Improvements in network coding for dual connectivity

Abstract

Apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable media for network coding for dual connectivity are disclosed herein. A base station (BS) transmits encoded symbols from a first network coding layer to a first radio link control (RLC) layer and transmits encoded data including the encoded symbols to a user equipment (UE). The BS also transmits the encoded data to a road side unit (RSU) for delivery to the UE as a split transmission. The UE can receive encoded packets from the BS and the RSU at a network coding layer via a second RLC layer. The UE recovers source packets from the encoded packets at the network coding layer with a rateless network code. The UE orders the source packets into an ordered set of source packets at the network coding layer and transmits the ordered set of source packets from the network coding layer to a packet data convergence protocol layer for processing.

Description

Background Technology Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communication systems, and more specifically to improvements in network decoding for dual connectivity.

[0002] introduction

[0003] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunications services, such as telephone, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. Typical wireless communication systems employ multiple access technologies that enable communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources. Examples of such multiple access technologies include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) systems, and Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) systems.

[0004] These multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunications standards to provide a common protocol enabling different wireless devices to communicate at the city, national, regional, and even global levels. An example telecommunications standard is 5G New Radio (NR). 5G NR is part of the Continuous Mobile Broadband Evolution (CMB) initiative issued by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to meet new requirements associated with latency, reliability, security, scalability (e.g., with the Internet of Things (IoT),) and other requirements. 5G NR includes services associated with enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). Some aspects of 5G NR can be based on the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard. Wireless communication aspects can include direct communication between devices, such as sidelink-based direct communication. There is a need for further improvements to sidelink communication technologies. These improvements can also be applied to other multiple access technologies and telecommunications standards that adopt them.

[0005] For example, certain aspects of wireless communication include direct communication between devices, such as device-to-device (D2D) and vehicle-to-everything (V2X). There is a need to further improve this direct communication between devices. Improvements related to direct communication between devices can be applied to other multiple access technologies and telecommunications standards that employ these technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following is a simplified overview of one or more aspects to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This overview is not a comprehensive review of all anticipated aspects, and is neither intended to identify key or important elements of all aspects, nor to indicate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present certain concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed descriptions that follow.

[0007] Several techniques have been introduced to improve wireless communication overall. For example, dual connectivity can increase the data rate per UE by allowing data from a single radio bearer to be sent separately to the same user equipment (UE) across multiple network entities (e.g., base stations and / or roadside units (RSUs)). In dual connectivity, the base station maintains a U-plane connection to the core network and a C-plane connection toward the Mobility Management Entity (MME). While dual connectivity can improve certain aspects of communication between wireless communication devices (such as by increasing throughput and / or quantity), some problems can arise when configuring dual connectivity in practice. In some scenarios, dual connectivity can be relatively inefficient when transmitting Protocol Data Units (PDUs) such as PDUs at the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer. For example, when splitting the transmission of PDCP PDUs for dual connectivity, out-of-order PDU delivery from the transmitting device to the receiving device can increase latency. In some cases, latency can be very high if packets positioned at and / or near the beginning of the transmission sequence are received later than expected. Such increased latency can be detrimental to Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC), Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS), Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB), and / or other low-latency services or use cases. Therefore, there is a need to improve communication using PDUs with dual connectivity.

[0008] This split transmission of PDUs can be wasteful due to the high cost of distributed radio resource management (RRM). Resource consumption (and potential waste) due to PDU split transmissions increases when channel conditions (e.g., physical channel conditions) between the transmitting and receiving devices are relatively poor (e.g., requiring additional retransmissions in dynamic link states). Flow control of U-plane data between the base station and the RSU may need to be monitored to avoid any underflow or overflow of data in the RSU.

[0009] This disclosure describes various techniques and solutions for improving communication of PDUs, such as PDUs communicating using dual connectivity. For example, this disclosure provides adding a network decoding layer to the protocol stack for encoding datasets traveling along different paths using network decoding, thereby mitigating one or more of the aforementioned problems that may arise from dual connectivity, such as by reducing waste and / or reducing latency due to out-of-order PDU delivery. In some aspects of this disclosure, encoding datasets from at least one SDU using network decoding can eliminate the need for ordered PDU delivery, as network decoding can be independent of the ordered reception of PDUs. In this respect, if the receiving device includes an additional network decoding layer, it is not necessary to order the encoded packets received from different paths at the radio link control (RLC) layer of the receiving device. Furthermore, since the number of encoded packets traveling along different paths can be dynamically adjusted, the latency associated with split transmissions can be reduced, thereby providing better link coverage with more encoded packets at the receiving device. Additionally, waste can be reduced because all received PDUs can be used by the receiving device for decoding, regardless of the transmission path on which the PDUs were received.

[0010] In aspects of this disclosure, methods, computer-readable media, and apparatus are provided. In some aspects, the apparatus is a base station. The apparatus can receive a first number of source packets from a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer. The apparatus can encode the first number of source packets into a second number of encoded packets using a rateless network code at a first network decoding layer. The apparatus can transmit the second number of encoded packets from the first network decoding layer to a first RLC layer. The apparatus can also transmit encoded data including the second number of encoded packets to a user equipment.

[0011] In another aspect of this disclosure, methods, computer-readable media, and apparatus are provided. In some aspects, the apparatus is a base station. The apparatus may receive a first number of source packets at a PDCP layer. The apparatus may transmit the first number of source packets from the PDCP layer to a first network decoding layer of the base station. The apparatus may encode the first number of source packets into a second number of encoded packets at the first network decoding layer using a rateless network code.

[0012] In another aspect of this disclosure, methods, computer-readable media, and apparatus are provided. In some aspects, the apparatus is a roadside unit. The apparatus may receive a first set of coded packets from a network decoding layer at an RLC layer. The apparatus may transmit the first set of coded packets to a user equipment, the first set of coded packets being associated with a second set of coded packets at a base station.

[0013] In another aspect of this disclosure, methods, computer-readable media, and apparatus are provided. In some aspects, the apparatus is a user equipment. The apparatus can transmit a first number of encoded packets from an RLC layer to a network decoding layer. The apparatus can recover a second number of source packets from the first number of encoded packets at the network decoding layer using a rateless network code, wherein the first number of encoded packets has a larger number of packets than the second number of source packets. The apparatus can sort the second number of source packets into an ordered set of source packets at the network decoding layer. The apparatus can transmit the ordered set of source packets from the network decoding layer to a PDCP layer.

[0014] To achieve the foregoing and related objectives, one or more aspects include the features fully described below and specifically pointed out in the claims. The following description and accompanying drawings set forth certain illustrative features of one or more aspects in detail. However, these features only indicate a few of the various methods by which the principles of the aspects can be adopted, and this description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and an access network.

[0016] Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D These are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of the DL channel in the first 5G / NR frame, the UL channel in the second 5G / NR frame, and the UL channel in the third 5G / NR frame.

[0017] Figure 3 An example aspect of the side link time slot structure is illustrated.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing communication between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device.

[0019] Figure 5 An example of dual connectivity with direct link communication and side link communication between wireless devices is shown.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the protocol stack used for the transmitter and the protocol stack used for the receiver.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a system for encoding a dataset using fountain decoding.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the communication flow based on dual-connection network decoding with decoded packet feedback.

[0023] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram illustrating a network decoding system for dual connectivity between a base station and a roadside unit, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a network decoding system for dual connectivity between a base station and a roadside unit, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a network decoding system for dual connectivity between a base station and a roadside unit, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a network decoding system for dual connectivity at a user equipment according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a process for wireless communication at a base station according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of a process for wireless communication at a base station according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of a process for wireless communication at a roadside unit according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 16 This is a flowchart of a process for wireless communication at a user equipment according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an example device.

[0032] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an example device.

[0033] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an example device. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The specific embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are intended as a description of various configurations and are not intended to represent the only configuration in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. Specific details are included in the specific embodiments for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring this concept.

[0035] Various apparatuses and methods will now be used to present several aspects of telecommunications systems. These apparatuses and methods will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, components, circuits, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively, “elements”). These elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0036] As an example, an element, or any part of an element, or any combination of elements, may be implemented as a “processing system” including one or more processors. Examples of processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), application processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, system-on-a-chip (SoCs), baseband processors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuitry, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described throughout this disclosure. One or more processors in a processing system may execute software. Software should be interpreted broadly as instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software components, application programs, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or others.

[0037] Accordingly, in one or more example embodiments, the described functionality can be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality can be stored on a computer-readable medium or encoded as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media. Storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable memory (EEPROM), optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage, other magnetic storage devices, combinations of these types of computer-readable media, or any other medium that can be used to store computer-executable code in the form of computer-accessible instructions or data structures.

[0038] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and access network 100. Some wireless communications can be based on direct exchange between wireless devices via a sidelink. Communication can be based on vehicle-to-everything (V2X) or other device-to-device (D2D) communication, such as proximity services (ProSe). For example, sidelink communication can be exchanged via a PC5 interface.

[0039] In sidelink communication, control information can be indicated by the transmitting UE in multiple SCI portions. The SCI can indicate the resources the UE intends to use (e.g., for sidelink transmission). The UE can transmit a first control information portion indicating information about resource reservations in the Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH) area, and a second control information portion in the PSSCH area. For example, a first-stage control (e.g., SCI-1) can be transmitted on the PSCCH and can include information for resource allocation and information related to the decoding of a second-stage control (e.g., SCI-2). A second-stage control (SCI-2) can be transmitted on the PSSCH and can include information (SCH) for decoding data. Therefore, control information can be indicated by a combination of a first SCI portion (e.g., SCI-1) included in the PSCCH area and a second SCI portion (e.g., SCI-2) included in the PSSCH area. In other aspects, control information can be indicated in the Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (MAC-CE) portion of the PSSCH.

[0040] Some examples of sidelink communication can include vehicle-based communication such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) (e.g., from a vehicle-based communication device to a road infrastructure node such as a roadside unit (RSU), vehicle-to-network (V2N) (e.g., from a vehicle-based communication device to one or more network nodes such as a base station), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X), and / or combinations thereof and / or combinations with other devices, which can be collectively referred to as V2X communication. As an example, in Figure 1 In this configuration, UE 104 (e.g., a transmitting vehicle user equipment (VUE) or other UE 104) can be configured to send messages directly to another UE 104. This communication can be based on V2X or other D2D communication, such as Proximity Services (ProSe). V2X-based and / or D2D-based communication can also be sent and received by other transmitting and receiving devices (such as Roadside Unit (RSU) 107). For example, as in combination with... Figure 3The examples described herein illustrate that communication aspects can be based on PC5 or sidelink communication. While the following description provides examples of V2X / D2D communication in conjunction with 5G NR, the concepts described herein are applicable to other similar domains such as LTE, LTE-A, CDMA, GSM, and other wireless technologies.

[0041] The wireless communication system (also known as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) includes base station 102, UE 104, evolved packet core (EPC) 160, and core network (e.g., 5GC) 190. Base station 102 may include macro cells (high-power cellular base stations) and / or small cells (low-power cellular base stations). Macro cells include base stations. Small cells include femtocells, picocells, and microcells.

[0042] Base station 102 configured for 4G LTE (collectively referred to as Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)) can be connected to EPC 160 interface via backhaul link 132 (e.g., S1 interface). Base station 102 configured for NR (collectively referred to as Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN)) can be connected to core network 190 interface via backhaul link 184. Among other functions, base station 102 can perform one or more of the following functions: user data delivery, radio channel encryption and decryption, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection establishment and release, load balancing, distribution of non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, radio access network (RAN) sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and device tracking, RAN information management (RIM), paging, location, and warning message delivery. Base stations 102 can communicate directly or indirectly (e.g., via EPC 160 or core network 190) via backhaul link 134 (e.g., X2 interface). Backhaul link 134 can be wired or wireless.

[0043] Base station 102 can wirelessly communicate with UE 104. Each of base stations 102 can provide communication coverage for a corresponding geographic coverage area 110. Overlapping geographic coverage areas 110 may exist. For example, small cell 102' may have a coverage area 110' that overlaps with the coverage areas 110 of one or more macro base stations 102. A network that includes both small cells and macro cells can be referred to as a heterogeneous network. The heterogeneous network may also include evolved home node B (eNB) (HeNB), which can provide services to restricted groups referred to as closed subscriber groups (CSG). The communication link 120 between base station 102 and UE 104 may include uplink (UL) (also referred to as reverse link) transmission from UE 104 to base station 102 and / or downlink (DL) (also referred to as forward link) transmission from base station 102 to UE 104. The communication link 120 may use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technologies, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication link can utilize the spectrum of up to Y MHz (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 100, 400 MHz, etc.) per carrier via one or more carrier base stations 102 / UE104, each carrier being allocated in carrier aggregation for transmission in each direction up to a total of Yx MHz (x component carriers). Carriers may be adjacent to each other or not. Carrier allocation may be asymmetrical relative to DL and UL (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated to DL than to UL). Component carriers may include primary component carriers and one or more secondary component carriers. The primary component carrier may be referred to as the primary cell (PCell), and the secondary component carrier may be referred to as the secondary cell (SCell).

[0044] Some UEs 104 can communicate with each other using device-to-device (D2D) communication link 158. D2D communication link 158 can use DL / UL WWAN spectrum. D2D communication link 158 can use one or more sidelink channels, such as Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH), Physical Sidelink Discovery Channel (PSDCH), Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH), and Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH). D2D communication can be conducted through various wireless D2D communication systems, such as FlashLinQ, WiMedia, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, LTE, or NR.

[0045] The wireless communication system may also include a Wi-Fi access point (AP) 150 that communicates with a Wi-Fi station (STA) 152 via a communication link 154 in the 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum. When communicating in the unlicensed spectrum, the STA 152 / AP 150 may perform a free channel assessment (CCA) to determine whether the channel is available before communication.

[0046] Cell 102' can operate in licensed and / or unlicensed spectrum. When operating in unlicensed spectrum, cell 102' can employ NR and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum as Wi-Fi AP 150. Employing NR in unlicensed spectrum can improve the coverage and / or increase the capacity of the access network.

[0047] Base station 102 (whether it is a small cell 102' or a large-area (e.g., a macro base station)) may include an eNB, gNodeB (gNB), or other types of base stations. Some base stations (such as gNB 180) may operate in conventional sub-6 GHz spectrum, millimeter wave (mmW) frequencies, and / or near-mmW frequencies to communicate with UE 104. When gNB 180 operates in mmW or near-mmW frequencies, gNB 180 may be referred to as an mmW base station. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum of radio frequency (RF). EHF has a range from 30 GHz to 300 GHz, with wavelengths between 1 mm and 10 mm. Radio waves in this band may be referred to as millimeter waves. Near-mmW can extend down to frequencies of 3 GHz with wavelengths of 100 mm. Ultra-high frequency (SHF) bands extend between 3 GHz and 30 GHz and are also referred to as centimeter waves. Communication using mmW / near-mmW radio bands has extremely high path loss and short range. The mmW base station 180, together with the UE 104, can utilize beamforming 182 to compensate for extremely high path loss and short range.

[0048] The device can use beamforming to send and receive communications. For example, Figure 1 This illustration illustrates that base station 180 can transmit beamforming signals to UE 104 in one or more transmit directions 182'. UE 104 can receive beamforming signals from base station 180 in one or more receive directions 182'. UE 104 can also transmit beamforming signals to base station 180 in one or more transmit directions. Base station 180 can receive beamforming signals from UE 104 in one or more receive directions. Base station 180 / UE 104 can perform beamforming training to determine the optimal receive and transmit directions for each of base station 180 / UE 104. The transmit and receive directions of base station 180 can be the same or different. The transmit and receive directions of UE 104 can be the same or different. Although beamforming signals are illustrated between UE 104 and base stations 102 / 180, beamforming aspects can be similarly applied by UE 104 or RSU 107 to communicate with another UE 104 or RSU 107, such as V2X, V2V, or D2D based communication.

[0049] EPC 160 may include Mobility Management Entity (MME) 162, other MMEs 164, Serving Gateway 166, Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) Gateway 168, Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BM-SC) 170, and Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway 172. MME 162 can communicate with Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 174. MME 162 is the control node that handles signaling between UE 104 and EPC 160. Typically, MME 162 provides bearer and connection management. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are delivered through Serving Gateway 166, which is itself connected to PDN Gateway 172. PDN Gateway 172 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. PDN Gateway 172 and BM-SC 170 are connected to IP Service 176. IP Service 176 may include the Internet, intranet, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), PS streaming service, and / or other IP services. The BM-SC 170 can provide functions for MBMS user service provisioning and delivery. The BM-SC 170 can act as an entry point for content provider MBMS transmissions, can be used to authorize and initiate MBMS bearer services within a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), and can be used to schedule MBMS transmissions. The MBMS gateway 168 can be used to distribute MBMS services to base stations 102 belonging to Multicast-Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) areas belonging to broadcast-specific services, and can be responsible for session management (start / stop) and collection of eMBMS-related billing information.

[0050] Core network 190 may include Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) 192, other AMFs 193, Session Management Functions (SMF) 194, and User Plane Functions (UPF) 195. AMF 192 can communicate with Unified Data Management (UDM) 196. AMF 192 is the control node that handles signaling between UE 104 and core network 190. Typically, AMF 192 provides QoS flow and session management. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are transmitted through UPF 195. UPF 195 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. UPF 195 connects to IP services 197. IP services 197 may include the Internet, intranets, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), PS streaming services, and / or other IP services.

[0051] A base station may also be referred to as a gNB, Node B, Evolved Node B (eNB), access point, base transceiver station, radio base station, radio transceiver, transceiver function, Basic Services Set (BSS), Extended Services Set (ESS), Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP), or some other suitable term. Base station 102 provides UE 104 with access to EPC 160 or core network 190. Examples of UE 104 include cellular phones, smartphones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), satellite radio transceivers, GPS devices, multimedia devices, video devices, digital audio players (e.g., MP3 players), cameras, game consoles, tablets, smart devices, wearable devices, vehicles, meters, air pumps, large or small kitchen appliances, healthcare devices, implants, sensors / actuators, displays, or any other similarly functional device. Some of UE 104 may be referred to as IoT devices (e.g., parking timers, air pumps, toasters, vehicles, heart monitors, etc.). UE 104 may also be referred to as a station, mobile station, subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, radio unit, remote unit, mobile device, radio device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, radio terminal, remote terminal, handheld device, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable term.

[0052] Furthermore, although this disclosure focuses on vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication and pedestrian-to-vehicle (P2V) communication, the concepts and aspects described herein can be applied to other similar fields, such as D2D communication, IoT communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, or other standards / protocols for communication in wireless / access networks.

