Adapting the maximum allowed CCA failure based on a single opportunity period value

Abstract

A method performed by a wireless device and a base station for adapting a maximum allowed clear channel assessment (CCA) based on an operating opportunity period value is provided. In an example disclosed herein, the wireless device is configured to determine an operating opportunity period value for a signal subject to CCA. Accordingly, the wireless device can determine an association between at least the determined operating opportunity period value and a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for transmitting the signal. The wireless device can then perform one or more operational tasks based on the determined maximum number of allowed CCA failures. By determining the maximum number of allowed CCA failures, the wireless device can obtain information related to downlink CCA failures and use the obtained information to adapt measurement procedures in serving cell operational tasks.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application serial number 62 / 910,713 (filed October 4, 2019), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The techniques of the present disclosure generally relate to adapting to maximum allowed clear channel assessment (CCA) failures in New Radio (NR) in unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) networks. Background Art

[0004] Operation in unlicensed spectrum is inherently different from operation in licensed spectrum. Unlicensed spectrum can be shared by multiple networks, including networks operating according to different standards, such as Long Term Evolution - License Assisted Access (LTE-LAA) or Wi-Fi. Devices / nodes must perform Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) to assess whether a channel in unlicensed spectrum is busy before transmitting on the channel. The CCA process is also known as Listen Before Talk (LBT).

[0005] The CCA process involves monitoring the channel for a specified time period (also referred to as a "sensing time period") and measuring the received energy during the specified time period (and / or, in Wi-Fi, checking for a preamble transmission indicating the start of another device's transmission). In order for a transmission from a device to be allowed, the received energy must be below a certain threshold (and / or no Wi-Fi preambles are detected / received above a certain threshold) for the channel to be considered idle. An example of an energy detection level threshold might be -72 dBm, above which the channel is considered busy and, in this case, the device (user equipment (UE) or base station (BS)) is required to defer transmission.

[0006] After determining that the channel is idle, the device / node is typically allowed to transmit for a certain amount of time, sometimes referred to as the Channel Occupancy Time (COT) or Maximum Channel Occupancy Time (MCOT). The maximum allowed length of the COT depends on the regulation and type of CCA being performed (e.g., how long the medium is sensed), but typically ranges from 1 ms to 10 ms.

[0007] Figure 1 is a diagram providing an exemplary illustration of LTE 1BT and COT, where “S” represents a sensing time period. Figure 1As shown in , if the channel is determined to be busy, then after a certain delay time, the UE may try to sense on the channel again to determine whether the channel is available. If the channel is determined to be available, the UE may start transmitting uplink (UL) bursts after a deterministic backoff time (during the UE's COT). However, the UE may not transmit for a period longer than the MCOT (e.g., up to 10ms depending on the region).

[0008] The Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) is used to transmit a preamble from the UE in order to perform a random access procedure in the network. In NR, the PRACH transmission occasion is configured by a network parameter called the PRACH configuration period, and the configurable value can be 10, 20, 40, 80 or 160 (ms). Within each PRACH configuration period, the network can provide multiple PRACH transmission occasions (such as time slot positions and resource elements), and each PRACH transmission occasion is associated with a synchronization signal block (SSB) index. For example, if the UE receives an SSB index P, the UE needs to transmit a random access preamble on the PRACH transmission occasion corresponding to the SSB index P. It may also be possible to have an effective PRACH configuration period value (periodicity) (T PRACH ) provides more than one PRACH transmission opportunity.

[0009] Figure 2 is a diagram providing an exemplary illustration of a PRACH configuration period. Figure 2 As shown in , the PRACH configuration period is 80ms, and 4 SSB indices are configured. The network configures PRACH opportunities every 20ms, and each PRACH opportunity supports 2 SSB indices. With this configuration, a PRACH opportunity with SSB index 0 can be effectively transmitted every 40ms. Each PRACH opportunity is associated with an SSB index (e.g., a synchronization signal (SS) / physical broadcast channel (PBCH) beam). Summary of the Invention

[0010] Embodiments disclosed herein include methods performed by a wireless device and a base station for adapting a maximum allowed clear channel assessment (CCA) based on an operating opportunity cycle value. In an example disclosed herein, the wireless device is configured to determine an operating opportunity cycle value for a signal that is subject to CCA. Accordingly, the wireless device is capable of determining an association between at least the determined operating opportunity cycle value and a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for transmitting the signal. The wireless device is then capable of performing one or more operational tasks based on the determined maximum number of allowed CCA failures. By determining the maximum number of allowed CCA failures, the wireless device is able to obtain information related to downlink CCA failures and use the obtained information to adapt a measurement process in a serving cell operational task.

[0011] In one embodiment, a method performed by a wireless device is provided. The method includes determining an operating opportunity period value for a signal subject to CCA for transmission. The method also includes determining an association between at least the determined operating opportunity period value and a maximum number of allowable CCA failures for transmitting the signal. The method also includes determining a maximum number of allowable CCA failures for the determined operating opportunity period value based on the determined association between the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowable CCA failures. The method also includes performing one or more operational tasks based on the determined maximum number of allowable CCA failures.

[0012] In one embodiment, performing one or more operational tasks includes communicating the signal with the network node based on the determined maximum number of allowed CCA failures.

[0013] In one embodiment, if the maximum number of allowed CCA failures is exceeded, performing one or more of the following tasks includes: resuming operations associated with transmitting the signal, stopping operations associated with transmitting the signal, declaring a radio link failure (RLF), triggering a cell change, triggering measurements on another cell or another carrier, declaring a measurement failure, reporting measurements using an approximate indication, suspending transmission in the uplink, and transmitting in the uplink with a transmission timing error (the transmission timing error is greater than the timing error allowed when the maximum number of allowed CCA failures is not exceeded).

[0014] In one embodiment, determining the operating opportunity period value includes determining the operating opportunity period value based on at least one of predefined configuration information and configuration information received from the network node.

[0015] In one embodiment, the network node comprises a serving base station; and determining the operating opportunity period value comprises determining the operating opportunity period value based on configuration information received from the network node in a radio resource control (RRC) message or in a system information (SI) message.

[0016] In one embodiment, determining an association between at least the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures includes determining an association between at least the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures based on a rule.

[0017] In one embodiment, the rules are predefined.

[0018] In one embodiment, the rules are determined by the wireless device based on configuration information received from a network node.

[0019] In one embodiment, determining an association between at least the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures includes determining an association between at least the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures based on one or more of the following parameters: a type of procedure associated with transmitting the signal, comprising at least one of a cell change, a cell reselection, a handover, a measurement, and an operation using discontinuous transmission (DRX); a direction of the signal transmitted by the network node, comprising at least one of an uplink operation and a downlink operation; a type of the signal transmitted by the network node, comprising a synchronization signal block (SSB), a channel state information reference signal (CSI) or a synchronisation signal block (SSB). at least one of a random access channel (SI-RS), a random access channel (RACH) signal, a sounding reference signal (SRS), an SI signal, and a paging signal; a periodic receiver activity mode or a periodic transmitter activity mode of the signal transmitted with the network node; a measurement mode, a measurement period value, a measurement cycle, and a measurement gap pattern of the signal transmitted with the network node; a type of cell of the network node, which includes at least one of a primary cell (PCell), a primary secondary cell (PScell), and a secondary cell (Scell); and the availability of historical data related to the success and / or failure of CCA on the relevant carrier used to transmit the RF signal with the network node.

[0020] In one embodiment, determining the maximum number of CCA failures allowed for the determined operating opportunity period value includes determining the maximum number of CCA failures allowed for the determined operating opportunity period value based on a predefined table, the predefined table including: at least one first value for the maximum number of CCA failures allowed corresponding to at least one first value for the operating opportunity period value, and at least one second value for the maximum number of CCA failures allowed corresponding to at least one second value for the operating opportunity period value, wherein the at least one second value for the maximum number of CCA failures allowed is greater than the at least one first value for the maximum number of CCA failures allowed, and the at least one second value for the operating opportunity period value is greater than the at least one first value for the operating opportunity period value.

[0021] In one embodiment, the operation opportunity period value includes a physical random access channel (PRACH) configuration period value, a PRACH period value, an SSB-based radio resource measurement (RRM) measurement timing configuration (SMTC) period value, a DRX period value, and a CSI-RS period value.

[0022] In one embodiment, determining an association between at least a determined operating opportunity period value and a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for transmitting the signal includes: determining an RRC state (RRC_state) of a wireless device configured to transmit the signal based on the determined operating opportunity period value; and determining an association between the determined operating opportunity period value, the RRC_state, and the maximum allowed CCA failures for transmitting the signal.

[0023] In one embodiment, determining an association between at least the determined operating opportunity period value and a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for transmitting the signal includes determining information related to measurement capabilities of the wireless device, and determining an association between the determined operating opportunity period value, the measurement capabilities, and the maximum allowed CCA failures for transmitting the signal.

[0024] In one embodiment, determining the information related to the measurement capabilities of the wireless device includes determining the information related to the measurement capabilities of the wireless device based on one or more of a number of carriers that the wireless device is configured to monitor, a number of carriers that the wireless device is configured to support, and a number of neighboring cells that the wireless device has identified and is monitoring.

[0025] In one embodiment, a wireless device is provided. The wireless device includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to determine an operation opportunity cycle value for a signal subjected to CCA for transmission. The processing circuit is further configured to determine an association between at least the determined operation opportunity cycle value and a maximum number of CCA failures allowed for transmitting the signal. The processing circuit is further configured to determine a maximum number of CCA failures allowed for the determined operation opportunity cycle value based on the determined association between the determined operation opportunity cycle value and the maximum number of CCA failures allowed. The processing circuit is further configured to perform one or more operational tasks based on the determined maximum number of CCA failures allowed. The wireless device also includes a power supply circuit configured to supply power to the wireless device.

[0026] In one embodiment, the processing circuit is further configured to perform any of the steps performed by the wireless device in any of the preceding embodiments.

[0027] In one embodiment, a method performed by a base station is provided. The method includes determining an association between an operating opportunity period value and a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for transmitting a signal. The method also includes determining a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for the determined operating opportunity period value based on the determined association between the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures. The method also includes configuring a wireless device to perform one or more operational tasks based on the determined association.

[0028] In one embodiment, the method further comprises sending a message including the determined association to the wireless device.

[0029] In one embodiment, configuring the wireless device to perform one or more operational tasks includes configuring the wireless device to communicate the signal based on the determined association.

[0030] In one embodiment, a base station is provided. The base station includes a control system. The control system is configured to determine an association between an operating opportunity period value and a maximum number of allowable CCA failures for transmitting a signal. The control system is further configured to determine a maximum number of allowable CCA failures for the determined operating opportunity period value based on the determined association between the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowable CCA failures. The control system is further configured to configure a wireless device to transmit the signal based on the determined association.

