Codebook and pmi override in downlink mu-mimo transmissions

Abstract

A method of operating a network node includes receiving a first precoding matrix indicator (PMI) from a UE, wherein the first PMI is based on an antenna grouping codebook; selecting a non-antenna grouping codebook for downlink multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) transmission; determining a second PMI for the non-antenna grouping codebook based on the first PMI of the antenna grouping codebook; and performing MU-MIMO pairing and beamforming toward the UE based on the second PMI of the non-antenna grouping codebook. Related network nodes are disclosed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication systems, and in particular to multi-antenna systems. BACKGROUND

[0002] Active antenna system (AAS) technology is a key way in which wireless network performance, capacity, and coverage is enhanced in 4G LTE and 5G NR wireless communication standards by using multi-antenna ways such as diversity, spatial multiplexing, and beamforming. With reference to Figure 1 A typical AAS 100 of a radio network node consists of a two-dimensional array of antenna elements 101 arranged in M rows and N columns. The radio network node is a node comprising a transmitter for transmitting downlink signals to wireless devices and can comprise, for example, a base station, a gNodeB, an eNodeB, a radio unit (RU), a transmission reception point (TRP), etc. Each antenna element 101 has K polarizations (K=2 in case of cross-polarization) (as shown in Figure 1 The antenna array can be used to implement multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission in a wireless communication system. When more than four antennas are used by a radio network node, the system can be referred to as "massive MIMO" or mMIMO.

[0003] In the case of massive MIMO, due to the increased number of antenna elements in the antenna array, it is possible to have narrower beams with higher coverage (compared to normal MIMO systems). By creating narrower beams, it is possible to increase the coverage of the radio network node by focusing the beam in one narrow direction.

[0004] Figure 2 Beamforming by a radio network node 110 employing an active antenna system for massive MIMO is shown. As shown therein, a radio network node 110 comprising an AAS can generate multiple directional beams 115 for communicating with respective user equipment (UE) 120. The use of such beamforming (sometimes referred to as spatial beamforming) can reduce interference and / or increase the throughput and / or capacity of the wireless communication system. In particular, Figure 2 Two or more of the beams 115 shown in can be used to transmit signals to respective UEs 120 using the same time / frequency resources. When UEs are scheduled using the same time / frequency resources in the uplink (UL) or downlink (DL), they are referred to as being "paired". Signals transmitted by an AAS to two different receivers using the same time / frequency resources are said to be transmitted on different "layers". The number of layers that can be supported is based on the number of antenna elements used by the transmitter and receiver.

[0005] Beamforming gain is provided by concentrating power in narrow beams. For example, doubling the number of antennas at a base station can provide 3dB beamforming gain. However, such concentration of power can require operators to increase the safety distance from the antenna array (compared to systems that do not use spatial beamforming).

[0006] In 3GPP Rel-15 for NR, a "TypeI-SinglePanel" codebook was introduced [1]. Two types of codebook establishment methods are defined in [1].

[0007] Non-antenna-grouped codebook

[0008] A full antenna array is used to form horizontal and vertical beams. At most two horizontal and vertical beams per polarization are formed by using all antennas for a given polarization. The co-phasing factor between the two polarizations is measured and reported by the UE. A non-antenna-grouped codebook is described in [1] as follows:

[0009] 1 layer:

[0010]

[0011] 2 layers:

[0012]

[0013] 3 layers (P CSI-RS <16):

[0014]

[0015]

[0016] 4 layers (P CSI-RS <16):

[0017]

[0018] where N1, N2 are configured CSI-RS ports in horizontal and vertical directions with corresponding oversampling rates O1, O2, P CSI-RS corresponding to the number of configured CSI-RS ports. P CSI-RS = 2N1N2, and

[0019]

[0020] The values v l and v m represent horizontal and vertical beams formed by taking the oversampled DFT vectors with all available antennas in horizontal and vertical directions, the values v l and v mare expressed by

[0021]

[0022]

[0023] Values (l, m) and (l', m') are beam indices in horizontal and vertical directions, which are determined from the PMI (i 1，1 , i 1，2 , i 1，3 i2) reported by the UE, and values (l, m) and (l', m') are expressed by

[0024] l = i 1，1

[0025] m = i 1，2

[0026] l' = mod(i 1，1 +k1, N1O1)

[0027] m' = mod(i 1，2 +k2, N2O2)

[0028] Values k1 and k2 are determined according to the i 1，3 to k1 and k2 mapping table defined in 5.2.2.2.1-3 / 4 of [1].

[0029] Value is a co-phasing coefficient between two polarizations determined by the co-phasing index i2 reported by the UE, and value is expressed by

[0030]

[0031] Antenna grouping codebook

[0032] For 3-layer and 4-layer (where P CSI-RS ≥ 16), the codebook is constructed according to vertical antenna partitioning. That is, the antenna array is vertically partitioned into two groups (as shown in Figure 3 Each antenna group then has N1 / 2 columns and N2 rows. Thus, the horizontal beams of each antenna group are formed by half of the antennas. The co-phasing between the two antenna groups is measured by the UE and reported to the gNB.

[0033] The codebook for 3-layer and 4-layer MIMO (where P CSI-RS ≥ 16) is described below.

[0034] 3-layer codebook (P CSI-RS ≥ 16):

[0035]

[0036] 4-layer codebook (P CSI-RS ≥ 16):

[0037]

[0038] where:

[0039]

[0040] value is a horizontal beam formed by a DFT vector oversampled with half of the antenna columns, value is expressed by:

[0041]

[0042] The vertical beams (v m ) for 3-layer and 4-layer (where P CSI-RS ≥ 16) are formed in the same way as for the non-antenna-grouped codebook (where P CSI-RS < 16), where (l, m) are determined from the UE reported PMIs (i 1，1 , i 1，2 , i 1，3 , i2), (l, m) are expressed by:

[0043] l = i 1，1

[0044] m = i 1，2

[0045] value p is the co-phasing coefficient between the two antenna groups determined by the UE reported inter-group co-phasing index i 1，3 p is expressed by

[0046] p = e jπp / 4 , p = i 1，3

[0047] value is the co-phasing coefficient between the two polarizations determined by the UE reported inter-polarization co-phasing index i2 (same as for the non-antenna-grouped codebook).

[0048] References:

[0049] [1] 3GPP TS 38.214 V15.4.0

[0050] ​​[2] Rl-1708687, Codebook design for Type I single-panel CSI feedback

[0051] [3] P78188 - PMI Distance (PMID) Assisted MU-MIMO Transmission

[0052] [4] O-RAN.WG4.CUS.0-v03.00

[0053] [5] David J. Love and Robert W. Heath, Jr., Limited Feedback Unitary Precoding for Spatial Multiplexing Systems, IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INFORMATION THEORY, VOL. 51, NO. 8, AUGUST 2005. SUMMARY

[0054] Some embodiments described herein provide systems and / or methods for performing codebook and PMI override for a UE configured to use antenna grouping codebooks. A network node selects a non-antenna grouping codebook for a DL MU-MIMO transmission and determines a PMI for the non-antenna grouping codebook based on a PMI for the antenna grouping codebook provided by the UE. The network node then performs MU pairing and beamforming using the overridden codebook and PMI. Some embodiments can help mitigate co-channel interference from co-scheduled UEs and / or improve MU pairing rate (in DL MU-MIMO transmissions).

[0055] Accordingly, a method of operating a network node according to some embodiments includes receiving a first precoding matrix indicator, PMI, from a UE, wherein the first PMI is based on an antenna grouping codebook, selecting a non-antenna grouping codebook for a downlink multi-user multiple-input multiple-output, MU-MIMO, transmission, determining a second PMI for the non-antenna grouping codebook based on the first PMI for the antenna grouping codebook, and performing MU-MIMO pairing and beamforming toward the UE based on the second PMI for the non-antenna grouping codebook.

[0056] The first PMI can include a first set of beam indices of the antenna grouping codebook associated with the first PMI, wherein the second PMI can include a second set of beam indices of a non-antenna grouping codebook associated with the second PMI.

[0057] In some embodiments, determining the second PMI of the non-antenna grouping codebook can include selecting the second set of beam indices, a distance between the first set of beam indices associated with the antenna grouping codebook and the second set of beam indices associated with the non-antenna grouping codebook is minimized for the second set of beam indices.

[0058] In some embodiments, the second set of beam indices can be determined according to the following equation:

[0059]

[0060] where (l, m, p, n) corresponds to the first set of beam indices, and (l, l', m, m', n) corresponds to the second set of beam indices, corresponding to the precoding matrices associated with the first set of beam indices of the antenna grouping codebook, and corresponding to the precoding matrices associated with the second set of beam indices of the non-antenna grouping codebook.

[0061] In some embodiments, the distance between the precoding matrices associated with the first set of beam indices and the precoding matrices associated with the second set of beam indices is determined as a chord distance. The chord distance can be calculated according to the following equation:

[0062]

[0063] where || · ||Frepresents the matrix Frobenius norm. F

[0064] In some embodiments, the distance between the precoding matrices associated with the first set of beam indices and the precoding matrices associated with the second set of beam indices can be determined as a projected two-norm distance.

[0065] The projected two-norm distance can be calculated according to the following equation:

[0066]

[0067] where || · ||2represents the matrix two-norm.