[0053] Refer again Figure 1In some aspects, UE 104 may include a dual connectivity component 197 configured to transmit a first number of encoded packets from the RLC layer to the network decoding layer. Dual connectivity component 197 is configured to recover a second number of source packets from the first number of encoded packets at the network decoding layer using a rateless network code, wherein the first number of encoded packets has a larger number of packets than the second number of source packets. Dual connectivity component 197 is configured to sort the second number of source packets into an ordered set of source packets at the network decoding layer. Dual connectivity component 197 is also configured to transmit the ordered set of source packets from the network decoding layer to the PDCP layer. Furthermore, in some aspects, base station 102 / 180 may include a dual connectivity relay configuration component 198 configured to receive a first number of source packets from the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer. Dual connectivity relay configuration component 198 is configured to encode the first number of source packets into a second number of encoded packets at the first network decoding layer using a rateless network code. Dual-connectivity relay configuration component 198 is configured to transmit a second number of encoded packets from a first network decoding layer to a first RLC layer. Dual-connectivity relay configuration component 198 is also configured to transmit encoded data including the second number of encoded packets to a user equipment. In other embodiments, dual-connectivity relay configuration component 198 is configured to receive a first number of source packets at a PDCP layer. Dual-connectivity relay configuration component 198 is configured to transmit the first number of source packets from the PDCP layer to the first network decoding layer of the base station. Dual-connectivity relay configuration component 198 is also configured to encode the first number of source packets into a second number of encoded packets using a rateless network code at the first network decoding layer. Furthermore, in some aspects, RSU 107 may include relay component 199, which is configured to receive a first set of encoded packets from the network decoding layer at the RLC layer. Relay component 199 is also configured to transmit the first set of encoded packets to the user equipment, the first set of encoded packets being associated with a second set of encoded packets at the base station. Other related aspects and features are combined... Figures 5-19 This will be described in more detail. Although the following description focuses on 5G NR, the concepts described herein can be applied to other similar fields, such as LTE, LTE-A, CDMA, GSM, and other wireless technologies.

[0054] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram 200 illustrating an example of the first subframe within a 5G / NR frame structure. Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram 230 illustrating an example of a DL channel within a 5G / NR subframe. Figure 2C This is a schematic diagram 250 illustrating an example of a second subframe within a 5G / NR frame structure. Figure 2DThis is a schematic diagram 280 illustrating an example of a UL channel within a 5G / NR subframe. The 5G / NR frame structure can be FDD or TDD. In FDD, for a specific set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within that set are dedicated to either DL or UL. In TDD, for a specific set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within that set are dedicated to both DL and UL. Figure 2A , Figure 2C In the provided example, the 5G / NR frame structure is assumed to be TDD, where subframe 4 is configured with slot format 28 (primarily DL), where D is DL, U is UL, and X is flexibly usable between DL / UL, and subframe 3 is configured with slot format 34 (primarily UL). Although subframes 3 and 4 are shown as having slot formats 34 and 28, respectively, any particular subframe can be configured with any of the various available slot formats 0-61. Slot formats 0 and 1 are full DL and full UL, respectively. Other slot formats 2-61 include a mixture of DL, UL, and flexible symbols. The UE is configured with a slot format via the received Slot Format Indicator (SFI) (dynamically configured via DCI, or semi-statically / statically configured via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling). Note that the following description also applies to the TDD 5G / NR frame structure.

[0055] Other wireless communication technologies can have different frame structures and / or different channels. A frame (10 ms) can be divided into 10 equal-sized subframes (1 ms). Each subframe can include one or more time slots. Subframes can also include micro-time slots, which can include 7, 4, or 2 symbols. Each time slot can include 7 or 14 symbols, depending on the time slot configuration. For time slot configuration 0, each time slot can include 14 symbols, and for time slot configuration 1, each time slot can include 7 symbols. Symbols on the DL can be Cyclic Prefix (CP) OFDM (CP-OFDM) symbols. Symbols on the UL can be CP-OFDM symbols (for high-throughput scenarios) or Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbols (also known as Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) symbols) (for power-constrained scenarios; limited to single-stream transmission). The number of time slots within a subframe is based on the time slot configuration and parameter set (numerology). For slot configuration 0, different parameter sets μ0 to 5 allow 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 slots per subframe, respectively. For slot configuration 1, different parameter sets 0 to 2 allow 2, 4, and 8 slots per subframe, respectively. Correspondingly, for slot configuration 0 and parameter set μ, there are 14 symbols / slot and 2... μ Each time slot / subframe. Subcarrier spacing and symbol length / duration are functions of a parameter set. Subcarrier spacing can be equal to 2. μ*15kHz, where μ is the parameter set from 0 to 5. Therefore, parameter set μ = 0 has a subcarrier spacing of 15kHz, and parameter set μ = 5 has a subcarrier spacing of 480kHz. Symbol length / duration is negatively correlated with subcarrier spacing. Figures 2A-2D Examples are provided for a slot configuration of 0 with 14 symbols per slot and a parameter set μ=0 with 1 slot per subframe. The subcarrier spacing is 15kHz and the symbol duration is approximately 66.7μs.

[0056] A resource grid can be used to represent the frame structure. Each time slot consists of a resource block (RB) extending for 12 consecutive subcarriers (also known as a physical RB (PRB)). The resource grid is divided into multiple resource elements (REs). The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0057] like Figure 2A As shown, some of the reference (pilot) signals (RS) in the RE carry the UE. The RS may include a demodulated RS (DM-RS) (indicated as R for a particular configuration). x (where 100x is the port number, but other DM-RS configurations are also possible) and the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) used for channel estimation at the UE. RS may also include Beam Measurement RS (BRS), Beam Refinement RS (BRRS), and Phase Tracking RS (PT-RS).

[0058] Figure 2BThe `lis` is an example of various DL channels within a subframe of a frame. The Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) carries the DCI within one or more Control Channel Elements (CCEs), each CCE comprising nine RE Groups (REGs), each REG comprising four consecutive REs in an OFDM symbol. In some respects, the DCI carries the DFI. The DFI can be used in conjunction with CG transmissions in the uplink to handle the HARQ-ACK protocol. The DFI can be transmitted using a PDCCH scrambled with CS-RNTI, so that no new physical channel is defined. Specifically, the DCI format 0_1 ​​frame structure utilizes a DFI flag indicating whether the remainder of the DCI will be interpreted as uplink scheduling authorization or downlink feedback information for reuse. To distinguish the purpose of the DCI used to activate / deactivate CG transmissions and the DFI, a 1-bit flag is used (as an explicit indication) when a Type 1 and / or Type 2 CG PUSCH is configured. If the DFI flag is set, the remainder of the DCI is interpreted as a bitmap indicating a positive or negative response for each HARQ procedure contained within the DFI. The DFI size can be aligned with the UL-licensed DCI format 0_1 ​​size. For example, reserved bits can be included to ensure that the total size of the DFI is equal to the DCI format 0_1 ​​frame structure size, regardless of whether the DCI format 0_1 ​​frame structure size carries uplink licensing or downlink feedback information, thus without increasing the number of blind decoding attempts. In this respect, the UE blind decoding complexity is not increased by matching the size. In some respects, the DFI content includes: (1) a 1-bit UL / Downlink (DL) flag, (2) a 0 or 3-bit Carrier Indicator Field (CIF), with 3 bits used for cross-carrier scheduling configuration, (3) a 1-bit DFI flag to distinguish between activation / deactivation and DFI based on DCI format 0_1, (4) a 16-bit HARQ-ACK bitmap, (5) a 2-bit Transmit Power Control (TPC) command, and (6) any zero padding to match the length of the DCI format 0_1 ​​frame structure.

[0059] The Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) can be located within symbol 2 of a specific subframe of the frame. The PSS is used by the UE 104 to determine subframe / symbol timing and physical layer identifiers. The Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) can be located within symbol 4 of a specific subframe of the frame. The SSS is used by the UE to determine the physical layer cell identifier group number and radio frame timing. Based on the physical layer identifier and physical layer cell identifier group number, the UE can determine the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI). Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the location of the aforementioned DM-RS. The Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH), carrying the Primary Information Block (MIB), can be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form a Synchronization Signal (SS) / PBCH block. The MIB provides the number of Restricted Base Frames (RBs) and the System Frame Number (SFN) in the system bandwidth. The Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information not transmitted via the PBCH (such as System Information Blocks (SIBs)), and paging messages.

[0060] like Figure 2C As shown, some REs carry DM-RS for channel estimation at the base station (indicated as R for a particular configuration, but other DM-RS configurations are possible). The UE can transmit DM-RS for the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) and DM-RS for the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). The PUSCH DM-RS can be transmitted in the first one or two symbols preceding the PUSCH. Depending on whether a short or long PUCCH is transmitted and depending on the specific PUCCH format used, the PUCCH DM-RS can be transmitted in different configurations. Although not shown, the UE can transmit a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS). The SRS can be used by the base station for channel quality estimation to enable frequency-dependent scheduling on the UL.

[0061] Figure 2D Examples of various UL channels within a subframe of a frame are illustrated. The PUCCH can be positioned as indicated in a configuration. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as scheduling requests, channel quality indicators (CQI), precoding matrix indicators (PMI), rank indicators (RI), and HARQ ACK / NACK feedback. The PUSCH carries data and can additionally be used to carry buffer status reports (BSR), headroom reports (PHR), and / or UCI.

[0062] Figure 3Example Figure 300 illustrates a non-limiting example of time and frequency resources that can be used for sidelink-based wireless communication. In some examples, time and frequency resources may be based on a time slot structure. In other examples, different structures may be used. In some examples, the time slot structure may be within a 5G / NR frame structure. Although the following description focuses on 5G NR, the concepts described herein are applicable to other similar domains, such as LTE, LTE-A, CDMA, GSM, and other wireless technologies. This is merely an example, and other wireless communication technologies may have different frame structures and / or different channels. A frame (10 ms) can be divided into 10 subframes (1 ms) of equal size. Each subframe may include one or more time slots. Subframes may also include micro-time slots, which may include 7, 4, or 2 symbols. Each time slot may include 7 or 14 symbols, depending on the time slot configuration. For time slot configuration 0, each time slot may include 14 symbols, and for time slot configuration 1, each time slot may include 7 symbols. Figure 300 illustrates a single time slot transmission, which may correspond to a 0.5 ms transmission time interval (TTI).

[0063] A resource grid can be used to represent frame structure. Each time slot includes a resource block (RB) (also known as a physical RB (PRB)) extending for 12 consecutive subcarriers. The resource grid is divided into multiple resource elements (REs). The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme. Figure 300 also illustrates multiple subchannels, where each subchannel may include multiple RBs. For example, a subchannel in sidelink communication may include 10-100 RBs. Figure 3 As shown, the first symbol of a subframe can be a symbol used for automatic gain control (AGC). Some of the REs may include, for example, control information accompanying the PSCCH and / or PSSCH. The control information may include sidelink control information (SCI). For example, the PSCCH may include a first-stage SCI. The PSCCH resource may begin at the first symbol of the time slot and may occupy 1, 2, or 3 symbols. The PSCCH may occupy up to one subchannel with a minimum subcarrier index. Figure 3 Symbols that may include PSSCH are also shown. Figure 3 The symbols indicated for PSCCH or PSSCH include PSCCH or PSSCH REs. Such symbols corresponding to PSSCH may also include REs containing second-stage SCI and / or data. As described herein, at least one symbol may be used for feedback (e.g., PSFCH). Figure 3As shown, symbols 12 and 13 are indicated for use in the PSFCH, which indicates that these symbols include the PSFCH RE. In some respects, symbol 12 of the PSFCH can be a copy of symbol 13. Gap symbols before and / or after the feedback can be used for the transition between data reception and feedback transmission. As... Figure 3 As shown, symbol 10 includes a gap symbol to facilitate the transition for feedback in symbol 11. Another symbol (e.g., at the end of a time slot (symbol 14)) can be used as a gap. This gap allows the device to switch from operating as a transmitting device to preparing to operate as a receiving device, for example, in a subsequent time slot. As shown, data can be transmitted in the remaining RE. The data may include the data messages described herein. The positioning of any of the PSCCH, PSSCH, PSFCH, and gap symbols can be consistent with... Figure 3 The examples shown are different.

[0064] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating communication between a first wireless communication device 410 and a second wireless communication device 450. Communication can be based on a sidelink, for example, using a PC5 interface. In some examples, devices 410 and 450 can communicate based on V2X or other D2D communication. Devices 410 and 450 may include UEs, RSUs, base stations, etc. In some examples, device 410 can be a UE, and device 450 can be a UE. Packets can be provided to a controller / processor 475 implementing Layer 4 and Layer 2 functions. Layer 4 includes the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, and Layer 2 includes the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and the Media Access Control (MAC) layer.

[0065] Transmit (TX) processor 416 and receive (RX) processor 470 implement Layer 1 functions associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1, including the physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on the transport channel, forward error correction (FEC) decoding / decoding of the transport channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. TX processor 416 processes the mapping to the signal constellation based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-phase shift keying (M-PSK), and M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The decoded and modulated symbols are then split into parallel streams. Each stream can then be mapped to OFDM subcarriers, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., a pilot) in the time and / or frequency domains, and subsequently combined using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying a stream of time-domain OFDM symbols. The OFDM stream is spatially pre-decoded to generate multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from channel estimator 474 can be used to determine the decoding and modulation scheme, as well as for spatial processing. The channel estimates can be derived from a reference signal and / or channel condition feedback transmitted by device 450. Each spatial stream can then be provided to a different antenna 420 via a separate transmitter 418TX. Each transmitter 418TX can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate an RF carrier for transmission.

[0066] At device 450, each receiver 454RX receives a signal via its corresponding antenna 452. Each receiver 454RX recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides that information to the receive (RX) processor 456. The TX processor 468 and RX processor 456 implement Layer 1 functions associated with various signal processing functions. The RX processor 456 can perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial stream destined for device 450. If multiple spatial streams are destined for device 450, they can be combined by the RX processor 456 into a single OFDM symbol stream. The RX processor 456 then uses a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to transform the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain. The frequency domain signal comprises a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols and reference signal on each subcarrier are recovered and demodulated by determining the most probable signal constellation point transmitted by device 410. These soft decisions can be based on a channel estimate calculated by the channel estimator 458. The soft decision is then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the data and control signals originally transmitted by device 410 on the physical channel. The data and control signals are then provided to the controller / processor 459 that implements Layer 4 and Layer 2 functions.

[0067] The controller / processor 459 may be associated with a memory 460 that stores program code and data. The memory 460 may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. The controller / processor 459 can provide demultiplexing, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing between the transport channel and the logical channel. The controller / processor 459 is also responsible for error detection to support HARQ operations using ACK and / or NACK protocols.

[0068] Similar to the functions described in conjunction with the transmissions via device 410, controller / processor 459 can provide RRC layer functions associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) acquisition, RRC connectivity, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functions associated with header compression / decompression and security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functions associated with upper-layer PDU transmission, error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functions associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs to TBs, demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via HARQ, priority processing, and logical channel priority ordering.

[0069] The channel estimate derived by the channel estimator 458 from the reference signal or feedback transmitted by the device 410 can be used by the TX processor 468 to select an appropriate decoding and modulation scheme and facilitate spatial processing. The spatial stream generated by the TX processor 468 can be provided to different antennas 452 via individual transmitters 454TX. Each transmitter 454TX can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate an RF carrier for transmission.

[0070] The transmission at device 410 is processed in a manner similar to that described for the receiver function at combined device 450. Each receiver 418RX receives a signal via its corresponding antenna 420. Each receiver 418RX recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides that information to the RX processor 470.

[0071] The controller / processor 475 may be associated with a memory 476 that stores program code and data. The memory 476 may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. The controller / processor 475 provides demultiplexing, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing between the transport channel and the logical channel. The controller / processor 475 is also responsible for error detection to support HARQ operations using ACK and / or NACK protocols.

[0072] At least one of the following in device 450: TX processor 468, RX processor 456, or controller / processor 459; or TX 416, RX processor 470, or controller / processor 475, can be configured to perform a combination. Figure 1 The aspects described in the dual-connectivity relay configuration component 198 and / or relay component 199.

[0073] Figure 5 Example 500 illustrates dual connectivity with both direct link and sidelink communication between wireless devices. Communication can be based on a combination of... Figures 2A-2D , Figure 3 The described aspect refers to the time slot structure or another time slot structure. Example 500 illustrates UEs 502, 504, 506; RSUs 530, 540; and base station 520. Although Figure 5 The examples described herein are for UEs 502, 504, and 506, but aspects can be applied to other wireless devices configured for sidelink-based communication, such as RSUs, IAB nodes, etc. In addition to operating as receiving devices, UEs 502, 504, and 506 can each operate as transmitting devices. Therefore, UEs 502, 504, and 506 are illustrated as transmitting transmissions 512, 514, and 516, respectively. Transmissions 512, 514, and 516 can be broadcast or multicast to nearby devices. For example, UE 502 can transmit communication intended to be received by other devices within range of UE 502. In other examples, transmissions 512, 514, or 516 can be multicast to nearby devices that are group members. In other examples, transmissions 512, 514, or 516 can be unicast from one UE to another. Base station 520 can receive communications from UEs 502, 504, and 506 via the Uu direct communication link and / or transmit communications to UEs 502, 504, and 506 via links 526 and 528. Additionally or alternatively, RSUs 530 and 540 can each operate as transmitting devices in addition to functioning as receiving devices. Therefore, RSUs 530 and 540 are exemplified as transmitting transmissions 532 and 542, respectively. Transmissions 532 and 542 can be broadcast, multicast, or unicast to nearby devices. For example, RSUs 530 and 540 can receive communications from UEs 502, 504, and 506 and / or transmit communications 534 and 544 to UEs 502, 504, and 506 via a side link (e.g., PC5). In some aspects, base station 520 can receive communications from RSU 530 and 540 and / or send communications 522 and 524 to RSU 530 and 540 respectively via a backhaul link (e.g., X2 interface).

[0074] In some examples, sidelink communication may include V2X communication. V2X communication involves not only the exchange of wireless information directly between vehicles (e.g., UEs 502, 504, 506) themselves, but also the exchange of wireless information directly between vehicles and infrastructure (e.g., RSUs 530, 540) (such as streetlights, buildings, traffic cameras, toll booths, or other stationary objects), vehicles and pedestrians (not shown), and vehicles and wireless communication networks (e.g., base station 520). V2X communication enables UEs 502, 504, 506 (as vehicles or as part of vehicles) to obtain information related to weather, nearby accidents, road conditions, the activity of nearby vehicles and pedestrians, objects near the vehicle, and other relevant information that can be used to improve the driving experience and increase vehicle safety. For example, such V2X data can enable autonomous driving and improve road safety and traffic efficiency. For example, the exchanged V2X data can be used by V2X-connected vehicles (e.g., UEs 502, 504, 506) to provide in-vehicle collision warnings, road hazard warnings, approaching emergency vehicle warnings, pre-collision / rear collision warnings and information, emergency braking warnings, forward traffic jam warnings, lane change warnings, intelligent navigation services, and other similar information. Additionally, V2X data received by a pedestrian (or cyclist) V2X-connected UE can be used to trigger warning sounds, vibrations, flashing lights, etc., in the event of approaching danger.

