Distance-based Channel Occupancy Time (COT) sharing

Abstract

The present disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for distance-based channel occupancy time (COT) sharing, including a computer program encoded on a computer storage medium. In one aspect, a first device such as a user equipment (UE) can determine an approximate distance between itself and a second device. The first device can receive a COT sharing configuration, which includes a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a second device based on the distance between the two devices. The first device can determine conditions for sharing COT based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximate distance between the two devices. Additionally or alternatively, the first device can determine conditions for sharing COT based on the COT sharing configuration and a power metric of the communication between the two devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to distance-based channel occupation time (COT) sharing. Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, video, packet data, information transfer, broadcast, etc. These systems may be able to support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (such as time, frequency and power). Examples of such multiple access systems include fourth generation (4G) systems (such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, advanced LTE (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems), and fifth generation (5G) systems that may be referred to as new radio (NR) systems. These systems may employ techniques such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) or discrete Fourier transform spread spectrum orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple access communication system may include one or more base stations or one or more network access nodes, each simultaneously supporting communication for multiple communication devices (which may be referred to as user equipment (UE) in other aspects).

[0003] A UE may communicate with other UEs on a sidelink in a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) wireless communication system. Some techniques for allocating resources on a sidelink in a V2X system may be improved without introducing significant network congestion. Summary of the invention

[0004] The systems, methods and devices of the disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein.

[0005] An innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure that can be implemented in a method of wireless communication at a first device is described. The method can include: identifying a channel occupancy time (COT) sharing configuration, the COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for sharing a COT of a communication link with a second device based on a distance between the first device and the second device; determining an approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device; and determining a sharing condition for sharing the COT based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device.

[0006] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication at a first device. The apparatus may include a first interface, a second interface, and a processing system. The processing system may be configured to: identify a COT sharing configuration, the COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a second device based on a distance between the first device and the second device; determine an approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device; and determine a sharing condition for sharing the COT based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device.

[0007] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in another apparatus for wireless communication at a first device. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: identify a COT sharing configuration, the COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a second device based on a distance between the first device and the second device; determine an approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device; and determine a sharing condition for sharing the COT based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device.

[0008] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented in another apparatus for wireless communication at a first device. The apparatus may include means for: identifying a COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a second device based on a distance between the first device and the second device; determining an approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device; and determining a sharing condition for sharing the COT based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device.

[0009] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a first device. The code can include instructions executable by a processor to: identify a COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a second device based on a distance between the first device and the second device; determine an approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device; and determine a sharing condition for sharing the COT based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device.

[0010] In some implementations, as implemented in the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, identifying a COT sharing configuration may include operations, configurations, features, means, or instructions for receiving the COT sharing configuration via semi-static signaling.

[0011] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the semi-static signaling may include control signaling from a base station.

[0012] In some implementations, the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, configurations, features, means, or instructions for receiving one or more COT sharing parameters from a second device via dynamic signaling.

[0013] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the dynamic signaling may include a control information message.

[0014] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the one or more COT sharing parameters may include an energy detection (ED) threshold, a sharing duration, or a combination thereof.

[0015] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, one or more COT sharing parameters may be based on a shared database profile for the COT.

[0016] In some implementations, the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, configurations, features, units, or instructions for determining a distance between a first device and a second device that approximately satisfies a communication range threshold.

[0017] In some implementations, the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, configurations, features, units, or instructions for receiving a control information message from a second device, decoding the control information message, and determining a communication range threshold value based on the decoded control information message.

[0018] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device may be less than or equal to a communication range threshold.

[0019] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a communication range threshold value may be configured for sharing of a COT.

[0020] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the COT may be shared with the second device based on an approximation of the distance satisfying a communication range threshold.

[0021] In some implementations, as implemented in the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, determining an approximation of the distance between a first device and a second device may include operations, configurations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: receiving a control information message from the second device, wherein the control information message includes a partition identifier associated with the second device; and estimating the distance between the first device and the second device based on the partition identifier associated with the second device in the control information message and the location of the first device.

[0022] In some implementations, as implemented in the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, determining sharing conditions for sharing a COT may include operations, configurations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: determining a type of transmission that can be shared within the COT corresponding to an approximation of the distance and an energy detection threshold used by the second device, a duration for sharing of the COT, or both.

[0023] In some implementations, the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, configurations, features, means, or instructions for receiving, from a second device, an indication of an energy detection threshold used by the second device.

[0024] In some implementations, the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, configurations, features, units, or instructions for determining not to share the COT with a second device based on the distance approximately exceeding a threshold value and the ED threshold exceeding the ED threshold value.

[0025] In some implementations, the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, configurations, features, units, or instructions for receiving a message from a second device and determining a power metric for the received message, wherein the sharing condition may be determined based on the determined power metric.

[0026] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the power metric includes a path loss measurement, a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement, a reference signal power for a message, or a combination thereof.

[0027] In some implementations, the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, configurations, features, units, or instructions for sending an indication of a sharing condition, wherein the indication includes a message of one or more COT sharing parameters from a set of COT sharing parameters for sharing of the COT.

[0028] In some implementations, the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, configurations, features, units, or instructions for sharing the COT with a set of devices, the set of devices including at least a second device.

[0029] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a COT sharing configuration may be designed for relay operations.

[0030] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the set of COT sharing parameters may include a sharing duration, one or more distance thresholds, an ED threshold, a type of transmission for use by the first device during the COT, an RSRP threshold value, or a combination thereof.

[0031] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the communication link may include a PC5 interface link, a sideline link, or a combination thereof.

[0032] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first device and the second device may include a user equipment (UE), an access point, a base station, or a combination thereof.

[0033] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented in a method of wireless communication at a second device. The method may include: identifying a COT sharing configuration, the COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a first device based on an approximate distance between the first device and the second device; sending the COT sharing configuration to the first device; and receiving from the first device an indication of a sharing condition for sharing the COT with the first device, the sharing condition being based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximate distance between the first device and the second device.

[0034] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication at a second device. The apparatus may include a first interface, a second interface, and a processing system. The processing system may be configured to identify a COT sharing configuration, the COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a first device based on an approximate distance between the first device and the second device. Additionally, the first interface may be configured to obtain an indication of a sharing condition for sharing a COT with a first device, the sharing condition being based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximate distance between the first device and the second device.

[0035] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication at a second device. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: identify a COT sharing configuration, the COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a first device based on an approximate distance between the first device and the second device; send the COT sharing configuration to the first device; and receive from the first device an indication of a sharing condition for sharing the COT with the first device, the sharing condition being based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximate distance between the first device and the second device.

[0036] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented in another apparatus for wireless communication at a second device. The apparatus may include means for: identifying a COT sharing configuration, the COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a first device based on an approximate distance between the first device and the second device; sending the COT sharing configuration to the first device; and receiving from the first device an indication of a sharing condition for sharing the COT with the first device, the sharing condition being based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximate distance between the first device and the second device.

[0037] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a second device. The code can include instructions executable by a processor to: identify a COT sharing configuration, the COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a first device based on an approximate distance between the first device and the second device; send the COT sharing configuration to the first device; and receive from the first device an indication of a sharing condition for sharing the COT with the first device, the sharing condition being based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximate distance between the first device and the second device.

[0038] In some implementations, the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, configurations, features, units, or instructions for determining one or more COT sharing parameters based on an indication of a sharing condition to enable a first device to use the COT after a second device may have ended using the COT.

[0039] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, one or more COT sharing parameters may include a start time for the first device to begin using the COT, a type of transmission that the first device is allowed to send in the COT, or a combination thereof.

[0040] In some implementations, as implemented in the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, identifying a COT sharing configuration may include operations, configurations, features, means, or instructions for receiving the COT sharing configuration via semi-static signaling.

[0041] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the semi-static signaling may include control signaling from a base station.

[0042] In some implementations, the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, configurations, features, means, or instructions for sending one or more COT sharing parameters to the first device via dynamic signaling.

[0043] In some implementations, the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, configurations, features, means, or instructions for determining one or more COT sharing parameters based on a shared database profile for the COT.

[0044] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the dynamic signaling may include a control information message.

[0045] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the one or more COT sharing parameters may include an ED threshold, a sharing duration, or a combination thereof.

[0046] In some implementations, the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, configurations, features, units, or instructions for sending a control information message to a first device, wherein the control information message includes a partition identifier associated with a second device.

[0047] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a COT sharing configuration may be designed for relay operations.

[0048] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the set of COT sharing parameters may include a sharing duration, one or more distance thresholds, an ED threshold, a type of transmission for use by the first device during the COT, an RSRP threshold value, or a combination thereof.

[0049] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the communication link may include a PC5 interface link, a sideline link, or a combination thereof.

[0050] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first device and the second device may include a UE, an access point, a base station, or a combination thereof.

[0051] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented in a method of wireless communication at a base station. The method can include: identifying a COT sharing configuration, the COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link between a first device and a second device based on an approximate distance between the first device and the second device; and sending an indication of the COT sharing configuration, the indication including a downlink message of one or more COT sharing parameters in the set of COT sharing parameters for sharing of the COT.

[0052] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication at a base station. The apparatus may include a first interface, a second interface, and a processing system. The processing system may be configured to identify a COT sharing configuration, the COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link between a first device and a second device based on an approximate distance between the first device and the second device. Additionally, the first interface may be configured to output an indication of the COT sharing configuration, the indication including a downlink message of one or more COT sharing parameters in a set of COT sharing parameters for sharing of the COT.

[0053] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in another apparatus for wireless communication at a base station. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: identify a COT sharing configuration, the COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link between a first device and a second device based on an approximate distance between the first device and the second device; and send an indication of the COT sharing configuration, the indication including a downlink message of one or more COT sharing parameters in the set of COT sharing parameters for sharing of the COT.

[0054] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented in another apparatus for wireless communication at a base station. The apparatus may include means for: identifying a COT sharing configuration, the COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link between a first device and a second device based on an approximate distance between the first device and the second device; and sending an indication of the COT sharing configuration, the indication including a downlink message of one or more COT sharing parameters in the set of COT sharing parameters for sharing of the COT.

[0055] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a base station. The code can include instructions executable by a processor to: identify a COT sharing configuration, the COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link between a first device and a second device based on an approximate distance between the first device and the second device; and send an indication of the COT sharing configuration, the indication including a downlink message of one or more COT sharing parameters in the set of COT sharing parameters for sharing of the COT.

[0056] In some implementations, the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, configurations, features, units, or instructions for receiving, from a first device, an indication of a sharing condition for sharing a COT between the first device and a second device, the sharing condition being based on an approximate distance between the first device and the second device.

[0057] In some implementations, the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, configurations, features, means, or instructions for sending a COT sharing configuration to the first device, the second device, or both via semi-static signaling.

[0058] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a COT sharing configuration may be designed for relay operations.

[0059] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the set of COT sharing parameters may include a sharing duration, one or more distance thresholds, an ED threshold, a type of transmission for use by the first device during the COT, an RSRP threshold value, or a combination thereof.

[0060] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the communication link may include a PC5 interface link, a sideline link, or a combination thereof.

[0061] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first device and the second device may include a UE, an access point, a base station, or a combination thereof.

[0062] Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. It should be noted that the relative sizes of the following drawings may not be drawn to scale. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Figure 1 An example of a system for wireless communications that supports distance-based channel occupation time (COT) sharing is shown.

[0064] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system supporting distance-based COT sharing is shown.

[0065] Figure 3 An example of a COT sharing configuration that supports distance-based COT sharing is shown.

[0066] Figure 4 An example of a process flow diagram supporting distance-based COT sharing is shown.

[0067] Figure 5 and 6 A block diagram of an example device supporting distance-based COT sharing is shown.

[0068] Figure 7 A block diagram of an example communication manager that supports distance-based COT sharing is shown.

[0069] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an example system supporting distance-based COT sharing is shown.

[0070] Fig. 9and 10 A block diagram of an example device supporting distance-based COT sharing is shown.

[0071] Fig.11 A block diagram of an example communication manager that supports distance-based COT sharing is shown.

[0072] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of an example system supporting distance-based COT sharing is shown.

[0073] Figures 13 to 20 A flow chart of an example method for supporting distance-based COT sharing is shown.

[0074] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] For the purpose of describing the innovative aspects of the present disclosure, the following description is directed to a specific implementation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in many different ways. The described implementations can be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of sending and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals in accordance with any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 16.11 standards or any of the following: IEEE 802.11, Standard, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), GSM / General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA), Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), 1xEV-DO, EV-DO Rev A, EV-DO Rev B, High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Evolved High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA+), Long Term Evolution (LTE), AMPS, or other well-known signals for communicating within a wireless, cellular or Internet of Things (IOT) network, such as a system utilizing 3G, 4G or 5G technology, or another implementation thereof.

