Method and apparatus for license-free uplink communication

Abstract

Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for license-free uplink communication may be applicable to communication systems, such as wireless communication systems. In one example, a method for license-free uplink communication may include: a user equipment requesting multiple instances of configured grants, each of the instances having at least one of a specific resource level, repetition, and period. The method may further include: the user equipment receiving a pre-allocation of the multiple instances of the requested configured grants with at least one of the specific resource level, repetition, and period. The method may further include: the user equipment transmitting data according to the pre-allocation. In some examples, the transmitted data may include: transmitting at a variable data rate up to the level provided by the pre-allocation according to the needs of the user equipment.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 978,707, filed on February 19, 2020, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses and methods for license - free uplink communication, which may be applicable to communication systems, such as wireless communication systems. Background Art

[0004] In a wireless communication system, applications in each user equipment may generate data packets for transmission. The user equipment may communicate the data packets according to a schedule set by network elements such as base stations, access points, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for license - free uplink communication are disclosed herein. These apparatuses may be implemented differently as user equipment, system - on - a - chip, or components or sub - components, such as its protocol stack.

[0006] For example, a method for license - free uplink communication may include: a user equipment requests multiple instances of configured grants, each of the instances having at least one of a specific resource level, repetition, and period. The method may further include: the user equipment receives a pre - allocation of the multiple instances of the requested configured grants with at least one of the specific resource level, repetition, and period. The method may further include: the user equipment transmits data according to the pre - allocation. In some embodiments, the transmitted data may include: transmitting at a variable data rate up to the level provided by the pre - allocation according to the needs of the user equipment.

[0007] Again, for example, a method for controlling license - free uplink communication may include: receiving, from a user equipment, a request for multiple instances of configured grants, each of the instances having at least one of a specific resource level, repetition, and period. The method may further include: pre - allocating to the user equipment multiple instances of configured grants with at least one of the specific resource level, repetition, and period. The method may further include: receiving data subsequently transmitted by the user equipment according to the pre - allocation. In some embodiments, data may be transmitted from the user equipment at a variable data rate up to the level provided by the pre - allocation according to the needs of the user equipment.

[0008] For another example, a device for license-free uplink communication, such as a user equipment, may include: at least one processor and at least one memory having computer program instructions. The memory and the computer program instructions may be configured to, by means of the at least one processor, cause the device to at least request multiple instances of configured authorization, each of the instances having at least one of a specific resource level, repetition, and period. The memory and the computer program instructions may also be configured to, by means of the at least one processor, cause the device to at least receive a pre-allocation of the multiple instances of the requested configured authorization with at least one of the specific resource level, repetition, and period. The memory and the computer program instructions may further be configured to, by means of the at least one processor, cause the device to at least transmit data according to the pre-allocation. In some embodiments, the transmitted data may include: transmitting at a variable data rate up to the level provided by the pre-allocation according to the needs of the user equipment.

[0009] For yet another example, a device for controlling license-free uplink communication, such as a base station or an access point, may include: at least one processor and at least one memory having computer program instructions. The memory and the computer program instructions may be configured to, by means of the at least one processor, cause the device to at least receive a request for multiple instances of configured authorization from a user equipment, each of the instances having at least one of a specific resource level, repetition, and period. The memory and the computer program instructions may also be configured to, by means of the at least one processor, cause the device to at least pre-allocate multiple instances of configured authorization to the user equipment with at least one of the specific resource level, repetition, and period. The memory and the computer program instructions may further be configured to, by means of the at least one processor, cause the device to at least receive data subsequently transmitted by the user equipment according to the pre-allocation. In some embodiments, data may be transmitted from the user equipment at a variable data rate up to the level provided by the pre-allocation according to the needs of the user equipment.

[0010] For yet another example, non-transitory computer-readable media may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a method for license-free uplink communication. The method may include: a user equipment requesting multiple instances of configured authorization, each of the instances having at least one of a specific resource level, repetition, and period. The method may also include: the user equipment receiving a pre-allocation of the multiple instances of the requested configured authorization with at least one of the specific resource level, repetition, and period. The method may additionally include: the user equipment transmitting data according to the pre-allocation. In some embodiments, the transmitted data may include: transmitting at a variable data rate up to the level provided by the pre-allocation according to the needs of the user equipment.

[0011] For yet another example, instructions can be encoded on a non-transitory computer-readable medium that, when executed in hardware, perform a method for controlling license-free uplink communication. The method can include: receiving, from a user equipment, a request for a plurality of instances of configured grants, each of the instances having at least one of a specific resource level, a repetition, and a period. The method can further include: pre-assigning to the user equipment a plurality of instances of configured grants at at least one of the specific resource level, the repetition, and the period. The method can further include: receiving data subsequently transmitted by the user equipment in accordance with the pre-assignment. In some embodiments, data can be transmitted from the user equipment at a variable data rate up to a level provided by the pre-assignment, depending on the needs of the user equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The drawings incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the specification, further serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure and enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1 Illustrates a fifth generation new radio uplink media access control transmission using dynamic grant allocation.

[0014] Figure 2 Illustrates a fifth generation new radio uplink media access control transmission using dynamic grant allocation.

[0015] Figure 3 Illustrates an adaptable uplink media access control scheme for fast, license-free, low-latency data transmission according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 Illustrates another example of an adaptable uplink media access control scheme for fast, license-free, low-latency data transmission according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5 Illustrates a signal flow diagram of a method according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 Illustrates a method according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 7 Illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus including a baseband chip, a radio frequency (RF) chip, and a host chip according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, in which some aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented.

[0020] Figure 8An exemplary wireless network that can incorporate license-free uplink communication in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, in which some aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0021] Figure 9 A node that can implement license-free uplink communication or its control in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Description

[0022] Although specific configurations and arrangements are discussed, it should be understood that the above discussion is for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other configurations and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that the present disclosure can also be used in a variety of other applications.

