Flexible configuration of channel occupancy measurements

Abstract

A method, a network node (16), and a wireless device (22) for flexible configuration of channel occupancy measurements in New Radio (NR) are disclosed. According to one aspect, a wireless device (22) configured to communicate with the network node (16) is provided. The wireless device (22) includes a processing circuit (84) configured to: determine a time domain configuration for channel occupancy measurements based on at least one configuration parameter, wherein the time domain configuration is independent of a subcarrier spacing of at least one carrier on which the channel occupancy measurements are performed; and optionally perform the channel occupancy measurements based at least on the determined time domain configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and in particular, to methods for flexible configuration of channel occupancy measurements in New Radio (NR), also known as fifth generation (5G), for example. Background Art

[0002] NR-U (New Radio Unlicensed or NR in Unlicensed Spectrum)

[0003] Some portions of the radio spectrum have become potentially available for License Assisted Access (LAA) for unlicensed operation. This spectrum can be used by operators to enhance their service offerings in licensed bands by operating in unlicensed regimes or industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) radio bands, but this spectrum must be shared with existing mobile services and other incumbent services. During the NR-U study project within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), different unlicensed bands or shared bands have been further discussed, such as the 2.4 GHz band, the 3.5 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band.

[0004] For channel access in Long Term Evolution (LTE)-LAA, the Listen Before Talk (LBT) mechanism is used as a baseline for the 5 GHz band and as a starting point for designs in the 6 GHz band. At least for bands where the absence of Wi-Fi cannot be guaranteed (e.g., due to regulation), LBT can be implemented in 20 MHz increments.

[0005] During LBT, the transmitting node determines whether there are no other transmissions (by performing certain measurements and comparing them to a threshold). If so, it begins a Channel Occupancy Time (COT), which does not exceed the Channel Occupancy Time (MCOT) (the maximum COT can vary by region). Otherwise, the transmitting node seizes its transmission for a certain period of time and may retry again later. However, unlike in LTE, there are more LBT categories in NR. For some categories (Cat2), there are 16µs Cat2 and 25µs Cat2 LBT types, depending on the switching time between uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) (16µs Cat2 means switching longer than 16µs but shorter than 25µs, and 25µs Cat2 means 25µs or longer). Furthermore, there is the concept of wireless devices (WDs) transmitting based on the LBT procedure during a COT (shared COT) initiated by the base station (BS).

[0006] Similar to LTE, NR-U is expected to have a DRS (Discovery Reference Signal) or similar, for example, to enable initial access and measurements. LTE DRS only contains the Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) / Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) / Cell-Specific Reference Signal (CRS), while NR DRS may include more signals and / or channels.

[0007] Channel access scheme

[0008] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of LTE LBT and COT, where "s" is the sensing period. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, if the channel is determined to be busy, then after a certain delay time, the WD may try to sense on the channel again to determine whether the channel is available, and if the channel is available, then after a certain deterministic back-off time, the WD may start transmitting uplink (UL) bursts (during the channel occupancy time of the WD), but no longer than the maximum channel occupancy time (MCOT), which can be, for example, up to 10ms depending on the region.

[0009] Channel access schemes for NR-based access of unlicensed spectrum can be categorized into the following categories:

[0010] a) Category 1 (Cat 1): Transmission immediately after a short switching gap;

[0011] b) Category 2: LBT without random backoff, as in LTE;

[0012] c) Category 3: LBT with random backoff with a fixed-size contention window; and

[0013] d) Category 4: LBT with random backoff with a contention window of variable size.

[0014] For different transmissions in COT and different channels and / or signals to be transmitted, different kinds of channel access schemes can be used. For example, the applicability of channel access schemes is described in 3GPP Technical Release (TR) 38.889.

[0015] Channel access mechanisms for beamformed transmissions have been studied. It has been determined that omnidirectional LBT should be supported. The use of directional LBT for beamformed transmissions, i.e., LBT performed along the direction of the transmitted beam, has also been studied. Further consideration of directional LBT and its benefits for beamformed transmissions is pending when the specification is developed, for regulatory reasons and fair coexistence with other technologies.

[0016] RSSI Measurement in LTE LAA

[0017] In LTE, the Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) measurement was introduced for LAA and is defined as the linear average of the total received power (in Watts) observed by the WD from all sources (including co-channel serving and non-serving cells, adjacent channel interference, thermal noise, etc.) only in the configured Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols and over a predefined number (6) resource blocks in the measurement bandwidth.

[0018] The higher Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layers indicate the measurement duration and which OFDM symbol(s) should be measured by the WD. That is, RSSI (e.g., according to 3GPP Technical Standard (TS) 36.331) is measured by MeasObjectEUTRA The following information elements (IEs) are configured: rmtc-Period 、 rmtc-SubframeOffset and measDuration Therefore, WD is only within the periodic RSSI measurement timing configuration (RMTC) measDuration RSSI measurements are performed during the period. RSSI measurements are configured for either the serving cell frequency or the neighbor cell frequency.

[0019] The UE reports the rssi-Result as reportInterval The average of the sample(s) values ​​provided by the lower layers in .

[0020]

[0021]

[0022] The reported value is middle.

[0023] Channel occupancy in LTE LAA

[0024] The WD estimates the channel occupancy on one or more carrier frequencies indicated by higher layers based on RSSI samples provided by the physical layer according to the RSSI configuration. channelOccupancyThreshold Comparisons are made to assess channel occupancy.

[0025] The channel occupancy measurement period corresponds to max( reportInterval , rmtc-Period ).

[0026] UE will channelOccupancy Reported as reportInterval All sample values ​​within channelOccupancyThreshold The sample value of is rounded to a percent.

[0027] Since many parameters determine the NR physical layer configuration (e.g., numerology, which is assumed to be fixed in LAA), the RSSI measurement configuration in LTE may not be directly applicable to NR. Summary of the Invention

[0028] Some embodiments advantageously provide methods, network nodes, and wireless devices for flexible configuration of channel occupancy measurements in New Air Interface.

[0029] Methods and apparatus for configuring channel occupancy measurements in NR are disclosed herein. Some embodiments may have one or more of the following advantages:

[0030] a) the possibility to flexibly configure channel occupancy measurements in NR; and

[0031] b) Possibility to perform channel occupancy measurements according to the new configuration.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless device configured to communicate with a network node is provided. The wireless device includes processing circuitry configured to: determine a time domain configuration for channel occupancy measurement based on at least one configuration parameter, wherein the time domain configuration is independent of a subcarrier spacing of at least one carrier on which the channel occupancy measurement is performed; and optionally perform the channel occupancy measurement based at least on the determined time domain configuration.

[0033] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the processing circuitry is further configured to determine a frequency domain configuration for channel occupancy measurement based on at least one configuration parameter, wherein the frequency domain configuration is independent of the subcarrier spacing of at least one carrier on which the channel occupancy measurement is performed. The channel occupancy measurement is performed based at least on the determined frequency domain configuration. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the frequency domain configuration indicates frequencies within a measurement bandwidth for the channel occupancy measurement. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the indicated frequencies within the measurement bandwidth correspond to a center frequency of the measurement bandwidth.

[0034] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the time domain configuration indicates a measurement duration for channel occupancy measurement. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, at least one configuration parameter includes a reference parameter set, and the time domain configuration is indicated based on the number of symbols based on the reference parameter set. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the time domain configuration provides measurement granularity for channel occupancy measurement.

[0035] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the processing circuit is further configured to receive at least one configuration parameter from a network node. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the processing circuit is further configured to report a channel occupancy measurement, the channel measurement being a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurement. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the RSSI measurement is scaled using a first bandwidth. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the at least one configuration parameter is configured to apply to at least one of a plurality of subbands and a bandwidth part (BWP).

[0036] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a network node configured to communicate with a wireless device is provided. The network node includes processing circuitry configured to: cause transmission of at least one configuration parameter, the at least one configuration parameter configured to indicate a time domain configuration for channel occupancy measurements, wherein the time domain configuration is independent of a subcarrier spacing of at least one carrier on which the channel occupancy measurements are performed; and optionally receive a channel occupancy measurement associated with the at least one configuration parameter.

[0037] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the at least one configuration parameter is further configured to indicate a frequency domain configuration for the channel occupancy measurement, wherein the frequency domain configuration is independent of a subcarrier spacing of at least one carrier on which the channel occupancy measurement is performed. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the frequency domain configuration is configured to indicate a frequency in a measurement bandwidth for the channel occupancy measurement.

[0038] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the frequency in the indicated measurement bandwidth corresponds to the center frequency of the measurement bandwidth. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the time domain configuration is configured to indicate a measurement duration for the channel occupancy measurement. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the at least one configuration parameter includes a reference parameter set, and the time domain configuration is indicated based on the number of symbols based on the reference parameter set.

[0039] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the time domain configuration is configured to provide measurement granularity for a channel occupancy measurement. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the channel measurement is a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurement. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the RSSI measurement is scaled using a first bandwidth. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, at least one configuration parameter is configured to apply to at least one of a plurality of subbands and a bandwidth part (BWP). According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the processing circuitry is configured to: receive a neighbor channel occupancy measurement from another network node; and adjust scheduling associated with the wireless device based on the neighbor channel occupancy measurement.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method implemented by a wireless device configured to communicate with a network node is provided. A time domain configuration for channel occupancy measurement is determined based on at least one configuration parameter, wherein the time domain configuration is independent of a subcarrier spacing of at least one carrier on which the channel occupancy measurement is performed. The channel occupancy measurement is optionally performed based at least on the determined time domain configuration.

