LTE Licensed Assisted Access Energy Detection Threshold Adaptation in Unlicensed Frequency Bands

Abstract

This disclosure relates to ED threshold adaptation in unlicensed frequency bands for LTE licensed assisted access. When a contention protocol (such as Listen Before You Talk (LBT)) is executed, the LTE-LAA node dynamically adapts the ED threshold used by the LTE-LAA node, depending on whether other transport nodes are detected at the frequency components to be used by the LTE-LAA node. In one embodiment, the ED threshold may be initially set to a conservative value, and may be set to a more aggressive value when no other transport nodes are detected. In another embodiment, the ED threshold may be initially set to a more aggressive value, and may be set to a more conservative value only when another transport node is detected. In yet another possible embodiment, the ED threshold and transmit power may be modified proportionally for a specific UE based on parameters associated with the UE.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application No. 201580081655.9, filed on December 26, 2015, entitled "Energy Detection Threshold Adaptation for Licensed Assisted Access in Unlicensed Frequency Bands for LTE".

[0002] Related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 204,907, filed August 13, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. Background Technology

[0004] Demand for wireless broadband data continues to grow. Wireless cellular network operators are considering unlicensed spectrum (i.e., spectrum that does not require licensing from the appropriate governing body) to increase the capacity of existing services offered on licensed spectrum.

[0005] The use of unlicensed spectrum in 3GPP Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) systems has been proposed as Licensed Assisted Access (LAA). Under LAA, the LTE standard is extended to unlicensed frequency deployments, enabling operators and vendors to maximize their existing or planned investments in LTE hardware in radios and core networks.

[0006] One concern with LAA (Local Access Assist) is the coexistence of LTE radio nodes with other radio access technologies (RATs), such as WiFi and / or other LAA networks deployed by other operators using other unlicensed radio nodes. To address this coexistence, Listen Before You Talk (LBT) (also known as Clear Channel Assessment (CCA)) has been proposed. LBT is a contention protocol where LTE radio nodes determine whether a specific frequency channel is already occupied (e.g., by a WiFi node) before using it. In other words, in the case of LBT, data packets may only be transmitted if the channel is sensed to be idle. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The embodiments will be readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For ease of description, the same reference numerals may denote the same structural elements. Embodiments are shown in the drawings by way of example rather than limitation.

[0008] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating an exemplary environment in which the systems and / or methods described herein can be implemented;

[0009] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of explaining the overview of LBT;

[0010] Figures 3 to 5 This is a flowchart illustrating different embodiments of the process for performing LBT using energy detection threshold adaptation for LTE-LAA;

[0011] Figure 6 It is a conceptual representation of... Figure 5 The diagram shows an exemplary implementation consistent with the process shown; and

[0012] Figure 7 Exemplary components of an electronic device are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0013] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting, and the scope of embodiments according to this disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0014] Existing WiFi technologies for enabling the coexistence of multiple WiFi access points (APs) (i.e., wireless network standards based on the IEEE 802.11 standard) can utilize Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA / CA) technology with collision avoidance to achieve coexistence between multiple WiFi nodes. Under CSMA / CA, when a WiFi transmitter (e.g., a WiFi access point (AP)) detects a WiFi preamble from another WiFi transmitter with a received energy level of at least -82 dBm, the WiFi transmitter needs to postpone its transmission based on the duration (physical carrier sense) included in the detected preamble. In some cases, the WiFi transmitter may not be able to detect the WiFi preamble. For example, an LTE-LAA node may use the same frequency band as the WiFi transmitter. In this case, the WiFi transmitter can use a -62 dBm threshold to determine when to postpone its transmission. The WiFi transmitter can postpone transmission at least until the detected energy level is below -62 dBm. In this way, existing WiFi implementations can use predetermined energy detection (ED) thresholds (e.g., -82dBm and -62dBm) when determining whether a channel is "interference-free" for transmission.

[0015] During LBT contention, LTE-LAA nodes can use an ED threshold to sense other LTE-LAA nodes and non-LTE-LAA nodes (e.g., WiFi transmitters). Specifically, under LAA, LTE-LAA nodes can postpone their transmissions until the received energy is below a specific ED threshold. However, using a predetermined ED threshold for LTE-LAA nodes can be problematic for good coexistence between LTE-LAA nodes and other RAT transmitters (e.g., WiFi transmitters). For example, in specific scenarios such as indoor operation, WiFi throughput will be significantly reduced with LTE-LAA nodes using an ED threshold of -62dBm. In indoor situations, a conservative ED threshold of -82dBm may achieve good coexistence between WiFi and LAA. However, in other scenarios such as outdoor situations, using -62dBm as the ED threshold can achieve good coexistence between WiFi and LAA.

[0016] Consistent with the aspects described herein, when executing contention protocols (such as LBT), the LTE-LAA node can dynamically adapt the ED threshold used by the LTE-LAA node, depending on whether other transmitting nodes are detected at the frequency components to be used by the LTE-LAA node. In one implementation, the ED threshold can be initially set to a conservative value, and can be set to a more aggressive value when no other transmitting nodes are detected. In another implementation, the ED threshold can be initially set to a more aggressive value, and can only be set to a more conservative value when another transmitting node is detected. In yet another possible implementation, the ED threshold and transmit power can be modified proportionally for a specific UE based on parameters associated with the UE.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram of an exemplary environment 100 that can implement the systems and / or methods described herein. As shown, environment 100 may include a user equipment (UE) 110 that can obtain network connectivity from wireless network 120. Although a single UE 110 is shown for simplicity, Figure 1 In practice, multiple UEs 110 can operate in a wireless network environment. Wireless network 120 can provide access to one or more external networks (such as packet data network (PDN) 150). The wireless network may include a radio access network (RAN) 130 and a core network 140. RAN 130 may be an E-UTRA-based radio access network or other types of radio access networks. Some or all of RAN 130 may be associated with a network operator that controls or otherwise manages core network 140. Core network 140 may include an Internet Protocol (IP)-based network.

[0018] UE 110 may include portable computing and communication devices, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), smartphones, cellular phones, laptops with connectivity to cellular wireless networks, tablets, etc. UE 110 may also include non-portable computing devices with the ability to wirelessly connect to RAN 130, such as desktop computers, consumer or business devices, or other devices.