[0068] In some embodiments, the distance between the precoding matrices associated with the first set of beam indices and the precoding matrices associated with the second set of beam indices can be determined as a Fubini-Study distance. The Fubini-Study distance can be calculated according to the following equation:

[0069] ​

[0070] where det( ) denotes the matrix determinant.

[0071] The method can further include determining the second PMI of a non-antenna grouping codebook from a look-up table based on the first PMI received from the UE of an antenna grouping codebook.

[0072] The first PMI can include a set of indicators of (i 1，1 , i 1，2 , i 1，3 , i2) and the second PMI can include a set of indicators of where the second PMI can be calculated based on the first PMI according to the following equation:

[0073]

[0074]

[0075]

[0076]

[0077] where Δi 1，1 , Δi 1，2 , Δi 1，3 is a PMI override bias. The PMI override bias can be selected according to a rank and a dominant direction of angular spread associated with the UE.

[0078] The method can further include determining the second set of beam indices based on the second PMI.

[0079] The second set of beam indices can be determined based on the following equation:

[0080]

[0081]

[0082]

[0083]

[0084]

[0085] where [l, l', m, m', n] corresponds to the second set of beam indices. In some embodiments, k1 and k2 can be determined from a mapping table of i 1，3 to k1 and k2.

[0086] The i 1，3To k1 and k2 mapping table.

[0087] The network node can be a distributed unit, DU, and the method can further include transmitting a codebook index and a second PMI corresponding to a non-antenna grouping codebook to a radio unit.

[0088] Some embodiments provide a network node configured to: receive a first precoding matrix indicator, PMI, from a UE, wherein the first PMI is based on an antenna grouping codebook; select a non-antenna grouping codebook for downlink multi-user multiple-input multiple-output, MU-MIMO, transmission; determine a second PMI for the non-antenna grouping codebook based on the first PMI of an antenna grouping codebook; and perform MU-MIMO pairing and beamforming towards the UE based on the second PMI of the non-antenna grouping codebook.

[0089] A network node according to some embodiments includes processing circuitry, a transceiver coupled to the processing circuitry, and a memory coupled to the processing circuitry. The memory includes computer-readable program instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the UE to: receive a first precoding matrix indicator, PMI, from a UE, wherein the first PMI is based on an antenna grouping codebook; select a non-antenna grouping codebook for downlink multi-user multiple-input multiple-output, MU-MIMO, transmission; determine a second PMI for the non-antenna grouping codebook based on the first PMI of an antenna grouping codebook; and perform MU-MIMO pairing and beamforming towards the UE based on the second PMI of the non-antenna grouping codebook. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0090] Figure 1 A configuration of antenna elements in a MIMO antenna is shown.

[0091] Figure 2 Transmission of antenna beams from a radio network node antenna to a plurality of UEs in a wireless communication system is shown.

[0092] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a radio network node according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0093] Figures 5 to 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a radio network node according to some embodiments.

[0094] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a wireless network according to some embodiments.

[0095] Figure 12 is a block diagram of a user equipment according to some embodiments.

[0096] Figure 13 is a block diagram of a virtualization environment, according to some embodiments.

[0097] Figure 14 is a block diagram of a telecommunication network connected via an intermediate network to a host computer, according to some embodiments.

[0098] Figure 15 is a block diagram of a host computer communicating via a base station with a user equipment over a partially wireless connection, according to some embodiments.

[0099] Figure 16 is a block diagram of methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment, according to some embodiments.

[0100] Figure 17 is a block diagram of methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment, according to some embodiments.

[0101] Figure 18 is a block diagram of methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment, according to some embodiments.

[0102] Figure 19 is a block diagram of methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0103] The inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which examples of an implementation of the inventive concept are shown. The inventive concept may, however, be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. It should also be noted that these embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Components from one embodiment can be assumed by default to be present / used in another embodiment.

[0104] The following description presents various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The embodiments are presented to teach examples of the disclosed subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, certain details of the described embodiments can be modified, omitted, or extended without departing from the scope of the described subject matter.

[0105] As described above, the PMI reported by a UE for rank 1 / 2 and rank 3 / 4 (where P CSI-RS > 16) is based on different codebooks, i.e., a non-antenna grouping codebook for rank 1 / 2 and an antenna grouping codebook for rank 3 / 4 (where P CSI-RS > 16). This approach can lead to certain problems.

[0106] For example, the antenna grouping codebook is not MU-MIMO friendly. With the antenna grouping codebook, only half of the available antenna columns are used to form the horizontal beams. As a result, the beamwidth of the main lobe of the antenna beams is much wider and the sidelobe leakage is much higher (compared to beams formed with all the antenna columns, i.e., without antenna grouping). This is illustrated in Figure 4 which shows the beam strength as a function of horizontal angle for beams formed with antenna grouping (curve 402) and without antenna grouping (curve 404). As can be seen in Figure 4 the main lobe of the beams formed with antenna grouping (curve 402) is about twice as wide as the main lobe of the beams formed without antenna grouping (curve 404). In DL MU-MIMO, the wider beamwidth can result in interference among co-scheduled users and reduce MU pairing opportunities.

[0107] In addition, when a hybrid codebook (i.e., both antenna grouping and non-antenna grouping) is used, pairing UEs can become more difficult. In P CSI-RS > 16, the precoding matrix indicator (PMI) reported by a UE for rank 3 / 4 is based on an antenna grouping codebook, which is not aligned with the PMI for rank 1 / 2. The PMI for rank 1 / 2 is based on a non-antenna grouping codebook. Due to the different radiation patterns, it can be difficult to assess the orthogonality between a UE providing a rank 3 / 4 report and a UE providing a rank 1 / 2 report. As a result, the UEs can not be paired when a hybrid codebook is used. In contrast, for codebook-based DL MU-MIMO, a unified codebook and PMI is preferred.

[0108] Furthermore, vertical angle spreading can not be fully utilized when a hybrid codebook is used. With the antenna grouping codebook, a single beam (v m ) is formed in the vertical direction. In contrast, with the non-antenna grouping codebook, there can be two beams (v m or v m' ) formed, which can more fully utilize the angle spreading in the vertical direction. For example, when there is no scattering from the horizontal direction but there is rich scattering from the vertical direction, then the antenna grouping codebook cannot be used to achieve rank 3 or rank 4.

[0109] Some embodiments provide systems and / or methods that perform codebook and PMI override for UEs configured with no less than 16 ports and rank 3 / 4 reporting. In some embodiments, a network node, such as a gNB, obtains a UE PMI report based on an antenna grouping codebook. The network node selects a non-antenna grouping codebook for DL MU-MIMO transmission, and determines a PMI for the non-antenna grouping codebook based on the PMI of the antenna grouping codebook provided by the UE. The network node then performs MU pairing and beamforming using the overridden codebook and PMI.

[0110] Some embodiments can help to mitigate co-channel interference from co-scheduled UEs and / or improve MU pairing ratio (in DL MU-MIMO transmission).

[0111] Reference Figure 5 A radio network node 500 according to some embodiments comprises processing circuitry 503, a transceiver 502 coupled to the processing circuitry, and a memory 505 coupled to the processing circuitry. A network interface 507 is used to communicate with other network nodes in the network, including radio access nodes and core network nodes. The memory comprises computer readable program instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry 503 to override a PMI codebook used by a UE to generate a PMI transmitted to the network node 500. That is, when the UE reports a PMI according to an antenna grouping codebook, the network node 500 can select a precoding matrix from a non-antenna grouping codebook based on the reported PMI.

[0112] Reference Figure 6 Some embodiments can be implemented in a cloud implementation (e.g., ORAN architecture), where gNB functionality is distributed between a distributed unit (DU) 602 and one or more radio units (RUs) 604.

[0113] The O-RU 604 reports to the O-DU 602 a PMI provided by a UE and based on an antenna grouping codebook. The O-DU performs codebook and PMI override (block 610), where the O-DU selects a non-antenna grouping codebook. The O-DU 602 configures the non-antenna grouping codebook to the O-RU 604, and provides a new PMI (based on the non-antenna grouping codebook) to the O-RU 604. The O-DU 602 can assign a codebook index and PMI to the O-RU 604 for each DL transmission. The O-RU 604 performs DL beamforming using the assigned codebook and PMI (block 620).

[0114] Figure 7Operations of a network node according to some embodiments are shown in FIG. 8. As shown therein, the network node receives a first precoding matrix indicator (PMI) based on an antenna grouping codebook from a UE (block 802). The network node selects a non-antenna grouping codebook for downlink multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) transmission (block 804), and determines a second PMI for the non-antenna grouping codebook based on the first PMI based on the antenna grouping codebook (block 806). The network node performs MU-MIMO pairing and beamforming toward the UE based on the second PMI for the non-antenna grouping codebook (block 808).

[0115] Accordingly, for a UE reporting a PMI based on an antenna grouping codebook that is to be co-scheduled with other UEs (e.g., P CSI-RS 16 and rank 3 / 4 UEs), the network node selects a non-antenna grouping codebook for better mitigation of co-channel interference from co-scheduled UEs and for a unified codebook. The PMI for the non-antenna grouping codebook is determined based on the PMI reported by the UE for the antenna grouping codebook. The overridden PMI is then used to perform MU pairing of the UE. Beamforming weights for DL MU-MIMO transmission are selected from the non-antenna grouping codebook according to the overridden PMI.