[0041] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, a frequency domain configuration for channel occupancy measurement is determined based on at least one configuration parameter, wherein the frequency domain configuration is independent of the subcarrier spacing of at least one carrier on which the channel occupancy measurement is performed. The channel occupancy measurement is performed based at least on the determined frequency domain configuration. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the frequency domain configuration indicates frequencies within a measurement bandwidth for the channel occupancy measurement. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the indicated frequencies within the measurement bandwidth correspond to center frequencies of the measurement bandwidth.

[0042] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the time domain configuration indicates a measurement duration for channel occupancy measurement. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, at least one configuration parameter includes a reference parameter set, wherein the time domain configuration is indicated based on the number of symbols based on the reference parameter set. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the time domain configuration provides measurement granularity for channel occupancy measurement.

[0043] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, at least one configuration parameter is received from a network node. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, a channel occupancy measurement is reported, wherein the channel measurement is a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurement. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the RSSI measurement is scaled using a first bandwidth. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the at least one configuration parameter is configured to apply to at least one of a plurality of subbands and a bandwidth part (BWP).

[0044] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method implemented by a network node configured to communicate with a wireless device is provided. The method causes transmission of at least one configuration parameter, the at least one configuration parameter configured to indicate a time domain configuration for channel occupancy measurements, wherein the time domain configuration is independent of a subcarrier spacing of at least one carrier on which the channel occupancy measurements are performed. The method optionally receives a channel occupancy measurement associated with the at least one configuration parameter.

[0045] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, at least one configuration parameter is further configured to indicate a frequency domain configuration for channel occupancy measurements, the frequency domain configuration being independent of the subcarrier spacing of at least one carrier for which the channel occupancy measurements are performed. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the frequency domain configuration is configured to indicate frequencies within a measurement bandwidth for the channel occupancy measurements. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the indicated frequencies within the measurement bandwidth correspond to center frequencies of the measurement bandwidth.

[0046] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the time domain configuration is configured to indicate a measurement duration for channel occupancy measurement. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, at least one configuration parameter includes a reference parameter set, and the time domain configuration is indicated based on the number of symbols based on the reference parameter set. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the time domain configuration is configured to provide measurement granularity for channel occupancy measurement.

[0047] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the channel measurement is a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurement. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the RSSI measurement is scaled using a first bandwidth. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, at least one configuration parameter is configured to apply to at least one of a plurality of subbands and a bandwidth part (BWP). According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, a neighbor channel occupancy measurement is received from another network node, and scheduling associated with the wireless device is adjusted based on the neighbor channel occupancy measurement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] A more complete understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and its attendant advantages and features will be more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1 is a diagram of examples of LTE LBT and COT;

[0050] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary network architecture in which a communication system is connected to a host computer via an intermediate network according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a host computer communicating with a wireless device via a network node over an at least partially wireless connection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device, the exemplary method for executing a client application at the wireless device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device, the exemplary method for receiving user data at the wireless device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device, the exemplary method for receiving user data from the wireless device at the host computer, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device, the exemplary method for receiving user data at the host computer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 8 is a flow chart of an exemplary process in a network node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 9 is a flow chart of another exemplary process in a network node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 10 is a flow chart of an exemplary process in a wireless device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0059] Figure 11 is a flow chart of another exemplary process in a wireless device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Before describing the exemplary embodiments in detail, it is noted that the embodiments primarily reside in a combination of device components and processing steps related to a flexibly configurable method for channel occupancy measurement in the New Air Interface. Accordingly, components have been represented by conventional symbols in the drawings where appropriate, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments are shown to avoid obscuring the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0061] As used herein, relational terms (such as, "first" and "second," "top" and "bottom," and the like) may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the concepts described herein. 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. It will also be understood that, when used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," and / or "includes," "including," specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0062] In the embodiments described herein, the connection terms "in communication with..." and the like may be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which may be accomplished through, for example, physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling, or optical signaling. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various components may interoperate and that modifications and variations in achieving electrical and data communication are possible.

[0063] In some embodiments described herein, the terms "coupled," "connected," and the like may be used herein to indicate a connection (although not necessarily a direct connection) and may include wired and / or wireless connections.

[0064] The term "network node" as used herein can be any type of network node included in a radio network, and may also include any of the following: a base station (BS), a radio base station, a base transceiver station (BTS), a base station controller (BSC), a radio network controller (RNC), a gNodeB (gNB), an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB), a NodeB, a multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node (such as an MSR BS), a multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a relay node, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a donor node controlling a relay, a radio access point (AP), a transmission point, a transmission node, a remote radio unit (RRU), a remote radio head (RRH), a core network node (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), a self-organizing network (SON) node, a coordination node, a positioning node, an MDT node, etc.), an external node (e.g., a third-party node, a node outside the current network), a node in a distributed antenna system (DAS), a spectrum access system (SAS) node, an element management system (EMS), etc. A network node may also include test equipment. The term "radio node" as used herein may also be used to denote a wireless device (WD) such as a wireless device (WD) or a radio network node.

[0065] In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms wireless device (WD) or user equipment (UE) are used interchangeably. A WD herein can be any type of wireless device capable of communicating with a network node or another WD via radio signals, such as a wireless device (WD). A WD can also be a radio communication device, a target device, a device-to-device (D2D) WD, a machine-type WD, or a WD capable of machine-to-machine communication (M2M), a low-cost and / or low-complexity WD, a sensor equipped with a WD, a tablet computer, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a laptop embedded equipped (LEE), a laptop mounted equipment (LME), a USB dongle, a customer premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, or a narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) device.

[0066] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the general term "radio network node" is used. It can be any kind of radio network node, which may include any of the following: base station, radio base station, base transceiver station, base station controller, network controller, RNC, evolved Node B (eNB), Node B, gNB, multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), IAB node, relay node, access point, radio access point, remote radio unit (RRU), remote radio head (RRH).

[0067] Note that although terminology from one particular wireless system, such as, for example, 3GPP LTE and / or New Radio (NR), may be used in this disclosure, this should not be considered to limit the scope of this disclosure to only the aforementioned systems. Other wireless systems, including but not limited to Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), may also benefit from utilizing the concepts encompassed within this disclosure.

[0068] Other terms

[0069] In some embodiments, the more general term "network node" is used and can correspond to any type of radio network node or any network node that communicates with a WD and / or with another network node. Examples of network nodes include a radio network node, a gNodeB (gNB), an ng-eNB, a base station (BS), an NR base station, a TRP (Transmit Reception Point), a multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node (such as an MSR BS), a network controller, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a relay, an access point (AP), a transmission point, a transmission node, an RRU, an RRH, a node in a distributed antenna system (DAS), a core network node (e.g., an MSC, an MME, etc.), an O&M, an OSS, a SON, a positioning node or location server (e.g., an E-SMLC), an MDT, test equipment (physical or software), etc. A radio network node is a network node capable of transmitting radio signals, such as a base station, a gNB, etc.

[0070] In some embodiments, the non-limiting term user equipment (UE) or wireless device (WD) is used to refer to any type of wireless device that communicates with a network node and / or with another WD in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of WDs include NR-enabled wireless devices, target devices, device-to-device (D2D) WDs, machine-type WDs or WDs capable of performing machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, PDAs, PADs, tablet computers, mobile terminals, smartphones, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), drones, USB dongles, ProSe WDs, V2V WDs, V2X WDs, and the like.

[0071] The term "radio node" may refer to a radio network node or WD that is capable of transmitting radio signals or receiving radio signals or both.

[0072] The term time resource as used herein may correspond to any type of physical or radio resource expressed in terms of a time length or time interval or duration. Examples of time resources include: symbol, mini-slot, slot, subframe, radio frame, TTI, interleaving time, etc.

[0073] The term transmission time interval (TTI), as used herein, can correspond to any time period in which a physical channel can be encoded and interleaved for transmission. The physical channel is decoded by the receiver during the same time period (T0) in which it was encoded. TTIs may also be interchangeably referred to as short TTIs (sTTIs), transmission times, slots, subslots, minislots, short subframes (SSFs), mini-subframes, and so on.

[0074] Unless explicitly stated, the term LBT used herein may include DL LBT, UL LBT, or both. DL LBT may be performed by a radio network node, while UL LBT may be performed by a WD. Therefore, generally speaking, LBT may be performed by a radio node. The term "LBT category" or "LBT type" refers to a set of parameters that characterize the LBT process, including but not limited to: LBT category; LBT with different switching delays between UL and DL (e.g., up to 16µs, longer than 16 but shorter than 25µs, or 25µs and above); beam-based LBT (LBT in a specific direction) or omnidirectional LBT; different LBT schemes in the frequency domain (e.g., subband-specific, wideband LBT on multiple contiguous subbands, wideband LBT on multiple non-contiguous subbands, etc.); LBT with or without a shared COT (shared COT is, for example, when COT is initiated by the gNB and the transmission is within the COT without performing LBT); single-subband, multi-subband, or wideband LBT.

[0075] The term "COT configuration" may include one or more parameters characterizing the start of the COT, the length of the COT, the end of the COT, the carrier frequency to which the COT applies, shared or unshared COT, fixed length COT or variable length COT, etc.