[0031] In one embodiment, the control system is further configured to transmit a message including the determined association to the wireless device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of this specification illustrate several aspects of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0033] Figure 1 is a diagram providing an exemplary illustration of Long Term Evolution (LTE) Listen Before Talk (LBT) and Channel Occupancy Time (COT);

[0034] Figure 2 is a diagram providing an exemplary illustration of a physical random access channel (PRACH) configuration period;

[0035] Figure 3 An example of a cellular communication system is shown in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0036] Figure 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary method performed by a wireless device for adapting a maximum allowed clear channel assessment (CCA) based on an operating opportunity period value;

[0037] Figure 5 is a flow chart of another exemplary method performed by a wireless device for adapting a maximum allowed CCA based on an operating opportunity period value;

[0038] Figure 6 is a flow chart of another exemplary method performed by a wireless device for adapting a maximum allowed CCA based on an operating opportunity period value;

[0039] Figure 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary method performed by a base station for adapting a maximum allowed CCA based on an operating opportunity period value;

[0040] Figure 8 is a flowchart of another exemplary method performed by a wireless device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for adapting a maximum allowed CCA based on an operating opportunity period value;

[0041] Figures 8a-8c It shows Figure 8 A flowchart of the specific steps in the method;

[0042] Figure 9 is a diagram providing an exemplary illustration of adapting a maximum number of allowed CCA failures based on a PRACH transmission opportunity period value;

[0043] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a radio access node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a virtualized embodiment of a radio access node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of a radio access node according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 14 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system comprising a telecommunications network (such as a 3GPP type cellular network) comprising an access network (such as a Radio Access Network (RAN)) and a core network;

[0049] Figure 16 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 17 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment; and

[0051] Figure 18 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The embodiments set forth below represent information to enable those skilled in the art to implement these embodiments and illustrate the best modes for implementing these embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the present disclosure and will recognize applications of these concepts not specifically addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] Radio node: As used herein, a "radio node" is a radio access node or a wireless communication device.

[0054]

[0015] Radio Access Node: As used herein, a "radio access node" or "radio network node" or "radio access network node" is any node in a radio access network of a cellular communication network that operates to wirelessly transmit and / or receive signals. Some examples of radio access nodes include, but are not limited to, a base station (e.g., a New Radio (NR) base station (gNB) in a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) fifth generation (5G) NR network or an enhanced or evolved Node B (eNB) in a 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) network), a high power or macro base station, a low power base station (e.g., a micro base station, a pico base station, a home eNB, or the like), a relay node, a network node that implements part of the functionality of a base station (e.g., a network node that implements a gNB central unit (gNB-CU) or a network node that implements a gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU)), or a network node that implements part of the functionality of some other type of radio access node.

[0055] Core network node: As used herein, a "core network node" is any type of node in a core network or any node that implements a core network function. Some examples of core network nodes include, for example, a mobility management entity (MME), a packet data network gateway (P-GW), a service capability exposure function (SCEF), a home subscriber server (HSS), or the like. Some other examples of core network nodes include nodes that implement an access and mobility function (AMF), a UPF, a session management function (SMF), an authentication server function (AUSF), a network slice selection function (NSSF), a network exposure function (NEF), a network function (NF) repository function (NRF), a policy control function (PCF), a unified data management (UDM), or the like.

[0056] Communication device: As used herein, a "communication device" is any type of device that has access to an access network. Some examples of communication devices include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, smartphones, sensor devices, meters, vehicles, home appliances, medical appliances, media players, cameras, or any type of consumer electronic device such as a television, radio, lighting fixture, tablet computer, laptop, or personal computer (PC). The communication device can be portable, handheld, computer-included, or vehicle-mounted, enabling them to communicate voice and / or data via wireless or wired connections.

[0057] Wireless communication device: One type of communication device is a wireless communication device, which may be any type of wireless device that has access to (i.e., is served by) a wireless network (e.g., a cellular network). Some examples of wireless communication devices include, but are not limited to, user equipment devices (UEs) in 3GPP networks, machine type communication (MTC) devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Such wireless communication devices may be or may be integrated into mobile phones, smartphones, sensor devices, meters, vehicles, home appliances, medical appliances, media players, cameras, or any type of consumer electronic device, such as, but not limited to, televisions, radios, lighting arrangements, tablets, laptops, or PCs. Wireless communication devices may be portable, handheld, computer-included, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices, enabling them to communicate voice and / or data via a wireless connection.

[0058] Network node: As used herein, a "network node" is any node that is part of the core network or radio access network of a cellular communication network / system.

[0059] It should be noted that the description given herein focuses on 3GPP cellular communication systems and therefore generally uses 3GPP terminology or terminology similar to 3GPP terminology. However, the concepts disclosed herein are not limited to 3GPP systems.

[0060] Note that in the description herein, reference may be made to the term "cell"; however, particularly with respect to 5G NR concepts, beams may be used instead of cells, and therefore it is important to note that the concepts described herein are equally applicable to cells and beams.

[0061] There is currently a certain (certain) problem. In an NR (NR-U) network in unlicensed spectrum, if the total number of CCA failures associated with a UE's attempt to transmit a signal in a cell exceeds a certain threshold (Lmax), the UE may be required to take certain (certain) actions, such as restarting the operation associated with the signal, stopping operation on that signal, declaring a radio link failure (RLF), and so on. Each operation can be associated with a different type of signal using a configurable parameter (e.g., a periodic value). In existing solutions, the same value of Lmax is used regardless of the configurable parameter (e.g., periodic value) of the signal used for a certain operation. Existing solutions are not optimal and result in performance degradation for certain important operations, such as handover (HO). Therefore, a new solution is required to define the Lmax value to ensure optimal performance of the associated operation.

[0062] Certain aspects of the present disclosure and its embodiments may provide solutions to the above or other problems. The embodiments described herein relate to a method for adapting a maximum number of allowed CCA failures (Lmax) parameter based on a periodic value of an opportunity used by a UE to transmit a signal (e.g., a synchronization signal block (SSB)-based radio resource measurement (RRM) measurement timing configuration (SMTC) opportunity for measurement, a PRACH opportunity for PRACH transmission, an SSB or channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) for radio link monitoring (RLM) evaluation or beam management, etc.).

[0063] One embodiment relates to a UE configured to transmit a signal subject to CCA requirements. Specifically, the UE can be configured to determine a periodic value (Toc) of an operating opportunity for transmitting the signal, determine a maximum number of allowed CCA failures (Lmax) based on Toc, and use the determined parameter Lmax for transmitting the signal. For example, if the number (L) of CCA failures for transmitting the signal exceeds Lmax, the UE may perform one or more operational tasks, such as resuming operation, stopping operation, declaring RLF, triggering a cell change, suspending transmission in the uplink, triggering measurements on another cell or another carrier (e.g., to find a channel with a higher access probability), declaring measurement failure, reporting measurements using an approximate indication, and the like.

[0064] In a non-limiting example, the operating timing may include a timing that can be a transmission timing used by the UE to transmit a signal (e.g., RACH). The periodicity value of the transmission timing is a periodicity value that the UE can use to transmit a signal (e.g., RACH) at a transmission timing (e.g., RACH transmission timing). The transmission timing periodicity value can be the same as or shorter (e.g., more frequent) than the actual UE transmission periodicity value. In a specific example, if the RACH transmission periodicity value (T PRACH ) is lower than or equal to a certain threshold (H)(T PRACH ≤H), then Lmax=L1max. If the RACH transmission cycle value (T PRACH ) is greater than the threshold (H)(T PRACH >H), then Lmax=L2max. It is worth noting that L1max and L2max are related to each other through a function (e.g., L1max≠L2max). In a specific example, L1max>L2max.

[0065] The core essence of this solution is that the UE obtains information related to DL CCA failure and uses the obtained information to adapt the measurement process in the serving cell operation task.

[0066] Before discussing the specific embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 3 , first define the various terms referenced below.

[0067] Hereinafter, a node may refer to a network node or a UE. Examples of a network node may include a Node B, a base station, a multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node (such as an MSR BS), an eNB, a gNB, a MeNB, a SeNB, an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node, a network controller, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a relay, a donor node controlling a relay, a base transceiver station (BTS), a central unit (e.g., in a gNB), a distributed unit (e.g., in a gNB), a baseband unit, a centralized baseband, a C-RAN, an access point (AP), a transmission point, a transmission node, a remote radio unit (RRU), a remote radio head (RRH), a node in a distributed antenna system (DAS), a core network node (e.g., a mobile switching center (MSC), a mobility management entity (MME), etc.), operations and maintenance (O&M), an operations support system (OSS), a self-organizing network (SON), a positioning node (e.g., an evolved serving mobile location center (E-SMLC)), etc.

[0068] A UE can include any type of wireless device that communicates with a network node and / or with another UE in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UEs can include a target device, a device-to-device (D2D) UE, a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), a machine-type UE, an MTC UE, or a UE capable of machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a laptop embedded device (LEE), a laptop mounted device (LME), a universal serial bus (USB) dongle, and the like.

[0069] In some embodiments described herein, general terms such as "radio network node" or simply "network node (NW node)" are used. It should be appreciated that the general term can be any kind of network node, including but not limited to a base station, a radio base station, a base transceiver station, a base station controller, a network controller, an evolved Node B (eNB), a Node B, a gNodeB (gNB), a relay node, an access point, a radio access point, an RRU, an RRH, a central unit (e.g., in a gNB), a distributed unit (e.g., in a gNB), a baseband unit, a centralized baseband, a C-RAN, an access point (AP), and the like.

[0070] The term "radio access technology" or "RAT" may refer to any RAT, such as UTRA, E-UTRA, Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, next-generation RATs, New Radio (NR), 4G, 5G, etc. It is worth noting that any device denoted as a "node", "network node" or "radio network node" may be capable of supporting a single or multiple RATs.

[0071] The term "signal" as used herein can be any physical signal or physical channel. Examples of physical signals are reference signals such as primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), CSI-RS, demodulation reference signal (DMRS), signal in SSB, discovery reference signal (DRS), cell-specific reference signal (CRS), positioning reference signal (PRS), etc. The term "physical channel" as used herein (e.g., in the context of channel reception) is also referred to as "channel". Examples of physical channels are physical broadcast channel (PBCH), narrowband physical broadcast channel (NPBCH), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), sPDCCH, sPDSCH, sPUCCH, sPUSCH, large capacity physical downlink control channel (MPDCCH), narrowband physical downlink control channel (NPDCCH), narrowband physical downlink shared channel (NPDSCH), E-PDCCH, physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), narrowband physical uplink shared channel (NPUSCH), channels in CORESET, etc.

[0072] The term "time resource" as used herein may correspond to any type of physical resource or radio resource expressed in terms of time length. Examples of time resources can include symbols, time slots, subframes, radio frames, TTIs, interleaving time, slots, subslots, minislots, and the like.

