Sharing of long term evolution (LTE) uplink spectrum

Abstract

Sharing of long term evolution (LTE) uplink spectrum. Wireless communication systems and methods are provided that involve using shared resources to perform initial network access procedures. A first wireless communication device transmits a random access request to a first network in a first frequency band. The first wireless communication device receives a random access response from a second wireless communication device of the first network in response to the random access request. The random access response is in a second frequency band allocated to the first network for time division duplex (TDD) communications. The second frequency band is different from the first frequency band.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application filed on March 28, 2018, with international application number PCT / US2018 / 024956, Chinese application number 201880026908.6, and entitled "Sharing of Uplink Spectrum for Long Term Evolution (LTE)".

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. nonprovisional patent application No. 15 / 847,214, filed December 19, 2017, and U.S. provisional patent application No. 62 / 491,013, filed April 27, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as fully set forth below and for all applicable purposes. Technical Field

[0004] The techniques discussed in this disclosure generally relate to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to allowing a radio access network (RAN) to use additional component carriers for uplink (UL) communication. Various embodiments implement and provide solutions and techniques for improving resource utilization efficiency and UL coverage.

[0005] introduction

[0006] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, message sending and receiving, broadcasting, and so on. These systems can support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple access systems include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems). A wireless multiple access communication system may include several base stations (BSs), each supporting communication from multiple communication devices simultaneously; these wireless communication devices may also be referred to as User Equipment (UEs).

[0007] To meet the growing demand for extended connectivity, wireless communication technologies, or radio access technologies, are evolving from LTE to next-generation new radio (NR) technologies. One approach to extending connectivity is to extend the frequency operating range to higher frequencies as lower frequencies become overcrowded. For example, LTE can operate in a low-frequency range (e.g., below 1 MHz) to a mid-frequency range (e.g., between about 1 GHz and about 3 GHz), and next-generation NR can operate in a high-frequency range (e.g., between about 3 GHz and about 30 GHz).

[0008] As LTE deployments continue to grow and expand and transition to next-generation NR, support for coexistence between LTE and NR can be important. One approach to providing coexistence is to continue operating LTE devices on LTE component carriers and additionally operate NR devices on NR component carriers separate from the LTE component carriers. Another approach is to allow dual connectivity on both LTE and NR, where devices supporting both LTE and NR connectivity can gain initial access to the LTE network via the LTE primary cell (PCell) (e.g., on LTE component carriers) and are subsequently configured to add secondary cells (SCells) for NR operation (e.g., on NR component carriers). In this way, dual-connectivity devices can utilize both LTE and NR component carriers, while NR devices are limited to operating on the NR component carriers.

[0009] A brief overview of some examples

[0010] The following outlines some aspects of this disclosure to provide a basic understanding of the techniques discussed. This overview is not an exhaustive summary of all conceived features of this disclosure, nor is it intended to identify key or defining elements of all aspects of this disclosure, nor to define the scope of any or all aspects of this disclosure. Its sole purpose is to provide, in an overview form, some concepts of one or more aspects of this disclosure as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0011] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide mechanisms for user equipment (UE) using a specific time-division duplex (TDD) radio access technology (e.g., a New Radio (NR) based technology) to obtain initial network access via additional component carriers, such as LTE uplink (UL) component carriers. For example, an NR network can operate in TDD mode and pair higher-frequency NR component carriers with one or more lower-frequency component carriers. An NR base station (BS) can indicate random access resources in the lower-frequency UL component carriers. An NR UE can then use the lower-frequency UL component carrier to transmit a random access request based on this indication. The random access procedure can be accomplished using the lower-frequency UL component carrier for UL communication and the higher-frequency NR component carrier for DL ​​communication. Upon completion, the NR BS can configure the NR UE to continue using the lower-frequency UL component carrier or switch to the higher-frequency NR component carrier for UL communication.

[0012] For example, in one aspect of this disclosure, a wireless communication method includes: transmitting a random access request to a first network in a first frequency band by a first wireless communication device; and receiving a random access response from a second wireless communication device of the first network in response to the random access request, wherein the random access response is located in a second frequency band allocated to the first network for time division duplex (TDD) communication, the second frequency band being different from the first frequency band.

[0013] In an additional aspect of this disclosure, a wireless communication method includes: receiving a random access request to a first network from a second wireless communication device in a first frequency band by a first wireless communication device; and transmitting a random access response to the second wireless communication device in response to the random access request, wherein the random access response is located in a second frequency band allocated to the first network for time division duplex (TDD) communication, the second frequency band being different from the first frequency band.

[0014] In an additional aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus includes a transceiver configured to: transmit a random access request to a first network in a first frequency band; and receive a random access response from a second wireless communication device of the first network in response to the random access request, wherein the random access response is located in a second frequency band allocated to the first network for time division duplex (TDD) communication, the second frequency band being different from the first frequency band.

[0015] In an additional aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus includes a transceiver configured to: receive a random access request to a first network from a second wireless communication device in a first frequency band; and transmit a random access response to the second wireless communication device in response to the random access request, wherein the random access response is located in a second frequency band allocated to the first network for time division duplex (TDD) communication, the second frequency band being different from the first frequency band.

[0016] Other aspects, features, and embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following description of specific exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Although features of the invention may be discussed below with reference to certain embodiments and drawings, all embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, while one or more embodiments may be discussed having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used according to the various embodiments of the invention discussed herein. Similarly, although exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as embodiments of devices, systems, or methods, it should be understood that such exemplary embodiments may be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0017] Figure 1Wireless communication networks according to various embodiments of the present disclosure have been explained.

[0018] Figure 2 The following describes frequency band usage scenarios for operating Long Term Evolution (LTE) devices and New Radio (NR) devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3 The following describes frequency band usage scenarios for operating dual-connectivity devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4 An initial NR network access method for sharing LTE uplink (UL) spectrum according to various embodiments of this disclosure is explained.

[0021] Figure 5 The initial NR network access method for shared LTE UL spectrum according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is explained.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of an exemplary user equipment (UE) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of an exemplary base station (BS) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 8 Signaling diagrams illustrating methods for performing initial access to an NR network using an LTE UL band according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are provided.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method for performing initial access to an NR network according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a method for performing initial access to an NR network according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0027] The detailed description that follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configuration in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. This detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0028] The technologies described herein can be used in various wireless communication networks, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), and others. The terms "network" and "system" are often used interchangeably. CDMA networks can implement radio technologies such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) and cdma2000. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. cdma2000 encompasses the IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards. TDMA networks can implement radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). OFDMA networks can implement radio technologies such as Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, and Flash-OFDM. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) are new UMTS versions using E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, and GSM are described in documents from an organization called the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization called the Third Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2). The technologies described herein can be used with the wireless networks and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as other wireless networks and radio technologies, such as next-generation networks (e.g., 5G operating in millimeter (mm) wave bands).