[0076] In some wireless communication systems (such as unlicensed spectrum communications), a device may perform a listen-before-talk (LBT) process (such as a clear channel assessment (CCA)) to determine whether a channel or frequency is available before using the channel / frequency for communication. For example, the LBT process may include a device using an energy detection (ED) threshold to determine whether a channel is currently occupied, such that if the detected energy is below the ED threshold, the channel is determined to be available, and if the detected energy exceeds the ED threshold, the channel is determined to be occupied. If the LBT process indicates that the channel / frequency is available, the device may be authorized to access the channel / frequency for a certain amount of time before the channel / frequency is likely to be available for use by other devices again. This certain amount of time may be referred to as a channel occupancy time (COT), in which the device is occupying (such as using) the channel / frequency. In some implementations, as an example, the COT may be shared between a device and a base station between uplink communication and downlink communication. However, it may be beneficial to detail how the COT can be shared between different devices.

[0077] The techniques described herein may enable two devices to share a COT based on the distance between the two devices. For example, a receiving device (such as a first device) may estimate the distance between itself and a transmitting device (such as a second device) based on signaling from a transmitting device. Based on the estimated distance, the receiving device may determine a set of sharing parameters from a COT sharing configuration for sharing the COT with the transmitting device once the receiving device has completed using the COT. For example, a COT sharing configuration may include sharing parameters such as a sharing duration, a distance threshold, an ED threshold, a type of transmission that the transmitting device may transmit in a shared COT, a reference power threshold, or a combination thereof. Accordingly, after estimating the distance, the receiving device may then find the corresponding sharing parameters for the distance in the COT sharing configuration, and determine whether the transmitting device may share the COT (such as a sharing condition) based on the ED threshold used by the transmitting device. If the transmitting device is allowed to share the COT, the receiving device may indicate how the transmitting device is allowed to share the COT (such as when the transmitting device is allowed to start using the COT, which transmissions may be sent, etc.).

[0078] Additionally or alternatively, the receiving device may determine whether the transmitting device can share the COT based on a reference signal received power (RSRP) threshold, a path loss measurement, a reference signal power measurement, etc. For example, the receiving device may determine a metric (such as RSRP, path loss, power measurement, etc.) from a signal sent by the transmitting device. Subsequently, based on these measurements, the receiving device may determine sharing parameters to allow the transmitting device to use the COT. In some implementations, the COT sharing configuration or sharing parameters may be configured via semi-static signaling (such as from a base station) or via dynamic signaling (such as from a transmitting device). Additionally, COT sharing may be implemented between two UEs on a sidelink connection (such as via a PC5 interface), between an access point and a UE, between two access points, etc. In some implementations, COT sharing may be used for relay operations.

[0079] Specific implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. Providing additional techniques for sharing with COTs can increase utilization of wireless communication spectrum. However, in some implementations, increasing the number of transmissions occurring in a wireless communication system can increase network congestion. By considering the distance between two devices when determining whether to share a COT, devices in a wireless communication network can apply aggressive transmission parameters to more efficiently share COTs based on similar interference observed by devices that are closer to each other.

[0080] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system 100 that supports distance-based COT sharing is shown. The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more base stations 105, one or more UEs 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may be a long term evolution (LTE) network, an advanced LTE (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, or a new radio (NR) network. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (such as mission-critical) communications, low-latency communications, communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices, or a combination thereof.

[0081] The base stations 105 may be distributed throughout a geographic area to form the wireless communication system 100, and may be devices of different forms or with different capabilities. The base stations 105 and the UEs 115 may communicate wirelessly via one or more communication links 125. Each base station 105 may provide a coverage area 110 over which the UEs 115 and the base stations 105 may establish one or more communication links 125. The coverage area 110 may be an example of a coverage area over which the base stations 105 and the UEs 115 may support transmission of signals according to one or more radio access technologies.

[0082] UEs 115 may be distributed throughout the coverage area 110 of the wireless communication system 100, and each UE 115 may be stationary, or mobile, or both stationary and mobile at different times. UEs 115 may be devices of different forms or with different capabilities. Some example UEs 115 are shown in FIG. Figure 1 In. Figure 1 As shown in , the UE 115 described herein may be able to communicate with various types of devices (such as, other UEs 115, base stations 105 or network devices (such as, core network nodes, relay devices, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes), or other network devices).

[0083] Base stations 105 may communicate with core network 130, or with each other, or both. For example, base stations 105 may interface with core network 130 via one or more backhaul links 120 (such as via S1, N2, N3, or another interface). Base stations 105 may communicate with each other on backhaul links 120 (such as via X2, Xn, or other interfaces) directly (such as directly between base stations 105) or indirectly (such as via core network 130), or both. In some examples, backhaul links 120 may be or include one or more wireless links.

[0084] One or more of the base stations 105 described herein may include or may be referred to by a person of ordinary skill in the art as a base station transceiver, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), a next generation Node B or a Gigabit Node B (any of which may be referred to as a gNB), a home Node B, a home evolved Node B, or other suitable terminology.

[0085] UE 115 may include or may be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a user device, or some other suitable term, where a "device" may also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, etc. UE 115 may also include or may be referred to as a personal electronic device, such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, UE 115 may include or may be referred to as a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a machine type communication (MTC) device, etc., which may be implemented in various objects (such as appliances, or vehicles, meters, etc.).

[0086] like Figure 1As shown in , the UE 115 described herein may be able to communicate with various types of devices, such as other UEs 115 that may sometimes act as repeaters, as well as base stations 105 and network equipment including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, relay base stations, etc.

[0087] The UE 115 and the base station 105 may wirelessly communicate with each other via one or more communication links 125 on one or more carriers. The term "carrier" may refer to a collection of radio frequency spectrum resources having a defined physical layer structure for supporting the communication link 125. For example, a carrier for the communication link 125 may include a portion of a radio frequency spectrum band (such as a bandwidth portion (BWP)) that operates according to one or more physical layer channels for a given radio access technology (such as LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). Each physical layer channel may carry acquisition signaling (such as synchronization signals, system information), control signaling for coordinating carrier operations, user data, or other signaling. The wireless communication system 100 may use carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation to support communication with the UE 115. The UE 115 may be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers according to the carrier aggregation configuration. Carrier aggregation may be used with both frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) component carriers.

[0088] In some examples (such as in a carrier aggregation configuration), the carrier may also have acquisition signaling or control signaling to coordinate the operation of other carriers. The carrier may be associated with a frequency channel (such as an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (EARFCN)) and may be located according to a channel grid for discovery by UE 115. The carrier may operate in a standalone mode, in which initial acquisition and connection may be performed by UE 115 via the carrier, or in a non-standalone mode, in which a different carrier (such as the same or different radio access technology) is used to anchor the connection.

[0089] The communication link 125 shown in the wireless communication network 100 may include an uplink transmission from the UE 115 to the base station 105, or a downlink transmission from the base station 105 to the UE 115. A carrier may carry downlink or uplink communications (such as in an FDD mode), or may be configured to carry downlink or uplink communications (such as in a TDD mode).

[0090] A carrier may be associated with a particular bandwidth of a radio frequency spectrum, and in some examples, the carrier bandwidth may be referred to as a "system bandwidth" of the carrier or wireless communication system 100. For example, the carrier bandwidth may be one of a plurality of determined bandwidths of a carrier for a particular radio access technology (such as 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, or 80 megahertz (MHz)). Devices of the wireless communication system 100 (such as a base station 105, a UE 115, or both) may have a hardware configuration that supports communications on a particular carrier bandwidth, or may be configurable to support communications on one of a set of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may include a base station 105 or a UE 115 that supports simultaneous communications via carriers associated with a plurality of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, each served UE 115 may be configured to operate on a portion (such as a subband, BWP) or the entire carrier bandwidth of the carrier bandwidth.

[0091] The signal waveform transmitted on the carrier may be composed of multiple subcarriers (such as using a multi-carrier modulation (MCM) technique, such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)). In a system employing MCM techniques, a resource element may be composed of a symbol period (such as the duration of a modulation symbol) and a subcarrier, wherein the symbol period and the subcarrier spacing are inversely related. The number of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (such as the order of the modulation scheme, the coding rate of the modulation scheme, or both). Therefore, the more resource elements received by UE 115 and the higher the order of the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate of UE 115 may be. Wireless communication resources may refer to a combination of radio frequency spectrum resources, time resources, and spatial resources (such as spatial layers or beams), and the use of multiple spatial layers may also increase the data rate or data integrity used for communication with UE 115.

[0092] One or more numerologies for a carrier may be supported, where the numerology may include a subcarrier spacing (Δf) and a cyclic prefix. A carrier may be divided into one or more BWPs having the same or different numerologies. In some examples, a UE 115 may be configured with multiple BWPs. In some examples, a single BWP for a carrier may be active at a given time, and communications for the UE 115 may be restricted to the one or more active BWPs.

[0093] The time interval for the base station 105 or the UE 115 may be expressed as a multiple of a basic time unit, which may be referred to as T s =1 / (Δf max ·N f) seconds sampling period, where Δf max It can represent the maximum supported subcarrier spacing, and N f The maximum supported discrete Fourier transform (DFT) size may be indicated. The time intervals of the communication resources may be organized according to radio frames each having a specified duration, such as 10 milliseconds (ms). Each radio frame may be identified by a system frame number (SFN), such as ranging from 0 to 1023.

[0094] Each frame may include multiple consecutively numbered subframes or time slots, and each subframe or time slot may have the same duration. In some examples, the frame may be divided into subframes (such as in the time domain), and each subframe may also be divided into multiple time slots. Alternatively, each frame may include a variable number of time slots, and the number of time slots may depend on the subcarrier spacing. Each time slot may include multiple symbol periods (such as, depending on the length of the cyclic prefix prepended to each symbol period). In some wireless communication systems 100, the time slot may also be divided into multiple micro-time slots containing one or more symbols. In addition to the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may contain one or more (such as, N f The duration of a symbol period may depend on the subcarrier spacing or the operating frequency band.

[0095] A subframe, a time slot, a mini-time slot, or a symbol may be the smallest scheduling unit (such as in the time domain) of the wireless communication system 100 and may be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In some examples, the TTI duration (such as the number of symbol periods in a TTI) may be variable. Additionally or alternatively, the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 may be dynamically selected (e.g., in a burst of a shortened TTI (sTTI)).

[0096] Physical channels may be multiplexed on a carrier according to various techniques. Physical control channels and physical data channels may be multiplexed on a downlink carrier, for example, using one or more of a time division multiplexing (TDM) technique, a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) technique, or a hybrid TDM-FDM technique. A control region for a physical control channel, such as a control resource set (CORESET), may be defined by a plurality of symbol periods and may be extended across a system bandwidth or a subset of a system bandwidth of a carrier. One or more control regions, such as CORESETs, may be configured for a set of UEs 115. For example, one or more UEs in UE 115 may monitor or search a control region for control information according to one or more search space sets, and each search space set may include one or more control channel candidates in one or more aggregation levels arranged in a cascaded manner. The aggregation level for a control channel candidate may refer to the number of control channel resources, such as control channel elements (CCEs), associated with coding information for a control information format having a given payload size. The search space sets may include a common search space set configured for transmitting control information to multiple UEs 115 and a UE-specific search space set for transmitting control information to a specific UE 115 .

[0097] Each base station 105 can provide communication coverage via one or more cells (e.g., macro cells, small cells, hot spots or other types of cells, or any combination thereof). The term "cell" can refer to a logical communication entity used to communicate with the base station 105 (such as on a carrier), and can be associated with an identifier (such as a physical cell identifier (PCID), a virtual cell identifier (VCID) or other) used to distinguish adjacent cells. In some examples, a cell can also refer to a geographic coverage area 110 or a portion of a geographic coverage area 110 (such as a sector) on which a logical communication entity operates. Depending on various factors (such as the capabilities of the base station 105), the range of such cells can range from a smaller area (such as a structure, a subset of a structure) to a larger area. For example, a cell can be or include a building, a subset of a building, or an external space between or overlapping a geographic coverage area 110, etc.

[0098] A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (such as a radius of several kilometers) and may allow unrestricted access by a UE 115 with a service subscription to a network provider supporting the macro cell. A small cell may be associated with a lower power base station 105 compared to a macro cell, and the small cell may operate in the same or different (such as a licensed, unlicensed) frequency band as the macro cell. A small cell may provide unrestricted access to a UE 115 with a service subscription to a network provider, or may provide restricted access to a UE 115 associated with a small cell (such as a UE 115 in a closed user group (CSG), a UE 115 associated with a user in a home or office). A base station 105 may support one or more cells, and may also support communication on one or more cells using one or more component carriers.

[0099] In some examples, a carrier may support multiple cells, and different cells may be configured according to different protocol types (such as MTC, narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), which may provide access for different types of devices.

[0100] In some examples, the base stations 105 may be mobile and, therefore, provide communication coverage for mobile geographic coverage areas 110. In some examples, different geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may overlap, but the different geographic coverage areas 110 may be supported by the same base station 105. In some other examples, overlapping geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may be supported by different base stations 105. The wireless communication system 100 may include, for example, a heterogeneous network in which different types of base stations 105 provide coverage for various geographic coverage areas 110 using the same or different radio access technologies.

[0101] The wireless communication system 100 may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, the base stations 105 may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations 105 may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, the base stations 105 may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations 105 may (in some examples) not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for synchronous or asynchronous operation.

