Flexible frequency hopping

Abstract

The present disclosure describes methods, apparatuses, and systems for implementing a flexible frequency hopping mechanism. In one example aspect, a wireless communication method is disclosed. The method includes: a communication device receiving a first message from a network device. The first message includes a frequency hopping offset list and a value indicating a number of repetitions of data transmission. The method further includes: the communication device receiving a second message that selects a frequency hopping offset from the frequency hopping offset list, and applying a plurality of frequency hopping offsets to the number of repetitions of the data transmission. The plurality of frequency hopping offsets are determined according to a rule associated with the selected frequency hopping offset.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent document generally relates to wireless communication. Background Art

[0002] Mobile communication technology is moving the world towards an increasingly interconnected and networked society. The rapid growth of mobile communication and the advancement of technology have led to a greater demand for capacity and connectivity. Other aspects, such as energy consumption, device cost, spectral efficiency, and latency, are also important for meeting the requirements of various communication scenarios. Currently, various technologies are being discussed, including new ways to provide higher quality of service, longer battery life, and improved performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Among other things, this patent document describes techniques for implementing a flexible frequency hopping mechanism. In an advantageous aspect, in some embodiments, these techniques can be used to increase frequency diversity gain and achieve better channel estimation performance than traditional techniques.

[0004] In an exemplary aspect, a wireless communication method is disclosed. The method includes: a communication device receiving a first message from a network device. The first message includes a frequency hopping offset list and a value indicating a number of repetitions of data transmission. The method further includes: the communication device receiving a second message that selects a frequency hopping offset from the frequency hopping offset list, and applying a plurality of frequency hopping offsets to the number of repetitions of the data transmission. The plurality of frequency hopping offsets are determined according to a rule associated with the selected frequency hopping offset.

[0005] In another exemplary aspect, a wireless communication method is disclosed. The method includes: a network device transmitting a first message to a communication device, the first message including a frequency hopping offset list and a value indicating a number of repetitions of data transmission; and the network device transmitting a second message indicating a selected frequency hopping offset in the frequency hopping offset list, so that the communication device can apply a plurality of frequency hopping offsets to the number of repetitions of the data transmission, wherein the plurality of frequency hopping offsets are determined according to a rule associated with the selected frequency hopping offset.

[0006] In another exemplary aspect, a communication device is disclosed. The device includes a processor configured to implement the above method.

[0007] In yet another exemplary aspect, a computer program storage medium is disclosed. The computer program storage medium includes code stored thereon. The code, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement the described method.

[0008] This document describes these and other aspects. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Figure 1 Shows an example signaling procedure for configuring frequency hopping in transmission repetitions according to one or more embodiments of the present technology.

[0010] Figure 2 Shows an example of in-slot frequency hopping.

[0011] Figure 3 Shows an example of inter-slot frequency hopping.

[0012] Figure 4 Shows an example of in-slot frequency hopping according to one or more embodiments of the present technology.

[0013] Figure 5 Shows another example of in-slot frequency hopping according to one or more embodiments of the present technology.

[0014] Figure 6 Shows another example of in-slot frequency hopping according to one or more embodiments of the present technology.

[0015] Figure 7 Shows an example of inter-slot frequency hopping according to one or more embodiments of the present technology.

[0016] Figure 8 Shows yet another example of in-slot frequency hopping according to one or more embodiments of the present technology.

[0017] Figure 9 Shows an example of demodulation reference signal transmission according to one or more embodiments of the present technology.

[0018] Figure 10 Is a flowchart of a method for wireless communication according to one or more embodiments of the present technology.

[0019] Figure 11 Is a flowchart of another method for wireless communication according to one or more embodiments of the present technology.

[0020] Figure 12 Shows an example of a wireless communication system in which the technology according to one or more embodiments of the present technology can be applied.

[0021] Figure 13 Is a block diagram representation of a part of a radio station in which the technology according to one or more embodiments of the present technology can be applied. Detailed Description

[0022] The use of section headings in this document is only for readability and does not limit the scope of the embodiments and technologies disclosed in each section to that section alone. Some features are described using the example of the fifth generation (5G) wireless protocol. However, the applicability of the disclosed technology is not limited to only 5G wireless systems.

