Transport block forwarding across different air interfaces

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatus for wireless communications are described. A relay node may receive control signaling from a source node, the control signaling configuring the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to a destination node via a second air interface different from the first air interface. In some cases, each of the first air interface and the second air interface may support transport blocks of the same size. The relay node may receive a first message from the source node via the first air interface based on the control signaling, the first message including the transport block in a format for the first air interface. The relay node may send a second message to the destination node via the second air interface, the second message including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is in the format for the first air interface.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 105,049, filed by WANG et al. on October 23, 2020, entitled “TRANSPORTBLOCK FORWARDING OVER DIFFERENT AIR INTERFACES,” and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 498,584, filed by WANG et al. on October 11, 2021, entitled “TRANSPORT BLOCK FORWARDING OVERDIFFERENT AIR INTERFACES,” each of which is assigned to the assignee of this application and each of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The following relates to wireless communications, including transport block forwarding over different air interfaces. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc. 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 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, which 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 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 base station or network access node simultaneously supporting communication with multiple communication devices, which may also be referred to as user equipment (UE).

[0005] A device can act as a relay node between a source node and a destination node. A relay node can receive information from a source node and forward it to a destination node. Some techniques for relay configuration can be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The described technology relates to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses for supporting transport block forwarding over different air interfaces. Some wireless communication systems may support relay communication. For example, a source node may send a message to a relay node, and the relay node may forward the message to a destination node or target node. The relay node may have a first air interface established with the source node and a second, different air interface established with the target node. In some examples, the first air interface and the second air interface may both support transmission of transport blocks of the same size. The relay node may be configured to forward or relay transport blocks over different air interfaces. The relay node may receive a transport block over the first air interface for transmission to the target node over the second air interface. The relay node may indicate to the target node whether the transport block is formatted according to the first air interface or a protocol that complies with the first air interface. In some cases, the source node may send control signaling to the relay node that configures the relay node to forward the transport block to the target node. For example, the relay node may send a message to the target node including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is formatted according to the first air interface. The target node may receive the message and may decode the transport block based on the indication. For example, the relay node may perform physical layer decoding and demodulation according to a first format of a first air interface and then decode a transport block according to a second format of a second air interface to obtain information from the source node.

[0007] A method for wireless communication at a relay node is described. The method may include receiving control signaling from a source node, the control signaling configuring the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to a destination node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size; receiving a first message from the source node via the first air interface based on the control signaling, the first message including the transport block in a format for the first air interface; and sending a second message to the destination node via the second air interface, the second message including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is in the format for the first air interface.

[0008] An apparatus for wireless communication at a relay node is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receive control signaling from a source node, the control signaling configuring the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to a destination node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, the first air interface and the second air interface each supporting transport blocks of the same size; based on the control signaling, receive a first message from the source node via the first air interface, the first message including the transport block in a format for the first air interface; and send a second message to the destination node via the second air interface, the second message including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is in the format for the first air interface.

[0009] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a relay node is described. The apparatus may include: means for receiving control signaling from a source node, the control signaling configuring the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to a destination node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size; means for receiving a first message from the source node via the first air interface based on the control signaling, the first message including the transport block in a format for the first air interface; and means for sending a second message to the destination node via the second air interface, the second message including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is in the format for the first air interface.

[0010] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a relay node is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: receive control signaling from a source node, the control signaling configuring the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to a destination node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size; based on the control signaling, receive a first message from the source node via the first air interface, the first message including the transport block in a format for the first air interface; and send a second message to the destination node via the second air interface, the second message including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is in the format for the first air interface.

[0011] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, sending the second message may include operations, features, components, or instructions for sending the second message including sidelink control information, the sidelink control information including an indication that the transport block may be in the format of the first air interface.

[0012] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, sending the second message may include operations, features, components, or instructions for sending the second message, the second message including an indication that the media access control packet included in the second message may be in the format of the first air interface.

[0013] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, receiving a first message may include operations, features, components, or instructions for decoding the first message according to a format of a first air interface to obtain a packet data unit including a transport block, and encoding the packet data unit based on a second format of a second air interface to generate a second message.

[0014] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions to forward a packet data unit from a first media access control layer of a first protocol stack of a first air interface to a second media access control layer of a second protocol stack of a second air interface for encoding to generate a second message.

[0015] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first air interface may be a radio air interface between the relay node and a radio access network of the source node, and the second air interface may be a sidelink air interface.

[0016] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the relay node may be a first UE, the target node may be a second UE, and the source node may be a base station.

[0017] A method for wireless communication at a target node is described. The method may include receiving a message from a relay node via a second air interface, the message including a transport block and an indication that the transport block is in a format of a first air interface different from the second air interface, the first air interface and the second air interface each supporting transport blocks of the same size; and decoding the transport block from the message according to the format of the first air interface based on the indication.

[0018] An apparatus for wireless communication at a target node is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receive a message from a relay node via a second air interface, the message including a transport block and an indication that the transport block is in a format of a first air interface different from the second air interface, the first air interface and the second air interface each supporting transport blocks of the same size; and, based on the indication, decode the transport block from the message according to the format of the first air interface.

[0019] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a target node is described. The apparatus may include: means for receiving a message from a relay node via a second air interface, the message including a transport block and an indication that the transport block is in a format of a first air interface different from the second air interface, the first air interface and the second air interface each supporting transport blocks of the same size; and means for decoding the transport block from the message according to the format of the first air interface based on the indication.

[0020] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a target node is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: receive a message from a relay node via a second air interface, the message including a transport block and an indication that the transport block is in a format of a first air interface different from the second air interface, the first air interface and the second air interface each supporting transport blocks of the same size; and decode the transport block from the message according to the format of the first air interface based on the indication.

[0021] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, receiving a message may include operations, features, components, or instructions for receiving a message including sidelink control information, the sidelink control information including an indication that a transport block may be in a format for a first air interface.

[0022] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, receiving a message may include operations, features, components, or instructions for receiving a message that includes an indication that a media access control packet included in the message may be in a format for a first air interface.

[0023] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, decoding a transport block may include operations, features, components, or instructions for decoding a physical layer of a message according to a second format of a second air interface to obtain a packet data unit including the transport block, and decoding the packet data unit according to a format of a first air interface.

[0024] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for forwarding a packet data unit from a second media access control layer of a second protocol stack of a second air interface to a first media access control layer of a first protocol stack of a first air interface to decode the packet data unit.

[0025] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a packet data unit is forwarded from a first medium access control hybrid automatic repeat request entity of a first medium access control layer to a second medium access control hybrid automatic repeat request entity of a second medium access control layer.

[0026] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first air interface may be a radio air interface between the relay node and a radio access network of the source node, and the second air interface may be a sidelink air interface.

[0027] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the relay node may be a first UE, the target node may be a second UE, and the source node may be a base station.

[0028] A method for wireless communication at a source node is described. The method may include: sending control signaling to a relay node, the control signaling configuring the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to a target node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size; and sending a first message to the relay node via the first air interface based on the control signaling, the first message including the transport block in a format for the first air interface.

[0029] An apparatus for wireless communication at a source node is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: send control signaling to a relay node, the control signaling configuring the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to a destination node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, the first air interface and the second air interface each supporting transport blocks of the same size; and send a first message to the relay node via the first air interface based on the control signaling, the first message including the transport block in a format for the first air interface.

[0030] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a source node is described. The apparatus may include: means for sending control signaling to a relay node, the control signaling configuring the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to a target node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size; and means for sending a first message to the relay node via the first air interface based on the control signaling, the first message including the transport block in a format for the first air interface.

[0031] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a source node is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: send control signaling to a relay node, the control signaling configuring the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to a target node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size; and based on the control signaling, send a first message to the relay node via the first air interface, the first message including the transport block in a format for the first air interface.

[0032] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first air interface may be a radio air interface between the relay node and a radio access network of the source node, and the second air interface may be a sidelink air interface.

[0033] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the relay node may be a first UE, the target node may be a second UE, and the source node may be a base station. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1

[0014] An example of a wireless communication system supporting transport block forwarding over different air interfaces according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system supporting aspects according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figure 3 An example of a transport block relay configuration supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 4 An example of a process flow supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A block diagram of a device supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] Figure 7 A block diagram of a communications manager supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a system including devices supporting aspects according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] Figure 9 and Figure 10 A block diagram of a device supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] Figure 11A block diagram of a communications manager supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a system including devices supporting aspects according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0044] Figures 13 to 16 A flow chart illustrating a method supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Some wireless communication systems may support relay communication. For example, a source node may send a message to a relay node, and the relay node may send the message to a destination node or target node. The relay node may have a first air interface established with the source node and a second air interface established with the target node. In some cases, the first air interface may be an example of a radio air interface between a user equipment (UE) and a radio access network of the source node, and the second air interface may be an example of an air interface between wireless devices (such as a sidelink air interface between UEs). In some examples, the first air interface and the second air interface may both support the transmission of transport blocks of the same size. For example, the source device may send a message with a transport block of a certain size on the first air interface, and the relay node may also send a message with a transport block of that size on the second air interface to relay the information to the target node.