[0102] Some UEs 115 (such as MTC or IoT devices) may be low-cost or low-complexity devices and may provide automated communication between machines (such as via machine-to-machine (M2M) communication). M2M communication or MTC may refer to data communication technology that allows devices to communicate with each other or base station 105 without human intervention. In some examples, M2M communication or MTC may include communications from devices that integrate sensors or meters to measure or capture information and relay such information to a central server or application that may utilize the information or present the information to a human interacting with the application. Some UEs 115 may be designed to collect information or implement automated behavior of machines or other devices. Examples of applications for MTC devices include smart metering, inventory monitoring, water level monitoring, equipment monitoring, healthcare monitoring, wildlife monitoring, climate and geological event monitoring, fleet management and tracking, remote security sensing, physical access control, and transaction-based business billing.

[0103] Some UEs 115 may be configured to employ an operating mode that reduces power consumption, such as half-duplex communication (e.g., a mode that supports unidirectional communication via transmission or reception rather than transmission and reception simultaneously). In some examples, half-duplex communication may be performed at a reduced peak rate. Other power saving techniques for UE 115 include entering a power-saving deep sleep mode when not participating in active communications, operating on a limited bandwidth (e.g., according to narrowband communications), or a combination of these techniques. For example, some UEs 115 may be configured to operate using a narrowband protocol type that is associated with a defined portion or range (e.g., a set of subcarriers or resource blocks (RBs)) within a carrier, within a guard band of a carrier, or outside a carrier.

[0104] The wireless communication system 100 can be configured to support ultra-reliable communication or low-latency communication or various combinations thereof. For example, the wireless communication system 100 can be configured to support ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) or mission-critical communication. UE 115 can be designed to support ultra-reliable, low-latency or critical functions (such as mission-critical functions). Ultra-reliable communication may include private communication or group communication, and may be supported by one or more mission-critical services (such as mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT), mission-critical video (MCVideo), or mission-critical data (MCData). Support for mission-critical functions may include prioritization of services, and mission-critical services may be used for public safety or general commercial applications. The terms ultra-reliable, low-latency, mission-critical, and ultra-reliable low-latency may be used interchangeably herein.

[0105] In some examples, UE 115 may also be able to communicate directly with other UE 115 on a device-to-device (D2D) communication link 135 (such as using a peer-to-peer (P2P) or D2D protocol). One or more UEs 115 utilizing D2D communication may be within a geographic coverage area 110 of a base station 105. Other UEs 115 in such a group may be outside the geographic coverage area 110 of a base station 105, or may otherwise be unable to receive transmissions from a base station 105. In some examples, a group of UEs 115 communicating via D2D communication may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system, wherein each UE 115 transmits to each other UE 115 in the group. In some examples, a base station 105 facilitates the scheduling of resources for D2D communication. In other examples, D2D communication is performed between UEs 115 without involving a base station 105.

[0106] In some systems, the D2D communication link 135 can be an example of a communication channel (such as a sidelink communication channel) between vehicles (such as UE 115). In some examples, vehicles can communicate using vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, or some combination of these. Vehicles can signal information related to traffic conditions, signal scheduling, weather, safety, emergency situations, or any other information related to the V2X system. In some examples, vehicles in a V2X system can communicate with roadside infrastructure (such as a roadside unit), or use vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication to communicate with the network via one or more network nodes (such as base station 105), or both.

[0107] The core network 130 may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connection, and other access, routing or mobility functions. The core network 130 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC), which may include at least one control plane entity (such as a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF)) for managing access and mobility, and at least one user plane entity (such as a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW) or a user plane function (UPF)) for routing packets or interconnections to an external network. The control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication and bearer management for UE 115 served by a base station 105 associated with the core network 130. User IP packets may be transmitted through a user plane entity, which may provide IP address allocation and other functions. The user plane entity may be connected to a network operator IP service 150. Operator IP services 150 may include access to the Internet, an intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or packet-switched streaming services.

[0108] Some of the network devices, such as the base station 105, may include subcomponents such as an access network entity 140, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). Each access network entity 140 may communicate with the UE 115 through one or more other access network transport entities 145, which may be referred to as radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmit / receive points (TRPs). Each access network transport entity 145 may include one or more antenna panels. In some configurations, the various functions of each access network entity 140 or base station 105 may be distributed across various network devices, such as radio heads and ANCs, or merged into a single network device, such as a base station 105.

[0109] The wireless communication system 100 may operate using one or more frequency bands, typically in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). Typically, the region from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is referred to as the very high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band because the wavelengths range from approximately one decimeter to one meter in length. UHF waves may be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features, but, for macro cells, the waves may penetrate structures sufficiently to provide service to UEs 115 located indoors. Transmission of UHF waves may be associated with smaller antennas and shorter distances (e.g., less than 100 kilometers) compared to transmission using the lower frequencies and longer wavelengths of the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portions of the spectrum below 300 MHz.

[0110] The wireless communication system 100 may also operate in a super high frequency (SHF) region using a frequency band from 3 GHz to 30 GHz (also referred to as a centimeter band), or in an extremely high frequency (EHF) region of the spectrum (such as, from 30 GHz to 300 GHz) (also referred to as a millimeter band). In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support millimeter wave (mmW) communications between the UE 115 and the base station 105, and the EHF antennas of the corresponding devices may be smaller and closer spaced than the UHF antennas. In some examples, this may facilitate the use of antenna arrays within the device. However, the propagation of EHF transmissions may suffer even greater atmospheric attenuation and a shorter range than SHF or UHF transmissions. The technology disclosed herein may be employed using transmissions in one or more different frequency regions across domains, and the designated use of frequency bands across these frequency regions may differ by country or regulatory agency.

[0111] The wireless communication system 100 can utilize both licensed and unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands. For example, the wireless communication system 100 can employ license assisted access (LAA), LTE unlicensed (LTE-U) wireless access technology, or NR technology in an unlicensed frequency band (such as, the 5 GHz industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band). When operating in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, devices such as base stations 105 and UEs 115 can employ carrier sensing for conflict detection and avoidance. In some examples, operations in an unlicensed frequency band can be based on a carrier aggregation configuration (such as, LAA) in combination with component carriers operating in a licensed frequency band. Operations in an unlicensed spectrum can include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, P2P transmissions, or D2D transmissions, among others.

[0112] The base station 105 or UE 115 may be equipped with multiple antennas that may be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications, or beamforming. The antennas of the base station 105 or UE 115 may be located within one or more antenna arrays or antenna panels that may support MIMO operations or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be located at the same antenna assembly (such as an antenna tower). In some examples, the antennas or antenna arrays associated with the base station 105 may be located in different geographic locations. The base station 105 may have an antenna array with multiple rows and columns of antenna ports, and the base station 105 may use the antenna array to support beamforming for communications with the UE 115. Similarly, the UE 115 may have one or more antenna arrays that may support various MIMO or beamforming operations. Additionally or alternatively, the antenna panel may support radio frequency beamforming for signals sent via the antenna ports.

[0113] The base station 105 or UE 115 can use MIMO communication to utilize multipath signal propagation and increase spectral efficiency by sending or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers. Such technology can be referred to as spatial multiplexing. For example, multiple signals can be sent by a transmitting device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Similarly, multiple signals can be received by a receiving device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Each of the multiple signals can be referred to as a separate spatial stream and can carry bits associated with the same data stream (such as the same codeword) or different data streams (such as different codewords). Different spatial layers can be associated with different antenna ports for channel measurement and reporting. MIMO technology includes single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) (wherein multiple spatial layers are sent to the same receiving device) and multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) (wherein multiple spatial layers are sent to multiple devices).

[0114] Beamforming (which may also be referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception) is a signal processing technique that can be used at a transmitting device or a receiving device (such as a base station 105, a UE 115) to shape or control an antenna beam (such as a transmit beam, a receive beam) along a spatial path between the transmitting device and the receiving device. Beamforming can be achieved by combining signals transmitted via antenna elements of an antenna array so that some signals propagating at a specific orientation relative to the antenna array experience constructive interference, while other signals experience destructive interference. Adjustments to signals transmitted via antenna elements may include the transmitting device or the receiving device applying an amplitude offset, a phase offset, or both to signals carried via antenna elements associated with the device. Adjustments associated with each of the antenna elements may be defined by a set of beamforming weights associated with a specific orientation (such as relative to the antenna array of the transmitting device or the receiving device, or relative to some other orientation).

[0115] The base station 105 or the UE 115 may use beam scanning techniques as part of a beamforming operation. For example, the base station 105 may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays (such as antenna panels) to perform beamforming operations for directional communications with the UE 115. Some signals (such as synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be sent multiple times by the base station 105 in different directions. For example, the base station 105 may send signals based on different sets of beamforming weights associated with different transmission directions. Transmissions in different beam directions may be used to identify (such as by a transmitting device such as the base station 105, or a receiving device such as the UE 115) a beam direction for transmission or reception later performed by the base station 105.

[0116] Some signals, such as data signals associated with a particular receiving device, may be sent by base station 105 in a single beam direction, such as a direction associated with a receiving device, such as UE 115. In some examples, the beam direction associated with transmissions along a single beam direction may be determined based on signals sent in one or more beam directions. For example, UE 115 may receive one or more of the signals sent by base station 105 in different directions and may report to base station 105 an indication of the signal received by UE 115 having the highest signal quality or otherwise acceptable signal quality.

[0117] In some examples, transmissions by a device (such as by a base station 105 or a UE 115) may be performed using multiple beam directions, and the device may generate a combined beam for transmission (such as from a base station 105 to a UE 115) using a combination of digital precoding or radio frequency beamforming. The UE 115 may report feedback indicating precoding weights for one or more beam directions, and the feedback may correspond to a configured number of beams across a system bandwidth or one or more subbands. The base station 105 may send a reference signal (such as a cell-specific reference signal (CRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS)) that may be precoded or unprecoded. The UE 115 may provide feedback for beam selection, which may be a precoding matrix indicator (PMI) or codebook-based feedback (such as a multi-panel type codebook, a linear combination type codebook, a port selection type codebook). Although these techniques are described with reference to signals sent by base station 105 in one or more directions, UE 115 may employ similar techniques to send signals multiple times in different directions (such as to identify a beam direction for subsequent transmission or reception by UE 115) or to send signals in a single direction (such as to send data to a receiving device).

[0118] When receiving various signals (such as synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) from the base station 105, a receiving device (such as a UE 115) can try multiple reception configurations (e.g., directional listening). For example, the receiving device can try multiple reception directions by receiving via different antenna subarrays, by processing the received signals according to different antenna subarrays, by receiving according to different reception beamforming weight sets (such as different directional listening weight sets) applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, or by processing the received signals according to different reception beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, any of which can be referred to as "listening" according to different reception configurations or reception directions. In some examples, the receiving device can use a single reception configuration to receive along a single beam direction (such as when receiving a data signal). A single receive configuration may be aligned on a beam direction determined based on listening according to different receive configuration directions, such as a beam direction determined to have the highest signal strength, highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), or otherwise acceptable signal quality based on listening according to multiple beam directions.

[0119] The wireless communication system 100 may be a packet-based network that operates according to a layered protocol stack. In the user plane, the communication at the bearer or packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer may be IP-based. The radio link control (RLC) layer may perform packet segmentation and reassembly to communicate on a logical channel. The medium access control (MAC) layer may perform priority processing, as well as multiplexing of logical channels to transport channels. The MAC layer may also use error detection techniques, error correction techniques, or both to support retransmission at the MAC layer to improve link efficiency. In the control plane, the radio resource control (RRC) protocol layer may provide the establishment, configuration, and maintenance of an RRC connection between a UE 115 and a base station 105 or a core network 130 to support radio bearers for user plane data. At the physical layer, transport channels may be mapped to physical channels.

[0120] UE 115 and base station 105 can support retransmission of data to increase the possibility of data being successfully received. Hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback is a technique for increasing the possibility of data being correctly received on communication link 125. HARQ can include a combination of error detection (such as, using cyclic redundancy check (CRC)), forward error correction (FEC) and retransmission (such as, automatic repeat request (ARQ)). HARQ can improve the throughput at the MAC layer under poor radio conditions (such as, low signal-to-noise ratio conditions). In some examples, the device can support HARQ feedback for the same time slot, wherein the device can provide HARQ feedback for data received in the previous symbol in the time slot in a specific time slot. In other examples, the device can provide HARQ feedback in a subsequent time slot, or according to some other time interval.

[0121] In some implementations, a wireless communication system using an unlicensed RF spectrum band may support device sharing of a COT. When a wireless device (such as a UE 115) successfully performs a clear channel assessment (CCA) (such as LBT), the wireless device is given a COT to perform wireless communication. A wireless device may share a COT with another wireless device, which may improve medium access within a COT from one node to another node.

[0122] For example, the wireless communication system 100 may support uplink and downlink COT sharing. The base station 105 may acquire a COT with an extended CCA and share the COT with multiple UEs 115 for the UEs 115 to send uplink signals. Within the COT acquired by the base station 105, the UE 115 may use a single slot CCA for uplink transmission. In some implementations, the UE 115 may not perform LBT to start uplink transmission in the shared COT. In some implementations, the type of LBT performed by the UE 115 may be based on specific conditions. For example, a category 2 LBT may be used for a specific duration of a downlink to uplink gap (such as a gap between approximately 16 microseconds (μs) and 25 μs within the COT acquired by the base station or a gap exceeding 25 μs), and a category 1 LBT may be used for a smaller downlink to uplink gap (such as a gap shorter than approximately 16 μs).