[0023] Frequency hopping is one of the techniques that can be used to improve uplink performance by providing frequency diversity and interference averaging. In a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) system, frequency hopping can be performed between subframes (inter-subframe) or within subframes (intra-subframe). In a 5G system, frequency hopping has been extended to between time slots (inter-slot frequency hopping) and / or within time slots (intra-slot frequency hopping). Additionally, to avoid transmitting long transmissions on the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) across time slot boundaries, a User Equipment (UE) can perform small transmissions on the PUSCH in a number of repetitions scheduled by an uplink (UL) grant or a Radio Resource Configuration (RRC) message in consecutive available time slots. For example, an AggregationFactor is used to allow a Downlink Control Indication (DCI) message to schedule multiple consecutive uplink time slots or mini-slots for the PUSCH. The number of consecutive time slots or mini-slots can be 2 or 4 or 8. The number of time slots or mini-slots can be determined by the RRC parameter pusch-AggregationFactor. Table 1 shows an example redundancy version for PUSCH transmission.

[0024] Table 1 Redundancy Versions for PUSCH Transmission

[0025]

[0026] Figure 1 An example signaling procedure 100 for configuring frequency hopping in transmission repetitions according to one or more embodiments of the present technology is shown.

[0027] Operation 101: A network device (e.g., a base station eNB / gNB) transmits RRC information to the UE. The RRC information includes at least parameters such as an AggregationFactor for a number of repetitions and a frequency hopping offset list (e.g., pusch-AggregationFactor and frequencyHoppingOffsetLists or frequencyHoppingOffsetListsForDCI-Format0-2-r16).

[0028] Operation 102: The network device (e.g., a base station eNB / gNB) transmits DCI signaling to schedule a UL grant. The format of the DCI signaling can be 0-0, 0-1, or 0-2. The DCI can include a flag indicating whether frequency hopping is enabled. The DCI can also indicate which frequency hopping offset to use.

[0029] Operation 103: The UE determines the RB offsets for different frequency hops and performs PUSCH transmission accordingly.

[0030] Traditionally, the same frequency hop offset is used for all frequency hops. In the case of in-slot frequency hopping, the starting resource block (RB) in each frequency hop is given by:

[0031]

[0032] Here, i = 0 and i = 1 are the first frequency hop and the second frequency hop respectively, RB 起始 is the starting RB within the UL BWP, calculated from the resource block allocation information of resource allocation type 1, and RB 偏移 is the frequency hop offset of the RB between these two frequency hops. The number of symbols in the first frequency hop is given by and the number of symbols in the second frequency hop is given by where, is the length of the PUSCH transmission in OFDM symbols within one time slot. Figure 2 shows an example of in-slot frequency hopping. In this example, as Figure 1 shown, the RB offset 1 is indicated by DCI signaling in operation 102. The same RB offset is applied to all repetitions for frequency hop 2.

[0033] In the case of inter-slot frequency hopping, the starting RB during time slot is given by:

[0034]

[0035] Here, is the current time slot number within the radio frame where multi-time slot PUSCH transmission can be performed, RB start is the starting RB within the UL BWP, calculated from the resource block allocation information of resource allocation type 1, and RB offset is the frequency hop offset of the RB between these two frequency hops. Figure 3 shows an example of inter-slot frequency hopping. In this example, as Figure 1 shown, the RB offset 2 is indicated by DCI signaling in operation 102. The same RB offset is applied to all repetitions for frequency hop 2.

[0036] Increasing the frequency hopping for PUSCH can improve performance as it can provide frequency diversity gain. However, as Figures 2 to 3As shown, currently only one offset can be used for different frequency hops in a repetition, which may potentially lead to inter-cell interference. To mitigate inter-cell interference, especially for UEs located at the cell edge, a more flexible frequency pattern is needed. This patent document discloses a flexible frequency hopping mechanism that increases the frequency diversity gain and achieves better channel estimation performance. The disclosed technology can be used in combination with current frequency hopping methods (e.g., slot-based repeated PUSCH repetition type A and / or mini-slot-based repeated PUSCH repetition type B) to reduce inter-cell interference in appropriate situations. The disclosed technology can also be extended to support more frequency hopping offsets (e.g., 8, 16, or even 32 offsets) for future generations of wireless communication technologies.