[0075] UEs 502, 504, and 506 may include dual connectivity components, which are similar to a combination Figure 1 The dual connectivity component 197 is described. Base station 520 may additionally or alternatively include a dual connectivity relay configuration component, similar to a combination of... Figure 1 The dual-connectivity trunk configuration component 198 is described. RSUs 530 and 540 may additionally or alternatively include trunk components similar to those in combination. Figure 1 The relay component 199 is described.

[0076] In one or more embodiments, each of UEs 502, 504, and 506 may have dual connectivity with base station 520 and RSUs 530 and 540. In some aspects, base station 520 serves as a primary node base station associated with a first radio access technology (RAT). In some aspects, one or more of RSUs 530 and 540 serve as secondary node base stations associated with a second RAT. In some aspects, the first RAT is a 5G NR access technology, and the second RAT is a 4G LTE access technology. In other aspects, both the first RAT and the second RAT are 5G NR access technologies. In some aspects, the first RAT is a 4G LTE access technology, and the second RAT is a 5G NR access technology. For example, base station 520 may serve as a primary 5G NR base station, and at least one of RSUs 530 and 540 may serve as a secondary 5G NR base station. In another example, base station 520 may serve as a primary 5G NR base station, and at least one of RSUs 530 and 540 may serve as a secondary 4G LTE base station. In yet another example, base station 520 can be used as a primary 4G LTE base station, and at least one of RSUs 530 and 540 can be used as a secondary 5G NR base station.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, the transmitter (Tx) RSU 530 and receiver (Rx) UE 502 can communicate with each other via a sidelink channel (e.g., 534). In dual-connectivity mode, the base station (e.g., 520) can communicate with RxUE 502 via a first access link (e.g., 526). Additionally or alternatively, in dual-connectivity mode, the base station 520 can communicate with another receiver (e.g., UE 506) via a second access link (e.g., 528). In dual-connectivity mode, the base station 520 can communicate with RSU 530 via a first backhaul link (e.g., 522). Additionally or alternatively, in dual-connectivity mode, the base station 520 can communicate with another RSU (e.g., RSU 540) via a second backhaul link (e.g., 524). Rx UE 502 and / or Rx UE 506 may correspond to one or more UEs described elsewhere herein, such as... Figure 1UE 104. Therefore, the direct link connection between UE 104 (e.g., via the PC5 interface) can be referred to as a side link, the direct link connection between base station 102 / 180 and RSU 107 (e.g., via the X2 interface) can be referred to as a backhaul link, and the direct link between base station 102 / 180 and UE 104 (e.g., via the Uu interface) can be referred to as an access link. Side link communication can be transmitted via the side link, and access link communication can be transmitted via the access link. Access link communication can be downlink communication (from base station 102 / 180 to UE 104) or uplink communication (from UE 104 to base station 102 / 180).

[0078] In 5G NR, dual connectivity can increase the data rate per UE by allowing data from a single radio bearer to be sent separately to the same UE across multiple network entities (e.g., base stations and / or RSUs). In dual connectivity, the base station maintains a U-plane connection to the core network and a C-plane connection toward the MME. While dual connectivity can improve some aspects of communication between wireless communication devices, such as by increasing throughput and / or quantity, several issues can arise when configuring dual connectivity in practice. In some scenarios, dual connectivity can be relatively inefficient when transmitting PDUs (such as PDUs at the PDCP layer). For example, when splitting the transmission of PDCP PDUs for dual connectivity, out-of-order PDU delivery from the transmitting device to the receiving device increases latency. In some cases, latency can be very high if the reception time of packets positioned at and / or near the beginning of the transmission sequence is later than expected. Such increased latency can be detrimental to URLLC, MBMS, IAB, and / or other low-latency services or use cases. This split transmission of PDUs can be wasteful because distributed RRMs are costly. When channel conditions (e.g., physical channel conditions) between the transmitting and receiving devices are relatively poor (e.g., additional retransmissions are required in dynamic link states), resource consumption (and potential waste) due to PDU split transmission increases. Flow control of U-plane data between the base station and the RSU may need to be monitored to avoid any underflow or overflow of data in the RSU. Therefore, there is a need to improve communication using PDUs with dual connectivity.

[0079] This disclosure describes various techniques and solutions for improving communication of PDUs, such as PDUs communicating using dual connectivity with a direct Uu link connection between the UE and the core network and a side-link-based relay. For example, this disclosure provides adding a network decoding layer to the protocol stack for encoding datasets traveling along different paths using network decoding, thereby mitigating one or more of the aforementioned problems that may arise from dual connectivity, such as by reducing waste and / or reducing latency due to out-of-order PDU delivery. In some aspects of this disclosure, encoding datasets from at least one SDU using network decoding can eliminate the need for ordered PDU delivery because network decoding can be independent of the ordered reception of PDUs. In this respect, if the receiving device includes an additional network decoding layer, it is not necessary to order the encoded packets received from different paths at the radio link control (RLC) layer of the receiving device. Furthermore, since the number of encoded packets traveling along different paths can be dynamically adjusted, the latency associated with split transmission can be reduced, thereby providing better link coverage with more encoded packets at the receiving device. Furthermore, waste can be reduced because all received PDUs can be used by the receiving device for decoding, regardless of the transmission path on which the received PDUs were sent.

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown, base station 520 has two transmission paths for dual connectivity: a first transmission path to the UE (e.g., to UE 502 via access link 526) and a second transmission path to the RSU (e.g., to RSU 530 via backhaul link 522). Base station 520 can process a first number of source packets from the PDCP layer in base station 520. Base station 520 can encode the first number of source packets into a second number of encoded packets using a rateless network code (e.g., Raptor code) at a first network decoding layer in base station 520. Base station 520 can transmit the second number of encoded packets from the first network decoding layer to a first RLC layer in base station 520. Furthermore, base station 520 can transmit encoded data including the second number of encoded packets to UE 502.

[0081] In other aspects, base station 520 can receive a first number of source packets at the PDCP layer. In this respect, base station 520 can transmit the first number of source packets from the PDCP layer to its first network decoding layer. The base station can encode the first number of source packets into a second number of encoded packets at the first network decoding layer using a rateless network code.

[0082] In one or more embodiments, base station 520 may determine a pre-configured threshold at its RRC layer corresponding to the total size of the encoded packets supplied to base station 520. In some aspects, base station 520 may determine whether a second number of encoded packets meets the pre-configured threshold to determine whether any of the encoded packets should be sent to RSU 530 as part of a split transmission via dual connectivity. In some aspects, when the second number of encoded packets meets the pre-configured threshold, base station 520 may transmit a first portion of the second number of encoded packets to a first RLC layer at base station and a second portion of the second number of encoded packets to a second RLC layer at RSU (e.g., RSU 530) via a RAN interface (such as backhaul link 522). In other aspects, when the second number of encoded packets does not meet the pre-configured threshold, base station may transmit only the second number of encoded packets to the first RLC layer, wherein in this aspect, no packets are transmitted to RSU 530.

[0083] For example, RSU 530 may receive a second portion of a second number of encoded packets from the network decoding layer of base station 520 at the RLC layer. RSU may transmit the second portion of the second number of encoded packets to UE (e.g., UE 502). In some aspects, the second portion of the second number of encoded packets is associated with a first portion of a second number of encoded packets at base station 520. In other embodiments, RSU 530 may receive a first set of source packets from the PDCP layer of base station 520 at the network decoding layer of RSU 530. In some aspects, the first set of source packets is associated with a second set of source packets at base station 520. RSU 530 may encode the first set of source packets into a first set of encoded packets at the network decoding layer using a rateless network code (e.g., Raptor code). Furthermore, RSU 530 may transmit the first set of encoded packets from the network decoding layer to the RLC layer.

[0084] For example, UE 502 can receive a first number of encoded packets at the RLC layer and pass them to the network decoding layer in UE 502 for recovering the original source packets. UE 502 can recover a second number of source packets from the first number of encoded packets at the network decoding layer using a rateless network code (e.g., Raptor code). As described above, as long as the number of received packets is slightly greater than the number of source packets, the transmitted packets from both base station 520 and RSU 530 can be recovered at UE 502, regardless of which packets were received. In this respect, the first number of encoded packets can include a larger number of packets than the second number of source packets. The network decoding layer is responsible for source packet recovery, reassembly, sorting, and delivery of ordered packets to the PDCP layer. UE 502 can sort the second number of source packets into an ordered set of source packets at the network decoding layer. Furthermore, UE 502 can send the ordered set of source packets from the network decoding layer to the PDCP layer in UE 502.

[0085] In some aspects of recovering source packets, UE 502 may decode a first number of encoded packets into a third number of decoded packets. UE 502 may determine whether the third number of decoded packets exceeds the second number of source packets. UE 502 may generate feedback at the network decoding layer based on the determination that the third number of decoded packets exceeds the second number of source packets. In some aspects, this feedback may indicate whether additional encoded packets are needed to recover at least a portion of the second number of source packets.

[0086] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram 600 illustrating the protocol stack for a transmitter and the protocol stack for a receiver. The protocol stack for the transmitter includes an upper layer 611, a PDCP layer 612, a network decoding layer 613, an RLC layer 614, a MAC layer 615, and a PHY layer 616. In some aspects, the network decoding layer 613 may be a sublayer of the PDCP layer 612. In other aspects, the network decoding layer 613 may be a sublayer of the RLC layer 614. In still other aspects, the network decoding layer 613 may be separate from the PDCP layer 612 and the RLC layer 614. The protocol stack for the receiver includes an upper layer 621, a PDCP layer 622, a network decoding layer 623, an RLC layer 624, a MAC layer 625, and a PHY layer 626. In some aspects, the network decoding layer 623 may be a sublayer of the PDCP layer 622. In other aspects, the network decoding layer 623 may be a sublayer of the RLC layer 624. In other respects, the network decoding layer 623 can be separated from the PDCP layer 622 and the RLC layer 624.

[0087] Data transmitted from a transmitter (e.g., base station 520) to a receiver (e.g., UE 502) can be processed downwards via the protocol stack used by the transmitter and transmitted to the receiver at the transmitter's PHY layer. The receiver can receive the transmission at its PHY layer and process the received transmission upwards via the protocol stack used by the receiver.

[0088] The network decoding layer 613 of the transmitter and the network decoding layer 623 of the receiver enable the transmitter and receiver to transmit packets over the network using network decoding. Specifically, the network decoding layer 613 of the transmitter can encode a first number of source packets into a second number of encoded packets for transmission to the receiver. The network decoding layer 613 of the transmitter can use a network decoding algorithm to encode the source packets into encoded packets. Finally, the network decoding layer 613 of the transmitter can forward the encoded packets to the RLC layer 614 of the transmitter. The RLC layer 614 of the transmitter can generate RLC packet data units based on the encoded packets.

[0089] The receiver's network decoding layer 623 can buffer received RLC packet data units received from the receiver's RLC layer 624. The receiver's network decoding layer 623 can determine encoded packets from the buffered RLC packet data units and can decode the encoded packets to determine the source packets. Finally, the receiver's network decoding layer 623 can push the decoded packets to the receiver's PDCP layer 622.

[0090] The receiver can generate feedback information related to the number of encoded packets used to recover the source packet and / or whether the source packet was successfully decoded. Feedback from the receiver to the transmitter can be processed down the protocol stack for the receiver and transmitted to the transmitter at the transmitter's PHY layer. The transmitter can receive the feedback transmission at its PHY layer and can process the received transmissions up the protocol stack for the receiver.

[0091] In some aspects, feedback includes PDCP status reports. PDCP layer 622 can generate PDCP status reports and may include fields identifying the number of encoded packets used by network decoding layer 623 to determine the source packet. PDCP layer 622 can forward the PDCP status report to network decoding layer 623 and down the protocol stack for transmission to the transmitter. The transmitter can receive the PDCP status report and can determine the number of encoded packets used to determine the source packet based on the fields in the PDCP status report.

[0092] In some aspects, feedback includes RLC status reports. RLC layer 624 can generate RLC status reports and may include a field identifying the number of encoded packets used by network decoding layer 623 to determine the source packet. Specifically, the receiver can count the RLC packet data units received at RLC layer 624 and can send an RLC status message with a field indicating the number of RLC packet data units received when it is determined that the source packet has been recovered. RLC layer 624 can forward the RLC status report down the protocol stack for transmission to the transmitter. The transmitter can receive the RLC status report and can determine the number of encoded packets used to determine the source packet based on the fields in the PDCP status report.

[0093] In some aspects, feedback includes an RLC status report and / or an acknowledgment (e.g., ACK) of an RLC packet data unit. RLC layer 624 can generate an RLC status report, and the RLC status report can include acknowledgments of RLC packet data units received from the transmitter at the receiver's RLC layer 624. An RLC packet data unit can include encoded packets. RLC layer 624 can forward the RLC status report down the protocol stack for transmission to the transmitter. The transmitter can receive the RLC status report and can count the number of acknowledgments for the RLC packet data units. In some aspects, the acknowledgments can infer both positive and negative acknowledgments. After receiving an acknowledgment that the receiver has decoded the source packet, the transmitter can use the counted acknowledgments to infer the number of encoded packets used to identify the source packet. In some aspects, the RLC status report can include negative acknowledgments, allowing the transmitter to count the number of negative acknowledgments to infer the number of unreceived encoded packets used to recover the source packet. The RLC status report can indicate a sequence number associated with each missing encoded packet. In this respect, the transmitter can regenerate and transmit the identified missing encoded blocks using their sequence numbers.

[0094] In some aspects, the feedback includes a MAC HARQ report and / or an acknowledgment (e.g., ACK) that includes a HARQ report. The receiver's MAC layer 625 can generate HARQ / ACK feedback based on RLC packet data units containing encoded packets and can send HARQ / ACK feedback to the transmitter. The transmitter can determine that RLC packet data units sent to the receiver are acknowledged in the HARQ / ACK feedback and can count the number of acknowledgments. After receiving confirmation that the receiver has decoded the source packet, the transmitter can use the counted acknowledgments to infer the number of encoded packets used to determine the source packet.

[0095] A technique and method for encoding datasets using fountain codes are described. To provide this functionality, devices can use rateless network codes, such as fountain codes, used for encoding communications. A fountain code can be a rateless network code with an original generator matrix having an infinite number of columns, where each column can correspond to an encoded packet for transmission. The source packets can be recovered at the receiving device as long as the number of received packets is slightly greater than the number of source packets, regardless of which packets were received. Using fountain codes, given transmitted packets… Where s k Let K be the source packets, K be the number of source packets, and G be the original generator matrix. The received and recovered packets can be represented as follows: Where N is the number of received encoded packets, and G′ is a K*N matrix after combining the received columns. For example, the receiving device may not receive all transmitted packets (e.g., all columns); the receiving device may combine the received packets (e.g., received columns) N to generate a K*N matrix from which the transmitted data can be recovered (e.g., if the number or order of the received packets allows for successful recovery). Additionally, the receiving device may use received packets with correct cyclic redundancy check (CRC) during decoding. As a condition for packet recovery, G′ may be invertible depending on the received packets, or the rank of G′ may be K. When designing the generator matrix, G′ may be invertible with at least N such that the corresponding data can be recovered if at least N packets (e.g., columns) are received. As a method to implement the functionality of fountain codes, Luby transform (LT) codes or Raptor codes can be used to encode a set of source symbols.

[0096] During the encoding process for each coded symbol, the device can randomly select the degree d from the degree distribution. i And d with a uniform distribution can be randomly selected. i The device identifies several dissimilar source symbols and performs an XOR operation on them. During decoding, the device can search for symbols connected to only one source symbol. i The encoded symbol t j The device can be set to s i =t j , will s i With connection to s i XOR all encoded symbols, then remove the symbols concatenated to the source symbol s. i All edges. The device can repeat this process until all edges are determined. iIf no encoded symbol is connected to a single source symbol, the decoding process fails. In one example, Raptor codes can be used to reduce the encoding and decoding complexity of LT codes by lowering the average degree. As part of the pre-decoding process for the source symbol set, the device can generate some redundant symbols for encoding. For example, the device can generate a number S of low-density parity-check (LDPC) symbols (e.g., each source symbol may appear three times in all LDPC symbols) and a number H of half-symbols (e.g., each encoded symbol may include ceil(H / 2) source symbols). Subsequently, to encode the symbols, the device can randomly select a degree d from the degree distribution. i And d with a uniform distribution can be selected. i The Raptor code is a set of heterogeneous symbols, and they are XORed. In this respect, the Raptor code is an enhancement of the LT (e.g., LDPC + weak LT).

[0097] In one example, the device can divide each piece of data of length n into K = n / l input symbols (e.g., each symbol contains l bits). The device's encoder can use these K symbols to generate encoded symbols. For each piece of data, due to the properties of Raptor codes, the receiving device can recover the data with a high probability when N encoded symbols are received.

[0098] refer to Figure 7 This schematic diagram illustrates a system 700 for encoding a dataset 708 using fountain decoding. The dataset 708 may include a set of bits or symbols to be transmitted via the RAN to a receiving device. The dataset 708 may include data and / or control information.

[0099] The dataset 708 to be encoded can be presented as an SDU set s1, s2, ..., s at a layer of the transmitting device. K-1 s K The dataset 708 is obtained. To encode the dataset 708, the transmitting device can first determine the original generator matrix 710. The original generator matrix 710 may include K rows, but may include a potentially infinite number of columns. Then, for network decoding, a submatrix of the original generator matrix 710 can be determined. This submatrix may be referred to as the generator matrix G.

[0100] The transmitting device can determine the generator matrix G as a submatrix of the original generator matrix 710 (also referred to as the parent generator matrix). As a submatrix of the original generator matrix 710, the generator matrix G can be the K rows and the first N columns of the original generator matrix 710. Furthermore, the generator matrix G can be invertible with a minimum N. At the transmitting device, the number of columns can be greater than N. As previously discussed, N can be the number of received coded packets, where some erasure of the channel may occur.

[0101] In order to encode the dataset 708 based on the generator matrix, the transmitting device can multiply the entries of the dataset (e.g., bits or symbols) with each entry of a column of the generator matrix G corresponding to the index of the packet to be transmitted, and sum the products.