[0029] While aspects and embodiments of this application are described through the explanation of a few examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases may arise in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovations described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and package arrangements. For example, embodiments and / or devices may arise via integrated chip embodiments and other devices based on non-modular components (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail / purchase devices, medical devices, AI-enabled devices, etc.). While some examples may or may not be specific to particular use cases or applications, broad applicability of the described innovations is possible. The scope of implementations can range from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level implementations, and further to aggregated, distributed, or OEM devices or systems incorporating one or more aspects of the described innovations. In some practical settings, devices incorporating the described aspects and features may also necessary include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described embodiments. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals requires several components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components, including antennas, RF chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders / summers, etc.). The innovations described herein are intended to be implemented in a wide variety of devices, chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, end-user devices, etc., of various sizes, shapes, and configurations.

[0030] This disclosure describes a mechanism for an NR network to use additional component carriers or frequency bands for UL communications. In some disclosed embodiments, the NR network may operate on an NR band paired with one or more additional UL frequency bands (e.g., LTE UL bands). The NR network may operate in TDD mode. The NR band may be located at a higher frequency than the additional UL band. The NR band may include frequencies above a frequency threshold (e.g., about 3 GHz). The additional UL band may include frequencies below the frequency threshold. The BS of the NR network may broadcast system information including a random access configuration. The random access configuration may indicate resources for performing random access procedures to obtain initial access to the NR network. The random access resources may be located in one of the additional UL bands.

[0031] To gain initial access to the NR network, the UE may transmit a random access request (e.g., a random access preamble signal). The random access request may be in an additional UL band, and the BS may respond by transmitting a random access response in the NR band. Subsequently, the UE may transmit a connection request in the additional UL band to establish a connection with the BS. The BS may respond by transmitting a connection response in the NR band. After the connection is established, the BS may reconfigure the UE to use the NR band for UL communication, or configure the UE to continue using the additional UL band for UL communication. In some embodiments, when one or more UL bands are shared with another network (e.g., as an LTE network), the NR BS may negotiate or coordinate with that other network to obtain access to the additional bands.

[0032] The various aspects of this disclosure can provide several benefits. For example, sharing the LTE UL band can allow the NR network to utilize available resources in the LTE UL band that might otherwise be underutilized. Additionally, NR bands may have higher path loss due to their higher frequencies and may be less stable compared to LTE UL bands. Therefore, using lower-frequency LTE UL bands or additional lower-frequency UL bands for UL communications during the initial network access procedure can improve NR network UL coverage. The disclosed embodiments allow coexistence between NR and LTE networks. The disclosed embodiments can minimize changes in the NR physical layer used to support coexistence. The disclosed embodiments may not significantly affect legacy LTE devices operating on LTE component carriers. The disclosed embodiments can also support dual-connectivity devices that support simultaneous LTE and NR connections.

[0033] Although the disclosed embodiments are described in the context of NR networks sharing LTE UL resources, implementations can occur in other scenarios. For example, some of the disclosed embodiments can be applied to enable TDD networks to utilize additional UL bands, which may or may not be shared with another network, to improve UL coverage. Thus, in some instances, LTE UL bands can refer to UL bands without LTE network deployment.

[0034] Figure 1A wireless communication network 100 according to various embodiments of this disclosure is described. Network 100 includes a BS 105, a UE 115, and a core network 130. Network 100 can be a cellular network or a non-cellular wireless network. For example, network 100 can be an LTE network, an LTE-A network, a millimeter-wave (mmW) network, a new radio (NR) network, a 5G network, a P2P network, a mesh network, a D2D network in which devices communicate with each other, or any other successor network to LTE. Alternatively, network 100 can be a unified network supporting multiple radio access technologies (RATs) (such as both LTE and NR). BS 105 can be a station communicating with UE 115 and may also be referred to as a base transceiver station, a B-node, an evolved B-node (eNodeB) or a next-generation B-node (gNB), an access point, etc.

[0035] BS 105 can wirelessly communicate with UE 115 via one or more BS antennas. Each BS 105 can provide communication coverage for its respective geographic coverage area 110. In 3GPP, the term "cell" can refer to that particular geographic coverage area of ​​the BS and / or the BS subsystem serving that coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used. In this regard, BS 105 can provide communication coverage to macrocells, picocells, femtocells, and / or other types of cells. Macrocells generally cover relatively large geographic areas (e.g., with a radius of several kilometers) and allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions to a network provider. Picocells generally cover relatively small geographic areas and allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions to a network provider. Femtocells generally also cover relatively small geographic areas (e.g., residential areas) and, in addition to unrestricted access, provide restricted access by UEs associated with that femtocell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs of users in that residential area, etc.). A base station (BS) used for macrocells can be called a macroBS. A BS used for picocells can be called a picoBS. A BS used for femtocells can be called a femtoBS or a home BS. Figure 1 In the examples shown, BS 105a, 105b, and 105c are examples of macro BSs used for coverage areas 110a, 110b, and 110c, respectively. BS 105d is an example of a pico or femto BS used for coverage area 110d. As will be appreciated, BS 105 can support one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) cells.

[0036] The communication link 125 shown in network 100 may include uplink (UL) transmission from UE 115 to BS 105, or downlink (DL) transmission from BS 105 to UE 115. Each UE 115 may be distributed throughout network 100, and each UE 115 may be stationary or mobile. UE 115 may also be referred to as a mobile station, subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, radio unit, remote unit, mobile device, radio device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, radio terminal, remote terminal, handheld device, user agent, mobile client, client, or any other suitable term. UE 115 can also be a cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), wireless modem, wireless communication device, handheld device, tablet computer, laptop computer, cordless phone, personal electronic device, handheld device, personal computer, wireless local loop (WLL) station, Internet of Things (IoT) device, Internet of Everything (IoE) device, machine type communication (MTC) device, appliance, automobile, entertainment device, medical device, wearable device, industrial equipment, etc.

[0037] BS 105 can communicate with and communicate with the core network 130. The core network 130 provides user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. At least some BS 105s (e.g., examples of evolved B-nodes (eNBs) or access node controllers (ANCs)) can interface with the core network 130 via backhaul links 132 (e.g., S1, S2, etc.) and can perform radio configuration and scheduling to communicate with the UE 115. In various examples, BS 105s can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via the core network 130) on backhaul links 134 (e.g., X1, X2, etc.), which can be wired or wireless communication links.

[0038] Each BS 105 can also communicate with several UEs 115 via several other BS 105s, where a BS 105 may be an example of a smart radio headend. In an alternative configuration, the functions of each BS 105 may be distributed across BS 105s (e.g., radio headends and access network controllers) or consolidated into a single BS 105.

[0039] In some implementations, Network 100 utilizes Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) on the downlink and Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiplexing (SC-FDM) on the UL. OFDM and SC-FDM divide the system bandwidth into multiple (K) orthogonal subcarriers, often referred to as frequency modulation, frequency slots, etc. Each subcarrier can be modulated with data. Generally, modulation symbols are transmitted in the frequency domain under OFDM and in the time domain under SC-FDM. The spacing between adjacent subcarriers can be fixed, and the total number of subcarriers (K) can depend on the system bandwidth. The system bandwidth can also be divided into subbands.

