of the plurality of channel access priorities being higher than or equal to the threshold priority.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the means for selecting the channel access priority from the plurality of channel access priorities comprises means for determining a plurality of logical channel priorities associated with the plurality of data units, means for comparing the plurality of logical channel priorities to the threshold priority, and means for selecting a highest channel access priority from the plurality of channel access priorities in response to at least one of the plurality of logical channel priorities being higher than or equal to the threshold priority.

[0163] In some example embodiments, the data packet comprises a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU), and the plurality of data units comprises a MAC service data unit (SDU) or a MAC control element (CE).

[0164] In some aspects, a computer-readable storage medium comprises program instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform a method according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device: Receive signaling from network device indicating a threshold priority for each logical channel and / or each control element in a set of logical channels or control elements, wherein the threshold priority is defined for at least one of configured authorization, channel access priority, and logical channel priority; A subset of data units is selected from the set of data units for multiplexing into data packets, wherein the selection is based at least in part on the threshold priority for each logical channel and / or each control element corresponding to the set of data units, wherein the threshold priority for the logical channels and / or control elements in the subset of data units indicates the lowest priority level of the other logical channels and / or control elements in the subset of data units, wherein the subset of data units is selected in the following manner: Selecting the plurality of data units as a subset of data units from the set of data units according to a descending order of the logical channel priorities associated with the plurality of data units, including: First, select the data unit with the highest logical channel priority and whose data is available for transmission, and check whether the logical channel priority of the selected data unit is configured with a selection configuration related to the channel access priority. If not configured, continue to select and check logical channels with priority P and data to be transmitted, where P represents the second highest logical channel priority; If there is a restriction that a logical channel with a priority value higher than priority P+1 should not be multiplexed for the selected logical channel, then a data unit corresponding to the logical channel with priority P is selected, and it is checked whether there is a logical channel with priority P+1 and data to be transmitted; if so, a data unit from the logical channel with priority P+1 is selected, where priority P+1 represents a priority level one level lower than priority P; and If a logical channel with priority P+2 or higher exists, then the logical channel with priority P+2 or higher cannot be mapped to the configured authorization, where priority P+2 represents a priority two levels lower than priority P. The subset of data units is multiplexed into data packets to be transmitted; Determine multiple channel access priorities associated with the multiple data units multiplexed into data packets to be transmitted, wherein a channel access priority is selected from the multiple channel access priorities based on the threshold priority; and The data packets are transmitted according to the selected channel access priority. The device is instructed to select a subset of the data units such that the fill amount in the data group is below a threshold amount; and The device is instructed to select a subset of the data units such that the utilization of the transport block (TB) of the data packets is equal to or higher than a threshold utilization.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the signaling indicating a threshold priority is received from the network device via radio resource control signaling.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is caused to select the subset of data units by: Select a subset of data units from the set of data units whose channel access priority is higher than or equal to the threshold priority.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the threshold priority is predefined.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the threshold priority is associated with the channel access priority of the data units in the subset of data units.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is caused to select the subset of data units by: Select a subset of data units from the set of data units whose channel access priority is lower than the threshold priority.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is caused to select a predetermined number of data units having the highest channel access priority from the set of data units as the subset of data units.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the data packet includes a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (PDU), and the set of data units includes a MAC Service Data Unit (SDU) or a MAC Control Element (CE).

9. A method for communication, comprising: Receive signaling from network device indicating a threshold priority for each logical channel and / or each control element in a set of logical channels or control elements, wherein the threshold priority is defined for at least one of configured authorization, channel access priority, and logical channel priority; A subset of data units is selected from the set of data units for multiplexing into data packets, wherein the selection is based at least in part on the threshold priority for each logical channel and / or each control element corresponding to the set of data units, wherein the threshold priority for the logical channels and / or control elements in the subset of data units indicates the lowest priority level of the other logical channels and / or control elements in the subset of data units, wherein the subset of data units is selected in the following manner: Selecting the plurality of data units as a subset of data units from the set of data units according to a descending order of the logical channel priorities associated with the plurality of data units, including: First, select the data unit with the highest logical channel priority and whose data is available for transmission, and check whether the logical channel priority of the selected data unit is configured with a selection configuration related to the channel access priority. If not configured, continue to select and check logical channels with priority P and data to be transmitted, where P represents the second highest logical channel priority; If there is a restriction that a logical channel with a priority value higher than priority P+1 should not be multiplexed for the selected logical channel, then a data unit corresponding to the logical channel with priority P is selected, and it is checked whether there is a logical channel with priority P+1 and data to be transmitted; if so, a data unit from the logical channel with priority P+1 is selected, where priority P+1 represents a priority level one level lower than priority P; and If a logical channel with priority P+2 or higher exists, then the logical channel with priority P+2 or higher cannot be mapped to the configured authorization, where priority P+2 represents a priority two levels lower than priority P. The subset of data units is multiplexed into data packets to be transmitted; Determine the channel access priorities associated with the multiple data units multiplexed into data packets to be transmitted; Select a channel access priority from the plurality of channel access priorities based on the threshold priority; and The data packets are transmitted according to the selected channel access priority; The selection of the subset of data units includes: The subset of data units is selected such that the fill amount in the data group is below a threshold amount; and The subset of data units is selected such that the utilization rate of the transport block (TB) of the data packet is equal to or higher than the threshold utilization rate.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the method is implemented at a terminal device, and the signaling indicating a threshold priority is received from the network device via radio resource control signaling.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein selecting the subset of data units comprises: Select a subset of data units from the set of data units whose channel access priority is higher than or equal to the threshold priority.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the threshold priority is predefined.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the threshold priority is associated with the channel access priority of the data units in the subset of data units.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein selecting the subset of data units comprises: Select a subset of data units from the set of data units whose channel access priority is lower than the threshold priority.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein selecting the subset of data units comprises: A predetermined number of data units with the highest channel access priority are selected from the set of data units as the subset of data units.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein the data packet comprises a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (PDU), and the set of data units comprises a MAC Service Data Unit (SDU) or a MAC Control Element (CE).

17. A computer-readable storage medium including program instructions stored thereon, the instructions causing the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 9 to 16 when executed by a processor of the device.

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