[0116] The PMI for the non-antenna grouping codebook can be selected based on a distance from the reported PMI for the antenna grouping codebook. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, in some embodiments, the network node selects a non-antenna grouping precoding matrix, a distance between the antenna grouping codebook and the non-antenna grouping precoding matrix is reduced / minimized for the non-antenna grouping precoding matrix (block 902). Figure 8

[0117] For example, in the case of P CSI-RS ≥ 16, the UE will report a PMI according to an antenna grouping codebook represented by a set of indicators (i 1，1 , i 1，2 , i 1，3 , i2) for rank 3 / 4. Assume that is a precoding matrix corresponding to the PMI (i 1，1 , i 1，2 , i 1，3 , i2) of the antenna grouping codebook, and is a precoding matrix corresponding to the PMI of the non-antenna grouping codebook. The PMI of the non-antenna grouping codebook can be determined according to the following equation:

[0118]

[0119] ​More specifically, the system / method according to some embodiments tries to find [l, l', m, m', n] such that the distance between is reduced or minimized. When deciding the set of beam indices [l, l', m, m', n], the PMI indicator of the non-antenna grouping codebook

[0120] The distance

[0121] As an example, the distance between can be defined as the chord distance. The chord distance between can be defined as:

[0122]

[0123] where ||·||Frepresents the matrix Frobenius norm. F

[0124] As another example, the distance can be defined as the projected two-norm distance. The projected two-norm distance is given by:

[0125]

[0126] where ||·||2represents the matrix two-norm.

[0127] As another example, the distance can be defined as the Fubini-Study distance, given by:

[0128]

[0129] where det(·) represents the determinant of a matrix.

[0130] The mapping between PMI(i 1，1 , i 1，2 , i 1，3 , i2) and PMI can also be decided offline and stored at the network node (e.g. in a look-up table). Accordingly, when PMI(i 1，1 , i 1，2 , i 1，3 , i2) is received by the network node, the network node can select or compute PMI based on the offline mapping. As Figure 9 ​As shown in the middle, in some embodiments, the network node determines the PMI of the non-antenna grouping codebook based on a lookup table (e.g., using the PMI of the antenna grouping codebook as an index to the lookup table) (block 902).

[0131] To simplify the calculation, some embodiments assume a fixed mapping for one or more of the parameters, and only determine the mapping for the rest of the parameters. For example, some systems / methods can assume and i2are equal:

[0132]

[0133] Thus, the systems / methods can only need to find the mapping between the rest of the indicators (e.g., (i 1，1 , i 1，2 , i 1，3 ) and .

[0134] In some embodiments, the PMI of the non-antenna grouping codebook can be determined according to the geometry associated with the PMI.

[0135] For example, in the case of P CSI-RS ≥ 16, the UE will report the PMI for rank 3 / 4 according to the antenna grouping codebook (i 1，1 , i 1，2 , i 1，3 , i2). Because the PMI indicator i 1，1 of the antenna grouping codebook has the same main lobe direction as the PMI indicator 2i 1，1 of the non-antenna grouping codebook, the PMI of the non-antenna grouping codebook may be determined according to the following equation:

[0136]

[0137]

[0138]

[0139]

[0140] where Δi 1，1 , Δi 1，2 , Δi 1，3 are PMI override biases determined by the network node according to the deployment scenario and the scheduled rank in terms of the main direction of angular spread, shown as examples in Table 1 below.

[0141] Table 1: Examples of PMI override biases

[0142]

[0143] In the non-antenna grouping codebook for rank 3 / 4 and P CSI-RS The i 1，3 The mapping to k1 and k2 is designed for different deployment scenarios. The i 1，3 An example of the mapping to k1 and k2 is shown in Table 2 below.

[0144] Table 2: The i CSI-RS Mapping to k1 and k2 for rank 3 / 4 (where P 1，3 Mapping to k1 and k2

[0145]

[0146] In the case of scheduled rank 2, the following Table 3 can be used, which corresponds to Table 5.2.2.2.1-3 defined in [1] for the mapping of i 1，3 to k1 and k2

[0147] Table 3: The i 1，3 Mapping to k1 and k2 for 2-layer CSI reporting

[0148]

[0149] Once the PMI has been selected for the non-antenna grouping codebook, the network node can perform MU pairing for UEs with mixed rank reporting from rank 1 to rank 4 based on a unified codebook and PMI by using the PMI distance (PMID) based MU pairing described in [3].

[0150] The beamforming weights for DL MU-MIMO transmission can be generated based on the non-antenna grouping codebook as described above. The beam indices (l, m, l', m', n) are determined from the overridden PMI according to the following equations:

[0151]

[0152]

[0153]

[0154]

[0155]

[0156] Reference Figure 6 and 10, showing operation of one or more radio units (RUs) and a distributed unit (DU). As shown therein, the DU 602 receives an antenna panel PMI from the RU 604 (block 1002). The DU 602 selects a PMI of a non-antenna panel codebook based on the antenna panel PMI (block 1004), and transmits the PMI of the non-antenna panel codebook to the RU 604 along with a codebook index that identifies the selected codebook to the UE for pairing / beaming (block 1006).

[0157] Further definitions and embodiments are discussed below.

[0158] In the above-description of various embodiments of the present inventive concepts, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present inventive concepts. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present inventive concepts belong. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0159] When an element is referred to as being "connected", "coupled", "responsive", or variants thereof to another element, it is understood that it can be directly connected, coupled, or responsive to the other element, or intervening elements can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected", "directly coupled", "directly responsive", or variants thereof to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Also, as used herein, "coupled", "connected", "responsive", or variants thereof, can include wireless coupling, connection, or response. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Well-known functions or constructions can not be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity. The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0160] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. can be used herein to describe various elements / operations, these elements / operations should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element / operation from another. Thus, a first element / operation in some embodiments could be termed a second element / operation in other embodiments (without departing from the teachings of the present inventive concepts). The same reference numbers or same reference designators denote the same or similar elements throughout the specification.

[0161] As used herein, the terms "comprise", "comprising", "comprises", "include", "including", "includes", "have", "has", "having", or variants thereof are open-ended, and include one or more stated features, integers, elements, steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof. Also, as used herein, the common abbreviation "e.g." (which derives from the Latin phrase "exempli gratia"), can be used to introduce or otherwise convey one or more examples of a preceding item, and is not intended to be a limitation on such item. The common abbreviation "i.e." (which derives from the Latin phrase "id est") can be used to specify a particular item, or group of items, in a more general statement.

[0162] The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing other flow diagrams and / or other processes.

[0163] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a tangible computer-readable medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. Accordingly, embodiments of the present inventive concept can be embodied in hardware and / or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) that runs on a processor such as a digital signal processor, which can collectively be referred to as "circuitry," "a module" or variants thereof.

[0164] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions / actions described in the boxes may not occur in the order shown in the flowchart. For example, two boxes shown consecutively may be executed substantially simultaneously, or the boxes may sometimes be executed in reverse order (depending on the functions / actions involved). Furthermore, the functionality of a given box in a flowchart and / or block diagram may be divided into multiple boxes, and / or the functionality of two or more boxes in a flowchart and / or block diagram may be at least partially integrated. Finally, without departing from the scope of the invention, other boxes may be added / inserted between the shown boxes, and / or boxes / operations may be omitted. Also, although some diagrams in the figures include arrows on communication paths to indicate the main direction of communication, it should be understood that communication may occur in the direction opposite to the indicated arrows.

[0165] Many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments without substantially departing from the principles of the inventive concept. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the inventive concept herein. Accordingly, the subject matter disclosed above is to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the examples of embodiments are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept. Therefore, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the scope of the inventive concept will be determined by the widest permissible interpretation of this disclosure, including examples of embodiments and their equivalents, and should not be constrained or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

[0166] Additional explanations are provided below.

[0167] Generally, all terms used herein will be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant art, unless a different meaning is explicitly given and / or implied by the context from which it is used. All references to an element, device, component, part, step, etc., will be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, component, part, step, etc., unless otherwise expressly stated. The steps of any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is explicitly described as occurring after or before another step and / or implied that a step must occur after or before another step. Any feature of any embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein may be suitably applied to any other embodiment. Similarly, any advantage of any embodiment of the embodiments may be applied to any other embodiment, and vice versa. Other objects, features, and advantages of the appended embodiments will be apparent from the following description.

[0168] Some embodiments of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other embodiments are included within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein, and the disclosed subject matter should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example in order to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0169] Figure 11 Wireless network according to some embodiments.

[0170] While the topics described herein can be implemented in any suitable type of system using any appropriate components, the embodiments disclosed herein are relative to wireless networks (such as...). Figure 11 The example wireless network shown is described. For brevity, Figure 11 The wireless network shown only includes network QQ106, network nodes QQ160 and QQ160b, and WD QQ110, QQ110b, and QQ110c (also referred to as mobile terminals). In practice, the wireless network may further include any additional elements suitable for supporting communication between wireless devices or between a wireless device and another communication device (such as a landline telephone, service provider, or any other network node or terminal device). Among the components shown, network node QQ160 and wireless device (WD) QQ110 are shown in additional detail. The wireless network may provide communication and other types of services to one or more wireless devices to facilitate access and / or use of services via or provided by the wireless network.