[0102] Therefore, in order to obtain the packet p of the sent packet 712 j The sending device can send 708 entries of the dataset. k (e.g., bits or symbols) and the corresponding packet p to be sent j The index j of the generating matrix G is multiplied by each row entry of a column, and the products are summed, as shown in Equation 1.

[0103]

[0104] Correspondingly, the generator matrix G is invertible and / or has a rank of K, which allows the receiving device to recover each original entry (e.g., original bit or symbol) of the dataset from each encoded entry (e.g., encoded bit or symbol) received in packet p. Therefore, the receiving device can recover each original entry (e.g., original bit or symbol) of the dataset from each encoded entry (e.g., encoded bit or symbol) received in packet p. n The encoded entries included and the corresponding entries r to be recovered k The inverse of the generating matrix G of index k -1 Multiply each row entry of a column and sum the products to obtain the data from the received group p of group 714. n Restore entry d k (For example, raw bits or symbols), as shown in Equation 2.

[0105]

[0106] The original generated matrix 710 can be determined by both the transmitting device and the receiving device. For example, the transmitting device can generate the original generated matrix 710 and subsequently transmit it to the receiving device. Alternatively, the original generated matrix 710 can be pre-configured in at least one of the transmitting and / or receiving devices. For example, the original generated matrix 710 can be defined by at least one standard or technical specification issued by 3GPP. In some aspects, such as for conventional ARQ, the original generated matrix 710 can begin with an identity matrix.

[0107] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram 800 illustrating a communication flow based on a dual-connection network decoding method using decoded packet feedback. For example... Figure 8As shown, transmitter 802 communicates with receiver 804 via a network (e.g., a Uu direct link connection). Transmitter 802 also communicates with another transmitter 806 via a network (e.g., a backhaul link connection). Transmitter 802 and receiver 804 utilize network decoding (e.g., Raptor codes) to transmit a series of packets between transmitter 802 and receiver 804 via the network. In some aspects, transmitter 802 may be a UE, and receiver 804 may be a base station. In some aspects, transmitter 802 may be a base station, and receiver 804 may be a UE. In some aspects, transmitter 806 may be an RSU. In some aspects, the network may be a wireless communication network (e.g., a cellular communication network) operating on the mmWave frequency spectrum.

[0108] Transmitter 802 can determine to transmit a first packet to receiver 804. As shown at 812, transmitter 802 can obtain K source packets. Then, as shown at 810, transmitter 802 can generate X encoded packets and Y encoded packets from the K source packets. Transmitter 802 can use a network code (e.g., a Raptor code) to determine the values ​​of X and Y. The network code can take into account the target error rate, coding parameters, computational resources, and / or redundancy budget. In some aspects, the network code can be a Luby transform code. In some aspects, the network code can be a Raptor code.

[0109] Transmitter 802 can process a first number of source packets from the PDCP layer in transmitter 802. Transmitter 802 can encode the first number of source packets into a second number of encoded packets using a rateless network code (e.g., Raptor code) at a first network decoding layer in transmitter 802. Transmitter 802 can transmit the second number of encoded packets from the first network decoding layer to a first RLC layer in transmitter 802. Furthermore, transmitter 802 can transmit encoded data including the second number of encoded packets to receiver 804.

[0110] In other respects, transmitter 802 can receive a first number of source packets at the PDCP layer. In this respect, transmitter 802 can transmit the first number of source packets from the PDCP layer to a first network decoding layer of transmitter 802. The base station can encode the first number of source packets into a second number of encoded packets at the first network decoding layer using a rateless network code.

[0111] As shown at 812, transmitter 802 can send X encoded packets 822 to receiver 804. In some aspects, transmitter 802 can determine a pre-configured threshold at its RRC layer corresponding to the total size of the encoded packets used by transmitter 802. In one or more embodiments, transmitter 802 can determine whether a second number of encoded packets meets the pre-configured threshold to determine whether any of the encoded packets should be sent to transmitter 806 as a portion of the split transmission via dual connectivity. In some aspects, when the second number of encoded packets meets the pre-configured threshold, transmitter 802 can pass a first portion (e.g., X encoded packets) of the second number of encoded packets to a first RLC layer at the base station and a second portion (e.g., Y encoded packets) of the second number of encoded packets to a second RLC layer at transmitter 806 via a RAN interface (such as an X2 interface). In other respects, when the second number of encoded packets does not meet the pre-configured threshold, the base station may transmit only the second number of encoded packets to the first RLC layer, wherein in this respect, no packets are transmitted to the transmitter 806.

[0112] As shown at 814, transmitter 802 can send Y encoded packets to transmitter 806. As shown at 816, transmitter 806 can forward Y encoded packets to receiver 804. For example, transmitter 806 can receive a second portion of a second number of encoded packets from the network decoding layer of transmitter 802 at the RLC layer. Transmitter 806 can send the second portion of a second number of encoded packets to receiver 804. In some aspects, the second portion of the second number of encoded packets is associated with a first portion of the second number of encoded packets at transmitter 802. In other embodiments, transmitter 806 can receive a first set of source packets from the PDCP layer of transmitter 802 at the network decoding layer in transmitter 806. In some aspects, the first set of source packets is associated with a second set of source packets at transmitter 802. Transmitter 806 can encode the first set of source packets into a first set of encoded packets at the network decoding layer using a rateless network code (e.g., a Raptor code). Furthermore, transmitter 806 can transmit the first group of encoded packets from the network decoding layer to the RLC layer.

[0113] After receiving at least one of X encoded packets from transmitter 802 and at least one of Y encoded packets from transmitter 806, receiver 804 may begin decoding the received encoded packets to recover one or more source packets. Receiver 804 may use a decoding algorithm to decode the encoded packets. In some aspects, the decoding algorithm may be belief propagation decoding.

[0114] For example, receiver 804 can receive a first number of encoded packets at the RLC layer and pass them to the network decoding layer in receiver 804 for recovery of the original source packets. The first number of encoded packets can be a combination of X encoded packets and Y encoded packets. In some respects, not all X encoded packets and Y encoded packets can be correctly received at receiver 804. Receiver 804 can recover a second number of source packets from the first number of encoded packets at the network decoding layer using a rateless network code (e.g., Raptor code). As described above, the transmitted source packets can be recovered at receiver 804 as long as the number of encoded packets received from both transmitter 802 and transmitter 806 is slightly greater than the number of source packets, regardless of which packets were received. In this respect, the first number of encoded packets can include a larger number of packets than the second number of source packets. The network decoding layer is responsible for source packet recovery, reassembly, sorting, and delivery of ordered packets to the PDCP layer. Receiver 804 can sort the second number of source packets into an ordered set of source packets at the network decoding layer. Furthermore, receiver 804 can send an ordered set of source packets from the network decoding layer to the PDCP layer in receiver 804.

[0115] In some respects, receiver 804 can determine one or more source packets after decoding X' out of X coded packets. The value of X' can vary, for example, based on the channel quality between transmitter 802 and receiver 804. Similarly, receiver 804 can determine one or more source packets after decoding Y' out of Y coded packets. The value of Y' can vary, for example, based on the channel quality between transmitter 806 and receiver 804.

[0116] In some aspects of recovering source packets, receiver 804 may begin decoding a first number of encoded packets (e.g., a combination of X' encoded packets and Y' encoded packets) into a third number of decoded packets. Receiver 804 may determine whether the third number of decoded packets exceeds the second number of source packets. If the number of decoded packets includes fewer packets than the number of source packets transmitted by transmitter 802, receiver 804 may not recover the source packet set.

[0117] Receiver 804 can generate feedback at the network decoding layer based on whether it is possible to recover all the second number of source packets based on the determination of the first number of received coded packets. Figure 7As described, G' can be full rank, such that K source packets can be recovered. In some aspects, the feedback can indicate whether additional encoded packets are needed to recover at least a portion of a second number of source packets. In some embodiments, receiver 804 receives a configuration including a pre-configured timer for receiver 804 to report any feedback back to transmitter 802. In other embodiments, receiver 804 may receive a semi-static indication that triggers receiver 8044 to report feedback back to transmitter 802.

[0118] As shown at 820, receiver 804 may send feedback to transmitter 802. In some aspects, the feedback may indicate an additional number of encoded packets required to recover the source packet set at receiver 804. The feedback may be based on whether the source packet set has been recovered by receiver 804 and the number of encoded packets used to recover the source packet set (e.g., the values ​​of X' and Y'). In some aspects, the feedback may identify the values ​​of X' and / or Y'. The feedback may explicitly include the values ​​of X' and / or Y', for example, as entries in an RLC status report or PDCP status report. In some aspects, the feedback may not explicitly indicate the values ​​of X' and Y', but may include information that allows transmitter 802 to infer the values ​​of X' and / or Y' from the feedback. For example, the feedback may include an acknowledgment in response to X encoded packets and / or Y encoded packets (e.g., an acknowledgment of an RLC packet data unit, a MAC layer HARQ / ACK feedback), and / or may include an acknowledgment indicating that one or more source packets have been recovered. Feedback will be discussed further below.

[0119] As shown at 822, transmitter 802 can determine the number of missing packets that need to be retransmitted to receiver 804 so that receiver 804 can recover the source packets. In some aspects, transmitter 802 can determine the number of packets (e.g., values ​​of X' and Y') from X and Y encoded packets, respectively, used by receiver 804 to determine one or more source packets. Transmitter 802 can use feedback to make this determination. Where the feedback explicitly indicates the values ​​of X' and Y', this can simply be receiving and reading the feedback. For example, the feedback can indicate the sequence number of each of the encoded packets used for acknowledgment and / or negative acknowledgment. In this respect, transmitter 802 can identify which of the transmitted encoded packets are missing and need to be retransmitted by their sequence numbers.

[0120] Because receiver 804 can provide feedback on the additional number of encoded packets needed to recover the source packet set, transmitter 802 can send more encoded packets to receiver 802. In some respects, not all encoded packets sent in a retransmission to receiver 804 will be correctly received at receiver 804. In this respect, transmitter 802 can send more encoded packets than indicated in the feedback. For example, in the initial transmission, transmitter 802 can send L encoded packets together, and then in the retransmission, transmitter 802 can send encoded packets starting from the index corresponding to the (L+1)th column of the original generator matrix 710.

[0121] In some aspects, determining the values ​​of X' and Y' from the feedback may include inferring the values ​​of X' and Y' based on the feedback. For example, the feedback may include responses from X coded packets (e.g., 812) and responses from Y coded packets (e.g., 816). The feedback may also include negative responses from X coded packets and / or Y coded packets. The feedback may also include acknowledgments indicating that receiver 804 has identified one or more source packets. As shown at 828, determining the values ​​of X' and / or Y' may include counting the number of responses received in feedback 826 prior to the acknowledgment in the received feedback.

[0122] Transmitter 802 can determine to send multiple encoded packets to receiver 804. Transmitter 802 can determine which encoded packets are missing based on the corresponding sequence numbers of the encoded packets included in the feedback. In other aspects, transmitter 802 can determine how many encoded packets, exceeding the number of source packets, should be retransmitted without retransmitting any duplicate encoded packets. In some aspects, the feedback provided by receiver 804 can indicate the additional number of encoded packets required to recover the source packet set at receiver 804. Then, as shown at 824, transmitter 802 can generate encoded packets based on the number of missing packets determined at 822. By specifically identifying the number of missing encoded packets based on the corresponding sequence numbers included in the feedback, transmitter 802 and receiver 804 can reduce redundancy in network decoding, reduce network decoding computational complexity, reduce latency in communication over the network, and save network resources by avoiding the retransmission of the entire PDCP PDU.

[0123] After generating the missing encoded packet, at 826, transmitter 802 can retransmit the missing encoded packet to receiver 804.

[0124] In some aspects, transmitter 802 can determine the value of X' based on the value of X and the number of coded packets that transmitter 802 has transmitted when receiver 804 successfully determines the first source packet from X coded packets. Transmitter 802 can determine the number of coded packets transmitted to receiver 804 but not received at receiver 804 by comparing the number of coded packets used to recover the first source packet with the number of coded packets transmitted to receiver 804 when the first source packet was recovered. Transmitter 802 can consider a similar number of lost packets when determining Y' (the number of coded packets transmitted by transmitter 806). In some aspects, transmitter 802 can receive feedback from transmitter 806 regarding the number of Y coded packets transmitted by transmitter 802 to transmitter 806 at 816.

[0125] For example, transmitter 802 can generate 32 encoded packets based on 16 source packets. In this regard, transmitter 802 determines via the network decoding layer that 20 encoded packets can be transmitted by transmitter 802, and the remaining 12 encoded packets can be transmitted by transmitter 806 to receiver 804. Transmitter 802 can begin transmitting 20 encoded packets to receiver 804 via a Uu direct link connection, and transmit the remaining 12 encoded packets to transmitter 806 via a backhaul link, wherein transmitter 806 can forward the 12 encoded packets to receiver 804 via a sidelink channel (e.g., PC5). Receiver 804 can receive 10 encoded packets (X' = 10) out of the 20 encoded packets from transmitter 802, and can receive 6 encoded packets (Y' = 6) out of the 12 encoded packets from transmitter 806. Transmitter 802 can determine that it has transmitted 20 coded packets when receiver 804 has received 10 coded packets, and via feedback from transmitter 806, it determines that it has transmitted 12 coded packets when receiver 804 has received 6 coded packets. Therefore, transmitter 802 can determine that 10 of the 20 coded packets were lost in transmission via the Uu direct link connection, and 6 of the 12 coded packets were lost in transmission via the side link channel. In some aspects, receiver 804 can provide feedback of 4 additional coded packets required to recover the source packet set. In some aspects, transmitter 802 can provide multiple missing coded packets, and 4 or more additional coded packets (compared to those intended by receiver 804 for determining the source packets). In some aspects, transmitter 802 can provide multiple missing coded packets, and 20% more coded packets (compared to those intended by receiver 804 for determining the source packets).

[0126] By sending additional encoded packets in the form of an offset, transmitter 802 can increase the possibility that receiver 804 receives enough encoded packets to decode the source packet and sends feedback identifying the number of encoded packets in the source packet and / or the number of missing encoded packets required to recover the source packet, thereby allowing receiver 804 to decode the encoded packet, as shown at 828.

[0127] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a network decoding system 900 for dual connectivity between a base station and a roadside unit according to one or more aspects of this disclosure. The network decoding system 900 illustrates the protocol stack architecture in each of a base station 910 and an RSU 950. In a first transmitter path of the base station 910, the protocol stack architecture in the base station 910 includes a PDCP component 920 (which includes a PDCP layer 922 and a network decoding layer 924), an RLC layer 930, and a MAC layer 940. In some aspects, the network decoding layer 924 is a sublayer of the PDCP layer 922. In a second transmitter path of the RSU 950, the protocol stack architecture in the RSU 950 includes an RLC layer 960 and a MAC layer 970.

[0128] like Figure 9 As shown, the network decoding layer 924 can receive a first number of source packets (e.g., source packets 990) from the PDCP layer 922. In some examples, the first number of source packets is described as a dataset of k source packets. The network decoding layer 924 can encode the first number of source packets into a second number of encoded packets (e.g., encoded packets 992) using a rateless network code (e.g., a Raptor code). Figure 9 As shown, the second number of coded packets is depicted as having L packets, where a first subset of λ coded packets is on the gNB path, and (L-λ) coded packets are on the RSU path. Here, λ is determined such that λN b Not greater than the configured threshold, where λ is the number of encoded packets on the gNB path, and N b It is the size of each encoded block.

[0129] In some aspects, when the second number of encoded packets exceeds a pre-configured threshold, the network decoding layer 924 can divide the second number of encoded packets into a first portion (e.g., gNB path portion 994) and a second portion (e.g., RSU path portion 996). The threshold may be predetermined before transmission. In some aspects, the first portion corresponds to a finite number of encoded packets, and the second portion corresponds to the difference between the second number of encoded packets and the finite number of encoded packets.

[0130] In other respects, the network decoding layer 924 may predivide a second number of coded packets (e.g., 992) into a first group of coded packets associated with a base station (e.g., 994) and a second group of coded packets associated with an RSU (e.g., 996), the predivide being based on the total size of the coded packets for each of the first and second groups or the total number of coded packets for each of the first and second groups.

[0131] Base station 910 can determine a pre-configured threshold at the RRC layer (not shown) corresponding to the total size of the coded packets used by base station 910. In some aspects, network decoding layer 924 can determine whether a plurality of coded packets (e.g., 992) meet the pre-configured threshold. When the total size of the coded packets is higher than the pre-configured threshold, the coded packets can be delivered to the RSU path. However, if the total size of the coded packets is lower than the pre-configured threshold, then no coded packets will be sent to the RSU path. When a second number of coded packets exceeds the pre-configured threshold, network decoding layer 924 can send a first portion of the second number of coded packets to a first RLC layer (e.g., RLC layer 930) at base station 910, and a second portion of the second number of coded packets to a second RLC layer (e.g., RLC layer 960) at RSU 950 via the RAN interface (e.g., X2 interface 980). Figure 9 As shown, the X2 interface is coupled between the network decoding layer 924 and the RLC layer 960 of the RSU 950. In some aspects, when the second number of coded packets does not exceed a pre-configured threshold, the base station may send only the second number of coded packets to the first RLC layer.

[0132] In some aspects, the second portion of the second number of encoded packets is sent by the first network decoding layer 924 to the second RLC layer (e.g., RLC layer 960) via the X2 interface 980. In some aspects, the first network decoding layer 924 is separate from the first RLC layer 930 and PDCP layer 922 at the base station 910.

[0133] In some aspects, the PDCP layer 922 can send indication requests to the first RLC layer 930 and, via the X2 interface 980, to the second RLC layer 960 at the RSU 950. In some aspects, the indication request indicates a request to send feedback to the first RLC layer 930 and the second RLC layer 960 indicating the filtered data rate or average rate ratio of their respective paths. In this respect, the network decoding layer 924 can partition coded packets based on the filtered data rate of each path or based on the average error ratio of each path. By partitioning coded packets based on the filtered data rate and / or the average error ratio, more coded packets can be scheduled to links with better air conditions.

[0134] In some aspects, the PDCP layer 922 can be configured with a periodic timer. In other aspects, the RRC layer (not shown) of the base station 910 can be configured with a periodic timer. The PDCP layer 922 can send a configuration indicating the periodic timer to the first RLC layer 930 and, via the X2 interface 980, to the second RLC layer 960 at the RSU 950. In some aspects, this configuration triggers the first RLC layer 930 and the second RLC layer 960 to automatically send feedback indicating the filtered data rate or average rate ratio of their respective paths based on the periodic timer. In other aspects, the periodic timer can be configured by RRC configuration, such that the PDCP layer 922 can receive an RRC configuration containing a pre-configured periodic timer.