[0123] The LBT process may include different categories for attempting to access an unlicensed band. For example, Category 1 LBT may enable UE 115 (or a different device) to send a message on an unlicensed band after a switching gap of approximately 16 μs. Category 2 LBT may include LBT without random backoff (RBO), where the CCA period (i.e., the duration during which the device listens to the unlicensed band to determine whether there is signaling) is deterministic (e.g., the duration during which the channel is sensed as idle or non-idle before the transmitting entity transmits may be deterministic, such as fixed to 25 μs). Category 3 LBT may include LBT with RBO having a fixed-size contention window, where the extended CCA period is drawn by a random number within the fixed contention window (i.e., the random number is used in the LBT process to determine the duration during which the channel is sensed as idle or non-idle before the transmitting entity transmits on the channel). Category 4 LBT may include LBT with RBO having a variable-sized contention window, wherein an extended CCA period is drawn by a random number within the contention window, and the size of the contention window may vary based on channel dynamics (i.e., the transmitting entity may change the size of the contention window when drawing the random number, and the random number is used in the LBT process to determine the duration for which the channel is sensed as idle before the transmitting entity transmits on the channel). Different categories may be used for different scenarios. For example, Category 4 LBT may be used by the base station 105 or UE 115 to initiate a COT for data transmission, while the base station 105 may use Category 2 LBT for signaling (such as, discovering reference signals).

[0124] In some implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may support COT sharing from uplink to downlink. For example, the UE 115 may acquire the COT and share the COT with the base station 105. In some implementations, the channel occupancy acquired by the UE 115 may be used for a group common uplink shared channel or a scheduled uplink transmission. The base station 105 may send control signaling, a broadcast signal, or individual channels for multiple UEs 115 (including at least the UE 115 that initiates the channel occupancy). When initiating the channel occupancy to be shared with the base station 105, the UE 115 may apply the ED threshold configured by the base station 105. In some implementations, the energy detection threshold may be configured via RRC signaling. If the energy detection threshold is not configured, the transmission of the base station 105 in the COT initiated by the UE may include a limited number of OFDM symbols. For example, the base station 105 may transmit up to 2, 4, or 8 OFDM symbols for 15kHz, 30kHz, and 60kHz subcarrier spacings for control signaling, broadcast signaling, or data or control channels, respectively. If the base station 105 cannot determine the presence or absence of Wi-Fi, the energy detection threshold configured by the base station 105 may be determined based on the maximum transmit power of the base station 105. In some implementations, similar to the COT sharing of the downlink to uplink, the Class 2 LBT may be used by the base station 105 for uplink to downlink gap durations between approximately 16μs and 25μs or more than 25μs within the COT acquired by the UE, and the Class 1 LBT may be used for uplink to downlink gap durations less than or equal to approximately 16μs.

[0125] In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support group common uplink to downlink COT sharing. When the uplink to downlink shared energy detection threshold is configured, the base station 105 may also configure a table for sharing parameters. Each row of the table may include multiple time slots, wherein the downlink transmission may be assumed to be within the COT initiated by the UE, the downlink offset (such as, in terms of the number of time slots) of the end of the time slot indicating the start time slot of the downlink transmission, and the channel access priority category of the service. In some implementations, a row of the table may indicate no COT sharing information. In some implementations, the UE 115 may include an indication for COT sharing in the uplink control information (UCI). If the uplink to downlink COT sharing energy detection threshold is not configured, the group common uplink control information may include a one-bit COT sharing indication. The one-bit COT sharing indication may indicate whether TTI (such as, time slot or symbol) n+X is an applicable time slot for uplink to downlink sharing. In some implementations, the value for X may be configured by the base station 105 as part of the RRC configuration. X may be the number of symbols from the end of the slot in which the group common uplink control information is sent.

[0126] In some implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may support V2X communications. In some V2X systems, there may be two resource configuration modes for sidelink communications (such as, on the PC5 interface). In the first mode, the base station 105 may allocate resources for sidelink communications between UEs 115. In the second mode, the UE 115 may autonomously select sidelink resources. The signaling on the sidelink may be the same between the two modes. In some implementations, from a receiver perspective, there may be no difference between the modes because the transmitter or base station 105 may select resources. In the first mode, the base station 105 may provide dynamic authorization, or activate a configured sidelink authorization for sidelink communications. In the first mode, sidelink feedback may be reported back to the base station 105 by the sending UE 115.

[0127] In the second mode, the sidelink communication can be scheduled by the sidelink control information (SCI). The SCI can be implemented to have one or more stages. For example, in the first stage, the SCI is sent on the physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) and includes information for resource allocation and decoding the second stage SCI. The first stage SCI may include at least priority, physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) resource allocation, resource reservation period (such as, such as enabled), PSSCH demodulation reference signal mode (such as, if multiple modes are configured), second stage SCI format (such as, the size of the second SCI), the number of resources for the second SCI, the number of PSSCH demodulation reference signal ports, modulation and coding schemes, etc. The second stage SCI can be sent on the PSCCH and include information for decoding the PSSCH. The second stage SCI may include a 16-bit L1 destination ID, an 8-bit L1 source ID, a HARQ process ID, a new data indicator, a redundancy version, etc.

[0128] In some implementations, the UE 115 may measure the channel occupancy of the wireless channel. Channel occupancy may indicate, for example, whether a Wi-Fi device is on an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, whether the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band is overloaded, etc. In some implementations, the UE 115 may measure a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the wireless channel. The RSSI may include a linear average of the total received power (such as in watts) from all sources on the configured measurement resources. For example, the measurement resources may span a set of configured OFDM symbols and a configured measurement bandwidth (such as an LBT bandwidth) on N resource blocks with a center frequency of a configured absolute radio frequency channel number. In some implementations, the RSSI measurement may measure co-channel serving and non-serving cells, adjacent channel interference, thermal noise, etc. A higher layer may configure the measurement bandwidth, measurement duration, and which OFDM symbols will be measured by the UE 115. Channel occupancy may be measured by comparing the RSSI with a configured threshold.

[0129] The UE 115 may make RSSI and channel occupancy measurements and report the RSSI and channel occupancy measurements to the base station 105. Based on the measurements and reports, the base station 105 may determine whether the channel is congested and may configure the UE 115 to a different bandwidth portion or switch the UE 115 to a different frequency. In some implementations, such as for NR unlicensed systems, a handover or mobility decision for the UE 115 may be determined by the base station 105.

[0130] Some V2X systems may use channel busy rate (CBR) as a metric for congestion control. Sidelink RSSI measurements may be used for CBR estimation. In some implementations, the sidelink RSSI may be a linear average of the total received power observed in the configured subchannels in the OFDM symbols (starting from the second OFDM symbol) of the time slot configured for PSCCH and PSSCH. The sidelink CBR measured in time slot n may be the portion of the subchannels in the resource pool whose sidelink RSSI measured by UE 115 exceeds the configured threshold sensed over the CBR measurement window. The CBR measurement window may span [na, n-1], where a is equal to 100 or 100*2, depending on the higher layer parameter "timeWindowSize-CBR". μ time slots.

[0131] In some implementations, congestion control in the V2X system can limit one or more transmission parameters. For example, congestion control can limit the modulation and decoding scheme (MCS) index and MCS table, the number of subchannels per transmission, the number of retransmissions, the transmission power, or any combination thereof. For example, if the base station 105, or in some implementations, the transmitting UE 115 determines that the channel is too congested, the base station 105 or the transmitting UE 115 can change one of these parameters to reduce the congestion on the channel. For example, by reducing the number of retransmissions, each device can perform fewer transmissions, thereby reducing congestion. In some implementations, the UE speed (such as, the absolute UE speed) can limit the transmission parameters.

[0132] Additionally, in some implementations, general sidelink communications for non-V2X applications may not be defined (such as, as an example, sidelink communications for public safety may not be defined). Sidelink communications on the PC5 interface may also implement relay operations. For example, both layer 2 (L2) and layer 3 (L3) relay operations may be used on the sidelink via the PC5 interface. In some implementations, sidelink communications between two (2) UEs 115 (such as, or other wireless devices) may occur on an unlicensed spectrum so that use of a licensed spectrum does not occur. In this way, COT sharing from UE to UE may allow more efficient medium access in sidelink communications for unlicensed operations. However, such COT sharing on sidelink communications may not be defined.

[0133] The wireless communication system 100 may support distance-based COT sharing. In some implementations, COT sharing between two devices (such as nodes) may depend on different interferences experienced by the two devices. For example, devices that are closer together may experience similar interference, while devices that are farther apart may experience different interferences. Accordingly, two devices that are closer together may indicate more aggressive COT sharing parameters (such as, if two devices are closer together, based on similar interferences occurring between the two devices, the two devices may be able to share a higher number of COTs for a wider range of types of transmissions). As described herein, a COT sharing configuration may be identified by two devices (such as, signaled by a base station, loaded into a device, etc.), i.e., based on distance. One or two devices may approximate the distance between each other, wherein the approximate distance used by the device and the ED level correspond to different COT sharing parameters in the COT sharing configuration (such as, the duration that the COT can be shared, the type of transmission that can be sent during the sharing duration, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the device may determine the shared COT and how to share the COT based on a metric of a sidelink between the two devices (such as, RSRP measurement, path loss, power measurement, etc.).

[0134] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system 200 that supports distance-based COT sharing is shown. In some examples, the wireless communication system 200 can implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100. The wireless communication system 200 may include a base station 105-a (which may be an example of a base station 105 described herein), and a UE 115-a and a UE 115-b (which may each be an example of a UE 115 described herein). Additionally, the base station 105-a may include a geographic coverage area 110-a, which represents an area in which the base station 105-a can have communications with different devices (such as UE 115) located within the geographic coverage area 110-a. Although some examples of techniques for distance-based COT sharing described herein are described as UE-to-UE distance-based COT sharing, other devices may also implement these techniques. For example, a base station 105, an access point, a relay node, or other types of wireless nodes may implement techniques similar to UE 115-a and UE 115-b for sharing a COT.

[0135] The wireless communication system 200 may support communications over unlicensed radio frequency spectrum. Use of unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands may enable sidelink communications between two devices without incurring use of licensed spectrum. In some implementations, the wireless communication system 200 may support COT sharing, such as uplink-to-uplink or downlink-to-uplink COT sharing and group common uplink-to-downlink COT sharing.

[0136] UE 115-a and UE 115-b can communicate on the sidelink 205. Some wireless communication systems can use the sidelink (such as, sidelink 205) for D2D communication, V2X communication, etc. For example, some wireless communication systems can use the sidelink to send public safety messages, such as, in a V2X system, sending a warning if two vehicles are predicted to collide. Some sidelinks (such as, sidelink 205) can implement relay operations. For example, the sidelink communication on PC5 can be used to transmit data and control signaling along the node. For example, base station 105-a can send information for UE115-b to UE 115-a, and UE 115-a can operate as a relay node to send information to UE115-b on the sidelink 205.

[0137] In some implementations, the wireless communication system 200 may support UE-to-UE COT sharing, which may provide enhanced medium access for sidelink communications. For example, for load-based equipment (LBE), COT sharing may enable a node to share a COT with other nodes so that the other nodes do not perform Category 4 LBT. This may improve the opportunity for transmission to other nodes. For frame-based equipment (FBE), a second node may join the COT acquired by a first node without accessing the medium at the beginning of each fixed frame period (FFP), which may provide additional transmission opportunities for the second node. However, in some implementations, the wireless communication system 200 may already have high channel occupancy and be congested. In some implementations, COT sharing techniques (such as UE-to-UE COT sharing) may result in additional transmissions, further increasing medium congestion.

[0138] In order to support multiple device-to-device COT sharing technologies without significantly increasing network congestion, the wireless communication system 200 may support technologies for distance-based COT sharing. Distance-based COT sharing may be implemented for multiple different types of COT sharing, such as UE-to-UE COT sharing, base station and UE COT sharing, UE-to-base station COT sharing, base station-to-base station COT sharing, and relay node operation.

[0139] For COT sharing between two nodes (such as, UE to UE, UE to base station, base station to base station, access point to access point, access point to UE, etc.), the problem of inhibiting COT sharing can include that the two nodes experience different interference scenarios, for example, when the two nodes are not geographically close. Accordingly, linking COT sharing with the distance between the nodes can alleviate this problem. For example, when compared to two nodes that are far apart, nodes that are close to each other can share COT more efficiently with each other. Accordingly, the distance-based COT sharing technology described herein can incorporate a COT sharing configuration 210 that approximates the distance 225 between the two nodes to determine whether the two nodes can share the COT, and whether the COT can be shared to determine the parameters for COT sharing. That is, the COT sharing configuration 210 may include one or more COT sharing parameters for sharing the COT of the communication link between the first device and the second device based on the approximate distance (e.g., distance 225) between the first device and the second device.