[0040] In one embodiment, BS 105 may assign or schedule (e.g., in the form of time-frequency resource blocks) transmission resources for DL ​​and UL transmissions in network 100. DL refers to the transmission direction from BS 105 to UE 115, while UL refers to the transmission direction from UE 115 to BS 105. This communication may take the form of radio frames. A radio frame may be divided into multiple subframes, for example, about 10. Each subframe may be divided into time slots, for example, about 2. In Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) mode, simultaneous UL and DL transmissions may occur in different frequency bands. For example, each subframe includes UL subframes in the UL band and DL subframes in the DL band. In Time Division Duplex (TDD) mode, UL and DL transmissions occur using the same frequency band at different time periods. For example, a subset of subframes in a radio frame (e.g., DL subframes) may be used for DL ​​transmissions, and another subset of subframes in a radio frame (e.g., UL subframes) may be used for UL transmissions.

[0041] DL subframes and UL subframes can be further divided into several regions. For example, each DL or UL subframe may have predefined regions for the transmission of reference signals, control information, and data. Reference signals are predetermined signals that facilitate communication between BS 105 and UE 115. For example, reference signals may have a specific pilot pattern or structure, wherein pilot frequencies may span an operating bandwidth or frequency band, and each pilot frequency is positioned at a predefined time and a predefined frequency. For example, BS 105 may transmit a cell-specific reference signal (CRS) and / or a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) to enable UE 115 to estimate the DL channel. Similarly, UE 115 may transmit a probe reference signal (SRS) to enable BS 105 to estimate the UL channel. Control information may include resource allocation and protocol control. Data may include protocol data and / or operational data. In some embodiments, BS 105 and UE 115 may communicate using self-contained subframes. Self-contained subframes may include portions for DL ​​communication and portions for UL communication. Self-contained subframes can be DL-centered or UL-centered. DL-centered subframes can include a duration for DL ​​communication that is longer than the duration for UL communication. UL-centered subframes can include a duration for UL communication that is longer than the duration for DL ​​communication.

[0042] In one embodiment, BS 105 may transmit synchronization signals (e.g., including a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS)) in network 100 to facilitate synchronization. BS 105 may broadcast system information associated with network 100 (e.g., including a primary information block (MIB), residual minimum system information (RMSI), and other system information (OSI)) to facilitate initial network access.

[0043] In one embodiment, UE 115 attempting to access network 100 can perform an initial cell search by detecting a PSS from BS 105. The PSS enables time-slot timing synchronization and indicates a physical layer identity value. UE 115 can subsequently receive an SSS. The SSS enables radio frame synchronization and provides a cell identity value, which can be combined with a physical layer identity value to identify the cell. The SSS also enables detection of duplex mode and cyclic prefix length. Some systems (such as TDD systems) may transmit the SSS but not the PSS. Both the PSS and SSS may be located in the center portion of the carrier. After receiving the PSS and SSS, UE 115 can receive a MIB, which may be transmitted in the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH). The MIB may include system information for initial network access and scheduling information for RMSI and / or OSI. After decoding the MIB, UE 105 can receive the RMSI and / or OSI. The RMSI and / or OSI may include Radio Resource Configuration (RRC) information related to the Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure, paging, Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), power control, SRS, and Cell Prohibition. After obtaining the MIB and / or SIB, UE 115 may execute the random access procedure to establish a connection with BS 105. After establishing this connection, UE 115 and BS 105 may enter the normal operation phase, during which operational data can be exchanged.

[0044] In some embodiments, network 100 may be a unified network supporting both LTE and NR. In such embodiments, network 100 may operate on LTE spectrum or LTE component carriers and NR spectrum or NR component carriers. LTE spectrum may include low-frequency bands below 1 GHz and mid-frequency bands between about 1 GHz and about 3 GHz. NR spectrum may include sub-6 GHz bands and millimeter-wave bands. BS 105 may include an LTE BS and an NR BS. In some embodiments, the LTE BS and NR BS may coexist. For example, BS 105 may employ the same hardware to implement both LTE and NR by executing different software components or stacks for LTE and NR. Additionally, UE 115 may include an independent LTE device and an independent NR device. The independent LTE device supports LTE connectivity but not NR connectivity. Conversely, the independent NR device supports NR connectivity but not LTE connectivity. Alternatively, some UE 115 may support dual LTE-NR connectivity. Communication mechanisms and frequency band planning for various combinations of connectivity are described in more detail herein.

[0045] Figure 2 and 3The explanation outlines the frequency band planning that Network 100 can adopt to support LTE-NR coexistence in the region. Figure 2 and 3 In this context, the x-axis represents frequency using some constant units.

[0046] Figure 2 The following describes frequency band usage scenarios 200 for operating LTE and NR devices according to various embodiments of this disclosure. Independent or legacy LTE devices and independent NR devices may correspond to UE 115. Independent LTE devices may communicate with an LTE BS similar to BS 105 based on the LTE communication protocol for initial network access and subsequent normal operation. Independent NR devices may communicate with an NR BS similar to BS 105 based on the NR communication protocol for initial network access and subsequent normal operation.

[0047] Scenario 200 includes an LTE UL component carrier or band 202, an LTE DL component carrier or band 204, and an NR component carrier or band 206. LTE bands 202 and 204 are located in a frequency range 208 that can be from approximately 700 MHz to approximately 3 GHz. LTE UL band 202 is typically located at a lower frequency than LTE DL band 204. NR band 206 is located in a frequency range 209 that can be in a sub-6 GHz band or a millimeter-wave band. In some embodiments, LTE UL band 202 may be located below 1 GHz, LTE DL band 204 may be located around 2 GHz, and NR band 206 may be located around 3.5 GHz. Although Figure 2 For the purpose of simplifying the discussion, an LTE UL band 202, an LTE DL band 204, and an NR band 206 have been described, but it will be appreciated that the various embodiments of this disclosure can be scaled to many more LTE UL bands 202 and / or LTE DL bands 204 in frequency range 208 and / or many more NR bands 206 in frequency range 209.

[0048] LTE UL band 202 and LTE DL band 204 can be used by the LTE network for LTE communication in Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) mode. For example, the LTE UL band is used for LTE UL communication 210. LTE DL band 204 is used for LTE DL communication 212. An independent LTE device can initiate access to the LTE network by transmitting a random access request in band 202, and the LTE BS of the network can respond by transmitting a random access response in band 204. Subsequently, the LTE device can transmit a connection request in band 202, and the LTE BS can respond with a connection response in band 204. After a connection is established, the LTE BS and the LTE device can communicate on bands 202 and 204.

[0049] NR band 206 can be used by the NR network for NR communication 220 in Time Division Duplex (TDD) mode. An independent NR device can initiate access to the NR network by transmitting a random access request in band 206 during the UL period or subframe, and the NR BS of the network can respond by transmitting a random access response in band 206 during the DL period or subframe. Subsequently, the NR device can transmit a connection request in band 206 during the UL period, and the NR BS can respond with a connection response in band 206 during the DL period. After a connection is established, the NR BS and the NR device can communicate on band 206 according to the TDD subframe configuration.

[0050] Figure 3 A frequency band usage scenario 300 for operating a dual-connectivity device according to various embodiments of this disclosure is explained. Scenario 300 includes a frequency band configuration similar to that of scenario 200, but illustrates the use of LTE frequency bands 202 and 204 and NR frequency band 206 to support dual LTE-NR connectivity. Although Figure 3 For the purpose of simplifying the discussion, an LTE UL band 202, an LTE DL band 204, and an NR band 206 have been described, but it will be appreciated that the various embodiments of this disclosure can be scaled to many more LTE UL bands 202 and / or LTE DL bands 204 in frequency range 208 and / or many more NR bands 206 in frequency range 209.