[0037] In some embodiments, in addition to the intra-slot frequency hopping method and the inter-slot frequency hopping method, additional frequency hopping patterns can be provided. For example, a separate pattern (e.g., intraInterMixedSlot) can be indicated in the RRC signaling (e.g., in operation 101 as shown Figure 1 .

[0038] frequencyHopping ENUMERATED{intraSlot,interSlot,intraInterMixedSlot}OPTIONAL,--Need S

[0039] Currently, up to four offset values can be configured by the RRC signaling. However, more offsets can be supported to allow for flexible use of frequency hopping. For example, a list of eight offset values can be indicated as follows:

[0040] frequencyHoppingOffsetLists SEQUENCE(SIZE(1..8))OF INTEGER(1..maxNrofPhysicalResourceBlocks-1)OPTIONAL,--Need M

[0041] For another example, a list of sixteen offset values can be indicated as follows:

[0042] frequencyHoppingOffsetListsForDCI-Format0-2-r16 SEQUENCE(SIZE(1..16))OF INTEGER(1..maxNrofPhysicalResourceBlocks-1)OPTIONAL,--Need M

[0043] When more offset values are included in the RRC signaling, a corresponding number of bits (e.g., three bits for a list of eight values, or four bits for a list of 16 values) can be used in the DCI message to indicate at least one frequency hopping offset.

[0044] Instead of restricting the selection of a single offset value from the list, multiple offsets from the offset value list can be employed to allow variable frequency hopping patterns. Figure 4 An example of in-slot frequency hopping 400 according to one or more embodiments of the present technology is shown. In Figure 4 the example shown, the frequencyHoppingOffsetLists is configured as {offset1, offset2, offset3, offset4} ({Offset1, Offset2, Offset3, Offset4}). Different offsets for different frequency hops can be determined based on a predetermined rule (e.g., default order or configured by a network device). In this example, offset1 is applied to frequency hop 2, offset2 is applied to frequency hop 3, and offset3 is applied to frequency hop 4.

[0045] Figure 5 Another example 500 of in-slot frequency hopping according to one or more embodiments of the present technology is shown. Different offsets for different frequency hops can be determined based on the arrangement order of the offsets in the list. In this example, the frequencyHoppingOffsetLists is configured as {offset1, offset2, offset3, offset4}. Two bits of the DCI message can be used to indicate the initial offset to be used: N UL_跳频 = 2 (e.g., "10" in binary) represents offset3. The offsets to be used start in the order of their arrangement in the list: offset3, offset4, offset1, offset2. In this example, offset3 is applied to frequency hop 2, offset4 is applied to frequency hop 3, and offset1 is applied to frequency hop 4.

[0046] Figure 6 Another example 600 of in-slot frequency hopping according to one or more embodiments of the present technology is shown. This example is similar to Figure 5 the example shown, except that the transmission includes eight instead of four repetitions. Here, the frequencyHoppingOffsetLists is also configured as {offset1, offset2, offset3, offset4}. Two bits of the DCI message can be used to indicate the initial offset to be used: N UL_跳频 = 2 (e.g., "10" in binary) represents offset3. The offsets to be used start in the order of their arrangement in the list: offset3, offset4, offset1, offset2. In this example, offset3 is applied to frequency hop 2, offset4 is applied to frequency hop 3, and offset1 is applied to frequency hop 4; then, these offsets will be repeated for subsequent frequency hopping cycles.

[0047] Figure 7 shows an example 700 of inter-slot frequency hopping according to one or more embodiments of the present technology. Similar to Figure 5 the example shown, different offsets for different frequency hops can be determined based on the permutation order offset in the list. In this example, frequencyHoppingOffsetLists is configured as {offset 1, offset 2, offset 3, offset 4}. Two bits of the DCI message can be used to indicate the initial offset to be used: N UL_跳频 = 2 (e.g., binary "10") indicates offset 3. The offsets to be used start in the order they appear in the list: offset 3, offset 4, offset 1, offset 2. In this example, offset 3 is applied to frequency hop 2, offset 4 is applied to the next frequency hop 1, and offset 1 is applied to the next frequency hop 2.