[0171] Wireless networks may include any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular and / or radio networks or other similar systems and / or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular and / or radio networks or other similar systems. In some embodiments, a wireless network may be configured to operate according to a specific standard or other type of predefined rules or procedures. Thus, specific embodiments of a wireless network may implement: communication standards such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) and / or other standards suitable for 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G; wireless local area network (WLAN) standards such as the IEEE 802.11 standard; and / or any other suitable wireless communication standard such as Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave and / or ZigBee standards.

[0172] Network QQ106 can comprise one or more backhaul networks, core networks, IP networks, public switched telephone networks (PSTNs), packet data networks, optical networks, wide-area networks (WANs), local-area networks (LANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs), wired networks, wireless networks, metropolitan area networks, and other networks to enable communication among devices.

[0173] Network nodes QQ160 and WDs QQ110 comprise various components described in more detail below. These components work together to provide node and / or wireless device functionality, such as providing wireless connections in a wireless network. In different embodiments, the wireless network can comprise any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, base stations, controllers, wireless devices, relay stations, and / or any other components or systems that can facilitate or participate in communication of data and / or signals whether via wired or wireless connections.

[0174] As used herein, "network node" refers to equipment, apparatus, devices, or means capable, configured, arranged, and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a wireless device and / or with other network nodes or equipment in a wireless network to enable and / or provide wireless access to the wireless device and / or to perform other functions (e.g., administration) in the wireless network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs), and NR Node Bs (gNBs)). Base stations can be categorized based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, stated differently, the transmission power at which they operate) and can also be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. A base station can be a relay node or a relay donor node controlling a relay. Network nodes can also include one or more (or all) parts of a Distributed Radio Base Station, such as centralized and / or remote radio units (RRUs), sometimes called Remote Radio Heads (RRHs). Such remote radio units can or can not be integrated with antennas. Parts of a Distributed Radio Base Station can also be referred to as nodes in a Distributed Antenna System (DAS). Yet further examples of network nodes include multi-standard radio (MSR) devices, network controllers (e.g., radio network controllers (RNCs) or base station controllers (BSCs)), base transceiver stations (BTSs), transmission points, transmission nodes, multi-cell / multicast coordination entities (MCEs), core network nodes (e.g., MSCs, MMEs), O&M nodes, OSS nodes, SON nodes, positioning nodes (e.g., E-SMLCs), and / or MDTs. As another example, a network node can be a virtual network node as described in more detail below. More generally, however, network nodes can represent any apparatus or combination of apparatuses, devices, or means capable, configured, arranged, and / or operable to enable and / or provide a wireless device with access to a wireless network or to provide some service to a wireless device that has accessed a wireless network.

[0175] Figure 11 In particular embodiments, network node QQ160 includes processing circuitry QQ170, device readable medium QQ180, interfaces QQ190, auxiliary equipment QQ184, power supply QQ186, power circuitry QQ187, and antenna QQ162. While shown as a single Figure 11The network node QQ160 illustrated in the example wireless network shown can represent a device that includes the illustrated combination of hardware components, but other embodiments can include network nodes with different combinations of components, or different arrangements of the components. It will be appreciated that a network node includes any combination of hardware and / or software needed to perform the tasks described herein as carried out by a network node. Furthermore, while the components of the network node QQ160 are shown as single boxes located within a larger box, or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, a network node can comprise multiple different physical components (e.g., the device readable medium QQ180 can comprise multiple separate hard drives as well as multiple RAM modules) that make up a single illustrated component.

[0176] Similarly, the network node QQ160 can be composed of multiple physically separate components (e.g., NodeB components and RNC components, or BTS components and BSC components, etc.), which can each have their own respective components. In certain scenarios where the network node QQ160 includes multiple separate components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the separate components can be shared among several network nodes. For example, a single RNC can control multiple NodeB's. In such scenarios, each unique NodeB and RNC pair, in some instances, can be considered a single separate network node. In some embodiments, the network node QQ160 can be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components (e.g., separate device readable medium QQ180s for the different RATs) can be duplicated, and some components (e.g., the same antenna QQ162 can be shared by the RATs) can be used

[0177] The processing circuitry QQ170 is configured to perform any determining, calculating, or similar operations (e.g., certain obtaining operations) described herein as being provided by a network node. These operations performed by the processing circuitry QQ170 can include processing information obtained by the processing circuitry QQ170 by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored by the network node, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and as a result of said processing, making a determination.

[0178] The processing circuitry QQ170 can comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other processing circuitry, as well as any

[0179] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry QQ170 can include one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry QQ172 and baseband processing circuitry QQ174. In some embodiments, radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry QQ172 and baseband processing circuitry QQ174 can be on separate chips (or sets of chips), boards, or units, such as radio and digital units. In alternative embodiments, part or all of baseband processing circuitry QQ174 and RF transceiver circuitry QQ172 can be on the same chip or set of chips, boards, or units.

[0180] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein as being provided by a network node, base station, eNB or other such network device can be provided by the processing circuitry QQ170 executing instructions stored on the device readable medium QQ180 or memory within the processing circuitry QQ170. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality can be provided by the processing circuitry QQ170 without executing instructions stored on a device readable medium, such as in a hard-wired or hard-coded manner. In any of those embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a device readable storage medium or not, the processing circuitry QQ170 is configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry QQ170 or other components of the network node QQ160 but extend to the network node QQ160 as a whole and to its users and wireless networks generally.

[0181] Device readable medium QQ180 can comprise any form of volatile or non-volatile computer readable memory including, without limitation, persistent storage, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic materials, optical materials, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), mass storage media, removable storage media, and / or any other volatile or non-volatile non-transitory device readable and / or computer- executable memory devices that store information, data, and / or instructions that can be used with processing circuitry QQ170. Device readable medium QQ180 can store any

[0182] Interface QQ190 is used for the wired or wireless communication of signalling and / or data between network nodes QQ160, network QQ106, and / or WDs QQ110. As illustrated, interface QQ190 comprises port(s) / terminal(s) QQ194 to send and receive data, for example to and from network QQ106 over a wired connection. Interface QQ190 also includes radio front end circuitry QQ192 that can be coupled to, or in some embodiments a part of, antenna QQ162. Radio front end circuitry QQ192 comprises filters QQ198 and amplifiers QQ196. Radio front end circuitry QQ192 can be connected to antenna QQ162 and processing circuitry QQ170. Radio front end circuitry QQ192 can be configured to condition signals communicated between antenna QQ162 and processing circuitry QQ170. Radio front end circuitry QQ192 can receive digital data that is to be sent out to other network nodes or WDs via a wireless connection. Radio front end circuitry QQ192 can convert the digital data into a signal with the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters QQ198 and / or amplifiers QQ196. The signal can then be transmitted via antenna QQ162. Similarly, when receiving data, antenna QQ162 can collect signals transmitted by other network nodes or WDs. The signals can be converted into digital data by radio front end circuitry QQ192, which can be conditioned by filters QQ198 and / or amplifiers QQ196. The digital data can be passed to processing circuitry QQ170. In other embodiments, the interface can comprise different components and / or combinations of components.

[0183] In certain alternative embodiments, network node QQ160 can not include separate radio front end circuitry QQ192, instead, processing circuitry QQ170 can comprise radio front end circuitry and can be connected to antenna QQ162 without separate radio front end circuitry QQ192. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of RF transceiver circuitry QQ172 can be considered a part of interface QQ190. In still other embodiments, interface QQ190 can include one or more ports or terminals QQ194, radio front end circuitry QQ192, and RF transceiver circuitry QQ172 as part of a radio unit (not shown) and interface QQ190 can communicate with baseband processing circuitry QQ174, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0184] Antenna QQ162 can include one or more antennas or antenna arrays configured to send and / or receive wireless signals. Antenna QQ162 can be coupled to radio front-end circuitry module QQ190 and can be any type of antenna and / or antenna array. In some embodiments, antenna QQ162 can include one or more omnidirectional, sector or panel antennas operable to transmit / receive radio signals between, for example, 2 GHz and 66 GHz. An omnidirectional antenna can be used to transmit / receive radio signals from any direction, a sector antenna can be used to transmit / receive radio signals from devices within a particular area, and a panel antenna can be a line of sight antenna used to transmit / receive radio signals in a relatively straight line. In some examples, the use of multiple antennas can be referred to as MIMO. In certain embodiments, antenna QQ162 can be separate from network node QQ160 and can be

[0185] Antenna QQ162, interface QQ190, and / or processing circuitry QQ170 can be configured to perform any receiving operations and / or certain obtaining operations described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data and / or signals can be received from a wireless device, another network node and / or any other network equipment. Similarly, antenna QQ162, interface QQ190, and / or processing circuitry QQ170 can be configured to perform any transmitting operations described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data and / or signals can be transmitted to a wireless device, another network node and / or any other network equipment.