[0076] The term DRS is used herein to refer to one or more signals transmitted by a radio network node. DRS may include, for example, SSB (defined in TS 38.133), PSS / SSS, PBCH, CSI-RS, RMSI-CORESET(s), RMSI-PDSCH(s), OSI, paging, etc.

[0077] As used herein, the term channel occupancy measurement may include a measurement or assessment indicating occupancy of an associated resource. Some non-limiting examples of channel occupancy measurements include an RSSI measurement or similar measurement, a channel occupancy assessment based on RSSI samples compared to a configured threshold, a percentage or ratio of RSSI samples that meet a certain condition (e.g., above a threshold), channel occupancy rate, other measurements or metrics based on RSSI samples, and the like.

[0078] The embodiments are described for NR-U. However, the embodiments are applicable to any other radio access technology (RAT) or multi-RAT system in which a WD receives and / or transmits signals (e.g., data), such as NR, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) / time division duplex (TDD), LTE LAA and its enhancements, WCDMA / HSPA, WiFi, WLAN, LTE, 5G, any NR (standalone or non-standalone), etc. The embodiments are applicable to other RATs in which the symbol length and / or subcarrier spacing are not fixed.

[0079] Note also that the functions described herein as being performed by a wireless device or network node may be distributed across multiple wireless devices and / or network nodes. In other words, it is contemplated that the functions of the network nodes and wireless devices described herein are not limited to being performed by a single physical device and can in fact be distributed across several physical devices.

[0080] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including 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. It will also be understood that the terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and this specification and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0081] Disclosed are a method, network node, and wireless device for flexible configuration of channel occupancy measurements in New Radio (NR). According to one aspect, a method implemented in a wireless device (WD) may include: determining measurement parameters for channel occupancy measurements that are independent of a parameter set; and determining a channel occupancy measurement configuration based on the determined measurement parameters that are independent of the parameter set. This and other aspects are described in greater detail below.

[0082] Turning now to the drawings in which like elements are referred to by like reference designators, Figure 2FIGURE 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system 10 (such as a 3GPP-type cellular network that may support standards such as LTE and / or NR (5G)) according to an embodiment. Communication system 10 includes an access network 12 (such as a radio access network) and a core network 14. Access network 12 includes a plurality of network nodes 16a, 16b, 16c (collectively, network nodes 16), such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs, or other types of wireless access points. Each network node defines a corresponding coverage area 18a, 18b, 18c (collectively, coverage area 18). Each network node 16a, 16b, 16c is connectable to core network 14 via a wired or wireless connection 20. A first wireless device (WD) 22a located in coverage area 18a is configured to wirelessly connect to or be paged by a corresponding network node 16c. A second WD 22b in coverage area 18b is also wirelessly connectable to the corresponding network node 16a. Although multiple WDs 22a, 22b (collectively referred to as wireless devices 22) are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to situations where a single WD is located in the coverage area or where a single WD is connecting to a corresponding network node 16. Note that although only two WDs 22 and three network nodes 16 are shown for convenience, the communication system may include many more WDs 22 and network nodes 16.

[0083] Furthermore, it is contemplated that the WD 22 can communicate simultaneously with more than one network node 16 and more than one type of network node 16, and / or be configured to separately communicate with more than one network node 16 and more than one type of network node 16. For example, the WD 22 can have dual connectivity with a network node 16 that supports LTE and the same or different network nodes 16 that support NR. As an example, the WD 22 can communicate with an eNB for LTE / E-UTRAN and a gNB for NR / NG-RAN.

[0084] The communication system 10 itself may be connected to a host computer 24, which may be implemented in hardware and / or software as a standalone server, a cloud-enabled server, a distributed server, or as processing resources in a server farm. The host computer 24 may be owned or controlled by a service provider, or may be operated by or on behalf of a service provider. The connections 26, 28 between the communication system 10 and the host computer 24 may extend directly from the core network 14 to the host computer 24, or may extend via an optional intermediate network 30. The intermediate network 30 may be one of a public, private, or managed network, or a combination of more than one of these. If any intermediate network 30 is present, the intermediate network 30 may be a backbone network or the Internet. In some embodiments, the intermediate network 30 may include two or more subnetworks (not shown).

[0085] Figure 2 The communication system as a whole enables a connection between one of the connected WDs 22a, 22b and the host computer 24. This connection can be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection. The host computer 24 and the connected WDs 22a, 22b are configured to transmit data and / or signaling via the OTT connection, using the access network 12, the core network 14, any intermediate networks 30, and possibly additional infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. The OTT connection can be transparent, in the sense that at least some of the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection passes are unaware of the routing of uplink and downlink communications. For example, the network node 16 may not be informed of, or need not be informed of, the past routing of incoming downlink communications containing data originating from the host computer 24 and to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to the connected WD 22a. Similarly, the network node 16 does not need to be aware of the future routing of outgoing uplink communications originating from the WD 22a and destined for the host computer 24.

[0086] The network node 16 is configured to include a configuration unit 32 configured to configure the WD 22 for channel occupancy measurement, the configuration including configuring time and / or frequency resources for the channel occupancy measurement. The wireless device 22 is configured to include a parameter determiner unit 34 configured to determine measurement parameters for the channel occupancy measurement that are independent of the parameter set.

[0087] Now refer to Figure 3The following describes an exemplary implementation of the WD 22, network node 16, and host computer 24 discussed in the previous paragraphs according to an embodiment. In the communication system 10, the host computer 24 includes hardware (HW) 38, which includes a communication interface 40 configured to establish and maintain wired or wireless connections to interfaces with different communication devices of the communication system 10. The host computer 24 also includes processing circuitry 42, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. The processing circuitry 42 may include a processor 44 and a memory 46. In particular, in addition to or in lieu of a processor (such as a central processing unit) and memory, the processing circuitry 42 may include an integrated circuit for processing and / or control, such as one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or an FPGA (field programmable gate array) and / or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 44 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) a memory 46, which may include any kind of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (random access memory) and / or ROM (read-only memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory).

[0088] The processing circuitry 42 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or cause such methods and / or processes to be performed, for example, by the host computer 24. The processor 44 corresponds to one or more processors 44 for performing the functions of the host computer 24 described herein. The host computer 24 includes a memory 46 configured to store data, program software code, and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 48 and / or host application 50 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 44 and / or processing circuitry 42, cause the processor 44 and / or processing circuitry 42 to perform the processes described herein with respect to the host computer 24. The instructions may be software associated with the host computer 24.

[0089] The software 48 may be executable by the processing circuitry 42. The software 48 includes a host application 50. The host application 50 may be operable to provide services to a remote user (such as a WD 22 connected via an OTT connection 52 terminating between the WD 22 and the host computer 24). In providing services to the remote user, the host application 50 may provide user data transmitted using the OTT connection 52. "User data" may be data and information described herein as implementing the described functionality. In one embodiment, the host computer 24 may be configured to provide control and functionality to a service provider and may be operated by or on behalf of the service provider. The processing circuitry 42 of the host computer 24 may enable the host computer 24 to observe, monitor, control, transmit to, and / or receive from the network node 16 and / or wireless device 22.

[0090] Communication system 10 also includes a network node 16, which is provided within communication system 10 and includes hardware 58 that enables network node 16 to communicate with host computer 24 and with WD 22. Hardware 58 may include a communication interface 60 for establishing and maintaining wired or wireless connections to interface with various communication devices of communication system 10, and a radio interface 62 for establishing and maintaining at least a wireless connection 64 with WD 22 located within coverage area 18 served by network node 16. Radio interface 62 may be formed as, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers, or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers. Communication interface 60 may be configured to facilitate a connection 66 to host computer 24. Connection 66 may be a direct connection, or it may traverse core network 14 of communication system 10 and / or one or more intermediate networks 30 external to communication system 10.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 58 of the network node 16 also includes processing circuitry 68. The processing circuitry 68 may include a processor 70 and a memory 72. In particular, in addition to or in lieu of a processor (such as a central processing unit) and memory, the processing circuitry 68 may include integrated circuits for processing and / or control, such as one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) and / or ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 70 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) the memory 72, which may include any type of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (random access memory) and / or ROM (read-only memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory).

[0092] Therefore, network node 16 also includes software 74, which is stored internally, for example, in memory 72 or in external memory (e.g., a database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by network node 16 via an external connection. Software 74 may be executable by processing circuitry 68. Processing circuitry 68 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or cause such methods and / or processes to be performed, for example, by network node 16. Processor 70 corresponds to one or more processors 70 configured to perform the functions of network node 16 described herein. Memory 72 is configured to store data, program software code, and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, software 74 may include instructions that, when executed by processor 70 and / or processing circuitry 68, cause processor 70 and / or processing circuitry 68 to perform the processes described herein with respect to network node 16. For example, processing circuitry 68 of network node 16 may include configuration unit 32 configured to configure WD 22 for channel occupancy measurements, including configuring time and / or frequency resources for channel occupancy measurements.

[0093] The communication system 10 also includes the already mentioned WD 22. The WD 22 may have hardware 80 that may include a radio interface 82 configured to establish and maintain a wireless connection 64 with a network node 16 that serves the coverage area 18 in which the WD 22 is currently located. The radio interface 82 may be formed as, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers, or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers.