[0046] If the first air interface and the second air interface are the same type of interface, the relay node may be able to forward the transport block directly to the destination node over the second air interface. However, if the first air interface and the second air interface are different types of air interfaces, the destination node may not be able to decode the directly forwarded transport block. For example, the destination node may receive the transport block over the second air interface associated with the second type of air interface and assume that the transport block complies with the protocol of the second air interface. However, some formatting of the transport block may be different for the first air interface and the second air interface. Therefore, the destination node may not be able to decode the transport block because the destination node may not be aware that the transport block is formatted according to the first air interface.

[0047] The technology described herein supports forwarding transport blocks across different air interfaces. For example, if a relay node receives a transport block over a first air interface to send to a destination node over a second air interface, the relay node can indicate to the destination node that the transport block is formatted according to the first air interface or in accordance with a protocol of the first air interface. In some cases, the source node can send control signaling to the relay node to configure the relay node to forward the transport block to the destination node. For example, the relay node can send a message to the destination node that includes a transport block and an indication that the transport block is formatted according to the first air interface. The destination node can receive the message and can decode the transport block based on the indication. For example, the relay node can perform physical layer decoding and demodulation according to a first format of the first air interface, and then decode the transport block according to a second format of the second air interface to obtain information from the source node.

[0048] Aspects of the present disclosure are initially described in the context of wireless communication systems.Aspects of the present disclosure are further illustrated and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flow charts related to transport block forwarding over different air interfaces.

[0049] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system 100 supporting aspects of the present disclosure 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 (e.g., mission-critical) communications, low-latency communications, communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices, or any combination thereof.

[0050] Base stations 105 may be dispersed throughout a geographic area to form wireless communication system 100 and may be devices of varying forms or capabilities. Base stations 105 and UEs 115 may communicate wirelessly via one or more communication links 125. Each base station 105 may provide a coverage area 110 over which a UE 115 and base station 105 may establish one or more communication links 125. Coverage area 110 may be an example of a geographic area over which base stations 105 and UEs 115 may support communication of signals according to one or more radio access technologies.

[0051] The UEs 115 may be dispersed throughout the coverage area 110 of the wireless communication system 100, and each UE 115 may be stationary, mobile, or both at different times. The UEs 115 may be devices of different forms or capabilities. Figure 11. Some exemplary UEs 115 are shown in FIG. 1. The UEs 115 described herein are capable of communicating with various types of devices, such as other UEs 115, base stations 105, or network devices (e.g., core network nodes, relays, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, or other network devices), such as Figure 1 shown.

[0052] Base stations 105 can communicate with each other, with core network 130, or both. For example, base stations 105 can be connected to core network 130 via one or more backhaul links 120 (e.g., via S1, N2, N3, or other interfaces). Base stations 105 can communicate with each other directly (e.g., directly between base stations 105) or indirectly (e.g., via core network 130) via backhaul links 120 (e.g., via X2, Xn, or other interfaces), or both. In some examples, backhaul links 120 can be or include one or more wireless links.

[0053] The one or more base stations 105 described herein may include or may be referred to by one of ordinary skill in the art as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next generation NodeB or a giga NodeB (any of which may be referred to as a gNB), a Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or other suitable terminology.

[0054] UE 115 may include or be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other suitable terminology, 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 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 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., and may be implemented in various objects, such as appliances, vehicles, meters, etc.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the UE 115 described herein is capable of communicating with various types of devices, such as other UEs 115 that may sometimes function as relays as well as base stations 105 and network devices, including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, or relay base stations, among others.

[0056] UE 115 and base station 105 can wirelessly communicate with each other via one or more communication links 125 on one or more carriers. The term "carrier" may refer to a set of radio frequency spectrum resources having a defined physical layer structure for supporting communication link 125. For example, a carrier used for communication link 125 may include a portion of a radio spectrum band (e.g., a bandwidth part (BWP)) operating according to one or more physical layer channels of a given radio access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). Each physical layer channel may carry acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals, system information), control signaling for coordinating carrier operation, user data, or other signaling. The wireless communication system 100 may use carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation to support communications with UE 115. Depending on the carrier aggregation configuration, UE 115 may be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers. Carrier aggregation may be used with both frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) component carriers.

[0057] In some examples (e.g., in a carrier aggregation configuration), a carrier may also have acquisition signaling or control signaling that coordinates the operation of other carriers. A carrier may be associated with a frequency channel (e.g., an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (EARFCN)) and may be positioned according to a channel grid for ease of discovery by a UE 115. A carrier may operate in a standalone mode, where initial acquisition and connection may be performed by a UE 115 via the carrier, or a carrier may operate in a non-standalone mode, where connections are anchored using a different carrier (e.g., the same or different radio access technology).

[0058] The communication link 125 shown in the wireless communication system 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 (e.g., in FDD mode) or may be configured to carry both downlink and uplink communications (e.g., in TDD mode).

[0059] A carrier may be associated with a particular bandwidth of a radio spectrum, and in some examples, the carrier bandwidth may be referred to as the "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 of a particular radio access technology (e.g., 1.4 megahertz (MHz), 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, 20 MHz, 40 MHz, or 80 MHz). A device of the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., a base station 105 or a UE 115 or both) may have a hardware configuration that supports communication on a particular carrier bandwidth, or may be configured to support communication on one bandwidth in 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 communication via carriers associated with multiple carrier bandwidths. In some examples, each served UE 115 may be configured to operate on a portion (e.g., a subband, a BWP) or the entire carrier bandwidth.

[0060] The signal waveform transmitted via the carrier may be composed of multiple subcarriers (e.g., using a multicarrier modulation (MCM) technique, such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)). In a system employing MCM technology, a resource element may be composed of one symbol period (e.g., the duration of one modulation symbol) and one subcarrier, where the symbol period and the subcarrier spacing are anti-correlated. The number of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme, the coding rate of the modulation scheme, or both). Therefore, the more resource elements received by the UE 115 and the higher the order of the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate of the UE 115 may be. Wireless communication resources may refer to a combination of radio frequency spectrum resources, time resources, and spatial resources (e.g., spatial layers or beams), and the use of multiple spatial layers may further increase the data rate or data integrity of communications with the UE 115.

[0061] One or more numerologies of carriers may be supported, where system parameters may include subcarrier spacing (Δf) and cyclic prefix. A carrier may be divided into one or more BWPs with the same or different system parameters. In some examples, a UE 115 may be configured with multiple BWPs. In some examples, a single BWP of a carrier may be active at a given time, and communications by the UE 115 may be limited to the one or more active BWPs.

[0062] The time interval of the base station 105 or the UE 115 can be expressed as a multiple of the basic time unit. For example, the basic time unit can be referred to as T s =1 / (Δf max ·Nf ) 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. Time intervals for communication resources may be organized according to radio frames, each radio frame having a specified duration (e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms)). Each radio frame may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) (e.g., ranging from 0 to 1023).

[0063] 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 (e.g., in the time domain) into subframes, and each subframe may be further 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 (e.g., depending on the length of the cyclic prefix that precedes each symbol period). In some wireless communication systems 100, the time slot may be further divided into multiple mini-slots containing one or more symbols. Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may contain one or more (e.g., N f The duration of a symbol period may depend on the subcarrier spacing or the operating frequency band.

[0064] A subframe, slot, mini-slot, or symbol may be the smallest scheduling unit (e.g., 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 (e.g., 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 short TTI (sTTI)).

[0065] Physical channels can be multiplexed on a carrier according to various techniques. For example, a physical control channel and a physical data channel can be multiplexed on a downlink carrier 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 (e.g., a control resource set (CORESET)) of a physical control channel can be defined by multiple symbol periods and can extend across the system bandwidth of a carrier or a subset of the system bandwidth. One or more control regions (e.g., CORESETs) can be configured for a set of UEs 115. For example, one or more of the UEs 115 can monitor or search for control information in a control region according to one or more search space sets, and each search space set can include one or more control channel candidates in one or more aggregation levels arranged in a cascaded manner. The aggregation level of a control channel candidate can refer to the number of control channel resources (e.g., control channel elements (CCEs)) associated with coded information of a control information format having a given payload size. A search space set can 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.

