Subset selection of wireless devices operating in high path loss mode of communications

Abstract

The invention relates to selection of a subset of wireless devices operating in a high path loss mode of communication. Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. The described techniques enable a first wireless device (e.g., an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node in an IAB system) or a network entity (e.g., a centralized unit (CU) in the IAB system) to select a set of wireless devices for communication. The first wireless device, CU, or both may select the set of wireless devices for communication based on a path loss pattern of the first wireless device, whether an angular distance between a group of nodes (e.g., one or more wireless devices in the set of wireless devices) is less than an angular distance threshold, or both. The first wireless device may communicate with the set of wireless devices in one or more communication beams. For example, if angular distances between multiple wireless devices are relatively low, the device may communicate with the multiple wireless devices using a single communication beam.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application with application number 202080028100.9, filed on March 3, 2020, and invention name “Selection of a subset of wireless devices operating in a high path loss mode of communication”.

[0002] Cross-references

[0003] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 835,414, filed by LI et al. on April 17, 2019, entitled “BEAM DIRECTION SELECTION FOR HIGH PATHLOSS MODE OPERATIONS,” and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 806,825, filed by LI et al. on March 2, 2020, entitled “BEAM DIRECTION SELECTION FOR HIGH PATHLOSS MODE OPERATIONS,” each of which is assigned to the assignee of this application.

[0004] introduction

[0005] The following relates generally to wireless communications and, more particularly, to beam direction selection.

[0006] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, etc. These systems may be able to support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple access systems include fourth generation (4G) systems (such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, advanced LTE (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems), and fifth generation (5G) systems that may be referred to as new radio (NR) systems. These systems may use various technologies, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), or discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple access communication system may include several base stations or network access nodes, each of which simultaneously supports the communication of multiple communication devices, which may be referred to as user equipment (UE). Summary of the invention

[0007] A method for wireless communication at a first wireless device is described. The method may include: selecting a set of wireless devices as communication candidates based on a first mode of the first wireless device, wherein the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices, and the angular distance of the at least two wireless devices relative to the first wireless device is less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode; reporting a candidate list including the set of wireless devices to a network entity; receiving a subset of the set of wireless devices from the network entity, the subset of the set of wireless devices being based on the candidate list; and communicating with the subset of the set of wireless devices using one or more communication beams, wherein the communication includes communicating with the at least two wireless devices using a single communication beam of the one or more communication beams based on the angular distance being less than the angular distance threshold.

[0008] An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and the processor and the memory are configured to: select a set of wireless devices as communication candidates based on a first mode of the first wireless device, wherein the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices, and the angular distance of the at least two wireless devices relative to the first wireless device is less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode; report a candidate list including the set of wireless devices to a network entity; receive a subset of the set of wireless devices from the network entity, the subset of the set of wireless devices being based on the candidate list; and communicate with the subset of the set of wireless devices using one or more communication beams, wherein the communication includes using a single communication beam of the one or more communication beams to communicate with the at least two wireless devices based on the angular distance being less than the angular distance threshold.

[0009] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device is described. The apparatus may include means for: selecting a set of wireless devices as communication candidates based on a first mode of the first wireless device, wherein the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices, and the angular distance of the at least two wireless devices relative to the first wireless device is less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode; reporting a candidate list including the set of wireless devices to a network entity; receiving a subset of the set of wireless devices from the network entity, the subset of the set of wireless devices being based on the candidate list; and communicating with the subset of the set of wireless devices using one or more communication beams, wherein the communication includes communicating with the at least two wireless devices using a single communication beam of the one or more communication beams based on the angular distance being less than the angular distance threshold.

[0010] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a first wireless device is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor for the following operations: selecting a set of wireless devices as communication candidates based on a first mode of the first wireless device, wherein the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices, and the angular distance of the at least two wireless devices relative to the first wireless device is less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode; reporting a candidate list including the set of wireless devices to a network entity; receiving a subset of the set of wireless devices from the network entity, the subset of the set of wireless devices based on the candidate list; and communicating with the subset of the set of wireless devices using one or more communication beams, wherein the communication includes using a single communication beam of the one or more communication beams to communicate with the at least two wireless devices based on the angular distance being less than the angular distance threshold.

[0011] Some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving, from the network entity, an indication of an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode.

[0012] Some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment) and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus or instructions for: discovering a group of wireless devices; measuring the angle of arrival (AoA) or the angle of departure (AoD) or both for communications with each wireless device in the group of wireless devices; and determining the angular distance of one or more pairs of wireless devices in the group of wireless devices based on the measured AoA or the measured AoD or both, wherein the selection may be based on the determined angular distance and the set of wireless devices may be a subset of the group of wireless devices.

[0013] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the selection may further include operations, features, apparatuses, or instructions for selecting the set of wireless devices as communication candidates based on received power measurements for the set of wireless devices.

[0014] In some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, reporting the candidate list may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for the following actions: reporting a set of spatial separation metrics to the network entity, the set of spatial separation metrics indicating which wireless devices in the set of wireless devices the first wireless device supports using the same communication beam to communicate with.

[0015] In some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, reporting the candidate list may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for the following actions: reporting one or more wireless device groups in the wireless device set to the network entity, wherein each of the one or more wireless device groups includes a group of wireless devices that the first wireless device supports communicating with using the same communication beam.

[0016] In some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, using a single communication beam to communicate with the at least two wireless devices may include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for the following actions: frequency division multiplexing communications with the at least two wireless devices.

[0017] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for activating a first mode of the first wireless device based on a path loss measurement, wherein the first mode includes a high path loss mode.

[0018] Some examples of the methods, devices (equipment) and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, devices or instructions for the following actions: deactivating a first mode of a first wireless device based on a path loss measurement; selecting an updated set of wireless devices as communication candidates based on the deactivated first mode, wherein an angular distance between each wireless device in the updated set of wireless devices and each other wireless device in the updated set of wireless devices relative to the first wireless device may be greater than an angular distance threshold associated with the deactivated first mode; and reporting an updated candidate list including the updated set of wireless devices to the network entity.

[0019] In some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, an angular distance threshold associated with the activated first mode may be equal to an angular distance threshold associated with the deactivated first mode.

[0020] In some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, each of the one or more communication beams corresponds to a different radio frequency (RF) chain of the first wireless device.

[0021] Some examples of the methods, devices (equipment) and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, devices or instructions for the following actions: determining the number of communication beams used to communicate with a subset of the set of wireless devices based on the number of RF chains at the first wireless device.

[0022] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the selection may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for the following actions: selecting the set of wireless devices as communication candidates based on the maximum number of communication candidates to be reported.

[0023] Some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving, from the network entity, an indication of a maximum number of communication candidates to report.

[0024] Some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for determining an angular separation threshold associated with the first mode based on beam characteristics of one or more communication beams.

[0025] In some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first wireless device, the set of wireless devices, or both include a distributed unit (DU) in an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) system, or a mobile terminal, or both, and the network entity includes a centralized unit (CU) in the IAB system.

[0026] A method for wireless communication at a network entity is described. The method may include: receiving a candidate list including a set of wireless devices from a first wireless device; selecting a subset of the set of wireless devices for communication with the first wireless device based on a first mode of the first wireless device, wherein the subset of the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices, the at least two wireless devices being at an angular distance relative to the first wireless device less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode; and transmitting the subset of the set of wireless devices to the first wireless device. An apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executed by the processor so that the apparatus: receives a candidate list including a set of wireless devices from a first wireless device; selecting a subset of the set of wireless devices for communication with the first wireless device based on a first mode of the first wireless device, wherein the subset of the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices, the at least two wireless devices being at an angular distance relative to the first wireless device less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode; and transmitting the subset of the set of wireless devices to the first wireless device.

[0027] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity is described. The apparatus may include means for: receiving a candidate list including a set of wireless devices from a first wireless device; selecting a subset of the set of wireless devices for communication with the first wireless device based on a first mode of the first wireless device, wherein the subset of the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices having an angular distance relative to the first wireless device that is less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode; and transmitting the subset of the set of wireless devices to the first wireless device.

[0028] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a network entity is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor for the following operations: receiving a candidate list including a set of wireless devices from a first wireless device; selecting a subset of the set of wireless devices for communication with the first wireless device based on a first mode of the first wireless device, wherein the subset of the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices having an angular distance relative to the first wireless device that is less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode; and transmitting the subset of the set of wireless devices to the first wireless device.

[0029] Some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for transmitting to a first wireless device an indication of an angular distance threshold associated with a first mode, wherein the first mode includes an activated high path loss mode.

[0030] In some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, receiving the candidate list may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for the following actions: receiving a set of spatial separation metrics from the first wireless device, the set of spatial separation metrics indicating which wireless devices in the set of wireless devices the first wireless device supports using the same communication beam to communicate with, wherein the selection may be further based on the set of spatial separation metrics.

[0031] In some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, receiving the candidate list may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for the following actions: receiving one or more wireless device groups in the wireless device set from the first wireless device, wherein each of the one or more wireless device groups includes a group of wireless devices that the first wireless device supports communicating with using the same communication beam, and wherein the selection may be further based on the one or more wireless device groups.

[0032] In some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, receiving the candidate list may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for the following actions: receiving a set of received power measurements for the set of wireless devices from the first wireless device, wherein the selection may be further based on the set of received power measurements.

[0033] In some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment) and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the selection may include operations, features, apparatus or instructions for the following actions: selecting a subset of the set of wireless devices so that the number of communication beams used for the first wireless device to communicate with the subset of the set of wireless devices can be less than or equal to the maximum number of supported communication beams of the first wireless device.

[0034] In some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a maximum number of supported communication beams for the first wireless device corresponds to a number of RF chains at the first wireless device.

[0035] In some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the number of wireless devices in the subset of the set of wireless devices may be greater than the maximum number of supported communication beams of the first wireless device.

[0036] Some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment) and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus or instructions for the following actions: receiving an updated candidate list from a first wireless device, the updated candidate list including an updated set of wireless devices based on a second mode of the first wireless device, wherein the second mode includes a disabled high path loss mode; selecting an updated subset of the updated set of wireless devices for communication with the first wireless device based on the second mode of the first wireless device, wherein an angular distance between each wireless device in the updated subset of the updated set of wireless devices and each other wireless device in the updated subset of the updated set of wireless devices relative to the first wireless device may be greater than an angular distance threshold associated with the second mode; and transmitting the updated subset of the updated set of wireless devices to the first wireless device.