[0023] Note that in the specification, the phrases "an embodiment", "embodiments", "example embodiments", "some embodiments", etc., indicate that the described embodiments may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but each embodiment does not necessarily include the specific feature, structure, or characteristic. In addition, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described as being related to an embodiment, whether explicitly described or not, those skilled in the relevant art can implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in combination with other embodiments.

[0024] In general, terms can be understood at least in part from their use in the context. For example, the term "one or more" used herein can, at least in part, depending on the context, be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense, or can be used to describe a combination of features, structures, or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, at least in part depending on the context, the terms "a", "an", or "the" can also be understood to express a singular usage or a plural usage. In addition, at least in part depending on the context, the term "based on" can also be understood to not necessarily be for expressing a set of exclusive factors, but to allow for additional factors that may not be explicitly described.

[0025] Aspects of a wireless communication system will now be described with reference to various devices and methods. These devices and methods will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the drawings in various blocks, modules, units, components, circuits, steps, operations, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). These elements can be implemented using electronic hardware, firmware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether these elements are implemented as hardware, firmware, or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0026] The techniques described in this disclosure can be used in various wireless communication networks, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) systems, and other networks. The terms "network" and "system" are often used interchangeably. CDMA networks can implement radio access technologies (RATs), such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) and CDMA 2000, etc. TDMA networks can implement RATs such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). OFDMA networks can implement RATs such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or New Radio (NR). The techniques and systems described in this disclosure can be used in the wireless networks and RATs mentioned above, as well as other wireless networks and RATs. Similarly, the techniques and systems described in this disclosure can also be applied to wired networks, such as networks based on optical fiber, coaxial cable, or twisted pair, or to satellite networks.

[0027] According to existing standards, a user equipment (UE) can be preconfigured with a single configured grant configuration with a specific periodic interval, and a specific resource allocation in time and frequency. In addition, the network can pre-allocate proactive grants for the user equipment continuously or at periodic intervals. For example, in a fifth-generation (5G) cellular wireless modem, the user equipment can transmit uplink data packets through resource allocation scheduled by the network / base station.

[0028] In dynamic allocation, the UE sends a scheduling request to the network at specific scheduling request (SR) periodic transmission opportunities on the Physical Uplink (UL) Control Channel (PUCCH). The network then runs an uplink scheduling algorithm to allocate resources for the user equipment through Downlink (DL) Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) Downlink Control Indicator (DCI) information. This UL grant may arrive after several SR requests from the user equipment. The user equipment can retransmit the SR request several times at allowed time intervals and only at periodic PUCCH SR transmission opportunities. The UL grant schedules data transmission on the PUSCH for the UE. Therefore, there may be a long delay from the time a data packet arrives at the modem L2 buffer to the time it is ready to be sent on the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

[0029] Figure 1 Shows a fifth-generation new radio uplink media access control transmission using dynamic grant allocation. As Figure 1As shown, after the periodic scheduling request transmission opportunity on the physical uplink control channel, application data packets may arrive. Therefore, the user equipment may send a first scheduling request at the first subsequent opportunity. The user equipment may then be within the scheduling request prohibition timer for a period of time, and thus cannot send another scheduling request during this period. Once the timer expires, the user equipment may resend the scheduling request. Once again, the user equipment may be within the scheduling request prohibition timer, and thus may miss additional scheduling request opportunities. Finally, the user equipment may resend the scheduling request again, and may receive authorization for uplink dynamic resource allocation via PDCCH DCI during the prohibition timer. Therefore, the user equipment may then send the application data packet during the PUSCH scheduled for data transmission.

[0030] For latency-sensitive low-latency applications including URLLC, such a dynamic allocation scheme may not be feasible. Instead, a pre-configured periodic grant-free scheme may be adopted. Here, the network may pre-allocate UL grant opportunities in a fixed periodic interval pattern at a fixed resource allocation level. Therefore, there may be a minimum delay between the arrival time of the data packet and the UL transmission time: the user equipment may only need to wait for the upcoming periodic transmission opportunity.

[0031] Figure 2 The fifth-generation (5G) new radio (NR) uplink media access control transmission using dynamic grant allocation is shown. As Figure 2 shown, application data packets may arrive at different times. At the same time, there may be a single periodic configured grant transmission opportunity. Therefore, the application data packets that have arrived may be served at the next opportunity of the periodic configured grant transmission opportunity. If there are no data packets to transmit, this opportunity may simply remain unused.

[0032] Regardless of the user equipment data requirements, these methods may result in inefficient resource allocation for a level of resources. Similarly, these methods may result in inflexible resource allocation for only one type of traffic and application. In addition, these methods may lead to increased power due to the fixed pre-allocated resource level, as well as waste of network resources for a specific UE. These methods may also lack the ability to multiplex different applications with different data rate requirements.

[0033] One challenge in uplink media access control (MAC) transmission is the scheduling delay in dynamic allocation, where the user equipment requests uplink resource allocation based on the UE's data caching requirements and waits for the network scheduler to allocate specific resources for the user equipment according to network (NW) conditions and other user equipment requirements. For low-latency applications such as ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), a minimum-delay fast scheduling scheme is required, which needs to be able to adapt to different traffic types.

[0034] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure provide a 5G uplink MAC layer method for adaptive, fast grant-free data transmission for low-latency applications such as URLLC. The method may allow the user equipment to request multiple instances of configured grants, each instance having a specific resource level, repetition, and period. The network may pre-allocate these grants at the requested resource levels. When the user equipment has data to send, the user equipment may then transmit data at a varying data rate up to the pre-allocated level, thereby minimizing scheduling and data transmission delays.