[0066] Each base station 105 may provide communication coverage via one or more cells (e.g., macro cells, small cells, hotspots, or other types of cells, or any combination thereof). The term "cell" may refer to a logical communication entity used to communicate with a base station 105 (e.g., via a carrier) and may be associated with an identifier (e.g., a physical cell identifier (PCID), a virtual cell identifier (VCID), etc.) used to distinguish between adjacent cells. In some examples, a cell may also refer to a geographic coverage area 110 or a portion of a geographic coverage area 110 (e.g., a sector) on which the logical communication entity operates. Such a cell may range from a smaller area (e.g., a structure, a subset of a structure) to a larger area, depending on various factors, such as the capabilities of the base station 105. For example, a cell may be or include a building, a subset of a building, an external space between or overlapping geographic coverage areas 110, etc.

[0067] A macro cell typically covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and may allow unrestricted access to UEs 115 that support the subscription network provider's services. Compared to a macro cell, a small cell may be associated with a low-power base station 105, and the small cell may operate in the same or different frequency bands (e.g., licensed, unlicensed) as the macro cell. A small cell may provide unrestricted access to UEs 115 that subscribe to the network provider's services, or may provide restricted access to UEs 115 associated with the small cell (e.g., UEs 115 in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs 115 associated with users in a home or office). A base station 105 may support one or more cells and may also support communications over one or more cells using one or more component carriers.

[0068] In some examples, a carrier can support multiple cells, and different cells can be configured according to different protocol types (e.g., MTC, narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)) that can provide access to different types of devices.

[0069] In some examples, base stations 105 can be mobile and, therefore, can provide communication coverage for mobile geographic coverage areas 110. In some examples, different geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies can overlap, but the different geographic coverage areas 110 can be supported by the same base station 105. In other examples, different base stations 105 can support overlapping geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies. For example, wireless communication system 100 can include 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.

[0070] The wireless communication system 100 may support synchronous operation 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 in some examples, transmissions from different base stations 105 may not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for either synchronous operation or asynchronous operation.

[0071] Some UEs 115, such as MTC devices 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 with a base station 105 without human intervention. In some examples, M2M communication or MTC may include communication from devices that integrate sensors or meters to measure or capture information and relay that information to a central server or application that utilizes the information or presents it to a person 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, weather and geological event monitoring, fleet management and tracking, remote security awareness, physical access control, and transaction-based business charging.

[0072] Some UEs 115 may be configured to employ a reduced power consumption mode of operation, such as half-duplex communication (e.g., a mode that supports one-way communication via transmission or reception, but not simultaneous transmission and reception). In some examples, half-duplex communication may be performed at a reduced peak rate. Other power conservation techniques for UEs 115 include entering a power-saving deep sleep mode when not engaged in active communications, operating over a limited bandwidth (e.g., according to narrowband communication), 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.

[0073] 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 (e.g., mission-critical functions). Ultra-reliable communication can include private communication or group communication and can 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 can include prioritizing services, and mission-critical services can be used for public safety or general commercial applications. The terms ultra-reliable, low-latency, mission-critical, and ultra-reliable low-latency can be used interchangeably herein.

[0074] In some examples, UE 115 can also communicate directly with other UEs 115 via device-to-device (D2D) communication links 135 (e.g., using a peer-to-peer (P2P) or D2D protocol). One or more UEs 115 utilizing D2D communication can be within the geographic coverage area 110 of base station 105. Other UEs 115 in such a group may be outside the geographic coverage area 110 of base station 105 or unable to receive transmissions from base station 105. In some examples, a group of UEs 115 communicating via D2D communication can use a one-to-many (1:M) system, in which each UE 115 transmits to every other UE 115 in the group. In some examples, base station 105 facilitates scheduling of resources for D2D communication. In other cases, D2D communication is performed between UEs 115 without the involvement of base station 105.

[0075] In some systems, the D2D communication link 135 can be an example of a communication channel (such as a sidelink communication channel) between vehicles (e.g., UE 115). In some examples, the vehicles can communicate using vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, or some combination of these communications. The vehicles can send 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 the V2X system can communicate with roadside infrastructure (such as roadside units) using vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, or communicate with the network via one or more network nodes (e.g., base station 105), or both.

[0076] The core network 130 may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, 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 (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF)) that manages access and mobility and at least one user plane entity (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)) that routes packets or interconnects to external networks. The control plane entities may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management for UEs 115 served by base stations 105 associated with the core network 130. User IP packets may be transmitted through the user plane entities, which may provide IP address allocation and other functions. The user plane entities may connect to IP services 150 of one or more network operators. The IP services 150 may include access to the Internet, intranet(s), IP multimedia subsystems (IMS), or packet-switched streaming services.

[0077] Some network devices (such as base stations 105) may include subcomponents, such as access network entities 140, which may be examples of access node controllers (ANCs). 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 (e.g., radio heads and ANCs) or consolidated into a single network device (e.g., base station 105).

[0078] The wireless communication system 100 can operate using one or more frequency bands, typically in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). Often, the region from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is referred to as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band because the wavelengths range from approximately 1 decimeter to 1 meter long. UHF waves may be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features, but the waves can penetrate structures sufficiently for a macrocell to provide service to a UE 115 located indoors. Transmissions using UHF waves may be associated with smaller antennas and shorter ranges (e.g., less than 100 kilometers) than transmissions using the lower frequencies and longer wavelengths of the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portions of the spectrum below 300 MHz.

[0079] The wireless communication system 100 can also operate in the super high frequency (SHF) region using frequency bands from 3 GHz to 30 GHz (also known as centimeter bands), or in the extremely high frequency (EHF) region of the spectrum (e.g., from 30 GHz to 300 GHz) (also known as millimeter bands). In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 can support millimeter wave (mmW) communications between the UE 115 and the base station 105, and the EHF antennas of the corresponding devices can be smaller and more closely spaced than the UHF antennas. In some examples, this can facilitate the use of antenna arrays within the device. However, the propagation of EHF transmissions may be subject to greater atmospheric attenuation than SHF transmissions or UHF transmissions, and therefore have a shorter propagation distance. The techniques disclosed herein can be employed in transmissions using one or more different frequency regions, and the designated use of frequency bands on these frequency regions may vary by country or regulatory body.

[0080] The wireless communication system 100 can use licensed and unlicensed radio spectrum bands. For example, the wireless communication system 100 can adopt license assisted access (LAA), LTE unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology in an unlicensed band such as the 5 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band. When operating in an unlicensed radio spectrum band, devices such as the base station 105 and the UE 115 can use carrier sensing for conflict detection and conflict avoidance. In some examples, operations in the unlicensed band can be based on carrier aggregation configuration and component carriers operating in the licensed band (e.g., LAA). Operations in the unlicensed spectrum can include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, P2P transmissions, or D2D transmissions, etc.

[0081] A base station 105 or a UE 115 may be equipped with multiple antennas that can be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) communications, or beamforming. The antennas of a base station 105 or a UE 115 may be located within one or more antenna arrays or antenna panels that can support MIMO operations or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be co-located at an antenna assembly, such as an antenna tower. In some examples, the antennas or antenna arrays associated with a base station 105 may be located at different geographic locations. A base station 105 may have an antenna array with multiple rows and columns of antenna ports that the base station 105 may use to support beamforming for communications with a UE 115. Similarly, a UE 115 may have one or more antenna arrays that can support various MIMO or beamforming operations. Additionally or alternatively, the antenna panels may support radio frequency beamforming for signals transmitted via the antenna ports.

[0082] The base station 105 or the UE 115 can use MIMO communication to exploit multipath signal propagation and improve spectral efficiency by sending or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers. Such a technique may be referred to as spatial multiplexing. For example, multiple signals may be sent by a transmitting device via different antennas or different antenna combinations. Similarly, multiple signals may be received by a receiving device via different antennas or different antenna combinations. Each of the multiple signals may be referred to as a separate spatial stream and may carry bits associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams (e.g., different codewords). Different spatial layers may be associated with different antenna ports for channel measurement and reporting. MIMO technologies include single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO), in which multiple spatial layers are sent to the same receiving device, and multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), in which multiple spatial layers are sent to multiple devices.

[0083] 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 (e.g., a base station 105, a UE 115) to shape or direct an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam or 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 in a particular direction relative to the antenna array experience constructive interference, while other signals experience destructive interference. Adjustment of signals transmitted via antenna elements can include the transmitting device or the receiving device applying an amplitude offset, a phase offset, or both to signals transmitted via antenna elements associated with the device. The adjustment associated with each antenna element can be defined by a set of beamforming weights associated with a particular direction (e.g., relative to the antenna array of the transmitting device or the receiving device, or relative to some other direction).