[0037] In some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode may be equal to an angular distance threshold associated with the second mode.

[0038] Some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment) and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, means or instructions for the following actions: transmitting an indication of a maximum number of communication candidates to be reported to the first wireless device, wherein the candidate list may be based on the maximum number of communication candidates to be reported.

[0039] In some examples of the methods, apparatus (equipment), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first wireless device, the set of wireless devices, or both include a DU in an IAB system, or a mobile terminal, or both, and the network entity includes a CU in the IAB system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figures 1 to 3 An example of a wireless communication system supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0042] Figure 4 Example configuration parameters supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0043] Figure 5 and 6 An example of a wireless communication system supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0044] Figure 7 An example of a process flow supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0045] Figure 8 and 9 A block diagram of a device supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0046] Fig.10 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation is shown in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0047] Fig.11 A diagram of a system including a device supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation is shown in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0048] Fig.12 and 13 A block diagram of a device supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0049] Fig.14 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation is shown in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig.15A diagram of a system including a device supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0051] Figures 16 to 19 A flow chart illustrating a method of supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Description

[0053] Some wireless communication systems may include an access node (AN) (e.g., a base station) to facilitate wireless communication between a UE and a network. In some cases, an anchor AN may have a high-capacity, wired, backhaul connection (e.g., optical fiber) to the network while communicating with one or more ANs (e.g., relay devices) or UEs (which may be referred to as child nodes). In some examples, the anchor AN may be referred to as a donor node or a parent node. A network that supports communication between a base station and a UE may be referred to as an access network, while a network that supports communication between multiple base stations may be referred to as a backhaul network. Some wireless communication systems may support both access networks and backhaul networks (e.g., an IAB network). Additionally or alternatively, some wireless communication systems may operate in a millimeter wave (mmW) frequency range (e.g., 28 gigahertz (GHz), 40 GHz, 60 GHz, etc.). Wireless communication at these frequencies may be associated with increased signal attenuation (e.g., path loss). As a result, signal processing techniques (such as beamforming) may be used to coherently combine energy and overcome path loss at these frequencies. Due to the increased amount of path loss in mmW communication systems, transmissions between base stations and / or UEs may be beamformed. The receiving device may also use beamforming techniques to configure antennas and / or antenna arrays so that transmissions are received in a directional manner. The wireless communication device may implement beam management procedures to monitor the performance of active beams and identify candidate beams that can be utilized in the event that an active beam becomes unavailable or otherwise unusable.

[0054] In a deployment that supports both access and backhaul on a wireless communication link (e.g., in an IAB network), an IAB node (such as a parent node or a child node) may experience a communication failure. That is, there may be conditions that may cause interference, congestion, etc. to a communication beam (e.g., an active beam of an antenna element), which may result in a link failure, a reduced data rate, or both. These conditions may result in a reduction in transmission energy between nodes, which may result in a reduced data rate (e.g., due to decoding errors, reduced transmission coherence, etc.). In some examples, in order to mitigate the effects of high path loss, an IAB node (e.g., a parent node transmitting downstream in an IAB system, a child node transmitting upstream in an IAB system, or both) may monitor the link status of a communication link between one or more other IAB nodes. If one or more IAB nodes determine that the link status has dropped below a defined threshold, the nodes may signal an indication of a poor link status (e.g., to a network entity such as a base station CU) and activate or deactivate a path loss operation mode. For example, a high path loss operation mode may be activated. In some cases, based on the activated high path loss mode, the IAB node may implement a beam direction selection technique for communications between the IAB node and other wireless devices (eg, neighboring IAB nodes).

[0055] As described herein, these techniques may enable wireless devices in a wireless communication system (e.g., an IAB network supporting communication at mmW frequencies) to use beam direction selection based on operation in a high path loss mode. For example, an IAB node in an IAB system may discover adjacent IAB nodes and may perform measurements on communications (e.g., signals) between these nodes. An IAB node may determine criteria for selecting an adjacent IAB node set as a communication candidate. A node may determine whether a measurement (e.g., power metric, spatial metric, communication beam width, etc.) for an adjacent IAB node satisfies a selection criterion. For example, a node may determine that an angular separation between a group of adjacent IAB nodes satisfies an angular separation threshold so that the angular separation between the group of IAB nodes relative to the node is less than a threshold interval (e.g., supporting the use of a common communication beam to communicate with the group of IAB nodes). A node may report an IAB node set for communication to a CU. A CU may determine a subset of an IAB node set (e.g., based on a path loss operation mode and a candidate IAB node set), and may transmit an indication of a selected IAB node subset (e.g., an IAB node to be communicated with) to a node.

[0056] The node may determine the correlation between the communication beam of the node and the selected IAB node subset (e.g., based on an indication of the IAB node subset received from the CU). For example, the CU or IAB node may determine that a group of IAB nodes (e.g., two or more IAB nodes used for communication in the IAB node subset) can be supported by the same communication beam (e.g., the same RF chain) at the node. Based on the angular distance of the group of IAB nodes relative to the node being less than the angular distance threshold, a single communication beam with a specific beam width may support the transmission and / or reception of signals with each IAB node in the group of IAB nodes. Using the same communication beam for the group of IAB nodes may enable the node to coherently combine transmissions received from the group of IAB nodes, which may achieve higher data rates and more robust data reception in high path loss mode operation, and alleviate restrictions on the node based on the number of RF chains configured for the node (e.g., based on the hardware of the node). In some examples, the node, CU, or both may determine the beam(s) for communication with the IAB node set based on a path loss operation mode, a selection scheme, a selection factor, or a combination thereof.

[0057] Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of wireless communication systems. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated and described by and with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flow diagrams related to beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation.

[0058] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system 100 supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The wireless communication system 100 includes a base station 105, a UE 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may be an LTE network, an LTE-A network, an LTE-A Pro network, or an NR network. In some cases, the wireless communication system 100 may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (e.g., mission-critical) communications, low latency communications, or communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices.

[0059] The base station 105 may communicate wirelessly with the UE 115 via one or more base station antennas. The base station 105 described herein may include or may be referred to by those skilled in the art as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), a next generation Node B, or a Gigabit Node B (any of which may be referred to as a gNB), a Home Node B, a Home Evolved Node B, or some other suitable terminology. The wireless communication system 100 may include different types of base stations 105 (e.g., macro cell base stations or small cell base stations). The UE 115 described herein may be able to communicate with various types of base stations 105 and network equipment (including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, gNBs, relay base stations, etc.).

[0060] Each base station 105 may be associated with a particular geographic coverage area 110 in which it supports communications with various UEs 115. Each base station 105 may provide communications coverage for a respective geographic coverage area 110 via a communication link 125, and the communication link 125 between the base station 105 and the UE 115 may utilize one or more carriers. The communication link 125 shown in the wireless communication system 100 may include an uplink transmission from the UE 115 to the base station 105, or a downlink transmission from the base station 105 to the UE 115. Downlink transmissions may also be referred to as forward link transmissions, and uplink transmissions may also be referred to as reverse link transmissions. The UE 115 may communicate with the core network 130 via a communication link 135.

[0061] The geographic coverage area 110 of the base station 105 may be divided into sectors that constitute a portion of the geographic coverage area 110, and each sector may be associated with a cellular cell. For example, each base station 105 may provide communication coverage for a macrocellular cell, a small cellular cell, a hotspot, or other types of cellular cells, or various combinations thereof. In some examples, the base station 105 may be mobile and therefore provide communication coverage for a mobile geographic coverage area 110. In some examples, different geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may overlap, and the overlapping geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may be supported by the same base station 105 or different base stations 105. The wireless communication system 100 may include, for example, a heterogeneous LTE / LTE-A / LTE-A Pro or NR network, in which different types of base stations 105 provide coverage for various geographic coverage areas 110.

[0062] The term "cell" refers to a logical communication entity for communicating with base station 105 (e.g., on a carrier), and may be associated with an identifier to distinguish adjacent cells operating via the same or different carriers (e.g., physical cell identifier (PCID), virtual cell identifier (VCID)). In some examples, a carrier may support multiple cells, and different cells may be configured according to different protocol types that may provide access to different types of devices (e.g., machine type communication (MTC), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), or others). In some cases, the term "cell" may refer to a portion of a geographic coverage area 110 (e.g., a sector) on which the logical entity operates.

[0063] Each UE 115 can be dispersed throughout the wireless communication system 100, and each UE 115 can be stationary or mobile. UE 115 can also be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other suitable term, wherein "device" can also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client. UE 115 can also be a personal electronic device, such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, UE 115 can also refer to a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or an MTC device, etc., which can be implemented in various items (such as electrical appliances, vehicles, meters, etc.).

[0064] Some UEs 115, such as MTC or IoT devices, may be low-cost or low-complexity devices and may provide automated communication between machines (e.g., via machine-to-machine (M2M) communication). M2M communication or MTC may refer to data communication technology that allows devices to communicate with each other or with a base station 105 without human intervention. In some examples, M2M communication or MTC may include communications from devices that integrate sensors or meters to measure or capture information and relay the information to a central server or application, which may utilize the information or present the information to a person interacting with the program or application. Some UEs 115 may be designed to collect information or implement automated behavior of machines. Examples of applications for MTC devices include: smart metering, inventory monitoring, water level monitoring, equipment monitoring, health care monitoring, field survival monitoring, weather and geographic event monitoring, queue management and tracking, remote security sensing, physical access control, and transaction-based commercial charging.

[0065] Some UEs 115 may be configured to employ a reduced power consumption mode of operation, such as half-duplex communication (e.g., a mode that supports unidirectional communication via transmission or reception but not simultaneous transmission and reception). In some examples, half-duplex communication may be performed with a reduced peak rate. Other power saving techniques for UE 115 include entering a power saving "deep sleep" mode when not engaged in active communications, or operating over a limited bandwidth (e.g., in accordance with narrowband communications). In some cases, UE 115 may be designed to support critical functions (e.g., mission critical functions), and the wireless communication system 100 may be configured to provide ultra-reliable communications for these functions.