[0048] Figure 8 shows yet another example 800 of intra-slot frequency hopping according to one or more embodiments of the present technology. Different offsets for different frequency hops can be determined based on the permutation order offset in the list. In this example, frequencyHoppingOffsetLists is configured as {offset 1, offset 2, offset 3, offset 4}. Two bits of the DCI message can be used to indicate the initial offset to be used: N UL_跳频 = 2 (e.g., binary "10") indicates offset 3. In this example, a predetermined rule stipulates that no offset applies to frequency hop 1. The rule further stipulates that the offsets are applied to the other frequency hops in the following order: offset 3, offset 4, offset 1, offset 2. In this example, offset 3 is applied to frequency hop 2, offset 4 is applied to frequency hop 3, offset 1 is applied to frequency hop 4, and offset 2 is applied to frequency hop 5. As shown in the above examples, the combination of DCI signaling and the predetermined rule allows various frequency hopping patterns to be used for uplink transmission to minimize interference and improve channel estimation performance.

[0049] In some embodiments, the UE needs to determine the support for using the multiple frequency hopping offsets (e.g., to distinguish from traditional UEs that only support intra-slot / inter-slot frequency hopping). In some embodiments, the support is indicated by the network device at least in a radio resource control (RRC) message, a media access control (MAC) message, or a downlink control indication (DCI) message (e.g., using a specific format of the DCI message). In some embodiments, the support is indicated in the capability information of the communication device. As another example, the support can be indicated by a radio network temporary identifier associated with the communication device.

[0050] In some embodiments, the Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) may be transmitted as part of the PUSCH transmission. To reduce signaling overhead, the Demodulation Reference Signal may be transmitted only in a subset of the several repetitions. Figure 9 An example of DMRS transmission 900 according to one or more embodiments of the present technology is shown. The data transmission includes M repetitions (e.g., four repetitions). The DMRS is transmitted only in N repetitions (e.g., the first two repetitions) and omitted in the remaining repetitions. In some embodiments, each frequency hopping may include K repetitions (e.g., two repetitions as Figure 9 shown). The DMRS may be transmitted in L repetitions (e.g., the first repetition) and omitted in the remaining repetitions. The values of M, N, K, and L may be configured by the network device.

[0051] Figure 10 FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method 1000 for wireless communication according to one or more embodiments of the present technology. The method 1000 includes: at operation 1010, a communication device receives a first message from a network device, the first message including a frequency hopping offset list and a value indicating a number of repetitions of data transmission. The method 1000 includes: at operation 1020, the communication device receives a second message that selects a frequency hopping offset from the frequency hopping offset list. The method 1000 includes: at operation 1030, applying a plurality of frequency hopping offsets to the number of repetitions of the data transmission. The plurality of frequency hopping offsets are determined according to rules associated with the selected frequency hopping offset. The number of repetitions may be time slot-based repetitions or mini-slot-based repetitions. In some embodiments, the network device may be implemented as a base station (e.g., eNB / gNB), and the communication device may be implemented as a UE.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first message further includes a mode indicating the use of the plurality of frequency hopping offsets in the data transmission. In some embodiments, the method includes: the communication device determines support for using the plurality of frequency hopping offsets for the network device. In some embodiments, the support is indicated by the network device at least in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, a Media Access Control (MAC) message, or a Downlink Control Indication (DCI) message. In some embodiments, the support is indicated in the capability information of the communication device. In some embodiments, the support is indicated by a Radio Network Temporary Identifier associated with the communication device.

[0053] In some embodiments, the hopping offset list includes four, eight, or sixteen hopping offsets. In some embodiments, the selected hopping offset is indicated using two, three, or four bits in the second message. In some embodiments, the application of the plurality of hopping offsets includes: applying each of the plurality of hopping offsets to a corresponding repetition in the data transmission. In some embodiments, the first hopping offset among the plurality of hopping offsets is the selected hopping offset. In some embodiments, the rule specifies determining the plurality of hopping offsets according to the arrangement order of the hopping offsets in the hopping offset list. In some embodiments, the rule specifies determining the plurality of hopping offsets according to a predefined hopping offset order. In some embodiments, the rule can be configured by the network device.