[0035] Specific embodiments may relate to requesting and allocating multiple instances of grant-free configured grant uplink transmissions. For example, in a specific embodiment, the user equipment may request the network to establish multiple (N) instances of configured grant configurations. Each configured grant may be used for different logical channels (LCs) or LC groups having a specific periodic traffic pattern, repetition level, resource level, and latency. This aspect of the specific embodiment may allow the user equipment to multiplex concurrent low-latency applications having different traffic demands and perform grant-free scheduling on the configured grant resource allocation. This may be used for URLLC applications.

[0036] Specific embodiments may relate to requesting and allocating multiple (M) discrete resource allocation levels for each grant-free transmission. In a specific embodiment, the user equipment may request the network to allocate predefined resource levels based on the UE's own estimated nominal traffic needs. The network may pre-configure resource allocation configurations (with time and frequency allocations) according to the size of each discrete M resource level grant. This pre-configuration method may eliminate unnecessary scheduling delays caused by dynamic allocation, so that the user equipment can prepare the accurate grant size for each transmission when the user equipment has (or expects to have) data to send.

[0037] Certain embodiments may relate to dynamic adaptation for each grant-free repetition resource level. For each grant-free configuration, a list of resource levels up to a maximum requested resource level may be configured. If the data to be transmitted is different in each periodic transmission, the user equipment may dynamically indicate different reduced levels. This approach can reduce the transmit power of the user equipment and thus also reduce interference to other UEs. The network may also reuse unused resources for the dynamic allocation requirements of other UEs.

[0038] Figure 3 An adaptive uplink media access control scheme for fast, grant-free, low-latency data transmission according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 The example of... is just one example of such an adaptive uplink media access control scheme for fast, grant-free, low-latency data transmission, and various variations based thereon are equally allowed.

[0039] During connection establishment, the user equipment may request the network to establish up to N instances of configured grant configurations. In Figure 3 , N is 4 because there are four different configured grants, namely configured grant 1, configured grant 2, configured grant 3, and configured grant 4.

[0040] Each of the N configurations may be associated with a logical channel (LC) or LC group having a specific traffic pattern and latency requirement. These requirements may include a specific level of repetition to ensure reliable transmission of low-latency data packets. Figure 3 The example in... shows 4 different applications configured with different periodic transmissions, each application having a different number of repetitions, and each application having a maximum discrete level of requested resource allocation. In this example, the resource level of configured grant 1 is M (maximum level) and 8 repetitions, with a long period: period 1. Configured grant 2 has a resource level of 2 and 4 repetitions, with period 2, and period 2 is shorter than period 1. Configured grant 3 has a resource level of 1 and 8 repetitions, with period 3, and period 3 is approximately the same as period 2. Finally, the resource level of configured grant 4 is 5, with 2 repetitions, and has period 4, which is the shortest period in this example.

[0041] The user equipment UE may first request the network to allocate the required resource level up to any one of a particular M discrete levels according to the UE's maximum expected periodic traffic demand at each periodic transmission occasion. The requested level (which may be designated as level K) may correspond to a particular grant size bit, and both the user equipment and the network may pre-configure these bits in the initial setup of the user equipment.

[0042] The user equipment can send a configured grant request list to the network, up to N instances, with each instance corresponding to an application (or application group): Configured Grant Request List [N], where each request can include a Configured Grant Request: (UE to NW) {period, RepK (repetition level), and resource request level K (from level 1 to level M). Then the network can pre-allocate the requested level K. The grant size can be encoded with bits according to a list of resource allocation structures for resource allocation with specific time and frequency.

[0043] The network sends a configured grant configuration list to the user equipment, up to N instances: Configured Grant Configuration List [N], where each configuration instance can include a Configured Grant Configuration: (NW to UE) {period, RepK (repetition level), multiple transmission parameters, Resource Allocation List [K] {(resource allocation - (time, frequency), MCS}}.

[0044] The resource allocation list structure can contain K resource allocation lists in terms of time and frequency according to the serving cell configuration of the NW, and the corresponding modulation and coding scheme (MCS) index for each resource allocation level. This will be a list of discrete levels from level 1 to level K. However, the network will only pre-allocate up to the requested level K.

[0045] When the application of the UE has data to send at a specific time, the user equipment can immediately compose a MAC protocol data unit (MAC PDU) with the accurate grant size at a specific transmission time according to the pre-allocated configuration, thus eliminating any delay in scheduling requests or further communication with the network. This method can allow the user equipment to multiplex its concurrent real-time low-latency applications with different traffic demands and perform grant-free scheduling on the configured grant resource allocation.

[0046] Figure 4 Another example of an adaptive uplink media access control scheme for fast, grant-free, low-latency data transmission according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 One difference between the examples of Figure 3 is that the applications in Figure 4 have a consistent pattern, while the applications in

[0047] A specific embodiment may allow the user equipment to adjust the transmission scheme of the user equipment with different periodic traffic patterns when the user equipment is transmitting.

[0048] Such as Figure 4As shown, when the user equipment needs to send data for a specific application with pre-configured resource allocation, the user equipment can select discrete levels of resources corresponding to the current data buffer queue and data rate of the user equipment. These levels can be pre-configured on the network according to the resource allocation list [K] configured by the configured grant sent to the UE during setup.

[0049] The user equipment can then prepare the MAC PDU with the exact grant size selected and can signal to the network using the configured grant MAC CE to notify the specific resource allocation level corresponding to the uplink data rate selected by the user equipment. This MAC CE can be included at the end of the data MacSubPDU, where the UE can indicate the 4-bit resource level it is transmitting: configured grant MAC CE {resource allocation level}.

[0050] Essentially, the user equipment can transmit grant-free low-latency packets with different data rates at periodic intervals according to the data caching state of the user equipment and can provide real-time feedback on each data rate when the user equipment transmits.