[0084] 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 (e.g., antenna panels) to perform beamforming operations for directional communication with the UE 115. Some signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be transmitted multiple times by the base station 105 in different directions. For example, the base station 105 may transmit signals according to different sets of beamforming weights associated with different transmit directions. Transmissions in different beam directions may be used to identify (e.g., by a transmitting device (such as the base station 105), or by a receiving device (such as the UE 115)) the beam direction for later transmission or reception by the base station 105.

[0085] Some signals, such as data signals associated with a particular receiving device, may be transmitted by base station 105 in a single beam direction, e.g., a direction associated with a receiving device, such as UE 115. In some examples, the beam direction associated with transmissions along the single beam direction may be determined based on signals transmitted in one or more beam directions. For example, UE 115 may receive one or more signals transmitted by base station 105 in different directions and may report to base station 105 an indication of the signal received by UE 115 with the highest signal quality or other acceptable signal quality.

[0086] In some examples, transmissions by a device (e.g., base station 105 or UE 115) may be performed using multiple beam directions, and the device may use a combination of digital precoding or radio frequency beamforming to generate a combined beam for transmission (e.g., from base station 105 to UE 115). UE 115 may report feedback indicating precoding weights for one or more beam directions, and the feedback may correspond to the configured number of beams across the system bandwidth or one or more subbands. Base station 105 may transmit reference signals (e.g., cell-specific reference signals (CRS), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS)), which may be precoded or uncoded. UE 115 may provide feedback for beam selection, which may be a precoding matrix indicator (PMI) or codebook-based feedback (e.g., a multi-panel codebook, a linear combination codebook, a port selection 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 (e.g., to identify a beam direction for subsequent transmission or reception by UE 115), or to send signals in a single direction (e.g., to send data to a receiving device).

[0087] 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 (e.g., 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 signal according to different antenna subarrays, by receiving according to different receive beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of the antenna array (e.g., different directional listening weight sets), or by processing the received signal according to different receive beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of the 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 (e.g., when receiving data signals). The single reception configuration can be aligned in a beam direction determined based on listening according to different reception configuration directions (e.g., the beam direction determined to have the highest signal strength, highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), or other acceptable signal quality based on listening according to multiple beam directions).

[0088] The wireless communication system 100 can be a packet-based network operating according to a layered protocol stack. In the user plane, the communication of the bearer layer or the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer can be IP-based. The radio link control (RLC) layer can perform packet segmentation and reassembly to communicate on the logical channel. The media access control (MAC) layer can perform priority processing and multiplex the logical channels into transport channels. The MAC layer can also use error detection technology, error correction technology, or both to support retransmission of the MAC layer to improve link efficiency. In the control plane, the radio resource control (RRC) protocol layer can provide the establishment, configuration and maintenance of the RRC connection between the UE115 and the base station 105 or the core network 130 that supports the radio bearer of the user plane data. At the physical layer, the transport channel can be mapped to the physical channel.

[0089] UE 115 and base station 105 can support retransmission of data to increase the likelihood that the data is successfully received. Hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback is a technique that increases the likelihood that data is correctly received over communication link 125. HARQ can include a combination of error detection (e.g., using a cyclic redundancy check (CRC)), forward error correction (FEC), and retransmission (e.g., automatic repeat request (ARQ)). Under poor radio conditions (e.g., low signal-to-noise ratio conditions), HARQ can improve the throughput of the MAC layer. In some examples, a device can support simultaneous slot HARQ feedback, wherein the device can provide HARQ feedback in a particular time slot for data received in the previous symbol in the time slot. In other cases, the device can provide HARQ feedback in subsequent time slots or according to other time intervals.

[0090] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and more. These systems can be multiple-access systems capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Wireless networks, such as wireless local area networks (WLANs), such as Wi-Fi (i.e., Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11) networks, can include access points (APs) that can communicate with one or more wireless or mobile devices. An AP can be coupled to a network, such as the Internet, and can enable mobile devices to communicate via the network (or with other devices coupled to the access point). Wireless devices can communicate bidirectionally with network devices. For example, in a WLAN, a device can communicate with an associated AP via a downlink (e.g., a communication link from the AP to the device) and an uplink (e.g., a communication link from the device to the AP). A wireless personal area network (PAN), which can include a Bluetooth connection, can provide short-range wireless connections between two or more paired wireless devices. For example, a wireless device (such as a cellular phone) can utilize wireless PAN communication to exchange information (such as audio signals) with a wireless headset.

[0091] The wireless communication system 100 may support relay communication. For example, a source node may send a message to a relay node, and the relay node may send the message to a destination node or target node. The source node, relay node, and target node may be examples of UE 115, base station 105, transmitting and receiving points, or a combination thereof. The relay node may have a first link established with the source node and a second link established with the target node. In some cases, the first link may be an example of a radio air interface between the UE 115 and the radio access network of the source node, such as an example of a second link between wireless devices (such as a sidelink air interface between UE 115).

[0092] In some cases, downlink and sidelink communications may have different logical channel identifiers. For sidelink communications, indices 4 to 19 may be used to identify the logical channel. For downlink communications, indices 1 to 32 may be used to identify the logical channel. In some cases, downlink and sidelink communications may be associated with different MAC control elements.

[0093] In some examples, both the first link and the second link can support transmission of transport blocks of the same size. For example, the source device can send a message with a transport block of a specific size on the first link, and the relay node can also send a message with a transport block of that size on the second link to relay the information to the destination node.

[0094] If the first link and the second link are the same type of interface, the relay node may be able to forward the transport block directly to the destination node on the second link. However, if the first link and the second link correspond to different types of air interfaces, the destination node may not be able to decode the directly forwarded transport block. For example, the MAC protocol data unit (PDU) and the MAC subheader may have different formats for the first air interface and the second air interface. The wireless communication systems described herein (such as the wireless communication system 100) may support techniques for forwarding transport blocks across different air interfaces.

[0095] For example, if a relay node receives a transport block over a first air interface for transmission to a destination node over a second air interface, the relay node may indicate to the destination node that the transport block is formatted according to the first air interface or in accordance with a protocol of the first air interface. For example, the relay node may send a message to the destination node including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is formatted according to the first air interface.

[0096] The destination node may receive the message and may decode the transport block based on the indication. For example, the relay node may perform physical layer decoding and demodulation using a first format according to the first air interface to obtain a MAC PDU formatted according to a protocol of the second air interface. The destination node may then decode the transport block according to the second format of the second air interface, thereby passing the transport block up the protocol stack of the second air interface to obtain information from the source node.

[0097] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system 200 supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, the wireless communication system 200 may implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100.

[0098] The wireless communication system 200 may include a source node 205, a relay node (e.g., UE 115-a), and a target node (e.g., UE 115-b). UE 115-a and UE 115-b may both be reference nodes. Figure 1 The source node 205 may be an example of a UE 115 described herein. Figure 1 1. An example of a UE 115 or base station 105 is depicted. UE 115-a may be configured to relay information between source node 205 and target node UE 115-b. In some cases, UE 115-a may relay information to UE 115-b, or UE 115-a may relay information from UE 115-b.

[0099] UE 115-a may have a first link established with source node 205 and a second link established with UE 115-b. In some cases, the first link may be an example of a radio air interface (such as a Uu interface) between UE 115-a and a radio access network of source node 205. For example, the radio access network may provide one or more network communications or services, such as NR or LTE. The second link may be an example of a radio air interface between wireless devices (such as a sidelink air interface between UEs 115).

[0100] In some examples, both the first link and the second link can support transmission of transport blocks of the same size. For example, source node 205 can send message 215 with a transport block 210 of a certain size on the first link, and UE 115-a can also send message 225 with the transport block 210 of the same size on the second link.

[0101] In some cases, if the first link and the second link are the same type of interface, the relay node may be able to forward the transport block 210 directly to the destination node on the second link. For example, the relay node may receive a message with a transport block from a source node, which is intended for reception by the destination node. The relay node may perform demodulation and decoding on the physical layer data channel received from the source node to obtain the transport block, encode and modulate the transport block, and forward the transport block directly to the destination node on the second link. However, if the first link and the second link correspond to different types of air interfaces, the destination node may not be able to decode the directly forwarded transport block. For example, the destination node may receive the transport block via a second link associated with a second type of air interface and assume that the transport block complies with the protocol of the second air interface. However, some formatting of the transport block may differ between the first and second air interfaces. For example, the MAC PDU format and the MAC subheader format may differ for different protocols. Therefore, the destination node may not be able to decode the transport block because the destination node may not be aware that the transport block is formatted according to the first air interface.