[0051] In scenario 300, LTE bands 202 and 204 can be designated for use by the LTE primary cell (PCell), and NR band 206 can be designated for use by the secondary cell (SCell). A dual LTE-NR device, similar to UE 115, can initiate initial network access on the LTE PCell. For example, the dual LTE-NR can employ a mechanism similar to that of the aforementioned independent LTE device, where random access and connection requests (e.g., LTE UL communication 310) and responses (e.g., LTE DL communication 312) can be exchanged on bands 202 and 204, respectively. After gaining access to the network in the PCell, the network can configure the dual LTE-NR device to add an SCell for DL ​​communication 314 on NR band 206.

[0052] Some studies suggest that LTE UL spectrum may not be fully utilized. Therefore, allowing NR networks to share LTE UL spectrum could improve spectrum or resource utilization efficiency. Additionally, NR networks typically operate on high-frequency or millimeter-wave bands, which have significantly higher path loss than LTE mid-frequency or low-frequency bands. High path loss can make it difficult for UEs (such as UE 115) to obtain initial access or establish connections with BSs (such as BS 105) in the NR network. Therefore, allowing NR devices or UEs to initiate network access on LTE UL spectrum could improve UL coverage. Figure 4 and 5 The various mechanisms by which independent NR devices can access the NR network using shared LTE UL spectrum are explained. Figure 4 and 5 In this context, the x-axis represents frequency using some constant units.

[0053] Figure 4 An initial NR network access method 400 for sharing LTE UL spectrum according to various embodiments of this disclosure has been explained. Method 400 is described in the context of a frequency band configuration similar to scenarios 200 and 300. However, in method 400, the LTE UL frequency band 202 is shared between the LTE network and the NR network. Although Figure 4 For the purpose of simplifying the discussion, an LTE UL band 202, an LTE DL band 204, and an NR band 206 have been described, but it will be appreciated that the various embodiments of this disclosure can be scaled to many more LTE UL bands 202 and / or LTE DL bands 204 in frequency range 208 and / or many more NR bands 206 in frequency range 209.

[0054] For example, LTE bands 202 and 204 are assigned to or licensed by the LTE network, and NR band 206 is assigned to or licensed by the NR network. In some embodiments, the NR network operator may have an agreement with the LTE network operator to share the LTE UL band 202 for NR UL communications. In some other embodiments, the same operator may operate both the NR network and the LTE network. The NR BS and the LTE BS may coordinate with each other to share LTE UL subframes in the LTE UL band 202. This coordination may be performed via a backhaul connection or via a central authority. The NR network may, based on this coordination, transmit UL communications 410 in the LTE UL band 202 and DL communications 412 in the NR band 206. The LTE network may, based on this coordination, transmit UL communications (not shown) similar to UL communications 210 in the LTE UL band 202 and DL communications 212 in the LTE DL band 204.

[0055] In one embodiment, an autonomous NR device, similar to UE 115, can use LTE UL band 202 and NR band 206 to perform random access procedures to establish a connection with an NR BS in the NR network. The NR network can broadcast random access configuration information indicating certain resources in NR band 206 and LTE UL band 202. The autonomous NR device listens for the random access configuration information and transmits a random access request in LTE UL band 202 accordingly. In response, the NR BS transmits a random access response in NR band 206. Subsequently, the NR device can transmit a connection request in LTE UL band 202, and the NR BS can respond with a connection response in NR band 206. After the connection is established, the NR BS can configure the NR device to communicate on LTE UL band 202 and / or NR band 206 for UL communication. The use of LTE UL band 202 for initial NR network access is described in more detail herein.

[0056] Figure 5 An initial NR network access method 500 for sharing LTE UL spectrum according to various embodiments of the present disclosure has been described. Method 500 is similar to method 400. However, in method 500, the NR network may pair a plurality of LTE UL bands 202 of one or more LTE networks with NR bands 206. As shown, the LTE frequency range 208 includes a plurality of LTE UL bands 202 (e.g., shown as 202u1 to 202u1) that can be paired with NR bands 206. NLTE frequency range 208 may include additional LTE UL bands and / or LTE DL bands similar to LTE DL band 204. Similarly, NR frequency range 209 may include additional NR bands similar to NR band 206.

[0057] In one embodiment, the NR BS of the NR network can broadcast random access configuration information indicating resources in NR band 206 and multiple LTE UL bands 202. An autonomous NR device capable of operating in LTE UL band 202 can select resources from one of the LTE UL bands 202 for initial network access. As an example, the autonomous NR device can select resources from LTE UL band 202u1 to transmit a random access request (e.g., UL communication 410). Similar to method 400, the NR BS can respond by transmitting a random access response in NR band 206 (e.g., DL communication 412). The random access response can indicate transmission resources allocated to the NR device in one of the LTE UL bands 202. For example, the transmission resources can be in the same LTE UL band 202u1 or different LTE UL bands (e.g., LTE UL band 202u1, LTE UL band 202u2 ... N In NR band 206, the NR device can use the allocated transmission resources to transmit connection requests (e.g., UL communication 410). The NR BS can respond with a connection response (e.g., DL communication 412) in NR band 206.

[0058] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of an exemplary UE 600 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. UE 600 may be UE 115 as discussed above. As shown, UE 600 may include a processor 602, a memory 604, a spectrum sharing module 608, a transceiver 610 (including a modem subsystem 612 and a radio frequency (RF) unit 614), and an antenna 616. These components may communicate directly or indirectly with each other, for example, via one or more buses.

[0059] Processor 602 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a controller, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein. Processor 602 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 incorporating a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0060] Memory 604 may include cache memory (e.g., the cache memory of processor 602), random access memory (RAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, solid-state memory devices, hard disk drives, other forms of volatile and non-volatile memory, or combinations of different types of memory. In one embodiment, memory 604 includes a non-transient computer-readable medium. Memory 604 may store instructions 606. Instructions 606 may include instructions that, when executed by processor 602, cause processor 602 to perform the operations described herein with reference to UE 115 in conjunction with various embodiments of this disclosure. Instructions 606 may also be referred to as code. The terms “instruction” and “code” should be broadly interpreted to include any type of computer-readable statement(s). For example, the terms “instruction” and “code” may refer to one or more programs, routines, subroutines, functions, procedures, etc. "Instructions" and "codes" may include a single computer-readable statement or a number of computer-readable statements.

[0061] The spectrum sharing module 608 may be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the spectrum sharing module 608 may be implemented as a processor, circuitry, and / or instructions 606 stored in memory 604 and executed by processor 602. The spectrum sharing module 608 may be used in various aspects of this disclosure. For example, the spectrum sharing module 608 may be configured to listen to network broadcasts of system information. The system information may indicate the sharing of random access resources in an LTE UL band (such as LTE UL band 202).