[0140] For distance-based COT sharing, one or more COT sharing parameters of the COT sharing configuration 210 may be a function of the distance 225 (e.g., the approximate distance between a transmitting device and a receiving device, such as the distance between UE 115-a and UE 115-b). In some implementations, UE 115-a may acquire the COT based on performing LBT (e.g., or a similar CCA process) to identify that a channel / frequency is available for communication with base station 105-a. However, UE 115-a may not require the entire allocated length of the COT, and thus, after UE 115-a completes using the COT, UE 115-a may share the COT with UE 115-b based on the COT sharing configuration 210 (e.g., to enable UE 115-b to use the COT). In such a scenario and as described herein, UE 115-a may be referred to as a transmitting device (e.g., a second device), and UE 115-b may be referred to as a receiving device (e.g., a first device).

[0141] As described herein, if the distance 225 satisfies (such as, is less than or equal to) a threshold value (such as, a minimum communication range requirement), two nodes (such as, UE 115-a and UE 115-b, a first device and a second device, a receiving device and a transmitting device, etc.) can use COT sharing. If the distance 225 does not meet the threshold value, the two nodes may not share the COT (such as, UE 115-a may not share the acquired COT with UE 115-b). After decoding the SCI message (such as, the second stage SCI), the threshold value for COT sharing (such as, the minimum communication range requirement used) can be known by the two nodes. In addition, the location of UE115-b (such as, the second device, the receiving device, etc.) can be indicated by the SCI message (such as, the second stage SCI). For example, the base station 105-a can allocate different partitions relative to the geographic coverage area 110-a, wherein each partition has a corresponding partition identifier (ID), and the partition ID associated with the location of UE 115-b can be indicated by the SCI message. UE 115-a may then estimate (e.g., approximate) a distance 225 (e.g., a transmitter-receiver distance, a distance between two nodes, etc.) based on the location of UE 115-a (e.g., its own location) and the location of UE 115-b indicated by the partition ID. The partition ID may indicate an approximate distance of UE 115-b, enabling UE 115-a to approximate the distance 225 between itself and UE 115-b.

[0142] Accordingly, based on the distance 225 (e.g., the approximate distance), the UE 115-a and the UE 115-b may use different COT sharing parameter options from the COT sharing configuration 210. Additionally, the UE 115-a may indicate to the UE 115-b in the SCI the ED threshold for initially acquiring the COT. Subsequently, based on the distance 225 and the ED threshold used by the UE 115-a, the UE 115-b may determine the corresponding COT sharing parameters. For example, if the distance 225 is lower than (e.g., meets) a first threshold distance value (e.g., distance 0), if the UE 115-a uses an ED value lower than the first ED threshold (e.g., ED threshold 0), the UE 115-b may determine to use the COT acquired by the UE 115-a (e.g., the shared COT) to send data to the UE 115-a (e.g., or any signaling targeted at the UE 115-a) or other nodes (e.g., additional UEs 115, one or more base stations 105, etc.). For the first distance threshold and the first ED threshold, UE 115-b may target UE 115-a for any type of transmission or may unicast the transmission to other nodes.

[0143] Additionally or alternatively, if the distance 225 is lower than (such as, meets) a second threshold distance value (such as, distance 1) that is greater than the first threshold value, if the UE 115-a uses an ED value that is at least lower than a second ED threshold (such as, ED threshold 1), then the UE 115-b may determine to use the COT obtained by the UE 115-a for up to Mμs to send data to the UE 115-a, wherein the data transmission may be sent to the UE 115-a instead of other nodes. For example, for the second distance threshold value and the second ED threshold, the type of transmission that the UE 115-b may send during the COT may include unicast / broadcast / multicast signals to the UE 115-a, but may not include unicast transmissions to other nodes.

[0144] If the distance 225 is lower than (such as, meets) a third threshold distance value (such as, distance 2) that is greater than the first and second threshold values, if the UE 115-a uses an ED value that is at least lower than the third ED threshold (such as, ED threshold 2), then the UE 115-b may determine to use the COT obtained by the UE 115-a for up to N μs to send data to the UE 115-a. If the distance 225 is lower than (such as, meets) a fourth threshold distance value (such as, distance 3) that is greater than the first, second, and third threshold values, if the UE 115-a uses an ED value that is at least lower than the fourth ED threshold (such as, ED threshold 3), then the UE 115-b may determine to use the COT obtained by the UE 115-a for up to K μs to send control channel transmissions to the UE 115-a. If the distance 225 is lower than (e.g., satisfies) a fifth threshold distance value (such as, distance 4) that is greater than the first, second, third, and fourth threshold values, and if UE 115-a uses an ED value that satisfies the fifth ED threshold value (such as, ED threshold 4), then UE 115-b can determine not to use the COT obtained by UE 115-a to send signaling to any node.

[0145] In some implementations, Kμs may be less than Nμs, and Nμs may be less than Mμs. For example, the amount of time that UE 115-b may use COT based on the fourth threshold distance value and the fourth ED threshold (Kμs) may be less than the amount of time that UE 115-b may use COT based on the third threshold distance value and the third ED threshold (Nμs), and the amount of time that UE 115-b may use COT based on the third threshold distance value and the third ED threshold (Nμs) may be less than the amount of time that UE 115-b may use COT based on the second threshold distance value and the second ED threshold (Mμs). That is, UE 115-a and UE 115-b being further apart may indicate that UE 115-b may use COT (such as a shared COT) for a shorter duration. Additionally, UE 115-a and UE 115-b being further apart may also indicate that UE 115-b has a smaller diversity of types of transmissions that can be sent when using COT. For example, if UE 115-a and UE 115-b are closer together, UE 115-b may send a higher number of transmissions (e.g., unicasts, broadcasts, multicasts, groupcasts, data transmissions, control channel transmissions, signaling, etc.) to UE 115-a and to other nodes (e.g., additional UEs 115, one or more base stations 105, etc.). As indicated above, different COT sharing parameters (e.g., duration of the shared COT, types of transmissions that may be sent, etc.) may also depend on the ED threshold value (or additional indicators) used by UE 115-a when initially acquiring the COT.

[0146] In some implementations (e.g., for non-V2X sidelink communications), the distance 225 or the location of the UE 115-a (such as a transmitting device) may not be readily available to the UE 115-a or the UE 115-b. In this case, the UE 115-b may use path loss or RSRP metrics (or RSRP and reference signal power from the UE 115-a (when available)) instead of the distance 225 to determine COT sharing between nodes. When the transmitting node reference signal power is available (such as a reference signal power measurement provided by the UE 115-a), the UE 115-b may use the RSRP metrics of the signaling received from the UE 115-a and the transmitting node reference signal power to determine COT sharing. That is, the UE 115-b may use COT sharing based on path loss. For the same RSRP metric, UE 115-b may determine more aggressive COT sharing parameters (e.g., a longer duration for which COT may be used, a greater number of types of transmissions to be sent when using COT, etc.) when the transmitting node (e.g., UE 115-a) has a lower reference signal power (i.e., a smaller path loss) than when the transmitting node has a higher reference signal power (i.e., a larger path loss) for the same RSRP metric. When the transmitting node reference signal power is not available, UE 115-b may use an RSRP metric (e.g., a power measurement of a signal sent from UE 115-a to UE 115-b). Subsequently, based on the measured path loss, RSRP, or both relative to the transmitting node, UE 115-b may apply corresponding COT sharing parameters accordingly. In some implementations, the measured path loss, RSRP, or both may indicate an approximate distance between UE 115-a and UE 115-b (e.g., a lower path loss or a higher RSRP may correspond to a closer approximate distance between UEs 115, and a higher path loss or a lower RSRP may correspond to a greater approximate distance between UEs 115).

[0147] The base station 105-a may semi-statically (e.g., via RRC signaling) configure the COT sharing configuration 210 (and corresponding COT sharing parameters). That is, the base station 105-a may determine a COT sharing configuration 210 including distance / RSRP / ED thresholds for different sharing criteria, and may semi-statically signal the COT sharing configuration 210 with different COT sharing parameters to the UE 115-a, the UE 115-b, or both. For example, the base station 105-a may send the COT sharing configuration 210 to the UE 115-a on the link 215. In some implementations, the base station 105-a may also send the COT sharing configuration 210 to the UE 115-b on the link 220. Additionally, the UE 115-a may indicate one or more of the COT sharing parameters to the UE 115-b via the sidelink 205 via dynamic signaling in the SCI. For example, UE 115 - a may indicate in an SCI (eg, dynamic signaling) via sidelink 205 an ED threshold to be used by UE 115 - a to initially acquire a COT.

[0148] In some implementations, UE 115-a (e.g., a transmitting node) may also schedule each receiving node (e.g., including UE 115-b) on a sharing duration for which each receiving node may use the COT (i.e., the COT is shared once UE 115-a finishes using the COT). Additionally, the COT sharing parameters may be different for different pairs of nodes. When a node shares its COT with multiple nodes, the node may use the lowest ED threshold among all of the multiple nodes (e.g., target nodes).

[0149] As described above, there may be two resource configuration modes for sidelink communications (such as, on the PC5 interface). In the first mode, the base station 105-a may allocate resources for sidelink communications between UEs 115 (e.g., between UE 115-a and UE 115-b). This concept may be applied to UE-to-UE COT sharing parameters. That is, the base station 105-a may determine whether UE 115-a may share the COT with UE 115-b, the corresponding ED threshold for determining / indicating the COT sharing parameters, the allowed sharing duration, and the type of transmission that may be sent during the shared portion of the COT (such as, a target transmission for UE 115-b to be shared with UE 115-a).

[0150] Additionally, the COT sharing design based on the first mode can be extended to relay operation. For example, for L3 relay (i.e., where the base station 105 is unaware of the relay configuration of the remote UE 115 at the control plane level), the COT sharing design can be similar to the Uu interface design in which a relay device (such as, relay UE 115) can make a determination for COT sharing between itself and a remote device (such as, remote UE 115). For L2 relay (i.e., where the base station 105 is aware of the relay configuration of the remote UE 115 at the control plane level), the base station 105-a can configure COT sharing parameters for both individual relay devices and remote devices.

[0151] In a second mode for resource allocation for sidelink communications, UE 115 may autonomously select sidelink resources. Accordingly, in the second mode, base station 105-a may not have control over sidelink communications between UE 115-a and UE 115-b. Subsequently, UE 115-a (e.g., transmitting UE 115) may determine COT sharing parameters for UE 115-b (e.g., receiving UE 115), or information for UE 115-b based on a database profile for COT sharing, or both.

[0152] Figure 3 An example of a COT sharing configuration 300 that supports distance-based COT sharing is shown. In some examples, the COT sharing configuration 300 can implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100 or 200. For example, two UEs 115 can use the COT sharing configuration 300 to share a COT acquired by one of the UEs 115.

[0153] The COT sharing configuration 300 may include a COT 305. The COT 305 may be acquired by a first wireless device, such as a UE 115, a base station 105, an access point, or a relay node. For example, the first wireless device may perform a CCA, such as an LBT procedure, to determine whether a channel (or one or more frequency bands) may be available for communication in an unlicensed frequency band. During the CCA, the first wireless device may "listen" to the channel to detect signaling. If signaling is detected and the signal power of the signaling exceeds an ED threshold, the first wireless device may determine that the channel is occupied and may try a different channel or the same channel after a duration. Alternatively, if no signaling is detected, or signaling is detected and the signal power of the signaling is below an ED threshold, the first wireless device may determine that the channel is not occupied and may use the channel for a configured duration. Accordingly, the configured duration may be the COT 305.

[0154] However, the first wireless device may not need the entire COT 305 for its transmission. For example, the first wireless device may use the COT 305 for the first transmission opportunity 310. According to the techniques described herein, the first wireless device may share the remaining COT 305 with one or more additional devices, nodes, etc., instead of not using the remaining COT 305. That is, the first wireless device may use a distance-based COT sharing configuration between multiple nodes. In some implementations, the first wireless device may be a first UE 115 (e.g., a first device, a transmitting device, etc.), and the first wireless device may share the COT 305 with a second UE 115 (e.g., a second device, a receiving device, etc.) on a sidelink. Based on the distance between the first UE 115 and the second UE 115 (e.g., a transmitter-receiver distance), the second UE 115 may determine a corresponding COT sharing parameter. In some implementations, the second UE 115 may determine a distance based on location information (e.g., a partition ID for the first UE 115 indicated in the SCI) or approximated by power metrics between multiple nodes (e.g., RSRP, path loss, etc.).

[0155] Subsequently, once the first UE 115 completes transmission during the first transmission opportunity 310, the second UE 115 may be entitled to use (e.g., share) the COT 305. In some implementations, the first UE 115 may first enter an idle state 315 and may not use radio resources on the sidelink. Before obtaining permission to use the COT acquired by the first UE 115, the second UE 115 may perform LBT 320 to determine whether the second UE 115 can transmit during the second transmission opportunity 325. In some implementations, the second UE 115 may share the COT 305 with the first UE 115 based on using Category 2 LBT for LBT 320. For LBE, the second UE 115 may avoid Category 4 LBT. Additionally or alternatively, for FBE, the second UE 115 may use the COT 305 without accessing the medium at the beginning of each FFP.

[0156] As described herein, the first UE 115 and the second UE 115 may use distance-based COT sharing between nodes, wherein, depending on the distance between the first UE 115 and the second UE 115 or RSRP measurements from the first UE 115, the second UE 115, or both, the second UE 115 may share the COT 305 with the first UE 115 or may not share the COT 305 with the first UE 115. For example, if the distance between the first UE 115 and the second UE 115 is less than a threshold distance value, and the first UE 115 uses an ED value below the ED threshold value for initially acquiring the COT 305, the second UE 115 may use the second transmission opportunity 325 to send one or more signals to the first UE 115, the additional device, or both.