[0186] Power circuitry QQ187 can comprise, or be coupled to, power management circuitry and can be configured to supply the components of network node QQ160 with power for performing the functionality described herein. Power circuitry QQ187 can receive power from power source QQ186. Power source QQ186 and / or power circuitry QQ187 can be configured to provide power to the various components of network node QQ160 in a form suitable for use by each respective component (e.g., at a voltage and current level that each respective component needs). Power source QQ186 can be included in, or be external to, power circuitry QQ187 and / or network node QQ160. For example, network node QQ160 can be connectable to an external power source (e.g., an electricity outlet) via an input circuitry or interface such as an electrical cable, whereby the external power source supplies power to power circuitry QQ187. As a further example, power source QQ186 can comprise a power source attached to, or integrated in, power circuitry QQ187 such as a battery or battery pack. The battery can provide backup power should the external power source fail, allowing network node QQ160 to continue operation for a certain period of time. Other types of power sources, such as photovoltaic devices, can also be used.

[0187] An alternative embodiment of network node QQ160 may be power circuit module QQ187, excluding Figure 11 Additional components, beyond those shown, may be responsible for providing certain aspects of the functionality of the network node, including any functionality described herein and / or any functionality necessary to support the topics described herein. For example, network node QQ160 may include a user interface device that allows information to be input into network node QQ160 and allows information to be output from network node QQ160. This allows users to perform diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and other regulatory functions on network node QQ160.

[0188] As used herein, wireless device (WD) refers to a device capable of, configured for, arranged for, and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with a network node and / or other wireless devices. Unless otherwise added, the term “WD” is used interchangeably herein with user equipment (UE). The wireless communication can involve transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals according to one or more wireless communication standards, protocols, schemes, or formats. Wireless communication can involve transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic, radio, in ira-red, and / or other types of signals suitable to transmit information through air. In some embodiments, a WD can be configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For instance, a WD can be designed to transmit information to a network on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the network. Examples of a WD include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a cell phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless cameras, a gaming console or device, a music storage device, a playback appliance, a wearable terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a tablet, a laptop, a laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), a laptop-mounted equipment (LME), a smart device, a wireless customer-premise equipment (CPE), a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, etc. A WD can support device-to-device (D2D) communication, e.g., using a 3GPP standard for sidelink communication, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and can in this case be called a D2D communication device. As yet another specific example, in an Internet of Things (loT) scenario, a WD can represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurements, and transmits the results of such monitoring and / or measurements to another WD and / or a network node. The WD can in this case be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which can in a 3GPP context be called an MTC device. As a particular example, a WD can be a UE implementing the 3GPP narrow band internet of things (NB-loT) standard. Particular examples of such machines or devices are sensors, metering devices (such as power meters), industrial machinery, or home or personal appliances (e.g., refrigerators, TVs, etc.), personal wearables (such as watches, fitness trackers, etc.). In other scenarios, a WD can represent a vehicle or other equipment that is capable of monitoring and / or reporting on its operational status or other functions associated with its operation. A WD as described above can represent the endpoint of a wireless connection, in which case the device can be called a wireless terminal. Further, a WD as described above can be mobile, in which case it can also be called a mobile device or mobile terminal.

[0189] As illustrated, wireless device QQ110 includes antenna QQ111, interface QQ114, processing circuitry QQ120, device readable medium QQ130, user interface equipment QQ132, auxiliary equipment QQ134, power supply QQ136, and power circuitry QQ137. WD QQ110 can include multiple sets of one or more of the illustrated components of WD QQ110, supporting different wireless technologies (such as, for example, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, WiMAX, or Bluetooth wireless technologies, just to mention a few). These wireless technologies can be integrated into the same or different chips or set of chips as other components within WD QQ110.

[0190] Antenna QQ111 can include one or more antennas or antenna arrays, configured to send and / or receive wireless signals, and is connected to interface QQ114. In certain alternative embodiments, antenna QQ111 can be separate from WD QQ110 and be connectable to WD QQ110 through an interface or port. Antenna QQ111, interface QQ114, and / or processing circuitry QQ120 can be configured to perform any receiving or transmitting described herein as being performed by a WD. Any information, data, and / or signals can be received from a network node and / or another WD. In some embodiments, a radio front end

[0191] As illustrated, the interface QQ114 includes the radio front end circuitry QQ112 and the antenna QQ111. The radio front end circuitry QQ112 comprises one or more filters QQ118 and amplifiers QQ116. The radio front end circuitry QQ114 is connected to the antenna QQ111 and the processing circuitry QQ120 and configured to condition signals between the antenna QQ111 and the processing circuitry QQ120. The radio front end circuitry QQ112 can be coupled to or a part of the antenna QQ111. In some embodiments, the WD QQ110 can not include separate radio front end circuitry QQ112; rather, the processing circuitry QQ120 can comprise the radio front end circuitry, and can be connected to the antenna QQ111. Similarly, in some embodiments, some or all of the RF transceiver circuitry QQ122 can be considered a part of the interface QQ114. The radio front end circuitry QQ112 can receive digital data that is to be sent out to other network nodes or WDs via a wireless connection. The radio front end circuitry QQ112 can convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters for

[0192] The processing circuitry QQ120 can comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software and / or encoded logic operable to provide functionality of the WD QQ110. Such functionality can include provision of any of the various wireless features or benefits discussed herein. For example, the processing circuitry QQ120 can execute instructions stored in the device readable medium QQ130 or in memory within the processing circuitry QQ120 to provide the functionality disclosed herein.

[0193] As illustrated, processing circuitry QQ120 includes one or more of RF transceiver circuitry QQ122, baseband processing circuitry QQ124, and application processing circuitry QQ126. In other embodiments, the processing circuitry can comprise different components and / or different combinations of components. In certain embodiments, processing circuitry QQ120 of WD QQ110 can comprise a SOC. In some embodiments, RF transceiver circuitry QQ122, baseband processing circuitry QQ124, and application processing circuitry QQ126 can be on separate chips or sets of chips. In alternative embodiments, parts of application processing circuitry QQ126 and baseband processing circuitry QQ124 can be combined into one chip or set of chips, and RF transceiver circuitry QQ122 can be on a separate chip or set of chips. In still alternative embodiments, parts of baseband processing circuitry QQ124 and RF transceiver circuitry QQ122 can be combined into the same chip or set of chips, and application processing circuitry QQ126 can be on a separate chip or set of chips. In yet other alternative embodiments, parts of RF transceiver circuitry QQ122, baseband processing circuitry QQ124, and application processing circuitry QQ126 can be combined into the same chip or set of chips. In some embodiments, RF transceiver circuitry QQ122 can be a part of interface QQ114. RF transceiver circuitry QQ122 can condition RF signals for processing circuitry QQ120.

[0194] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein as being performed by a WD can be performed by processing circuitry QQ120 executing instructions stored on device readable medium QQ130, which in certain embodiments can be a computer-readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality can be provided by processing circuitry QQ120 without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device readable storage medium. In any of those particular embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a device readable storage medium or not, processing circuitry QQ120 is configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to processing circuitry QQ120 or to components of WD QQ110, but are enjoyed by WD QQ110 as a whole, and / or by end users and the wireless network generally.

[0195] Processing circuitry QQ120 can be configured to perform any determining, calculating, or similar operations (e.g., certain obtaining operations) described herein as being performed by a WD. These operations, as performed by processing circuitry QQ120, can include processing information obtained by processing circuitry QQ120 by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored by WD QQ110, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and determining, as an outcome of the processing, based on a result of the processing.

[0196] The apparatus readable medium QQ130 can be operable to store a computer program, software, an application (including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, etc.), and / or other instructions capable of being executed by the processing circuitry QQ120. The apparatus readable medium QQ130 can comprise computer memory (for example, Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM)), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device readable and / or computer executable memory devices that store information, data, and / or instructions that can be used by the processing circuitry QQ120. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry QQ120 and the apparatus readable medium QQ130 can be considered to be integrated. The user interface equipment QQ132 can provide components that allow for a human user to interact with the WD QQ110. Such interaction can be of many forms, such as visual, audial, tactile, etc. The user interface equipment QQ132 can be operable to produce output to the user and allow the user to provide input to the WD QQ110. The type of interaction can vary depending on the type of user interface equipment QQ132 installed in the WD QQ110. For example, if the WD QQ110 is a smart phone, the interaction can be via a touch screen; if the WD QQ110 is a smart meter, the interaction can be through a screen providing usage amounts (for example, kilowatt hours used) or a speaker providing audible alerts (for example, if smoke is detected). The user interface equipment QQ132 can include input interfaces, devices, and circuits, and output interfaces, devices, and circuits. The user interface equipment QQ132 is configured to allow input of information to the WD QQ110 and is connected to the processing circuitry QQ120 to allow the processing circuitry QQ120 to process the input information. The user interface equipment QQ132 can include, for example, a microphone, a proximity or other sensor, keys / buttons, a touch display, one or more cameras, a USB port, or other input circuitry. The user interface equipment QQ132 is also configured to allow output of information from the WD QQ110, and to allow the processing circuitry QQ120 to output information from the WD QQ110. The user interface equipment QQ132 can include, for example, a speaker, a display, a vibration circuitry, a USB port, a headphone interface, or other output circuitry. Using one or more input and output interfaces, devices, and circuits of the user interface equipment QQ132, the WD QQ110 can communicate with end users and / or the wireless networks and allow them to benefit from the functionality described herein.