[0066] In some cases, UE 115 may also be able to communicate directly with other UE 115 (e.g., using a peer-to-peer (P2P) or device-to-device (D2D) protocol). One or more UEs in a group of UEs 115 utilizing D2D communication may be within the geographic coverage area 110 of the base station 105. Other UEs 115 in this group may be outside the geographic coverage area 110 of the base station 105, or may not be able to receive transmissions from the base station 105 for other reasons. In some cases, each group of UEs 115 communicating via D2D communication may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system, in which each UE 115 transmits to each other UE 115 in the group. In some cases, the base station 105 facilitates the scheduling of resources for D2D communication. In other cases, D2D communication is performed between UEs 115 without involving the base station 105.

[0067] The base stations 105 may communicate with the core network 130 and with each other. For example, the base stations 105 may interface with the core network 130 via a backhaul link 132 (e.g., via S1, N2, N3, or other interfaces). The base stations 105 may communicate with each other directly (e.g., directly between the base stations 105) or indirectly (e.g., via the core network 130) on a backhaul link 134 (e.g., via X2, Xn, or other interfaces).

[0068] The core network 130 may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network 130 may be an evolved packet core (EPC), which may include at least one mobility management entity (MME), at least one serving gateway (S-GW), and at least one packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW). The MME may manage non-access layer (e.g., control plane) functions such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management of UEs 115 served by base stations 105 associated with the EPC. User IP packets may be delivered through the S-GW, which itself may be connected to the P-GW. The P-GW may provide IP address allocation and other functions. The P-GW may be connected to network operator IP services. Operator IP services may include access to the Internet, an intranet, an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS), or packet switched (PS) streaming services.

[0069] At least some network devices (such as base stations 105) may include subcomponents, such as access network entities, which may be examples of access node controllers (ANCs). Each access network entity may communicate with each UE 115 through a number of other access network transport entities, which may be referred to as radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmission / reception points (TRPs). In some configurations, the various functions of each access network entity or base station 105 may be distributed across various network devices (e.g., radio heads and access network controllers) or merged into a single network device (e.g., base station 105).

[0070] The wireless communication system 100 can operate using one or more frequency bands, typically in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). In general, the 300 MHz to 3 GHz region is referred to as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band because the wavelengths are in the range of from about 1 decimeter to 1 meter long. UHF waves can be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features. However, these waves can penetrate various structures sufficiently for macro cells to provide services to UEs 115 located indoors. Transmission of UHF waves can be associated with smaller antennas and shorter ranges (e.g., less than 100 km) compared to transmission using lower frequencies and longer waves in the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portion of the spectrum below 300 MHz.

[0071] The wireless communication system 100 may also operate in the Super High Frequency (SHF) region using frequency bands from 3 GHz to 30 GHz, also known as centimeter bands. The SHF region includes frequency bands that may be opportunistically used by devices that may be able to tolerate interference from other users, such as the 5 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band.

[0072] The wireless communication system 100 may also operate in the extremely high frequency (EHF) division of the spectrum (e.g., from 30 GHz to 300 GHz), which is also referred to as the millimeter band. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support millimeter wave (mmW) communications between the UE 115 and the base station 105, and the EHF antenna of the corresponding device may be even smaller and more closely spaced than the UHF antenna. In some cases, this may facilitate the use of antenna arrays within the UE 115. However, the propagation of EHF transmissions may be subject to even greater atmospheric attenuation and shorter range than SHF or UHF transmissions. The technology disclosed herein may be adopted across transmissions using one or more different frequency divisions, and the use of frequency bands specified across these frequency divisions may differ by country or regulatory agency.

[0073] In some cases, the wireless communication system 100 may utilize both licensed and unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may employ license assisted access (LAA), LTE unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology in an unlicensed band (such as a 5 GHz ISM band). When operating in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, wireless devices (such as base stations 105 and UE 115) may employ a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure to ensure that the frequency channel is clear before transmitting data. In some cases, operations in unlicensed bands may be based on carrier aggregation configuration (e.g., LAA) in coordination with component carriers operating in licensed bands. Operations in unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, peer-to-peer transmissions, or a combination of these. Duplexing in unlicensed spectrum may be based on frequency division duplexing (FDD), time division duplexing (TDD), or a combination of the two.

[0074] In some examples, the base station 105 or the UE 115 may be equipped with multiple antennas, which may be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication, or beamforming. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may use a transmission scheme between a transmitting device (e.g., the base station 105) and a receiving device (e.g., the UE 115), wherein the transmitting device is equipped with multiple antennas and the receiving device is equipped with one or more antennas. MIMO communication may employ multipath signal propagation to increase spectral efficiency by transmitting or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers, which may be referred to as spatial multiplexing. For example, the transmitting device may transmit multiple signals via different antennas or different antenna combinations. Similarly, the receiving device may receive multiple signals via different antennas or different antenna combinations. Each of these multiple signals may be referred to as a separate spatial stream and may carry bits associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams. Different spatial layers may be associated with different antenna ports for channel measurement and reporting. MIMO technology includes single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO), in which multiple spatial layers are transmitted to the same receiving device, and multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), in which multiple spatial layers are transmitted to multiple devices.

[0075] Beamforming (which may also be referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception) is a signal processing technique that may be used at a transmitting device or a receiving device (e.g., a base station 105 or a UE 115) to shape or direct an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam or a receive beam) along a spatial path between the transmitting device and the receiving device. Beamforming may be achieved by combining signals communicated via antenna elements of an antenna array so that signals propagating at a particular orientation relative to the antenna array experience constructive interference, while other signals experience destructive interference. Adjustments to signals communicated via antenna elements may include the transmitting device or the receiving device applying a particular amplitude and phase shift to the signal carried via each antenna element associated with the device. Adjustments associated with each antenna element may be defined by a set of beamforming weights associated with a particular orientation (e.g., relative to the antenna array of the transmitting device or the receiving device, or relative to some other orientation).

[0076] In one example, the base station 105 may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays to perform beamforming operations for directional communication with the UE 115. For example, some signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be transmitted multiple times by the base station 105 in different directions, which may include a signal being transmitted according to different beamforming weight sets associated with different transmission directions. The transmissions in different beam directions may be used (e.g., by the base station 105 or a receiving device, such as the UE 115) to identify the beam direction used by the base station 105 for subsequent transmission and / or reception.

[0077] Some signals, such as data signals associated with a particular recipient device, may be transmitted by base station 105 in a single beam direction (e.g., a direction associated with a recipient device, such as UE 115). In some examples, a beam direction associated with transmissions along a single beam direction may be determined based at least in part on signals transmitted in different beam directions. For example, UE 115 may receive one or more signals transmitted by base station 105 in different directions, and UE 115 may report to base station 105 an indication of the signals received by it with the highest signal quality or other acceptable signal quality. Although these techniques are described with reference to signals transmitted by base station 105 in one or more directions, UE 115 may use similar techniques for transmitting signals multiple times in different directions (e.g., for identifying a beam direction used by UE 115 for subsequent transmission or reception) or for transmitting signals in a single direction (e.g., for transmitting data to a recipient device).

[0078] A receiving device (e.g., UE 115, which may be an example of a mmW receiving device) may try multiple receive beams when receiving various signals (such as synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) from base station 105. For example, the receiving device may try multiple receive directions by receiving via different antenna subarrays, processing received signals according to different antenna subarrays, receiving according to different receive beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, or processing received signals according to different receive beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, any of which may be referred to as "listening" according to different receive beams or receive directions. In some examples, the receiving device may use a single receive beam to receive along a single beam direction (e.g., when receiving a data signal). The single receive beam may be aligned on a beam direction determined at least in part based on listening according to different receive beam directions (e.g., a beam direction determined to have the highest signal strength, highest signal-to-noise ratio, or other acceptable signal quality based at least in part on listening according to multiple beam directions).

[0079] In some cases, the antennas of a base station 105 or a UE 115 may be located within one or more antenna arrays that may support MIMO operations or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be co-located at an antenna assembly, such as an antenna tower. In some cases, the antennas or antenna arrays associated with a base station 105 may be located at different geographic locations. A base station 105 may have an antenna array having several rows and columns of antenna ports that the base station 105 may use to support beamforming for communications with a UE 115. Likewise, a UE 115 may have one or more antenna arrays that may support various MIMO or beamforming operations.

[0080] In some cases, the wireless communication system 100 may be a packet-based network that operates according to a layered protocol stack. In the user plane, the communication of the bearer or packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer may be IP-based. The radio link control (RLC) layer may perform packet segmentation and reassembly to communicate on a logical channel. The media access control (MAC) layer may perform priority handling and multiplex logical channels into transport channels. The MAC layer may also use a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) to provide retransmission of the MAC layer, thereby improving link efficiency. In the control plane, the radio resource control (RRC) protocol layer may provide the establishment, configuration and maintenance of an RRC connection for a radio bearer that supports user plane data between UE115 and base station 105 or core network 130. At the physical layer, transport channels may be mapped to physical channels.

[0081] In some cases, UE 115 and base station 105 may support retransmission of data to increase the likelihood that the data is successfully received. HARQ feedback is a technique that increases the likelihood of correctly receiving data on communication link 125. HARQ may include a combination of error detection (e.g., using cyclic redundancy check (CRC)), forward error correction (FEC), and retransmission (e.g., automatic repeat request (ARQ)). HARQ can improve the throughput of the MAC layer in poor radio conditions (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio conditions). In some cases, a wireless device may support simultaneous slot HARQ feedback, where the device may provide HARQ feedback in a specific time slot for data received in a previous symbol in the time slot. In other cases, the device may provide HARQ feedback in a subsequent time slot or according to some other time interval.

[0082] The time interval in LTE or NR can be represented by a basic time unit (which may refer to a sampling period T, for example). s =1 / 30,720,000 seconds). The time intervals of the communication resources may be organized according to radio frames each having a duration of 10 milliseconds (ms), where the frame period may be expressed as T f =307,200Ts . A radio frame may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) ranging from 0 to 1023. Each frame may include 10 subframes numbered from 0 to 9, and each subframe may have a duration of 1 ms. A subframe may be further divided into 2 slots, each slot having a duration of 0.5 ms, and each slot may contain 6 or 7 modulation symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of a cyclic prefix prepended to each symbol period). Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may contain 2048 sampling periods. In some cases, a subframe may be the minimum scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 and may be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In other cases, the minimum scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 may be shorter than a subframe or may be dynamically selected (e.g., in a burst of a shortened TTI (sTTI) or in a selected component carrier using sTTI).