[0157] Figure 4 An example of a process flow 400 for supporting distance-based COT sharing is shown. In some examples, the process flow 400 can implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100 or 200. The process flow 400 can include a base station 105-b, a UE 115-c (e.g., a second device, a transmitting device, etc.), and a UE 115-d (e.g., a first device, a receiving device, etc.), which can be examples of corresponding devices described herein. Although UE 115-c and UE 115-d are shown to perform techniques for distance-based COT sharing, the techniques can be performed by additional wireless devices, access points, base stations, or a combination thereof.

[0158] In the following description of process flow 400, operations between base station 105-b, UE 115-c, and UE 115-d may be performed in a different order than the example order shown, or operations performed by base station 105-b, UE 115-c, and UE 115-d may be performed in a different order or at a different time. Some operations may also be omitted from process flow 400, and other operations may be added to process flow 400. Operations performed by base station 105-b, UE 115-c, and UE 115-d may support improvements to COT sharing for UE 115, and in some examples, may facilitate improvements to COT sharing for UE 115, as well as other benefits.

[0159] At 405, the base station 105-b, the UE 115-c, the UE 115-d, or a combination thereof may identify a COT sharing configuration that includes a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link between the UE 115-c and the UE 115-d based at least in part on a distance (such as an approximate distance) between the UE 115-c and the UE 115-d. In some implementations, the set of COT sharing parameters may include a sharing duration, one or more distance thresholds, an ED threshold, a type of transmission for use by the UE 115-d during the COT, an RSRP threshold value, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the communication link may include a PC5 interface link, a sidelink, or a combination thereof.

[0160] At 410 , UE 115 - d may receive a COT sharing configuration via semi-static signaling (eg, from base station 105 - b ).

[0161] At 415, UE 115-d may receive one or more COT sharing parameters from UE 115-c via dynamic signaling. In some implementations, the dynamic signaling may include a control information message (e.g., an SCI message). Additionally, the one or more COT sharing parameters may include an ED threshold (e.g., used by UE 115-c to acquire the COT), a sharing duration, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the one or more COT sharing parameters may be based on a shared database profile for the COT.

[0162] At 420, UE 115-d may determine an approximation of a distance between UE 115-c and UE 115-d. For example, UE 115-d may determine that an approximation of a distance between UE 115-c and UE 115-d satisfies a communication range threshold (e.g., a distance threshold), wherein the COT is shared with UE 115-c based at least in part on the approximation of the distance satisfying the communication range threshold. In some implementations, the approximation of the distance between UE 115-c and UE 115-d may be less than or equal to the communication range threshold. Additionally, the communication range threshold may be configured for sharing of the COT.

[0163] At 425, in some implementations, UE 115-d may receive a control information message (e.g., an SCI message, a sidelink message, etc.) from UE 115-c, may decode the control information message, and may determine a communication range threshold value based on the decoded control information message.

[0164] Additionally or alternatively, UE 115-d may receive a control information message (e.g., an SCI message, a sidelink message, etc.) from UE 115-c (wherein the control information message includes a partition ID associated with UE 115-c), and may estimate a distance between UE 115-c and UE 115-d based on the control information message and the location of UE 115-d.

[0165] At 430, UE 115-d may determine sharing conditions for sharing the COT based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximation of the distance between UE 115-c and UE 115-d. In some implementations, UE 115-c, base station 105-b, or both may also determine the sharing conditions and indicate the sharing conditions to UE 115-d. In some implementations, UE 115-d may determine the type of transmission that may be shared within the COT, the duration for sharing of the COT, or both, corresponding to the approximation of the distance and the ED threshold used by UE 115-d. Additionally, UE 115-d may share the COT with multiple devices, including at least UE 115-c. In some implementations, the COT sharing configuration may be designed for relay operation.

[0166] At 435, UE 115-d may receive from UE 115-c an indication of the ED threshold used by UE 115-c. In some implementations, UE 115-d may determine not to share the COT with UE 115-d based on the distance approximately exceeding the threshold value and the ED threshold exceeding the ED threshold value.

[0167] In some implementations, without using an approximation of distance, UE 115-d may receive a message from UE 115-c and determine a power metric for the received message, wherein the sharing condition is determined based on the determined power metric. For example, the power metric may include a path loss measurement, an RSRP measurement, a reference signal power for the message, or a combination thereof.

[0168] At 440, UE 115-d may send an indication of a sharing condition, wherein the indication includes a message for one or more COT sharing parameters from a set of COT sharing parameters for sharing of the COT. In some implementations, UE 115-d may send the indication of the sharing condition to UE 115-c, base station 105-b, or both. For example, UE 115-c may determine the one or more COT sharing parameters based on the indication of the sharing condition to enable UE 115-d to use the COT after UE 115-c ends using the COT. In some implementations, the one or more COT sharing parameters may include a start time for UE 115-d to begin using the COT, a type of transmission that UE 115-d is allowed to send in the COT, or a combination thereof.

[0169] Figure 5 A block diagram 500 of an example device 505 supporting distance-based COT sharing is shown. The device 505 may be an example of aspects of the UE 115 described herein. The device 505 may include a receiver 510, a communication manager 515, and a transmitter 520. The device 505 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0170] The receiver 510 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (such as control channels, data channels, and information related to distance-based COT sharing, etc.). The information may be passed to other components of the device 505. The receiver 510 may be a reference Figure 8 Examples of aspects of the described transceiver 820. The receiver 510 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0171] The communication manager 515 may identify a COT sharing configuration that includes a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT that shares a communication link with a second device based on a distance between the first device and the second device. Additionally, the communication manager 515 may determine an approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device. In some implementations, the communication manager 515 may determine a sharing condition for sharing the COT based on the COT sharing configuration and an approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device.

[0172] Additionally or alternatively, the communication manager 515 may identify a COT sharing configuration that includes a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT that shares a communication link with a first device based on a distance between the first device and the second device. In some implementations, the communication manager 515 may send the COT sharing configuration to the first device. Additionally, the communication manager 515 may receive from the first device an indication of a sharing condition for sharing the COT with the first device, the sharing condition being based on the COT sharing configuration and the distance between the first device and the second device. The communication manager 515 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 810 described herein.

[0173] The communication manager 515 or its subcomponents may be implemented in hardware, in code (such as software or firmware) executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communication manager 515 or its subcomponents may be performed by a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0174] The communication manager 515 or its subcomponents can be physically located at various locations, including being distributed so that portions of the functionality are implemented by one or more physical components at different physical locations. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 515 or its subcomponents can be separate and distinct components. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 515 or its subcomponents can be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to: input / output (I / O) components, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof.

[0175] The transmitter 520 may transmit signals generated by other components of the device 505. In some examples, the transmitter 520 may be co-located with the receiver 510 in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 520 may be a reference Figure 8 Examples of aspects of the described transceiver 820. The transmitter 520 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0176] Figure 6A block diagram 600 of an example device 605 supporting distance-based COT sharing is shown. The device 605 may be an example of aspects of the device 505 or UE 115 described herein. The device 605 may include a receiver 610, a communication manager 615, and a transmitter 645. The device 605 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0177] The receiver 610 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (such as control channels, data channels, and information related to distance-based COT sharing, etc.). The information may be communicated to other components of the device 605. The receiver 610 may be a reference Figure 8 Examples of aspects of the described transceiver 820. The receiver 610 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0178] The communication manager 615 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 515 described herein. The communication manager 615 may include a COT sharing identifier 620, a distance approximation component 625, a sharing condition component 630, a COT sharing configuration transmitter 635, and a sharing condition indication receiver 640. The communication manager 615 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 810 described herein.

[0179] The COT sharing identifier 620 may identify a COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a second device based on a distance between the first device and the second device.

[0180] The distance approximation component 625 can determine an approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device.

[0181] The sharing condition component 630 can determine a sharing condition for sharing the COT based on the COT sharing configuration and an approximation of a distance between the first device and the second device.

[0182] The COT sharing identifier 620 may identify a COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a first device based on a distance between the first device and a second device.

[0183] The COT sharing configuration transmitter 635 may send the COT sharing configuration to the first device.

[0184] The sharing condition indication receiver 640 may receive, from the first device, an indication of a sharing condition for sharing of the COT with the first device, the sharing condition being based on the COT sharing configuration and the distance between the first device and the second device.

[0185] The transmitter 645 can transmit signals generated by other components of the device 605. In some examples, the transmitter 645 can be co-located with the receiver 610 in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 645 can be a reference Figure 8 Examples of aspects of the described transceiver 820. The transmitter 645 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0186] Figure 7 A block diagram 700 of an example communication manager 705 supporting distance-based COT sharing is shown. The communication manager 705 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 515, the communication manager 615, or the communication manager 810 described herein. The communication manager 705 may include a COT sharing identifier 710, a distance approximation component 715, a sharing condition component 720, a COT sharing configuration receiver 725, a power metric-based sharing component 730, a sharing condition indicator 735, a COT sharing configuration transmitter 740, a sharing condition indication receiver 745, and a location indicator 750. Each of these modules may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (such as via one or more buses).

[0187] The COT sharing identifier 710 may identify a COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a second device based on a distance between the first device and the second device.

[0188] In some examples, the COT sharing identifier 710 can identify a COT sharing configuration that includes a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT that shares a communication link with a first device based on a distance between the first device and the second device. In some examples, the COT sharing identifier 710 can share the COT with a set of devices, the set of devices including at least the second device. In some implementations, the COT sharing configuration is designed for relay operation.

[0189] In some implementations, the set of COT sharing parameters includes a sharing duration, one or more distance thresholds, an energy detection threshold, a type of transmission for use by the first device during the COT, a reference signal received power threshold value, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the communication link includes a PC5 interface link, a sidelink, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the first device and the second device include a UE, an access point, a base station, or a combination thereof.

[0190] The distance approximation component 715 can determine an approximation of a distance between the first device and the second device. In some examples, the distance approximation component 715 can determine that an approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device satisfies a communication range threshold, wherein the COT is shared with the second device based on the approximation of the distance satisfying the communication range threshold. In some examples, the distance approximation component 715 can receive a control information message from the second device, can decode the control information message, and can determine the communication range threshold based on the decoded control information message.

[0191] In some examples, the distance approximation component 715 can receive a control information message from the second device (wherein the control information message includes a zone identifier associated with the second device), and can estimate the distance between the first device and the second device based on the control information message and the location of the first device. In some implementations, the approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device can be less than or equal to a communication range threshold. In some implementations, the communication range threshold is configured for sharing of the COT.

[0192] The sharing condition component 720 can determine the sharing condition for sharing the COT based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device. In some examples, the sharing condition component 720 can determine the type of transmission that can be shared within the COT, the duration of sharing for the COT, or both, corresponding to the approximation of the distance and the energy detection threshold used by the second device.

[0193] In some examples, sharing condition component 720 can receive from the second device an indication of an energy detection threshold used by the second device. In some examples, sharing condition component 720 can determine not to share the COT with the second device based on the distance approximately exceeding the threshold value and the energy detection threshold exceeding the energy detection threshold value.

[0194] The COT sharing configuration transmitter 740 may send a COT sharing configuration to the first device. In some examples, the COT sharing configuration transmitter 740 may send one or more COT sharing parameters to the first device via dynamic signaling. In some examples, the COT sharing configuration transmitter 740 may determine one or more COT sharing parameters based on a shared database profile for COT. In some implementations, the dynamic signaling includes a control information message. In some implementations, the one or more COT sharing parameters include an energy detection threshold, a sharing duration, or a combination thereof.

[0195] The sharing condition indication receiver 745 may receive from the first device an indication of a sharing condition for sharing a COT with the first device, the sharing condition being based on a COT sharing configuration and a distance between the first device and the second device. In some examples, the sharing condition indication receiver 745 may determine one or more COT sharing parameters based on the indication of the sharing condition to enable the second device to use the COT after the first device ends using the COT. In some implementations, the one or more COT sharing parameters include a start time for the first device to start using the COT, a type of transmission that the first device is allowed to send in the COT, or a combination thereof.

[0196] The COT sharing configuration receiver 725 may receive the COT sharing configuration via semi-static signaling. In some implementations, the semi-static signaling includes control signaling from a base station.

[0197] In some examples, the COT sharing configuration receiver 725 can receive one or more COT sharing parameters from the second device via dynamic signaling. In some implementations, the dynamic signaling includes a control information message. In some implementations, the one or more COT sharing parameters include an energy detection threshold, a sharing duration, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the one or more COT sharing parameters are based on a shared database profile for the COT.

[0198] The power metric based sharing component 730 can receive a message from the second device. In some examples, the power metric based sharing component 730 can determine a power metric for the received message, wherein the sharing condition is determined based on the determined power metric. In some implementations, the power metric includes a path loss measurement, an RSRP measurement, a reference signal power for the message, or a combination thereof.

[0199] The sharing condition indicator 735 may send an indication of the sharing condition, wherein the indication includes a message of one or more COT sharing parameters in a set of COT sharing parameters for sharing of the COT.

[0200] The location indicator 750 may send a control information message to the first device, wherein the control information message includes a zone identifier associated with the second device.