[0062] The spectrum sharing module 608 is further configured to perform initial network access by transmitting random access requests and connection requests in the LTE UL band and receiving random access responses and connection responses from the NR band (such as NR band 206), as described above with respect to methods 400 and 500 and as described in more detail herein. The spectrum sharing module 608 is further configured to receive UL data transmission configuration and perform UL data transmission according to the received UL data transmission configuration.

[0063] As shown, transceiver 610 may include modem subsystem 612 and RF unit 614. Transceiver 610 may be configured to communicate bidirectionally with other devices (such as BS 105). Modem subsystem 612 may be configured to modulate and / or encode data from memory 604 and / or spectrum sharing module 608 according to modulation and coding schemes (MCS) (e.g., low-density parity-check (LDPC) coding scheme, turbo coding scheme, convolutional coding scheme, digital beamforming scheme, etc.). RF unit 614 may be configured to process (e.g., perform analog-to-digital conversion or digital-to-analog conversion, etc.) modulated / coded data transmitted from modem subsystem 612 (in out-of-band transmission) or originating from another source (such as UE 115). RF unit 614 may be further configured to perform analog beamforming in conjunction with digital beamforming. Although shown as being integrated together in transceiver 610, modem subsystem 612 and RF unit 614 may be separate devices coupled together at UE 115 to enable UE 115 to communicate with other devices.

[0064] RF unit 614 may provide modulated and / or processed data (e.g., data packets (or, more generally, data messages containing one or more data packets and other information)) to antenna 616 for transmission to one or more other devices. This may include, for example, the transmission of channel-reserved signals according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Antenna 616 may further receive data messages transmitted from other devices. This may include, for example, the reception of channel-reserved signals according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Antenna 616 may provide the received data messages for processing and / or demodulation at transceiver 610. Although Figure 6 Antenna 616 may be described as a single antenna, but it can include multiple antennas of similar or different designs to maintain multiple transmission links. RF unit 614 can configure antenna 616.

[0065] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of an exemplary BS 700 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. BS 700 may be BS 105 as discussed above. As shown, BS 700 may include a processor 702, a memory 704, a spectrum sharing module 708, a transceiver 710 (including a modem subsystem 712 and an RF unit 714), and an antenna 716. These components may communicate directly or indirectly with each other, for example, via one or more buses.

[0066] Processor 702 may have various features as a special-purpose processor. For example, these features may include a CPU, DSP, ASIC, controller, FPGA device, another hardware device, firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein. Processor 702 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 combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0067] Memory 704 may include cache memory (e.g., the cache memory of processor 702), RAM, MRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, solid-state memory device, one or more hard disk drives, memristor-based arrays, other forms of volatile and non-volatile memory, or combinations of different types of memory. In some embodiments, memory 704 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Memory 704 may store instructions 706. Instructions 706 may include instructions that, when executed by processor 702, cause processor 702 to perform the operations described herein. Instructions 706 may also be referred to as code, which may be broadly interpreted as including the operations described above for... Figure 7 Any type of computer-readable statement is discussed.

[0068] The spectrum sharing module 708 may be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the spectrum sharing module 708 may be implemented as a processor, circuitry, and / or instructions 706 stored in memory 704 and executed by processor 702. The spectrum sharing module 708 may be used in various aspects of this disclosure. For example, the spectrum sharing module 708 is configured to coordinate with an LTE BS (such as BS105) to access LTE UL spectrum or one or more LTE UL bands (such as LTE UL band 202) and / or receive rules and / or protocols for sharing LTE UL spectrum. The spectrum sharing module 708 is further configured to configure resources in the LTE UL bands and broadcast system information indicating the configured resources. The system information may include random access configuration information, such as random access resources, random access preamble configuration, and / or random access rules. The spectrum sharing module 708 is further configured to: monitor random access requests or random access preambles in configured random access resources, such as in an LTE UL band; respond to random access requests in an NR band (such as NR band 206); configure resources for connection requests; and respond to connection requests in an NR band, as described in more detail herein.

[0069] As shown, transceiver 710 may include a modem subsystem 712 and an RF unit 714. Transceiver 710 may be configured to communicate bidirectionally with other devices, such as UE 115 and / or another core network element. Modem subsystem 712 may be configured to modulate and / or encode data according to an MCS (e.g., LDPC coding scheme, turbo coding scheme, convolutional coding scheme, digital beamforming scheme, etc.). RF unit 714 may be configured to process (e.g., perform analog-to-digital conversion or digital-to-analog conversion, etc.) modulated / coded data transmitted from modem subsystem 712 (over out-of-band transmission) or originating from another source (such as UE 115). RF unit 714 may be further configured to perform analog beamforming in conjunction with digital beamforming. Although shown as being integrated together in transceiver 710, modem subsystem 712 and RF unit 714 may be separate devices coupled together at BS 105 to enable BS 105 to communicate with other devices.

[0070] RF unit 714 may provide modulated and / or processed data (e.g., data packets (or, more generally, data messages containing one or more data packets and other information)) to antenna 716 for transmission to one or more other devices. This may include, for example, information transmission for establishing attachment to a network and communication with the resident UE 115, as described in various embodiments of this disclosure. Antenna 716 may further receive data messages transmitted from other devices and provide the received data messages for processing and / or demodulation at transceiver 710. Although Figure 7 Antenna 716 is described as a single antenna, but antenna 716 may include multiple antennas of similar or different designs in order to maintain multiple transmission links.

[0071] Figure 8 Signaling diagrams of a method 800 for performing initial access to an NR network using an LTE UL band, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, are provided. The steps of method 800 can be performed by a computing device (e.g., a processor, processing circuitry, and / or other suitable components) of a wireless communication device (such as BS 105 and 700 and UE 115 and 600). Method 800 can be referenced... Figure 4 and 5 To better understand, as explained, method 800 includes multiple enumeration steps, but embodiments of method 800 may include additional steps before, after, and between the enumeration steps. In some embodiments, one or more of the enumeration steps may be omitted or performed in a different order. Method 800 illustrates an NR BS and a self-contained NR UE for the purpose of simplifying the discussion, but it will be appreciated that embodiments of this disclosure can be scaled to many more UEs and / or BSs.

[0072] In step 805, the BS of the NR network (e.g., network 100) broadcasts system information associated with the NR network in the NR band (e.g., NR band 206). The NR network may employ methods described above, as referred to in detail above. Figure 4 and 5 The frequency band planning described in methods 400 and 500 is similar to that described in frequency band planning. System information may include cell access-related information, channel configuration information (e.g., bandwidth and frequency band of LTE UL and / or NR bands), physical random access (PRACH) configuration information, and / or neighboring cell information. PRACH configuration information may indicate the sequence, format, resources, and / or other information used for random access preamble transmission. Random access resources may be located in one or more LTE UL bands (e.g., LTE UL band 202) of one or more LTE networks. For example, the NR BS may negotiate with the LTE network to share LTE UL bands. The NR BS may coordinate with the LTE network to determine random access resources in the LTE UL bands. In some embodiments, random access resources may also include resources in the NR bands so that NR devices that cannot operate on the LTE UL bands can continue to operate on the NR bands. In other words, the BS may provide the NR device with the option to select either an NR band or an LTE UL band from the random access resources.

[0073] In step 810, the UE attempts to access the NR network to listen to the network and obtain system information. In some embodiments, the UE may not be connected to any LTE network. In some embodiments, the UE may be an independent NR UE that does not support LTE connectivity.