[0083] In some wireless communication systems, a time slot may be further divided into a plurality of mini-slots containing one or more symbols. In some instances, a symbol of a mini-slot or a mini-slot may be the minimum scheduling unit. For example, each symbol may vary in duration depending on the subcarrier spacing or the operating frequency band. Further, some wireless communication systems may implement time slot aggregation, wherein a plurality of time slots or mini-slots are aggregated together and used for communication between UE 115 and base station 105.

[0084] The term "carrier" refers to a set of radio frequency spectrum resources having a defined physical layer structure for supporting communications on the communication link 125. For example, a carrier of the communication link 125 may include a portion of a radio frequency spectrum band that operates according to a physical layer channel for a given radio access technology. Each physical layer channel may carry user data, control information, or other signaling. A carrier may be associated with a predefined frequency channel (e.g., an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (EARFCN)) and may be located according to a channel grid for discovery by a UE 115. A carrier may be downlink or uplink (e.g., in FDD mode), or configured to carry downlink communications and uplink communications (e.g., in TDD mode). In some examples, a signal waveform transmitted on a carrier may include multiple subcarriers (e.g., using a multi-carrier modulation (MCM) technique such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)).

[0085] For different radio access technologies (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR), the organizational structure of the carrier can be different. For example, the communication on the carrier can be organized according to TTIs or time slots, each of which can include user data and control information or signaling to support decoding of the user data. The carrier can also include dedicated acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals or system information, etc.) and control signaling to coordinate the operation of the carrier. In some examples (e.g., in a carrier aggregation configuration), the carrier may also have acquisition signaling or control signaling to coordinate the operation of other carriers.

[0086] Physical channels may be multiplexed on a carrier according to various techniques. Physical control channels and physical data channels may be multiplexed on a downlink carrier, for example, using a time division multiplexing (TDM) technique, a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) technique, or a hybrid TDM-FDM technique. In some examples, control information transmitted in a physical control channel may be distributed in a cascaded manner between different control regions (e.g., between a common control region or a common search space and one or more UE-specific control regions or UE-specific search spaces).

[0087] A carrier may be associated with a particular bandwidth of the radio frequency spectrum, and in some examples, the carrier bandwidth may be referred to as the "system bandwidth" of the carrier or wireless communication system 100. For example, the carrier bandwidth may be one of several predetermined bandwidths of a carrier for a particular radio access technology (e.g., 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, or 80 MHz). In some examples, each served UE 115 may be configured to operate on part or all of the carrier bandwidth. In other examples, some UEs 115 may be configured to operate using a narrowband protocol type associated with a predefined portion or range (e.g., a set of subcarriers or RBs) within a carrier (e.g., an "in-band" deployment of a narrowband protocol type).

[0088] In a system using MCM technology, a resource element may include a symbol period (e.g., the duration of a modulation symbol) and a subcarrier, where the symbol period and the subcarrier spacing are inversely related. The number of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme). Thus, the more resource elements received by UE 115 and the higher the order of the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate of UE 115 can be. In a MIMO system, wireless communication resources may refer to a combination of radio frequency spectrum resources, time resources, and space resources (e.g., space layers), and the use of multiple space layers may further increase the data rate of communication with UE 115.

[0089] A device (e.g., base station 105 or UE 115) of wireless communication system 100 may have a hardware configuration that supports communication on a particular carrier bandwidth, or may be configurable to support communication on one of a set of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, wireless communication system 100 may include base stations 105 and / or UEs 115 that support simultaneous communication via carriers associated with more than one different carrier bandwidths.

[0090] The wireless communication system 100 may support communication with the UE 115 on multiple cells or carriers, a feature that may be referred to as carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. The UE 115 may be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers according to a carrier aggregation configuration. Carrier aggregation may be used with both FDD and TDD component carriers.

[0091] In some cases, the wireless communication system 100 may utilize an enhanced component carrier (eCC). An eCC may be characterized by one or more features including a wider carrier or frequency channel bandwidth, a shorter symbol duration, a shorter TTI duration, or a modified control channel configuration. In some cases, an eCC may be associated with a carrier aggregation configuration or a dual connectivity configuration (e.g., when multiple serving cells have suboptimal or non-ideal backhaul links). An eCC may also be configured for use in an unlicensed spectrum or a shared spectrum (e.g., where more than one operator is allowed to use the spectrum). An eCC characterized by a wide carrier bandwidth may include one or more segments that may be utilized by a UE 115 that is not capable of monitoring the entire carrier bandwidth or is otherwise configured to use a limited carrier bandwidth (e.g., to save power).

[0092] In some cases, an eCC may utilize a different symbol duration than other component carriers, which may include using a reduced symbol duration compared to the symbol duration of other component carriers. A shorter symbol duration may be associated with an increased spacing between adjacent subcarriers. A device utilizing an eCC (such as a UE 115 or a base station 105) may transmit a wideband signal (e.g., according to a frequency channel or carrier bandwidth of 20, 40, 60, 80 MHz, etc.) with a reduced symbol duration (e.g., 16.67 microseconds). A TTI in an eCC may include one or more symbol periods. In some cases, the TTI duration (i.e., the number of symbol periods in a TTI) may be variable.

[0093] The wireless communication system 100 may be an NR system that may utilize any combination of licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrum bands, etc. The flexibility of eCC symbol duration and subcarrier spacing may allow eCC to be used across multiple spectrums. In some examples, NR shared spectrum may improve spectrum utilization and spectrum efficiency, particularly through dynamic vertical (e.g., across frequency domain) and horizontal (e.g., across time domain) sharing of resources.

[0094] As described herein, devices of the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., base stations 105, UEs 115, or both) may use techniques for beam direction selection (e.g., when operating in a high path loss mode). For example, the base station 105 may select a set of neighboring base stations 105 for communication based on a path loss operating mode, a signal measurement (e.g., a determined angular distance metric), a criterion (e.g., an angular distance threshold), a selection scheme, a selection factor, or any combination thereof. The base station 105 may also determine a pairing between a communication beam corresponding to an RF chain of the base station 105 and a set of neighboring base stations 105.

[0095] One or more of the base station 105 and the UE 115 may include a communication manager 101. The communication manager 101 of the base station 105 or the UE 115 may select a wireless device set as a communication candidate based on an activated high path loss mode, wherein the wireless device set includes at least two wireless devices, and the angular distance of the at least two wireless devices relative to the base station 105 or the UE 115 is less than an angular distance threshold associated with the activated high path loss mode. The communication manager 101 may report a candidate list including the wireless device set to a network entity (e.g., the core network 130, the base station CU, etc.), and receive a subset of the wireless device set from the network entity, the subset of the wireless device set being based on the candidate list. The communication manager 101 may then use one or more communication beams to communicate with the subset of the wireless device set so that the base station 105 or the UE 115 uses a single communication beam of the one or more communication beams to communicate with the at least two wireless devices based on the angular distance being less than the angular distance threshold.

[0096] In some examples, such as when base station 105 acts as a network entity (such as a CU), communication manager 101 can receive a candidate list including a set of wireless devices from a first wireless device, and can select a subset of the set of wireless devices for communication with the first wireless device based on an activated high path loss mode of the first wireless device, wherein the subset of the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices whose angular distances relative to the first wireless device are less than an angular distance threshold associated with the activated high path loss mode. Communication manager 101 can transmit the subset of the set of wireless devices to the first wireless device.

[0097] Figure 2An example of a wireless communication system 200 that supports acknowledgement messaging for resource reservation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The wireless communication system 200 (e.g., NR system, mmW system, etc.) can utilize wireless backhaul link capabilities to supplement wired backhaul connections (e.g., wired backhaul links 220) by sharing infrastructure and spectrum resources for network access, thereby providing an IAB network architecture. The wireless communication system 200 may include a core network 205 and a base station 105 or a supported device, which is split into one or more supporting entities (i.e., functionality) for promoting wireless backhaul density in coordination with communication access. Various aspects of the support functionality of the base station 105 may be referred to as IAB nodes, such as IAB donor nodes 210 and IAB relay nodes 215. The wireless communication system 200 may additionally support several UEs 115, which may communicate with one or more IAB donor nodes 210, IAB relay nodes 215, or a combination of these devices on an uplink. In some examples, the wireless communication system 200 may implement various aspects of the wireless communication system 100.

[0098] The wireless communication system 200 may include one or more IAB donor nodes 210, which may be docked between a wired network and a wireless network. In some cases, the IAB donor node 210 may be referred to as an anchor node because the IAB donor node 210 anchors the wireless network to a wired connection. For example, each IAB donor node 210 may include at least one wired backhaul link 220 and one or more additional links (e.g., wireless backhaul link 225, backup wireless backhaul link 230, access link 235, etc.). The IAB donor node 210 may be split into an associated base station CU and a distributed unit (DU) entity, wherein one or more DUs associated with the IAB donor node 210 may be partially controlled by the associated CU. The CU of the IAB donor node 210 may host layer 3 (L3) (e.g., radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), etc.) functionality and signaling. In addition, the CU of the IAB donor node 210 can communicate with the core network 205 over a wired backhaul link 220 (e.g., which can be referred to as an NG interface). The DU can host lower layer operations, such as layer 1 (L1) and / or layer 2 (L2) (e.g., radio link control (RLC), MAC, physical (PHY) layer, etc.) functionality and signaling. The DU entity of the IAB donor node 210 can support a serving cell within a network coverage area based on a connection associated with a wireless backhaul link 225 and an access link 235 of the IAB network. The DU of the IAB donor node 210 can control both the access link and the backhaul link within the corresponding network coverage, and can provide control and scheduling for a descendant (i.e., child) IAB relay node 215 and / or UE 115. For example, the DU may support an RLC channel connection with the UE 115 (eg, via the access link 235) or with the IAB relay node 215 (eg, via a backhaul link such as the primary wireless backhaul link 225 or the backup wireless backhaul link 230).