[0073] As used herein, the term "LBT" may correspond to any type of CSMA process or mechanism performed by a node on a carrier before transmitting (one or more) signals on the carrier. CSMA or LBT may be interchangeably referred to as CCA, clear channel determination, etc. Transmission of (one or more) signals on a carrier subject to LBT is also referred to as contention-based transmission. In contrast, transmission of (one or more) signals on a carrier not subject to LBT is referred to as contention-free transmission.

[0074] The term "CCA" as used herein may correspond to any type of carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) process or mechanism that is performed on a carrier before a node transmits (one or more) signals on that carrier. CCA is also interchangeably referred to as a CSMA scheme, a channel assessment scheme, listen before talk (LBT), and the like. Operations based on CCA are more generally referred to as contention-based operations. Transmission of signals on a carrier that is subject to CCA is also referred to as contention-based transmission. Contention-based operation is typically used for transmissions on carriers in unlicensed bands. However, this mechanism may also be applied to operations on carriers that belong to licensed bands, for example to reduce interference. Transmission of (one or more) signals on a carrier that is not subject to CCA is also referred to as contention-free transmission.

[0075] LBT or CCA can be performed, for example, by the UE (before UL transmission) and / or by the base station (before DL transmission).

[0076] UE measurements can be performed by the UE on the serving cell and on one or more neighboring cells using some known reference symbols or pilot sequences (e.g., CRS, SSS, PSS, DRS, SSB, CSI-RS, TRS, etc.). Measurements are performed on cells on intra-frequency carriers, (one or more) inter-frequency carriers, and (one or more) inter-RAT carriers (depending on whether it supports the UE capabilities of that RAT). Measurements are also performed on carrier frequencies (e.g., received power on the carrier, RSSI, etc.). Measurements can be performed for various purposes, such as mobility, positioning, self-organizing networks (SON), minimization of drive tests (MDT), operations and maintenance (O&M), network planning and optimization, beam management, radio link monitoring, etc. Examples of measurements may include cell identification (also known as PCI acquisition), reference symbol received power (RSRP), reference symbol received quality (RSRQ), cell global ID (CGI) acquisition, reference signal time difference (RSTD), SFN and frame time difference (SFTD), UE RX-TX time difference measurement, radio link monitoring (RLM) (consisting of out-of-sync detection and in-sync detection), L1-RSRP for beam management, etc. CSI measurements performed by the UE are used by the network for scheduling, link adaptation, etc. Examples of CSI measurements or CSI reports are CQI, PMI, RI, etc. Measurements may be performed on reference signals such as CRS, CSI-RS, or DMRS. Measurements may be performed with or without gaps (if the UE supports this capability).

[0077] The term "DRS" is used herein to refer to one or more signals transmitted by a radio network node and used by a UE to perform measurements. DRX may be transmitted periodically with a certain period value (e.g., 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, 160ms, etc.). Each DRX opportunity that occurs periodically contains one or more DRS signals, which may include PSS / SSS, PBCH, DMRS, etc. UE configuration, which may be referred to as a DMTC configuration, may be performed based on information related to DRX on a cell of a specific carrier, such as a DMTC period value, a time length or duration of a DMTC opportunity, and a DMTC time offset relative to a reference time (e.g., the SFN of the serving cell). A DMTC configuration may also be interchangeably referred to as an SMTC configuration, comprising such an SMTC period value, referred to as a DMTC period value, an opportunity or duration on the SMTC time, referred to as a DMTC opportunity or duration, and an SMTC time offset, referred to as a DMTC time offset.

[0078] The embodiments are described in the context of NR operation in unlicensed spectrum (NR-U). However, the embodiments described herein are not limited to the NR-U scenario. It is worth noting that it may also be possible to apply the embodiments to LTE-LAA / eLAA / feLAA and / or other LTE enhancements for operation in unlicensed bands.

[0079] One embodiment described herein includes a UE configured to transfer signals between the UE and a first cell (cell 1), wherein the transfer of the signals is subject to CCA. The term "transmitting signals" is a general term referring to transmitting signals (e.g., from the UE to cell 1) and receiving signals (e.g., from cell 1), or performing measurements on signals. A periodic signal may be a signal that occurs with a certain periodic value or based on a periodic pattern. Each periodic occurrence of a signal, or an occurrence when the UE is capable of operating the signal, is broadly referred to as an opportunity. An opportunity may also be interchangeably referred to as a signal opportunity, a signal operation opportunity, a measurement opportunity (e.g., scheduled or configured by a measurement periodic value or measurement pattern, or by UE periodic activity; in one example, a measurement opportunity at the UE may include a DL signal further included in a subset of a base station's DL transmission opportunities), a signal operation opportunity, a signal duration, an operation opportunity, or simply an opportunity for operating a signal. In this regard, an opportunity can be a transmit opportunity or a receive opportunity (also including a measurement opportunity). A transmit opportunity may be used by the UE to transmit a signal, channel, or report (e.g., a measurement report, a CSI report, etc.) to cell 1 (e.g., in the UL). A receive opportunity may be used by the UE to receive a signal from cell 1 (e.g., in the DL). The periodic value of the operating timing of the signal is denoted as "Toc". Examples of periodic signals in the UL are (but not limited to) SRS transmission, random access (RA) transmission, etc. RA is also referred to as PRACH or RACH, etc. The corresponding transmission timing of SRS transmission is referred to as SRS transmission timing or simply SRS timing, and the corresponding transmission timing of RA transmission is referred to as RA transmission timing or simply RA timing. Examples of periodic signals transmitted by the network node in the DL are (but not limited to) RS, DRS, SSB, CSI-RS, SS, system information (SI), PBCH, SIB1, paging channel, etc. The corresponding reception timings of RS, DRS, SS, SI, paging, SSB and CSI-RS are referred to as RS, DRS, SS, SI, paging, SSB and CSI-RS reception timing, respectively.

[0080] Figure 3An example of a cellular communication system 300 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown. In the embodiments described herein, the cellular communication system 300 is a 5G system (5GS) including an NR RAN or an LTE RAN (i.e., an E-UTRA RAN). In this example, the RAN includes base stations 302-1 and 302-2, which control corresponding (macro) cells 304-1 and 304-2, referred to as gNBs in 5GNR (e.g., LTE RAN nodes connected to a 5GC, referred to as gn-eNBs). Base stations 302-1 and 302-2 are generally referred to herein as base stations 302 and individually as a single base station 302. Similarly, (macro) cells 304-1 and 304-2 are generally referred to herein as (macro) cells 304 and individually as a single (macro) cell 304. The RAN may also include multiple low-power nodes 306-1 to 306-4, which control corresponding small cells 308-1 to 308-4. The low-power nodes 306-1 to 306-4 can be small base stations (such as pico or femto base stations) or remote radio heads (RRHs) or the like. It is worth noting that, although not shown, one or more of the small cells 308-1 to 308-4 may alternatively be provided by the base station 302. The low-power nodes 306-1 to 306-4 are generally referred to as low-power nodes 306 in this document and individually as single low-power nodes 306. Similarly, the small cells 308-1 to 308-4 are generally referred to as small cells 308 in this document and individually as single small cells 308. The cellular communication system 300 also includes a core network 310, which is called a 5G core (5GC) in 5GS. The base station 302 (and optionally the low power node 306 ) is connected to a core network 310 .

[0081] Base station 302 and low power node 306 provide services to wireless communication devices 312-1 to 312-5 in corresponding cells 304 and 308. Wireless communication devices 312-1 to 312-5 are generally referred to herein as wireless communication devices 312 and individually as single wireless communication devices 312. In the following description, wireless communication device 312 is generally a UE, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0082] Various embodiments are presented herein that address one or more of the issues disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method performed by a wireless device for adapting a maximum allowed CCA based on an operating opportunity period value is provided. Figure 4 As shown in , the method includes determining (400) an operating opportunity period value of a signal subject to CCA for transmission. The method also includes determining (402) an association between the determined operating opportunity period value and a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for transmitting the signal. The method also includes determining (404) a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for the determined operating opportunity period value based on the determined association between the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures. The method also includes transmitting (406) the signal based on the determined maximum number of allowed CCA failures.

[0083] In another embodiment, a method performed by a wireless device for adapting a maximum allowed CCA based on an operating opportunity period value is provided. Figure 5 As shown in , the method includes determining (500) an operating opportunity cycle value for a signal that is subject to CCA for transmission. The method also includes determining (502) an RRC_state of a wireless device configured to transmit the signal based on the determined operating opportunity cycle value. The method also includes determining (504) an association between the determined operating opportunity cycle value, the RRC_state, and a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for transmitting the signal. The method also includes determining (506) a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for the determined operating opportunity cycle value based on the determined association between the determined operating opportunity cycle value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures. The method also includes transmitting (508) the signal based on the determined maximum number of allowed CCA failures.

[0084] In another embodiment, a method performed by a wireless device for adapting a maximum allowed CCA based on an operating opportunity period value is provided. Figure 6 As shown in , the method includes determining (600) an operating opportunity period value of a signal subject to CCA for transmission. The method also includes determining (602) information related to measurement capabilities of the wireless device. The method also includes determining (604) an association between the determined operating opportunity period value, the measurement capabilities, and a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for transmitting the signal. The method also includes determining (606) a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for the determined operating opportunity period value based on the determined association between the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures. The method also includes transmitting (608) the signal based on the determined maximum number of allowed CCA failures.

[0085] In another embodiment, a method performed by a base station for adapting a maximum allowed CCA based on an operating opportunity period value is provided. Figure 7 As shown in , the method includes determining (700) an association between an operating opportunity period value and a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for transmitting a signal. The method also includes determining (702) a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for the determined operating opportunity period value based on the determined association between the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures. The method also includes configuring (704) the wireless device to perform one or more operational tasks based on the determined association. For example, the base station can configure (704-1) the wireless device to transmit the signal based on the determined association. The method also includes sending (706) a message including the determined association to the wireless device.

[0086] Certain embodiments may provide one or more of the following technical advantages. The exemplary embodiments described herein may be superior to existing solutions in the following aspects:

[0087] UE operation for delivering signals subject to CCA is enhanced regardless of the RACH transmission period value (T PRACH ).

[0088] • The methods described herein ensure that the UE does not prematurely terminate or excessively delay operations (eg, RA transmissions) that it is configured to deliver according to CCA requirements.

[0089] • The performance of operations involving cell changes (such as cell reselection, HO, RRC release with redirection, RRC re-establishment, etc.) is not degraded by RA transmissions required by CCA.

[0090] Figure 8 800 is a flowchart of an exemplary method performed by a wireless device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for adapting a maximum allowed CCA based on an operating opportunity period value. The wireless device is configured to determine an operating opportunity period value for a signal subject to CCA (step 800). The wireless device then determines an association between at least the determined operating opportunity period value and a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for delivering the signal (step 802).