[0135] Base station 910 can transmit encoded data, including a second number of encoded packets, to user equipment via RLC layer 930 and MAC layer 940.

[0136] The RSU 950 can receive a set of encoded packets (e.g., 996) from the network decoding layer 924 at the base station 910 via the X2 interface 980 at the RLC layer 960. In some aspects, the RSU 950 can receive a set of encoded packets from the network decoding layer 924 at the base station 910 via the X2 interface 980 at the RLC layer 960. In some aspects, this set of encoded packets is associated with another set of encoded packets (e.g., 994) at the base station 910. The RSU 950 can transmit this set of encoded packets (e.g., 996) to the user equipment.

[0137] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a network decoding system 1000 for dual connectivity between a base station and a roadside unit according to one or more aspects of this disclosure. The network decoding system 1000 illustrates the protocol stack architecture in each of a base station 1010 and an RSU 1050. In a first transmitter path of base station 1010, the protocol stack architecture in base station 1010 includes a PDCP layer 1020, an RLC component 1030 (which includes a network decoding layer 1032 and an RLC layer 1034), and a MAC layer 1040. In some aspects, the network decoding layer 1032 is a sublayer of the RLC layer 1024. In a second transmitter path of RSU 1050, the protocol stack architecture in RSU 1050 includes an RLC component 1060 (which includes a network decoding layer 1062 and an RLC layer 1064) and a MAC layer 1070. In some aspects, the network decoding layer 1062 is a sublayer of the RLC layer 1064. In some respects, network decoding layer 1032 is separate from RLC layer 1024. In some respects, network decoding layer 1062 is separate from RLC layer 1064.

[0138] like Figure 10As shown, the PDCP layer can receive a first number of source packets (e.g., source packets 1080) from a higher layer. The PDCP layer 1020 can determine whether the first number of source packets (e.g., 1080) exceeds a pre-configured threshold based on a finite number of source packets for base station 1010 and the size of each source packet within that finite number. When the total size of the source packets exceeds the pre-configured threshold, the source packets can be delivered to the RSU path. Figure 10 As shown, the first number of source packets is depicted as having k packets, where a first subset of λ encoded packets is on the gNB path, and (k-λ) encoded packets are on the RSU path. Here, λ is determined such that λN b Not greater than the configured threshold, where λ is the number of source packets on the gNB path, and N b It is the size of each source packet.

[0139] In other aspects, the PDCP layer 1020 may pre-divide a first number of source packets (e.g., 1080) into a first group of source packets (e.g., 1082) associated with base station 1010 and a second group of source packets (e.g., 1084) associated with RSU 1050, based on the total size of the source packets for each of the first and second groups or the total number of source packets for each of the first and second groups. When the first number of source packets exceeds a pre-configured threshold, the PDCP layer 1020 may divide the first number of source packets (e.g., 1080) into the first group and the second group. In some aspects, the first group corresponds to a finite number of source packets, and the second group corresponds to the difference between the first number of source packets and the finite number of source packets.

[0140] The PDCP layer 1020 can send a first set of source packets (e.g., 1082) to the first network decoding layer 1032 of the base station 1010. In some aspects, when a first number of source packets exceeds a pre-configured threshold, the PDCP layer 1020 can send the first set of source packets (e.g., 1082) to the first network decoding layer 1032 at the base station 1010, and send a second set of source packets (e.g., 1084) to the second network decoding layer 1062 at the RSU 1050 via the X2 interface 1088. Figure 10 As shown, the X2 interface is coupled between the PDCP layer 1020 and the network decoding layer 1062 of the RSU 1050. In some aspects, when the first number of source packets does not exceed a pre-configured threshold, the PDCP layer 1020 may send only the first number of source packets (e.g., 1080) to the first network decoding layer 1032.

[0141] Network decoding layer 1032 can encode a first set of source packets (e.g., 1082) into a first set of encoded packets (e.g., 1092) using a rateless network code (e.g., Raptor code). Network decoding layer 1032 can then transmit encoded data, including the first set of encoded packets (e.g., 1092), to the user equipment via RLC layer 1024 and MAC layer 1040. Figure 10 As shown, the network decoding layer 1032 generates L1 encoded packets based on λ source packets on the gNB path.

[0142] RSU 1050 can receive a second set of source packets 1084 from base station 1010 via X2 interface 1088 at network decoding layer 1062. In some aspects, the second set of source packets (e.g., 1084) is associated with a first set of source packets (e.g., 1082) at base station 1010. RSU 1050 can encode the second set of source packets (e.g., 1084) into a second set of encoded packets (e.g., 1094) at network decoding layer 1062 using a rateless network code (e.g., Raptor code). Figure 10 As shown, the network decoding layer 1062 generates L2 encoded packets based on (k-λ) source packets on the RSU path.

[0143] RLC layer 1064 can receive a second set of encoded packets 1094 from network decoding layer 1062. RSU 1050 can transmit the second set of encoded packets 1094 to user equipment via RLC layer 1064 and MAC layer 1070. In some respects, the second set of encoded packets 1094 is associated with the first set of encoded packets 1092 at base station 1010.

[0144] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a network decoding system 1100 for dual connectivity between a base station and a roadside unit according to one or more aspects of this disclosure. The network decoding system 1100 illustrates the protocol stack architecture in each of a base station 1110 and an RSU 1150. In a first transmitter path of base station 1110, the protocol stack architecture in base station 1110 includes a PDCP layer 1120, an RLC component 1130 (which includes a network decoding layer 1132 and an RLC layer 1134), and a MAC layer 1140. In some aspects, the network decoding layer 1132 is a sublayer of the RLC layer 1124. In a second transmitter path of RSU 1150, the protocol stack architecture in RSU 1150 includes an RLC component 1160 (which includes a network decoding layer 1162 and an RLC layer 1164) and a MAC layer 1170. In some aspects, the network decoding layer 1162 is a sublayer of the RLC layer 1164. In some respects, network decoding layer 1132 is separate from RLC layer 1124. In some respects, network decoding layer 1162 is separate from RLC layer 1164.

[0145] like Figure 11 As shown, the PDCP layer can receive a first number of source packets (e.g., source packets 1180) from a higher layer. In some aspects, the PDCP layer 1120 can replicate the first number of source packets (e.g., 1180), such that the PDCP layer generates a first set of source packets (e.g., 1182) associated with base station 1110 and a second set of source packets (e.g., 1184) associated with RSU 1150. In some aspects, the second set includes the same number of source packets as the first set. For example, as Figure 11 As shown, each path can have k source packets.

[0146] PDCP layer 1120 may send a first set of source packets (e.g., 1182) to the first network decoding layer 1132 at base station 1110. In some aspects, PDCP layer 1120 may send the first set of source packets (e.g., 1182) to the first network decoding layer 1132 at base station 1110 and send a second set of source packets (e.g., 1184) to the second network decoding layer 1162 at RSU 1150 via X2 interface 1188.

[0147] Network decoding layer 1132 can encode the first set of source packets (e.g., 1182) into a first set of encoded packets (e.g., 1192) using a rateless network code (e.g., Raptor code). Network decoding layer 1132 can then transmit the encoded data, including the first set of encoded packets (e.g., 1192), to the user equipment via RLC layer 1124 and MAC layer 1140. Figure 11 As shown, the network decoding layer 1132 generates L1 encoded packets based on k source packets on the gNB path.

[0148] RSU 1150 can receive a second set of source packets 1184 from base station 1110 via X2 interface 1188 at network decoding layer 1162. In some aspects, the second set of source packets (e.g., 1184) is associated with a first set of source packets (e.g., 1182) at base station 1110. RSU 1150 can encode the second set of source packets (e.g., 1184) into a second set of encoded packets (e.g., 1194) at network decoding layer 1162 using a rateless network code (e.g., Raptor code). Figure 11As shown, network decoding layer 1162 generates L2 coded packets based on k source packets on the RSU path. In this respect, network decoding layer 1162 on the RSU path and network decoding layer 1132 on the base station path utilize the same set of source packets, but network decoding layer 1132 at base station 1110 and network decoding layer 1162 at RSU 1150 generate different sets of coded packets. This is because network decoding layer 1132 at base station 1110 and network decoding layer 1162 at RSU 1150 use different columns of the original generator matrix (e.g., 710).

[0149] RLC layer 1164 can receive a second set of encoded packets 1194 from network decoding layer 1162. RSU 1150 can send the second set of encoded packets 1194 to user equipment via RLC layer 1164 and MAC layer 1170. Although the second set of encoded packets 1194 and the first set of encoded packets 1192 at base station 1110 are different sets of encoded packets generated by RSU 1150 and base station 1110, respectively, these two sets are based on the same source set of packets.

[0150] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a network decoding system 1200 for dual connectivity at a user equipment according to one or more aspects of this disclosure. The network decoding system 1200 illustrates a protocol stack architecture having both receiver and transmitter paths with a base station and an RSU. In the first receiver path of the protocol stack architecture, the UE includes a MAC layer 1212 and an RLC layer 1222. In the second receiver path of the protocol stack architecture, the UE includes a MAC layer 1214 and an RLC layer 1224. The first receiver path can be connected to a base station interface, and the second receiver path can be connected to an RSU interface. The first and second receiver paths are fed to a network decoding layer 1232 and a PDCP layer 1242.

[0151] RLC layer 1222 can transmit a first number of encoded packets to network decoding layer 1232. Network decoding layer 1232 can recover a second number of source packets from the first number of encoded packets using rateless network codes. In some respects, the first number of encoded packets has a larger number of packets than the second number of source packets. Network decoding layer 1232 can sort the second number of source packets into an ordered set of source packets. Network decoding layer 1232 can send the ordered set of source packets to PDCP layer 1242.

[0152] Network decoding layer 1232 can be used to decode a first number of encoded packets into a third number of decoded packets. In some aspects, the UE can recover the source packets by determining whether the third number of decoded packets exceeds the second number of source packets. Network decoding layer 1232 can generate feedback based on the determination that the third number of decoded packets exceeds the second number of source packets. In some aspects, this feedback indicates whether additional encoded packets are needed to recover at least a portion of the second number of source packets. The UE can send the feedback to the base station via network decoding layer 1232 on the transmission path.

[0153] When the third number of decoded packets exceeds the second number of source packets, the UE can determine that the second number of source packets is recoverable. In some aspects, when the third number of decoded packets exceeds the second number of source packets, the UE can generate a positive response message indicating that no decoded packets are missing for recovering the second number of source packets.

[0154] When the third number of decoded packets exceeds the second number of source packets, the UE can determine that the second number of source packets is recoverable. In some aspects, when the third number of decoded packets does not exceed the second number of source packets, the UE can generate a negative acknowledgment message indicating that multiple missing encoded packets are required to recover the second number of source packets. The UE can receive an additional number of encoded packets associated with one or more PDCP PDUs via RLC layer 1222 from the base station and / or via RLC layer 1224 from the RSU, the additional number corresponding to the number of missing encoded packets based on the negative acknowledgment message.

[0155] The UE can receive a configuration indicating a pre-configured timer from the base station via RLC layer 1222. The UE can generate a status report based on the pre-configured timer, wherein the status report includes feedback. In other aspects, the UE can receive a trigger signal from the base station via RLC layer 1222 instructing the UE to generate feedback. The UE can generate a status report based on the trigger signal. The UE can send the status report to the base station via RLC layer 1222.

[0156] RLC layer 1222 can receive a first number of encoded packets from a base station in an out-of-order sequence via MAC layer 1212. In some aspects, RLC layer 1222 can transmit the first number of encoded packets to network decoding layer 1232 in an out-of-order sequence. In some aspects, network decoding layer 1232 can arrange the second number of source packets from the out-of-order sequence into a continuously ordered sequence based on the sequence number associated with each of the second number of source packets.

[0157] In existing methods, the RLC layer sorts packets and sends packets with consecutive sequence numbers to the PDCP layer. If any packets are missing, the RLC layer can request an Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) from the base station. However, for network decoding, the source packets can be recovered at the receiver as long as the number of received encoded packets is slightly greater than the number of source packets, regardless of which packets were received. Therefore, this disclosure provides that the RLC layer 1222 directly sends the received encoded packets to the network decoding layer 1232 without sorting. After the network decoding layer 1232 has collected enough encoded packets, it can use a network decoding function to recover the source packets {s1,s2,…,s}. k Then, the network decoding layer 1232 can send source packets with consecutive sequence numbers to the PDCP layer 1242.

[0158] The UE can receive one or more first encoded packets from the base station via a first logical channel at the first RLC layer (e.g., RLC layer 1222) via MAC layer 1212. The UE can receive one or more second encoded packets from the RSU via a second logical channel different from the first logical channel at the second RLC layer (e.g., RLC layer 1224) via MAC layer 1214. In some aspects, the first number of encoded packets includes one or more first encoded packets and one or more second encoded packets. The network decoding layer 1232 can receive one or more first encoded packets from the first RLC layer 1222 via the first logical channel. The network decoding layer 1232 can receive one or more second encoded packets from the second RLC layer 1224 via the second logical channel. In some aspects, the network decoding layer 1232 can decode a second number of source packets from one or more first encoded packets and one or more second encoded packets.

[0159] RLC layer 1222 can receive a first number of encoded packets from the base station in an unordered sequence. In some aspects, RLC layer 1222 can send the first number of encoded packets to network decoding layer 1232 in an unordered sequence. In some aspects, network decoding layer 1232 can sort the second number of source packets from the unordered sequence into a consecutively ordered sequence based on the sequence number associated with each of the second number of source packets.

[0160] Figure 13This is a flowchart of a wireless communication process 1300 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure. Process 1300 may be executed by a base station (e.g., BS102, 180, 410, 520; transmitter 802; BS 910, 1010, 1110; device 1802, which may include a memory, a cellular baseband processor 1004, and one or more components configured to perform 1300). As shown, process 1300 includes several enumerated steps, but embodiments of process 1300 may include additional steps before, after, and between the enumerated steps. In some embodiments, one or more of the enumerated steps may be omitted or executed in a different order. Optional aspects are illustrated using dashed lines. Process 1300 enables wireless communication devices to facilitate dual connectivity with a Uu direct link connection between the UE and the core network and a sidelink-based relay.

[0161] At point 1302, the base station can receive the first number of source packets from the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer. The base station can, for example, in... Figure 18 The receiving component 1830 of device 1802 receives a first number of source packets through coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802.

[0162] At 1304, the base station can encode a first number of source packets into a second number of encoded packets using a rateless network code at the first network decoding layer. The base station can, for example, in... Figure 18 The first number of source packets are encoded by the encoding component 1842 of device 1802 in coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802.

[0163] At point 1306, when the second number of coded packets exceeds a pre-configured threshold, the base station divides the second number of coded packets into a first part and a second part. In some aspects, the first part corresponds to a finite number of coded packets, and the second part corresponds to the difference between the second number of coded packets and the finite number of coded packets. The base station can, for example, in Figure 18 The flow control component 1840 of device 1802, in coordination with protocol stack component 1848, divides the second number of coded packets. Alternatively, the base station may divide the second number of coded packets into a first group of coded packets associated with the base station and a second group of coded packets associated with the RSU, based on the total size of the coded packets for each of the first and second groups, or the total number of coded packets for each of the first and second groups.

[0164] At 1308, the base station can determine whether the number of coded packets exceeds the number of source packets. If it is determined that the number of coded packets exceeds the number of source packets, process 1300 proceeds to block 1310. Otherwise, process 1300 proceeds to block 1312.

[0165] At 1310, when the second number of coded packets exceeds the first number of source packets, the base station may send the first portion of the second number of coded packets to the first RLC layer at the base station, and send the second portion of the second number of coded packets to the second RLC layer at the RSU via the RAN interface.

[0166] At point 1312, the base station can send a second number of encoded packets from the first network decoding layer to the first RLC layer. The UE can, for example, in... Figure 18 The base station internally transmits a second number of encoded packets through the coding component 1842 of device 1802 in coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802. In some aspects, when the second number of encoded packets does not exceed the first number of source packets, the base station may transmit only the second number of encoded packets to the first RLC layer.

[0167] At point 1314, the base station can send encoded data, including a second number of encoded packets, to the user equipment. The base station can, for example, in... Figure 18 The encoded data is transmitted by means of the transmitting component 1834 of device 1802 in coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802.

[0168] In some respects, the base station can determine a pre-configured threshold at the RRC layer corresponding to the total size of the coded packets used by the base station. The base station can, for example, in... Figure 18 The flow control component 1840 of device 1802 determines whether a second number of coded packets meet a pre-configured threshold through coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802. In some aspects, the base station can, for example, in... Figure 18 In the process of transmitting component 1834 of device 1802, in coordination with protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802, a first portion of a second number of encoded packets is transmitted to the first RLC layer at the base station when the second number of encoded packets meets a pre-configured threshold, and a second portion of the second number of encoded packets is transmitted to the second RLC layer at the RSU via the RAN interface. In other aspects, the base station may, for example, in Figure 18 In the process, the transmitting component 1834 of device 1802, through coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802, sends only the second number of encoded packets to the first RLC layer when the second number of encoded packets does not meet the pre-configured threshold.

[0169] In some aspects, base stations can, for example, in Figure 18 The flow control component 1840 of device 1802 determines, through coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 and the configuration component 1844 of device 1802, whether a second number of coded packets exceeds a pre-configured threshold. This pre-configured threshold is based on a finite number of coded packets for the base station and the size of each coded packet within that finite number. The base station can, for example, in… Figure 18 In some aspects, the flow control component 1840 of device 1802, in coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802, divides a second number of coded packets into a first portion and a second portion when the second number of coded packets exceeds a pre-configured threshold. In some aspects, the first portion corresponds to a finite number of coded packets, and the second portion corresponds to the difference between the second number of coded packets and the finite number of coded packets. In some aspects, the second portion of the second number of coded packets is sent by a first network decoding layer to a second RLC layer via the RAN interface. In some aspects, the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the PDCP layer at the base station.

[0170] In some aspects, the second portion of the second number of coded packets is sent by the PDCP layer to the second network decoding layer of the second RLC layer via the RAN interface. In some aspects, the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the first RLC layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is a sublayer of the second RLC layer at the RSU.

[0171] In some aspects, the second portion of the second number of coded packets is sent by the first network decoding layer to the second RLC layer via the RAN interface. In some aspects, the first network decoding layer is separate from the first RLC layer and PDCP layer at the base station.

[0172] In some aspects, the second portion of the second number of coded packets is transmitted from the PDCP layer to the second RLC layer via the RAN interface through the second network decoding layer. In some aspects, the first network decoding layer is separate from the first RLC layer and PDCP layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is separate from the second RLC layer at the RSU.