[0102] Techniques for supporting forwarding transport blocks across different air interfaces are described herein. For example, if UE 115-a receives transport block 210 over a first link for transmission to UE 115-b over a second link, UE 115-a may indicate to UE 115-b that transport block 210 is formatted according to the first link or in accordance with a protocol of the first link. For example, UE 115-a may send an indication 230 to UE 115-b that transport block 210 is formatted according to the first air interface. If the first air interface is a Uu air interface and the second air interface is a sidelink air interface, indication 230 may inform UE 115-b that transport block 210 is configured according to the Uu air interface protocol.

[0103] In some cases, indication 230 may be sent via control signaling. For example, indication 230 may be or may be sent via an indication field in a control channel associated with a data channel between UE 115-a and UE 115-b. In some examples, UE 115-a may send sidelink control information including indication 230. For example, UE 115-a may relay a downlink transport block from source node 205 (e.g., a gNB) to UE 115-b, and UE 115-a may send sidelink control information to indicate to UE 115-b that associated sidelink shared channel data (e.g., physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) data) includes a Uu MAC packet.

[0104] UE 115-b may receive indication 230 and transport block 210, and UE 115-b may decode transport block 210 based on indication 230. For example, UE 115-b may use a sidelink protocol stack to perform physical layer decoding and demodulation to obtain a MAC PDU, and then UE 115-b may send the MAC PDU from the sidelink protocol stack to a Uu protocol stack to process or decode the MAC PDU. UE 115-b may then pass the packet upward through the Uu protocol stack to obtain information from source node 205.

[0105] In some cases, source node 205 may send control signaling 220 to UE 115-a that configures UE 115-a to forward transport block 210 to UE 115-b. In some examples, source node 205 may be base station 105, and sidelink communication between UE 115-a and UE 115-b may be configured by source node 205. For example, source node 205 may allocate resources for sidelink communication (e.g., according to a transmission mode 1 scheduling configuration). In some cases, control signaling may configure UE 115-a to forward the transport block, and UE 115-a may determine to send indication 230 based on the control signaling. In some examples, the control signaling may indicate that the first link is associated with a first air interface and the second link is associated with a second air interface. In some examples, control signaling 220 may be sent via downlink control information. Additionally or alternatively, control signaling 220 may be RRC signaling. For example, the source node 205 may configure or enable forwarding of the transport block 210 over different air interfaces via RRC signaling.

[0106] Figure 3 An example of a transport block relay configuration 300 supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, the transport block relay configuration 300 can implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100.

[0107] The source node may send a message including a transport block to the relay node via a first air interface. The relay node may be configured to forward the transport block to the target node or destination node via a second air interface. The source node may use a source node protocol stack 305 to process the transport block, the relay node may use a relay node protocol stack 310 to process the transport block, and the target node may use a target node protocol stack 315 to process the transport block. The Uu interface may be an example of a first air interface between the source node and the relay node, and a side link interface (such as a PC5 interface) may be an example of a second air interface between the relay node and the target node. The technology described herein supports forwarding transport blocks via different air interfaces so that the target node can successfully decode the transport block.

[0108] The source node may generate a transport block according to the source node protocol stack 305. The source node may generate a MAC PDU formatted according to the Uu protocol. The source node may modulate and encode the MAC PDU to obtain the transport block and send a first message including the transport block to the relay node over the first air interface.

[0109] The relay node may receive a first message including a transport block via a first air interface. The relay node may use the relay node Uu protocol stack 310-a to demodulate and decode the physical layer data channel from the source node to obtain the transport block. The relay node may then use the relay node PC5 protocol stack 310-b to encode and modulate the transport block. The relay node may send a second message including the transport block to the target node via a second air interface. In some cases, the relay node may send an indication to the target node to indicate that the transport block complies with the protocol of the first air interface. For example, the relay node may include an indication in the side link control information to notify the target node that the associated side link shared channel data includes a Uu MAC packet. In some cases, the indication may be included in the second message.

[0110] The destination node may receive a second message from the relay node via the second air interface. The destination node may decode or demodulate the physical layer of the second message according to the format of the second air interface to obtain a MAC PDU formatted according to the first air interface. For example, the destination node may use the destination node PC5 protocol stack 315-a to decode the second message at the physical layer. The destination node may forward the PDU from the MAC layer of the destination node PC5 protocol stack 315-a to the MAC layer of the destination node Uu protocol stack 315-b. In some cases, the MAC PDU may be sent from the PC5 MAC HARQ entity to the Uu MAC HARQ entity. The destination node may then decode the MAC PDU according to the format of the first air interface. For example, the destination node may use the destination node Uu protocol stack 315-b to decode the MAC PDU. The destination node may decode the MAC PDU and pass the PDU upward through the destination node Uu protocol stack 315-b to obtain information from the source node.

[0111] Figure 4 An example of a process flow 400 supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, process flow 400 may implement aspects of wireless communication system 100.

[0112] Process flow 400 may be implemented by a source device 405, a UE 115-c, or a UE 115-d, or any combination thereof. UE 115-c may function as a relay device between source device 405 and a destination device, such as UE 115-d. Source device 405 may send information to UE 115-c via a first air interface, and UE 115-c may relay the information to UE 115-d via a second air interface. In some cases, both the first air interface and the second air interface may support transport blocks of the same size. Thus, UE 115-c may be configured to forward transport blocks received from source device 405 directly to UE 115-d. The techniques herein support forwarding transport blocks across different air interfaces, such as a first air interface and a second air interface.

[0113] At 410, source device 405 may send control signaling to UE 115-c that configures UE 115-c to receive the transport block via a first air interface and to forward the transport block to UE 115-d via a second air interface that is different from the first air interface. The first air interface and the second air interface may support transport blocks of the same size. In some cases, the control signaling may be RRC signaling, downlink control information signaling, sidelink control information signaling, MAC control elements, or any combination thereof.

[0114] At 415, UE 115-c may receive a first message from source node 205 via the first air interface based on control signaling, the first message including a transport block in a first format for the first air interface. UE 115-c may determine that the first air format is different from the second air interface. Although UE 115-c may support direct forwarding of the transport block to UE 115-d via the second air interface, UE 115-d may be unable to decode the transport block via direct forwarding because UE 115-d may assume that the transport block is encoded according to the second format for the second air interface. Therefore, UE 115-c may indicate to UE 115-d that the transport block is in a format for the first air interface.

[0115] At 420, UE 115-c may send a second message to UE 115-d via the second interface, the second message including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is in the format of the first air interface. In some cases, sending the second message includes sending sidelink control information, the sidelink control information including the indication that the transport block is in the format of the first air interface. In some cases, the second message may include an indication that the MAC packet included in the second message is in the format of the first air interface.

[0116] The UE 115-c may receive a second message including a transport block and an indication. At 425, the UE 115-c may decode the transport block from the message based on the indication and in accordance with the format of the air interface. For example, the UE 115-c may decode the physical layer of the message according to the second format of the second interface to obtain a PDU including the transport block. The UE 115-c may then decode the PDU according to the format of the first air interface. An example of the decoding process may be found in FIG. Figure 3 Described in more detail. By decoding the second message based on the first air interface and the second air interface, UE 115-d may obtain the information relayed by UE 115-c from source node 205.

[0117] Figure 5 A block diagram 500 of a device 505 supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 505 can be an example of aspects of the UE 115 as described herein. The device 505 can include a receiver 510, a communication manager 515, and a transmitter 520. The device 505 can also include a processor. Each of these components can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0118] The receiver 510 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to forwarding transport blocks over different air interfaces). The information may be passed to other components of the device 505. The receiver 510 may be a reference Figure 8Examples of aspects of the transceiver 815 are described. The receiver 510 may use a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0119] The communication manager 515 may: receive control signaling from a source node, the control signaling configuring the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to a destination node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size; based on the control signaling, receive a first message from the source node via the first air interface, the first message including the transport block in a format for the first air interface; and send a second message to the destination node via the second air interface, the second message including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is in the format of the first air interface. The communication manager 515 may also: receive a message from the relay node via the second air interface, the message including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is in a format for the first air interface different from the second air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size; and based on the indication, decode the transport block from the message according to the format of the first air interface. The communication manager 515 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 810 described herein.

[0120] The communication manager 515 or its subcomponents may be implemented in hardware, in code executed by a processor (e.g., software or firmware), 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 this disclosure.