[0094] The hardware 80 of the WD 22 also includes processing circuitry 84. The processing circuitry 84 may include a processor 86 and memory 88. In particular, in addition to or in lieu of a processor (such as a central processing unit) and memory, the processing circuitry 84 may include integrated circuits for processing and / or control, such as one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) and / or ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 86 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) the memory 88, which may include any type of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (random access memory) and / or ROM (read-only memory) and / or optical storage and / or EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory).

[0095] Therefore, WD 22 may also include software 90, which is stored, for example, in memory 88 of WD 22 or in external storage accessible to WD 22 (e.g., a database, storage array, network storage device, etc.). Software 90 may be executable by processing circuitry 84. Software 90 may include a client application 92. Client application 92 may be operable to provide services to human or non-human users via WD 22 with the support of host computer 24. Within host computer 24, an executing host application 50 may communicate with the executing client application 92 via an OTT connection 52 terminating between WD 22 and host computer 24. In providing services to users, client application 92 may receive request data from host application 50 and provide user data in response to the request data. OTT connection 52 may transmit both the request data and the user data. Client application 92 may interact with users to generate the user data it provides.

[0096] The processing circuitry 84 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or cause such methods and / or processes to be performed, for example, by the WD 22. The processor 86 corresponds to one or more processors 86 configured to perform the functions of the WD 22 described herein. The WD 22 includes a memory 88 configured to store data, program software code, and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 90 and / or client application 92 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 86 and / or the processing circuitry 84, cause the processor 86 and / or the processing circuitry 84 to perform the processes described herein with respect to the WD 22. For example, the processing circuitry 84 of the wireless device 22 may include a parameter determiner unit 34 configured to determine measurement parameters for channel occupancy measurements that are independent of the parameter set.

[0097] In some embodiments, the internal workings of network node 16, WD 22, and host computer 24 may be as follows: Figure 3 As shown in , and independently, the surrounding network topology can be Figure 2 network topology.

[0098] exist Figure 3 In FIG, OTT connection 52 has been abstractly drawn to illustrate communication between host computer 24 and wireless device 22 via network node 16, without explicitly mentioning any intermediary devices and the precise routing of messages through these devices. The network infrastructure may determine the routing, and the network infrastructure may be configured to hide the routing from WD 22, from the service provider operating host computer 24, or from both. While OTT connection 52 is active, the network infrastructure may further make decisions that allow it to dynamically change the routing (e.g., based on load balancing considerations or reconfiguration of the network).

[0099] The wireless connection 64 between WD 22 and network node 16 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of OTT services provided to WD 22 using OTT connection 52, where wireless connection 64 may form the final leg. More specifically, the teachings of some of these embodiments may improve data rates, latency, and / or power consumption, thereby providing benefits such as reduced user wait time, relaxed file size restrictions, better responsiveness, extended battery life, and the like.

[0100] In some embodiments, a measurement process may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rates, latency, and other factors for which one or more embodiments are improving. Optional network functionality may also be provided for reconfiguring the OTT connection 52 between the host computer 24 and the WD 22 in response to changes in measurement results. The measurement process and / or network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 52 may be implemented in the software 48 of the host computer 24, in the software 90 of the WD 22, or in both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or associated with the communication devices through which the OTT connection 52 passes. The sensors may participate in the measurement process by supplying values ​​for the monitored quantities exemplified above or other physical quantities from which the software 48 or 90 may calculate or estimate the monitored quantities. Reconfiguration of the OTT connection 52 may include message formats, retransmission settings, preferred routing, and the like. Such reconfiguration need not affect the network node 16 and may be unknown or imperceptible to the network node 16. Some of these processes and functionality may be known and implemented in the art. In certain embodiments, the measurements may involve proprietary WD signaling that facilitates measurements of throughput, propagation time, latency, and the like by the host computer 24. In some embodiments, the measurements may be achieved because the software 48, 90 causes messages (particularly, empty or "dummy" messages) to be transmitted using the OTT connection 52 while the software 48, 90 monitors propagation time, errors, etc.

[0101] Thus, in some embodiments, host computer 24 includes processing circuitry 42 configured to provide user data and communication interface 40 configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to WD 22. In some embodiments, cellular network also includes a network node 16 having a radio interface 62. In some embodiments, network node 16 is configured to perform the functions and / or methods described herein for preparing / initiating / maintaining / supporting / ending transmissions to WD 22 and / or preparing / terminating / maintaining / supporting / ending receipt of transmissions from WD 22, and / or processing circuitry 68 of network node 16 is configured to perform the functions and / or methods described herein for preparing / initiating / maintaining / supporting / ending transmissions to WD 22 and / or preparing / terminating / maintaining / supporting / ending receipt of transmissions from WD 22.

[0102] In some embodiments, host computer 24 includes processing circuitry 42 and communication interface 40 configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from WD 22 to network node 16. In some embodiments, WD 22 is configured to perform the functions and / or methods described herein for preparing / initiating / maintaining / supporting / ending a transmission to network node 16 and / or preparing / terminating / maintaining / supporting / ending receipt of a transmission from network node 16, and / or WD 22 includes a radio interface 82 and / or processing circuitry 84 configured to perform the functions and / or methods described herein for preparing / initiating / maintaining / supporting / ending a transmission to network node 16 and / or preparing / terminating / maintaining / supporting / ending receipt of a transmission from network node 16.

[0103] although Figure 2 and 3 Various "units" (such as configuration unit 32 and parameter determiner unit 34) are shown as being within respective processors, but it is contemplated that these units may be implemented such that a portion of the unit is stored in corresponding memory within the processing circuitry. In other words, the units may be implemented within the processing circuitry in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software.

[0104] Figure 4 is an illustration of an implementation in a communication system (such as, for example, Figure 2 and 3 The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16, and a WD 22. The host computer 24, the network node 16, and the WD 22 may be reference Figure 3 1 . The method includes a host computer 24, a network node 16, and a WD 22. In a first step of the method, host computer 24 provides user data (block S100). In an optional substep of the first step, host computer 24 provides the user data by executing a host application (such as, for example, host application 50) (block S102). In a second step, host computer 24 initiates a transfer carrying the user data to WD 22 (block S104). In an optional third step, network node 16 transmits the user data carried in the transfer initiated by host computer 24 to WD 22 in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure (block S106). In an optional fourth step, WD 22 executes a client application, such as, for example, client application 92 associated with host application 50 executed by host computer 24 (block S108).

[0105] Figure 5 is an illustration of an implementation in a communication system (such as, for example, Figure 2The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16, and a WD 22. The host computer 24, the network node 16, and the WD 22 may be reference Figure 2 and 3 1 . The method depicts a host computer 24, network node 16, and WD 22. In a first step, host computer 24 provides user data (block S110). In an optional sub-step (not shown), host computer 24 provides the user data by executing a host application (such as, for example, host application 50). In a second step, host computer 24 initiates a transmission carrying the user data to WD 22 (block S112). This transmission may pass through network node 16, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In an optional third step, WD 22 receives the user data carried in the transmission (block S114).

[0106] Figure 6 is an illustration of an implementation in a communication system (such as, for example, Figure 2 The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16, and a WD 22. The host computer 24, the network node 16, and the WD 22 may be reference Figure 2 and 3 The host computer 24, network node 16, and WD 22 described above are described. In an optional first step of the method, WD 22 receives input data provided by host computer 24 (block S116). In an optional sub-step of the first step, WD 22 executes client application 92, which provides user data in response to the input data received from host computer 24 (block S118). Additionally or alternatively, in an optional second step, WD 22 provides user data (block S120). In an optional sub-step of the second step, the WD provides user data by executing a client application (such as, for example, client application 92) (block S122). In providing the user data, the executed client application 92 may further consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific method used to provide the user data, WD 22 may initiate transmission of the user data to host computer 24 in an optional third sub-step (block S124). In a fourth step of the method, host computer 24 receives the user data transmitted from WD 22 (block S126 ), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure.

[0107] Figure 7 is an illustration of an implementation in a communication system (such as, for example, Figure 2The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16, and a WD 22. The host computer 24, the network node 16, and the WD 22 may be reference Figure 2 and 3 1 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the host computer 24, network node 16, and WD 22 are described. In an optional first step of the method, network node 16 receives user data from WD 22 in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure (block S128). In an optional second step, network node 16 initiates a transmission of the received user data to host computer 24 (block S130). In a third step, host computer 24 receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by network node 16 (block S132).

[0108] Figure 8 is a flow chart of an exemplary process in the network node 16 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of the network node 16, such as by one or more of the processing circuitry 68 (including the configuration unit 32), the processor 70, the radio interface 62, and / or the communication interface 60. The network node 16 is configured, such as via the processing circuitry 68 and / or the processor 70 and / or the radio interface 62 and / or the communication interface 60, to configure the WD for channel occupancy measurement, the configuration including configuring time and / or frequency resources for the channel occupancy measurement (Block S134).

[0109] Figure 9 1 is a flow chart of an exemplary process in network node 16 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of network node 16, such as by one or more of processing circuitry 68 (including configuration unit 32), processor 70, radio interface 62, and / or communication interface 60. Network node 16 is configured to cause (Block S136) transmission of at least one configuration parameter, such as via processing circuitry 68 and / or processor 70 and / or radio interface 62 and / or communication interface 60, the at least one configuration parameter being configured to indicate a time domain configuration for channel occupancy measurements, wherein the time domain configuration is independent of the subcarrier spacing of at least one carrier for which the channel occupancy measurements are performed, as described herein. Network node 16 is configured to optionally receive (Block S138) channel occupancy measurements associated with the at least one configuration parameter, such as via processing circuitry 68 and / or processor 70 and / or radio interface 62 and / or communication interface 60, as described herein.