[0074] In step 815, the UE transmits a random access request in the LTE UL band based on system information. When the system information indicates random access resources in multiple LTE bands, the UE can select a random access resource from one of the LTE bands. The UE can generate a random access preamble based on the system information (e.g., sequence and format information in the PRACH configuration). The UE can transmit the random access request in the form of a signal carrying the random access preamble.

[0075] In step 820, after transmitting the random access request, the UE monitors the random access response from the BS in the NR band, for example, during the random access response window.

[0076] In step 825, upon detecting a random access request, the BS determines the UL transmission timing associated with the UE and assigns resources in the LTE UL band to the UE.

[0077] In step 830, the BS transmits a random access response to the UE in the NR band. The random access response may include UL timing adjustment information, resource allocation in the LTE UL band, and any other information for subsequent connection establishment (e.g., a temporary identifier for the UE).

[0078] In step 835, upon receiving a random access response, the UE, for example, uses the assigned resources in the LTE UL band to transmit a connection request based on the random access response.

[0079] In step 840, upon receiving a connection request, the BS can respond by transmitting a connection response in the NR band. This connection response can provide configuration information specific to the UE. This configuration information can configure the UE to continue using the same LTE UL band for UL communication. Alternatively, the configuration information can reconfigure the UE to use a different LTE UL band or NR band for UL communication.

[0080] In some embodiments, the PRACH configuration may additionally include a specific NR band for monitoring random access responses. In some embodiments, the NR network may pair multiple LTE UL bands with the NR band. In some embodiments, the BS may allocate resources for connection request transmission in an LTE UL band different from the LTE UL band in which the random access request is received. In some embodiments, the random access request, random access response, connection request, and connection response may be referred to as message 1, message 2, message 3, and message 4, respectively. Although method 800 is described in the context of an NR network configured with random access resources in an LTE UL band, method 800 may be applied by the NR network using random access resources in additional UL bands that may or may not be shared by another network.

[0081] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method 900 for performing initial access to an NR network according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The steps of method 900 can be performed by a computing device (e.g., a processor, processing circuitry, and / or other suitable components) of a wireless communication device (such as UE 115 and 600). Method 900 can be implemented with reference to the respective embodiments. Figure 4 , 5 The mechanism is similar to that in methods 400, 500, and 800 described in 8. As explained, method 900 includes multiple enumeration steps, but embodiments of method 900 may include additional steps before, after, and between the enumeration steps. In some embodiments, one or more of the enumeration steps may be omitted or performed in a different order.

[0082] In step 910, method 900 includes: transmitting a random access request to a first network in a first frequency band, wherein the first frequency band is shared by a first network and a second network. The wireless communication device may be an independent NR UE. The first network may be an NR network. The second network may be an LTE network. The first frequency band may be an LTE UL band of the LTE network (e.g., LTE UL band 202).

[0083] In step 920, method 900 includes: receiving a random access response in response to the random access request. The random access response is in a second frequency band allocated to the first network. The second frequency band is different from the first frequency band. The second frequency band may be at a significantly higher frequency than the first frequency band. The second frequency band may be in a sub-6 GHz range similar to NR band 206 or a millimeter wave frequency range.

[0084] Although method 900 is described in the context of a first network using a first frequency band shared by a first network and a second network, method 900 can be applied by a TDD network to use an additional UL frequency band. For example, the first network can operate in TDD mode, wherein UL and DL communications are transmitted on a second frequency band (e.g., the primary operating band), and additional UL communications are transmitted on the first frequency band (e.g., the secondary operating band). In some instances, the first frequency band is shared with another network. In other instances, the first frequency band is not shared with another network.

[0085] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a method 1000 for performing initial network access to an NR network according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The steps of method 1000 can be performed by a computing device (e.g., a processor, processing circuitry, and / or other suitable components) of a wireless communication device (such as BS 105 and 700). Method 1000 can be implemented with reference to... Figure 4 , 5 The mechanism is similar to that in methods 400, 500, and 800 described in 8. As explained, method 1000 includes multiple enumeration steps, but embodiments of method 1000 may include additional steps before, after, and between the enumeration steps. In some embodiments, one or more of the enumeration steps may be omitted or performed in a different order.

[0086] In step 1010, method 1000 includes: receiving a random access request to a first network from a first frequency band, wherein the first frequency band is shared by a first network and a second network. The first network may be an NR network. The wireless communication device may be an NR BS of the NR network. The second network may be an LTE network. The first frequency band may be an LTE UL band of the LTE network (e.g., LTE UL band 202).

[0087] In step 1020, method 1000 includes: transmitting a random access response in response to the random access request. The random access response is in a second frequency band allocated to the first network. The second frequency band is different from the first frequency band. The second frequency band may be at a significantly higher frequency than the first frequency band. The second frequency band may be in a sub-6 GHz range similar to NR band 206 or a millimeter wave frequency range.

[0088] Although method 1000 is described in the context of a first network using a first frequency band shared by a first network and a second network, method 1000 can be applied by a TDD network to use an additional UL frequency band. For example, the first network can operate in TDD mode, wherein UL and DL communications are transmitted on a second frequency band (e.g., the primary operating band), and additional UL communications are transmitted on the first frequency band (e.g., the secondary operating band). In some instances, the first frequency band is shared with another network. In other instances, the first frequency band is not shared with another network.

[0089] In an embodiment of NR UE initial access based on RACH configuration for a Supplemental Uplink (SUL) carrier, the RACH configuration for the SUL carrier is broadcast in the RMSI. The configuration information for the SUL carrier is sufficient to enable each UE to complete the RACH procedure via that SUL carrier. Specifically, the configuration information includes necessary power control parameters. The configuration information for the SUL carrier includes thresholds. If the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measured on the DL carrier on which the UE receives the RMSI is below the threshold, the UE selects that SUL carrier for initial access. If the UE initiates the RACH procedure on the SUL carrier, the RACH procedure is completed through all uplink transmissions occurring on that carrier. It is anticipated that the network will be able to request connected UEs to initiate RACH procedures on any uplink carrier for path loss and timing advance acquisition.

[0090] Information and signals can be represented using any of a wide variety of different techniques and technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be mentioned throughout the above description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or light particles, or any combination thereof.

[0091] The various illustrative blocks and modules described herein can be implemented or executed using a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in alternatives, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors working in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0092] The functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions can be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations fall within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the above-described functions can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwired, or any combination thereof. Features implementing the functions can also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed such that different parts of the function are implemented at different physical locations. Additionally, as used herein (including in the claims), the use of "or" in an enumeration of items (e.g., an enumeration of items accompanied by phrases such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive enumeration, such that an enumeration such as [at least one of A, B, or C] means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C).

[0093] Various embodiments of this disclosure include a wireless communication method comprising: transmitting a random access request to a first network in a first frequency band, wherein the first frequency band is shared by a first network and a second network; and receiving a random access response from a second wireless communication device of the first network in response to the random access request, wherein the random access response is located in a second frequency band allocated to the first network, the second frequency band being different from the first frequency band.