[0121] The communication manager 515 or its subcomponents can be physically located in a variety of locations, including being distributed so that portions of functionality are performed 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.

[0122] The actions performed by the UE communication manager 515 described herein may be implemented to achieve one or more potential advantages. One embodiment may allow a destination node (such as a UE 115) to successfully decode a transport block that is relayed over different types of air interfaces. Without an indication that the transport block is configured according to different formats, the destination node may be unable to decode the transport block because some portions of the transport block (e.g., a MAC subheader) may have different formats for different subheaders. These techniques may support direct forwarding of transport blocks across different types of air interfaces, which may provide faster relaying than some other techniques in which a relay device may fully decode and configure the transport block for transmission over different air interfaces.

[0123] The transmitter 520 can transmit signals generated by other components of the device 505. In some examples, the transmitter 520 can be co-located with the receiver 510 in the transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 520 can be a reference Figure 8 Examples of aspects of the described transceiver 815. The transmitter 520 may use a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0124] Figure 6 A block diagram 600 of a device 605 supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 605 can be an example of aspects of the device 505 or UE 115 described herein. The device 605 can include a receiver 610, a communication manager 615, and a transmitter 640. The device 605 can also include a processor. Each of these components can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0125] The receiver 610 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to forwarding transport blocks over different air interfaces). The information may be passed to other components of the device 605. The receiver 610 may be a reference Figure 8 Examples of aspects of the transceiver 815 are described. The receiver 610 may use a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0126] Communications manager 615 may be an example of aspects of communications manager 515 described herein. Communications manager 615 may include a control signaling receiving component 620, a first air interface communicating component 625, a second air interface communicating component 630, and a transport block decoding component 635. Communications manager 615 may be an example of aspects of communications manager 810 described herein.

[0127] The control signaling receiving component 620 can receive control signaling from a source node, the control signaling configuring the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to a destination node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size. The first air interface communicating component 625 can receive a first message from the source node via the first air interface based on the control signaling, the first message including the transport block in the format of the first air interface. The second air interface communicating component 630 can send a second message to the destination node via the second air interface, the second message including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is in the format of the first air interface.

[0128] The second air interface communicating component 630 can receive a message from the relay node via the second air interface, the message including a transport block and an indication that the transport block is in a format of a first air interface that is different from the second air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size. A transport block decoding component 635 can decode the transport block from the message according to the format of the first air interface based on the indication.

[0129] The transmitter 640 can transmit signals generated by other components of the device 605. In some examples, the transmitter 640 can be co-located with the receiver 610 in the transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 640 can be a reference Figure 8 Examples of aspects of the depicted transceiver 815. The transmitter 640 may use a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0130] Figure 7 A block diagram 700 of a communication manager 705 supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication manager 705 can 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 can include a control signaling receiving component 710, a first air interface communication component 715, a second air interface communication component 720, a format indication component 725, a transport block encoding component 730, and a transport block decoding component 735. Each of these modules can be in communication with each other, directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0131] The control signaling receiving component 710 can receive control signaling from a source node that configures the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to a target node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size. The first air interface communicating component 715 can receive a first message from the source node via the first air interface based on the control signaling, the first message including the transport block in a format for the first air interface.

[0132] The second air interface communicating component 720 can send a second message to the target node via the second air interface, the second message including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is in the format of the first air interface. In some examples, the second air interface communicating component 720 can receive a message from the relay node via the second air interface, the message including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is in the format of a first air interface different from the second air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size.

[0133] Transport block decoding component 735 can decode the transport block from the message according to the format of the first air interface based on the indication. In some examples, transport block decoding component 735 can decode the physical layer of the message according to the second format of the second air interface to obtain a packet data unit including the transport block.

[0134] In some examples, the transport block decoding component 735 can decode the packet data unit according to the format of the first air interface. In some examples, the transport block decoding component 735 can forward the packet data unit from the second media access control layer of the second protocol stack of the second air interface to the first media access control layer of the first protocol stack of the first air interface to decode the packet data unit. In some examples, the packet data unit is forwarded from a first media access control hybrid automatic repeat request entity of the first media access control layer to a second media access control hybrid automatic repeat request entity of the second media access control layer.

[0135] Format indication component 725 may send a second message including sidelink control information including an indication that a transport block is in the format of the first air interface. In some examples, format indication component 725 may send a second message including an indication that a media access control packet included in the second message is in the format of the first air interface. In some examples, format indication component 725 may receive a message including sidelink control information including an indication that a transport block is in the format of the first air interface. In some examples, format indication component 725 may receive a message including an indication that a media access control packet included in the message is in the format of the first air interface.

[0136] Transport block encoding component 730 can decode the first message according to the format of the first air interface to obtain a packet data unit including a transport block. In some examples, transport block encoding component 730 can encode the packet data unit based on the second format of the second air interface to generate a second message. In some examples, transport block encoding component 730 can forward the packet data unit from a first media access control layer of a first protocol stack of the first air interface to a second media access control layer of a second protocol stack of the second air interface for encoding to generate a second message.

[0137] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a system 800 including a device 805 supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 805 may be an example of, or include components of, the device 505, device 605, or 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 communications manager 810, a transceiver 815, an antenna 820, a memory 825, and a processor 835. These components may communicate electronically via one or more buses (e.g., bus 840).

[0138] The communication manager 810 may: receive control signaling from a source node, the control signaling configuring the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to a destination node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size; based on the control signaling, receive a first message from the source node via the first air interface, the first message including the transport block in a format for the first air interface; and send a second message to the destination node via the second air interface, the second message including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is in a format for the first air interface. The communication manager 810 may also: receive a message from the relay node via the second air interface, the message including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is in a format for the first air interface different from the second air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size; and based on the indication, decode the transport block from the message according to the format for the first air interface.

[0139] As described above, the transceiver 815 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired or wireless links. For example, the transceiver 815 can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 815 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.

[0140] In some cases, a wireless device may include a single antenna 820. However, in some cases, a device may have multiple antennas 820 that are capable of sending or receiving multiple wireless transmissions simultaneously.

[0141] The memory 825 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory 825 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 830, including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 825 may include a basic input / output system (BIOS), etc., which may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0142] The code 830 may include instructions for implementing aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions for supporting wireless communications. The code 830 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a system memory or other type of memory. In some cases, the code 830 may not be directly executable by the processor 835, but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein.

[0143] The processor 835 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor 835 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 835. The processor 835 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 825) to cause the device 805 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks that support forwarding transport blocks over different air interfaces).

[0144] Figure 9 A block diagram 900 of a device 905 supporting aspects of the present disclosure 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 (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0145] The receiver 910 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to forwarding transport blocks over different air interfaces). The information may be passed to other components of the device 905. The receiver 910 may be a reference Figure 12 Examples of aspects of the transceiver 1220 are described. The receiver 910 may use a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0146] The communication manager 915 may send control signaling to the relay node, the control signaling configuring the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to the target node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size; and based on the control signaling, send a first message to the relay node via the first air interface, the first message including the transport block in a format for the first air interface. The communication manager 915 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1210 described herein.

[0147] The communication manager 915 or its subcomponents may be implemented in hardware, in code executed by a processor (e.g., software or firmware), 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 application-specific integrated circuit (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 this disclosure.

[0148] The communication manager 915 or its subcomponents can be physically located in various locations, including being distributed so that portions of functionality are performed 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 can be separate and distinct components. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 915 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.

[0149] The transmitter 920 can transmit signals generated by other components of the device 905. In some examples, the transmitter 920 can be co-located with the receiver 910 in the transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 920 can be a reference Figure 12 Examples of aspects of the transceiver 1220 are described. The transmitter 920 may use a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0150] Figure 10 A block diagram 1000 of a device 1005 supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1005 can be an example of aspects of the device 905 or base station 105 described herein. The device 1005 can include a receiver 1010, a communication manager 1015, and a transmitter 1030. The device 1005 can also include a processor. Each of these components can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0151] The receiver 1010 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to forwarding transport blocks over different air interfaces). The information may be passed to other components of the device 1005. The receiver 1010 may be a reference Figure 12 Examples of aspects of the transceiver 1220 are described. The receiver 1010 may use a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0152] The communications manager 1015 can be an example of aspects of the communications manager 915 described herein. The communications manager 1015 can include a control signaling component 1020 and a first air interface communicating component 1025. The communications manager 1015 can be an example of aspects of the communications manager 1210 described herein.

[0153] The control signaling sending component 1020 can send control signaling to the relay node, which configures the relay node to receive the transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to the target node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting the same size transport block.