[0110] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one configuration parameter is further configured to indicate a frequency domain configuration for channel occupancy measurement, wherein the frequency domain configuration is independent of the subcarrier spacing of at least one carrier for which the channel occupancy measurement is performed. According to one or more embodiments, the frequency domain configuration is configured to indicate frequencies within a measurement bandwidth for the channel occupancy measurement. According to one or more embodiments, the frequencies within the indicated measurement bandwidth correspond to center frequencies of the measurement bandwidth.

[0111] According to one or more embodiments, the time domain configuration is configured to indicate a measurement duration for channel occupancy measurement. According to one or more embodiments, the at least one configuration parameter includes a reference parameter set, and the time domain configuration is indicated based on the number of symbols based on the reference parameter set. According to one or more embodiments, the time domain configuration is configured to provide measurement granularity for channel occupancy measurement.

[0112] According to one or more embodiments, the channel measurement is a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurement. According to one or more embodiments, the RSSI measurement is scaled using a first bandwidth. According to one or more embodiments, the at least one configuration parameter is configured to be applied to at least one of a plurality of subbands and a bandwidth part (BWP). According to one or more embodiments, the processing circuit 68 is configured to: receive a neighbor channel occupancy measurement from another network node; and adjust scheduling associated with the wireless device based on the neighbor channel occupancy measurement.

[0113] Figure 10 is a flow chart of an exemplary process in the wireless device 22 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of the wireless device 22, such as by one or more of the processing circuitry 84 (including the parameter determiner unit 34), the processor 86, the radio interface 82, and / or the communication interface 60. The wireless device 22 is configured to determine (Block S140) parameter set-independent measurement parameters for channel occupancy measurements, such as via the processing circuitry 84 and / or the processor 86 and / or the radio interface 82. The process also includes determining (Block S142) a channel occupancy measurement configuration based on the determined parameter set-independent measurement parameters.

[0114] Figure 11is a flow chart of an exemplary process in wireless device 22 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of wireless device 22, such as by one or more of processing circuitry 84 (including parameter determiner unit 34), processor 86, radio interface 82, and / or communication interface 60. The wireless device 22 is configured, such as via processing circuitry 84 and / or processor 86 and / or radio interface 82, to determine (Block S144) a time domain configuration for channel occupancy measurements based on at least one configuration parameter, wherein the time domain configuration is independent of the subcarrier spacing of at least one carrier for which the channel occupancy measurements are performed, as described herein. The wireless device 22 is configured, such as via processing circuitry 84 and / or processor 86 and / or radio interface 82, to optionally perform (Block S146) channel occupancy measurements based on at least the determined time domain configuration, as described herein.

[0115] According to one or more embodiments, the processing circuit 84 is further configured to determine a frequency domain configuration for the channel occupancy measurement based on the at least one configuration parameter, wherein the frequency domain configuration is independent of the subcarrier spacing of the at least one carrier for which the channel occupancy measurement is performed. The channel occupancy measurement is performed based at least on the determined frequency domain configuration. According to one or more embodiments, the frequency domain configuration indicates frequencies within a measurement bandwidth for the channel occupancy measurement. According to one or more embodiments, the frequencies within the indicated measurement bandwidth correspond to a center frequency of the measurement bandwidth.

[0116] According to one or more embodiments, the time domain configuration indicates a measurement duration for channel occupancy measurement. According to one or more embodiments, the at least one configuration parameter includes a reference parameter set, and the time domain configuration is indicated based on the number of symbols based on the reference parameter set. According to one or more embodiments, the time domain configuration provides measurement granularity for channel occupancy measurement.

[0117] According to one or more embodiments, processing circuitry 84 is further configured to receive the at least one configuration parameter from a network node. According to one or more embodiments, processing circuitry 84 is further configured to report a channel occupancy measurement, the channel measurement being a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurement. According to one or more embodiments, the RSSI measurement is scaled using a first bandwidth. According to one or more embodiments, the at least one configuration parameter is configured to apply to at least one of a plurality of subbands and a bandwidth part (BWP).

[0118] Having described the general process flow of the arrangements of the present disclosure and provided examples of hardware and software arrangements for implementing the processes and functions of the present disclosure, the following section provides details and examples of arrangements for a flexible configuration method for channel occupancy measurement in the new air interface.

[0119] The embodiments described herein may also be implemented in any combination.

[0120] According to one implementation:

[0121] • a determination by the WD 22 (e.g., based on network configuration and / or triggering) of a need to perform a channel occupancy measurement (e.g., an RSSI measurement), such as via one or more of the processing circuitry 84, the processor 86, the radio interface 82, the parameter determiner unit 34, etc.;

[0122] • upon determining that it is needed, the WD 22 further determines (e.g., based on predefined rules and / or based on a configuration from the network node 16 ) time and / or frequency resources for channel occupancy measurements, such as via one or any combination of the embodiments described herein;

[0123] • In some embodiments described herein, the WD 22 may also determine (e.g., based on predefined rules and / or based on a configuration from the network node 16) a threshold value for performing channel occupancy measurements, such as via one or more of the processing circuit 84, the processor 86, the radio interface 82, the parameter determiner unit 34, etc. channelOccupancyThreshold );

[0124] • WD 22 obtains one or more results based on the channel occupancy measurements in the determined time and / or frequency resources, such as via one or more of processing circuitry 84, processor 86, radio interface 82, parameter determiner unit 34, etc. (WD 22 may also use determined thresholds, such as via one or more of processing circuitry 84, processor 86, radio interface 82, parameter determiner unit 34, etc.); and

[0125] • The WD 22 uses the results of the performed channel occupancy measurements for one or more operational tasks and / or reports them to the network node 16 (in a conventional manner or in accordance with the following embodiments), such as via one or more of the processing circuitry 84, the processor 86, the radio interface 82, the parameter determiner unit 34, etc.

[0126] Some examples of WD 22 operational tasks include:

[0127] • Perform LBT procedures or assist another node in performing LBT procedures in unlicensed or shared spectrum;

[0128] • Determine the LBT configuration or type and determine the COT configuration;

[0129] • selecting and / or changing to, or assisting the network node 16 in selecting and / or changing to, time and / or frequency resources for WD 22 operation (e.g., changing to a time and / or frequency domain mode, carrier frequency, cell, subband, bandwidth part (BWP), etc.) based on the channel occupancy results (e.g., selecting the least occupied carrier frequency to configure the serving cell or active BWP or subband); and / or

[0130] • Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT), Self-Organizing Networks (SON), collecting statistics on channel occupancy during a certain time period (such as part of a day), etc.

[0131] Example #1: Time Domain Configuration Independent of Parameter Sets

[0132] In a first embodiment, WD 22 determines a measurement duration for a channel occupancy measurement that is independent of a parameter set (e.g., independent of a subcarrier spacing (SCS); e.g., independent of the active SCS on one or more carriers to be measured in the channel occupancy measurement), for example, based on predefined rules and / or a message or at least one configuration parameter received from network node 16. More generally, the time domain configuration (e.g., measurement duration) is independent of the parameter set (e.g., SCS, BWP) configured as the active / current parameter set for the carriers used by wireless device 22 for channel occupancy measurements. The time domain configuration can be, for example, per carrier frequency, per frequency within the serving cell bandwidth or BWP, per BWP, per subband, etc. As discussed below, the time domain configuration can be based on a reference parameter set, such as a reference SCS. The reference SCS can be different from the SCS of the measurement resource, i.e., the SCS of the carrier used for which the channel occupancy measurement is performed.

[0133] In one example, the channel occupancy measurement duration and / or offset within a subframe may include fractions and / or multiples of fixed-length time units, such as fractions of 1 ms, fractions of 1 subframe, etc. For example, the WD 22 may be configured with any of the following: 2, 1, 1 / 2, 1 / 4, 1 / 8, 1 / 14, etc. The WD 22 does not need to know the SCS of the carrier being measured, for example, in an NR timeslot (which may even vary from slot to slot) in order to be able to perform the measurement.

[0134] Example #2: Frequency Domain Configuration Independent of Parameter Sets

[0135] In a second embodiment, WD 22 determines a measurement bandwidth for channel occupancy measurements that is independent of a parameter set (e.g., independent of an SCS), for example, based on predefined rules and / or a message or at least one configuration parameter received from network node 16. The configuration can be, for example, per carrier frequency, per frequency within a serving cell bandwidth or BWP, per BWP, per subband, etc. More generally, the frequency domain configuration (e.g., measurement bandwidth) is independent of the parameter set (e.g., SCS, BWP) configured as the active / current parameter set for the carrier used by wireless device 22 for channel occupancy measurements. As discussed below, the frequency domain configuration can be based on a reference parameter set, such as a reference SCS. The reference SCS can be different from the SCS of the measurement resource, i.e., the SCS of the carrier used for which the channel occupancy measurement is performed.

[0136] In one example, the channel occupancy measurement bandwidth may include an explicit configuration of N MHz, such as N = 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 20 MHz, 40 MHz, or 80 MHz. That is, in one or more embodiments, the configuration parameter configures the measurement bandwidth. The configurable value may also be configured as a multiple of a reference bandwidth, such as 10 MHz, 2 x 10 MHz, 4 x 10 MHz, etc., where 10 MHz is the reference bandwidth.