[0019] UE 110 can be designed to operate using LTE-LAA. For example, UE 110 may include radio circuitry capable of simultaneously receiving multiple carriers (a first primary carrier using licensed spectrum and a second carrier using unlicensed spectrum). The second carrier may correspond to, for example, unlicensed 5GHz spectrum. This spectrum is typically used by WiFi devices. The goal of LTE-LAA may be to avoid impacting WiFi service, rather than additional WiFi networks on the same carrier.

[0020] UE 110, capable of operating on unlicensed bands, can be configured to perform measurements to support unlicensed band operation, including providing feedback when the UE is within the coverage area of ​​an LTE-LAA node. Once the connection is activated to allow use on unlicensed bands, existing channel quality information (CQI) feedback allows the evolved Node B (eNB) 136 to determine what quality can be achieved on unlicensed bands compared to licensed bands. Downlink-only mode is particularly suitable for situations where data volume is dominated by downlink traffic.

[0021] RAN 130 can represent a 3GPP access network comprising one or more RATs. RAN 130 can specifically include multiple base stations referred to as eNB 136. eNB 136 can include eNBs providing coverage to relatively large (macro) areas or relatively small (small) areas. Small cells can be deployed to increase system capacity by including coverage areas within macro cells. Small cells can include picocells, femtocells, and / or home NodeBs. eNB 136 can potentially include remote radio headends (RRHs), such as RRH 138. RRH 138 can extend the coverage of eNBs through an antenna system that distributes the eNBs. RRH138 can be connected to eNB 136 via fiber optic cable (or via another low-latency connection).

[0022] In this discussion, an LTE-LAA node may correspond to eNB 136 (small cell or macro cell) or RRH 138. An LTE-LAA node may also be referred to as an "LTE-LAA transmission point," "LTE-LAA transmitter," or "LAA eNB." For simplicity, eNB 136 will be discussed herein as corresponding to an LTE-LAA node. In some implementations, an LTE-LAA node (using unlicensed frequencies) may coexist with a corresponding eNB using licensed frequencies. Licensed frequency eNBs and LTE-LAA nodes can maximize downlink bandwidth by performing carrier aggregation of licensed and unlicensed frequency bands.

[0023] Core network 140 may include an IP-based network. In the 3GPP network architecture, core network 140 may include an evolved packet core (EPC). As shown in the figure, core network 140 may include a serving gateway (SGW) 142, a mobility management entity (MME) 144, and a packet data network gateway (PGW) 146. Although a particular network device is shown as part of RAN 130 and core network 140 in environment 100, whether a network device is labeled as being in the “RAN” or “core network” of environment 100 may be an arbitrary decision that may not affect the operation of radio network 120.

[0024] SGW 142 may include one or more network devices that aggregate traffic received from one or more eNBs 136. SGW 142 typically handles user (data) plane traffic. MME 144 may include one or more computing and communication devices that perform operations to register UE 110 using core network 140, establish bearer channels associated with a session of UE 110, switch UE 110 from one eNB to another, and / or perform other operations. ME 144 typically handles control plane traffic.

[0025] PGW 146 may include one or more devices that serve as an interconnection point between the core network 140 and external IP networks (such as PDN 150) and / or carrier IP services. PGW 146 can route packets to the access network and external IP networks.

[0026] PDN 150 may include one or more packet-based networks. PDN 150 may include one or more external networks, such as public networks (e.g., the Internet) or proprietary networks that provide services (e.g., IP Multimedia (IMS) services, transparent end-to-end packet-switched streaming service (PSS), or other services) provided by the operator of core network 140.

[0027] Figure 1Multiple interfaces are shown. An interface can refer to a physical or logical connection between devices in environment 100. The interfaces shown can be 3GPP standardized interfaces. For example, as shown, the eNB 136 can communicate with the SGW 142 and MME 144 using the S1 interface (e.g., as defined by 3GPP standards). The eNB 136 can communicate with each other via the X2 interface.

[0028] supply Figure 1 The number of devices and / or networks shown is for illustrative purposes only. In reality, there may be additional devices and / or networks, fewer devices and / or networks, different devices and / or networks, or networks with [other devices and / or networks]. Figure 1 The devices and / or networks are arranged differently as shown. Alternatively or additionally, one or more devices in environment 100 may implement one or more functions described as being implemented by other devices in environment 100. Furthermore, although Figure 1 The diagram shows "direct" connections, but these connections should be interpreted as logical communication paths, and there may actually be one or more intermediate devices (e.g., routers, gateways, modems, switches, hubs, etc.).

[0029] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a process 200 that provides an overview of LBT. Process 200 can be performed by, for example, an eNB 136 (i.e., an eNB used as an LTE-LAA node).

[0030] Process 200 may include assembling data to be transmitted (box 210). The data may be assembled into packets or another data structure (e.g., frames) by eNB 136 and transmitted to UE 110.

[0031] Process 200 may further include determining whether the channel to which data will be transmitted is idle (box 220). Determining whether a specific frequency channel is idle may include measuring the energy associated with the channel and comparing the measured energy value to a threshold. In some implementations, the threshold may be selected dynamically or semi-statically. For example, depending on the deployment, the threshold may be selected between -62 dBm and -82 dBm. In some implementations, determining whether a channel is idle may additionally involve physical carrier sensing to read information transmitted in the frequency channel. For example, for WiFi transmissions, the WiFi preamble or beacon may be read to obtain information.

[0032] When the channel is determined to be non-idle (box 220 – No), the eNB may perform a fallback procedure (box 230). The fallback procedure may include waiting for a predetermined amount of time before attempting to reuse the channel, waiting for a random amount of time before attempting to reuse the channel, or waiting for an amount determined based on another source (e.g., a WiFi preamble). In some implementations, the fallback procedure may potentially include the selection of a different frequency channel.

[0033] When the channel is determined to be idle (box 220 – Yes), combined data can be transmitted on the channel (box 240). In this way, LTE-LAA deployments can coexist with other RATs or with LTE-LAA deployments from other network operators.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure 300 for performing LBT using an exemplary embodiment of ED threshold adaptation for LTE-LAA. Procedure 300 can be performed by UE 110 or by eNB 136 (i.e., by an eNB acting as an LTE-LAA node).