[0054] In some embodiments, the data transmission further includes transmitting a demodulation reference signal. In some embodiments, the demodulation reference signal is transmitted in a subset of the several repetitions. In some embodiments, the data transmission includes M repetitions, wherein the demodulation reference signal is transmitted in N repetitions and omitted in the remaining M - N repetitions, where N and M are positive integers. In some embodiments, the data transmission includes M repetitions for each hopping, wherein the demodulation reference signal is transmitted in N repetitions for each hopping and omitted in the remaining M - N repetitions for each hopping, where N and M are positive integers. In some embodiments, N and M are configured by the network device.

[0055] Figure 11 is a flowchart of a method 1100 for wireless communication according to one or more embodiments of the present technology. Method 1100 includes: at operation 1110, a network device transmits a first message to a communication device. The first message includes a hopping offset list and a value indicating several repetitions of the data transmission. Method 1100 includes: at operation 1120, the network device transmits a second message indicating a selected hopping offset in the hopping offset list, so that the communication device can apply a plurality of hopping offsets to the several repetitions of the data transmission. The plurality of hopping offsets are determined according to a rule associated with the selected hopping offset. The several repetitions can be slot - based repetitions or mini - slot - based repetitions. In some embodiments, the network device can be implemented as a base station (e.g., eNB / gNB), and the communication device can be implemented as a UE.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first message further includes a pattern indicating the use of the plurality of frequency hopping offsets in the data transmission. In some embodiments, the support for using the plurality of frequency hopping offsets is indicated by the network device at least in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, a Media Access Control (MAC) message, or a Downlink Control Indication (DCI) message. In some embodiments, the frequency hopping offset list includes four, eight, or sixteen frequency hopping offsets. In some embodiments, the selected frequency hopping offset is indicated using two, three, or four bits in the second message. In some embodiments, the first frequency hopping offset among the plurality of frequency hopping offsets is the selected frequency hopping offset.

[0057] In some embodiments, the rule specifies determining the plurality of frequency hopping offsets according to the arrangement order of the frequency hopping offsets in the frequency hopping offset list. In some embodiments, the rule specifies determining the plurality of frequency hopping offsets according to a predefined frequency hopping offset order. In some embodiments, the rule can be configured by the network device.

[0058] In some embodiments, the data transmission further includes transmitting a demodulation reference signal. In some embodiments, the demodulation reference signal is transmitted in a subset of the several repetitions. In some embodiments, the data transmission includes M repetitions, where the demodulation reference signal is transmitted in N repetitions and omitted in the remaining M - N repetitions, and N and M are positive integers. In some embodiments, the data transmission includes M repetitions for each frequency hop. The demodulation reference signal is transmitted in N repetitions for each frequency hop and omitted in the remaining M - N repetitions for each frequency hop, and N and M are positive integers. In some embodiments, N and M are configured by the network device.

[0059] Figure 12 An example of a wireless communication system 1200 in which the techniques according to one or more embodiments of the present technology can be applied is shown. The wireless communication system 1200 may include: one or more network devices (BS) 1205a, 1205b, one or more wireless devices 1210a, 1210b, 1210c, 1210d, and a core network 1225. The network devices 1205a, 1205b may provide wireless services to the wireless devices 1210a, 1210b, 1210c, and 1210d in one or more wireless sectors. In some implementations, the network devices 1205a, 1205b include directional antennas for generating two or more directional beams to provide wireless coverage in different sectors.

[0060] The core network 1225 can communicate with one or more network devices 1205a, 1205b. The core network 1225 provides connections to other wireless communication systems and wired communication systems. The core network can include one or more service subscription databases for storing information related to the subscribed wireless devices 1210a, 1210b, 1210c, and 1210d. The first network device 1205a can provide wireless services based on a first radio access technology, while the second network device 1205b can provide wireless services based on a second radio access technology. Depending on the deployment scenario, the network devices 1205a and 1205b can be located at the same location or installed separately on-site. The wireless devices 1210a, 1210b, 1210c, and 1210d can support multiple different radio access technologies. The technologies and embodiments described in this document can be implemented by the base stations of the network devices described in this document.