[0051] Since the network does not know the reduced data rate of the first transmission time slot in a repeated bundle, the network can still pre-allocate the maximum requested resources for this first time slot. After the network decodes the MAC CE, the network can pre-allocate reduced resource levels for subsequent UL transmissions in the repeated time slots.

[0052] This method can reduce the transmit power of the user equipment, which can reduce the interference level to other UEs. The network can then re-use the unused resources for the dynamic allocation requirements of other UEs.

[0053] Figure 5 A signal flow diagram of a method according to a specific embodiment is shown. As Figure 5 shown, at 510, the user equipment can send an RRC establishment request for connection establishment (or optionally, but not shown, the UE can send an RRC resume or RRC reconstruction). After the network sends an RRC establishment to the user equipment at 520 to establish a signaling connection, at 530, the user equipment can send an RRC establishment complete to the network. In the RRC establishment complete message, the user equipment can include information for the configured grant request list, up to N such instances, each with a specific period, repK repetition level, and resource request level K.

[0054] At 540, when the network sends an RRC reconfiguration message to a user equipment to establish a data radio bearer (DRB), the network may include a configured grant allocation list for up to N instances requested by the user equipment. Each entry in the list may include a requested period, repK, transmission parameters, and a resource allocation list for up to K levels, each level having a preconfigured time and frequency allocation. The network may pre-allocate the maximum K levels requested by the user equipment. Thereafter, the grant-free allocations for all N instances may be successfully set. The user equipment may confirm at 550 via a radio resource control reconfiguration complete message.

[0055] When grant-free transmission is activated, the user equipment may start sending periodic data packets with different data rates and different repetition levels for each transmission occasion. Thus, the UE may transmit at configured grant 1 at 562, at configured grant 2 at 564, at configured grant 3 at 566, and at configured grant 4 at 568. In this example, for simplicity, the configured grants correspond to Figure 3 and Figure 4 those shown in. Other configured grants are equally allowed.

[0056] As Figure 5 shown, each application data packet may be transmitted in the physical uplink shared channel. In other communication systems, the same principle may be applied, in which case the name of the communication channel may be different.

[0057] Figure 6 illustrates a method according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 The method of may be implemented by, for example, a user equipment communicating with an access node or other base station. Thus, for example, Figure 6 the steps shown on the left may be performed by the user equipment, while Figure 6 the steps shown on the right may be performed by the base station or other network element. The method may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0058] As Figure 6 shown, a method for grant-free uplink communication may include, at 610, a user equipment requesting multiple instances of multiple configured grants, each of the instances having at least one of a specific resource level, repetition, and period. In some cases, each instance of the configured grant may specify a resource level, repetition, and period.

[0059] The method may further include, at 620, pre - allocation of multiple instances of the requested multiple configuration authorizations received by the user equipment at at least one of a specific resource level, repetition, and period. In other words, the pre - allocation may match the request. Optionally, the pre - allocation may only match a part of the request, for example, if the network determines that there are not enough resources to authorize all requests. As another alternative, if the request cannot be fully authorized, the network may send a message indicating that the request is rejected.

[0060] The method may further include, at 640, the user equipment transmitting data according to the pre - allocation. The transmitted data may include: transmitting at different data rates up to the level provided by the pre - allocation according to the needs of the user equipment. Figure 4 Examples of different data rates are provided, in contrast to the data rates consistent with those Figure 3 shown. Each instance of the multiple instances of configuration authorization may be used for a different logical channel or logical channel group.

[0061] As Figure 6 shown, the method may further include, at 605, multiplexing concurrent low - latency applications having different traffic demands. In some embodiments, low - latency may refer to a latency below a threshold number of milliseconds. In some embodiments, the latency may be measured with reference to the time from when the user equipment's modem receives a data packet from an application to the time when the modem transmits the data packet to an access point or other base station or network element. In other cases, low - latency may refer to data transmitted as URLLC communication. The multiplexing at 605 may be accomplished using the requests at 610, and then transmitting data at 640.

[0062] The requests at 610 may include requesting discrete resource allocation levels for each of the multiple instances of configuration authorization. As described above, there may be a finite integer M number of possible resource allocation levels, for example, eight resource allocation levels.

[0063] As Figure 6 shown, the method may further include: at 607, estimating the nominal communication demands of multiple applications, such as the amount and frequency of data to be transmitted by each application. Each requested discrete resource allocation level may be based on the estimated nominal communication demand of the respective application among the multiple applications.

[0064] The method may further include: at 622, determining the demands of the applications. This determination may be continuously made during the operation of the user equipment. Thus, these may be the immediate or short - term demands of the applications, different from the long - term or maximum demands of the applications. The method may further include: at 630, reporting the unused portion of the pre - allocation based on the determined demands of the applications. As explained above, the report may be included as a MAC CE.

[0065] As shown Figure 5 in FIG., the request at 610 may be performed during connection establishment in a radio resource control connection establishment message. Similarly, the reception of pre-allocation at 620 may involve receiving pre-allocation in a radio resource control reconfiguration message.

[0066] Figure 6 The method may further include corresponding methods for controlling grant-free uplink communication. The method may include: at 615, receiving from a user equipment a request for multiple instances of configured grants, each of the instances including at least one of a specific resource level, repetition, and period. The method may further include: at 625, pre-assigning to the user equipment multiple instances of configured grants with at least one of the specific resource level, repetition, and period. The method may further include: at 645, receiving data subsequently transmitted by the user equipment according to the pre-allocation.

[0067] The method may further include (not explicitly shown in Figure 6 ) receiving from the user equipment a report of an unused portion of the pre-allocation sent at 630. The method may additionally include: at 635, re-assigning the unused portion to another user equipment. The re-assignment may be done using the response of the other user equipment to a scheduling request. The unused portion may be explicitly indicated in a MAC CE, or the unused portion may be implicitly indicated by the user equipment stopping using the resource for one of multiple repetitions.