[0173] Base stations can, for example, in Figure 18 In the process, the flow control component 1840 of device 1802, in coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802, divides a second number of coded packets into a first group of coded packets associated with the base station and a second group of coded packets associated with the RSU, based on the total size of the coded packets for each of the first and second groups or the total number of coded packets for each of the first and second groups. In some aspects, the base station can, for example, in Figure 18In the process, the flow control component 1840 of device 1802, in coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 and the transmission component 1834 of device 1802, transmits a first set of coded packets associated with the base station to the first RLC layer at the base station, and transmits a second set of coded packets to the second RLC layer at the RSU via the RAN interface. In some aspects, the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the PDCP layer at the base station.

[0174] In some aspects, base stations can, for example, in Figure 18 The dynamic scheduling component 1846 of device 1802, in coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802, sends an indication request from the PDCP layer to the first RLC layer at the base station, and sends an indication request to the second RLC layer at the RSU via the RAN interface. In some aspects, the indication request indicates a request to the first and second RLC layers to send feedback indicating the filtered data rate or average rate ratio of their respective paths.

[0175] In some aspects, base stations can, for example, in Figure 18 The configuration component 1844 of device 1802 configures a periodic timer at the PDCP layer through coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802. The base station can, for example, configure a periodic timer at the PDCP layer. Figure 18 In the process of configuration, the configuration component 1844 of device 1802, in coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802, sends a configuration indication of the periodic timer to the first RLC layer at the base station, and sends the configuration indication of the periodic timer to the second RLC layer at the RSU via the RAN interface. In some aspects, this configuration triggers the first and second RLC layers to automatically send feedback indicating the filtered data rate or average rate ratio of their respective paths based on the periodic timer.

[0176] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of a wireless communication process 1400 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure. Process 1400 may be executed by a base station (e.g., BS102, 180, 410, 520; transmitter 802; BS 910, 1010, 1110; device 1802, which may include a memory, a cellular baseband processor 1004, and one or more components configured to perform 1400). As shown, process 1400 includes several enumerated steps, but embodiments of process 1400 may include additional steps before, after, and between the enumerated steps. In some embodiments, one or more of the enumerated steps may be omitted or executed in a different order. Optional aspects are illustrated using dashed lines. Process 1400 enables wireless communication devices to facilitate dual connectivity with a direct Uu link connection between the UE and the core network and a sidelink-based relay.

[0177] At point 1402, the base station can receive the first number of source packets from higher layers at the PDCP layer. For example, the UE in... Figure 18 The source packets are received via the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802.

[0178] At position 1404, the base station can send a first number of source packets from the PDCP layer to the base station's first network decoding layer. The base station can, for example, in... Figure 18 The protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802 transmits source packets to the network decoding layer through coordination with the flow control component 1840 of device 1802.

[0179] At 1406, the base station can determine whether a first number of source packets exceeds a pre-configured threshold, which is based on a finite number of source packets available to the base station and the size of each source packet within that finite number. The base station can, for example, in... Figure 18 The flow control component 1840 of device 1802 makes a comparison with a pre-configured threshold through coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802.

[0180] At 1408, the base station can divide a first number of source packets into a first group of source packets associated with the base station and a second group of source packets associated with the RSU, based on the total size of the source packets for each of the first and second groups, or the total number of source packets for each of the first and second groups. The base station can, for example, in Figure 18 The protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802 divides source packets through coordination with the flow control component 1840 of device 1802.

[0181] At point 1410, the base station can send a first number of source packets from the PDCP layer to the base station's first network decoding layer. The base station can, for example, in... Figure 18 The flow control component 1840 of device 1802 transmits source packets to the network decoding layer through coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802.

[0182] At point 1412, the base station can encode a first number of source packets into a second number of encoded packets using a rateless network code at the first network decoding layer. The base station can, for example, in... Figure 18 The source packets are encoded by the encoding component 1842 of device 1802 in coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802.

[0183] At point 1414, the base station can send encoded data, including a second number of encoded packets, to the user equipment. For example, the base station at... Figure 18The coded packets are transmitted by the transmitting component 1834 of device 1802 in coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802.

[0184] In some aspects, base stations can, for example, in Figure 18 The protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802 determines, through coordination with the flow control component 1840 of device 1802, whether a first number of source packets exceeds a pre-configured threshold, which is based on a finite number of source packets for the base station and the size of each source packet in that finite number of source packets. In some aspects, the base station can, for example, in Figure 18 In the process of transmitting a first portion of a first number of source packets to a first network decoding layer at the base station when the first number of source packets exceeds a pre-configured threshold via the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802 and in coordination with the flow control component 1840 of device 1802, a second portion of the first number of source packets is transmitted to a second network decoding layer at the RSU via the RAN interface. In some aspects, the base station may, for example, in Figure 18 In the process, the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802, through coordination with the flow control component 1848 of device 1802, sends only a first number of source packets to the first network decoding layer when the first number of source packets does not exceed a pre-configured threshold. The base station can, for example, in... Figure 18 In some aspects, the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802, in coordination with the flow control component 1840 of device 1802, divides a first number of source packets into a first portion and a second portion when the first number of source packets exceeds a pre-configured threshold. In some aspects, the first portion corresponds to a finite number of source packets, and the second portion corresponds to the difference between the first number of source packets and the finite number of source packets. In some aspects, the second portion of the first number of source packets is sent by the PDCP layer to the second network decoding layer via the RAN interface. In some aspects, the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the first RLC layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is a sublayer of the second RLC layer at the RSU.

[0185] In some aspects, base stations can, for example, in Figure 18In the process of transmitting a first number of source packets and a duplicate number of source packets to each of the first network decoding layer at the base station and the second network decoding layer at the RSU (via the RAN interface) via the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802 in coordination with the flow control component 1840 of device 1802, the first number of source packets are transmitted. In some aspects, a second portion of the first number of source packets is transmitted by the PDCP layer to the second network decoding layer via the RAN interface. In some aspects, the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the first RLC layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is a sublayer of the second RLC layer at the RSU. In other aspects, based on the fact that the first number of source packets has been transmitted to each of the first and second network decoding layers along with the duplicate number of source packets, the second number of encoded packets at the base station does not overlap with the plurality of encoded packets at the RSU associated with the first number of source packets.

[0186] Base stations can, for example, in Figure 18 In this process, the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802, in coordination with the flow control component 1840 of device 1802, divides a first number of source packets into a first group of source packets associated with the base station and a second group of source packets associated with the RSU, based on the total size of the source packets for each of the first and second groups or the total number of source packets for each of the first and second groups. In some aspects, the base station can, for example, in Figure 18 In the process, the flow control component 1840 of device 1802, in coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 of device 1802, sends a first set of source packets associated with the base station to the first network decoding layer at the base station, and... Figure 18 In this process, the flow control component 1840 of device 1802, in coordination with the protocol stack component 1848 and the transmission component 1834 of device 1802, transmits a second set of source packets to the second network decoding layer at the RSU via the RAN interface. In one aspect, the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the first RLC layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is a sublayer of the second RLC layer at the RSU.

[0187] Figure 15This is a flowchart of a wireless communication process 1500 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure. Process 1500 may be performed by a roadside unit (e.g., RSU 107, 530, 540; transmitter 806; RSU 950, 1050, 1150; device 1902, which may include a memory, a cellular baseband processor 904, and one or more components configured to perform 1500). As shown, process 1500 includes several enumerated steps, but embodiments of process 1500 may include additional steps before, after, and between the enumerated steps. In some embodiments, one or more of the enumerated steps may be omitted or performed in a different order. Optional aspects are illustrated using dashed lines.

[0188] At position 1502, the RSU can receive the first set of source packets from the base station's PDCP layer via the RAN interface at the network decoding layer. The RSU can, for example, in... Figure 19 The RSU receives source packets via protocol stack component 1944 of device 1902 in coordination with receiving component 1930 of device 1902. In some aspects, the first set of source packets is associated with a second set of source packets at the base station. In some aspects, the RSU can receive the first set of encoded packets from the network decoding layer of the base station. In some aspects, the network decoding layer is a sublayer of the PDCP layer at the base station.

[0189] At position 1504, RSU can encode the first source packet into the first encoded packet using rateless network codes at the network decoding layer. RSU can, for example, in... Figure 19 The source packets are encoded using protocol stack component 1944 of device 1902. In some respects, the network decoding layer is a sublayer of the RLC layer at the RSU.

[0190] At position 1506, the RSU can receive the first group of encoded packets from the network decoding layer at the RLC layer. The RSU can, for example, at... Figure 19 The RSU receives encoded packets via protocol stack component 1944 of device 1902. In some aspects, the RSU can receive the first set of encoded packets from the network decoding layer of the base station at the RLC layer via the RAN interface. The RSU can, for example, in... Figure 19 The protocol stack component 1944 of device 1902 receives encoded packets through coordination with the receiving component 1930 of device 1902. In some respects, the network decoding layer is a sublayer of the PDCP layer at the base station.

[0191] At position 1508, the RSU can send the first group of encoded packets from the network decoding layer to the RLC layer. The RSU can, for example, at... Figure 19 The encoded packets are transmitted via protocol stack component 1944 of device 1902. In some respects, the network decoding layer is separate from the RLC layer.

[0192] At position 1510, the RSU can send the first group of encoded packets to the user equipment. The RSU, for example, at... Figure 19 The transmitting component 1934 of device 1902 transmits encoded packets through coordination with the forwarding component 1940 and the protocol stack component 1944 of device 1902. In some respects, the first set of encoded packets is associated with a second set of encoded packets at the base station.

[0193] Figure 16 This is a flowchart of a wireless communication process 1600 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure. Process 1600 can be performed by a UE (e.g., UE 104, 450, 502, 504, 506; receiver 804; UE 1210; device 1702, which may include memory, cellular baseband processor 904, and one or more components configured to perform 1600). As shown, process 1600 includes several enumerated steps, but embodiments of process 1600 may include additional steps before, after, and between the enumerated steps. In some embodiments, one or more of the enumerated steps may be omitted or performed in a different order. Optional aspects are illustrated using dashed lines. Process 1600 enables wireless communication devices to facilitate dual connectivity with a Uu direct link connection between the UE and the core network and a sidelink-based relay.

[0194] At position 1602, the UE can send the first number of encoded packets from the RLC layer to the network decoding layer. For example, the UE in... Figure 17 The combined component 1740 of device 1702 transmits encoded packets through coordination with the protocol stack component 1746 of device 1702.

[0195] At point 1604, the UE can generate a status report based on a pre-configured timer, which includes feedback. The UE can, for example, in... Figure 17 The status report is generated by the feedback component 1744 of device 1702. In some aspects, the UE can, for example, in Figure 17 The UE receives a configuration indication of a pre-configured timer from the base station via receiving component 1730, coordinated with combination component 1740 of device 1702 and protocol stack component 1746 of device 1702. The UE can generate a status report based on the pre-configured timer. In some aspects, the UE can, for example, in... Figure 17 The receiving component 1730 receives a trigger signal from the base station in coordination with the combination component 1740 of device 1702 and the protocol stack component 1746 of device 1702, instructing the UE to generate feedback. The UE can then generate a status report based on the trigger signal.

[0196] At position 1606, the UE can send a status report to the base station. For example, the UE can... Figure 17 The UE transmits status reports via the feedback component 1744 of device 1702 in coordination with the transmission component 1734 of device 1702. In some aspects, the UE can, for example, in... Figure 17 The UE, through coordination between the feedback component 1744 of device 1702 and the transmission component 1734 of device 1702, generates and sends a positive response message to the base station indicating that no coded packets are missing for the recovery of the second number of source packets when the second number of source packets are recoverable. In some aspects, the UE can, for example, in Figure 17 The feedback component 1744 of device 1702, in coordination with the transmission component 1734 of device 1702, generates and sends a negative acknowledgment message to the base station indicating that multiple missing coded packets are required to recover the second number of source packets when the second number of source packets are unrecoverable. In some aspects, the UE can, for example, in... Figure 17 The receiving component 1730 receives an additional number of encoded packets associated with one or more PDCP PDUs through coordination with the combination component 1740 of the device 1702 and the protocol stack component 1746 of the device 1702. This additional number corresponds to the number of missing encoded packets based on negative acknowledgment messages.

[0197] At point 1608, the UE can recover a second number of source packets from a first number of encoded packets using rateless network codes at the network decoding layer. For example, the UE can... Figure 17 The source packets are recovered by means of the decoding component 1742 of device 1702. In some aspects, the first number of encoded packets has a larger number of packets than the second number of source packets. In some aspects, the UE can, for example, in Figure 17 The UE recovers the source packets by coordinating with the protocol stack component 1746 of the device 1702, through the combination component 1740 of the device 1702, by determining whether a first number of encoded packets exceeds a second number of source packets. The UE can decode the first number of encoded packets into a third number of decoded packets and determine whether the third number of decoded packets exceeds the second number of source packets. In this regard, the UE can, for example, in Figure 17 The feedback component 1744 of device 1702 generates feedback at the network decoding layer based on a determination that the third number of decoded packets exceeds the second number of source packets. In some aspects, this feedback indicates whether additional decoded packets are needed to recover at least the second number of source packets. In some aspects, the UE can, for example, in Figure 17 The device 1702 uses a decoding component 1742 to decode the first number of encoded packets into the second number of source packets when the third number of decoded packets exceeds the second number of source packets.

[0198] At position 1610, the UE can sort the second number of source packets into an ordered set at the network decoding layer. For example, the UE can... Figure 17 The source packets are ordered by the decoding component 1742 of device 1702 in coordination with the protocol stack component 1746 of device 1702. In some respects, recovery and ordering are performed at the RLC layer via the network decoding layer, which is a sublayer of the RLC layer.

[0199] At position 1612, the UE can send an ordered set of source packets from the network decoding layer to the PDCP layer. For example, the UE can... Figure 17 In this process, the decoding component 1742 of device 1702 transmits ordered source packets through coordination with the protocol stack component 1746 of device 1702. In some aspects, recovery and ordering are performed at the PDCP layer via the network decoding layer, which is a sublayer of the PDCP layer. In some aspects, the network decoding layer is separate from the RLC layer and the PDCP layer.

[0200] In some aspects, the UE can, for example, in Figure 17 The UE uses the combination component 1740 of device 1702 to receive a first number of coded packets from the base station in an out-of-order sequence at the RLC layer. In some aspects, the UE can, for example, in Figure 17 The UE, through the combination component 1740 of device 1702, coordinates with the protocol stack component 1746 of device 1702 to send a first number of encoded packets to the network decoding layer in an out-of-order sequence. In some aspects, the UE can, for example, in Figure 17 The decoding component 1742 of the device 1702 arranges the second number of source packets from an unordered sequence into a sequentially ordered sequence at the network decoding layer based on the sequence number associated with each of the second number of source packets.

[0201] In some aspects, the UE can, for example, in Figure 17 The UE receives one or more first coded packets from the base station at the first RLC layer via a first logical channel through the combination component 1740 of device 1702, in coordination with the protocol stack component 1746 of device 1702. In some aspects, the UE can, for example, in... Figure 17 The UE, through the combination component 1740 of device 1702, coordinates with the protocol stack component 1746 of device 1702 to receive one or more second encoded packets from the RSU at the second RLC layer via a second logical channel different from the first logical channel. In receiving these packets, the UE can, for example, in... Figure 17The UE, through the combination component 1740 of device 1702, coordinates with the protocol stack component 1746 of device 1702 to receive one or more first encoded packets from the first RLC layer via a first logical channel at the network decoding layer. In some aspects, the UE can, for example, in Figure 17 The UE, through the combination component 1740 of device 1702, coordinates with the protocol stack component 1746 of device 1702 to receive one or more second encoded packets from the second RLC layer via a second logical channel at the network decoding layer. In some aspects, the UE can, for example, in Figure 17 The decoding component 1742 of device 1702, in coordination with the protocol stack component 1746 of device 1702, recovers the source packets by decoding a second number of source packets from one or more first encoded packets and one or more second encoded packets.

[0202] In some aspects, the UE can, for example, in Figure 17 The UE, through the combination component 1740 of device 1702, coordinates with the protocol stack component 1746 of device 1702 to receive a first number of encoded packets from the base station in an out-of-order sequence at the RLC layer. In some aspects, the UE can, for example, in Figure 17 The UE, through the combination component 1740 of device 1702, coordinates with the protocol stack component 1746 of device 1702 to send a first number of encoded packets to the network decoding layer in an out-of-order sequence. In some aspects, the UE can, for example, in Figure 17 In the network decoding layer, the decoding component 1742 of device 1702, in coordination with the protocol stack component 1746 of device 1702, sorts the source packets from an unordered sequence into a continuously ordered sequence based on the sequence number associated with each of the second number of source packets.

[0203] Figure 17This is a schematic diagram 1700 illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for device 1702. Device 1702 can be a UE or other wireless device that communicates based on a Uu direct link and / or side link. Device 1702 includes a cellular baseband processor 1704 (also referred to as a modem) coupled to a cellular RF transceiver 1722 and one or more Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards 1720, an application processor 1706 coupled to a Secure Digital (SD) card 1708 and a screen 1710, a Bluetooth module 1712, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) module 1714, a Global Positioning System (GPS) module 1716, and a power supply 1718. Cellular baseband processor 1704 communicates with other wireless devices (such as UE 104 and / or base stations 102 / 180) via cellular RF transceiver 1722. Cellular baseband processor 1704 may include computer-readable media / memory. Cellular baseband processor 1704 is responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on computer-readable media / memory. When the software is executed by the cellular baseband processor 1704, it causes the cellular baseband processor 1704 to perform the various functions described above. Computer-readable media / memory can also be used to store data manipulated by the cellular baseband processor 1704 during software execution. The cellular baseband processor 1704 also includes a receiving component 1730, a communication manager 1732, and a transmitting component 1734. The communication manager 1732 includes one or more of the components shown. The components within the communication manager 1732 can be stored in computer-readable media / memory and / or configured as hardware within the cellular baseband processor 1704. The cellular baseband processor 1704 can be a component of device 450 and can include memory 460 and / or at least one of TX processor 468, RX processor 456, and controller / processor 459. In one configuration, device 1702 can be a modem chip and only includes baseband processor 1704, while in another configuration, device 1702 can be the entire wireless device (e.g., see...). Figure 4 The device 450) and includes an additional module of the device 1702.

[0204] Communication manager 1732 includes components configured to perform union Figure 16 The process described in the diagram includes a combination of components 1740, 1742, 1744, and / or a protocol stack component 1746. The apparatus is illustrated as including components for performing... Figure 16 The process is a component because wireless devices can sometimes operate as transmitting devices and at other times as receiving devices.