[0091] In a non-limiting example, Figure 8aAs shown in , determining (802) an association between at least the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures can include: determining an RRC_STATE of a wireless device configured to transmit the signal based on the determined operating opportunity period value (step 802aa), and determining an association between the determined operating opportunity period value, the RRC_STATE, and a maximum allowed CCA failure for transmitting the signal (step 802ab). In another non-limiting example, as Figure 8a As shown in , determining (802) an association between at least the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures can include determining information related to the measurement capabilities of the wireless device (step 802ba), and determining an association between the determined operating opportunity period value, the measurement capabilities and the maximum allowed CCA failures for transmitting the signal (step 802bb).

[0092] The wireless device then determines the maximum number of allowed CCA failures for the determined operating opportunity period value based on the determined association between the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures (step 804). Figure 8b As shown in , determining ( 804 ) a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for the determined operating opportunity period value includes determining the maximum number of allowed CCA failures for the determined operating opportunity period value based on a predefined table (step 804 a ).

[0093] The wireless device can then perform one or more operational tasks based on the determined maximum number of allowed CCA failures (step 806). In a non-limiting example, Figure 8c As shown in , performing ( 806 ) one or more operational tasks based on the determined maximum number of allowed CCA failures can include communicating the signal with the network node based on the determined maximum number of allowed CCA failures (step 806 a ).

[0094] If the maximum number of allowed CCA failures is exceeded, the wireless device may be configured to perform one or more tasks (step 808).

[0095] Reference Figure 4 In one embodiment, a method for adapting a maximum allowed CCA failure based on an operation opportunity period value can include the following aspects:

[0096] 1. The UE determines the operating opportunity period value (Toc) of the signal received for transmitting CCA (step 400). It is worth noting that this step may correspond to Figure 8 Step 800 in .

[0097] 2. The UE determines an association (A) between the determined Toc and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures (Lmax) for delivering the signal (step 402)

[0098] o When the UE determines the association based on the message from the network node, the network node may determine the association (e.g., based on the same or similar rules as described herein) and then configure the association for the UE accordingly. Notably, this step may correspond to Figure 8 Step 802 in .

[0099] 3. The UE determines Lmax corresponding to the determined Toc based on the determined association (A) (step 404)

[0100] o When the UE determines Lmax based on a message from the network node, the network node may determine Lmax or a parameter that determines Lmax (e.g., based on the same or similar rules as described herein) and then configure the UE accordingly. Note that this step may correspond to Figure 8 Step 804 in .

[0101] 4. Deliver the signal based on the determined Lmax (step 406). Note that this step may correspond to Figure 8c For example, if the number of CCA failures (L) for delivering the signal exceeds the determined Lmax, the UE may perform one or more operational tasks accordingly. The operational tasks may include resuming operation, stopping operation, suspending transmission in the uplink, transmitting in the uplink with a transmission timing error greater than the allowed timing error when L≤Lmax, declaring RLF, triggering a cell change, triggering measurements on another cell or another carrier (e.g., to find a channel with a higher access probability), etc.

[0102] The UE determines information related to the operating opportunity period value (Toc) based on predefined configuration information and / or by receiving configuration information from a network node (e.g., in an RRC message in a dedicated channel or from a serving base station in system information). The configuration information may include at least the operating opportunity period value (Toc), but may also include additional information such as the time duration of each operating opportunity, a reference time for starting or ending each operating opportunity, etc. The operating opportunity period value (Toc) may depend on (one or more) configurations in one or more cells.

[0103] The UE further determines an association (A) between the determined Toc and a maximum number of allowed CCA failures (Lmax) for delivering the signal based on a rule. The rule can be predefined and / or determined by the UE by receiving configuration information from a network node (e.g., in an RRC message in a dedicated channel or from a serving base station in system information). For example, the value of Lmax (or a different value of Lmax associated with Toc) can be predefined or configured by the network node. In a non-limiting example, the association (A) can depend on one or more of the following parameters:

[0104] Type of procedure (e.g., cell change, cell reselection, handover, measurement, operation with DRX, etc.)

[0105] Direction of operation (e.g. UL or DL)

[0106] The type of signal used for operation (e.g., SSB, CSI-RS, RACH, SRS, SI paging, etc.)

[0107] Periodic receiver or transmitter activity mode (e.g. when the UE is configured with a DRX cycle of a certain length)

[0108] Measurement mode or period value or measurement cycle, measurement interval mode

[0109] Cell type (e.g., PCell, PScell, or Scell)

[0110] Availability of historical data regarding CCA success (and failure) on relevant carriers

[0111] A general example of a rule for associating Toc and Lmax for any periodic operating opportunity is shown in Table 1 below. In this example, for each value of Toc, there is an associated value of Lmax (e.g., for Toc1, Lmax=L1max, etc.). In this example, the values ​​of L1max, L2max..., and Lkmax are different. In a specific example, L1max>L2max>....>Lkmax.

[0112] Table 1: General example of the relationship between the operating opportunity cycle value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures

[0113]

[0114] Another general example of a rule relating Toc and Lmax for any periodic operating opportunity is shown in Table 2. In this example, for each set or group of Toc values, there is an associated value of Lmax. For example, when Toc is less than or equal to a certain threshold (H), then Lmax = L1max. In contrast, when Toc > H, then Lmax = L2max. This example can be generalized for any number of groups of Toc values ​​and any number of corresponding thresholds. The parameters L1max and L2max are related to each other by a function (e.g., L1max ≠ L2max). In one specific example, L1max > L2max.

[0115] Table 2: General example of the relationship between the value of the operating opportunity cycle and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures assuming a threshold (H)

[0116]

[0117] When the operation opportunity is the PRACH configuration period (T PRACH-conf A specific example of the rule for associating the period value (Toc) of the PRACH configuration period and Lmax when T is set is shown in Table 3. In this example, for each T PRACH-conf value, there is an associated value of Lmax (for example, for T PRACH-conf =10ms, Lmax=L1max, for T PRACH-conf =20, Lmax=L2max, etc.). In a non-limiting example, L1max=10; L2max=8; L3max=6; L4max=4; L5max=2.

[0118] Table 3: Specific example of the relationship between the RACH configuration period and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures

[0119]

[0120] Another example is shown in Table 4. In this example, when T PRACH-conf When Lmax is less than or equal to a certain threshold (e.g. H = 40ms), Lmax = L1max. PRACH-conf >H, then Lmax=L2max. PRACH-conf This example is provided with two groups of and a threshold value (e.g. H = 40ms). However, it can be generalized for T PRACH-conf More than one group of values ​​and corresponding thresholds. Figure 2The example in also shows the adaptation of Lmax based on the PRACH transmission opportunity period value. In this particular example, L1max>L2max. In one non-limiting example, L1max=4, and L2max=2. In another non-limiting example, L1max=8, and L2max=4.

[0121] Table 4: Specific example of the relationship between the RACH configuration period and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures

[0122]

[0123] When the operation opportunity is a PRACH opportunity, the associated PRACH opportunity period value (T PRACH Another specific example of the rule of the period value (TOC) and Lmax is shown in Table 5. In this example, when T PRACH When Lmax is less than or equal to a certain threshold (H=40ms), Lmax=L1max. PRACH >H, then Lmax=L2max. PRACH This example is provided with two groups of and a threshold value (e.g. H = 40ms). However, it can be generalized for T PRACH More than one group of values ​​and corresponding thresholds. Figure 9 The example in also shows the adaptation of Lmax based on the PRACH transmission opportunity period value. In this particular example, L1max>L2max. In a non-limiting example, L1max=4, and L2max=2. In another non-limiting example, L1max=8, and L2max=4.

[0124] Table 5: Specific example of the relationship between the RACH transmission opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures

[0125]

[0126] When the operation opportunity is an SMTC opportunity / measurement opportunity, the period value (T SMTC Another specific example of the rules of Lmax and Lmax is shown in Table 6. In this example, CCA fails (or succeeds) at the BS (e.g., cell1), so Lmax is reported to the UE via any one of network signaling (e.g., the network node can determine Lmax or determine a parameter of Lmax and then configure the UE accordingly). As an example embodiment, when T SMTC When Lmax is less than or equal to a certain threshold (e.g. H = 40ms), then Lmax = M1max. SMTC >H, then Lmax=L2max.SMTC This example is provided with two groups of and a threshold value (e.g. H = 40ms). However, it can be generalized for T SMTC More than one set of values ​​and corresponding thresholds. In a non-limiting example, M1max=8, and M2max=4.

[0127] Table 6: Specific example of the relationship between the SMTC opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures

[0128]

[0129] When the operation timing is a measurement timing once per DRX cycle, the associated discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle or DRX cycle value (T DRX Another specific example of the rules of Lmax and Lmax is shown in Table 7. In this example, CCA is performed by the BS (e.g., cell1) and fails (or succeeds), so Lmax is reported to the UE via any one of the network signaling (e.g., the network node can determine Lmax or determine the parameters of Lmax and then configure the UE accordingly). As an example, when T DRX When Lmax is less than or equal to a certain threshold (e.g. H=320ms), Lmax=N1max. DRX >H, then Lmax=N2max. DRX This example is provided for two groups of TDRX values ​​and a threshold value (eg H = 320 ms). However, it can be generalized for more than one group of TDRX values ​​and corresponding threshold values. In a non-limiting example, N1max = 10, and N2max = 6.

[0130] Table 7: Specific example of the relationship between the DRX cycle value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures

[0131]

[0132] In another specific example of a rule associating a DRX cycle or DRX period value with Lmax, T DRX It can be a function of corresponding parameters from at least two cells (e.g. T DRX =max(TDRX_Cell1, TDRX_Cell2)). Lmax can be determined as described above.

[0133] Another example of a rule associating a measurement gap period (MGRP) with Lmax when the operating opportunity is one measurement opportunity per measurement gap is provided. Specifically, when the MGRP is below a threshold, a first value of Lmax can be configured. In contrast, when the MGRP is above the threshold, a second value of Lmax can be configured (e.g., the second value can be smaller than the first value).

[0134] In another example of a rule associating a function F and Lmax for configuring any one or more parameters of operating opportunity (such as any of the parameters described above (e.g., MGRP, DRX cycle length, SSB or SMTC period value, etc.)), when F is below a threshold, a first value of Lmax is configured. In contrast, when F is above the threshold, a second value of Lmax is configured. In one example, F = max(MGRP, SMTC period, DRX cycle) × K, where K is a scaling factor that can be, for example, 1 (special case, no scaling) or the CSSF defined in TS 38.133 (v15.8.0).

[0135] When the operating opportunity is a CSI-RS opportunity / measurement opportunity, the period value (T CSI-RS Another specific example of the rule of ) and Lmax is shown in Table 8. In this example, when T CSI-RS When Lmax is less than or equal to a certain threshold (H = 40 time slots), then Lmax = M1max. CSI-RS >H, then Lmax=M2max. CSI-RS This example is provided with two groups of and a threshold value (e.g. H = 40 time slots). However, it can be generalized for T CSI-RS More than one set of values ​​and corresponding thresholds. In a non-limiting example, M1max=8, and M2max=4.