[0201] Figure 8A schematic diagram of an example system 800 including a device 805 that supports distance-based COT sharing is shown. The device 805 may be an example of, or include, a component of a device 505, a device 605, or a UE 115 described herein. The device 805 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, including a communication manager 810, an I / O controller 815, a transceiver 820, an antenna 825, a memory 830, and a processor 840. These components may be in electrical communication via one or more buses, such as a bus 845.

[0202] The communication manager 810 can identify a COT sharing configuration, wherein the COT sharing configuration includes a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a second device based on a distance between the first device and the second device; determine an approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device, and determine a sharing condition for sharing the COT based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device.

[0203] Additionally or alternatively, the communication manager 810 may also identify a COT sharing configuration, comprising a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a first device based on a distance between the first device and a second device; send the COT sharing configuration to the first device, and receive from the first device an indication of sharing conditions for sharing the COT with the first device, the sharing conditions being based on the COT sharing configuration and the distance between the first device and the second device.

[0204] The I / O controller 815 can manage input and output signals for the device 805. The I / O controller 815 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into the device 805. In some implementations, the I / O controller 815 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some implementations, the I / O controller 815 can utilize an operating system, such as, Or another well-known operating system. In other examples, I / O controller 815 can represent or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or similar device. In some implementations, I / O controller 815 can be implemented as part of a processor. In some implementations, a user can interact with device 805 via I / O controller 815 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 815.

[0205] As described above, the transceiver 820 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired or wireless links. For example, the transceiver 820 can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 820 can also include a modem to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to the antenna for transmission, and demodulate packets received from the antenna.

[0206] In some implementations, a wireless device may include a single antenna 825. However, in some implementations, a device may have more than one antenna 825, which may be capable of sending or receiving multiple wireless transmissions simultaneously.

[0207] The memory 830 may include random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM). The memory 830 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 835 including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the various functions described herein. In some implementations, the memory 830 may contain a basic I / O system (BIOS) that may control basic hardware and software operations (such as interaction with peripheral components or devices) (and other devices).

[0208] The processor 840 may include an intelligent hardware device (such as a general purpose processor, a DSP, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor 840 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other implementations, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 840. The processor 840 may be configured to execute computer readable instructions stored in a memory (such as memory 830) to cause the device 805 to perform various functions (such as functions or tasks that support distance-based COT sharing).

[0209] In some implementations, the processor 840 may be a component of a processing system. A processing system may generally refer to a system or series of machines or components that receive inputs and process the inputs to produce a set of outputs (the set of outputs may be passed to other systems or components of the device 805, such as, for example, UE 115, base station 105, access point, station, or a different device). For example, the processing system of the device 805 may refer to a system that includes various other components or subcomponents of the device 805.

[0210] The processing system of device 805 can interface with other components of device 805, and can process information (such as, input or signal) received from other components, output information to other components, etc. For example, the chip or modem of device 805 may include a processing system, a first interface for outputting information, and a second interface for receiving information. In some implementations, the first interface may refer to an interface between the processing system of the chip or modem and a transmitter, so that the device 805 can send information output from the chip or modem. In some implementations, the second interface may refer to an interface between the processing system of the chip or modem and a receiver, so that the device 805 can receive information or signal input, and the information can be passed to the processing system. It will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the first interface may also receive information or signal input, and the second interface may also send information.

[0211] The code 835 may include instructions for implementing aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions for supporting wireless communications. The code 835 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a system memory or other type of memory. In some implementations, the code 835 may not be directly executable by the processor 840, but may cause a computer (such as, when compiled or executed) to perform the functions described herein.

[0212] Fig. 9 A block diagram 900 of an example device 905 supporting distance-based COT sharing is shown. The device 905 can be an example of aspects of the base station 105 described herein. The device 905 can include a receiver 910, a communication manager 915, and a transmitter 920. The device 905 can also include a processor. Each of these components can communicate with each other (such as via one or more buses).

[0213] The receiver 910 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (such as control channels, data channels, and information related to distance-based COT sharing, etc.). The information may be passed to other components of the device 905. The receiver 910 may be a reference Fig.12 Examples of aspects of the described transceiver 1220. The receiver 910 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0214] The communication manager 915 may identify a COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link between a first device and a second device based on a distance between the first device and the second device. Additionally, the communication manager 915 may send an indication of the COT sharing configuration, indicating a downlink message including one or more COT sharing parameters in a set of COT sharing parameters for sharing of the COT. The communication manager 915 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1210 described herein.

[0215] The communication manager 915 or its subcomponents may be implemented in hardware, in code (such as software or firmware) executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communication manager 915 or its subcomponents may be performed by a general purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0216] The communication manager 915 or its subcomponents may be physically located at various locations, including being distributed so that portions of the functionality are implemented by one or more physical components at different physical locations. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 915 or its subcomponents may be separate and distinct components. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 915 or its subcomponents may be combined with one or more other hardware components, including, but not limited to, an I / O component, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof.

[0217] The transmitter 920 may transmit signals generated by other components of the device 905. In some examples, the transmitter 920 may be co-located with the receiver 910 in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 920 may be a reference Fig.12 Examples of aspects of the described transceiver 1220. The transmitter 920 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0218] Fig.10 A block diagram 1000 of an example device 1005 supporting distance-based COT sharing is shown. The device 1005 may be an example of aspects of the device 905 or base station 105 described herein. The device 1005 may include a receiver 1010, a communication manager 1015, and a transmitter 1030. The device 1005 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0219] The receiver 1010 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (such as control channels, data channels, and information related to distance-based COT sharing, etc.). The information may be communicated to other components of the device 1005. The receiver 1010 may be a reference Fig.12 Examples of aspects of the described transceiver 1220. The receiver 1010 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0220] The communication manager 1015 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 915 described herein. The communication manager 1015 may include a COT sharing configuration identifier 1020 and a COT sharing indicator 1025. The communication manager 1015 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1210 described herein.

[0221] The COT sharing configuration identifier 1020 may identify a COT sharing configuration including a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link between a first device and a second device based on a distance between the first device and the second device.

[0222] The COT sharing indicator 1025 may send an indication of the sharing configuration, indicating a downlink message including one or more COT sharing parameters in a set of COT sharing parameters for sharing of the COT.

[0223] Transmitter 1030 can transmit signals generated by other components of device 1005. In some examples, transmitter 1030 can be co-located with receiver 1010 in a transceiver module. For example, transmitter 1030 can be a reference Fig.12 Examples of aspects of the described transceiver 1220. The transmitter 1030 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0224] Fig.11 A block diagram 1100 of an example communication manager 1105 supporting distance-based COT sharing is shown. The communication manager 1105 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 915, the communication manager 1015, or the communication manager 1210 described herein. The communication manager 1105 may include a COT sharing configuration identifier 1110, a COT sharing indicator 1115, and a sharing condition indication component 1120. Each of these modules may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (such as via one or more buses).

[0225] The COT sharing configuration identifier 1110 can identify a COT sharing configuration, which includes a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link between a first device and a second device based on the distance between the first device and the second device. In some implementations, the COT sharing configuration is designed for relay operation. In some implementations, the set of COT sharing parameters includes a sharing duration, one or more distance thresholds, an energy detection threshold, a type of transmission used by the first device during the COT, a reference signal receiving power threshold value, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the communication link includes a PC5 interface link, a side link, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the first device and the second device include a UE, an access point, a base station, or a combination thereof.

[0226] The COT sharing indicator 1115 may send an indication of a sharing configuration, indicating a downlink message including one or more COT sharing parameters in a set of COT sharing parameters for sharing of the COT. In some examples, the COT sharing indicator 1115 may send the COT sharing configuration to the first device, the second device, or both via semi-static signaling.

[0227] The sharing condition indicating component 1120 may receive, from the first device, an indication of a sharing condition for sharing of the COT between the first device and the second device, the sharing condition being based on a distance between the first device and the second device.

[0228] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of an example system 1200 including a device 1205 supporting distance-based COT sharing is shown. The device 1205 may be an example of, or include, a component of the device 905, device 1005, or base station 105 described herein. The device 1205 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, including a communication manager 1210, a network communication manager 1215, a transceiver 1220, an antenna 1225, a memory 1230, a processor 1240, and an inter-station communication manager 1245. These components may be in electrical communication via one or more buses, such as a bus 1250.

[0229] The communication manager 1210 can identify a COT sharing configuration (which includes a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link between a first device and a second device based on a distance between the first device and the second device), and send an indication of the COT sharing configuration, indicating a downlink message including one or more COT sharing parameters from the set of COT sharing parameters for sharing the COT.

[0230] The network communications manager 1215 may manage communications with one or more core networks (such as via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communications manager 1215 may manage the delivery of data communications for client devices (such as one or more UEs 115).

[0231] As described above, the transceiver 1220 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired or wireless links. For example, the transceiver 1220 can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1220 can also include a modem to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to the antenna for transmission, and demodulate packets received from the antenna.

[0232] In some implementations, a wireless device may include a single antenna 1225. However, in some implementations, a device may have more than one antenna 1225, which may be capable of sending or receiving multiple wireless transmissions simultaneously.

[0233] The memory 1230 may include RAM, ROM, or a combination thereof. The memory 1230 may store computer readable code 1235 including instructions that, when executed by a processor (such as processor 1240), cause the device to perform various functions described herein. In some implementations, the memory 1230 may contain (among other things) a BIOS that may control basic hardware and software operations (such as interaction with peripheral components or devices).

[0234] The processor 1240 may include an intelligent hardware device (such as a general purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor 1240 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some implementations, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 1240. The processor 1240 may be configured to execute computer readable instructions stored in a memory (such as memory 1230) to cause the device 1205 to perform various functions (such as functions or tasks that support distance-based COT sharing).

[0235] In some implementations, the processor 1240 may be a component of a processing system. A processing system may generally refer to a system or series of machines or components that receive inputs and process the inputs to produce a set of outputs (the set of outputs may be communicated to other systems or components of the device 1205, such as, for example, UE 115, base station 105, access point, station, or a different device). For example, the processing system of the device 1205 may refer to a system that includes various other components or subcomponents of the device 1205.

[0236] The processing system of device 1205 can interface with other components of device 1205, and can process information (such as, input or signal) received from other components, output information to other components, etc. For example, a chip or modem of device 1205 may include a processing system, a first interface for outputting information, and a second interface for receiving information. In some implementations, the first interface may refer to an interface between the processing system of the chip or modem and a transmitter, so that device 1205 can send information output from the chip or modem. In some implementations, the second interface may refer to an interface between the processing system of the chip or modem and a receiver, so that device 1205 can receive information or signal input, and the information can be passed to the processing system. It will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that the first interface may also receive information or signal input, and the second interface may also send information.

[0237] The inter-site communication manager 1245 can manage communications with other base stations 105 and can include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with UE 115 in cooperation with other base stations 105. For example, the inter-site communication manager 1245 can coordinate the scheduling of transmissions to UE 115 to implement various interference mitigation techniques (such as beamforming or joint transmission). In some examples, the inter-site communication manager 1245 can provide an X2 interface within an LTE / LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communications between base stations 105.

[0238] The code 1235 may include instructions for implementing aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions for supporting wireless communications. The code 1235 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a system memory or other type of memory. In some implementations, the code 1235 may not be directly executable by the processor 1240, but may cause a computer (such as, when compiled or executed) to perform the functions described herein.

[0239] Fig.13 1 shows a flow chart illustrating an example method 1300 for supporting distance-based COT sharing. The operations of the method 1300 may be implemented by the UE 115 or components thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1300 may be implemented by reference to Figure 5-8 In some examples, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the functions described below.

[0240] At 1305, the UE may identify a COT sharing configuration that includes a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a second device based on a distance between the first device and the second device. The operations of 1305 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1305 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The COT is executed by sharing the identifier.

[0241] At 1310, the UE may determine an approximation of a distance between the first device and the second device. The operations of 1310 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1310 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The distance approximation component is used to perform the above operation.

[0242] At 1315, the UE may determine a sharing condition for sharing the COT based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device. The operations of 1315 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1315 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The shared condition component is executed.

[0243] Fig.14 1400. The operations of the method 1400 may be implemented by the UE 115 or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1400 may be implemented by the UE 115 or its components as described herein. Figure 5-8 In some examples, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the functions described below.

[0244] At 1405, the UE may identify a COT sharing configuration that includes a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a second device based on a distance between the first device and the second device. The operations of 1405 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1405 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The COT is executed by sharing the identifier.

[0245] At 1410, the UE may receive a COT sharing configuration via semi-static signaling. The operations of 1410 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1410 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The COT sharing is performed by the receiver configuration.

[0246] At 1415, the UE may determine an approximation of a distance between the first device and the second device. The operations of 1415 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1415 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The distance approximation component is used to perform the above operation.

[0247] At 1420, the UE may determine a sharing condition for sharing the COT based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device. The operations of 1420 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1420 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The shared condition component is executed.

[0248] Fig.15 1 shows a flow chart illustrating an example method 1500 for supporting distance-based COT sharing. The operations of the method 1500 may be implemented by the UE 115 or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1500 may be implemented by the UE 115 or its components as described herein. Figure 5-8 In some examples, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the functions described below.