[0205] Device 1702 may include performing the aforementioned Figure 16 The flowchart shows the algorithm's additional components in each of the boxes. Thus, the aforementioned... Figure 16Each box in the flowchart can be executed by a component, and the apparatus can include one or more of those components. A component can be one or more hardware components specifically configured to perform the stated process / algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to perform the stated process / algorithm, stored in a computer-readable medium for implementation by a processor, or some combination thereof.

[0206] Apparatus 1702 may further include components for transmitting a first number of coded packets from the RLC layer to the network decoding layer. Apparatus 1702 may also include components for recovering a second number of source packets from the first number of coded packets at the network decoding layer using a rateless network code. In some aspects, the first number of coded packets has a larger number of packets than the second number of source packets. Apparatus 1702 may further include components for sorting the second number of source packets into an ordered set of source packets at the network decoding layer. Apparatus 1702 may further include components for transmitting the ordered set of source packets from the network decoding layer to the PDCP layer.

[0207] In some aspects, the components for recovery can be configured to decode a first number of encoded packets into a third number of decoded packets. Apparatus 1702 can determine whether the third number of decoded packets exceeds the second number of source packets. Apparatus 1702 may also include components for generating feedback at the network decoding layer based on the determination that the third number of decoded packets exceeds the second number of source packets. In some aspects, this feedback indicates whether additional encoded packets are needed to recover at least a portion of the second number of source packets.

[0208] The apparatus 1702 may further include components for determining that the second number of source packets is recoverable when the third number of decoded packets exceeds the second number of source packets. The components for generating feedback may be configured to generate a positive response message indicating that no encoded packets are missing for recovering the second number of source packets when the third number of decoded packets exceeds the second number of source packets.

[0209] The apparatus 1702 may further include components for determining that the second number of source packets is unrecoverable when the third number of decoded packets does not exceed the second number of source packets. The components for generating feedback may be configured to generate a negative acknowledgment message indicating that multiple missing encoded packets are required to recover the second number of source packets when the third number of decoded packets does not exceed the second number of source packets. The apparatus 1702 may further include components for receiving an additional number of encoded packets associated with one or more PDCP PDUs, the additional number corresponding to the number of missing encoded packets based on the negative acknowledgment message.

[0210] The apparatus 1702 may further include components for receiving an indication of the configuration of a pre-configured timer from a base station. The apparatus 1702 may also include components for generating a status report based on the pre-configured timer, the status report including feedback. The apparatus 1702 may further include components for sending the status report to the base station.

[0211] The apparatus 1702 may further include components for receiving a trigger signal from a base station instructing the UE to generate feedback. The apparatus 1702 may also include components for generating a status report based on the trigger signal, the status report including feedback. The apparatus 1702 may further include components for sending the status report to the base station.

[0212] The apparatus 1702 may further include components for receiving, at the RLC layer, a first number of coded packets in an out-of-order sequence from a base station. In some aspects, the transmission components may be configured to transmit the first number of coded packets to the network decoding layer in an out-of-order sequence. In some aspects, the sorting components may be configured to arrange the second number of source packets from the out-of-order sequence into a sequentially ordered sequence at the network decoding layer based on the sequence number associated with each of the second number of source packets.

[0213] Apparatus 1702 may further include components for receiving one or more first coded packets from a base station via a first logical channel at a first RLC layer. Apparatus 1702 may further include components for receiving one or more second coded packets from an RSU via a second logical channel different from the first logical channel at a second RLC layer. In some aspects, the first number of coded packets includes one or more first coded packets and one or more second coded packets. Apparatus 1702 may further include components for receiving one or more first coded packets from the first RLC layer via a first logical channel at a network decoding layer. Apparatus 1702 may further include components for receiving one or more second coded packets from the second RLC layer via a second logical channel at the network decoding layer. In some aspects, the recovery components may be configured to decode a second number of source packets from one or more first coded packets and one or more second coded packets.

[0214] The aforementioned components may be one or more of the aforementioned components of the device 1702 configured to perform the functions described therein. As described above, the device 1702 may include a TX processor 468, an RX processor 456, and a controller / processor 459. Thus, in one configuration, the aforementioned components may be the TX processor 468, the RX processor 456, and the controller / processor 459 configured to perform the functions described therein.

[0215] Figure 18Figure 1800 illustrates an example of a hardware implementation for device 1802. Device 1802 may be a base station or other wireless device that communicates based on a downlink / uplink. In some implementations, device 1802 may be a master node base station in a dual-connectivity configuration. Device 1802 includes a cellular baseband processor 1804 (also referred to as a modem), a processor 1820, and a memory 1822 coupled to an RF transceiver 1824. Cellular baseband processor 1804 communicates with other wireless devices (such as UE 104) via RF transceiver 1824. Cellular baseband processor 1804 may include computer-readable media / memory. Cellular baseband processor 1804 is responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on the computer-readable media / memory. When executed by cellular baseband processor 1804, the software causes cellular baseband processor 1804 to perform the various functions described above. The computer-readable media / memory may also be used to store data manipulated by cellular baseband processor 1804 when executing the software. Processor 1820 is responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on computer-readable medium / memory 1822. When executed by processor 1820, the software causes device 1802 to perform the various functions described above for any particular device. Computer-readable medium / memory 1822 can also be used to store data manipulated by processor 1820 during software execution. Cellular baseband processor 1804 also includes receiving component 1830, communication manager 1832, and transmitting component 1834. Communication manager 1832 includes one or more of the components shown. Components within communication manager 1832 can be stored in computer-readable medium / memory and / or configured as hardware within cellular baseband processor 1804. Cellular baseband processor 1804 can be a component of device 410 and can include memory 476 and / or at least one of TX processor 416, RX processor 470, and controller / processor 475. In one configuration, device 1802 may be a modem chip and include only baseband processor 1804, while in another configuration, device 1802 may be the entire wireless device (e.g., see...). Figure 4 The device 410) and includes an additional module of the device 1802.

[0216] Communication manager 1832 includes components configured to perform union Figure 8 The method described herein includes flow control component 1840, encoding component 1842, configuration component 1844, dynamic scheduling component 1846, and / or protocol stack component 1848. The apparatus is illustrated as including components for performing... Figure 8 The method's components are such that the wireless device can sometimes operate as a transmitting device and at other times as a receiving device. In other examples, apparatus 1802 may include components for... Figure 8 Components of the method.

[0217] Device 1802 may include performing the aforementioned Figure 13 and / or Figure 14 The flowchart shows the algorithm's additional components in each of the boxes. Thus, the aforementioned... Figure 13 and / or Figure 14 Each box in the flowchart can be executed by a component, and the apparatus can include one or more of those components. A component can be one or more hardware components specifically configured to perform the stated process / algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to perform the stated process / algorithm, stored in a computer-readable medium for implementation by a processor, or some combination thereof.

[0218] In one configuration, apparatus 1802 (and specifically, cellular baseband processor 1804) includes means for receiving a first number of source packets from a PDCP layer. Apparatus 1802 may also include means for encoding the first number of source packets into a second number of encoded packets using a rateless network code at a first network decoding layer. Apparatus 1802 may also include means for transmitting the second number of encoded packets from the first network decoding layer to a first RLC layer. Apparatus 1802 may also include means for transmitting encoded data including the second number of encoded packets to a user equipment.

[0219] In another configuration, apparatus 1802 includes components for determining, at the radio resource control layer, a pre-configured threshold corresponding to the total size of coded packets supplied to the base station. Apparatus 1820 may further include components for determining whether a second number of coded packets meets the pre-configured threshold. In some aspects, the transmission components may be configured to transmit a first portion of the second number of coded packets to a first RLC layer at the base station when the second number of coded packets meets the pre-configured threshold, and to transmit a second portion of the second number of coded packets to a second RLC layer at the RSU via the RAN interface, and to transmit only the second number of coded packets to the first RLC layer when the second number of coded packets does not meet the pre-configured threshold.

[0220] The apparatus 1802 may further include components for determining whether a second number of coded packets exceeds a pre-configured threshold, the pre-configured threshold being based on a finite number of coded packets for the base station and the size of each coded packet in that finite number of coded packets. The apparatus 1802 may further include components for dividing the second number of coded packets into a first portion and a second portion when the second number of coded packets exceeds the pre-configured threshold. In some aspects, the first portion corresponds to the finite number of coded packets, and the second portion corresponds to the difference between the second number of coded packets and the finite number of coded packets. In some aspects, the second portion of the second number of coded packets is transmitted by a first network decoding layer to a second RLC layer via a RAN interface. In some aspects, the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the PDCP layer at the base station.

[0221] In some aspects, the second portion of the second number of coded packets is sent by the PDCP layer to the second network decoding layer of the second RLC layer via the RAN interface. In some aspects, the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the first RLC layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is a sublayer of the second RLC layer at the RSU.

[0222] In some aspects, the second portion of the second number of coded packets is sent by the first network decoding layer to the second RLC layer via the RAN interface. In some aspects, the first network decoding layer is separate from the first RLC layer and PDCP layer at the base station.

[0223] In some aspects, the second portion of the second number of coded packets is transmitted from the PDCP layer to the second RLC layer via the RAN interface through the second network decoding layer. In some aspects, the first network decoding layer is separate from the first RLC layer and PDCP layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is separate from the second RLC layer at the RSU.

[0224] The apparatus 1802 may further include components for dividing a second number of coded packets into a first group of coded packets associated with a base station and a second group of coded packets associated with an RSU, the division being based on the total size or the total number of coded packets for each of the first and second groups. In some aspects, the transmission components are configured to transmit the first group of coded packets associated with the base station to a first RLC layer at the base station, and to transmit the second group of coded packets to a second RLC layer at the RSU via a RAN interface. In some aspects, the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the PDCP layer at the base station.

[0225] The apparatus 1802 may further include components for transmitting an indication request from the PDCP layer to a first RLC layer at the base station and via the RAN interface to a second RLC layer at the RSU. In some aspects, the indication request indicates a request to the first and second RLC layers to transmit feedback indicating the filtered data rate or average rate ratio of their respective paths.

[0226] Apparatus 1802 may further include components for configuring a periodic timer at the PDCP layer. Apparatus 1802 may also include components for transmitting an indication of the periodic timer configuration to a first RLC layer at the base station and, via the RAN interface, to a second RLC layer at the RSU. In some aspects, this configuration triggers the first and second RLC layers to automatically transmit feedback based on the periodic timer, indicating the filtered data rate or average rate ratio of their respective paths.

[0227] In another configuration, apparatus 1802 includes components for receiving a first number of source packets at a PDCP layer. Apparatus 1802 may also include components for transmitting the first number of source packets from the PDCP layer to a first network decoding layer of a base station. Apparatus 1802 may further include components for encoding the first number of source packets into a second number of encoded packets at the first network decoding layer using a rateless network code.

[0228] Apparatus 1802 may further include components for determining whether a first number of source packets exceeds a pre-configured threshold, the pre-configured threshold being based on a finite number of source packets for the base station and the size of each source packet in that finite number of source packets. In some aspects, the transmission components may be configured to transmit a first portion of the first number of source packets to a first network decoding layer at the base station when the first number of source packets exceeds the pre-configured threshold, and to transmit a second portion of the first number of source packets to a second network decoding layer at the RSU via the RAN interface. Apparatus 1802 may further include components for transmitting only the first number of source packets to the first network decoding layer when the first number of source packets does not exceed the pre-configured threshold. Apparatus 1802 may further include components for dividing the first number of source packets into a first portion and a second portion when the first number of source packets exceeds the pre-configured threshold. In some aspects, the first portion corresponds to a finite number of source packets, and the second portion corresponds to the difference between the first number of source packets and the finite number of source packets. In some aspects, the second portion of the first number of source packets is transmitted by the PDCP layer to the second network decoding layer via the RAN interface. In some respects, the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the first RLC layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is a sublayer of the second RLC layer at the RSU.

[0229] The apparatus 1802 may further include components for transmitting a first number of source packets and a duplicate number of source packets to each of a first network decoding layer at a base station and a second network decoding layer at an RSU (via a RAN interface). In some aspects, the first number of source packets transmitted to the second network decoding layer is transmitted by a PDCP layer via the RAN interface. In some aspects, the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of a first RLC layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is a sublayer of a second RLC layer at the RSU. In other aspects, based on the fact that the first number of source packets has already been transmitted to each of the first and second network decoding layers along with the duplicate number of source packets, the second number of encoded packets at the base station does not overlap with the plurality of encoded packets at the RSU associated with the first number of source packets.

[0230] The apparatus 1802 may further include components for dividing a first number of source packets into a first group of source packets associated with a base station and a second group of source packets associated with an RSU, the division being based on the total size of the source packets for each of the first and second groups or the total number of source packets for each of the first and second groups. In some aspects, the components for transmission may be configured to transmit the first group of source packets associated with the base station to a first network decoding layer at the base station, and to transmit the second group of source packets to a second network decoding layer at the RSU via a RAN interface. In some aspects, the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of a first RLC layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is a sublayer of a second RLC layer at the RSU.

[0231] The aforementioned components may be one or more of the aforementioned components of the device 1802 configured to perform the functions described therein. As described above, the device 1802 may include a TX processor 416, an RX processor 470, and a controller / processor 475. Thus, in one configuration, the aforementioned components may be the TX processor 416, the RX processor 470, and the controller / processor 475 configured to perform the functions described therein.

[0232] Figure 19This is a schematic diagram 1900 illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for device 1902. Device 1902 may be an RSU or other wireless device that communicates based on a backhaul link and / or sidelink. In some implementations, device 1902 may be a secondary node base station in a dual-connectivity configuration. Device 1902 includes a cellular baseband processor 1904 (also referred to as a modem) coupled to a cellular RF transceiver 1922 and one or more Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards 1920, an application processor 1906 coupled to a Secure Digital Card (SD) card 1908 and a screen 1910, a Bluetooth module 1912, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) module 1914, a Global Positioning System (GPS) module 1916, and a power supply 1918. Cellular baseband processor 1904 communicates with other wireless devices (such as UE 104 and / or base stations 102 / 180) via cellular RF transceiver 1922. Cellular baseband processor 1904 may include computer-readable media / memory. Cellular baseband processor 1904 is responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on a computer-readable medium / memory. When executed by cellular baseband processor 1904, the software causes cellular baseband processor 1904 to perform the various functions described above. The computer-readable medium / memory can also be used to store data manipulated by cellular baseband processor 1904 during software execution. Cellular baseband processor 1904 also includes receiving component 1930, relay communication manager 1932, and transmitting component 1934. Relay communication manager 1932 includes one or more of the components shown. Components within relay communication manager 1932 can be stored in computer-readable medium / memory and / or configured as hardware within cellular baseband processor 1904. Cellular baseband processor 1904 can be a component of device 450 and can include memory 460 and / or at least one of TX processor 468, RX processor 456, and controller / processor 459. In one configuration, device 1902 may be a modem chip and include only baseband processor 1904, while in another configuration, device 1902 may be the entire wireless device (e.g., see...). Figure 4 The device 450) and includes an additional module of the device 1902.

[0233] The relay communication manager 1932 includes components configured to perform combination. Figure 15 The process described in the diagram includes a forwarding component 1940, a feedback component 1942, and / or a protocol stack component 1944. The apparatus is illustrated as including components for performing... Figure 15 The RSU is a component of the process because it can sometimes operate as a transmitting device and at other times as a receiving device.

[0234] Device 1902 may include performing the aforementioned Figure 15The flowchart shows the algorithm's additional components in each of the boxes. Thus, the aforementioned... Figure 15 Each box in the flowchart can be executed by a component, and the apparatus can include one or more of those components. A component can be one or more hardware components specifically configured to perform the stated process / algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to perform the stated process / algorithm, stored in a computer-readable medium for implementation by a processor, or some combination thereof.

[0235] In one configuration, apparatus 1902 (and specifically, cellular baseband processor 1904) includes components for receiving a first set of coded packets from the network decoding layer at the RLC layer of the RSU. Apparatus 1902 may also include components for transmitting the first set of coded packets to the user equipment, the first set of coded packets being associated with a second set of coded packets at the base station.

[0236] The apparatus 1902 may further include components for receiving, via the RAN interface, a first set of coded packets from the network decoding layer at the RLC layer of the RSU. In some aspects, the network decoding layer is a sublayer of the PDCP layer at the base station.

[0237] Apparatus 1902 may further include components for receiving a first set of source packets from the PDCP layer of the base station via the RAN interface at the network decoding layer of the RSU. In some aspects, the first set of source packets is associated with a second set of source packets at the base station. Apparatus 1902 may further include components for encoding the first set of source packets into a first set of encoded packets using a rateless network code at the network decoding layer of the RSU. Apparatus 1902 may further include components for transmitting the first set of encoded packets from the network decoding layer to the RLC layer.

[0238] The aforementioned components may be one or more of the aforementioned components of the device 1902 configured to perform the functions described therein. As described above, the device 1902 may include a TX processor 468, an RX processor 456, and a controller / processor 459. Thus, in one configuration, the aforementioned components may be the TX processor 468, the RX processor 456, and the controller / processor 459 configured to perform the functions described therein.

[0239] The following examples are merely illustrative and may be combined with other embodiments or aspects of the teachings described herein, without limitation.

[0240] Aspect 1 is a method for wireless communication at a base station, the method comprising: receiving a first number of source packets from a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer; encoding the first number of source packets into a second number of encoded packets using a rateless network code at a first network decoding layer; transmitting the second number of encoded packets from the first network decoding layer to a first Radio Link Control (RLC) layer; and transmitting encoded data including the second number of encoded packets to a user equipment.

[0241] In aspect 2, the method of aspect 1 further includes: determining at the radio resource control (RRC) layer a pre-configured threshold corresponding to the total size of coded packets for the base station; determining whether the second number of coded packets satisfies the pre-configured threshold, wherein the transmission includes transmitting a first portion of the second number of coded packets to the first RLC layer at the base station when the second number of coded packets satisfies the pre-configured threshold, transmitting a second portion of the second number of coded packets to a second RLC layer at the roadside unit (RSU) via a radio access network (RAN) interface, and transmitting the second number of coded packets only to the first RLC layer when the second number of coded packets does not satisfy the pre-configured threshold.

[0242] In aspect 3, the method of aspect 1 or aspect 2 further includes: the determination includes determining whether the second number of coded packets exceeds the pre-configured threshold, the pre-configured threshold being based on a finite number of coded packets for the base station and the size of each coded packet in the finite number of coded packets; further includes dividing the second number of coded packets into a first portion and a second portion when the second number of coded packets exceeds the pre-configured threshold, wherein the first portion corresponds to the finite number of coded packets, and the second portion corresponds to the difference between the second number of coded packets and the finite number of coded packets; and wherein the second portion of the second number of coded packets is sent by the first network decoding layer to the second RLC layer through the RAN interface, wherein the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the PDCP layer at the base station.