[0136] Table 8: Specific example of the relationship between the CSI-RS opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures

[0137]

[0138]

[0139] In another specific example, the UE may determine the association (A) and Lmax based on the cell type. For example, the UE can use different Lmax values ​​for PCell, PSCell, or Scell. This is described in Table 9 below. After determining the association between Toc and Lmax, the UE determines the value of Lmax.

[0140] Table 9: Specific example of the relationship between cell type and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures

[0141]

[0142] In one specific example, the rules in which a UE uses DL RS for operation and is also configured with DRX can include the following aspects:

[0143] I. If the DL RS periodicity value (e.g., SSB periodicity value, CSI-RS periodicity value, etc.) is equal to or lower than the RS threshold (H1) and the DRX cycle is equal to or lower than a certain DRX threshold (H2), then Lmax = L1max

[0144] II. If RS cycle value > H1 and DRX cycle ≤ H2, then Lmax = L2max

[0145] III. If (DRX cycle>H2), then Lmax=L3max(L1max>L2max>L3max), regardless of the relationship between RS cycle values

[0146] The UE may further use the determined value of Lmax to transmit the signal at an operational opportunity, which occurs once per ToC. For example, if the actual number of CCA failures (L) determined by the UE exceeds Lmax, the UE performs or runs one or more operational tasks. If the UE is unable to transmit a signal due to a CCA failure in the uplink, the UE may determine that CCA has failed in the uplink (or that a CCA failure has occurred). If the UE is unable to receive a signal, or the signal is not available at the UE, or the UE determines that the signal does not exist or cannot detect the signal, the UE may determine that CCA has failed in the downlink (e.g., in a base station transmitting the signal). For example, the UE may detect that the DL signal is unavailable at the UE based on an autonomous determination (e.g., by checking the absence of a signal in correlation with a predefined sequence) and / or by receiving an indication from a network node (e.g., from a cell in a licensed carrier). The actual number L of CCA failures may correspond to a consecutive number of CCA failures or to the number of CCA failures over a certain time period (e.g., a measurement period, a cell search period, an evaluation period, etc.). Examples of such tasks include:

[0147] Stop the operation in cell1

[0148] Restart the operation immediately or after a certain period of time. It is worth noting that the number of restart attempts can be limited or unlimited. If the number of restart attempts is limited, another task can be executed when the maximum number of restart attempts is reached.

[0149] Announcement of RLF

[0150] Initiate cell or carrier change

[0151] Initiate measurements on another cell or another carrier (e.g. to find a channel with a higher access probability)

[0152] Perform the operation on another cell (e.g., on the second cell (cell2) if cell2 is available)

[0153] Perform the operation on another cell or carrier that is not subject to CCA or has a less occupied channel (e.g., on the third cell (cell3) if cell3 is available)

[0154] Initiate new carrier BW for carriers requiring CCA, e.g. when CCA fails on a carrier with X Hz, the transmitter may revert to a carrier BW of Y Hz, where X>Y

[0155] Suspend any signal transmission in the uplink

[0156] Transmitting a signal in the uplink with a transmit timing error (Te2), but the transmit timing error (Te2) (error relative to a reference value) is greater than the transmit timing error (te1) used by the UE to transmit a signal in the uplink when L≤Lmax

[0157] For example, if the PRACH cycle value is 80ms, based on Table 4 and Figure 2 According to the rule expressed in the example of , the UE determines Lmax=L2max=2. The UE then uses this value of Lmax=2 for the process associated with the PRACH transmission in cell1. For example, if the UE experiences more than 2 consecutive CCA failures or 2 CCA failures over a certain time period (T0), the UE performs one or more operational tasks. Examples of such tasks include stopping the transmission of PRACH in cell1, resuming PRACH transmission immediately or after a certain time period, transmitting PRACH on another cell (for example, if cell2 is available, on the second cell (cell2)), and transmitting PRACH on a cell that is not subject to CCA (for example, if cell3 is available, on the third cell (cell2)).

[0158] Reference Figure 5 , the UE may be configured to determine a value of a period of operation opportunity (Toc) at which it transmits a signal subject to CCA, as described above (step 500).

[0159] The UE may also be configured to determine the RRC_state of the UE, where the UE is expected to perform operations associated with Toc (step 502). It is worth noting that this step may correspond to Figure 8aIn step 802aa of the embodiment, the UE determines whether the operation opportunity associated with the Toc is expected to occur in, for example, the RRC_IDLE state, the RRC_INACTIVE state, or the RRC_CONNECTED state. The RRC_state is expected to be known to the UE for performing different operation tasks in different RRC_states and to meet different UE requirements in different RRC_states. In this regard, it can be assumed that the RRC_state information in which the UE is expected to perform the operation associated with the Toc is known to the UE.

[0160] The UE may also be configured to determine an association between the determined Toc, the RRC_state in which the operation is expected to occur, and the maximum number of CCA failures allowed for operating the signal (Lmax) (step 504). Notably, this step may correspond to Figure 8a 802ab in . Since UE requirements and UE behavior (e.g., activity) are typically different in different RRC states, it can be assumed that Lmax depends on Loc and RRC_state. When the UE is in a less active state (such as IDLE / INACTIVE), the UE can continue to remain active (DRX ON) instead of going to sleep (DRX OFF) mode and try again in the next transmission opportunity, even if the UE misses a transmission opportunity. This may not always be possible for a UE operating in CONNECTED mode, because in CONNECTED mode the UE will be operating different tasks and operations that are more time-critical. Therefore, Lmax can be larger in RRC_IDLE / INACTIVE state than in RRC_CONNECTED state. An example is shown in Table 10 (under the assumption that L1max>L2max and L3max>L4max).

[0161] Table 10: General example of the relationship between the operating opportunity period value, RRC state and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures assuming a threshold (H)

[0162]

[0163] The UE may also be configured to determine the value of Lmax for the determined Toc based on the association, as described above (step 506). The UE may further be configured to transmit the signal based on the determined value of Lmax (step 508). It is worth noting that this step may correspond to Figure 8 For example, if the number of CCA failures (L) for the operation signal exceeds Lmax, the UE performs one or more operation tasks (eg, restarting the operation, stopping the operation, etc.).

[0164] Reference cycle Figure 6 The UE can be configured to determine the operation timing cycle value (Toc) of the signal whose transmission is subject to CCA (step 600).

[0165] The UE can also be configured to determine information related to the UE's measurement capabilities (step 602). It should be noted that this step may correspond to Figure 8a step 802ba in. In this step, the UE obtains information related to the measurement capabilities represented as N. In a non-limiting example, N includes at least one of the following:

[0166] · The number of carriers the UE is monitoring, the number of carriers the UE has been configured to monitor, the number of carriers it supports

[0167] · The number of cells it has identified, such as the number of neighboring cells it has identified and is monitoring (e.g., by performing measurements on them).

[0168] The UE can also be configured to determine the association between the determined Toc, N, and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures (Lmax) for operating the signal (step 604). It should be noted that this step may correspond to Figure 8a step 802bb in. It can be assumed that Lmax is related to Toc and the measurement capabilities N. Since the UE can perform different actions when the number of CCA failures exceeds Lmax, the value of Lmax can be adapted to N. For example, if there is a risk that the UE may end up in a connection failure or out of coverage when it cannot operate Toc while monitoring Lmax, then Lmax can be set to a larger value when the UE is monitoring fewer carriers or when the UE has identified fewer neighboring cells. This can reduce the risk of the UE losing the connection or going out of coverage. In contrast, if the UE is monitoring many carriers and / or has identified many neighboring cells, then Lmax can be set to a smaller value compared to the previous case. The principle is summarized in Table 11 (under the assumption that L1max > L2max and L4max < L3max).

[0169] Table 11: General example of the relationship between the operation timing cycle value, RRC state, and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures assuming a threshold (H)

[0170]

[0171] The UE may also be configured to determine a value of Lmax for the determined Toc based on the association, as described above (step 606). The UE may further be configured to transmit the signal based on the determined value of Lmax (608). For example, if the number of CCA failures (L) for the operation signal exceeds Lmax, the UE performs one or more operation tasks (e.g., restarting the operation, stopping the operation, etc.).

[0172] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a radio access node 1000 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Optional features are represented by dashed boxes. Radio access node 1000 may be, for example, base station 802 or 806, or a network node that implements all or part of the functionality of base station 802 or gNB described herein. As shown, radio access node 1000 includes a control system 1002, which includes one or more processors 1004 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or the like), a memory 1006, and a network interface 1008. The one or more processors 1004 are also referred to herein as processing circuitry. Furthermore, radio access node 1000 may include one or more radio units 1010, each of which includes one or more transmitters 1012 and one or more receivers 1014 coupled to one or more antennas 1016. Radio unit 1010 may represent or be part of radio interface circuitry. In some embodiments, the radio unit(s) 1010 are external to the control system 1002 and connected to the control system 1002 via, for example, a wired connection (e.g., an optical cable). However, in some other embodiments, the radio unit(s) 1010 and potentially the antenna(s) 1016 are integrated with the control system 1002. The one or more processors 1004 operate to provide one or more functions of the radio access node 1000, as described herein. In some embodiments, the one or more functions are implemented in software, which is stored, for example, in the memory 1006 and executed by the one or more processors 1004.

[0173] Figure 11 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a virtualized embodiment of a radio access node 1000 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The present discussion is equally applicable to other types of network nodes. Furthermore, other types of network nodes may have similar virtualized architectures. Optional features are again represented by dashed boxes.

[0174] As used herein, a "virtualized" radio access node is an implementation of a radio access node 1000 in which at least a portion of the functionality of the radio access node 1000 is implemented as one or more virtual components (e.g., via one or more virtual machines running on one or more physical processing nodes in one or more networks). As shown, in this example, the radio access node 1000 may include a control system 1002 and / or the one or more radio units 1010, as described above. The control system 1002 may be connected to the one or more radio units 1010 via, for example, an optical cable or the like. The radio access node 1000 includes one or more processing nodes 1100, which are coupled to or included as part of the one or more networks 1102. If present, the control system 1002 or the one or more radio units are connected to the one or more processing nodes 1100 via the network 1102. Each processing node 1100 includes one or more processors 1104 (e.g., CPUs, ASICs, FPGAs, and / or the like), a memory 1106, and a network interface 1108.