[0035] Process 300 may include initially setting the ED threshold to a conservative value (block 310). In one implementation, the conservative ED threshold may be set to a value of -72 dBm. Alternatively, the conservative ED threshold may be set to a value of -82 dBm. More generally, the conservative value may be in the lower half of the potential ED threshold range. For example, if the potential ED threshold range is between -52 dBm and -82 dBm, then for an eNB operating on a 20 MHz channel bandwidth, the conservative ED threshold may be between -72 dBm and -82 dBm.

[0036] Process 300 may further include determining whether other transmission nodes are detected at the frequency component corresponding to the LAA carrier (block 320). In one embodiment, determining whether other transmission nodes are detected at the frequency component corresponding to the LAA carrier may include determining whether a nearby WiFi transmitter (e.g., a WiFi AP) is present. This determination may potentially be performed by eNB 136, UE 110, or both eNB 136 and UE 110. Exemplary implementations for detecting nearby WiFi transmitters will be described in more detail below.

[0037] In some implementations, the other transmission nodes detected in block 320 may include other LTE-LAA nodes, such as other LTE-LAA nodes associated with other network operators (i.e., network operators different from those managing RAN 130).

[0038] When no other transmission node is detected (box 320 – No), process 300 may further include setting the ED threshold to a more aggressive value. In one embodiment, the more aggressive ED threshold may be set to -62 dBm. With a more aggressive value, LBT backoff is less likely to be performed. More generally, the aggressive value may be in the upper half of the potential ED threshold range. For example, if the potential ED threshold range is between -52 dBm and -82 dBm, the aggressive ED threshold may be between -52 dBm and -62 dBm.

[0039] Process 300 may also include performing an LBT operation using a set ED threshold (box 340). For example... Figure 3 As shown, when another transmission node is detected (box 320 - Yes), the set ED threshold can be a conservative value, or it can be a more aggressive value when no other transmission node is detected (box 320 - No). This can be done according to process 200 (…). Figure 2 The LBT operation is performed by means of blocks 220 and 230 of process 200. For example, the LBT operation may include the operation associated with blocks 220 and 230 of process 200, or alternatively or additionally, the LBT operation may include the operation associated with blocks 210 to 240 of process 200.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 400 for performing LBT using an ED threshold adaptation for LTE-LAA. Process 400 can be performed by UE 110 or by eNB 136 (i.e., by an eNB acting as an LTE-LAA node).

[0041] Process 400 may include initially setting the ED threshold to a relatively aggressive value (box 410). In one implementation, the aggressive ED threshold may be set to a value of -62 dBm.

[0042] Process 400 may further include determining whether other transmission nodes are detected at the frequency component corresponding to the LAA carrier (block 420). In one embodiment, determining whether other transmission nodes are detected at the frequency component corresponding to the LAA carrier may include determining whether a nearby WiFi transmitter (e.g., a WiFi AP) is present. This determination may potentially be performed by eNB 136, UE 110, or both eNB 136 and UE 110. Exemplary implementations for detecting nearby WiFi transmitters will be described in more detail below.

[0043] In some implementations, the other transmission nodes detected in block 320 may include other LTE-LAA nodes, such as other LTE-LAA nodes associated with other network operators (i.e., network operators different from those managing RAN 130).

[0044] When another transmission node is detected (box 420 - Yes), process 400 may further include setting the ED threshold to a more conservative value. In one implementation, the more conservative ED threshold may be set to -82 dBm. Alternatively, the more conservative ED threshold may be set to -78 dBm. With a more conservative ED value, LBT rollback is more likely to be performed.

[0045] Process 400 may also include performing an LBT operation using a set ED threshold (box 440). For example... Figure 4 As shown, when another transmission node is detected (box 420 - Yes), the set ED threshold can be a conservative value, or it can be a more aggressive value when no other transmission node is detected (box 420 - No). This can be done according to process 400 (…). Figure 4 The LBT operation is performed by means of blocks 220 and 230 of process 200. For example, the LBT operation may include the operation associated with blocks 220 and 230 of process 200, or alternatively or additionally, the LBT operation may include the operation associated with blocks 210 to 240 of process 200.

[0046] In processes 300 and 400, the detection of another frequency node (such as a WiFi transmission node) is performed (e.g., in boxes 320 and 420). Many different techniques can be used to detect the presence of a WiFi transmission node, some of which will be discussed below.

[0047] In one possible implementation for detecting the presence of a WiFi transmission node, the eNB 136 can detect the presence of WiFi beacon frames. A beacon frame is one of the management frames in a wireless local area network (WLAN) based on IEEE 802.11. Beacon frames can be transmitted periodically to notify the presence of a WiFi LAN. To detect the presence of a WiFi transmission point, the eNB 136 can detect the presence of beacon frames with a signal strength greater than an ED threshold (e.g., -82 dBm).

[0048] In a second possible implementation for detecting the presence of nearby WiFi transmission nodes, WLAN measurement results can be obtained by UE 110. UE 110 can report the WLAN measurement results to eNB 136. For example, UE 110 can report the measurement results via a licensed frequency channel. In one implementation, UE 110 can report the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) associated with the WiFi beacon, the Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) included in the WiFi beacon, and / or other metrics obtained from the beacon (such as WiFi channel utilization, WiFi transmission bandwidth, etc.). In this way, UE 110 can potentially assist eNB 136 in identifying the presence of WiFi on component carriers used for transmission (e.g., for downlink burst transmission). The WLAN measurement reports transmitted by UE 110 can be performed periodically (or at some other interval) or event-driven, such as based on the detection of a new WiFi AP or based on the fact that a previously detected WiFi AP is no longer detected.

[0049] In a third possible implementation for detecting the presence of nearby WiFi transmission nodes, the UE 110 and / or eNB 136 can detect a WiFi preamble. The WiFi preamble may be the first part of a Physical Layer Convergence Protocol / Procedure (PLCP) Protocol Data Unit (PDU).