[0243] In aspect 4, the method of aspect 1 or aspect 2 further includes: the second portion of the second number of encoded packets is sent by the PDCP layer to a second network decoding layer of the second RLC layer via the RAN interface, wherein the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the first RLC layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is a sublayer of the second RLC layer at the RSU.

[0244] In aspect 5, the method of aspect 1 or aspect 2 further includes: the second portion of the second number of encoded packets is sent by the first network decoding layer to the second RLC layer through the RAN interface, wherein the first network decoding layer is separate from the first RLC layer and the PDCP layer at the base station.

[0245] In aspect 6, the method of aspect 1 or aspect 2 further includes: the second portion of the second number of encoded packets is transmitted by the PDCP layer to the second RLC layer via the RAN interface through the second network decoding layer, wherein the first network decoding layer is separate from the first RLC layer and the PDCP layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is separate from the second RLC layer at the RSU.

[0246] In aspect 7, the method of any one of aspects 1-6 further includes: dividing the second number of coded packets into a first group of coded packets associated with the base station and a second group of coded packets associated with a roadside unit (RSU), the division being based on the total size of the coded packets for each of the first group and the second group or the total number of coded packets for each of the first group and the second group, wherein the transmission includes transmitting the first group of coded packets associated with the base station to the first RLC layer at the base station and transmitting the second group of coded packets to the second RLC layer at the RSU via a radio access network (RAN) interface, wherein the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the PDCP layer at the base station.

[0247] In aspect 8, the method of any one of aspects 1-7 further includes: sending an indication request from the PDCP layer to the first RLC layer at the base station and to the second RLC layer at the RSU via the RAN interface, the indication request indicating a request to send feedback to the first RLC layer and the second RLC layer indicating the filtered data rate or average rate ratio of their respective paths.

[0248] In aspect 9, the method of any one of aspects 1-7 further includes: configuring a periodic timer; and sending a configuration indicating the periodic timer to the first RLC layer at the base station and to the second RLC layer at the RSU via the RAN interface, the configuration triggering the first RLC layer and the second RLC layer to automatically send feedback indicating the filtered data rate or average rate ratio of their respective paths based on the periodic timer, wherein the configuration includes configuring the periodic timer at the PDCP layer or at the RRC layer.

[0249] Aspect 10 is an apparatus including one or more processors and one or more memories in electronic communication with the one or more processors, the one or more memories storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause a system or apparatus to perform the methods described in any one of aspects 1 to 9.

[0250] Aspect 11 is a system or apparatus comprising components for implementing the method as described in any one of aspects 1 to 9 or implementing the apparatus as described in any one of aspects 1 to 9.

[0251] Aspect 12 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that can be executed by one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to perform the methods as described in any one of aspects 1 to 9.

[0252] Aspect 13 is a method for wireless communication at a base station, the method comprising: receiving a first number of source packets at a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer; transmitting the first number of source packets from the PDCP layer to a first network decoding layer of the base station; and encoding the first number of source packets into a second number of encoded packets at the first network decoding layer using a rateless network code.

[0253] In aspect 14, the method of aspect 13 further includes: determining whether the first number of source packets exceeds a preconfigured threshold, the preconfigured threshold being based on a finite number of source packets for the base station and the size of each source packet in the finite number of source packets, wherein the transmission includes transmitting a first portion of the first number of source packets to a first network decoding layer at the base station when the first number of source packets exceeds the preconfigured threshold, and transmitting a second portion of the first number of source packets to a second network decoding layer at a roadside unit (RSU) via a radio access network (RAN) interface, and transmitting only the first network decoding layer when the first number of source packets does not exceed the preconfigured threshold. The decoding layer transmits the first number of source packets; and when the first number of source packets exceeds the pre-configured threshold, divides the first number of source packets into a first part and a second part, wherein the first part corresponds to the finite number of source packets, and the second part corresponds to the difference between the first number of source packets and the finite number of source packets, wherein the second part of the first number of source packets is transmitted by the PDCP layer to the second network decoding layer through the RAN interface, wherein the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the first radio link control (RLC) layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is a sublayer of the second RLC layer at the RSU.

[0254] In aspect 15, the method of aspect 13 further includes: the transmission comprising transmitting the first number of source packets and a duplicate number of source packets to each of the first network decoding layer at the base station and the second network decoding layer at the roadside unit (RSU) via a radio access network (RAN) interface, wherein the first number of source packets transmitted to the second network decoding layer is transmitted by the PDCP layer via the RAN interface, the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the first radio link control (RLC) layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is a sublayer of the second RLC layer at the RSU, and based on the fact that the first number of source packets has been transmitted together with the aforementioned duplicate number of source packets to each of the first network decoding layer and the second network decoding layer, the second number of coded packets at the base station does not overlap with a plurality of coded packets at the RSU associated with the first number of source packets.

[0255] In aspect 16, the method of aspect 13 further includes: dividing the first number of source packets into a first group of source packets associated with the base station and a second group of source packets associated with a roadside unit (RSU), the division being based on the total size of source packets for each of the first group and the second group or the total number of source packets for each of the first group and the second group, wherein the transmission includes transmitting the first group of source packets associated with the base station to a first network decoding layer at the base station, and transmitting the second group of source packets to a second network decoding layer at the RSU via a radio access network (RAN) interface, wherein the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of a first radio link control (RLC) layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is a sublayer of a second RLC layer at the RSU.

[0256] Aspect 17 is an apparatus including one or more processors and one or more memories in electronic communication with the one or more processors, the one or more memories storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause a system or apparatus to perform the methods described in any one of aspects 13 to 16.

[0257] Aspect 18 is a system or apparatus comprising components for implementing the method as described in any one of aspects 13 to 16 or implementing the apparatus as described in any one of aspects 13 to 16.

[0258] Aspect 19 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that can be executed by one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to perform the methods described in any one of aspects 13 to 16.

[0259] Aspect 20 is a method for wireless communication at a roadside unit (RSU), the method comprising: receiving a first set of coded packets from a network decoding layer at the radio link control (RLC) layer of the RSU; and transmitting the first set of coded packets to a user equipment, the first set of coded packets being associated with a second set of coded packets at a base station.

[0260] In aspect 21, the method of aspect 20 further includes: receiving the first set of coded packets from the network decoding layer of the base station via a radio access network (RAN) interface at the RLC layer of the RSU, wherein the network decoding layer is a sublayer of the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer at the base station.

[0261] In aspect 22, the method of aspect 20 further includes: receiving a first set of source packets from a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer of a base station via a radio access network (RAN) interface at the network decoding layer of the RSU, the first set of source packets being associated with a second set of source packets at the base station; encoding the first set of source packets into a first set of encoded packets using a rateless network code at the network decoding layer of the RSU; and transmitting the first set of encoded packets from the network decoding layer to the RLC layer.

[0262] In aspect 23, the method of aspect 22 further includes: the network decoding layer is a sublayer of the RLC layer at the RSU.

[0263] In aspect 24, the method of aspect 22 further includes: the network decoding layer being separate from the RLC layer.

[0264] Aspect 25 is an apparatus including one or more processors and one or more memories in electronic communication with the one or more processors, the one or more memories storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause a system or apparatus to perform the methods described in any one of aspects 20 to 23.

[0265] Aspect 26 is a system or apparatus comprising components for implementing the method as described in any one of aspects 20 to 23 or implementing the apparatus as described in any one of aspects 20 to 23.

[0266] Aspect 27 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that can be executed by one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to perform the methods as described in any one of aspects 20 to 23.

[0267] Aspect 28 is a method for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: transmitting a first number of coded packets from a radio link control (RLC) layer to a network decoding layer; recovering a second number of source packets from the first number of coded packets at the network decoding layer using a rateless network code, the first number of coded packets having a larger number of packets than the second number of source packets; sorting the second number of source packets into an ordered set of source packets at the network decoding layer; and transmitting the ordered set of source packets from the network decoding layer to a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer.

[0268] In aspect 29, the method of aspect 28 further includes: the recovery comprising decoding the first number of encoded packets into a third number of decoded packets; determining whether the third number of decoded packets exceeds the second number of source packets; generating feedback at the network decoding layer based on the determination that the third number of decoded packets exceeds the second number of source packets, the feedback indicating whether additional encoded packets are needed to recover at least a portion of the second number of source packets; and sending the feedback to a base station.

[0269] In aspect 30, the method of aspect 28 or aspect 29 further includes: determining that the second number of source packets is recoverable when the third number of decoded packets exceeds the second number of source packets, wherein generating the feedback includes generating an affirmative response message indicating that no decoded packets are missing for recovering the second number of source packets when the third number of source packets is recoverable.

[0270] In aspect 31, the method of any one of aspects 28-30 further includes: determining that the second number of source packets is unrecoverable when the third number of decoded packets does not exceed the second number of source packets, wherein generating the feedback includes generating a negative acknowledgment message indicating that a plurality of missing encoded packets are required to recover the second number of source packets when the second number of source packets is unrecoverable; and receiving an additional number of encoded packets associated with one or more PDCP Packet Data Units (PDUs), the additional number corresponding to the number of missing encoded packets based on the negative acknowledgment message.

[0271] In aspect 32, the method of any one of aspects 28-31 further includes: receiving from the base station an indication of the configuration of a pre-configured timer; generating a status report based on the pre-configured timer, the status report including the feedback; and sending the status report to the base station.

[0272] In aspect 33, the method of any one of aspects 28-31 further includes: receiving from the base station a trigger signal instructing the UE to generate the feedback; generating a status report based on the trigger signal, the status report including the feedback; and transmitting the status report to the base station.

[0273] In aspect 34, the method of any one of aspects 28-33 further includes: receiving the first number of encoded packets from a base station in an unordered sequence at the RLC layer, wherein transmitting the first number of encoded packets includes transmitting the first number of encoded packets to the network decoding layer in the unordered sequence, and the sorting includes arranging the second number of source packets from the unordered sequence into a sequentially ordered sequence at the network decoding layer based on a sequence number associated with each of the second number of source packets.

[0274] In aspect 35, the method of any one of aspects 28-34 further includes: receiving one or more first coded packets from a base station via a first logical channel at a first RLC layer; receiving one or more second coded packets from a roadside unit (RSU) via a second logical channel different from the first logical channel at a second RLC layer, wherein the first number of coded packets includes the one or more first coded packets and the one or more second coded packets; receiving the one or more first coded packets from the first RLC layer via the first logical channel at the network decoding layer; and receiving the one or more second coded packets from the second RLC layer via the second logical channel at the network decoding layer, wherein the recovery includes decoding the second number of source packets from the one or more first coded packets and the one or more second coded packets.

[0275] In aspect 36, the method of any one of aspects 28-35 further includes: the recovery and the sorting are performed at the RLC layer via the network decoding layer, wherein the network decoding layer is a sublayer of the RLC layer.

[0276] In aspect 37, the method of any one of aspects 28-36 further includes: the recovery and the sorting are performed at the PDCP layer via the network decoding layer, wherein the network decoding layer is a sublayer of the PDCP layer.

[0277] In aspect 38, the method of any one of aspects 28-37 further includes: the network decoding layer being separate from the RLC layer and the PDCP layer.

[0278] In aspect 39, the method of any one of aspects 28-38 further includes: the UE having dual connectivity with the base station and the RSU, wherein the base station corresponds to a primary base station associated with a first radio access technology (RAT), and the RSU corresponds to a secondary base station associated with a second RAT, wherein each of the first RAT and the second RAT corresponds to one of a fifth-generation (5G) new radio (NR) access technology or a fourth-generation (4G) long-term evolution (LTE) access technology.

[0279] Aspect 40 is an apparatus including one or more processors and one or more memories in electronic communication with the one or more processors, the one or more memories storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause a system or apparatus to perform the methods described in any one of aspects 28 to 39.

[0280] Aspect 44 is a system or apparatus comprising components for implementing the method as described in any one of aspects 28 to 39 or implementing the apparatus as described in any one of aspects 28 to 39.

[0281] Aspect 45 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that can be executed by one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to perform the method as described in any one of aspects 28 to 39.

[0282] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of boxes in the disclosed process / flowchart is illustrative of the exemplary method. Based on design preferences, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of boxes in the process / flowchart may be rearranged. Furthermore, some boxes may be combined or omitted. The appended method claims present the elements of the individual boxes in the illustrative order and are not intended to limit one to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0283] The preceding description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are intended to be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein, unless specifically stated otherwise, references to elements in the singular are not intended to mean “one and only one”, but rather “one or more”. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” include any combination of A, B, and / or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, and C", and "A, B, C, or any combination thereof" can be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, wherein any such combination may include one or more members of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents of elements throughout the various aspects described in this disclosure that are known or will be known hereafter by those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, the disclosure herein is not intended to be exclusive to the public, whether or not such disclosure is expressly stated in the claims. The terms "module", "mechanism", "element", "device", etc., may not be a substitute for the term "part". Therefore, unless the phrase "part for..." is used to expressly state the claim element, no claim element should be interpreted as a part plus a function.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication at a base station, the method comprising: Receive the first number of source packets from the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer; A pre-configured threshold corresponding to the total size of coded packets used for the base station is determined at the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer; At the first network decoding layer, the first number of source packets are encoded into a second number of encoded packets using a rateless network code. Determine whether the second number of coded packets meets the pre-configured threshold; Transmitting the second number of encoded packets from the first network decoding layer to the first radio link control (RLC) layer, wherein the transmission includes: When the second number of coded packets meets the pre-configured threshold, the first portion of the second number of coded packets is sent to the first RLC layer at the base station, and the second portion of the second number of coded packets is sent to the second RLC layer at the roadside unit (RSU) via the radio access network (RAN) interface. If the second number of encoded packets does not meet the pre-configured threshold, only the second number of encoded packets are sent to the first RLC layer; as well as Transmit encoded data, including the second number of encoded packets, to the user equipment.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determination includes determining whether the second number of coded packets exceeds the pre-configured threshold, the pre-configured threshold being based on a finite number of coded packets for the base station and the size of each coded packet in the finite number of coded packets, and The method also includes dividing the second number of encoded packets into a first portion and a second portion when the second number of encoded packets exceeds the pre-configured threshold, wherein the first portion corresponds to the finite number of encoded packets, and the second portion corresponds to the difference between the second number of encoded packets and the finite number of encoded packets. The second portion of the second number of encoded packets is sent by the first network decoding layer to the second RLC layer through the RAN interface, wherein the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the PDCP layer at the base station.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the second number of encoded packets is sent by the PDCP layer to the second network decoding layer of the second RLC layer via the RAN interface, wherein the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the first RLC layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is a sublayer of the second RLC layer at the RSU.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the second number of encoded packets is sent by the first network decoding layer to the second RLC layer through the RAN interface, wherein the first network decoding layer is separate from the first RLC layer and the PDCP layer at the base station.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the second number of encoded packets is transmitted by the PDCP layer to the second RLC layer via the RAN interface through the second network decoding layer, wherein the first network decoding layer is separate from the first RLC layer and the PDCP layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is separate from the second RLC layer at the RSU.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The second number of coded packets is divided into a first group of coded packets associated with the base station and a second group of coded packets associated with the RSU, the division being based on the total size of the coded packets for each of the first and second groups or the total number of coded packets for each of the first and second groups. The sending includes: The system sends the first set of coded packets associated with the base station to the first RLC layer at the base station, and sends the second set of coded packets to the second RLC layer at the RSU via the RAN interface. The first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the PDCP layer at the base station.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: An indication request is sent from the PDCP layer to the first RLC layer at the base station and through the RAN interface to the second RLC layer at the RSU, the indication request indicating a request to send feedback to the first RLC layer and the second RLC layer indicating the filtered data rate or average rate ratio of their respective paths.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Configure a periodic timer; as well as The system sends a configuration indicating the periodic timer to the first RLC layer at the base station and to the second RLC layer at the RSU via the RAN interface. This configuration triggers the first and second RLC layers to automatically send feedback indicating the filtered data rate or average rate ratio of their respective paths based on the periodic timer. The configuration includes configuring the periodic timer at the PDCP layer or at the RRC layer.

9. A method for wireless communication at a base station, the method comprising: Receive the first number of source packets at the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer; The first number of source packets are sent from the PDCP layer to the first network decoding layer of the base station; At the first network decoding layer, the first number of source packets are encoded into a second number of encoded packets using a rateless network code. Determine whether the first number of source packets exceeds a pre-configured threshold, the pre-configured threshold being based on a finite number of source packets for the base station and the size of each source packet in the finite number of source packets; When the first number of source packets exceeds the pre-configured threshold, the first number of source packets is divided into a first part and a second part, wherein the first part corresponds to the finite number of source packets, and the second part corresponds to the difference between the first number of source packets and the finite number of source packets, wherein the second part of the first number of source packets is sent by the PDCP layer to the second network decoding layer through the radio access network RAN ​​interface, wherein the first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the first radio link control RLC layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is a sublayer of the second RLC layer at the roadside unit RSU; When the first number of source packets exceeds the pre-configured threshold, a first portion of the first number of source packets is sent to the first network decoding layer at the base station, and a second portion of the first number of source packets is sent to the second network decoding layer at the RSU via the RAN interface. The first number of source packets is sent only to the first network decoding layer when the first number of source packets does not exceed the pre-configured threshold.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein: The transmission includes sending the first number of source packets and a duplicate number of source packets to each of the first network decoding layer at the base station and the second network decoding layer at the RSU via the RAN interface. The first number of source packets sent to the second network decoding layer were transmitted by the PDCP layer through the RAN interface. The first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the first RLC layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is a sublayer of the second RLC layer at the RSU. Based on the fact that the first number of source packets has been sent together with the replicated number of source packets to each of the first network decoding layer and the second network decoding layer, the second number of encoded packets at the base station does not overlap with the plurality of encoded packets at the RSU associated with the first number of source packets.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: The first number of source packets is divided into a first group of source packets associated with the base station and a second group of source packets associated with the RSU, the division being based on the total size of the source packets for each of the first and second groups or the total number of source packets for each of the first and second groups. The transmission includes sending the first set of source packets associated with the base station to the first network decoding layer at the base station, and sending the second set of source packets to the second network decoding layer at the RSU via the RAN interface. The first network decoding layer is a sublayer of the first RLC layer at the base station, and the second network decoding layer is a sublayer of the second RLC layer at the RSU.

12. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: At least one memory including instructions; as well as At least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

13. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: At least one memory including instructions; as well as At least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 11.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 11.

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