[0175] In this example, the functionality 1110 of the radio access node 1000 described herein is implemented in the one or more processing nodes 1100 or distributed across the one or more processing nodes 1100 and the control system 1002 and / or the radio unit(s) 1010 in any desired manner. In some specific embodiments, some or all of the functionality 1110 of the radio access node 1000 described herein is implemented as virtual components that are run by one or more virtual machines implemented in a virtual environment(s) hosted by the processing node(s) 1100. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, additional signaling or communication between the processing node(s) 1100 and the control system 1002 is used to perform at least a portion of the intended functionality 1110. Notably, in some embodiments, the control system 1002 may not be included, in which case the radio unit(s) 1010 communicates directly with the processing node(s) 1100 via appropriate network interface(s).

[0176] In some embodiments, a computer program comprising instructions is provided that, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to implement a node (e.g., processing node 1100) or the functionality of the radio access node 1000 in a virtual environment according to any of the embodiments described herein, implementing one or more functions of the functions 1110 of the radio access node 1000 in a virtual environment. In some embodiments, a carrier comprising the computer program product is provided. The carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a memory).

[0177] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of a radio access node 1000 according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. The radio access node 1000 includes one or more modules 1200, each of which is implemented in software. The module(s) 1200 provide the functionality of the radio access node 1000 described herein. This discussion is also applicable to Figure 11 1100, wherein module 1200 may be implemented at one of processing nodes 1100 or distributed across multiple processing nodes 1100 and / or distributed across (one or more) processing nodes 1100 and control system 1002.

[0178] Figure 13 1300 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication device 1300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, wireless communication device 1300 includes one or more processors 1302 (e.g., a CPU, ASIC, FPGA, and / or the like), memory 1304, and one or more transceivers 1306, each of which includes one or more transmitters 1308 and one or more receivers 1310 coupled to one or more antennas 1312. Transceiver(s) 1306 include radio front-end circuitry connected to antenna(s) 1312, which is configured to condition signals transmitted between antenna(s) 1312 and processor(s) 1302, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Processor 1302 is also referred to herein as processing circuitry. Transceiver 1306 is also referred to herein as radio circuitry. In some embodiments, the functionality of wireless communication device 1300 described above may be implemented entirely or partially in software, such as stored in memory 1304 and executed by processor(s) 1302. It is noted that the wireless communication device 1300 may include Figure 13Additional components not shown, such as, for example, one or more user interface components (e.g., input / output interfaces including displays, buttons, touch screens, microphones, speaker(s) and / or the like, and / or any other components allowing information to be input into and / or output from the wireless communication device 1300), a power supply (e.g., a battery and associated power circuitry), etc.

[0179] In some embodiments, a computer program comprising instructions is provided that, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to implement the functionality of the wireless communication device 1300 according to any of the embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, a carrier comprising the computer program product is provided. The carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a memory).

[0180] Figure 14 1400 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication device 1300 according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. The wireless communication device 1300 includes one or more modules 1400, each of which is implemented in software. The module(s) 1400 provide the functionality of the wireless communication device 1300 described herein.

[0181] Reference Figure 15 According to one embodiment, a communications system includes a telecommunications network 1500 (such as a 3GPP-type cellular network) comprising an access network 1502 (such as a RAN) and a core network 1504. Access network 1502 includes a plurality of base stations 1506A, 1506B, 1506C, such as Node Bs, eNBs, gNBs, or other types of wireless access points (APs), each defining a corresponding coverage area 1508A, 1508B, 1508C. Each base station 1506A, 1506B, 1506C is connectable to core network 1504 via a wired or wireless connection 1510. A first UE 1512 located in coverage area 1508C is configured to wirelessly connect to or be paged by a corresponding base station 1506C. A second UE 1514 in coverage area 1508A is wirelessly connectable to a corresponding base station 1506A. Although multiple UEs 1512 , 1514 are shown in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to situations where a single UE is located in the coverage area or where a single UE is connected to the corresponding base station 1506 .

[0182] The telecommunications network 1500 itself is connected to a host computer 1516, which can be implemented in hardware and / or software as a standalone server, a cloud-enabled server, a distributed server, or as a processing resource in a server farm. The host computer 1516 can be owned or controlled by a service provider, or can be operated by or on behalf of a service provider. Connections 1518 and 1520 between the telecommunications network 1500 and the host computer 1516 can extend directly from the core network 1504 to the host computer 1516, or can be made via an optional intermediate network 1522. The intermediate network 1522 can be one or a combination of public, private, or managed networks; the intermediate network 1522, if any, can be a backbone network or the Internet; in particular, the intermediate network 1522 can include two or more subnetworks (not shown).

[0183] Figure 15 The communication system as a whole enables connectivity between connected UEs 1512, 1514 and a host computer 1516. The connectivity can be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 1524. The host computer 1516 and the connected UEs 1512, 1514 are configured to communicate data and / or signaling via the OTT connection 1524 using the access network 1502, the core network 1504, any intermediate networks 1522, and other possible infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. The OTT connection 1524 can be transparent in the sense that the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection 1524 passes are unaware of the routing of uplink and downlink communications. For example, the base station 1506 may not or need not be notified of the past routing of incoming downlink communications with data originating from the host computer 1516 to be forwarded (e.g., handed off) to the connected UE 1512. Similarly, the base station 1506 need not be aware of future routing of outbound uplink communications originating from the UE 1512 to the host computer 1516 .

[0184] Now refer to Figure 1616. An example implementation of the UE, base station, and host computer described in the preceding paragraphs, according to one embodiment, is described. In communication system 1600, host computer 1602 includes hardware 1604, including a communication interface 1606 configured to establish and maintain wired or wireless connections to interfaces with various communication devices of communication system 1600. Host computer 1602 also includes processing circuitry 1608, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. In particular, processing circuitry 1608 may include one or more programmable processors, ASICs, FPGAs, or a combination of these devices (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. Host computer 1602 also includes software 1610, which is stored in host computer 1602 or accessible to host computer 710 and is executable by processing circuitry 1608. Software 1610 includes a host application 1612. Host application 1612 may be operable to provide services to a remote user, such as a UE 1614 connected via an OTT connection 1616 terminated between UE 1614 and host computer 1602. In providing services to remote users, the host application 1612 may provide user data for transmission using the OTT connection 1616 .

[0185] The communication system 1600 further includes a base station 1618, which is provided in the telecommunication system and includes hardware 1620 that enables it to communicate with the host computer 1602 and with the UE 1614. The hardware 1620 may include: a communication interface 1622 for establishing and maintaining wired or wireless connections for interfacing with different communication devices of the communication system 1600; and a radio interface 1624 for establishing and maintaining connections with other devices located in the coverage area ( Figure 16 The communication interface 1622 may be configured to facilitate a connection 1628 to the host computer 1602. The connection 1628 may be direct, or it may pass through a core network (e.g., a core network of the telecommunications system) of the telecommunications system. Figure 16 The base station 1618 may also include a plurality of interconnected networks (not shown) and / or one or more intermediate networks external to the telecommunications system. In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 1620 of the base station 1618 further includes processing circuitry 1630, which may include one or more programmable processors, ASICs, FPGAs, or a combination of these devices (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The base station 1618 further includes software 1632, which may be stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

[0186] The communication system 1600 further includes the aforementioned UE 1614. The hardware 1634 of the UE 1614 may include a radio interface 1636 configured to establish and maintain a wireless connection 1626 with a base station serving the coverage area in which the UE 1614 is currently located. The hardware 1634 of the UE 1614 further includes processing circuitry 1638, which may include one or more programmable processors, ASICs, FPGAs, or a combination of these devices (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The UE 1614 also includes software 1640, which is stored in the UE 1614 or accessible to the UE 730 and is executable by the processing circuitry 1638. The software 1640 includes a client application 1642. The client application 1642 may be operable to provide services to human or non-human users via the UE 1614 through the support of the host computer 1602. In host computer 1602, a host application 1612 running on the host computer 1602 can communicate with a client application 1642 running on the host computer 1602 via an OTT connection 1616 terminated between UE 1614 and host computer 1602. When providing services to users, client application 1642 can receive request data from host application 1612 and provide user data in response to the request data. OTT connection 1616 can transmit the request data and the user data. Client application 1642 can interact with the user to generate the user data it provides.

[0187] Please note, Figure 16 The host computer 1602, base station 1618 and UE 1614 shown can each be connected to Figure 15 The host computer 1516, one of the base stations 1506A, 1506B and 1506C, and one of the UEs 1512 and 1514 may be similar or identical. That is, the internal workings of these entities may be similar to Figure 16 As shown in , and independently, the surrounding network topology can be Figure 15 network topology.

[0188] Figure 16 , an OTT connection 1616 is abstractly drawn to illustrate communication between a host computer 1602 and a UE 1614 via a base station 1618, without explicitly mentioning any intermediate devices and the exact routing through those devices. The network infrastructure can determine the routing, which can be configured to be hidden from the UE 1614, the service provider operating the host computer 1602, or both. While the OTT connection 1616 is active, the network infrastructure can further make decisions by which it dynamically changes the routing (e.g., based on load balancing considerations or reconfiguration of the network).

[0189] The wireless connection 1626 between the UE 1614 and the base station 1618 is consistent with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments use the OTT connection 1616 to improve the performance of the OTT service provided to the UE 1614, where the wireless connection 1626 forms the last leg.

[0190] A measurement process may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rate, latency, and other factors where one or more of the embodiments described herein may provide improvements. Optional network functionality may also be provided for reconfiguring the OTT connection 1616 between the host computer 1602 and the UE 1614 in response to changes in measurement results. The measurement process and / or network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 1616 may be implemented in the software 1610 and hardware 1604 of the host computer 1602, or in the software 1640 and hardware 1634 of the UE 1614, or in both. In some embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or associated with the communication device through which the OTT connection 1616 passes; the sensors may participate in the measurement process by providing values ​​of the monitored quantities exemplified above, or other physical quantities from which the software 1610, 1640 may calculate or estimate the monitored quantities. Reconfiguration of the OTT connection 1616 may include message formats, retransmission settings, preferred routing, and the like; the reconfiguration need not affect the base station 1618 and may be unknown or imperceptible to the base station 1618. Such processes and functionality may be known and implemented in the art. In certain embodiments, the measurements may involve proprietary UE signaling that facilitates host computer 1602 to measure throughput, propagation time, latency, and the like. The measurements may be achieved because software 1610 and 1640 causes messages, particularly empty or "dummy" messages, to be transmitted using OTT connection 1616 while it monitors propagation time, errors, and the like.

[0191] Figure 17 is a flow chart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE, which may be reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 For the sake of brevity of this disclosure, this section will only include the host computers, base stations and UEs described above. Figure 17Reference to the accompanying drawings. In step 1700 (step 1700 may be optional), the UE receives input data provided by the host computer. In addition or alternatively, in step 1702, the UE provides user data. In sub-step 1704 of step 1700 (sub-step 1704 may be optional), the host computer provides the user data by running a host application. In sub-step 1706 of step 1702 (sub-step 1706 may be optional), the UE runs a client application, which reacts to the received input data provided by the host computer and provides the user data. In providing the user data, the running client application may also take into account the user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner of providing the user data, the UE provides for transmission of the user data to the host computer in sub-step 1708 (sub-step 1708 may be optional). According to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, in step 1710 of the method, the host computer receives the user data transmitted from the UE.