[0050] In some implementations, multiple implementations of the three possible implementations discussed above for detecting the presence of nearby WiFi transmission nodes can be used. For information detected by UE 110, if the measurement result made by UE 110 changes significantly compared to the previous measurement result reported to eNB 136, UE 110 can be configured to send a WiFi measurement report to eNB 136. For example, a measurement report can be sent to eNB 136 when the number of observed WiFi APs changes.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 500 for performing LBT using an ED threshold adaptation for LTE-LAA. Process 500 can be performed by, for example, an eNB 136 (i.e., by an eNB acting as an LTE-LAA node).

[0052] Typically, regarding process 500, once a channel has been acquired, the eNB 136 can proportionally determine the ED threshold and transmit (Tx) power for downlink data transmission based on each UE. This "proportional action," as used by the eNB 136, can balance two behaviors: (1) by increasing the ED threshold, the eNB 136 can be more aggressive in accessing the channel; (2) by correspondingly reducing the Tx power, the eNB 136 can generate less interference for neighboring transmitters, thus allowing neighboring transmitters to access the channel more frequently. Equivalently, according to the proportional rule, by reducing the ED threshold, the eNB 136 can be less aggressive (more conservative) in accessing the channel, but can subsequently increase the Tx power accordingly to provide better throughput when the channel is being used. Using the proportional rule, as described herein, the benefits of space reuse from increasing the ED threshold can be maintained, while ensuring fairness and coexistence due to lower Tx power.

[0053] Process 500 may include selecting a modifier (referred to herein as α) to be used to proportionally modify the ED threshold and eNB transmit power (box 510). The modifier may be different for different UEs (box 510). In one implementation, the modifier may be selected on a per-UE basis.

[0054] As an example, α can be selected between 0 and 15 dBm. Here, α is set to 0 for nearby UEs (e.g., within a specific physical range of eNB 136), α is set to 15 dBm for UEs not nearby (e.g., near the outer edge of the cell), and α is linearly scaled between 0 and 15 dBm for UEs in "near" and "not near" locations. In this example, α can be modified using the distance of each specific UE relative to the cell boundary. In other implementations, α can be determined using other parameters related to UE 110, such as the received signal strength related to UE 110. In some implementations, α can be determined based on information received via licensed frequency bands.

[0055] Process 500 may also include proportionally modifying the ED threshold and transmit power based on α (block 520). In one implementation, the ED threshold may be increased based on α (or based on a value obtained from α), and the transmit power of eNB136 to UE 110 may be decreased accordingly based on α (or based on a value obtained from α). For example, the ED threshold and transmit power may be modified using the following expressions.

[0056] ED_Threshold=Initial_ED_Threshold+ED_Thresh_Raise_Value; and

[0057] Tx_Power=Max_Power-Tx_Power_Reduction_Value

[0058] In the above expressions, "Ed_Threshold" refers to the ED threshold, "Initial_ED_Threshold" refers to the default or basic ED threshold, "ED_Thresh_Raise_Value" refers to the increase of the default value of the ED threshold, "Tx_Power" refers to the transmit power of the eNB 136 or UE 110, "Max_Power" refers to the maximum possible transmit power, and "Tx_PowerReduction_Value" refers to the decrease of the maximum possible transmit power. In one implementation, both ED_Thresh_Raise_Value and Tx_Power_Reduction_Value can be set to equal α.

[0059] As an example of the expressions for ED_Threshold and Tx_Power given in the preceding paragraphs, consider the case where the initial ED threshold is -82dBm, the maximum transmit power is 23dBm, and α is determined to be 10dBm. In this case, the ED threshold can be calculated as -72dBm.

[0060] (-82+10), the transmit power can be calculated as 13dBm(23-10). Therefore, as the ED threshold becomes more aggressive, the transmit power can be reduced proportionally. In other words, the ED threshold and transmit power can be modified in opposite ways relative to each other.

[0061] Process 500 may also include performing LBT operations using a modified ED threshold and transmit power (block 530). For example, LBT operations may include operations associated with blocks 220 and 230 of process 200, or alternatively or additionally, LBT operations may include operations associated with blocks 210 to 240 of process 200.

[0062] Figure 6 This is a conceptual illustration of an exemplary implementation consistent with process 500. Figure 6 In this context, it is assumed that eNB136 communicates with UEs 610 and 620 using both licensed and unlicensed channels. Communication via unlicensed channels can be performed via LTE-LAA.

[0063] exist Figure 6In this context, it is assumed that eNB 136 is determined to be relatively close to UE 610. For example, via LTE-based communication in a licensed frequency band, eNB 136 can determine that UE 610 is near eNB 136 and / or receives a signal with good signal strength from eNB 136. eNB 136 can accordingly determine that α should be set to zero for UE 610. As shown in the figure, assuming the default or previously set ED threshold for UE 610 is -72dBm, and the default or maximum transmit power is 23dBm, then the proportionally modified ED threshold and transmit power can remain at -72dBm and 23dBm, respectively.

[0064] Suppose UE 620 is determined to be further away from eNB 136. For example, via 30LTE-based communication in a licensed band, eNB 136 can determine that UE 620 is near the edge of the coverage area provided by eNB 136 and / or receives poor signals from eNB 136. eNB 136 can accordingly determine that α should be set to 10dBm for UE 610. As shown in the figure, assuming the default or previously set ED threshold for UE 610 is -72dBm, and the default or maximum transmit power is 23dBm, then the proportionally modified ED threshold and transmit power can be -62dBm and 13dBm, respectively.

[0065] The above discussion regarding setting the ED threshold for LBT generally applies to the downlink direction. However, in some implementations, LTE-LAA can be used for uplink transmission. For example, for uplink Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) transmission, UE 110 may expect to perform LBT.

[0066] In some implementations, the ED threshold to be used at UE 110 to perform LBT may be indicated by eNB 136. The ED threshold at UE 110 may differ from the ED threshold used at eNB 136. In one embodiment, UE 110 may consistently use a fixed (static) ED threshold, such as -62dBm. In a second possible implementation, UE 110 may use the same ED threshold used by eNB 136. In a third possible implementation, UE 110 may use the ED threshold value used by eNB 136 plus an offset. In the second and third implementations, the threshold may be semi-statically signaled via higher-level signaling. Alternatively or additionally, the ED threshold may be dynamically signaled via Dedicated Control Information (DCI) using Layer 1 signaling. In some implementations, the ED threshold may be cell-specific (shared by all UEs in the cell) or UE-specific (different UEs within the cell may have different ED thresholds).