[0068] As shown Figure 5 in FIG., the pre-allocation at 625 may be performed using a radio resource control reconfiguration message.

[0069] Accordingly, a particular embodiment may allow a user equipment to adaptively transmit different data rates for multiple concurrent low-latency data applications with periodic traffic in a grant-free scheme without scheduling delay. This method can be used for URLLC applications.

[0070] Particular embodiments may provide a simple and practical solution with minimal software complexity. Additionally, particular embodiments may eliminate grant service delay by providing a known and accurate grant size for MAC PDU preparation. Additionally, particular embodiments may eliminate scheduling delay through pre-configured resource levels. Additionally, particular embodiments may provide improved user equipment power at a reduced data rate when not needed. Additionally, particular embodiments may provide a reduced interference level to other UEs. Additionally, particular embodiments may also allow the network to re-assign unused resources to other UEs.

[0071] The software and hardware interoperable system disclosed herein, such as implementing Figure 5 the signal flow of Figure 6 the method ofFigure 3 and Figure 4 A system with a timing example of Figure 4 can be implemented by any suitable node in a wireless network. For example, Figure 8 FIG. 800 shows an exemplary wireless network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in which some aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented.

[0072] Figure 7 FIG. 700 shows a block diagram of an apparatus 700 including a baseband chip 702, an RF chip 704, and a host chip 706 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The apparatus 700 can be Figure 8 an example of any suitable node in the wireless network 800 in Figure 8 , such as a user equipment 802 or an access node 804. As Figure 7 shown, the apparatus 700 can include a baseband chip 702, an RF chip 704, a host chip 706, and one or more antennas 710. In some embodiments, as described below with respect to Figure 9 Figure 9 , the baseband chip 702 is implemented by a processor 902 and a memory 904, and the RF chip 704 is implemented by a processor 902, a memory 904, and a transceiver 906. In addition to the on-chip memory (also referred to as "internal memory", such as registers, buffers, or caches) on each chip 702, 704, or 706, the apparatus 700 may further include an external memory 708 (e.g., system memory or main memory), which can be shared by each chip 702, 704, or 706 through a system / main bus. Although the baseband chip 702 is shown as a standalone SoC in Figure 7 Figure 7 , it can be understood that in one example, the baseband chip 702 and the RF chip 704 can be integrated into one SoC; in another example, the baseband chip 702 and the host chip 706 can be integrated into one SoC; in yet another example, the baseband chip 702, the RF chip 704, and the host chip 706 can be integrated into one SoC.

[0073] In the uplink, the host chip 706 can generate raw data and send it to the baseband chip 702 for encoding, modulation, and mapping. The baseband chip 702 can also access the raw data generated by the host chip 706 and stored in the external memory 708, for example, using direct memory access (DMA). The baseband chip 702 can first encode (e.g., via source coding and / or channel coding) the raw data and modulate the encoded data using any suitable modulation technique, such as multi-phase pre-shared key (MPSK) modulation or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The baseband chip 702 can perform any other functions, such as symbol or layer mapping, to convert the raw data into a signal that can be used to modulate the carrier frequency for transmission. In the uplink, the baseband chip 702 can send the modulated signal to the RF chip 704. The RF chip 704 can convert the modulated signal in digital form into an analog signal, i.e., an RF signal, via a transmitter (Tx), and perform any suitable front-end RF functions, such as filtering, upconversion, or sample rate conversion. The antenna 710 (e.g., an antenna array) can transmit the RF signal provided by the transmitter of the RF chip 704.

[0074] In the downlink, the antenna 710 can receive the RF signal and pass the RF signal to the receiver (Rx) of the RF chip 704. The RF chip 704 can perform any suitable front-end RF functions, such as filtering, downconversion, or sample rate conversion, and convert the RF signal into a low-frequency digital signal (baseband signal) that can be processed by the baseband chip 702. In the downlink, the baseband chip 702 can demodulate and decode the baseband signal to extract the raw data that can be processed by the host chip 706. The baseband chip 702 can perform additional functions, such as error checking, demapping, channel estimation, descrambling, etc. The raw data provided by the baseband chip 702 can be sent directly to the host chip 706 or stored in the external memory 708.

[0075] As Figure 8 shown, the wireless network 800 can include a network of nodes, such as UEs 802, access nodes 804, and core network elements 806. The user equipment 802 can be any terminal device, such as a mobile phone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, an in-vehicle computer, a gaming console, a printer, a positioning device, a wearable electronic device, a smart sensor, or any other device capable of receiving, processing, and transmitting information, such as any member of a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) network, a cluster network, a smart grid node, or an Internet of Things (IoT) node. It can be understood that the user equipment 802 is shown as a mobile phone only for illustration and not for limitation.

[0076] The access node 804 can be a device that communicates with the user equipment 802, such as a wireless access point, a base station (BS), a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a next-generation base station (gNodeB or gNB), a cluster master node, etc. The access node 804 can have a wired connection to the user equipment 802, a wireless connection to the user equipment 802, or any combination thereof. The access node 804 can be connected to the user equipment 802 through multiple connections, and the user equipment 802 can be connected to other access nodes in addition to the access node 804. The access node 804 can also be connected to other UEs. It can be understood that the access node 804 is shown as a wireless tower for illustration rather than as a limitation.

[0077] The core network element 806 can serve the access node 804 and the user equipment 802 to provide core network services. Examples of the core network element 806 can include a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), a Mobility Management Entity (MME), a Serving Gateway (SGW), or a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW). These are examples of the core network elements of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) system, which is the core network of an LTE system. Other core network elements can be used in LTE and other communication systems. In some embodiments, the core network element 806 includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, a Session Management Function (SMF) device, or a User Plane Function (UPF) device of the core network of an NR system. It can be understood that the core network element 806 is shown as a set of rack-mounted servers for illustration rather than as a limitation.