[0099] The IAB relay node 215 may be split into associated mobile terminals (MTs) and base station DU entities, wherein the MT functionality of the IAB relay node 215 may be controlled and / or scheduled by a previous (i.e., parent) IAB node via a wireless backhaul link. The parent node of the relay node 215 (i.e., child node) may be another (previous) relay node 215 or a donor node 210. The MT functionality may be similar to the functionality performed by the UE 115 in the system. The IAB relay node 215 may not be directly connected to the wired backhaul 220. Instead, the IAB relay node 215 may be connected to the core network 205 via other IAB nodes (e.g., any number of additional IAB relay nodes 215 and IAB donor nodes 210) using a wireless backhaul link. The IAB relay node 215 may use the MT functionality to transmit upstream in the IAB system (e.g., toward the core network 205). In some cases, the DU of the IAB relay node 215 may be partially controlled by a signaling message (e.g., transmitted via the F1 application protocol (AP)) from the CU entity of the associated IAB donor node 210. The DU of the IAB relay node 215 may support a serving cell of a network coverage area. For example, the DU of the IAB relay node 215 may perform the same or similar functions as the DU of the IAB donor node 210, thereby supporting one or more access links 235 for the UE 115, one or more wireless backhaul links for the downstream IAB relay node 215, or both.

[0100] The wireless communication system 200 may employ a relay chain for communicating within the IAB network architecture. For example, the UE 115 may communicate with an IAB node, and the IAB node may relay data to a base station CU (e.g., a network entity or network device) or a core network 205 directly or via one or more IAB relay nodes 215. Each IAB relay node 215 may include a primary wireless backhaul link 225 for relaying data upstream and / or receiving information from a base station CU or a core network 205. In some cases, the IAB relay node 215 may additionally include one or more backup wireless backhaul links 230 (e.g., for redundant connectivity and / or improved robustness). If the primary wireless backhaul link 225 fails (e.g., due to interference, a failure at a connected IAB node, movement of an IAB node, maintenance at an IAB node, etc.), the IAB relay node 215 may utilize the backup wireless backhaul link 230 for backhaul communication within the IAB network. The first (e.g., primary) wireless backhaul link 225 may be associated with a coverage area and the MT functionality may be controlled and / or scheduled by a first parent node. One or more auxiliary backhaul links (e.g., backup wireless backhaul link 230) may be associated with a non-co-located coverage area and controlled and / or scheduled by one or more parent nodes. Each of the primary backhaul connections and each of the one or more auxiliary connections may support spectrum capabilities to provide network communications on one or more RATs. One or more IAB nodes may further support a base station DU entity and may support multiple backhaul and access links within a relay chain. The DU entity may control and / or schedule the offspring IAB relay nodes 215 and UE 115 within the IAB network (e.g., downstream in the IAB network) via the configured backhaul and access links. That is, the IAB relay node 215 may act as a relay between the IAB donor node 210 and one or more offspring devices (e.g., other IAB relay nodes 215, UE 115, etc.) in two communication directions based on the established backhaul and access connections.

[0101] The operations performed by the wireless devices in the wireless communication system 200 may be static or dynamic. For example, in a dynamic IAB system, the wireless device may function as a donor node 210, a relay node 215, a parent node, a child node, or any combination of these nodes. In some cases, the wireless device may dynamically switch between different roles in the IAB system (e.g., based on configuration, channel conditions, neighboring devices, etc.). In other cases, the wireless device may simultaneously function as multiple different roles (e.g., a single wireless device (such as a base station 105 or a UE 115) may function as a parent node for one wireless device and a child node for another wireless device).

[0102] As described herein, each device of the wireless communication system 200 (e.g., an IAB relay node 215, an IAB donor node 210, a CU, a DU, or a combination thereof) may use a technique for beam direction selection (e.g., in a high path loss mode). For example, a parent node or a child node may select a set of IAB nodes for communication based on a path loss operating mode, a measurement performed (e.g., a measured angular distance metric), a criterion (e.g., an angular distance threshold), a selection scheme, a selection factor, or any combination thereof. A parent node or a child node may also determine a pairing between an RF chain of the parent node or the child node (e.g., where each RF chain corresponds to a communication beam) and an identified IAB node for communication. For example, a parent node or a child node may select a group of IAB nodes for communication based on whether the angular distance metric between the group of IAB nodes is less than an angular distance threshold (e.g., so that a single communication beam of the parent node or the child node can be paired with the group of IAB nodes for communication).

[0103] Figure 3 An example of a wireless communication system 300 that supports beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the wireless communication system 300 can implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100 or 200. In some aspects, the wireless communication system 300 can operate within an IAB network. For example, the IAB nodes 305, 310, and 315 can be nodes within a larger IAB network, and the IAB node 305 can communicate with the IAB node 310 or the IAB node 315 over a wireless or wired backhaul link. The IAB nodes 305, 310, and 315 can be examples of wireless devices, relay nodes, donor nodes, or IAB nodes described herein.

[0104] Various aspects of the described technology enable support for wireless communications on radio frequency spectrum bands in high path loss environments by utilizing a high path loss mode. The high path loss mode can utilize various parameters (e.g., modulation and coding scheme (MCS), HARQ, aggregation level, reference signals, etc.) that are configured or otherwise selected to support wireless communications on radio frequency spectrum bands that experience path losses that meet (or exceed) a threshold path loss value.

[0105] In some cases, a wireless device (e.g., IAB node 305, 310, or 315) may operate in one of a plurality of path loss modes, such as operating in a high path loss mode when a path loss value meets (or exceeds) a threshold path loss value or operating in a normal (e.g., low) path loss mode when a path loss value is below a threshold path loss value. For example, one or more wireless devices may perform wireless communications on a radio frequency spectrum band in a wireless communication system 300. In some aspects, this may include (a) wireless device operating in a first path loss mode (e.g., a low path loss mode or a normal mode) in the wireless communication system 300. (a) The wireless device may receive a signal indicating that a path loss value has met (or exceeded) a threshold path loss value. As an example, (a) wireless device may monitor a channel of a radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., monitor a signal being communicated on the channel) and determine that the path loss value has met (or exceeded) a threshold path loss value. In another example, (a) wireless device may receive a signal indicating that a path loss value has met (or exceeded) a threshold path loss value from another wireless device. Accordingly, the wireless device(s) may switch from a first path loss mode (e.g., a low path loss mode) to a second path loss mode (e.g., a high path loss mode) and continue to perform wireless communication. The second path loss mode (e.g., a high path loss mode) may include one or more parameters to support continued wireless communication in a high path loss environment. Examples of parameters that may be adjusted may include, but are not limited to: a synchronization signal block (SSB) length in a high path loss mode becomes longer, a reference signal length in a high path loss mode becomes longer, an MCS in a high path loss mode becomes lower, and the like. Accordingly, the wireless device may continue to perform wireless communication in the wireless communication system 300 according to the second path loss mode (e.g., a high path loss mode) in a high path loss environment.

[0106] As shown, the IAB node 305 can communicate with the IAB node 310 in a high path loss mode (e.g., when the high path loss mode is activated at the IAB node 305 for these communications) and can communicate with the IAB node 315 in a normal mode (e.g., when the high path loss mode is deactivated at the IAB node 305 for these communications). An indication of which mode is to be used for communication can be transmitted from the IAB node 305 to the IAB node 310 and / or 315. For example, the IAB node 305 can transmit a communication configuration 320-a to the IAB node 310 to communicate in a high path loss mode. The communication configuration 320-a can instruct the IAB node 310 to operate in a high path loss mode to communicate with the IAB node 305. The communication configuration 320-a can also include a bandwidth part (BWP) information element 325-a, which is a BWP parameter used for communication between the IAB node 305 and the IAB node 310 for the BWP indication. In some example, the communication configuration 320-a may include one or more additional bits 330-a, which may indicate that the BWP identified by the BWP information element 325-a is configured for high path loss communications. As shown, the one or more additional bits 330-a may be part of the BWP information element 325-a.

[0107] For normal mode operation, the IAB node 305 may transmit a communication configuration 320-b to the IAB node 315. The communication configuration 320-b may include a BWP information element 325-b and one or more additional bits 330-b (which may be part of the BWP information element 325-b). The one or more additional bits 330-b may indicate that the BWP identified by the BWP information element 325-b is configured for normal mode communication. Based on the communication configuration(s) 320, the DU and / or MT functionality of the IAB node 305, 310, or 315 may be configured to have different downlink or uplink BWPs for high path loss mode and normal mode activated based on the communication configuration(s) 320 sent to the corresponding IAB node 310 or 315. For example, the IAB node 310 may perform communication using the high path loss BWP identified by the BWP information element 325-a upon receiving the communication configuration 320-a (or after a duration after receiving the communication configuration 320-a).

[0108] In some cases, the IAB node 305 may enter a high path loss mode and may communicate with the IAB node 310 after a given time interval. For example, the communication configuration 320-a may include timing information (e.g., an indication of a time interval to wait before the IAB node 310 operates in the high path loss mode), and the IAB node 305 may instruct the IAB node 310 to activate the high path loss BWP based on the timing information. In some cases, the BWP information element 325-a may include additional information indicating that the BWP has been configured for the high path loss mode (e.g., via one or more additional bits 330-a), which signals to the MT of the IAB node 310 that the communication is to fully enter the high path loss mode after a specified time and that no additional signaling may be used to enter or exit the high path loss mode.

[0109] In some aspects, configuration parameters of the communication configuration 320 may be configured differently between path loss modes (e.g., a first subset of configuration parameters may vary between a high path loss mode and a normal mode, while a second subset of configuration parameters may be configured to be the same between the high path loss mode and the normal mode). For example, control resource set (CORESET) parameters, channel state information (CSI) resources, and sounding reference signal (SRS) resources may be different between the high path loss mode and the normal mode. In addition, if one or more additional bits 330 correspond to a high path loss mode (such as one or more additional bits 330-a), a longer duration of the TTI may be implemented for communication in the high path loss mode compared to the duration of the TTI associated with the normal mode. Additionally or alternatively, rules specific to the high path loss mode may be invoked (e.g., rules relating to procedures for interrupting a data channel (such as a shared data channel) with a reference signal (RS) (such as a tracking RS (TRS))).

[0110] In some cases, other parameters (e.g., a second subset of configuration parameters) may be configured to be the same between high path loss and normal mode operations. For example, processing time related control parameters (e.g., waiting time parameters related to scheduling, parameters related to control operations) may remain the same for normal and high path loss modes.

[0111] As described herein, each device of the wireless communication system 300 (e.g., IAB nodes 305, 310, 315, or a combination thereof) may use a technique for beam direction selection (e.g., in a high path loss mode). For example, a parent node or a child node may select a set of IAB nodes for communication based on a path loss operating mode, a measurement performed (e.g., a measured angular distance metric), a criterion (e.g., an angular distance threshold), a selection scheme, a selection factor, or any combination thereof. A parent node or a child node may also determine a pairing between an RF chain of the parent node or the child node (e.g., where each RF chain corresponds to a communication beam) and an identified IAB node for communication. For example, a parent node or a child node may select a group of IAB nodes for communication based on whether the angular distance metric between the group of IAB nodes is less than an angular distance threshold (e.g., so that a single communication beam of the parent node or the child node can be paired with the group of IAB nodes for communication).