[0192] Figure 18 is a flow chart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE, which may be reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 For the sake of brevity of this disclosure, this section will only include the host computers, base stations and UEs described above. Figure 18 Reference is made to the accompanying drawings. In step 1800 (step 1800 may be optional), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the base station receives user data from the UE. In step 1802 (step 1802 may be optional), the base station initiates a transmission of the received user data to the host computer. In step 1804 (step 1804 may be optional), the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station.

[0193] Any appropriate steps, methods, features, functions or beneficial effects disclosed herein may be performed by one or more functional units or modules of one or more virtual devices. Each virtual device may include multiple of these functional units. These functional units may be implemented via processing circuitry, which may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers and may include digital signal processors (DSPs), dedicated digital logic, and other digital hardware such as these. The processing circuitry may be configured to run program code stored in a memory, which may include one or more types of memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, and the like. The program code stored in the memory includes program instructions for running one or more telecommunications and / or data communication protocols and instructions for implementing one or more techniques described herein. In some implementations, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the processing circuitry may be used to cause the corresponding functional units to perform corresponding functions.

[0194] Although the processes in the accompanying figures may illustrate a particular order of operations performed by certain embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that this order is exemplary (e.g., alternative embodiments may perform operations in a different order, combine certain operations, overlap certain operations, etc.).

[0195] Some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described below.

[0196] Embodiment 1: A method performed by a wireless device for adapting a maximum allowed CCA based on an operating opportunity cycle value, the method comprising one or more of the following actions: determining (400) an operating opportunity cycle value of a signal subject to CCA for transmission; determining (402) an association between the determined operating opportunity cycle value and a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for transmitting the signal; determining (404) a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for the determined operating opportunity cycle value based on the determined association between the determined operating opportunity cycle value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures; and transmitting (406) the signal based on the determined maximum number of allowed CCA failures.

[0197] Embodiment 2: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising, if the maximum number of allowed CCA failures is exceeded, performing one or more tasks selected from the group consisting of: resuming operation; stopping operation; suspending transmission in the uplink; transmitting in the uplink with a transmission timing error greater than the allowed timing error; declaring RLF; triggering a cell change, triggering measurements on another cell or another carrier.

[0198] Embodiment 3: The method of any embodiment of the previous embodiment further includes determining information related to the operating opportunity period value based on predefined configuration information and / or by receiving configuration information from a network node (for example, in an RRC message in a dedicated channel or from a serving base station in system information).

[0199] Embodiment 4: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising determining an association between the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures based on a rule, wherein the rule can be predefined and / or determined by the wireless device by receiving configuration information from a network node.

[0200] Embodiment 5: The method of any embodiment of the preceding embodiments further includes determining an association between the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures based on one or more of the following parameters: the type of process (e.g., cell change, cell reselection, handover, measurement, operation with DRX, etc.); the direction of operation (e.g., uplink or downlink); the type of signal to be transmitted (e.g., SSB, CSI-RS, RACH, SRS, SI, paging, etc.); the periodic receiver or transmitter activity mode (e.g., when the wireless device is configured with a DRX cycle of a certain length); the measurement mode or period value or the measurement cycle and measurement gap pattern; the type of cell (e.g., PCell, PScell, Scell, etc.); and the availability of historical data on CCA success (and failure) on the relevant carrier.

[0201] Embodiment 6: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising transmitting the signal based on a determined maximum number of allowed CCA failures in the determined operating opportunity occurring once per operating opportunity period value.

[0202] Embodiment 7: A method performed by a wireless device for adapting a maximum allowed CCA based on an operating opportunity cycle value, the method comprising one or more of the following actions: determining (500) an operating opportunity cycle value of a signal subject to CCA for transmission; determining (502) an RRC_state of the wireless device configured to transmit the signal based on the determined operating opportunity cycle value; determining (504) an association between the determined operating opportunity cycle value, the RRC_state, and a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for transmitting the signal; determining (506) a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for the determined operating opportunity cycle value based on the determined association between the determined operating opportunity cycle value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures; and transmitting (508) the signal based on the determined maximum number of allowed CCA failures.

[0203] Embodiment 8: The method of embodiment 7 further includes determining information related to the operating opportunity period value based on predefined configuration information and / or by receiving configuration information from a network node (for example, in an RRC message in a dedicated channel or from a serving base station in system information).

[0204] Embodiment 9: A method performed by a wireless device for adapting a maximum allowed CCA based on an operating opportunity cycle value, the method comprising one or more of the following actions: determining (600) an operating opportunity cycle value of a signal subject to CCA for transmission; determining (602) information related to a measurement capability of the wireless device; determining (604) an association between the determined operating opportunity cycle value, the measurement capability, and a maximum allowed CCA failure for transmitting the signal; determining (606) a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for the determined operating opportunity cycle value based on a determined association between the determined operating opportunity cycle value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures; and transmitting (608) the signal based on the determined maximum number of allowed CCA failures.

[0205] Embodiment 10: The method of embodiment 9 further includes determining information related to the operating opportunity period value based on predefined configuration information and / or by receiving configuration information from a network node (for example, in an RRC message in a dedicated channel or from a serving base station in system information).

[0206] Embodiment 11: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising determining information related to the measurement capabilities of the wireless device based on one or more of the following: the number of carriers that the wireless device is monitoring, the number of carriers configured to monitor, and the number of carriers that the wireless device is configured to support; and the number of cells that the wireless device has identified (e.g., the number of neighboring cells that the wireless device has identified and is monitoring).

[0207] Embodiment 12: A method performed by a base station for adapting the maximum allowed CCA based on an operating opportunity cycle value, the method comprising one or more of the following actions: determining (700) an association between an operating opportunity cycle value and a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for transmitting a signal; determining (702) the maximum number of allowed CCA failures for the determined operating opportunity cycle value based on the determined association between the determined operating opportunity cycle value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures; and configuring the wireless device to (704) transmit the signal based on the determined association.

[0208] Embodiment 13: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising delivering a message including the determined association to the wireless device.

[0209] Embodiment 14: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: obtaining user data; and forwarding the user data to a host computer or a wireless device.

[0210] Embodiment 15: A wireless device for adapting a maximum allowed CCA based on an operating opportunity period value, the wireless device comprising: a processing circuit configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments of Group A; and a power supply circuit configured to supply power to the wireless device.

[0211] Embodiment 16: A base station for adapting a maximum allowed CCA based on an operating opportunity period value, the base station comprising: a processing circuit configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments of Group B; and a power supply circuit configured to supply power to the base station.

[0212] Embodiment 17: A user equipment UE for adapting the maximum allowed CCA based on an operating opportunity cycle value, the UE comprising: an antenna configured to send and receive wireless signals; a radio front-end circuit connected to the antenna and to a processing circuit, and configured to adjust the signal transmitted between the antenna and the processing circuit; a processing circuit configured to perform any step of the steps of any embodiment of Group A; an input interface connected to the processing circuit and configured to allow information to be input into the UE for processing by the processing circuit; an output interface connected to the processing circuit and configured to output information processed by the processing circuit from the UE; and a battery connected to the processing circuit and configured to supply power to the UE.

[0213] Embodiment 18: A communication system comprising a host computer, comprising: a processing circuit configured to provide user data; and a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment UE; wherein the cellular network comprises a base station having a radio interface and a processing circuit, the processing circuit of the base station being configured to perform any of the steps of any embodiment of Group B.

[0214] Embodiment 19: The communication system of the previous embodiment further includes the base station.

[0215] Embodiment 20: The communication system of the previous two embodiments further includes the UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with the base station.

[0216] Embodiment 21: The communication system of the preceding three embodiments, wherein: the processing circuit of the host computer is configured to run a host application, thereby providing user data; and the UE includes a processing circuit configured to run a client application associated with the host application.

[0217] Embodiment 22: A method implemented in a communication system comprising a host computer, a base station and a user equipment UE, the method comprising: providing user data at the host computer; and initiating at the host computer a transmission carrying the user data to the UE via a cellular network comprising the base station, wherein the base station performs any of the steps of any embodiment of Group B embodiments.

[0218] Embodiment 23: The method of the previous embodiment further includes transmitting user data at the base station.

[0219] Embodiment 24: The method of the preceding two embodiments, wherein the user data is provided at the host computer by running a host application, the method further comprising running a client application associated with the host application at the UE.

[0220] Embodiment 25: A user equipment UE is configured to communicate with a base station, the UE comprising a radio interface and a processing circuit, the processing circuit being configured to execute the methods of the preceding three embodiments.

[0221] Embodiment 26: A communication system comprising a host computer, including: a processing circuit configured to provide user data; and a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE); wherein the UE comprises a radio interface and a processing circuit, and the components of the UE are configured to perform any steps of any embodiment of Group A embodiments.

[0222] Embodiment 27: The communication system of the previous embodiment, wherein the cellular network further includes a base station configured to communicate with the UE.

[0223] Embodiment 28: The communication system of the previous two embodiments, wherein: the processing circuit of the host computer is configured to run a host application, thereby providing user data; and the processing circuit of the UE is configured to run a client application associated with the host application.

[0224] Embodiment 29: A method implemented in a communication system, the communication system comprising a host computer, a base station and a user equipment UE, the method comprising: providing user data at the host computer; and initiating, at the host computer, a transmission carrying the user data to the UE via a cellular network including the base station, wherein the UE performs any steps of any embodiment of Group A embodiments.

[0225] Embodiment 30: The method of the previous embodiment further includes receiving user data from the base station at the UE.

[0226] Embodiment 31: A communication system comprising a host computer, comprising: a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment UE to a base station; wherein the UE comprises a radio interface and a processing circuit, the processing circuit of the UE being configured to perform any of the steps of any embodiment of Group A embodiments.

[0227] Example 32: The communication system of the previous embodiment further includes the UE.

[0228] Embodiment 33: The communication system of the previous two embodiments further includes the base station, wherein the base station includes: a radio interface configured to communicate with the UE; and a communication interface configured to forward user data carried by transmission from the UE to the base station to a host computer.

[0229] Embodiment 34: The communication system of the preceding three embodiments, wherein: the processing circuit of the host computer is configured to run a host application; and the processing circuit of the UE is configured to run a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing user data.

[0230] Embodiment 35: The communication system of the preceding four embodiments, wherein: the processing circuit of the host computer is configured to run a host application, thereby providing requested data; and the processing circuit of the UE is configured to run a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing user data in response to the requested data.

[0231] Embodiment 36: A method implemented in a communication system, the communication system comprising a host computer, a base station and a user equipment UE, the method comprising: receiving user data transmitted to the base station from the UE at the host computer, wherein the UE performs any step of the steps of any embodiment of Group A embodiments.