[0078] The core network element 806 can be connected to a large network such as the Internet 808 or another IP network to transmit packet data over any distance. In this way, data from the user equipment 802 can be transmitted to other UEs connected to other access points, including, for example, a computer 810 connected to the Internet 808 using a wired connection or a wireless connection, or a tablet 812 wirelessly connected to the Internet 808 through a router 814. Therefore, the computer 810 and the tablet 812 provide additional examples of possible UEs, and the router 814 provides another example of a possible access node.

[0079] A general example of a rack-mounted server is provided as an illustration of the core network element 806. However, there may be multiple elements in the core network, including database servers, such as database 816, and security and authentication servers, such as authentication server 818. For example, database 816 may manage data related to user subscriptions to network services. A Home Location Register (HLR) is an example of a standardized database of user information in a cellular network. Similarly, authentication server 818 may handle the authentication of users, sessions, etc. In an NR system, an Authentication Server Function (AUSF) device may be a specific entity that performs user equipment authentication. In some embodiments, a single server rack may handle multiple such functions, such that the connections between the core network element 806, authentication server 818, and database 816 may be local connections within a single rack.

[0080] Although the above description uses the handling of uplink and downlink data packets in a UE as an example in various discussions, similar techniques can equally be used for other processing directions and for processing in other devices, such as access nodes and core network nodes. For example, any device that processes data packets according to reconfigurable scheduling may benefit from some embodiments of the present disclosure, even if not specifically listed above or illustrated in the Figure 8 example network of

[0081] Figure 8 Each element of Figure 9 can be considered a node of the wireless network 800. More details regarding possible implementations of the node are provided by way of example in the description of node 900 below in Figure 8 Node 900 can be configured as Figure 8 user equipment 802, access node 804, or core network element 806 in

[0082] As Figure 9 shown, node 900 may include a processor 902, a memory 904, and a transceiver 906. These components are shown connected to each other via a bus 908, but other connection types are also allowed. When node 900 is user equipment 802, additional components, such as a user interface (UI), sensors, etc., may also be included. Similarly, when node 900 is configured as core network element 806, node 900 may be implemented as a blade in a server system. Other implementations are possible.

[0083] The transceiver 906 may include any suitable device for transmitting and / or receiving data. Although only one transceiver 906 is shown for simplicity of illustration, the node 900 may include one or more transceivers. The antenna 910 is shown as a possible communication mechanism for the node 900. Multiple antennas and / or antenna arrays may be used. Additionally, examples of the node 900 may communicate using wired technologies instead of (or in addition to) wireless technologies. For example, the access node 804 may communicate wirelessly with the user equipment 802 and may communicate with the core network element 806 via a wired connection (e.g., via an optical fiber cable or a coaxial cable). Other communication hardware, such as a network interface card (NIC), may also be included.

[0084] As Figure 9 shown, the node 900 may include a processor 902. Although only one processor is shown, it is understood that multiple processors may be included. The processor 902 may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), a state machine, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described in this disclosure. The processor 902 may be a hardware device having one or more processing cores. The processor 902 may execute software. Whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise, software shall be broadly interpreted to represent instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, processes, functions, etc. The software may include computer instructions written in an interpreted language, a compiled language, or machine code. Other techniques for indicating hardware are also permitted under the broad software category. The processor 902 may be a baseband chip, such as Figure 7 the baseband chip 702 in Figure 9 . The node 900 may also include other processors (not shown), such as the central processing unit, the graphics processor, etc. of the device. The processor 902 may include internal memory ( Figure 9 not shown) that may be used as the memory for L2 data. The processor 902 may include an RF chip. For example, the RF chip may be integrated into the baseband chip or provided separately. The processor 902 may be configured to operate as a modem of the node 900 or may be an element or component of a modem. Other arrangements and configurations are also permitted.

[0085] As Figure 9As shown, the node 900 may further include a memory 904. Although only one memory is shown, it can be understood that multiple memories may be included. The memory 904 may broadly include memory and storage. For example, the memory 904 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), SRAM, dynamic RAM (DRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, hard disk drive (HDD), such as magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, flash drive, solid state drive (SSD), or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the required program code in the form of instructions accessible and executable by the processor 902. Broadly, the memory 904 may be implemented by any computer-readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The memory 904 may be Figure 7 the external memory 708 in. The memory 904 may be shared by the processor 902 and other components of the node 900, such as a graphics processor or a central processing unit not shown.

[0086] In various aspects of the present disclosure, the functions described in the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, these functions may be stored or encoded as instructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes computer storage media. Storage media may be any available media accessible by a computing device, such as Figure 9 the node 900 in. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, HDD, such as magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, flash drive, SSD, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the required program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a processing system, such as a mobile device or a computer. The disks and optical discs used in the present disclosure include CD, laser disc, optical disc, DVD, and floppy disk, where disks generally reproduce data magnetically, while optical discs use lasers to reproduce data optically. The above combinations should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0087] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for license-free uplink communication may include: requesting, by a user equipment, multiple instances of configured grants, each instance having at least one of a specific resource level, repetition, and period. The method may further include: receiving, at the user equipment, a pre-allocation of the multiple instances of the requested configured grants with at least one of the specific resource level, repetition, and period. The method may further include: transmitting, by the user equipment, data according to the pre-allocation.

[0088] In some embodiments, the transmitted data may include: transmitting at a variable data rate up to the level provided by the pre-allocation, according to the requirements of the user equipment.

[0089] In some embodiments, each instance of the configured grant may be used for a different logical channel or logical channel group.