[0067] As used herein, the terms "circuit" or "processing circuit" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuit, processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and / or memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped), combinational logic circuitry providing the described functions, and / or other suitable hardware components that execute one or more software or firmware programs. In some embodiments, the circuit may be implemented in one or more software or firmware modules, or the functions associated with the circuit may be implemented by one or more software or firmware modules. In some embodiments, the circuit may include logic that operates at least partially in hardware.

[0068] The embodiments described herein can be implemented into the system using appropriately configured hardware and / or software. Figure 7 Exemplary components of an electronic device 700 are shown in one embodiment. In the embodiment, the electronic device 700 may be a user equipment (UE), an eNB (such as eNB 136), a transmission point, or some other suitable electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device 700 may include application circuitry 702, baseband circuitry 704, radio frequency (RF) circuitry 706, front-end module (FEM) circuitry 708, and one or more antennas 760, coupled together at least as shown.

[0069] Application circuitry 702 may include one or more application processors. For example, application circuitry 702 may include circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processor may include any combination of general-purpose processors and special-purpose processors (e.g., graphics processors, application processors, etc.). The processor may be coupled to and / or may include memory / storage, such as storage medium 703, and may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory / storage to enable various applications and / or operating systems to run on the system. In some embodiments, storage medium 703 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, application circuitry 702 may be connected to or include one or more sensors, such as environmental sensors, cameras, etc.

[0070] Baseband circuitry 704 may include circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. Baseband circuitry 704 may include one or more baseband processors and / or control logic to process baseband signals received from the receive signal path of RF circuitry 706 and generate baseband signals for the transmit signal path of RF circuitry 706. Baseband circuitry 704 may interface with application circuitry 702 for generating and processing baseband signals and controlling the operation of RF circuitry 706. For example, in some embodiments, baseband circuitry 704 may include a second-generation (2G) baseband processor 704a, a third-generation (3G) baseband processor 704b, a fourth-generation (4G) baseband processor 704c, and / or other baseband processors 704d for other existing, developing, or future generations (e.g., fifth-generation (5G), 7G, etc.). Baseband circuitry 704 (e.g., one or more of baseband processors 704a-d) may handle various radio control functions that enable communication with one or more radio networks via RF circuitry 706. Radio control functions may include, but are not limited to, signal modulation / demodulation, encoding / decoding, and radio frequency shifting. In some embodiments, the baseband circuit 704 may be associated with the storage medium 703 or with another storage medium.

[0071] In embodiments where electronic device 704 is implemented, incorporated into, or is part of an LTE-LAA transmission point, baseband circuitry 704 can be used to: identify one or more parameters related to the LTE-LAA transmission point, wherein the LTE-LAA transmission point is located in a network comprising multiple LTE-LAA transmission points, each having corresponding parameters; and identify that the LTE-LAA transmission point has an unoccupied channel based on a Listen Before-Before (LBT) process related to the identification of the channel occupancy status of the corresponding LTE-LAA transmission point among the multiple LTE-LAA transmission points. RF circuitry 706 can transmit signals based on the identification.

[0072] In some embodiments, the modulation / demodulation circuitry of baseband circuitry 704 may include Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), precoding, and / or constellation mapping / demapping functions. In some embodiments, the encoding / decoding circuitry of baseband circuitry 704 may include convolution, tail-biting convolution, turbo, Viterbi, and / or low-density parity-check (LDPC) encoder / decoder functions. Embodiments of modulation / demodulation and encoder / decoder functions are not limited to these examples, and other suitable functions may be included in other embodiments. In some embodiments, baseband circuitry 704 may include elements of a protocol stack, such as, for example, elements of the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (EUTRAN) protocol, including, for example, physical (PHY) elements, media access control (MAC) elements, radio link control (RLC) elements, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) elements, and / or radio resource control (RRC) elements. The central processing unit (CPU) 704e of baseband circuitry 704 may be configured to run the elements of the protocol stack for signaling at the PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, and / or RRC layers. In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry may include one or more audio digital signal processors (DSPs) 704f. The audio DSP 704f may include elements for compression / decompression and echo cancellation, and in other embodiments may include other suitable processing elements.

[0073] The baseband circuit 704 may also include a memory / storage 704g. The memory / storage 704g can be used to load and store data and / or instructions for operations performed by the processor of the baseband circuit 704. The memory / storage 704g may specifically include non-transitory memory. With respect to one embodiment, the memory / storage may include any combination of suitable volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. The memory / storage 704g may include any combination of various levels of memory / storage, including but not limited to read-only memory (ROM) with embedded software instructions (e.g., firmware), random access memory (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM)), cache, buffer, etc. The memory / storage 704g may be shared among various processors or may be dedicated to a specific processor.

[0074] In some embodiments, components of the baseband circuitry may be suitably combined in a single chip, a single chipset, or disposed on the same circuit board. In some embodiments, some or all of the components of the baseband circuitry 704 and the application circuitry 702 may be implemented together, such as, for example, on a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

[0075] In some embodiments, baseband circuitry 704 can provide communication compatible with one or more radio technologies. For example, in some embodiments, baseband circuitry 704 can support communication with the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (EUTRAN) and / or other Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMAN), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), or Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN). Embodiments in which baseband circuitry 704 is configured to support radio communication with more than one radio protocol may be referred to as multimode baseband circuitry.

[0076] RF circuit 706 enables communication with a wireless network using modulated electromagnetic radiation over a non-solid-state medium. In various embodiments, RF circuit 706 may include switches, filters, amplifiers, etc., to facilitate communication with the wireless network. RF circuit 706 may include a receive signal path, which may include circuitry for down-converting the RF signal received from FEM circuit 708 and providing a baseband signal to baseband circuit 704. RF circuit 706 may also include a transmit signal path, which may include circuitry for up-converting the baseband signal provided by baseband circuit 704 and providing an RF output signal to FEM circuit 708 for transmission.