[0232] Embodiment 37: The method of the previous embodiment further includes providing user data to the base station at the UE.

[0233] Embodiment 38: The method of the previous two embodiments further comprises: running a client application at the UE, thereby providing user data to be transmitted; and running a host application associated with the client application at a host computer.

[0234] Example 39: The method of the previous three embodiments further includes: running a client application at the UE; and receiving input data for the client application at the UE, wherein the input data is provided at the host computer by running a host application associated with the client application; wherein the user data to be transmitted is provided by the client application in response to the input data.

[0235] Embodiment 40: A communication system comprising a host computer, comprising: a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment UE to a base station, wherein the base station comprises a radio interface and a processing circuit, the processing circuit of the base station being configured to perform any of the steps of any embodiment of Group B.

[0236] Embodiment 41: The communication system of the previous embodiment further includes the base station.

[0237] Embodiment 42: The communication system of the previous two embodiments further includes the UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with the base station.

[0238] Embodiment 43: The communication system of the preceding three embodiments, wherein: the processing circuit of the host computer is configured to run a host application; and the UE is configured to run a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing user data for receipt by the host computer.

[0239] Embodiment 44: A method implemented in a communication system comprising a host computer, a base station and a user equipment UE, the method comprising: receiving at the host computer from the base station user data originating from a transmission that the base station has received from the UE, wherein the UE performs any of the steps of any embodiment of Group A embodiments.

[0240] Embodiment 45: The method of the previous embodiment further includes receiving user data from the UE at the base station.

[0241] Embodiment 46: The method of the previous two embodiments further comprises initiating, at the base station, transmission of the received user data to the host computer.

[0242] At least some of the following abbreviations may be used in this disclosure. If there is a conflict between an abbreviation, then priority should be given to how it is used above. If listed multiple times below, the first listing should take precedence over any (one or more) subsequent listings.

[0243] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0244] 5G fifth generation

[0245] 5GC fifth generation core

[0246] 5GS fifth generation system

[0247] AMF access and mobility functions

[0248] AN Access Network

[0249] AP access point

[0250] ASIC Application-Specific Integrated Circuit

[0251] AUSF authentication server function

[0252] BS base station

[0253] CCA Clear Channel Assessment

[0254] COT Channel Occupancy Time

[0255] CPU Central Processing Unit

[0256] CSI-RS Channel State Information Reference Signal

[0257] DRS Discovery Reference Signal

[0258] DRX Discontinuous Transmission

[0259] DSP digital signal processor

[0260] eNB Enhanced or Evolved Node B

[0261] E-UTRA Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access

[0262] FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array

[0263] gNB new air interface base station

[0264] gNB-DU new air interface base station distributed unit

[0265] HSS Home Subscriber Server

[0266] IAB integrated access backhaul

[0267] IoT

[0268] LBT Listen before speaking

[0269] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0270] LTE-LAA Long Term Evolution-Licensing Assisted Access

[0271] MCOT Maximum Channel Occupancy Time

[0272] MME Mobility Management Entity

[0273] MSR Multi-Standard Radio

[0274] MTC Machine Type Communication

[0275] NEF network open function

[0276] NF Network Function

[0277] NR New Radio

[0278] NRF Network Function Repository functionality

[0279] NSSF network slice selection function

[0280] OTT Over-the-Top

[0281] PBCH Physical Broadcast Channel

[0282] PC personal computer

[0283] Pcell Primary Cell

[0284] PCF Policy Control Function

[0285] P-GW Packet Data Network Gateway

[0286] PRACH Physical Random Access Channel

[0287] PSCell Primary Secondary Cell

[0288] RACH Random Access Channel

[0289] RAM Random Access Memory

[0290] RAN Radio Access Network

[0291] RLF Radio Link Failure

[0292] RLM Radio Link Monitoring

[0293] RNC Radio Network Controller

[0294] ROM Read Only Memory

[0295] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0296] RRH Remote Radio Head

[0297] RRM Radio Resource Measurement

[0298] SCEF service capability exposure function

[0299] SCell Secondary Cell

[0300] SMF session management capabilities

[0301] SMTC measurement timing configuration

[0302] SRS Sounding Reference Signal

[0303] SS synchronization signal

[0304] SSB Synchronous Signal Block

[0305] UDM unified data management

[0306] UE User Equipment

[0307] UPF User Plane Function

[0308] Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modifications to the embodiments of the present disclosure.All such improvements and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method performed by a wireless device, the method comprising: Determining (800) an operation opportunity period value of a signal received for a clear channel assessment CCA for transmission; determining (802) a correlation between at least the determined operating opportunity period value and a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for delivering the signal; determining ( 804 ) the maximum number of allowed CCA failures for the determined operating opportunity period value based on the determined correlation between the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures; as well as One or more operational tasks are performed (806) based on the determined maximum number of allowed CCA failures.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein Performing (806) one or more operational tasks includes communicating (806a) the signal with the network node based on the determined maximum number of allowed CCA failures.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: If the maximum number of allowed CCA failures is exceeded, then perform (808) one or more of the following tasks: resuming the operation associated with delivering the signal; ceasing said operation associated with delivering said signal; Declare radio link failure RLF; Triggering a cell change; Triggering measurements on another cell or another carrier; Declare a measurement failure; Use approximate indications to report measurements; suspending transmission in the uplink; as well as Transmitting in the uplink with a transmit timing error that is greater than a timing error allowed when the maximum number of allowed CCA failures is not exceeded.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein: Determining (800) the operating opportunity period value includes determining (800) the operating opportunity period value based on at least one of: Predefined configuration information; and Configuration information received from the network node.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein: The network node comprises a serving base station; and Determining (800) the operating opportunity period value includes determining (800) the operating opportunity period value based on configuration information received from the network node in a radio resource control, RRC, message or in a system information, SI, message.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: Determining (802) the association between at least the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures includes determining (802) the association between at least the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures based on a rule.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The rules are predefined.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein: The rules are determined by the wireless device based on the configuration information received from the network node.

9. The method according to any one of claims 2, 4 and 5, wherein: Determining (802) the association between at least the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures includes determining (802) the association between at least the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures based on one or more of the following parameters: a type of procedure associated with communicating (806) the signal, wherein the type of procedure comprises at least one of a cell change, a cell reselection, a handover, a measurement, and an operation using discontinuous transmission (DRX); a direction of the signal communicated with the network node, wherein the direction comprises at least one of an uplink operation and a downlink operation; The type of the signal transmitted with the network node, wherein the type of signal includes at least one of a synchronization signal block (SSB), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), a random access channel (RACH) signal, a sounding reference signal (SRS), an SI signal, and a paging signal; a periodic receiver activity pattern or a periodic transmitter activity pattern of said signals communicated with said network node; a measurement mode, a measurement period value, a measurement cycle, and a measurement gap pattern of the signal communicated with the network node; a type of a cell of the network node, wherein the type of the cell comprises at least one of a primary cell (PCell), a primary secondary cell (PScell), and a secondary cell (Scell); and Availability of historical data related to CCA success and / or failure on associated carriers used to communicate (806) RF signals with the network node.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: Determining (804) the maximum number of CCA failures allowed for the determined operating opportunity period value includes determining (804a) the maximum number of CCA failures allowed for the determined operating opportunity period value based on a predefined table, the predefined table including: at least one first value of a maximum number of allowed CCA failures corresponding to at least one first value of the operational opportunity period value; and at least one second value of a maximum number of allowed CCA failures corresponding to at least one second value of the operational opportunity period value; in: the at least one second value of the maximum number of allowed CCA failures being greater than the at least one first value of the maximum number of allowed CCA failures; and The at least one second value of the operating opportunity period value is greater than the at least one first value of the operating opportunity period value.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The operation opportunity cycle value includes: Physical random access channel PRACH configuration period value; PRACH period value; The radio resource measurement RRM measurement timing configuration SMTC period value based on the synchronization signal block SSB; Discontinuous Transmission (DRX) cycle value; and Channel State Information Reference Signal CSI-RS periodicity value.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein: Determining (802) the association between at least the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures for delivering the signal comprises: determining (802aa, 502) a radio resource control, RRC state, RRC_state, of the wireless device configured to communicate the signal based on the determined operating opportunity period value; and The association between the determined operating opportunity period value, the RRC_state, and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures for delivering the signal is determined (802ab, 504).

13. The method of claim 1, wherein: Determining (802) the association between at least the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures for delivering the signal comprises: determining (802ba, 602) information related to measurement capabilities of the wireless device; and The association between the determined operating opportunity period value, the measurement capability, and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures for delivering the signal is determined (802bb, 604).

14. The method of claim 13, wherein: Determining (802ba) the information related to the measurement capabilities of the wireless device includes determining (802ba) the information related to the measurement capabilities of the wireless device based on one or more of the following: the number of carriers that the wireless device is configured to monitor; the number of carriers the wireless device is configured to support; and The number of neighboring cells that the wireless device has identified and is monitoring.

15. A wireless device (1300), comprising: The processing circuit (1302) is configured to: Determining (800) an operation opportunity period value of a signal received for a clear channel assessment CCA for transmission; determining (802) a correlation between at least the determined operating opportunity period value and a maximum number of allowed CCA failures for delivering the signal; determining ( 804 ) the maximum number of allowed CCA failures for the determined operating opportunity period value based on the determined correlation between the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures; as well as performing (806) one or more operational tasks based on the determined maximum number of allowed CCA failures; as well as The power supply circuit is configured to supply power to the wireless device.

16. The wireless device of claim 15, wherein: The processing circuit (1302) is further configured to perform any of the steps performed by the wireless device (1302) in any of claims 2 to 14.

17. A method performed by a base station, the method comprising: determining (700) a correlation between an operating opportunity period value and a maximum number of allowed clear channel assessment (CCA) failures for a transmitted signal; determining ( 702 ) the maximum number of allowed CCA failures for the determined operating opportunity period value based on the determined correlation between the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures; as well as The wireless device is configured (704) to perform one or more operational tasks based on the determined association.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising sending (706) a message including the determined association to the wireless device.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein: Configuring (704) the wireless device to perform one or more operational tasks includes configuring (704-1) the wireless device to communicate the signal based on the determined association.

20. A base station (1000), comprising: A control system (1002) is configured to: determining (700) a correlation between an operating opportunity period value and a maximum number of allowed clear channel assessment (CCA) failures for a transmitted signal; determining ( 702 ) the maximum number of allowed CCA failures for the determined operating opportunity period value based on the determined correlation between the determined operating opportunity period value and the maximum number of allowed CCA failures; as well as The wireless device is configured (704) to communicate the signal based on the determined association.

21. The base station (1000) of claim 20, wherein: The control system (1002) is further configured to communicate (706) a message including the determined association to the wireless device.

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