[0137] Example #3: Channel Occupancy Measurement Configuration Reference

[0138] In a third embodiment, the WD 22 determines the channel occupancy measurement configuration by reference, where the reference may be predefined, determined based on predefined rules, or configured based on a message or at least one configuration parameter received from the network node 16. Advantages of configuring by reference include reduced overhead (e.g., no configuration needs to be signaled if it does not differ from the reference) and reduced complexity (e.g., the WD 22 already knows or determines the configuration only once for the reference configuration and then applies this configuration to the channel occupancy measurement configuration). More generally, the reference may be independent of the active / current parameter set of the carrier configured by the wireless device 22 for channel occupancy measurements, so that it provides a reference for determining the channel occupancy measurement. The configuration may be, for example, per carrier frequency, per frequency within the serving cell bandwidth or BWP, per BWP, per subband, etc.

[0139] In one example, the reference is a parameter set reference that can be used to configure the channel occupancy measurement time and / or frequency resources (e.g., 30 kHz as a reference, i.e., a 30 kHz SCS (reference SCS) for channel occupancy measurement can be predefined or signaled). In another example, the reference is a parameter set of a reference channel or signal in a reference cell, reference BWP, or reference subband on a carrier frequency configured for channel occupancy measurement, such as a synchronization signal block (SSB) or a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) or a transmit reference signal (TRS), although the channel occupancy measurement can be performed in a time and / or frequency resource different from the resource including the reference channel / signal (e.g., in a subframe that does not include an SSB or on a carrier frequency or BWP or subband without an SSB). In addition, the reference can be configured to provide and / or indicate and / or define a measurement granularity that is independent of the actual / current / active SCS of the carrier to be measured.

[0140] In another example, the reference for the channel occupancy measurement configuration parameter may be a reference (e.g., a currently active reference or a reference indicated by the network node 16) BWP and / or corresponding channel occupancy measurement configuration parameter in a subband. For example, the channel occupancy configuration parameter may be signaled to the WD 22 only if the channel occupancy configuration parameter is different from the channel occupancy configuration parameter in the reference, and otherwise not signaled.

[0141] In another example, the reference for the channel occupancy measurement configuration parameter T in the time domain is a known (for the WD 22) or predefined time reference T0, for example:

[0142] • T0 = SFNX (X = 0) of the serving or reference cell (e.g., T = SFNX + delta_number of_subframes + [delta_number_of slots] + [delta_number_of_symbols]); or

[0143] • T0 = start of the DRS window at the reference frequency (eg, T = T0 + offset); and / or

[0144] • T0 = start of channel occupancy measurement duration on the reference frequency.

[0145] Example #3a: Frequency Domain Configuration Based on Reference Parameter Set

[0146] As a sub-embodiment of embodiment #3, when a reference parameter set is provided, the frequency domain configuration can be based on physical resource blocks (PRBs). For example, if the reference parameter set is 30 kHz (SCS), 51 PRBs will correspond to 18.26 MHz (the absolute measurement bandwidth is calculated from N_RB and the reference SCS). The reference parameter set can also be used to determine the frequency positions of the PRBs (e.g., the starting PRB and the last PRB of the configured bandwidth) (determining the configured bandwidth for channel occupancy measurement). In one or more embodiments, the reference parameter set can be configured to provide and / or indicate and / or define a measurement granularity that is independent of the actual / current / active parameter set (e.g., SCS) of the carrier to be measured.

[0147] When channel occupancy measurement is configured on one or more subbands, assuming reference to the SCS, the subband can be defined as a certain PRB range, each PRB range being determined by the first PRB and the number of PRBs or by the first PRB and the last PRB of the range (e.g., PRB1:PRB6 for subband 1, PRB7:PRB12 for subband 2, PRB13:PRB16 for subband 3, etc.).

[0148] Example #3b: Time Domain Configuration Based on Reference Parameter Set

[0149] As a sub-embodiment of #3, when a reference parameter set is provided, time domain configuration can be performed symbol-by-symbol based on this reference parameter set. In one or more embodiments, at least one configuration parameter may indicate the number of symbols and the reference parameter set used for channel occupancy measurement configuration. In other words, the WD can determine the time domain configuration (e.g., measurement duration) based on the configured reference parameter set and the number of configured symbols.

[0150] Example #4: Channel occupancy measurement configuration in the presence of multiple subbands and / or BWPs

[0151] In a fourth embodiment, the channel occupancy measurement configuration may be configured for multiple subbands and / or BWPs based on predefined rules, eg, the same (eg, reference) channel occupancy measurement configuration applies to all subbands.

[0152] In another example, the channel occupancy measurement configuration is signaled to / received by the WD 22 together with associated configuration parameters indicating the corresponding subband (e.g., a subband index or a pointer to a frequency of the subband (such as the center frequency of the measurement bandwidth) or an offset relative to a reference frequency (e.g., a serving carrier frequency, a frequency of an active BWP, a frequency of a reference subband, etc.) or a pointer to a resource block (RB) of the subband (such as the first RB of the subband bandwidth)).

[0153] Example #5: With ssbFrequency and refFreqCSI-RS Separately configure the frequency of channel occupancy measurement

[0154] According to this embodiment, the frequency of RSSI and channel occupancy measurements is ssbFrequency and refFreqCSI-RS The information elements are separated, for example, to allow channel occupancy measurements on carrier frequencies, frequencies, subbands, BWPs, etc., without SSBs and CSI. The frequency of the channel occupancy measurement is used to determine the frequency location of the channel occupancy measurement. In one example, the frequency is the center frequency of the channel occupancy measurement bandwidth. In another example, the frequency is the frequency of a resource block (e.g., the first RB) within the channel occupancy measurement bandwidth or the lowest frequency within the channel occupancy measurement bandwidth.

[0155] In another example of this embodiment, the SCS and / or bandwidth or other configuration parameters for channel occupancy measurement of carrier frequency, frequency, subband, BWP, etc. without SSB and without CSI can be obtained by referring to, for example, ssbFrequency or refFreCSI-RS The corresponding parameters associated with the frequency are configured differently. ssbFrequency and refFreCSI- RS .

[0156] In another example of this embodiment, the frequency of the channel occupancy measurement is ssbFrequency or refFreCSI- RS Functions, for example, ssbFrequency +delta*k, where k can be an integer (k=1 means the frequency is configured as ssbFrequency + a special case of delta) and may be configurable by the network node 16.

[0157] Example #6: Reference frequency point and PRB range

[0158] Instead of providing the center frequency as in embodiment #5, another reference point similar to Rel-15 point A is provided to WD 22. Additionally, the PRB range is provided to WD 22. Based on this reference point and the PRB frequency range, WD 22 determines the frequency range used for RSSI and channel occupancy measurements.

[0159] Example #7: Bandwidth Scaling Reporting

[0160] To maintain a constant reporting range independent of the measurement bandwidth, RSSI can be reported scaled using a fixed or configured bandwidth (e.g., 1 MHz or the minimum allowed bandwidth) and reported as, for example, dBm / MHz or dBm / X MHz. The receiving network node 16 can use the reported value as is, or can convert it to the original value assuming the scaling factor is known to the WD 22 and to the network node 16. The scaling can be based on predefined rules or configured by the network node 16.

[0161] Embodiment #8: Channel occupancy threshold based on one or any combination of: measurement bandwidth, reference parameter set, and scaling factor for reported quantities

[0162] In this embodiment, the channel occupancy threshold (such as, for example, channelOccupancyThreshold ) may be determined (by the WD 22 or the network node 16 that then configures the WD 22) based on one or any combination of the following: the measurement bandwidth, the reference parameter set, and a scaling factor for the reported quantity, e.g., a first threshold may be configured for a first reference parameter set, and a second threshold may be configured for a second reference parameter set.

[0163] In one example, a higher channel occupancy threshold is configured for a smaller SCS. In another example, a higher threshold may be configured for a smaller number of X MHz or for a smaller number of subcarriers or a larger SCS (e.g., when the scaling result is dBm per SCS or per MHz). In yet another example, a higher threshold is configured for a larger channel occupancy measurement bandwidth.

[0164] In another example, the same scaling factor is applied to the reported amount and the threshold.

[0165] Method in the radio network node 16

[0166] A network node 16 embodiment is also provided. The network node 16 implementation is, for example, as suggested in the description of the WD 22 embodiment above.

[0167] For example, according to one or more embodiments, the network node 16 may configure the WD 22 for channel occupancy measurement via unicast / dedicated signaling, multicast, or broadcast (e.g., in system information) (the configuration may include configuring time and / or frequency resources for the measurement (the time and / or frequency resources include frequency and bandwidth), thresholds that can be used to obtain channel occupancy measurements, measurement report amounts, or rules that can be used to determine any of these items, etc.).

[0168] For example, the channel occupancy measurement configuration determined based on the described embodiments may also be sent to another network node 16 via an X2 / Xn interface or at handover or via an interface between a core network node and a radio network node (e.g., when a base station node obtains measurements configured from a core network node (such as a SON or MDT node)). The other network node 16 may be configured to adjust scheduling and / or perform another network node 16 action based on the received RSSI. That is, the RSSI may be exchanged among one or more network nodes 16 for use by the respective network nodes 16.