[0112] Figure 4 Illustrated are example configuration parameters 400 that support beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Configuration parameters 400 may include a set of configuration parameters for configuring communications according to different path loss modes.

[0113] In some examples, one or more configuration parameters 400 may be configured to support high path loss mode communications (e.g., for devices operating in high path loss mode, such as a parent IAB node that uses a high path loss communication link to communicate with a child IAB node). In addition, one or more configuration parameters 400 may be configured to support normal mode communications (e.g., for devices operating in normal path loss mode, such as a parent IAB node that uses a normal path loss communication link to communicate with a child IAB node).

[0114] In some cases, a subset of configuration parameters 400 may be configurable between path loss modes. For example, one or more configuration parameters 400 may be variable or dynamic between path loss modes, while other configuration parameters 400 may be static and remain the same between different path loss modes. In one example, a subset of configuration parameters 400 may be different for high path loss mode operation compared to normal mode operation. Such parameters may include CORESET parameters (e.g., CORESET #0 information or common CORESET information, CSI reference signal (CSI-RS) parameters (e.g., CSI-RS resource configuration, periodicity, measurement information), and SRS parameters (e.g., SRS configuration, SRS resource). Other configurable parameters may include uplink control information (UCI) parameters (e.g., UCI resource), MCS parameters (e.g., modulation order, coding scheme), and uplink or downlink BWP parameters (e.g., control or data channel configuration parameters, frequency location, parameter set, timing information, etc.). Demodulation reference signal (DMRS) parameters (e.g., DMRS resource or mapping type), HARQ parameters (e.g., HARQ feedback information, such as #HARQ N1, MCS, etc.), synchronization signal block (SSB) parameters (SSB positioning, periodicity, and / or power), uplink or downlink TTI information (e.g., uplink TTI duration and position, downlink TTI duration and position), aggregation level parameters, beam parameters (e.g., beam width or index), bandwidth parameters (e.g., cell RS port, frequency information, etc.), TRS parameters (e.g., rules for interrupting PUSCH), and random access channel (RACH) parameters (e.g., RACH timing and resources), etc. may also be configurable between different path loss modes.

[0115] For example, one or more MCS parameters in configuration parameters 400 may be configurable between path loss modes. The MCS parameters may be associated with or include an MCS table having a number of entries (e.g., 16 entries). The entries may correspond to a coding rate or modulation order (e.g., quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) format (such as QAM 16, QAM 64), etc.). In some examples, the MCS table may be configurable based on the path loss mode. For example, the MCS table for the normal path loss mode of operation may be different from the MCS table for the high path loss mode of operation. In some examples, the MCS table may be different based on channel conditions (e.g., each MCS table may include different entries). For example, based on a path loss dynamic range (e.g., whether the path loss dynamic range is associated with a normal path loss mode of operation or a high path loss mode of operation), a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), or any other channel condition metric, the MCS table may include different entries.

[0116] In some examples, a wireless device (e.g., a base station 105 or a parent IAB node) may transmit a control transmission (e.g., a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission) to a receiving wireless device (e.g., a UE 115 or a child IAB node). The control transmission may schedule a shared channel transmission (e.g., a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmission or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission). The control transmission may also include downlink control information (DCI), which may indicate one or more configuration parameters 400 to the receiving wireless device. For example, the DCI may indicate an MCS parameter (e.g., an entry of an MCS table) to the receiving wireless device. The receiving wireless device may determine a coding rate and a modulation order based on an indication in the DCI (e.g., a coding rate and a modulation order associated with an indicated entry of the MCS table). The receiving wireless device may transmit or receive the scheduled shared channel transmission using the determined coding and modulation order.

[0117] Other configuration parameters 400 may be configured similarly between high path loss and normal modes. For example, configuration parameters 400, such as time-related control parameters (e.g., processing time-related parameters, waiting time parameters, switching time parameters, scheduling parameters, or any combination of these or similar control parameters) may be configured to be the same for both high path loss and normal modes. Furthermore, other control operation parameters, such as timing for beam changes (e.g., timing between beam change commands and beam changes), may be configured to be the same for both high path loss and normal modes.

[0118] As described herein, configuration parameters 400 may support techniques for beam direction selection (e.g., in high path loss mode). In some examples, configuration parameters 400 may be configurable between high path loss and normal modes. A parent node or child node may select an IAB node set for communication based on configuration parameters 400 and an associated path loss mode (e.g., high path loss mode). A parent node or child node may also select an IAB node set based on measurements performed (e.g., measured angular distance metrics), criteria (e.g., angular distance thresholds), selection schemes, selection factors, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, a parent node or child node may determine a pairing between an RF chain of the parent node or child node (e.g., where each RF chain corresponds to a communication beam) and an identified IAB node for communication. For example, a parent node or child node may select a group of IAB nodes for communication based on whether the angular distance metric between the group of IAB nodes is less than an angular distance threshold (e.g., so that a single communication beam of a parent node or child node can be paired with the group of IAB nodes for communication).

[0119] Figure 5 An example of a wireless communication system 500 that supports beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the wireless communication system 500 can implement aspects of the wireless communication systems 100, 200, or 300. The wireless communication system 500 may include a wireless device (such as an IAB node 505), which may be an example of a parent node, a child node, or both, as described with reference to FIG. Figure 2 In some examples, the IAB node 505 may also be an example of any wireless device described herein (e.g., an IAB donor node 210, an IAB relay node 215, a base station 105, or a UE 115). In some examples, the wireless communication system 500 may illustrate an IAB network (e.g., as described with reference to Figure 2 described), a wireless communication system operating in the mmW frequency range, or both.

[0120] For example, the wireless communication system 500 can operate in the mmW frequency range (e.g., 26 GHz, 28 GHz, 39 GHz, 57-71 GHz, etc.). Signal processing techniques (such as beamforming) can be used by the wireless communication devices of the system. For example, a transmitting device (e.g., an IAB node 505) can coherently combine the transmission energy on one or more antenna elements (e.g., an RF chain) to overcome the path loss at the operating frequency. In other examples, a receiving device (e.g., another IAB node 505) can use beamforming techniques to configure antenna elements for directional signal reception. The wireless communication device can rely on beam management procedures to monitor the performance of active beams (e.g., communication beams 510) and identify candidate beams that can be utilized when the active beam becomes unavailable or otherwise unusable (e.g., due to fading, obstruction, etc.).

[0121] In some examples of wireless communication system 500, IAB node 505-a may include one or more antenna elements (e.g., RF chains). Each antenna element may be associated with a communication beam 510 (e.g., an analog beam). IAB node 505-a may use communication beam 510 (e.g., communication beam 510-a, 510-b, 510-c, or any combination thereof) to point in different directions for communicating with other IAB nodes (such as IAB nodes 505-b, 505-c, 505-d, 505-e, and 505-f).

[0122] In some examples, the IAB node 505-a may determine to communicate with other IAB node (505) sets. In such examples, the IAB node 505-a may pair the communication beam 510 with one or more IAB nodes 505 from the IAB node set. For example, the IAB node 505-a may determine to communicate with the IAB node 505-d (e.g., based on the IAB node set indicated by a network entity (such as a CU)). The IAB node 505-a may pair the communication beam 510-c with the IAB node 505-d (e.g., based on an indication from the CU) for directional communication. In some examples, the IAB node 505-a may determine the number of communication beams 510 for communicating with the IAB node set based on the number of RF chains at the IAB node 505-a (e.g., two communication beams 510 associated with two RF chains). In some cases, the IAB node 505-a may communicate using different RF chains simultaneously (e.g., in overlapping time resources). For example, the IAB node 505 - a may communicate with a first IAB node 505 using a first communication beam 510 and communicate with a second IAB node 505 using a second communication beam 510 in overlapping time resources (eg, overlapping OFDM symbols).

[0123] The IAB node 505-a can communicate with the IAB node set based on communication factors. The communication factors can be spatial metrics, power metrics, or other metrics about determining the set of IAB nodes (505) for communication. For example, the communication factors can include angular distance. The angular distance can be in the form of AoA or AoD of the transmission. AoA can be a measurement of the angle at which the transmission arrives at the IAB node 505-a from another IAB node 505. AoD can be a measurement of the angle at which the transmission is sent from the IAB node 505-a to the receiving IAB node 505.

[0124] In some examples (e.g., in normal path loss mode operation or disabled high path loss mode operation), IAB node 505-a can communicate with the IAB node (505) set based on the measured angular distance satisfying a minimum angular distance threshold. For example, IAB node 505-a or a network entity (e.g., CU) can determine that the measured angular distance between IAB nodes 505-c and 505-d satisfies (e.g., is greater than or equal to) the minimum angular distance threshold. Based on satisfying the minimum angular distance threshold, IAB nodes 505-c and 505-d can be included in the IAB node set for communication and can be paired with communication beams 510-b and 510-c, respectively, for directional communication with IAB node 505-a. Relatively large measured angular distances can provide communication diversity in the wireless communication system 500. For example, if communication beam 510-b becomes unavailable or otherwise unusable (eg, due to obstruction), IAB node 505-a may maintain communication with IAB node 505-c (eg, via unobstructed communication beam 510-c).

[0125] In other examples (e.g., in high path loss mode operation), the IAB node 505-a can communicate with the IAB node (505) set for communication based on the measured angular distance satisfying the angular distance threshold (e.g., the maximum angular distance threshold of a single beam). For example, the IAB node 505-a or the CU can determine that the measured angular distance between the IAB nodes 505-b and 505-c satisfies (e.g., is less than or equal to) the angular distance threshold. Based on the IAB node 505-a operating in the high path loss mode, the IAB nodes 505-b and 505-c can be included in the IAB node set for communication. Due to the relatively small angular distance, the IAB node 505-a can communicate with the two IAB nodes 505-b and 505-c using a single communication beam for directional communication. In a first example, IAB node 505-a may serve a group of IAB nodes (e.g., both IAB node 505-b and IAB node 505-c) using communication beam 510-a corresponding to one of the IAB nodes (e.g., IAB node 505-b). In a second example, IAB node 505-a may select communication beam 510-d corresponding to the group of IAB nodes (e.g., IAB nodes 505-b and 505-c) instead of any one IAB node 505.