[0094] The method further includes: a first wireless communication device receiving system information indicating random access resource allocation in one or more frequency bands shared by a first network and a second network, wherein the one or more frequency bands include a first frequency band, and wherein transmitting the random access request includes transmitting the random access request based on the random access resource allocation. The method further includes: wherein the one or more frequency bands are uplink frequency bands of the second network. The method further includes: wherein receiving system information includes receiving system information in the second frequency band. The method further includes: the first wireless communication device transmitting a connection request to the second wireless communication device in the first frequency band. The method further includes: the first wireless communication device receiving from the second wireless communication device in the second frequency band a configuration indicating uplink allocation for the first wireless communication device. The method further includes: wherein the second frequency band is at a higher frequency than the first frequency band. The method further includes: wherein the second network is a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.

[0095] Various embodiments of this disclosure include a wireless communication method comprising: receiving, by a first wireless communication device, a random access request for a first network associated with the first wireless communication device from a second wireless communication device in a first frequency band, wherein the first frequency band is shared by the first network and the second network; and transmitting a random access response from the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device in response to the random access request, wherein the random access response is located in a second frequency band allocated to the first network, the second frequency band being different from the first frequency band.

[0096] The method further includes: a first wireless communication device transmitting system information indicating random access resource allocation in one or more frequency bands shared by a first network and a second network, wherein the one or more frequency bands include a first frequency band, and wherein receiving the random access request includes receiving the random access request based on the random access resource allocation. The method further includes: wherein the one or more frequency bands are uplink frequency bands of the second network. The method further includes: wherein transmitting system information includes transmitting system information in the second frequency band. The method further includes: the first wireless communication device receiving a connection request from the second wireless communication device in the first frequency band. The method further includes: the first wireless communication device transmitting a configuration indicating uplink allocation for the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device in the second frequency band. The method further includes: wherein the second frequency band is at a higher frequency than the first frequency band. The method further includes: wherein the second network is a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.

[0097] Various embodiments of this disclosure further include an apparatus comprising a transceiver configured to: transmit a random access request to a first network in a first frequency band, wherein the first frequency band is shared by a first network and a second network; and receive a random access response from a second wireless communication device of the first network in response to the random access request, wherein the random access response is located in a second frequency band allocated to the first network, the second frequency band being different from the first frequency band.

[0098] The apparatus further includes: a transceiver further configured to receive system information indicating random access resource allocation in one or more frequency bands shared by a first network and a second network, wherein the one or more frequency bands include a first frequency band; and to transmit a random access request based on the random access resource allocation. The apparatus further includes: the one or more frequency bands being uplink frequency bands of the second network. The apparatus further includes: the transceiver further configured to receive system information in a second frequency band. The apparatus further includes: the transceiver further configured to transmit a connection request to a second wireless communication device in the first frequency band. The apparatus further includes: the transceiver further configured to receive from the second wireless communication device in the second frequency band a configuration indicating uplink allocation for the apparatus. The apparatus further includes: the second frequency band being at a higher frequency than the first frequency band. The apparatus further includes: the second network being a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.

[0099] Various embodiments of this disclosure further include an apparatus comprising a transceiver configured to: receive, in a first frequency band, a random access request for a first network associated with the apparatus from a second wireless communication device, wherein the first frequency band is shared by the first network and the second network; and, in response to the random access request, transmit a random access response to the second wireless communication device, wherein the random access response is in a second frequency band allocated to the first network, the second frequency band being different from the first frequency band.

[0100] The apparatus further includes: wherein the transceiver is further configured to: transmit system information indicating random access resource allocation in one or more frequency bands shared by a first network and a second network, wherein the one or more frequency bands include a first frequency band; and receive a random access request based on the random access resource allocation. The apparatus further includes: wherein the one or more frequency bands are uplink frequency bands of the second network. The apparatus further includes: wherein the transceiver is further configured to transmit system information in a second frequency band. The apparatus further includes: wherein the transceiver is further configured to receive a connection request from a second wireless communication device in the first frequency band. The apparatus further includes: wherein the transceiver is further configured to transmit a configuration indicating uplink allocation for the apparatus to the second wireless communication device in the second frequency band. The apparatus further includes: wherein the second frequency band is at a higher frequency than the first frequency band. The apparatus further includes: wherein the second network is a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.

[0101] Various embodiments of this disclosure further include a computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon, the program code including: code for causing a first wireless communication device to transmit a random access request to a first network in a first frequency band, wherein the first frequency band is shared by a first network and a second network; and code for causing the first wireless communication device to receive a random access response from a second wireless communication device of the first network in response to the random access request, wherein the random access response is located in a second frequency band allocated to the first network, the second frequency band being different from the first frequency band.

[0102] The computer-readable medium further includes: code for causing a first wireless communication device to receive system information indicating random access resource allocation in one or more frequency bands shared by a first network and a second network, wherein the one or more frequency bands include a first frequency band, and wherein the code for causing the first wireless communication device to transmit the random access request is further configured to transmit the random access request based on the random access resource allocation. The computer-readable medium further includes: wherein the one or more frequency bands are uplink frequency bands of the second network. The computer-readable medium further includes: wherein the code for causing the first wireless communication device to receive system information is further configured to receive system information in a second frequency band. The computer-readable medium further includes: code for causing the first wireless communication device to transmit a connection request to the second wireless communication device in the first frequency band. The computer-readable medium further includes: code for causing the first wireless communication device to receive from the second wireless communication device in the second frequency band code indicating a configuration for uplink allocation for the first wireless communication device. The computer-readable medium further includes: wherein the second frequency band is at a higher frequency than the first frequency band. The computer-readable medium further includes: wherein the second network is a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.

[0103] Various embodiments of this disclosure further include a computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon, the program code including: code for causing a first wireless communication device to receive, in a first frequency band, a random access request for a first network associated with the first wireless communication device from a second wireless communication device, wherein the first frequency band is shared by the first network and the second network; and code for causing the first wireless communication device to transmit a random access response to the second wireless communication device in response to the random access request, wherein the random access response is in a second frequency band allocated to the first network, the second frequency band being different from the first frequency band.

[0104] The computer-readable medium further includes code for causing a first wireless communication device to transmit system information indicating a random access resource allocation in one or more frequency bands shared by a first network and a second network, wherein the one or more frequency bands include a first frequency band, and wherein code for causing the first wireless communication device to receive the random access request is further configured to receive the random access request based on the random access resource allocation. The computer-readable medium further includes code for causing the one or more frequency bands to be uplink frequency bands of the second network. The computer-readable medium further includes code for causing the first wireless communication device to transmit system information, which is further configured to transmit system information in a second frequency band. The computer-readable medium further includes code for causing the first wireless communication device to receive a connection request from a second wireless communication device in the first frequency band. The computer-readable medium further includes code for causing the first wireless communication device to transmit to the second wireless communication device in the second frequency band a configuration indicating an uplink allocation for the first wireless communication device. The computer-readable medium further includes code for causing the first wireless communication device to transmit to the second wireless communication device a configuration indicating an uplink allocation for the first wireless communication device. The computer-readable medium further includes code for the second frequency band to be at a higher frequency than the first frequency band. The computer-readable medium further includes code for the second network to be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.