[0077] In some embodiments, RF circuit 706 may include a receive signal path and a transmit signal path. The receive signal path of RF circuit 706 may include mixer circuit 706a, amplifier circuit 706b, and filter circuit 706c. The transmit signal path of RF circuit 706 may include filter circuit 706c and mixer circuit 706a. RF circuit 706 may also include synthesizer circuit 706d for synthesizing the frequencies used by mixer circuit 706a in the receive and transmit signal paths. In some embodiments, mixer circuit 706a in the receive signal path may be configured to down-convert the RF signal received from FEM circuit 708 based on the synthesized frequency provided by synthesizer circuit 706d. Amplifier circuit 706b may be configured to amplify the down-converted signal, and filter circuit 706c may be a low-pass filter (LPF) or band-pass filter (BPF) configured to remove unwanted signals from the down-converted signal to generate an output baseband signal.

[0078] The output baseband signal can be provided to baseband circuit 704 for further processing. In some embodiments, the output baseband signal may be a zero-frequency baseband signal, but this is not required. In some embodiments, mixer circuit 706a receiving the signal path may include a passive mixer, but the scope of the embodiments is not limited thereto.

[0079] In some embodiments, the mixer circuit 706a of the signal transmission path can be configured to up-convert the input baseband signal based on the synthesized frequency provided by the synthesizer circuit 706d to generate an RF output signal for the FEM circuit 708. The baseband signal can be provided by the baseband circuit 704 and can be filtered by the filter circuit 706c. The filter circuit 706c may include a low-pass filter (LPF), but the scope of the embodiments is not limited thereto.

[0080] In some embodiments, the mixer circuit 706a for the receive signal path and the mixer circuit 706a for the transmit signal path may include two or more mixers, and may be arranged for quadrature downconversion and / or upconversion, respectively. In some embodiments, the mixer circuit 706a for the receive signal path and the mixer circuit 706a for the transmit signal path may include two or more mixers, and may be arranged for image suppression (e.g., Hartley image suppression). In some embodiments, the mixer circuit 706a for the receive signal path and the mixer circuit 706a for the transmit signal path may be arranged for direct downconversion and / or direct upconversion, respectively. In some embodiments, the mixer circuit 706a for the receive signal path and the mixer circuit 706a for the transmit signal path may be configured for superheterodyne operation.

[0081] In some embodiments, the output baseband signal and the input baseband signal may be analog baseband signals, but the scope of the embodiments is not limited thereto. In some alternative embodiments, the output baseband signal and the input baseband signal may be digital baseband signals. In these alternative embodiments, RF circuit 706 may include analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuitry, and baseband circuit 704 may include a digital baseband interface for communicating with RF circuit 706.

[0082] In some dual-mode embodiments, separate radio IC circuitry may be provided for processing signals for each spectrum, but the scope of the embodiments is not limited thereto.

[0083] In some embodiments, synthesizer circuit 706d may be a fractional-N synthesizer or a fractional-N / N+6 synthesizer, but the scope of the embodiments is not limited thereto, as other types of frequency synthesizers may be suitable. For example, synthesizer circuit 706d may be a Σ-Δ synthesizer, a frequency multiplier, or a synthesizer including a phase-locked loop with a frequency divider.

[0084] Synthesizer circuit 706d can be configured to synthesize the output frequency used by mixer circuit 706a of RF circuit 706 based on frequency input and divider control input. In some embodiments, synthesizer circuit 706d can be a fractional N / N+6 synthesizer.

[0085] In some embodiments, the frequency input may be provided by a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), but this is not required. Depending on the desired output frequency, the divider control input may be provided by the baseband circuitry 704 or the application processor 702. In some embodiments, the divider control input (e.g., N) may be determined from a lookup table based on the channel indicated by the application processor 702.

[0086] The synthesizer circuit 706d of the RF circuit 706 may include a divider, a delay phase-locked loop (DLL), a multiplexer, and a phase accumulator. In some embodiments, the divider may be a dual-mode divider (DMD), and the phase accumulator may be a digital phase accumulator (DPA). In some embodiments, the DMD may be configured to (e.g., based on carry) divide the input signal by N or N+6 to provide a fractional division ratio. In some example embodiments, the DLL may include a set of cascaded tunable delay elements, a phase detector, a charge pump, and a D-type flip-flop. In these embodiments, the delay elements may be configured to decompose the VCO cycle into Nd equal phase groups, where Nd is the number of delay elements in the delay line. In this way, the DLL provides negative feedback to help ensure that the total delay through the delay line is one VCO cycle.

[0087] In some embodiments, the synthesizer circuit 706d may be configured to generate a carrier frequency as an output frequency, while in other embodiments, the output frequency may be a multiple of the carrier frequency (e.g., twice the carrier frequency, four times the carrier frequency), and may be used in conjunction with quadrature generator and divider circuitry to generate multiple signals having multiple different phases relative to each other at the carrier frequency. In some embodiments, the output frequency may be the LO frequency (fLO). In some embodiments, the RF circuit 706 may include an IQ / polar coordinate converter.

[0088] The FEM circuit 708 may include a receive signal path, which may include circuitry configured to operate on RF signals received from one or more antennas 760, amplify the received signals, and provide an amplified version of the received signals to the RF circuit 706 for further processing. The FEM circuit 708 may also include a transmit signal path, which may include circuitry configured to amplify the signals provided by the RF circuit 706 for transmission by one or more of the one or more antennas 760.

[0089] In some embodiments, FEM circuit 708 may include a TX / RX switch to switch between transmit and receive mode operation. The FEM circuit may include a receive signal path and a transmit signal path. The receive signal path of the FEM circuit may include a low-noise amplifier (LNA) to amplify the received RF signal and (e.g., to RF circuit 706) provide the amplified received RF signal as an output. The transmit signal path of FEM circuit 708 may include: a power amplifier (PA) for amplifying (e.g., provided by RF circuit 706) the input RF signal; and one or more filters for generating RF signals for subsequent transmission (e.g., by one or more of one or more antennas 760).

[0090] In some embodiments, the electronic device 700 may include additional components such as memory / storage, a display, a camera, sensors, and / or input / output (I / O) interfaces. Figure 7 Electronic devices can be configured to perform one or more methods, processes and / or techniques such as those described herein.

[0091] The following will provide many examples related to the implementation of the above-described techniques.