[0126] A relatively small angular distance can achieve more robust and efficient communication. For example, IAB node 505-a can determine to operate in a high path loss mode. IAB node 505-a can increase the received power and coherence of transmissions from selected IAB nodes 505-b and 510-c (e.g., due to the low angular distance of IAB node 505-b and 510-c). For example, IAB node 505-a can use a single antenna element (e.g., using communication beam 510-a or 510-d) to receive transmissions from IAB node 505-b and IAB node 505-c, which can achieve higher data rates and more robust data reception in high path loss mode operation.

[0127] The IAB node 505-a may determine criteria for generating a candidate list of IAB nodes for communication (e.g., based on the current operating mode). The candidate list may include a list of one or more IAB nodes 505 (e.g., of neighboring IAB nodes 505 that can communicate with the IAB node 505-a). In some examples, the CU may transmit the criteria to the IAB node 505-a. In other examples, the IAB node 505-a may be configured with the criteria.

[0128] In some examples, the criteria may include information for generating a candidate list. For example, the criteria may include an indication of the number of IAB nodes 505 to be included in the candidate list (e.g., the criteria may specify that 4 IAB nodes are to be reported in the candidate list for IAB node 505-a). Additionally or alternatively, the criteria may include an indication of one or more thresholds. IAB node 505-a may use the one or more thresholds to determine whether to include IAB node 505 in the candidate list (e.g., based on one or more measurements satisfying or not satisfying the one or more thresholds). The criteria may also include any other information related to determining the candidate list.

[0129] The IAB node 505-a can use the criteria to generate a candidate list. For example, the IAB node 505-a can determine the candidate list based on an indication of one or more thresholds. In some cases, the IAB node 505-a can transmit and / or receive signals from adjacent IAB nodes 505 (e.g., IAB nodes 505-b, 505-c, 505-d, 505-e, and 505-f), and can perform measurements for each signal. In some examples, the measurements can be associated with each IAB node 505 and can include power metrics (e.g., based on reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements), spatial metrics (e.g., spatial distance, spatial interval, angular distance), etc. The IAB node 505-a can determine that one or more measurements meet one or more thresholds and can determine that the associated IAB node 505 is to be included in the candidate list. The IAB node 505 - a may report the generated candidate list (eg, a list of IAB nodes 505 - b , 505 - c , 505 - d , and 505 - f ) to the network via a network entity such as a base station CU.

[0130] The IAB node 505-a may also determine other communication information. For example, the IAB node 505-a may determine communication beam information. The communication beam information may include the width of the communication beam 510 (e.g., selected or measured by the IAB node 505-a). For example, the width of the communication beam 510 may be used to determine whether a group of IAB nodes 505 (such as IAB nodes 505-b and 505-c) can support the use of a single communication beam 510 (such as communication beams 510-a or 510-d) to communicate with the IAB node 505-a. The communication information may also include the number of RF chains associated with the IAB node 505-a, the number of communication beams 510 for communication with other IAB nodes 505 (e.g., two communication beams 510 corresponding to two RF chains at the IAB node 505-a), and the like. In some examples, the IAB node 505-a may report the communication information to the CU together with the reported candidate list.

[0131] In some examples, the IAB node 505-a may modify or retransmit the candidate list based on a change in the path loss operation mode. For example, the IAB node 505-a may perform a path loss measurement and may determine to activate or deactivate a high path loss operation mode. In some examples, the IAB node 505-a may transmit an indication that the high path loss operation mode is activated or deactivated to the CU. The CU may modify the criteria for generating the candidate list based on the operation mode. In some examples (e.g., for a high path loss operation mode), the CU may indicate different information (e.g., information different from a normal path loss operation mode) for the criteria, such as reporting a different number of IAB nodes, different thresholds, or other modified information. For example, the CU may indicate to the IAB node 505-a an angular distance threshold for serving multiple IAB nodes 505 using a single beam based on the high path loss operation mode (e.g., as a replacement for indicating a minimum angular distance threshold). In some other examples, the IAB node 505-a may dynamically determine the angular distance threshold in the high path loss mode based on the selected communication beam width. Additionally or alternatively, the IAB node 505-a may modify the criteria based on the path loss mode. For example, in some cases, the IAB node 505-a may indicate additional IAB nodes 505 in the candidate list based on the grouping of the IAB nodes 505. That is, instead of reporting 4 IAB nodes 505 as communication candidates, the IAB node 505-a in the high path loss mode may report 4 groups of IAB nodes 505 corresponding to 4 communication beams 510 as communication candidates. The IAB node 505-a may generate a candidate list based on the criteria for the normal path loss operation mode, the modified criteria for the high path loss operation mode, or a combination thereof.

[0132] In some examples, the candidate list may also include measurements (e.g., power metrics or spatial metrics) associated with each reported IAB node (e.g., IAB nodes 505-b, 505-c, 505-d, etc.). In other examples, the candidate list may include one or more groups of IAB nodes 505. Each IAB node group may include two or more IAB nodes 505 that can be supported by a single communication beam 510. The IAB node 505-a may determine the one or more groups based on determining that a measurement of one or more IAB nodes 505 satisfies a threshold (e.g., a threshold indicated in a criterion). For example, a spatial separation measurement (such as an angular distance measurement between an IAB node 505-b and an IAB node 505-c) may satisfy a threshold (e.g., may be less than an angular distance threshold). The IAB node 505-a may determine that a single communication beam 510-a or 510-d can support communication with both the IAB node 505-b and the IAB node 505-c based on the angular distance threshold being satisfied. IAB node 505 - a may report IAB nodes 505 - b and 505 - c as a group of IAB nodes in a candidate list.

[0133] The IAB node 505 may be selected for the candidate list based on a selection scheme. In some examples, the scheme may be based on a path loss operation mode (e.g., a high path loss operation mode). The IAB node 505-a may determine whether to include the IAB node 505 in the neighboring IAB node set in the reported candidate list based on the selection scheme. That is, the IAB node 505-a may select the neighboring IAB node 505 based on a selection factor (e.g., a measurement associated with the neighboring IAB node 505). For example, the selection factor may include received signal strength (e.g., from a power metric such as an RSRP measurement). The IAB node 505-a may determine to select an IAB node 505 with a relatively strong signal. The selection factor may also include a spatial metric. For example, the IAB node 505-a may select the IAB node 505 based on the angular distance between two or more IAB nodes 505 (e.g., a group of IAB nodes that can support communication with a single communication beam 510). Additionally or alternatively, the IAB node 505 - a may select the IAB node 505 based on whether two or more IAB nodes 505 meet a minimum angular distance threshold (eg, two or more IAB nodes 505 have a relatively large angular distance to gain robustness against blocking, sudden interference, etc.).

[0134] Such a selection scheme can be implemented for dynamic candidate list reporting and beam selection (e.g., based on an activated or deactivated high path loss operating mode). For example, a CU or IAB node 505-a can determine the priority of a selection factor to determine a candidate list based on a path loss operating mode. The IAB node 505-a can generate a candidate list according to a selection scheme. The IAB node 505-a can report the candidate list to the CU. In a specific example, the IAB node 505-a can determine which adjacent IAB nodes 505 have RSRP values ​​higher than the minimum RSRP value, and determine whether any of these IAB nodes 505 support grouping according to a shared communication beam 510. Subsequently, the IAB node 505-a can report the IAB nodes 505 that are grouped together or that maximize the angular distance between the reported IAB nodes 505.

[0135] A network entity (such as a base station CU) may receive a reported candidate list from an IAB node 505-a, and may determine a set of IAB nodes (505) for communicating with the IAB node 505-a based on the received candidate list. In some examples, the CU may receive a candidate list including one or more IAB node groups (e.g., IAB node groups that can be supported by the same RF chain or communication beam 510). In some cases, the CU may determine which IAB nodes 505 or which IAB node groups may be paired with which communication beams 510. In some examples, the CU may transmit an indication of the selected IAB node set (e.g., a candidate subset reported in the candidate list) to the IAB node 505-a. In some examples, the indication of the IAB node set may also include pairing of the communication beam 510 with one or more IAB nodes 505. In some aspects, the CU may receive a candidate list including a list of reported IAB nodes 505, measurements associated with the reported IAB nodes 505 (e.g., the angular distance between specific IAB nodes 505 (such as IAB node 505-b and IAB node 505-c)), or other relevant information (e.g., the beamwidths of different communication beams 510). The CU may use the received measurements, information, or both to determine a group of IAB nodes that can be supported by the IAB node 505-a using the same RF chain or communication beam 510.

[0136] A network entity (e.g., CU) may send a selected subset of IAB nodes 505 to IAB node 505-a for communication. For example, based on the reported candidate list, the network entity may select three IAB nodes 505 corresponding to two RF chains at IAB node 505-a. In some cases, these selected IAB nodes 505 may serve as parent nodes of IAB node 505-a. In other cases, IAB node 505-a may serve as a parent node for these selected IAB nodes 505. IAB node 505-a may communicate with selected IAB node 505 using a communication beam 510 indicated by the CU or selected by IAB node 505-a.

[0137] As in Figure 5 As explained in , IAB node 505-a can discover neighboring IAB nodes 505 (e.g., IAB nodes 505-b, 505-c, 505-d, 505-e, and 505-f) and can receive signals from or transmit signals to neighboring IAB nodes 505. The discovery can be based on discovery signals between the IAB nodes 505 or message delivery from the CU. The IAB node 505-a can perform measurements on the signals with these neighboring nodes and select an IAB node set to be included in the candidate list. For example, the IAB node set may include 4 IAB nodes 505, such as IAB node 505-b, IAB node 505-c, IAB node 505-d, and IAB node 505-f. The IAB node 505-a can select the IAB node 505 to be included in the candidate list based on a set of criteria and signal measurements. For example, IAB node 505-a may determine that measurements (e.g., power metrics, spatial metrics, etc.) of IAB nodes 505-b and 505-c meet criteria for reporting (e.g., based on a determined selection scheme). In some examples, the criteria, the selection scheme, or both may be based on a path loss operating mode (e.g., an active high path loss operating mode). IAB node 505-a may report the set of IAB nodes to the CU in a candidate list. IAB node 505-a may also report other communication information, such as the number of communication beams 510 associated with IAB node 505-a, the beam width of the communication beam 510, and the like.