[0169] The network node 16 may also determine one or more predefined rules used by the WD 22 to configure and / or report channel occupancy measurements, such as via the processing circuit 68, and process the measurements accordingly. When channel occupancy measurements from different WDs or based on different measurement configurations are used together, the network node 16 may also transform the measurements to a comparable basis, such as by converting and / or grouping them by quantities determined based on the same SCS, bandwidth, etc.

[0170] According to one aspect, the network node 16 is configured to communicate with a wireless device (WD 22). The network node 16 includes a radio interface 62 and / or processing circuitry 68 configured to configure the WD 22 for channel occupancy measurements, including configuring time and / or frequency resources for the channel occupancy measurements.

[0171] According to this aspect, in some embodiments, configuration of WD 22 further includes configuring thresholds that may be used to obtain channel occupancy measurements.

[0172] According to another aspect, a method implemented in the network node 16 comprises configuring the wireless device WD 22 via the configuration unit 32 for channel occupancy measurements, the configuration comprising configuring time and / or frequency resources for the channel occupancy measurements.

[0173] According to this aspect, in some embodiments, configuration of WD 22 further includes configuring thresholds that may be used to obtain channel occupancy measurements.

[0174] According to yet another aspect, a wireless device (WD 22) configured to communicate with a network node 16 is provided. The WD 22 includes a radio interface 82 and / or a processing circuit 84 configured to: determine measurement parameters independent of a parameter set for channel occupancy measurement; and determine a channel occupancy measurement configuration based on the determined measurement parameters independent of the parameter set.

[0175] According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the measurement parameter that is independent of the parameter set is one of duration and bandwidth. In some embodiments, the channel occupancy measurement configuration is based on predefined rules and includes configurations for multiple subbands. In some embodiments, the received signal strength indicator RSSI and the frequency of the channel occupancy measurement are related to ssbFrequency and refFreqCSI-RS Information elements are separated.

[0176] According to another aspect, a method implemented in a wireless device (WD 22) includes determining, via a parameter determiner unit 34, parameter set independent measurement parameters for channel occupancy measurement; and determining a channel occupancy measurement configuration based on the determined parameter set independent measurement parameters.

[0177] According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the measurement parameter that is independent of the parameter set is one of duration and bandwidth. In some embodiments, the channel occupancy measurement configuration is based on predefined rules and includes configurations for multiple subbands. In some embodiments, the received signal strength indicator RSSI and the frequency of the channel occupancy measurement are related to ssbFrequency and refFreqCSI-RS Information elements are separated.

[0178] Some examples

[0179] Example A1. A network node 16 configured to communicate with a wireless device 22 (WD 22), the network node 16 being configured to perform the following operations and / or including a radio interface 62 and / or including a processing circuit 68 configured to perform the following operations:

[0180] The WD 22 is configured for channel occupancy measurement, the configuration including configuring time and / or frequency resources for the channel occupancy measurement.

[0181] Example A2. The network node 16 of Example A1, wherein configuring the WD 22 further comprises configuring a threshold value that can be used to obtain the channel occupancy measurement.

[0182] Example B1. A method implemented in a network node 16, the method comprising:

[0183] The wireless device 22 WD 22 is configured for channel occupancy measurement, the configuration including configuring time and / or frequency resources for the channel occupancy measurement.

[0184] Example B2. The method of Example B1, wherein configuring WD 22 further comprises configuring a threshold value that can be used to obtain the channel occupancy measurement.

[0185] Example C1. A wireless device 22 (WD 22) configured to communicate with a network node 16, the WD 22 being configured to perform the following operations and / or including a radio interface 82 and / or a processing circuit 84 configured to perform the following operations:

[0186] determining measurement parameters for channel occupancy measurements that are independent of the parameter set; and

[0187] A channel occupancy measurement configuration is determined based on the determined parameter set-independent measurement parameters.

[0188] Example C2. The WD 22 of Example C1, wherein the parameter set-independent measurement parameter is one of duration and bandwidth.

[0189] Example C3. The WD 22 of Example C1, wherein the channel occupancy measurement configuration is based on a predefined rule and includes configurations for a plurality of subbands.

[0190] Example C4. The WD 22 of Example C1, wherein the received signal strength indicator RSSI and the frequency of the channel occupancy measurement are ssbFrequency and refFreqCSI-RS Information elements are separated.

[0191] Example D1. A method implemented in a wireless device 22 (WD 22), the method comprising:

[0192] determining measurement parameters for channel occupancy measurements that are independent of the parameter set; and

[0193] A channel occupancy measurement configuration is determined based on the determined parameter set-independent measurement parameters.

[0194] Example D2. The method of Example D1, wherein the parameter set-independent measurement parameter is one of duration and bandwidth.

[0195] Example D3. The method of Example D1, wherein the channel occupancy measurement configuration is based on a predefined rule and includes configurations for a plurality of subbands.

[0196] Example D4. The method of Example D1, wherein the received signal strength indicator RSSI and the frequency of the channel occupancy measurement are ssbFrequency and refFreqCSI-RS Information elements are separated.

[0197] The following additional information is provided to illustrate how embodiments of the present disclosure may be incorporated into 3GPP standards. The variations described are intended to illustrate how certain aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented within a particular standard. However, embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented in other suitable manners within 3GPP specifications and other specifications or standards.

[0198] introduce

[0199] In RAN4#91, the way forward for NR-U RRM was agreed in [1].

[0200] In this document, we discuss RSSI and channel occupancy measurements for NR-U. Related protocols in other groups are listed below.

[0201] RAN1#96 :

[0202] • Should support at least baseline Rel-13 LTE-LAA RSSI and channel occupancy reporting functionality

[0203] RAN2#106 :

[0204] In this release, RSSI CO measurements are not used in "idle" or "inactive" situations.

[0205] As in LAA, RSSI and CO measurements can be reported using existing triggers

[0206] As in LTE LAA, RSSI and channel occupancy (CO) reporting for NR-U is an optional UE capability.

[0207] RAN2#015-Bis :

[0208] RSSI and channel occupancy configuration and reporting (specifically, measurements and periodic reporting at certain intervals (at least during CO)) are used as the baseline for NR-U

[0209] UE RSSI and channel occupancy measurements in LAA and NR-U

[0210] In LTE, the E-UTRA Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) measurement was introduced for LAA and is defined as the linear average of the total received power (in Watts) observed by the UE from all sources (including co-channel serving and non-serving cells, adjacent channel interference, thermal noise, etc.) in configured OFDM symbols only and over N resource blocks in the measurement bandwidth.

[0211] That is, RSSI (according to TS 36.331) is measured by MeasObjectEUTRA The following IE is configured: rmtc-Period 、 rmtc-SubframeOffset and measDuration , as shown below, so the UE only has measDuration RSSI measurements are performed during this time.

[0212]

[0213] One potential issue with RSSI and channel occupancy is that if the bandwidth is not clearly defined (preferably configured by the network) to allow some flexibility, there can be different UE implementations reporting measurements based on different bandwidths.

[0214] • Observation 1 : The UE needs to know the RSSI and the channel occupied bandwidth, and the RSSI and the channel occupied bandwidth should preferably be configurable.

[0215] Configuring the bandwidth in terms of the number of RBs requires the UE to also know the SCS, which can vary from time slot to time and among cells on the same carrier frequency. A similar problem exists for the measurement duration, which in LTE is defined in terms of the number of symbols, but the symbol length depends on the SCS. Therefore, the reference SCS for RSSI and channel occupancy measurements needs to be predefined or configured by the network. Alternatively, the measurement duration values ​​can be defined as fractions and multiples of subframes, for example, while the bandwidth values ​​can be 5MHz, 10MHz, 20MHz, etc. It should also be noted that the RSSI measurement itself is an energy measurement and it should not be strictly linked to any specific SCS configuration.

[0216] • Observation 2 : The measurement duration and bandwidth should be configured independently of the SCS used in the measurement resource, for example as fractions or multiples of subframes and in MHz, respectively, or with respect to a reference SCS, which may be different from the SCS of the measurement resource.

[0217] There can be portions of the spectrum or carrier frequencies that are not configured with SSB. Additionally, there should be flexibility as to where in the time domain RSSI and channel occupancy measurements are configured to enable more efficient resource utilization in the overall system.

[0218] • Observation 3 : RSSI and channel occupancy measurement resources should not be limited to SSB time resources or SSB frequency.

[0219] Another question that arises is: what is the reported amount of RSSI measurement and channel occupancy. There are different options, for example,

[0220] - Option 1: UE reports measurements e.g. in dBm (like in LTE)

[0221] - Option 2: UE reports normalized measurements independent of SCS, e.g. dBm per MHz

[0222] - Option 3: UE reports normalized measurements based on SCS, such as dBm per SCS or per RB

[0223] Options 1 and 2 do not require knowledge or configuration of the SCS for RSSI and channel occupancy measurements, while option 3 has this dependency.

[0224] • Observation 4 : Of the following options, if the measured bandwidth is known to the network, use option 1 (same as in LTE):

[0225] o Option 1: UE reports measurements e.g. in dBm (like in LTE),

[0226] o Option 2: UE reports normalized measurements independent of SCS, e.g. dBm per MHz,

[0227] o Option 3: The UE reports normalized measurements based on SCS, such as dBm per SCS or per RB.

[0228] Summarize

[0229] The following situations have been observed:

[0230] • Observation 1 : The UE needs to know the RSSI and the channel occupied bandwidth, and the RSSI and the channel occupied bandwidth should preferably be configurable.