[0249] At 1505, the UE may identify a COT sharing configuration that includes a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a second device based on a distance between the first device and the second device. The operations of 1505 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1505 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The COT is executed by sharing the identifier.

[0250] At 1510, the UE may receive one or more COT sharing parameters from a second device via dynamic signaling. The operations of 1510 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1510 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The COT sharing is performed by the receiver configuration.

[0251] At 1515, the UE may determine an approximation of a distance between the first device and the second device. The operations of 1515 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1515 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The distance approximation component is used to perform the above operation.

[0252] At 1520, the UE may determine a sharing condition for sharing the COT based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device. The operations of 1520 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1520 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The shared condition component is executed.

[0253] Fig.16 1 shows a flow chart illustrating an example method 1600 for supporting distance-based COT sharing. The operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by the UE 115 or components thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by reference to Figure 5-8 In some examples, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the functions described below.

[0254] At 1605, the UE may identify a COT sharing configuration that includes a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a second device based on a distance between the first device and the second device. The operations of 1605 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1605 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The COT is executed by sharing the identifier.

[0255] At 1610, the UE may determine an approximation of a distance between the first device and the second device. The operations of 1610 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1610 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The distance approximation component is used to perform the above operation.

[0256] At 1615, the UE may determine that the distance between the first device and the second device approximately satisfies the communication range threshold, wherein the COT is shared with the second device based on the distance approximately satisfying the communication range threshold. The operations of 1615 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1615 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The distance approximation component is used to perform the above operation.

[0257] At 1620, the UE may determine a sharing condition for sharing the COT based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device. The operations of 1620 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1620 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The shared condition component is executed.

[0258] Fig.17 1 shows a flow chart illustrating an example method 1700 for supporting distance-based COT sharing. The operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by the UE 115 or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by the UE 115 or its components as described herein. Figure 5-8 In some examples, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the functions described below.

[0259] At 1705, the UE may identify a COT sharing configuration that includes a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a second device based on a distance between the first device and the second device. The operations of 1705 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1705 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The COT is executed by sharing the identifier.

[0260] At 1710, the UE may determine an approximation of a distance between the first device and the second device. The operations of 1710 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1710 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The distance approximation component is used to perform the above operation.

[0261] At 1715, the UE may receive a message from the second device. The operations of 1715 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1715 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The described power metric-based shared components are performed.

[0262] At 1720, the UE may determine a power metric for the received message, wherein the sharing condition is determined based on the determined power metric. The operations of 1720 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1720 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The described power metric-based shared components are performed.

[0263] At 1725, the UE may determine a sharing condition for sharing the COT based on the COT sharing configuration and the approximation of the distance between the first device and the second device. The operations of 1725 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1725 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The shared condition component is executed.

[0264] Fig.181 shows a flow chart illustrating an example method 1800 for supporting distance-based COT sharing. The operations of the method 1800 may be implemented by the UE 115 or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1800 may be implemented by the UE 115 or its components as described herein. Figure 5-8 In some examples, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the functions described below.

[0265] At 1805, the UE may identify a COT sharing configuration that includes a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a first device based on an approximate distance between the first device and a second device. The operations of 1805 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1805 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The COT is executed by sharing the identifier.

[0266] At 1810, the UE may send a COT sharing configuration to the first device. The operations of 1810 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1810 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The COT sharing is performed by configuring the transmitter.

[0267] At 1815, the UE may receive from the first device an indication of a sharing condition for sharing of the COT with the first device, the sharing condition being based on the COT sharing configuration and an approximate distance between the first device and the second device. The operations of 1815 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1815 may be performed with reference to Figure 5-8 The sharing condition instructs the receiver to perform.

[0268] Fig.19 1 shows a flow chart illustrating an example method 1900 for supporting distance-based COT sharing. The operations of the method 1900 may be implemented by the UE 115 or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1900 may be implemented by the reference Figure 5-8 In some examples, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the functions described below.

[0269] At 1905, the UE may identify a COT sharing configuration that includes a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link with a first device based on an approximate distance between the first device and a second device. The operations of 1905 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1905 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The COT is executed by sharing the identifier.

[0270] At 1910, the UE may send a COT sharing configuration to the first device. The operations of 1910 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1910 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The COT sharing is performed by configuring the transmitter.

[0271] At 1915, the UE may receive from the first device an indication of a sharing condition for sharing of the COT with the first device, the sharing condition being based on the COT sharing configuration and an approximate distance between the first device and the second device. The operations of 1915 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1915 may be performed with reference to Figure 5-8 The sharing condition instructs the receiver to perform.

[0272] At 1920, the UE may determine one or more COT sharing parameters based on the indication of the sharing condition to enable the second device to use the COT after the first device ends using the COT. The operations of 1920 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1920 may be described with reference to Figure 5-8 The sharing condition instructs the receiver to perform.

[0273] Fig. 20 , which illustrates an example method 2000 for supporting distance-based COT sharing. The operations of the method 2000 may be implemented by the base station 105 or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 2000 may be implemented by reference to Figure 9-12 In some examples, the base station may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the base station may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the functions described below.

[0274] At 2005, the base station may identify a COT sharing configuration that includes a set of COT sharing parameters for a COT for sharing a communication link between the first device and the second device based on an approximate distance between the first device and the second device. The operations of 2005 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2005 may be described with reference to Figure 9-12 The COT is executed by a shared configuration identifier.

[0275] At 2010, the base station may send an indication of a sharing configuration, indicating a downlink message including one or more COT sharing parameters in a set of COT sharing parameters for sharing of the COT. The operations of 2010 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2010 may be described with reference to Figure 9-12 The COT shares the indicator to execute.

[0276] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified, and other implementations are possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

[0277] Although aspects of LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR systems may be described for example purposes, and LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR terminology may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein may be applicable beyond LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR networks. For example, the described techniques may be applicable to various other wireless communication systems, such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, and other systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0278] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and methods. For example, voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof may be used to represent the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips mentioned throughout the description.

[0279] As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one of" a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc.

[0280] The various illustrative logics, logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic processes described in conjunction with the implementations disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. The interchangeability of hardware and software has been generally described in terms of functionality and exemplified in the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and processes described above. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0281] The hardware and data processing devices for implementing various schematic logics, logic blocks, modules and circuits described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or executed by a general purpose single-chip or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof for performing the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors and a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some implementations, a particular process or method may be performed by a circuit for a given function.

[0282] In one or more aspects, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, digital electronic circuitry, computer software, firmware (including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents), or in any combination thereof. Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification may also be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions, encoded on a computer storage medium for execution by or to control the operation of a data processing apparatus.

[0283] If implemented in software, the function can be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. The process of the method or algorithm disclosed herein can be implemented in a processor executable software module that can be located on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media, and the communication media include any media that can be implemented to transfer a computer program from one place to another. The storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such a computer-readable medium may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of an instruction or data structure and can be accessed by a computer. In addition, any connection can be appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. Disks and optical disks as used herein include compact disks (CDs), laser disks, optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and blue-ray disks, where disks usually magnetically copy data, and optical disks use lasers to optically copy data. The above combination should also be included in the scope of computer-readable media. Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and instructions on a machine-readable medium and a computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0284] Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but rather should be granted the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0285] Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the terms "upper" and "lower" are sometimes used for ease of describing the drawings and indicate relative positions corresponding to the orientation of the drawings on a properly oriented page and may not reflect the correct orientation of any device implemented.

[0286] Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, individual features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple implementations individually or in any suitable sub-combination. In addition, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may be removed from the combination in some implementations, and a claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0287] Similarly, although operations are depicted in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order, or to perform all the illustrated operations to achieve the desired result. In addition, the accompanying drawings may schematically depict one or more example processes in the form of a flow chart. However, other operations not depicted may be incorporated into the schematically illustrated example process. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously or between any operation in the illustrated operation. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. In addition, the separation of various system components in the implementation described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. In some implementations, the actions recorded in the claims can be performed in different orders and still achieve the desired result.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication at a first device, comprising: A processing system configured to: identifying a channel occupancy time (COT) sharing configuration, the COT sharing configuration comprising a plurality of COT sharing parameters for sharing a COT of a communication link with a second device based at least in part on a distance between the first device and the second device; as well as determining the distance between the first device and the second device; as well as A sharing condition for sharing the COT is determined based at least in part on the COT sharing configuration and the distance between the first device and the second device.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A first interface is configured to obtain the COT sharing configuration via semi-static signaling.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The first interface is configured as: One or more COT shared parameters are obtained via dynamic signaling.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The processing system is also configured to: It is determined that the distance between the first device and the second device satisfies a communication range threshold.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: The first interface is configured as: Obtaining a control information message, wherein the processing system is further configured to: decoding the control information message; and The communication range threshold is determined based at least in part on the decoded control information message.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The COT is shared with the second device based at least in part on the distance satisfying the communication range threshold.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein: Determining the distance between the first device and the second device includes: obtaining a control information message, wherein the control information message includes a partition identifier associated with the second device; and The distance between the first device and the second device is estimated based at least in part on the zone identifier associated with the second device in the control information message and a location of the first device.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein: Determining the sharing condition for sharing the COT includes: A type of transmission that can be shared within the COT, a duration of the sharing for the COT, or both is determined corresponding to the distance and an energy detection threshold used by the second device.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: The first interface is configured as: An indication of the energy detection threshold used by the second device is obtained.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The first interface is configured as: Obtaining a message, wherein the processing system is further configured to: A power metric is determined for the obtained message, wherein the sharing condition is determined based at least in part on the determined power metric.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein: The power metric comprises a path loss measurement, a reference signal received power measurement, a reference signal power for the message, or a combination thereof.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The second interface is configured as: An indication of the sharing condition is output, wherein the indication includes information of one or more of the plurality of COT sharing parameters for the sharing of the COT.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The COT sharing configuration is designed for relay operation.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of COT sharing parameters include: a sharing duration, one or more distance thresholds, an energy detection threshold, a type of transmission for use by the first device during the COT, a reference signal received power threshold value, or a combination thereof.

15. An apparatus for wireless communication at a second device, comprising: A processing system configured to: identifying a channel occupancy time (COT) sharing configuration, the COT sharing configuration comprising a plurality of COT sharing parameters for sharing a COT of a communication link with the first device based at least in part on a distance between the first device and the second device; The first interface is configured as: An indication of a sharing condition for the sharing of the COT with the first device is obtained, the sharing condition being based at least in part on the COT sharing configuration and the distance between the first device and the second device.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein: The processing system is also configured to: One or more COT sharing parameters are determined based on the indication of the sharing condition to enable the first device to use the COT after the second device finishes using the COT.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein: The one or more COT sharing parameters include a start time for the first device to begin using the COT, a type of transmission that the first device is allowed to send in the COT, or a combination thereof.

18. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: The second interface is configured as: One or more COT shared parameters are output via dynamic signaling.

19. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: A second interface, wherein the second interface is configured as: A control information message is output, wherein the control information message includes a partition identifier associated with the second device.

20. An apparatus for wireless communication at a base station, comprising: A processing system configured to: identifying a channel occupancy time (COT) sharing configuration comprising a plurality of COT sharing parameters for sharing a COT of a communication link between a first device and a second device based at least in part on a distance between the first device and the second device; as well as The first interface is configured as: An indication of the COT sharing configuration is output, wherein the indication comprises a downlink message of one or more of the plurality of COT sharing parameters for the sharing of the COT.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising: The second interface is configured as: An indication of a sharing condition for the sharing of the COT between the first device and the second device is obtained, wherein the sharing condition is based at least in part on the distance between the first device and the second device.

22. The device according to claim 20, wherein: The first interface is further configured as: The COT sharing configuration is output via semi-static signaling.

23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein: The COT sharing configuration is designed for relay operation.

24. A method for wireless communication at a first device, comprising: identifying a channel occupancy time (COT) sharing configuration, the COT sharing configuration comprising a plurality of COT sharing parameters for sharing a COT of a communication link with a second device based at least in part on a distance between the first device and the second device; determining the distance between the first device and the second device; as well as A sharing condition for sharing the COT is determined based at least in part on the COT sharing configuration and the distance between the first device and the second device.

25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising: It is determined that the distance between the first device and the second device satisfies a communication range threshold.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein: Determining the distance between the first device and the second device includes: receiving a control information message from the second device, wherein the control information message includes a partition identifier associated with the second device; and The distance between the first device and the second device is estimated based at least in part on the zone identifier associated with the second device in the control information message and a location of the first device.

27. The method according to claim 24, wherein: Determining the sharing condition for sharing the COT includes: A type of transmission that can be shared within the COT, a duration of the sharing for the COT, or both is determined corresponding to the distance and an energy detection threshold used by the second device.

28. The method of claim 24, further comprising: receiving a message from the second device; as well as A power metric is determined for the received message, wherein the sharing condition is determined based at least in part on the determined power metric.

29. The method of claim 24, further comprising: An indication of the sharing condition is transmitted, wherein the indication comprises information of one or more of the plurality of COT sharing parameters for the sharing of the COT.

30. The method of claim 24, wherein: The plurality of COT sharing parameters include: a sharing duration, one or more distance thresholds, an energy detection threshold, a type of transmission for use by the first device during the COT, a reference signal received power threshold value, or a combination thereof.

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