[0090] In some embodiments, the method may further include: multiplexing concurrent low-latency applications with different traffic requirements.

[0091] In some embodiments, the request may include: requesting a discrete resource allocation level for each of the multiple instances of the configured grant.

[0092] In some embodiments, the method may further include: estimating the nominal communication requirements of multiple applications. Each requested discrete resource allocation level may be based on the estimated nominal communication requirements of the respective application among the multiple applications.

[0093] In some embodiments, the method may further include: determining the requirements of an application. The method may further include: reporting the unused portion of the pre-allocation according to the determined requirements of the application.

[0094] In some embodiments, the request may be performed during connection establishment in a radio resource control establishment message.

[0095] In some embodiments, receiving the pre-allocation includes: receiving the pre-allocation in a radio resource control reconfiguration message.

[0096] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling grant-free uplink communication may include: receiving, from a user equipment, a request for multiple instances of a configured grant, each of the instances having at least one of a specific resource level, repetition, and period. The method may further include: pre-allocating multiple instances of the configured grant to the user equipment with at least one of the specific resource level, repetition, and period. The method may further include: receiving data transmitted by the user equipment subsequently according to the pre-allocation.

[0097] In some embodiments, each instance of the configured grant may be used for a different logical channel or logical channel group.

[0098] In some embodiments, the request may include: a request for a discrete resource allocation level for each of the multiple instances of the configured grant.

[0099] In some embodiments, the method may further include: receiving a report from the user equipment regarding the pre-allocated unused portion. The method may further include: reallocating the unused portion to another user equipment.

[0100] In some embodiments, the report may be received in a MAC CE.

[0101] In some embodiments, the pre-allocation may include sending the pre-allocation in a radio resource control reconfiguration message.

[0102] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for grant-free uplink communication, such as a user equipment, may include at least one memory and at least one memory having computer program instructions. The memory and the computer program instructions may be configured to, via the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least request a plurality of instances of configured grants, each instance having at least one of a specific resource level, repetition, and period. The memory and the computer program instructions may also be configured to, via the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive a pre-allocation of the plurality of instances of the requested configured grants at at least one of the specific resource level, repetition, and period. The memory and the computer program instructions may also be configured to, via the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least transmit data according to the pre-allocation.

[0103] In some embodiments, the memory and the computer program instructions may be configured to, via the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least transmit at a variable data rate up to the level provided by the pre-allocation according to the needs of the user equipment.

[0104] In some embodiments, each instance of the plurality of instances of the configured grant may be used for a different logical channel or logical channel group.

[0105] In some embodiments, the memory and the computer program instructions may be configured to, via the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least multiplex concurrent low-latency applications having different traffic demands.

[0106] In some embodiments, the memory and the computer program instructions may be configured to, via the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least request a discrete resource allocation level for each of the plurality of instances of the configured grant.

[0107] In some embodiments, the memory and the computer program instructions may be configured to, via the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least estimate the nominal communication requirements of a plurality of applications. The discrete resource allocation level for each request is based on the estimated nominal communication requirements of the respective application among the plurality of applications.

[0108] In some embodiments, the memory and the computer program instructions may be configured to, via the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least determine the requirements of a plurality of applications. The memory and the computer program instructions may also be configured to, via the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least report an unused portion of the pre-allocation based on the determined requirements of the applications.

[0109] In some embodiments, the memory and the computer program instructions may be configured to, via the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least execute the request during connection establishment in a radio resource control establishment message.

[0110] In some embodiments, the memory and the computer program instructions may be configured to, via the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive the pre-allocation in a radio resource control reconfiguration message.

[0111] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for controlling grant-free uplink communication, such as a base station or an access point, may include at least one processor and at least one memory having computer program instructions. The memory and the computer program instructions may be configured to, via the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive requests from user equipment for a plurality of instances of configured grants, each instance having at least one of a specific resource level, a repetition, and a period. The memory and the computer program instructions may also be configured to, via the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least pre-allocate a plurality of instances of configured grants to the user equipment with at least one of the specific resource level, the repetition, and the period. The memory and the computer program instructions may also be configured to, via the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive data transmitted by the user equipment subsequently according to the pre-allocation.

[0112] In some embodiments, each instance of the plurality of instances of configured grants may be used for a different logical channel or logical channel group.

[0113] In some embodiments, the request may be a request for a discrete resource allocation level for each of the plurality of instances of the configured grants.

[0114] In some embodiments, the memory and the computer program instructions may be configured to, via the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive, at least from the user equipment, a report on the pre-allocated unused portion. The memory and the computer program instructions may be configured to, via the at least one processor, re-allocate the unused portion to another user equipment.

[0115] In some embodiments, the memory and the computer program instructions may be configured to, via the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive the report at least in a MAC CE.

[0116] In some embodiments, the memory and the computer program instructions may be configured to, via the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to send the pre-allocation at least in a radio resource control reconfiguration message.

[0117] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a method for license-free uplink communication. The method may include: requesting, by a user equipment, multiple instances of configured grants, each of the instances having at least one of a specific resource level, repetition, and period. The method may further include: receiving, at the user equipment, a pre-allocation of the multiple instances of the requested configured grants at at least one of the specific resource level, repetition, and period. The method may additionally include: the user equipment transmitting data according to the pre-allocation.

[0118] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a method for controlling license-free uplink communication. The method may include: receiving, from a user equipment, a request for multiple instances of configured grants, each of the instances having at least one of a specific resource level, repetition, and period. The method may further include: pre-allocating, at the at least one of the specific resource level, repetition, and period, multiple instances of configured grants to the user equipment. The method may further include: receiving data subsequently transmitted by the user equipment according to the pre-allocation.