[0061] Figure 13 is a block diagram representation of a part of a radio station in which the techniques of one or more embodiments according to the present technology can be applied. A radio station 1305 such as a network device or a wireless device (or a communication device) can include processor electronics 1310, such as a microprocessor that implements one or more wireless technologies introduced in this document. The radio station 605 can include transceiver electronics 1315 for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals through one or more communication interfaces such as an antenna 1320. The radio station 1305 can include other communication interfaces for transmitting and receiving data. The radio station 1305 can include one or more memories (not explicitly shown) configured to store information such as data and / or instructions. In some implementations, the processor electronics 1310 can include at least a part of the transceiver electronics 1315. In some embodiments, the techniques, modules, or functions of the present disclosure are implemented using the radio station 1305. In some embodiments, the radio station 1305 can be configured to execute the methods described herein.

[0062] It will be understood that this document discloses techniques that can be implemented in various embodiments to achieve flexible frequency hopping, thereby improving channel estimation performance and reducing inter-cell interference. The disclosed embodiments and other embodiments, the modules and functional operations described in this document can be implemented in digital electronic circuits or in computer software, firmware, or hardware (including the structures disclosed in this document and their structural equivalents), or in a combination of one or more of them. The disclosed embodiments and other embodiments can be implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium for execution by a data processing apparatus or for controlling the operation of a data processing apparatus. The computer-readable medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a composition of matter affecting a machine-readable propagated signal, or a combination of one or more of them. The term "data processing apparatus" encompasses apparatuses, devices, and machines for processing data, including, for example, programmable processors, computers, or multiple processors or computers. In addition to hardware, the apparatus may include code that creates an execution environment for the computer program being discussed, for example, code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more of them. A propagated signal is an artificially generated signal, such as an electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal generated by a machine, which is generated for encoding information for transmission to a suitable receiver device.

[0063] A computer program (also referred to as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and a computer program can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. The program can be stored in a part of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program being discussed, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, subroutines, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to execute on one computer or on multiple computers distributed at one site or across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0064] The processes and logical flows described in this document can be implemented by one or more programmable processors that execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logical flows can also be implemented by a device, and the device can also be implemented as dedicated logic circuitry, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0065] For example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include any one or more processors of general and special microprocessors, as well as any type of digital computer. Generally speaking, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices for storing data (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks), or be operatively coupled to receive data from a mass storage device or transfer data to a mass storage device or both. However, a computer does not necessarily have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices. For example, they include semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. Processors and memories can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special logic circuitry.

[0066] Although this patent document contains many specific details, these details should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or on what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of a particular invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments in this patent document may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented separately in multiple embodiments, or in any suitable sub-combination. Additionally, although features may have been described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, in some cases, one or more features in a claimed combination may be excluded from that combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or a variant of a sub-combination.

[0067] Similarly, although operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood to require that the operations must be performed in the particular order or sequence shown in order to achieve desirable results, or that all of the operations shown must be performed. Also, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described in this patent document should not be understood to require such separation in all embodiments.

[0068] Only some implementations and examples have been described, and based on what is described and illustrated in this patent document, other implementations, improvements, and variations are possible.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: A communication device receives a first message from a network device, wherein the first message includes a hopping offset list and a value indicating a number of repetitions of data transmission; The communication device receives a second message from the network device, the second message indicating a selection of a hopping offset from the hopping offset list; and Applying a plurality of hopping offsets to the number of repetitions of the data transmission, wherein the hopping offsets include a plurality of non-zero hopping offsets such that different non-zero hopping offsets can be applied to different repetitions, and wherein the plurality of non-zero hopping offsets are determined according to a rule associated with the selected hopping offset, the rule specifying an order associated with the plurality of non-zero hopping offsets.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first message further includes a pattern indicating the use of the plurality of hopping offsets in the data transmission.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: The communication device determines support for using the plurality of hopping offsets for the network device.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The support is indicated by the network device at least in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, a Medium Access Control (MAC) message, or a Downlink Control Indication (DCI) message.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The support is indicated in the capability information of the communication device.

6. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The support is indicated by a Radio Network Temporary Identifier associated with the communication device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 4 to 6, wherein, The hopping offset list includes four, eight, or sixteen hopping offsets.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The selected hopping offset is indicated using two, three, or four bits in the second message.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 4 to 6, wherein, The application of the plurality of hopping offsets includes: Applying each of the plurality of hopping offsets to a corresponding repetition in the data transmission.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 4 to 6, wherein, The first hopping offset among the plurality of hopping offsets is the selected hopping offset.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 4 to 6, wherein, The rule specifies determining the plurality of hopping offsets according to the arrangement order of the hopping offsets in the hopping offset list.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 4 to 6, wherein, The rule specifies determining the plurality of hopping offsets according to a predefined hopping offset order.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 4 to 6, wherein, The rule can be configured by the network device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 4 to 6, wherein, The data transmission further includes transmitting a demodulation reference signal.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The demodulation reference signal is transmitted in a subset of the number of repetitions.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein, the data transmission includes M repetitions, wherein the demodulation reference signal is transmitted in N repetitions and omitted in the remaining M - N repetitions, and N and M are positive integers.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein, the data transmission includes M repetitions for each frequency hopping, wherein the demodulation reference signal is transmitted in N repetitions for each frequency hopping and omitted in the remaining M - N repetitions for each frequency hopping, and N and M are positive integers.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, N and M are configured by the network device.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 4 to 6, wherein, the several repetitions include slot - based repetitions or mini - slot - based repetitions.

20. A method for wireless communication, comprising: a network device transmitting a first message to a communication device, wherein the first message includes a frequency hopping offset list and a value indicating the number of repetitions of data transmission; and the network device transmitting a second message indicating a selected frequency hopping offset in the frequency hopping offset list, so that the communication device can apply multiple frequency hopping offsets to the several repetitions of the data transmission, wherein the frequency hopping offsets include multiple non - zero frequency hopping offsets such that different non - zero frequency hopping offsets can be applied to different repetitions, and wherein the multiple non - zero frequency hopping offsets are determined according to a rule associated with the selected frequency hopping offset, and the rule specifies an order associated with the multiple non - zero frequency hopping offsets.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, the first message further includes a mode indicating the use of the multiple frequency hopping offsets in the data transmission.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, the support for using the multiple frequency hopping offsets is indicated by the network device at least in a radio resource control (RRC) message, a media access control (MAC) message, or a downlink control indication (DCI) message.

23. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, the frequency hopping offset list includes four, eight, or sixteen frequency hopping offsets.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, the selected frequency hopping offset is indicated using two, three, or four bits in the second message.

25. The method according to any one of claims 20, 21, or 24, wherein, the first frequency hopping offset among the multiple frequency hopping offsets is the selected frequency hopping offset.

26. The method according to any one of claims 20, 21, or 24, wherein, the rule stipulates that the multiple frequency hopping offsets are determined according to the arrangement order of the frequency hopping offsets in the frequency hopping offset list.

27. The method according to any one of claims 20, 21, or 24, wherein, the rule stipulates that the multiple frequency hopping offsets are determined according to a predefined frequency hopping offset order.

28. The method according to any one of claims 20, 21, or 24, wherein, the rule can be configured by the network device.

29. The method according to any one of claims 20, 21 or 24, wherein, the data transmission further includes transmitting a demodulation reference signal.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein, the demodulation reference signal is transmitted in a subset of the plurality of repetitions.

31. The method according to claim 29, wherein, the data transmission includes M repetitions, wherein the demodulation reference signal is transmitted in N repetitions and omitted in the remaining M - N repetitions, and N and M are positive integers.

32. The method according to claim 29, wherein, the data transmission includes M repetitions for each frequency hopping, wherein the demodulation reference signal is transmitted in N repetitions for each frequency hopping and omitted in the remaining M - N repetitions for each frequency hopping, and N and M are positive integers.

33. The method according to claim 31 or 32, wherein, N and M are configured by the network device.

34. The method according to any one of claims 20, 21 or 24, wherein, the plurality of repetitions includes repetition based on time slots or repetition based on mini - time slots.

35. A communication device, comprising a processor configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 34.

36. A computer program product having code stored thereon, the code causing the processor to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 34 when executed by the processor.

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