[0105] Various embodiments of this disclosure further include an apparatus comprising: means (e.g., transceiver 610 and antenna 616) for transmitting a random access request to a first network in a first frequency band, wherein the first frequency band is shared by a first network and a second network; and means (e.g., transceiver 610 and antenna 616) for receiving a random access response from a second wireless communication device of the first network in response to the random access request, wherein the random access response is located in a second frequency band allocated to the first network, the second frequency band being different from the first frequency band.

[0106] The device further includes: means (e.g., transceiver 610 and antenna 616) for receiving system information indicating random access resource allocation in one or more frequency bands shared by a first network and a second network, wherein the one or more frequency bands include a first frequency band, and wherein the means for transmitting the random access request is further configured to transmit the random access request based on the random access resource allocation. The device further includes: wherein the one or more frequency bands are uplink frequency bands of the second network. The device further includes: wherein the means for receiving system information is further configured to receive system information in the second frequency band. The device further includes: means (e.g., transceiver 610 and antenna 616) for transmitting a connection request to a second wireless communication device in the first frequency band. The device further includes: means (e.g., transceiver 610 and antenna 616) for receiving from the second wireless communication device in the second frequency band an indication of uplink allocation for the device. The device further includes: wherein the second frequency band is at a higher frequency than the first frequency band. The device further includes: wherein the second network is a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.

[0107] Various embodiments of this disclosure further include an apparatus comprising: means (e.g., transceiver 710 and antenna 716) for receiving a random access request for a first network associated with the second wireless communication device in a first frequency band, wherein the first frequency band is shared by the first network and the second network; and means (e.g., transceiver 710 and antenna 716) for transmitting a random access response to the second wireless communication device in response to the random access request, wherein the random access response is located in a second frequency band allocated to the first network, the second frequency band being different from the first frequency band.

[0108] The device further includes: means (e.g., transceiver 710 and antenna 716) for transmitting system information indicating random access resource allocation in one or more frequency bands shared by a first network and a second network, wherein the one or more frequency bands include a first frequency band, and wherein the means for receiving the random access request is further configured to receive the random access request based on the random access resource allocation. The device further includes: wherein the one or more frequency bands are uplink frequency bands of the second network. The device further includes: wherein the means for transmitting system information is further configured to transmit system information in the second frequency band. The device further includes: means (e.g., transceiver 710 and antenna 716) for receiving a connection request from a second wireless communication device in the first frequency band. The device further includes: means (e.g., transceiver 710 and antenna 716) for transmitting to the second wireless communication device in the second frequency band a configuration indicating uplink allocation for the device. The device further includes: wherein the second frequency band is at a higher frequency than the first frequency band. The device further includes: wherein the second network is a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.

[0109] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art by this time, and depending on the specific application at hand, many modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to the materials, apparatus, configuration, and methods of use of the devices disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the specific embodiments explained and described herein (as they are merely examples), but should be fully equivalent to the appended claims and their functional equivalents.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, comprising: A first wireless communication device receives system information associated with the first network from a second wireless communication device of the first network in a second frequency band. The system information indicates random access resource allocation in one or more frequency bands including the first frequency band and the second frequency band, wherein the one or more frequency bands are shared by the first network and a second network different from the first network, wherein the first network is a New Radio (NR) network and the second network is a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, wherein the first frequency band is an uplink frequency band allocated to the second network and the second frequency band is allocated to the first network for time division multiplexing (TDD) communication. The first wireless communication device transmits a random access request to the first network in the first frequency band allocated to the second network based on the random access resource allocation. as well as The first wireless communication device receives a random access response from a second wireless communication device in the first network in response to the random access request, wherein the random access response is received in a second frequency band, which is at a higher frequency than the first frequency band.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Receiving the system information includes receiving the system information in the second frequency band.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further includes: The first wireless communication device transmits a connection request to the second wireless communication device in the first frequency band.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further includes: The first wireless communication device receives from the second wireless communication device in the second frequency band a configuration indicating uplink allocation for the first wireless communication device.

5. A wireless communication method, comprising: A first wireless communication device transmits system information associated with the first network from a first wireless communication device in a second frequency band. The system information indicates random access resource allocation in one or more frequency bands, including the first frequency band and the second frequency band, wherein the one or more frequency bands are shared by the first network and a second network different from the first network, wherein the first network is a New Radio (NR) network and the second network is a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, wherein the first frequency band is an uplink frequency band allocated to the second network and the second frequency band is allocated to the first network for time division multiplexing (TDD) communication. The first wireless communication device receives a random access request to the first network in the first frequency band based on the random access resource allocation; as well as A random access response is transmitted from the first wireless communication device in response to the random access request, wherein the random access response is received in a second frequency band, which is at a higher frequency than the first frequency band.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transmission of the system information includes transmitting the system information in the second frequency band.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Further includes: The first wireless communication device receives a connection request from the second wireless communication device in the first frequency band.

8. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Further includes: The first wireless communication device transmits a configuration indicating uplink allocation for the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device in the second frequency band.

9. A wireless communication device, comprising: Transceiver, the transceiver being configured to: In the second frequency band, system information associated with the first network is received from a second wireless communication device of the first network. The system information indicates random access resource allocation in one or more frequency bands including the first frequency band and the second frequency band, wherein the one or more frequency bands are shared by the first network and a second network different from the first network, wherein the first network is a New Radio (NR) network and the second network is a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, wherein the first frequency band is an uplink frequency band allocated to the second network and the second frequency band is allocated to the first network for time division multiplexing (TDD) communication. In the first frequency band allocated to the second network, a random access request to the first network is transmitted based on the random access resource allocation. as well as In response to the random access request, a random access response is received from a second wireless communication device of the first network, wherein the random access response is received in a second frequency band, the second frequency band being at a higher frequency than the first frequency band.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The one or more frequency bands are uplink frequency bands of a second network that are different from the first network.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The transceiver is further configured to receive the system information in the second frequency band.

12. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The transceiver is further configured to transmit a connection request to the second wireless communication device in the first frequency band.

13. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The transceiver is further configured to receive, in the second frequency band, a configuration indicating uplink allocation for the device from the second wireless communication device.

14. A wireless communication device, comprising: Transceiver, the transceiver being configured to: In the second frequency band, system information associated with the first network is transmitted from a first wireless communication device of the first network. The system information indicates random access resource allocation in one or more frequency bands including the first frequency band and the second frequency band, wherein the one or more frequency bands are shared by the first network and a second network different from the first network, wherein the first network is a New Radio (NR) network and the second network is a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, wherein the first frequency band is an uplink frequency band allocated to the second network and the second frequency band is allocated to the first network for time division multiplexing (TDD) communication. In the first frequency band, a random access request to the first network is received based on the random access resource allocation; as well as A random access response is transmitted from the first wireless communication device of the first network in response to the random access request, wherein the random access response is received in a second frequency band at a frequency higher than that of the first frequency band.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The one or more frequency bands are uplink frequency bands of a second network that are different from the first network.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that, The transceiver is further configured to transmit the system information in the second frequency band.

17. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The transceiver is further configured to receive a connection request from a second wireless communication device in the first frequency band.

18. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The transceiver is further configured to transmit, in the second frequency band, a configuration indicating uplink allocation for the device to a second wireless communication device.

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