[0119] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will disclose the general nature of the present disclosure, and others may, by applying knowledge within the scope of the art, readily modify and / or adapt these specific embodiments for various applications without undue experimentation and without departing from the general concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, such modifications and adaptations are intended to be within the equivalent meaning and scope of the disclosed embodiments based on the teachings and guidance presented herein. It should be understood that the language or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or language of this specification will be interpreted by those skilled in the art according to the teachings and guidance.

[0120] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above by means of functional blocks that implement specific functions and their relationships. For ease of description, the boundaries of these functional blocks are arbitrarily defined herein. Alternative boundaries may be defined as long as the specified functions and relationships are properly implemented.

[0121] The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure as contemplated by the (one or more) inventors, and thus are not intended to limit the present disclosure and the appended claims in any way.

[0122] Various functional blocks, modules, and steps have been disclosed above. The particular arrangements provided are illustrative and not limiting. Accordingly, the functional blocks, modules, and steps may be reordered or combined in a manner different from the examples provided above. Similarly, some embodiments include only a subset of the functional blocks, modules, and steps, and any such subset is permitted.

[0123] The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for license-free uplink communication, comprising: The user equipment requests multiple instances of configuration authorization, each of the instances having at least one of a resource level, a repetition, and a period; The user equipment receives a pre - allocation of the multiple instances of the requested configuration authorization with at least one of the resource level, the repetition, and the period; And The user equipment transmits data according to the pre - allocation; The method further includes: Multiplexing concurrent low - latency applications with different traffic requirements.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The transmitting data includes: transmitting at a variable data rate up to the level provided by the pre - allocation according to the requirements of the user equipment.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein Each of the multiple instances of the configuration authorization is for a different logical channel or logical channel group.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The request includes: requesting a discrete resource allocation level for each of the multiple instances of the configuration authorization.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: Estimate the nominal communication requirements of multiple applications, wherein each requested discrete resource allocation level is based on the estimated nominal communication requirements of the respective application among the multiple applications.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Determine the requirements of multiple applications; Based on the determined requirements of the multiple applications, report the unused portion in the pre - allocation.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein The request is performed during connection establishment in a radio resource control establishment message.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein The receiving the pre - allocation includes: receiving the pre - allocation in a radio resource control re - configuration message.

9. A method for controlling license-free uplink communication, comprising: Receive a request for multiple instances of configuration authorization from a user equipment, each of the instances having at least one of a resource level, a repetition, and a period; Pre - allocate the multiple instances of the configuration authorization to the user equipment with at least one of the resource level, the repetition, and the period so that the user equipment multiplexes concurrent low - latency applications with different traffic requirements; And Receive data subsequently transmitted by the user equipment according to the pre - allocation.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein Each of the multiple instances of the configuration authorization is for a different logical channel or logical channel group.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein The request includes: a request for a discrete resource allocation level for each of the multiple instances of the configuration authorization.

12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: Receive a report of the unused portion of the pre - allocation from the user equipment; Re - allocate the unused portion to another user equipment.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein The report is received in a media access control (MAC) control element.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein The pre - allocation includes: sending the pre - allocation in a radio resource control re - configuration message.

15. An apparatus for license-free uplink communication, comprising: At least one processor; And At least one memory including computer program instructions, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program instructions are configured to, by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: Request multiple instances of configuration authorization, each of the instances having at least one of a resource level, a repetition, and a period; Receive a pre - allocation of the multiple instances of the requested configuration authorization with at least one of the resource level, the repetition, and the period; And Transmit data according to the pre - allocation; The at least one memory and the computer program instructions are configured to, by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least multiplex concurrent low - latency applications with different traffic requirements.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program instructions are configured to cause the apparatus, via the at least one processor, to transmit at a variable data rate up to the level provided by the pre-allocation, at least according to the requirements of a user equipment.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein Each of the multiple instances of the configuration authorization is for a different logical channel or logical channel group.

18. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program instructions are configured to cause the apparatus, via the at least one processor, to request a discrete resource allocation level for each of the plurality of instances for which the configuration is authorized.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program instructions are configured to cause the apparatus, via the at least one processor, to estimate the nominal communication requirements of a plurality of applications, wherein each requested discrete resource allocation level is based on the estimated nominal communication requirements of the respective application among the plurality of applications.

20. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program instructions are configured to cause the apparatus, via the at least one processor, to at least: Determine the requirements of a plurality of applications; Report unused portions of the pre-allocation based on the determined requirements of the plurality of applications.

21. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program instructions are configured to cause the apparatus, via the at least one processor, to perform the request at least during connection establishment in a radio resource control establishment message.

22. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program instructions are configured to cause the apparatus, via the at least one processor, to receive the pre-allocation in a radio resource control reconfiguration message.

23. An apparatus for controlling grant-free uplink communication, comprising: At least one processor; And At least one memory including computer program instructions, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program instructions are configured to, via the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Receive, from a user equipment, a request for a plurality of instances of configuration grants, each of the instances having at least one of a resource level, a repetition, and a period; Pre-allocate, to the user equipment, the plurality of instances of the configuration grants with at least one of the resource level, the repetition, and the period to enable the user equipment to multiplex concurrent low-latency applications having different traffic requirements; Receive data subsequently transmitted by the user equipment according to the pre-allocation.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein, Each of the plurality of instances of the configuration grants is for a different logical channel or logical channel group.

25. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein, The request includes: a request for a discrete resource allocation level for each of the plurality of instances of the configuration grants.

26. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program instructions are configured to, by means of the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a report of the pre-allocated unused portion from the user equipment; re-allocate the unused portion to another user equipment.

27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program instructions are configured to, by means of the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive the report at least in a media access control (MAC) control unit.

28. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program instructions are configured to, by means of the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to send the pre-allocation at least in a radio resource control reconfiguration message.

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