[0197] Auxiliary equipment QQ134 is operable to provide more specific functionality which can not be generally performed by WDs. This can include dedicated sensors for performing measurements for various purposes, interfaces for additional types of communication such as wired communication etc. The inclusion and type of components of auxiliary equipment QQ134 can vary depending on the embodiment and / or scenario.

[0198] Power source QQ136 may, in some embodiments, be in the form of a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources, such as an external power supply (e.g., an electricity outlet), photovoltaic, or other power sources known in the art can alternatively or additionally be employed. WD QQ110 can further comprise power circuitry QQ137 for delivering power from power source QQ136 to the various components of WD QQ110 that need power from power source QQ136 to perform any of the functionality described or indicated herein. Power circuitry QQ137 can in certain embodiments comprise power management circuitry. Additionally or alternatively, power circuitry QQ137 can be operable to receive power from an external power source; in which case WD QQ110 can be connectable to the external power source (such as an electricity outlet) via an input circuitry or interface (such as an electrical cable). Power circuitry QQ137 can also in certain embodiments be operable to deliver power from an external power source to power source QQ136. This can be, for example, for the charging of power source QQ136. Power circuitry QQ137 can perform any formatting, conversion, or other modification of the power from power source QQ136 to make the power suitable for use by the respective components of WD QQ110 to which power is supplied.

[0199] Figure 12 User equipment according to some embodiments

[0200] Figure 12 One embodiment of a UE in accordance with various aspects described herein is shown. As used herein, a "user equipment" or "UE" can not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human being that owns and / or operates the relevant device. Instead, a UE can represent a device that is intended for sale to, or operation by, a human user, but that can not, or that can initially, be associated with a specific human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a UE can represent a device that is not intended for sale to, or operation by, an end user (e.g., a smart power meter). The UE QQ200 can be any UE identified by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) including a NB-IoT UE, a machine type communication (MTC) UE, and / or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE. As Figure 12As shown, the UE QQ200 is one example of a WD configured for communication according to one or more communication standards promulgated by the third generation partnership project (3GPP), such as 3GPP’s GSM, UMTS, LTE, and / or 5G standards. As mentioned previously, the term “WD” and “UE” can be used interchangeably. Accordingly, although Figure 12 is a UE, the components discussed herein are equally applicable to a WD, and vice-versa.

[0201] Figure 12 In the example of FIG. 2, the UE QQ200 includes processing circuitry QQ201 operatively coupled to input / output interface QQ205, radio frequency (RF) interface QQ209, network connection interface QQ211, memory QQ215, power source QQ233, communication subsystem QQ231, and / or any other component or function, or any combination thereof. The memory QQ215 includes random access memory (RAM) QQ217, read-only memory (ROM) QQ219, and / or storage medium QQ221. The storage medium QQ221 includes operating system (OS) QQ223, application program QQ225, and data QQ227. In other embodiments, the storage medium QQ221 can include other similar types of information. Some combinations of these and other components are shown in FIG. 2, but other configurations can be used. For example, the UE can be configured to communicate wireless signals through a wired interface, and / or any other configuration. Figure 12 All of the components in FIG. 2 can be used in making connections on the UE QQ200. The power source QQ233 can facilitate wired or wireless communication of power between the UE QQ200 and another device. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE QQ200 can rely on power from the network via the network connection interface QQ211. The power source QQ233 can also include a rechargeable DC. power supply circuit. The power source QQ233 can also include a battery and / or an AC power source.

[0202] Figure 12 In the example of FIG. 2, the processing circuitry QQ201 can be configured to process computer instructions and data. The processing circuitry QQ201 can be configured to implement any sequential state machine operative to

[0203] In the illustrated embodiment, the input / output interface QQ205 can be configured to provide a communication interface to either an input device, an output device, or both. The UE QQ200 can be configured to use the output device via the input / output interface QQ205. The output device can use a same type of interface port as the input device. For example, a USB port can be used to provide both input and output to and from the UE QQ200. The output device can be a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, an emitter, a smartcard, another output device, or any combination thereof. The UE QQ200 can be configured to use the input device via the input / output interface QQ205 to allow a user to capture information into the UE QQ200. The input device can include a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a web camera, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a directional pad, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smartcard, and the like. The presence-sensitive display can include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to sense input from a user. The sensor can be, for example, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, another like sensor, or any combination thereof. For example, the input device can be an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a digital camera, a microphone, and an optical sensor.

[0204] Figure 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the RF interface QQ209 can be configured to provide a communication interface to RF components such as a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna. The network connection interface QQ211 can be configured to provide a communication interface to a network QQ243a. The network QQ243a can include a wired and / or a wireless network, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a computer network, a wireless network, a telecommunications network, another like network or any combination thereof. For example, the network QQ243a can include a Wi-Fi network. The network connection interface QQ211 can be configured to include a receiver and a transmitter interface used by the UE QQ200 to communicate with one or more other devices over a communication network according to one or more communication protocols, such as Ethernet, TCP / IP, SONET, ATM, or the like. The network connection interface QQ211 can implement receiver and transmitter functionality appropriate to the communication network links (e.g., optical, electrical, and the like). The transmitter and receiver functions can share circuit components, software, or firmware, or alternatively can be implemented separately.

[0205] RAM QQ217 can be configured to interface via bus QQ202 to processing circuitry QQ201 to provide rapid cache or storage of computer instructions, data, or signals as needed for the programs in execution. ROM QQ219 can be configured to provide computer instructions or data to processing circuitry QQ201. For example, ROM QQ219 can be configured to store invariant low-level system code or data for basic system functions such as basic input and output (I / O) or keyboard

[0206] Storage medium QQ221 can be configured to include a number of physical drive units, such as redundant array of independent disks (RAID), soft disk drive, flash memory, USB flash drive, external hard disk drive, thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, High-Density Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) optical drive, internal hard disk drive, Blu-Ray optical drive, holographic data storage drive, external mini-dual in-line memory module (DIMM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), external micro-DIMM SDRAM, smart card memory such as a subscriber identity module or a removable user identity (SIM / RUIM) module, other memory, or any combination thereof. Storage medium QQ221 can allow UE QQ200 to access computer-executable instructions, application programs or the like, stored on non-transitory storage media to off-load data or instructions, or to store information or retrieve information from an external source. An article of manufacture such as one utilizing a communication system can be tangibly embodied in storage medium QQ221, which can comprise a device readable medium.

[0207] Figure 12In particular embodiments, processing circuitry QQ201 can be configured to perform one or more computer program instructions or one or more operational logic instructions to enable the performance of any of the features, processes, or operational sequences of any of the methods described herein. In particular embodiments, processing circuitry QQ201 can be configured to communicate with network QQ243b using communication subsystem QQ231. Network QQ243a and network QQ243b can be one or more of the same network or one or more different networks. Communication subsystem QQ231 can be configured to include one or more transceivers used to communicate with network QQ243b. For example, communication subsystem QQ231 can be configured to include one or more transceivers used to communicate with one or more remote transceivers of another WD, such as another WD, UE, or base station of a Radio Access Network (RAN), (in accordance with one or more communication protocols, such as IEEE 802.2QQ, CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, LTE, UTRAN, WiMax, or the like). Each transceiver can include transmitter QQ233 and / or receiver QQ235 to implement transmitter or receiver functionality, respectively, appropriate to the RAN links (e.g., frequency allocations and the like). Further, transmitter QQ233 and receiver QQ235 of each transceiver can share circuit components, software, or firmware, alternatively, each can be implemented separately.

[0208] In the illustrated embodiment, communication functions of communication subsystem QQ231 can include data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communications, such as Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communication, such as the use of the global positioning system (GPS) to determine a location, another like function, or any combination thereof. For example, communication subsystem QQ231 can include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth communication, and GPS communication. Network QQ243b can encompass wired and / or wireless networks, such as a local-area network (LAN), a wide-area network (WAN), a computer network, a wireless network, a telecommunications network, another like network, or any combination thereof. For example, network QQ243b can be a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, and / or a near-field network. Power source QQ213 can be configured to supply alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power to components of UE QQ200.

[0209] The features, benefits and / or functions described herein can be implemented in one or more components of the UE QQ200, or elsewhere. Further, the features, benefits and / or functions described herein can be implemented in any combination of hardware, software or firmware. In one example, communication subsystem QQ231 can be configured to include any of the components described herein. Further, processing circuitry QQ201 can be configured to communicate with any of such components over bus QQ202. In another example, any of such components can be represented by processing circuitry QQ201 executing software or firmware stored in memory. In another example, functionality of any of such components can be divided between processing circuitry QQ201 and communication subsystem QQ231. In another example, non-computationally intensive functions of any of such components can be implemented in software or firmware, while computation-intensive functions of any of such components can be implemented in hardware.

[0210] Figure 13 Virtualization environment according to some embodiments

[0211] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment QQ300 in which functions implemented by some embodiments can be virtualized. In the present context, virtualization means the creation of virtual versions of physical devices or systems, which can include virtualizing hardware platforms, storage devices and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization can be applied to a node (such as a virtualized base station or a virtualized radio access node) or to an appliance (such as a UE, a wireless device or any other type of communication device or component thereof), and relates to an implementation in which at least a part of the functionality is implemented as a virtual component, such as one or more applications, components, functions, virtual machines or containers executing on one or more physical processing nodes in one or more networks.