[0092] In the first example, an eNB used as an LTE-LAA transmission point may include circuitry for: adaptively determining an ED threshold to be used when performing LBT operation, the adaptive determination including selectively selecting an ED threshold from at least two or more possible ED thresholds; and transmitting data to a UE via an LTE-LAA downlink transmission, the transmission including performing LBT operation using the adaptively determined ED threshold.

[0093] In Example 2, the subject of the first example may also include circuitry for: initially setting the ED threshold to a conservative value; detecting the presence of another transmission node; and changing the ED threshold to an aggressive value when no other transmission node is detected at the frequency component corresponding to the LTE-LAA downlink transmission, otherwise maintaining the conservative value.

[0094] In Example 3, the subject matter of the first example or any example described herein may also include implementations in which the transmission node includes a WiFi node.

[0095] In Example 4, the subject matter of the first example or any example described herein may also include an implementation in which, when the ED threshold is adaptively determined, the eNB further includes circuitry for: initially setting the ED threshold to an aggressive value; detecting the presence of another transmission node; and changing the ED threshold to a conservative value when another transmission node is detected at a frequency component corresponding to an LTE-LAA downlink transmission.

[0096] In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 2 or 4 or any of the examples herein may also include an implementation in which the eNB operates on a 20 MHz channel, and wherein a conservative value is -72 dBm or -82 dBm, and an aggressive value is -52 dBm.

[0097] In Example 6, the subject matter of Examples 2, 4, or 5, or any of the examples herein, may also include an implementation in which, when the presence of another transmission node is detected, the eNB further includes circuitry for: detecting the presence of a WiFi beacon frame; or detecting the presence of a WiFi preamble transmission.

[0098] In Example 7, the subject matter of Examples 2, 4, or 5, or any of the examples herein, may also include, whereby, when the presence of another transmission node is detected, the eNB also includes circuitry for: receiving from the UE a report relating to the presence of a WiFi transmission node.

[0099] In Example 8, the subject of Example 7 or any of the examples herein may also include receiving reports from the UE periodically or based on events detected at the UE.

[0100] In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 1 or any of the examples herein may also include, wherein the eNB transmits to the UE based on a transmit power value, and when adaptively determining the ED threshold, the eNB also includes circuitry for: determining a modified value for the UE; and proportionally modifying the ED threshold and the transmit power value based on the modified value.

[0101] In Example 10, the subject matter of Example 9 or any of the examples herein may also include, wherein scaling includes, conversely, modifying the ED threshold and the transmit power value such that an increase in the ED threshold corresponds to a decrease in the transmit power value.

[0102] In Example 11, an eNB may include circuitry for: determining whether a WiFi transmission node is detected near the eNB; determining an energy detection (ED) threshold based on the determination of whether a WiFi transmission node is detected; measuring the amount of energy associated with a Long Term Evolution (LTE)-License Assisted Access (LAA) channel; comparing the measured amount of energy with the determined ED threshold; using the channel to transmit data when the comparison indicates that the amount of energy associated with the channel is less than the ED threshold; and suppressing data transmission when the comparison indicates that the amount of energy associated with the channel is greater than the ED threshold.

[0103] In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 may also include, wherein, when determining the ED threshold, the eNB also includes circuitry for: initially setting the ED threshold to a conservative value; and changing the ED threshold to an aggressive value when it is determined that the WiFi transmission node is not near the eNB.

[0104] In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 11 or any of the examples herein may also include, wherein, when determining the ED threshold, the eNB also includes circuitry for: initially setting the ED threshold to an aggressive value; and changing the ED threshold to a conservative value when it is determined that a WiFi transmission node is located near the eNB.

[0105] In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 11 or 12 or any example herein may also include, wherein the eNB operates on a 20 MHz channel, and wherein the conservative value is -72 dBm or -82 dBm, and the aggressive value is -52 dBm or -62 dBm.

[0106] In Example 15, the subject matter of Examples 12, 13, or 14, or any of the examples herein, may also include, when determining whether a WiFi transmission node is detected near the eNB, the eNB further includes circuitry for: detecting the presence of a WiFi beacon frame; or detecting the presence of a WiFi preamble transmission.

[0107] In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 11 or any of the examples herein may also include, wherein, when determining whether a WiFi transmission node is detected near the eNB, the eNB also includes circuitry for: receiving a report from the user equipment (UE) relating to the presence of the WiFi transmission node.

[0108] In Example 17, the subject of Example 16 or any of the examples herein may also include receiving reports from the UE periodically or based on events detected at the UE.

[0109] In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 11 or any of the examples herein may also include, wherein the eNB transmits to the user equipment (UE) based on a transmit power value, and when determining the ED threshold, the eNB also includes circuitry for: determining a modified value for the UE; and proportionally modifying the ED threshold and the transmit power value based on the modified value.

[0110] In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 18 or any of the examples herein may also include, wherein scaling includes, conversely, modifying the ED threshold and the transmit power value such that an increase in the ED threshold corresponds to a decrease in the transmit power value.

[0111] In Example 20, a computer-readable medium may contain program instructions for causing one or more processors to: adaptively determine an energy detection (ED) threshold to be used when performing a talk-before-listen (LBT) operation, the adaptive determination including selectively selecting an ED threshold from at least two or more possible ED thresholds; and transmit data to a user equipment (UE) via a Long Term Evolution (LTE)-License Assisted Access (LAA) downlink transmission, the transmission including performing the LBT operation using the adaptively determined ED threshold.

[0112] In Example 21, the subject matter of Example 20 may also include, wherein, when adaptively determining the ED threshold, the computer-readable medium additionally includes program instructions for causing one or more processors to: initially set the ED threshold to a conservative value; detect the presence of another transmission node; and change the ED threshold to an aggressive value when no other transmission node is detected at the frequency component corresponding to the LTE-LAA downlink transmission.

[0113] In Example 22, the subject matter of Example 20 or any of the examples herein may also include, wherein, when adaptively determining the ED threshold, the computer-readable medium additionally includes program instructions for causing one or more processors to: initially set the ED threshold to an aggressive value; detect the presence of another transmission node; and change the ED threshold to a conservative value when another transmission node is detected at a frequency component corresponding to an LTE-LAA downlink transmission.