[0154] The first air interface communicating component 1025 can transmit a first message to the relay node via the first air interface based on the control signaling, the first message comprising a transport block in a format of the first air interface.

[0155] The transmitter 1030 can transmit signals generated by other components of the device 1005. In some examples, the transmitter 1030 can be co-located with the receiver 1010 in the transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 1030 can be a reference Figure 12 Examples of aspects of the transceiver 1220 are described. The transmitter 1030 may use a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0156] Figure 11 A block diagram 1100 of a communication manager 1105 supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication manager 1105 can 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 can include a control signaling component 1110 and a first air interface communicating component 1115. Each of these modules can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0157] The control signaling sending component 1110 can send control signaling to the relay node, which configures the relay node to receive the transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to the target node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting the same size of transport blocks.

[0158] The first air interface communicating component 1115 can transmit a first message to the relay node via the first air interface based on the control signaling, the first message comprising a transport block in a format of the first air interface.

[0159] Figure 12A schematic diagram of a system 1200 including a device 1205 supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1205 may be an example of, or include components 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 communications manager 1210, a network communications manager 1215, a transceiver 1220, an antenna 1225, a memory 1230, a processor 1240, and an inter-station communications manager 1245. These components may communicate electronically via one or more buses (e.g., bus 1250).

[0160] The communication manager 1210 can send control signaling to the relay node, which configures the relay node to receive the transmission block via a first air interface and forward the transmission block to the target node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting the same size of transmission blocks; and based on the control signaling, send a first message to the relay node via the first air interface, the first message including the transmission block in the format of the first air interface.

[0161] The network communications manager 1215 may manage communications with the core network (eg, via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communications manager 1215 may manage the transmission of data communications for client devices such as one or more UEs 115.

[0162] As described above, transceiver 1220 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired or wireless links. For example, transceiver 1220 can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. 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.

[0163] In some cases, a wireless device may include a single antenna 1225. However, in some cases, a device may have multiple antennas 1225 that are capable of sending or receiving multiple wireless transmissions simultaneously.

[0164] Memory 1230 may include RAM and ROM. Memory 1230 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 1235, including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the various functions described herein. In some cases, memory 1230 may include BIOS, etc., which may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0165] 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 system memory or other types of memory. In some cases, the code 1235 may not be directly executable by the processor 1240, but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein.

[0166] Processor 1240 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof). In some cases, processor 1240 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into processor 1240. Processor 1240 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 1230) to cause device 1205 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks that support forwarding transport blocks over different air interfaces).

[0167] 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 the UE 115 in cooperation with the other base stations 105. For example, the inter-site communication manager 1245 can coordinate the scheduling of transmissions to the UE 115 for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, the inter-site communication manager 1245 can provide an X2 interface in LTE / LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communication between base stations 105.

[0168] Figure 13 13. A flowchart illustrating a method 1300 supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown. As described herein, the operations of the method 1300 may be implemented by the UE 115 or its components. For example, the operations of the method 1300 may be implemented by the reference Figures 5 to 8 In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described functions.

[0169] At 1305, the UE may receive control signaling from a source node that configures a relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to a target node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size. 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 Figures 5 to 8 The control signaling receiving component described is executed.

[0170] At 1310, the UE may receive a first message from a source node via a first air interface based on control signaling, the first message including a transport block in a format of the first air interface. 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 Figures 5 to 8 The air interface communication components described are used to perform.

[0171] At 1315, the UE may send a second message to the target node via the second air interface, the second message including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is in the format of the first air interface. 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 Figures 5 to 8 The second air interface communication component described is performed.

[0172] Figure 14 1400. As described herein, the operations of the method 1400 may be performed by the UE 115 or its components. For example, the operations of the method 1400 may be performed by the UE 115 or its components. Figures 5 to 8 In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described functions.

[0173] At 1405, the UE may receive a message from a relay node via a second air interface, the message including a transport block and an indication that the transport block is in a format of a first air interface that is different from the second air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size. 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 Figures 5 to 8 The second air interface communication component described is performed.

[0174] At 1410, the UE may decode the transport block from the message based on the format of the first air interface based on the indication. 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 Figures 5 to 8 The transport block decoding component described is performed.

[0175] Figure 15 15. A flowchart illustrating a method 1500 supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown. As described herein, the operations of the method 1500 may be implemented by the UE 115 or its components. For example, the operations of the method 1500 may be implemented by the reference Figures 5 to 8 In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described functions.

[0176] At 1505, the UE may receive a message from a relay node via a second air interface, the message including a transport block and an indication that the transport block is in a format of a first air interface that is different from the second air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size. 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 Figures 5 to 8 The second air interface communication component described is performed.

[0177] At 1510, the UE may decode the physical layer of the message according to the second format of the second air interface to obtain a packet data unit including a transport block. 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 Figures 5 to 8 The transport block decoding component described is performed.

[0178] At 1515, the UE may decode the packet data unit according to the format of the first air interface. 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 Figures 5 to 8 The transport block decoding component described is performed.

[0179] Figure 16 16. A flowchart illustrating a method 1600 supporting aspects of the present disclosure is shown. As described herein, the operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by the base station 105 or a component thereof. For example, the operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by reference to Figures 9 to 12 In some examples, the base station may execute an instruction set to control functional elements of the base station to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the base station may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described functions.

[0180] At 1605, the base station sends control signaling to the relay node that configures the relay node to receive the transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to the target node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size. 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 Figures 9 to 12 The control signaling described is performed by the sending component.

[0181] At 1610, the base station may send a first message to the relay node via the first air interface based on control signaling, the first message including a transport block in the first air interface format. 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 Figures 9 to 12 The air interface communication components described are used to perform.

[0182] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified, and that other implementations are possible. In addition, aspects of two or more methods may be combined.

[0183] Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication at a relay node, comprising: receiving control signaling from a source node, the control signaling configuring the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forwarding the transport block to a target node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size; receiving a first message from the source node via the first air interface based at least in part on the control signaling, the first message including the transport block in a format for the first air interface; and sending a second message to the target node via the second air interface, the second message including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is in a format for the first air interface.

[0184] Aspect 2: The method according to aspect 1, wherein sending the second message comprises sending the second message including sidelink control information, the sidelink control information including an indication that the transport block is in the format of the first air interface.

[0185] Aspect 3: The method according to any one of aspects 1 or 2, wherein sending the second message comprises: sending the second message, the second message comprising an indication that the medium access control packet included in the second message is in the format of the first air interface.

[0186] Aspect 4: A method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein receiving a first message comprises: decoding the first message according to a format of a first air interface to obtain a packet data unit including a transport block; and encoding the packet data unit based at least in part on a second format of a second air interface to generate a second message.

[0187] Aspect 5: The method according to aspect 4 further includes: forwarding the packet data unit from the first media access control layer of the first protocol stack of the first air interface to the second media access control layer of the second protocol stack of the second air interface for encoding to generate a second message.

[0188] Aspect 6: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the first air interface is a radio air interface between the relay node and a radio access network of the source node, and the second air interface is a sidelink air interface.

[0189] Aspect 7: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the relay node is the first UE, the target node is the second UE, and the source node is the base station.

[0190] Aspect 8: A method for wireless communication at a target node, comprising: receiving a message from a relay node via a second air interface, the message including a transport block and an indication that the transport block is in the format of a first air interface different from the second air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size; and decoding the transport block from the message according to the format of the first air interface based at least in part on the indication.

[0191] Aspect 9: The method of aspect 8, wherein receiving the message comprises receiving a message comprising sidelink control information, the sidelink control information comprising an indication that the transport block is in the format of the first air interface.

[0192] Aspect 10: The method according to any one of aspects 8 or 9, wherein receiving the message comprises receiving the message including an indication that the medium access control packet included in the message is in the format of the first air interface.

[0193] Aspect 11: A method according to any one of Aspects 8 to 10, wherein decoding the transport block comprises: decoding the physical layer of the message according to the second format of the second air interface to obtain a packet data unit including the transport block; and decoding the packet data unit according to the format of the first air interface.

[0194] Aspect 12: The method according to aspect 11 further includes: forwarding the packet data unit from the second media access control layer of the second protocol stack of the second air interface to the first media access control layer of the first protocol stack of the first air interface to decode the packet data unit.

[0195] Aspect 13: The method according to any one of aspects 8 to 12, wherein the first air interface is a radio air interface between the relay node and a radio access network of the source node, and the second air interface is a sidelink air interface.

[0196] Aspect 14: The method according to any one of aspects 8 to 13, wherein the relay node is the first UE, the target node is the second UE, and the source node is the base station.