[0212] In some embodiments, some or all of the functions described herein can be implemented in a virtual component executed by one or more virtual machines implemented on one or more of the host nodes QQ330 in one or more virtual environments QQ300. Further, in embodiments in which the virtual node is not a radio access node or does not require radio connectivity (e.g., a core network node), then the network node can be entirely virtualized.

[0213] The functions can be implemented by one or more application-specific QQ320 (which alternatively can be called software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) operable to implement some of the features, functions, and / or benefits of some of the embodiments disclosed herein. The application(s) QQ320 are run on a virtualization environment QQ300 which provides hardware QQ330 including processing circuitry QQ360 in the form of a set of one or more processors and memory QQ390. The memory QQ390 contains instructions QQ395 executable by the processing circuitry QQ360, whereby the application(s) QQ320 is operable to provide one or more of the features, benefits, and / or functions disclosed herein.

[0214] Virtualization environment QQ300, comprises general-purpose or special-purpose network hardware devices QQ330 comprising a set of one or more processors or processing circuitry QQ360, which can be commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) processors, dedicated Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), or any other type of processing circuitry including digital or analog hardware components or special purpose processors. Each hardware device can include memory QQ390-1 which can be non-persistent memory used for storage of software or

[0215] Virtual machines QQ340 comprise virtual processing, virtual storage, virtual networking or interface, and virtual storage devices, and can be run by a corresponding virtualization layer QQ350 or hypervisor. Different embodiments of the instance of virtual appliance QQ320 can be implemented on one or more of the virtual machines QQ340, and the implementations can be made in different ways.

[0216] During operation, processing circuitry QQ360 executes software QQ395 to implement a hypervisor or virtualization layer QQ350, which can sometimes be called a virtual machine monitor (VMM). Virtualization layer QQ350 can present a virtual operating platform that appears like networking hardware to virtual machine QQ340.

[0217] As shown in Figure 13 Hardware QQ330 can be a standalone network node with generic or specific components. Hardware QQ330 can comprise antenna QQ3225 and can implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware QQ330 can be part of a larger cluster of hardware (e.g., such as in a data center or customer premise equipment (CPE)), where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration (MANO) QQ3100, which also oversees lifecycle management of applications QQ320.

[0218] Virtualization of the hardware is in some contexts referred to as Network Function Virtualization (NFV). NFV can be used to consolidate many network equipment types onto industry standard high volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage, which can be located in data centers, and customer premise equipment.

[0219] In the context of NFV, virtual machine QQ340 can be a software implementation of a physical machine that runs programs as if they were executing on a physical, non-virtualized machine. Each of virtual machines QQ340, and that part of hardware QQ330 that executes that virtual machine (if it is hardware dedicated to that virtual machine and / or hardware that is shared by multiple virtual machines QQ340) forms a separate virtual network element (VNE).

[0220] Still in the context of NFV, Virtual Network Function (VNF) is responsible for handling specific network functions that are run in one or more virtual machines QQ340 on top of hardware networking infrastructure QQ330, and corresponds to Figure 13 application QQ320 in

[0221] In some embodiments, one or more radio units QQ3200 that each include one or more transmitters QQ3220 and one or more receivers QQ3210 can be coupled to one or more antennas QQ3225. Radio units QQ3200 can communicate directly with hardware nodes QQ330 via one or more appropriate network interfaces, and can be used in combination with virtual components to provide a virtual node with radio capabilities, such as a radio access node or base station.

[0222] In some embodiments, certain signaling can be affected through use of a control system QQ3230, which can alternatively be used for communication between hardware nodes QQ330 and radio units QQ3200.

[0223] Figure 14 Telecommunication network according to some embodiments, connected via an intermediate network to a host computer.

[0224] With reference toFigure 14 According to an embodiment, the communication system includes a telecommunications network QQ410, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network, which comprises an access network QQ411, such as a radio access network, and a core network QQ414. The access network QQ411 comprises a plurality of base stations QQ412a, QQ412b, QQ412c, such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area QQ413a, QQ413b, QQ413c. Each base station QQ412a, QQ412b, QQ412c is connectable to the core network QQ414 over a wired or wireless connection QQ415. A first UE QQ491 located in coverage area QQ413c is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding base station QQ412c. A second UE QQ492 in coverage area QQ413a is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding base station QQ412a. While a plurality of UEs QQ491, QQ492 are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a single UE is located in a coverage area or where a single UE is connecting to the corresponding base station QQ412.

[0225] The telecommunications network QQ410 is itself connected to a host computer QQ430, which can be embodied in the hardware and / or software of a standalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, or a plurality of such servers

[0226] Figure 14The overall communication system enables connectivity between connected UEs QQ491 and QQ492 and host computer QQ430. This connectivity can be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection QQ450. Host computer QQ430 and connected UEs QQ491 and QQ492 are configured to transmit data and / or signaling via OTT connection QQ450 using access network QQ411, core network QQ414, any intermediate network QQ420, and other possible intermediaries (not shown). OTT connection QQ450 can be transparent in the sense that the participating communication devices within it are unaware of the routing of uplink and downlink communications. For example, base station QQ412 may not be informed, or need not be informed, about past routing of incoming downlink communications carrying data originating from host computer QQ430 for forwarding (e.g., handover) to connected UE QQ491. Similarly, base station QQ412 does not need to know the future routing of outgoing uplink communication originating from UE QQ491 toward host computer QQ430.

[0227] Figure 15 According to some embodiments, a host computer that communicates with a user equipment via a base station through a partial wireless connection.

[0228] Now refer to Figure 15 This section describes an example implementation of the UE, base station, and host computer discussed in the preceding paragraphs, according to one embodiment. In the communication system QQ500, the host computer QQ510 includes hardware QQ515, which includes a communication interface QQ516 configured to establish and maintain wired or wireless connections with interfaces of different communication devices of the communication system QQ500. The host computer QQ510 further includes a processing circuit module QQ518, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. Specifically, the processing circuit module QQ518 may include one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or combinations thereof (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The host computer QQ510 further includes software QQ511, which is stored in or accessible to the host computer QQ510 and is executable by the processing circuit module QQ518. The software QQ511 includes a host application QQ512. The host application QQ512 is operable to provide services to remote users, such as UE QQ530 connected via an OTT connection QQ550 terminated between UE QQ530 and host computer QQ510. In providing services to remote users, the host application QQ512 can provide user data transmitted using the OTT connection QQ550.

[0229] The communication system QQ500 further includes the base station QQ520 provided in a telecommunication system and comprising hardware QQ525 enabling it to communicate with the host computer QQ510 and with the UE QQ530. The hardware QQ525 can include a communication interface QQ526 for wired or wireless connection to the host computer QQ510 and / or a radio interface QQ527 for wired and / or wireless communication via a Figure 15 communication channel QQ570 with UE(s) QQ530 located in a coverage area (not shown in Figure 15 FIGURE 10) served by the base station QQ520. The communication interface QQ526 can be configured to facilitate connection QQ560 to the host computer QQ510. The connection QQ560 can be direct or it can pass through a core network (not shown in FIGURE 10) of the telecommunication system and / or one or more intermediate networks outside the telecommunication system. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 10, the hardware QQ525 of the base station QQ520 further includes processing circuitry QQ528, which can comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The base station QQ520 further has software QQ521 stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

[0230] The communication system QQ500 further includes the already- referred-to UE QQ530. Its hardware QQ535 can include a radio interface QQ537 configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection QQ570 with a base station serving a coverage area in which the UE QQ530 presently resides. The hardware QQ535 of the UE QQ530 further includes processing circuitry QQ538, which can comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The UE QQ530 further comprises software QQ531 stored in or accessible by the UE QQ530 and executable by the processing circuitry QQ538. The software QQ531 includes a client application QQ532. The client application QQ532 can be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via the UE QQ530 with the support of the host computer QQ510. In the host computer QQ510, an executing host application QQ512 can communicate with the executing client application QQ532 via the OTT connection QQ550 terminating at the UE QQ530 and the host computer QQ510. In providing the service to the user, the client application QQ532 can receive request data from the host application QQ512 and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection QQ550 can transfer both the request data and the user data. The client application QQ532 can interact with the user to generate the user data.

[0231] It is noted that Figure 15 the host computer QQ510, base station QQ520, and UE QQ530 of Figure 14 the host computer QQ430, one of the base stations QQ412a, QQ412b, and QQ412c, and one of the UEs QQ491 and QQ492 of Figure 15 may be similar or identical. That is, the inner workings of these entities can be as shown in Figure 14 and independently, the surrounding network topology can be that of

[0232] . Figure 15In the example of Figure 5, OTT connection QQ550 has been drawn as a dashed line to indicate that, unlike direct connections between network nodes (e.g., between base station QQ520 and base station QQ530), the connection can be created, maintained, monitored, or otherwise handled by software QQ511 running on host computer QQ510. For example, OTT connection QQ550 can be created using the

[0233] Wireless connection QQ570 between UE QQ530 and base station QQ520 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments can improve the performance of OTT services provided to UE QQ530 using OTT connection QQ550, in which wireless connection QQ570 forms the last segment. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments can improve the deblocking filter of video processing, and thereby provide e.g. improved video encoding and / or decoding.