[0114] In Example 23, the subject matter of Example 21 or 22 or any example herein may also include, wherein the eNB operates on a 20 MHz channel, and wherein, conservative values ​​are -72 dBm or -82 dBm, and aggressive values ​​are -52 dBm or -62 dBm.

[0115] In Example 24, the subject matter of Examples 21, 22, or 23, or any of the examples herein, may also include, wherein, when adaptively determining the ED threshold, the computer-readable medium additionally includes program instructions for causing one or more processors to: detect the presence of a WiFi beacon frame; or detect the presence of a WiFi preamble transmission.

[0116] In Example 25, the subject matter of Example 20 or any of the examples herein may also include, wherein data is transmitted to the UE using a transmit power value, and when an ED threshold is adaptively determined, the computer-readable medium additionally includes program instructions for causing one or more processors to: determine a modified value for the UE; and proportionally modify the ED threshold and the transmit power value based on the modified value.

[0117] In Example 26, the subject matter of Example 25 or any example herein may also include, wherein scaling includes, conversely, modifying the ED threshold and the transmit power value such that an increase of 20 in the ED threshold corresponds to a decrease in the transmit power value.

[0118] In Example 27, a UE may include circuitry for: determining an energy detection (ED) threshold to use when performing a talk-before-talk (LBT) operation before using an unlicensed frequency channel for uplink transmission to an LTE-LAA eNB; and transmitting data to the eNB via an LTE-LAA uplink transmission, the transmission including performing the LBT operation using the determined ED threshold.

[0119] In Example 28, the subject matter of Example 27 may also include, wherein the ED threshold is different from the ED threshold used by the eNB for downlink LTE-LAA transmission.

[0120] In Example 29, the subject matter of Example 27 or any of the examples herein may also include, wherein the ED threshold is determined to be the same value as the ED threshold used by the eNB for downlink LTE-LAA transmission plus a predetermined offset.

[0121] In Example 30, the subject matter of Example 27 or any of the examples herein may also include, wherein determining the ED threshold includes receiving the ED threshold from the eNB via Dedicated Control Information (DCI) using Layer 1 signaling.

[0122] In the foregoing description, various embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes can be made thereto, and additional embodiments can be implemented without departing from the broader scope set forth in the appended claims. Therefore, the specification and drawings are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0123] For example, although it is already about Figures 2 to 5A series of signals is described, but the order of the signals can be modified in other implementations. Furthermore, unrelated signals can be executed in parallel.

[0124] It is evident that the exemplary aspects described above can be implemented in many different forms of software, firmware, and hardware as illustrated in the figures. The actual software code or dedicated control hardware used to implement these aspects should not be construed as limiting. Therefore, in describing the operation and behavior of these aspects without reference to specific software code, it should be understood that the software and control hardware can be designed to implement these aspects based on the description herein.

[0125] Furthermore, a particular portion may be implemented as "logic" to perform one or more functions. This logic may include hardware such as an application-specific integrated circuit ("ASIC") or a field-programmable gate array ("FPGA"), or a combination of hardware and software.

[0126] Although specific combinations of features are listed in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the claims. In fact, many of these features can be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or not disclosed in the specification.

[0127] Unless explicitly described herein, no element, action, or instruction used in this application should be construed as critical or necessary. As used herein, instances of the word “and” do not necessarily preclude the interpretation of the phrase “and / or” in this context. Similarly, as used herein, instances of the word “or” do not necessarily preclude the interpretation of the phrase “and / or” in this context. Furthermore, as used herein, the article “a / a kind” is intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with the phrase “a / a kind or more / multiple.” Where only one item is referred to, the words “a,” “single,” “only,” or similar language are used.

Claims

1. A baseband processor for a user equipment (UE), the baseband processor being configured to perform the following operations when executing instructions stored in a memory: The value of the energy detection ED threshold is received via higher-level signaling; Set the ED threshold to be equal to the value; as well as Determine whether the channel used for authorized assisted access (LAA) transmission is idle, wherein the channel is idle when the power detected by the UE is less than the ED threshold.

2. The baseband processor according to claim 1, wherein the ED threshold is less than or equal to the maximum value of -52dBm.

3. The baseband processor according to claim 1, wherein the operation further includes: In response to determining that the channel is idle, Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) transmission is provided on the channel.

4. The baseband processor of claim 1, wherein determining whether the channel used for LAA transmission is idle comprises: The energy associated with the channel is measured, and the measured energy value is compared with the ED threshold.

5. A user equipment (UE), comprising: Radio frequency (RF) circuits; as well as The processor is configured such that, when executing instructions stored in memory, the UE: The value of the energy detection ED threshold is received via higher-level signaling; Set the ED threshold to be equal to the value; as well as Determine whether the channel used for authorized assisted access (LAA) transmission is idle, wherein the channel is idle when the power detected by the UE is less than the ED threshold.

6. The UE according to claim 5, wherein the ED threshold is less than or equal to the maximum value -52dBm.

7. The UE of claim 5, wherein the processor further causes the UE to: In response to determining that the channel is idle, a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) transmission is sent on the channel via the RF circuit.

8. The UE of claim 5, wherein determining whether the channel used for LAA transmission is idle includes: The energy associated with the channel is measured, and the measured energy value is compared with the ED threshold.

9. The UE of claim 5, wherein the processor further causes the UE to: The RF circuit sends a wireless local area network (WLAN) measurement report to the base station (BS), wherein the WLAN measurement report relates to the presence of a WiFi transmission node.

10. A method for a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: The value of the energy detection ED threshold is received via higher-level signaling; Set the ED threshold to be equal to the value; as well as Determine whether the channel used for authorized assisted access (LAA) transmission is idle, wherein the channel is idle when the power detected by the UE is less than the ED threshold.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the ED threshold is less than or equal to the maximum value of -52 dBm.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: In response to determining that the channel is idle, Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) transmission is provided on the channel.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein determining whether the channel used for LAA transmission is idle comprises: The energy associated with the channel is measured, and the measured energy value is compared with the ED threshold.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising: Send a wireless local area network (WLAN) measurement report to the base station (BS) regarding the presence of WiFi transmission nodes.

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