[0231] • Observation 2 : The measurement duration and bandwidth should be configured independently of the SCS used in the measurement resource, for example as fractions or multiples of subframes and in MHz, respectively, or relative to a reference SCS, which may be different from the SCS of the measurement resource.

[0232] • Observation 3 : RSSI and channel occupancy measurement resources should not be limited to SSB time resources or SSB frequency.

[0233] • Observation 4 : Of the following options, if the measured bandwidth is known to the network, use option 1 (same as in LTE):

[0234] o Option 1: UE reports measurements e.g. in dBm (like in LTE),

[0235] o Option 2: UE reports normalized measurements independent of SCS, e.g. dBm per MHz,

[0236] o Option 3: The UE reports normalized measurements based on SCS, such as dBm per SCS or per RB.

[0237] Based on the above observations, RAN1 / RAN2 Draft LS on RSSI and channel occupancy measurement in NR-U is provided in R4-190xxxx (Ericsson, Aug. 2019).

[0238] Other observations include:

[0239] RAN4 has started discussions on RSSI and channel occupancy measurements in NR-U and has agreed on the following observations:

[0240] • Observation 1A : The UE needs to know the RSSI and the channel occupied bandwidth, and the RSSI and the channel occupied bandwidth should preferably be configurable.

[0241] • Observation 2A : The measurement duration and bandwidth should be configured independently of the SCS used in the measurement resource, for example as fractions or multiples of subframes and in MHz, respectively, or relative to a reference SCS, which may be different from the SCS of the measurement resource.

[0242] • Observation 3A : RSSI and channel occupancy measurement resources should not be limited to SSB time resources or SSB frequency.

[0243] • Observation 4A : Of the following options, if the measured bandwidth is known to the network, use option 1 (same as in LTE):

[0244] o Option 1: UE reports measurements e.g. in dBm (like in LTE),

[0245] o Option 2: UE reports normalized measurements independent of SCS, e.g. dBm per MHz,

[0246] o Option 3: The UE reports normalized measurements based on SCS, such as dBm per SCS or per RB.

[0247] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the concepts described herein may be implemented as methods, data processing systems, computer program products, and / or computer storage media storing executable computer programs. Thus, the concepts described herein may take the form of complete hardware embodiments, complete software embodiments, or combined software and hardware embodiments, all of which are collectively referred to herein as "circuits" or "modules." Any process, step, action, and / or functionality described herein may be performed and / or associated with a corresponding module, which may be implemented in software and / or firmware and / or hardware. Additionally, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer-usable storage medium having a computer program code implemented in the medium that can be executed by a computer. Any suitable tangible computer-readable medium may be utilized, including a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an electronic storage device, an optical storage device, or a magnetic storage device.

[0248] Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, systems, and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, as well as combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer (to thereby create a special-purpose computer), a processor of a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, whereby the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device create components for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams.

[0249] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory or storage medium, and the computer program instructions can instruct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a manufactured product, which includes an instruction component that implements the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0250] Computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, whereby the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0251] It should be understood that the functions / actions noted in the blocks may not occur in the order noted in the operational diagrams. For example, depending on the functionality / actions involved, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes occur in the reverse order. While some of the diagrams in the figures include arrows on communication paths to illustrate the primary direction of communication, it should be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction of the depicted arrows.

[0252] Computer program code for performing the operations of the concepts described herein can be written in an object-oriented programming language, such as Java® or C++. However, computer program code for performing the operations of the present disclosure can also be written in a traditional procedural programming language, such as the "C" programming language. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0253] In conjunction with the above description and accompanying drawings, many different embodiments have been disclosed herein. It will be understood that fully describing and illustrating every combination and subcombination of these embodiments would be unduly repetitive and obfuscating. Therefore, all embodiments can be combined in any manner and / or combination, and this specification (including the accompanying drawings) should be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, as well as the manner and process of making and using them, and should support claims directed to any such combination or subcombination.

[0254] Abbreviations that may be used in the preceding description include:

[0255] Abbreviation Explanation

[0256] ACK

[0257] BS Base Station

[0258] BWP Bandwidth Part

[0259] CE control elements

[0260] CORESET Control Resource Set

[0261] COT Channel Occupancy Time

[0262] CRS Cell-specific reference signal

[0263] CSI Channel State Information

[0264] CSI-RS Channel State Information Reference Signal

[0265] DCI Downlink Control Information

[0266] DL Downlink

[0267] DRS Discovery Reference Signal

[0268] eLAA Enhanced LAA

[0269] FBE Frame-Based Device

[0270] FDD Frequency Division Duplex

[0271] FR1 Frequency Range 1

[0272] FR2 Frequency Range 2

[0273] GC-PDCCH Group common PDCCH

[0274] gNB Next Generation Node B

[0275] HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request

[0276] HSPA High Speed ​​Packet Access

[0277] LAA License Assisted Access

[0278] LBE Load-Based Equipment

[0279] LBT Listen before talking

[0280] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0281] MAC Media Access Control

[0282] MCOT Maximum COT

[0283] NACK Not confirmed

[0284] NR New Radio

[0285] NR-U NR not licensed

[0286] OSI Other System Information

[0287] PBCH Physical Broadcast Channel

[0288] PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0289] PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel

[0290] PSS Primary Synchronization Signal

[0291] PUCCH Physical Uplink Control Channel

[0292] PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel

[0293] QCI Quasi Co-location

[0294] RACH Random Access Channel

[0295] RAT Radio Access Technology

[0296] RMSI Remaining Minimum System Information

[0297] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0298] SCH Shared Channel

[0299] SNR signal-to-noise ratio

[0300] SRS Sounding Reference Signal

[0301] SSS Secondary synchronization signal

[0302] TCI Transmit Configuration Indicator

[0303] TDD Time Division Duplex

[0304] UCI Uplink Control Information

[0305] UE User Equipment

[0306] UL Uplink

[0307] WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access

[0308] WD Wireless Devices

[0309] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described herein are not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless otherwise indicated above, it should be noted that all drawings are not drawn to scale. Various modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method implemented by a wireless device (22), the wireless device (22) being configured to communicate with a network node (16), the method comprising: receiving at least one configuration parameter for channel occupancy measurement from the network node; determining (S144) a measurement duration for the channel occupancy measurement based on at least one configuration parameter, the measurement duration being independent of a subcarrier spacing of a time-frequency resource in which the channel occupancy measurement is performed; and The channel occupancy measurement is performed (S146) based at least on the determined measurement duration.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a frequency domain configuration for the channel occupancy measurement based on the at least one configuration parameter, the frequency domain configuration being independent of a subcarrier spacing of a time-frequency resource in which the channel occupancy measurement is performed; and The channel occupancy measurement is additionally performed based at least on the determined frequency domain configuration.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The frequency domain configuration is a measurement bandwidth for the channel occupancy measurement.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The at least one configuration parameter comprises a center frequency of the measurement bandwidth.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The at least one configuration parameter includes a reference subcarrier spacing and a number of symbols.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: The channel occupancy measurement is reported.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The channel occupancy measurement is a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurement.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein: The RSSI measurement is scaled using a first bandwidth.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The at least one configuration parameter is configured to be applied to at least one of a plurality of subbands and a bandwidth part (BWP) of a serving cell provided by the network node.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The at least one configuration parameter is received separately from a synchronization signal block (SSB) frequency information element ssbFrequency and a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) frequency information element refFreqCSI-RS.

11. A method implemented by a network node (16), the network node (16) being configured to communicate with a wireless device (22), the method comprising: Cause (S136) the transmission of at least one configuration parameter for channel occupancy measurement, the at least one configuration parameter being configured to indicate a measurement duration for the channel occupancy measurement, the measurement duration being independent of the subcarrier spacing of the time-frequency resources in which the channel occupancy measurement is performed.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The channel occupancy measurement associated with the at least one configuration parameter is received (S138).

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The at least one configuration parameter is further configured to indicate a frequency domain configuration for the channel occupancy measurement, the frequency domain configuration being independent of a subcarrier spacing of a time-frequency resource in which the channel occupancy measurement is performed.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein: The frequency domain configuration is a measurement bandwidth for the channel occupancy measurement.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein: The at least one configuration parameter comprises a center frequency of the measurement bandwidth.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein: The at least one configuration parameter comprises a reference subcarrier spacing and a number of symbols for the measurement duration.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein: The channel measurement is a received signal strength indicator RSSI measurement.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: The RSSI measurement is scaled using a first bandwidth.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein: The at least one configuration parameter applies to at least one of a plurality of subbands and a bandwidth part (BWP) of a serving cell provided by the network node.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein The at least one configuration parameter is transmitted separately from a synchronization signal block (SSB) frequency information element ssbFrequency and a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) frequency information element refFreqCSI-RS.

21. The method of any one of claims 11 to 20, further comprising: receiving a neighbor channel occupancy measurement from another network node (16); and A schedule associated with the wireless device (22) is adjusted based on the neighbor channel occupancy measurement.

22. A wireless device (22) configured to communicate with a network node (16), the wireless device (22) being configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-10.

23. A network node (16) configured to communicate with a wireless device (22), the network node (16) being configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 11-21.

24. A computer program product comprising a computer program which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

25. A computer program product comprising a computer program which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 11 to 21.

26. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

27. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 11 to 21.

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