[0234] For the purposes of monitoring data rates, latency, and other factors on which the one or more embodiments improve, a measurement procedure can be provided. There can further be an optional network functionality to reconfigure OTT connection QQ550 between host computer QQ510 and UE QQ530, in response to measurements results. The measurement procedure and / or the network functionality to reconfigure OTT connection QQ550 can be implemented in software QQ511 and hardware QQ515 of host computer QQ510 or in software QQ531 and hardware QQ535 of UE QQ530, or both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) can be deployed in or in association with communication devices through which OTT connection QQ550 passes; the sensors can participate the measurement procedure by supplying values of the monitored quantities exemplified above, or supplying values of other physical quantities from which software QQ511, QQ531 can compute or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguring of OTT connection QQ550 can include message format, retransmission settings, preferred routing etc.; the reconfiguring need not affect base station QQ520, and it can be unknown or invisible to the base station QQ520. Such procedures and functionalities can be known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, measurements can involve proprietary UE signaling facilitating host computer QQ510’s measurements of throughput, propagation times, latency and the like. The measurements can be implemented in that software QQ511 and QQ531 causes messages to be transmitted, using OTT connection QQ550, while it monitors propagation times, errors etc.

[0235] Figure 16 Methods implemented in a communication system comprising a host computer, a base station, and user equipment, according to some embodiments.

[0236] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be a reference... Figure 14 and 15 Those described. For the sake of brevity in this disclosure, this section will only contain descriptions of... Figure 16 The accompanying drawings are referenced. In step QQ610, the host computer provides user data. In sub-step QQ611 of step QQ610 (which may be optional), the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step QQ620, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. According to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, in step QQ630 (which may be optional), the base station transmits the user data to the UE, the user data being carried in the transmission initiated by the host computer. In step QQ640 (which may also be optional), the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

[0237] Figure 17 Methods implemented in a communication system comprising a host computer, a base station, and user equipment, according to some embodiments.

[0238] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be a reference... Figure 14 and 15 Those described. For the sake of brevity in this disclosure, this section will only contain descriptions of... Figure 17 The accompanying drawings are referenced. In step QQ710 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional sub-step (not shown), the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step QQ720, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. According to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the transmission may be carried out via the base station. In step QQ730 (which may be optional), the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

[0239] Figure 18 Methods implemented in a communication system comprising a host computer, a base station, and user equipment, according to some embodiments.

[0240] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE which can be those described Figure 14 and 15 with reference to Figure 18 . For simplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to will be included in this subsection. In step QQ810 (which can be optional), the UE receives input data provided by the host computer. Additionally or alternatively to step QQ810, in step QQ820, the UE provides user data. In substep QQ821 of step QQ820 (which can be optional), the UE provides the user data by executing a client application. In substep QQ811 of step QQ810 (which can be optional), the UE executes a client application which provides the user data in reaction to the received input data provided by the host computer. In providing the user data, the executed client application can further take into account user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner in which the user data is provided, the UE initiates, in substep QQ830 (which can be optional), transmission of the user data to the host computer. In step QQ840 of the method, the host computer receives the user data transmitted from the UE, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure.

[0241] Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE which can be those described and

[0242] with reference to Figure 19 . For simplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to Figure 14 will be included in this subsection. In step QQ910 (which can be optional), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the base station receives user data from the UE. In step QQ920 (which can be optional), the base station initiates transmission of the received user data to the host computer. In step QQ930 (which can be optional), the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station. 15 Figure 19

[0243] Any appropriate steps, methods, features, functions, or benefits disclosed herein can be performed through one or more functional units or modules of one or more virtual apparatuses. Each virtual apparatus can comprise a number of these functional units. These functional units can be implemented via processing circuitry, which can include one or more microprocessor or microcontroller, along with other digital hardware. The processing circuitry can be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which can include one or several types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory includes program instructions for implementing steps and / or methods of one or more technologies described herein, as well as one or more telecommunication and / or data communications protocols. In some implementations, the processing circuitry can be used to cause the respective functional unit(s) to perform corresponding functions (in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure).

[0244] The term "unit" can have the conventional meaning in the field of electronics, electrical devices, and / or electronic devices, and can include, for example, electrical and / or

[0245] Explanations of abbreviations mentioned in the present disclosure are provided below.

[0246] Abbreviation Explanation

[0247] AAS Active Antenna System

[0248] BF Beamforming

[0249] BFG Beamforming Gain

[0250] BFW Beamforming Weight

[0251] CPRI Common Public Radio Interface

[0252] CQI Channel Quality Indicator

[0253] CRI CSI-RS Resource Indicator

[0254] CSI Channel State Information

[0255] CSI-RS CSI Reference Signal

[0256] DL Downlink

[0257] DMRS demodulation reference signal

[0258] EMF electromagnetic force

[0259] ICC information carrying capacity

[0260] IE information element

[0261] LA link adaptation

[0262] LTE long term evolution

[0263] MIMO multiple input multiple output

[0264] mMIMO massive MIMO

[0265] MOM managed object model

[0266] MU multiple user

[0267] MU-MIMO multiple user MIMO

[0268] NR new radio

[0269] PBCH physical broadcast channel

[0270] PDCCH physical downlink control channel

[0271] PDSCH physical downlink shared channel

[0272] PMI precoding matrix indicator

[0273] PSS primary synchronization signal

[0274] RAT reciprocal assistance transfer

[0275] RB resource block

[0276] RBS radio base station

[0277] RF radio frequency

[0278] RI rank indicator

[0279] SINR signal to interference plus noise ratio

[0280] SSB synchronization signal block

[0281] SSS secondary synchronization signal

[0282] SU single user

[0283] SU-MIMO single user MIMO

[0284] TRS tracking reference signal

[0285] UE user equipment

Claims

1. A method of operating a network node, comprising: receiving (702) a first precoding matrix indicator (PMI) from a UE, wherein the first PMI is based on an antenna grouping codebook; selecting (704) a non-antenna grouping codebook for downlink multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) transmission; determining (706) a second PMI of the non-antenna grouping codebook based on the first PMI of the antenna grouping codebook; and performing (708) MU-MIMO pairing and beamforming toward the UE based on the second PMI of the non-antenna grouping codebook.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first PMI includes a first set of beam indices of the antenna grouping codebook associated with the first PMI, wherein the second PMI includes a second set of beam indices of the non-antenna grouping codebook associated with the second PMI.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, Determining the second PMI of the non-antenna grouping codebook includes selecting (802) the second set of beam indices, a distance between a precoding matrix associated with the first set of beam indices of the antenna grouping codebook and a precoding matrix associated with the second set of beam indices of the non-antenna grouping codebook is minimized for the second set of beam indices.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, Determining the second set of beam indices is performed according to the following equation: where (l,m,p,n) corresponds to the first set of beam indices and [l,l',m,m',n] corresponds to the second set of beam indices, corresponding to precoding matrices associated with the first set of beam indices of an antenna grouping codebook, and corresponding to precoding matrices associated with the second set of beam indices of a non-antenna grouping codebook. where (l,m) and (l',m') are beam indices in horizontal and vertical directions, p is inter-group co-phase index, n is inter-polarization co-phase index.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The distance between a precoding matrix associated with the first set of beam indices and a precoding matrix associated with the second set of beam indices is determined as a chord distance.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The chord distance is calculated according to the following equation: where || · || F denotes the matrix Frobenius norm.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein, The distance between a precoding matrix associated with the first set of beam indices and a precoding matrix associated with the second set of beam indices is determined as a projected two-norm distance.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The projected two-norm distance is calculated according to the following equation: where ||·||2 denotes matrix two-norm.

9. The method of claim 4, wherein, The distance between a precoding matrix associated with the first set of beam indices and a precoding matrix associated with the second set of beam indices is determined as a Fubini-Study distance.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The Fubini-Study distance is calculated according to the following equation: where det(·) denotes matrix determinant.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Determining (902) the second PMI of the non-antenna grouping codebook from a look-up table based on the first PMI of the antenna grouping codebook received from the UE.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first PMI includes (i 1,1 i 1,2 i 1,3 The set of indicators of (i2), the second PMI includes The set of indicators, wherein the second PMI is calculated based on the first PMI according to the following equation: where Δi 1,1 , Δi 1,2 and Δi 1,3 includes a PMI override bias.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The PMI override bias is selected according to a rank and a dominant direction of angular spread associated with the UE.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Determining a second set of beam indices based on the second PMI.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The second set of beam indices is determined based on the following equation: where [l,l',m,m',n] corresponds to the second set of beam indices, (l,m) and (l',m') are beam indices in horizontal and vertical directions, n is inter-polarization co-phase index, N1, n2 are configured CSI-RS ports in horizontal and vertical directions with corresponding oversampling rates o1, o2; where k1 and k2 are determined from i 1,3 to a mapping table k1 and k2.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The i is selected according to the main direction of the angle spread 1,3 to k1 and k2 mapping table.

17. The method of any preceding claim, wherein, The network node comprises a Distributed Unit, DU, the method further comprising transmitting (1004) a codebook index and a second PMI corresponding to the non-antenna grouping codebook to a Radio Unit.

18. A network node (500) comprising: processing circuitry (503); a transceiver (502) coupled to the processing circuitry; and a memory (505) coupled to the processing circuitry, wherein the memory comprises computer-readable program instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the network node to perform operations according to any of claims 1-17.

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