[0197] Aspect 15: A method for wireless communication at a source node, comprising: sending control signaling to a relay node, the control signaling configuring the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to a target node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size; and sending a first message to the relay node via the first air interface based at least in part on the control signaling, the first message including the transport block in the format of the first air interface.

[0198] Aspect 16: The method according to aspect 15, wherein the first air interface is a radio air interface between the relay node and a radio access network of the source node, and the second air interface is a sidelink air interface.

[0199] Aspect 17: The method according to any one of aspects 15 or 16, wherein the relay node is the first UE, the target node is the second UE, and the source node is the base station.

[0200] Aspect 18: An apparatus comprising at least one component for performing the method of any one of aspects 1 to 7.

[0201] Aspect 19: An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: a processor; a memory in electronic communication with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of aspects 1 to 7.

[0202] Aspect 20: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method of any one of aspects 1 to 7.

[0203] Aspect 21: An apparatus comprising at least one component for performing the method of any one of aspects 8 to 14.

[0204] Aspect 22: An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: a processor; a memory in electronic communication with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of aspects 8 to 14.

[0205] Aspect 23: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method of any one of aspects 8 to 14.

[0206] Aspect 24: An apparatus comprising at least one component for performing the method of any one of aspects 15 to 17.

[0207] Aspect 25: An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: a processor; a memory in electronic communication with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of aspects 15 to 17.

[0208] Aspect 26: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method of any one of aspects 15 to 17.

[0209] Although aspects of LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR systems may be described for example purposes, and the terminology of LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR may be used throughout much of the description, the techniques described herein can be applied beyond LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR networks. For example, the techniques described may be applicable to various other wireless communication systems, such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, and other systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0210] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0211] The various illustrative blocks and components described in conjunction with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a CPU, 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 herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors and a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0212] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored in or transmitted over a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or code. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or any combination thereof. Features implementing the functions may also be physically located in different locations, including being distributed so that portions of the functions are implemented in different physical locations.

[0213] Computer-readable media include non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, and communication media include any media that facilitates the transfer of computer programs from one place to another. Non-transitory storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general or special-purpose computer. As an example and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disc (CD) ROM or other optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory media that can be used to carry or store desired program code components in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a general or special-purpose computer or a general or special-purpose processor. In addition, any connection is properly referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is sent from a website, server or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio and microwave), the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio and microwave) are all included in the definition of computer-readable media. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes CDs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0214] As used herein, including in the claims, "or" used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items preceded by a phrase such as "at least one" or "one or more") means an inclusive list, so that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C refers to A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as referring to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step described as "based on condition A" can be based on condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "based at least in part on."

[0215] In the drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference number. Furthermore, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference number with a dash and a second reference number that distinguishes between the similar components. If only the first reference number is used in the specification, the description applies to any similar component having the same first reference number, regardless of the second or subsequent reference numbers.

[0216] The description set forth herein, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all examples that may be implemented or within the scope of the claims. The term "example" as used herein means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration," rather than "preferred" or "superior to other examples." The detailed description includes specific details to provide an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques may be implemented without these specific details. In some cases, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0217] The description herein is provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication at a relay node, comprising: processor; a memory coupled to the processor; as well as instructions, stored in the memory and executable by the processor, to cause the apparatus to: receiving control signaling from a source node, the control signaling configuring the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to a destination node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, the first air interface and the second air interface each supporting transport blocks of the same size; receiving, based at least in part on the control signaling, a first message from the source node via the first air interface, the first message including the transport block in a format for the first air interface; as well as A second message is sent to the target node via the second air interface, the second message including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is in the format of the first air interface.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The instructions for sending the second message are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: The second message is sent including sidelink control information, the sidelink control information including the indication that the transport block is in the format of the first air interface.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein The instructions for sending the second message are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: The second message is sent, the second message including the indication that the medium access control packets included in the second message are in the format of the first air interface.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein The instructions for receiving the first message are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: decoding the first message according to the format of the first air interface to obtain a packet data unit including the transport block; as well as The packet data unit is encoded based at least in part on a second format of the second air interface to generate the second message.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein The instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: The packet data unit is forwarded from a first media access control layer of a first protocol stack of the first air interface to a second media access control layer of a second protocol stack of the second air interface for encoding to generate the second message.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein The packet data unit is forwarded from a first medium access control hybrid automatic repeat request entity of the first medium access control layer to a second medium access control hybrid automatic repeat request entity of the second medium access control layer.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein The first air interface is a radio air interface between the relay node and a radio access network of the source node, and the second air interface is a sidelink air interface.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein The relay node is a first user equipment UE, the target node is a second UE, and the source node is a base station.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein The instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Sidelink control information is sent, the sidelink control information including the indication that the transport block is in the format of the first air interface.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein The second message comprises a sidelink data message.

11. An apparatus for wireless communication at a target node, comprising: processor; a memory coupled to the processor; as well as instructions, stored in the memory and executable by the processor, to cause the apparatus to: receiving a message from a relay node via a second air interface, the message including a transport block and an indication that the transport block is in a format of a first air interface different from the second air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size; as well as The transport block is decoded from the message according to a format of the first air interface based at least in part on the indication.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein The instructions for receiving the message are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: The message comprising sidelink control information is received, the sidelink control information comprising the indication that the transport block is in the format of the first air interface.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein The instructions for receiving the message are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: The message is received, the message including the indication that the medium access control packets included in the message are in the format of the first air interface.

14. The device according to claim 11, wherein The instructions for decoding the transport block are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: decoding a physical layer of the message according to a second format of the second air interface to obtain a packet data unit comprising the transport block; as well as The packet data unit is decoded according to a format of the first air interface.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein The instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: The packet data unit is forwarded from the second media access control layer of the second protocol stack of the second air interface to the first media access control layer of the first protocol stack of the first air interface to decode the packet data unit.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein The packet data unit is forwarded from a first medium access control hybrid automatic repeat request entity of the first medium access control layer to a second medium access control hybrid automatic repeat request entity of the second medium access control layer.

17. The device according to claim 11, wherein The first air interface is a radio air interface between the relay node and a radio access network of a source node, and the second air interface is a sidelink air interface.

18. The device according to claim 11, wherein The relay node is a first user equipment UE, the target node is a second UE, and the source node is a base station.

19. The device according to claim 11, wherein The instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Sidelink control information is received, the sidelink control information including the indication that the transport block is in the format of the first air interface.

20. The device according to claim 11, wherein The message comprises a sidelink data message.

21. An apparatus for wireless communication at a source node, comprising: processor; a memory coupled to the processor; as well as instructions, stored in the memory and executable by the processor, to cause the apparatus to: sending control signaling to a relay node, the control signaling configuring the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to a target node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, each of the first air interface and the second air interface supporting transport blocks of the same size; as well as Based at least in part on the control signaling, a first message is sent to the relay node via the first air interface, the first message including the transport block in a format for the first air interface.

22. The device according to claim 21, wherein The first air interface is a radio air interface between the relay node and a radio access network of the source node, and the second air interface is a sidelink air interface.

23. The device according to claim 21, wherein The relay node is a first user equipment UE, the target node is a second UE, and the source node is a base station.

24. A method for wireless communication at a relay node, comprising: receiving control signaling from a source node, the control signaling configuring the relay node to receive a transport block via a first air interface and forward the transport block to a destination node via a second air interface different from the first air interface, the first air interface and the second air interface each supporting transport blocks of the same size; receiving, based at least in part on the control signaling, a first message from the source node via the first air interface, the first message including the transport block in a format for the first air interface; as well as A second message is sent to the target node via the second air interface, the second message including the transport block and an indication that the transport block is in the format of the first air interface.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein Sending the second message includes: The second message is sent including sidelink control information, the sidelink control information including the indication that the transport block is in the format of the first air interface.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein Sending the second message includes: The second message is sent, the second message including the indication that the medium access control packets included in the second message are in the format of the first air interface.

27. The method according to claim 24, wherein Receiving the first message includes: decoding the first message according to the format of the first air interface to obtain a packet data unit including the transport block; and The packet data unit is encoded based at least in part on a second format of the second air interface to generate the second message.

28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising: The packet data unit is forwarded from a first media access control layer of a first protocol stack of the first air interface to a second media access control layer of a second protocol stack of the second air interface for encoding to generate the second message.

29. The method according to claim 24, wherein The first air interface is a radio air interface between the relay node and a radio access network of the source node, and the second air interface is a sidelink air interface.

30. The method of claim 24, wherein: The relay node is a first user equipment UE, the target node is a second UE, and the source node is a base station.

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