[0138] The CU may select a subset of the IAB nodes in the candidate list (e.g., IAB nodes 505-b, 505-c, and 505-d) for communication with the IAB node 505-a. For example, the CU may determine that the IAB node 505-a includes two RF chains with two associated communication beams 510. The CU may select the IAB node 505-b and the IAB node 505-c based on the angular distance between the IAB node 505-b and the IAB node 505-c to communicate with the IAB node 505-a using a single communication beam 510 (e.g., communication beam 510-a or 510-d). For example, based on the width of the communication beam 510-a, the IAB nodes 505-b and 505-c may meet the angular distance threshold for supporting communication on a single communication beam 510-a (e.g., a wider communication beam may support a higher angular distance threshold to group the IAB nodes 505). In some cases, the candidates on the candidate list may be selected based on one or more parameters, such as a power metric, a spatial metric, a path loss operating mode, a selection scheme, or any combination thereof. The CU may also select IAB node 505-d for communicating with IAB node 505-a using communication beam 510-c (e.g., where IAB node 505-a has two RF chains supporting two analog beams). For example, IAB node 505-d and IAB nodes 505-c and 505-b may meet a minimum angular distance threshold to provide diversity (e.g., robustness against blocking) in the communication system.

[0139] The CU may send the selected subset of IAB nodes for communication to the IAB node 505-a. The IAB node 505-a may receive the selected subset of IAB nodes and may communicate with the IAB nodes (e.g., IAB nodes 505-b, 505-c, and 505-d) using two communication beams (e.g., communication beams 510-a and 510-c).

[0140] Figure 6 An example of a wireless communication system 600 that supports beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the wireless communication system 600 can implement aspects of the wireless communication systems 100, 200, 300, or 500. The wireless communication system 600 may include a wireless device (such as an IAB node 605) that can support DU functionality, MT functionality, or both, as described with reference to FIG. Figure 2-5In some examples, the IAB node 605 may also be an example of any wireless device described herein (e.g., an IAB donor node 210, an IAB relay node 215, a base station 105, or a UE 115). For example, the IAB node 605-a may be an example of a child node, and the IAB nodes 605-b and 605-c may be examples of a parent node. In some examples, the wireless communication system 600 may illustrate an IAB network (e.g., as described with reference to Figure 2 described), a wireless communication system operating in the mmW frequency range, or both.

[0141] In some examples, the wireless communication system 600 can operate in the mmW frequency range. The IAB node 605-a may include one or more antenna elements (e.g., RF chains), each of which may be associated with a communication beam (e.g., an analog beam). The IAB node 605-a may use a set of communication beams to point to different directions to communicate with other IAB nodes (such as IAB nodes 605-b, 605-c, or both). In some examples, the IAB node 605-a or a network entity may select an IAB node 605-b, 605-c, or both from a list of neighboring IAB nodes (e.g., IAB nodes within a specific distance, IAB nodes with a specific signal strength, IAB nodes discovered by the IAB node 605-a using discovery signaling, etc.) for communication. In such an example, the IAB node 605-a may use a single antenna element (e.g., the same RF chain or analog beam) for directional communications with the IAB nodes 605-b and 605-c based on the angular separation between the IAB nodes 605-b and 605-c relative to the IAB node 605-a.

[0142] For example, IAB node 605-a can receive transmission 610 from IAB node 605-b and 605-c using the same antenna element (e.g., RF chain). In some examples, transmissions 610-a and 610-b from IAB node 605-b and 605-c, respectively, can be examples of frequency division multiplexing (FDM) transmissions. In some examples, it may be advantageous to receive transmission 610 in this manner because one or more links between IAB node 605-a and IAB node 605-b, IAB node 605-c, or both may be power-limited. That is, the transmit power used for the link may be a limiting factor for the data throughput of transmission 610. Therefore, IAB node 605-a can schedule transmissions 610-a and 610-b from IAB node 605-b and IAB node 605-c in the same time resource, which can increase the received power of the transmission in a timely manner and aggregate data throughput. In some examples, IAB nodes 605-b and 605-c can coordinate resource allocation and scheduling regarding transmissions 610-a and 610-b to IAB node 605-a. For example, IAB nodes 605-b and 605-c can determine that they are operating in a high path loss mode of operation and can reserve resources for FDM transmissions 610 in a frequency range that is relatively smaller than a normal mode of operation (e.g., to increase the per-link power of each transmission 610). In some situations, such as in a high path loss mode of operation, a subchannel for one or more transmissions 610 may leave a relatively large guard band. The guard band can enable IAB node 605-a to successfully decode each transmission 610 even if there is a timing or frequency misalignment between the transmissions 610 (e.g., between transmission 610-a and transmission 610-b).

[0143] In some examples, such as in downlink communications, the IAB node 605-a may receive one or more shared channel transmissions (e.g., PDSCH transmissions). For example, the IAB node 605-a may receive transmission 610-a and transmission 610-b from the IAB node 605-b and the IAB node 605-c, respectively, in the same time resources (e.g., in an FDM manner). In other examples, such as in uplink communications, the IAB node 605-a may transmit shared channel transmissions (e.g., PUSCH transmissions), control channel transmissions (e.g., physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmissions), or both. For example, the IAB node 605-a may send uplink transmissions to the IAB nodes 605-b and / or 605-c in the same frequency resources (e.g., in a time division multiplexing (TDM) manner). Such a communication scheme can achieve efficient communication (e.g., in a system with heavy downlink traffic), where IAB node 605-a uses the same communication beam (and correspondingly, a single RF chain) to communicate with both IAB nodes 605-b and 605-c. Other variations of this scheme can be implemented by the IAB system. For example, IAB node 605-a can receive downlink transmissions in a TDM manner, or transmit uplink transmissions in an FDM manner, or both.

[0144] Figure 7 An example of a process flow 700 for supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. Process flow 700 may illustrate an example beam selection scheme for efficient signaling in high path loss mode operation. For example, network entity 705 may be an example of a network entity (e.g., as described with reference to Figure 2-6 CU described herein). Wireless devices 710 and 715 may be as described with reference to Figure 2-6 Examples of one or more IAB nodes described herein (e.g., parent node, child node, IAB donor node 210, IAB relay node 215, IAB node 505 or 605, base station 105, UE 115, etc.). In some cases, some operations illustrated as being performed by network entity 705 may be performed by wireless devices 710 and 715, and vice versa. Additionally, the following alternative examples may be implemented, in which some operations may be performed in a different order than described or not performed at all. In some cases, each operation may include additional features not mentioned below, or further processes or communications may be added.

[0145] At 720, the wireless device 710, the wireless device 715, the network entity 705, or any combination thereof may determine an operating mode. For example, the wireless device 710 may measure the path loss of the communication with the wireless device 715 and may determine to switch to a high path loss mode, as described in reference to FIG. Figure 3-6In some examples, the wireless device 710 may transmit an indication to the network entity 705 or the wireless device 715 that the wireless device 710 is operating in a high path loss mode of operation.

[0146] At 725, the network entity 705 may determine criteria based on the determined operating mode. In some examples, the criteria may include a method for generating a candidate list (e.g., referring to Figure 5 The criterion may include information of a candidate list (e.g., a candidate list described herein). For example, the criterion may include an indication of the number of wireless devices to be included in the candidate list (e.g., an indication of the number of IAB nodes reporting the candidate list). Additionally or alternatively, the criterion may include an indication of one or more thresholds, one or more beam parameters, or some combination thereof. The wireless device 710 may use one or more thresholds to determine whether to include the wireless device in the candidate list (e.g., based on one or more measurements satisfying or not satisfying one or more thresholds). The criterion may also include any other information relevant to determining the candidate list. At 730, the network entity 705 may transmit the criterion to the wireless device 710. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless device 710 may be configured with the criterion.

[0147] At 735, the wireless device 710 may perform measurements. For example, the wireless device 710 may receive signals from neighboring wireless devices (e.g., neighboring wireless devices including the wireless device 715) and may perform measurements on the signals. In some examples, the measurements of the signals may be associated with the wireless device and may include power metrics (e.g., from RSRP measurements), spatial metrics (e.g., spatial distances, spatial intervals, angular distances, etc.), and the like. In some cases, the wireless device 710 may determine the spatial metrics based on location information of the neighboring wireless devices (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) information received from the network). In some aspects, the measurements determined by the wireless device 710 may include angular distances of pairs or groups of neighboring wireless devices. The angular distance may be in the form of AoA or AoD. AoA may be a measurement of the angle of an arriving transmission from another wireless device (e.g., the wireless device 715). AoD may be a measurement of the AoD of a departing transmission from the wireless device 710 to another wireless device (e.g., the wireless device 715).

[0148] At 740, the wireless device 710 may generate a candidate list. The candidate list may include a list of one or more potential wireless devices (e.g., including the wireless device 715) for communication with the wireless device 710. The wireless device for communication may be a set of wireless devices (e.g., a set of wireless devices in neighboring wireless devices such as IAB nodes within a certain distance, IAB nodes with a certain signal strength, IAB nodes discovered by the wireless device 710 using discovery signaling, etc.). In some examples, the wireless device 710 may determine the candidate list based on criteria (e.g., an indication of one or more thresholds), the determined operation mode, or both. The wireless device 710 may determine that one or more measurements (e.g., performed at 735) satisfy the one or more thresholds and may include the associated wireless device(s) (e.g., the wireless device 715) in the candidate list. At 745, the wireless device 710 may transmit the candidate list to the network entity 705. The wireless device 710 may also report communication information, such as the number of RF chains included in the wireless device 710, the number of communication beams (e.g., associated with each RF chain) to be used for communicating with one or more wireless devices listed in the candidate list (e.g., two communication beams associated with two RF chains), the width of each communication beam, and the like.

[0149] In some examples, the candidate list may also include measurements (e.g., power metrics or spatial metrics) associated with each reported wireless device (e.g., wireless device 715). In other examples, the candidate list may include one or more groups of wireless devices. In some cases, each group may include one or more wireless devices that can be supported by a single communication beam at the wireless device 710. The wireless device 710 may determine the one or more groups based on determining that the measurement of one or more wireless devices meets a threshold (e.g., a threshold indicated by the network entity 705). For example, a spatial separation measurement (such as an angular distance measurement between two wireless devices) may meet a threshold (e.g., an angular distance threshold). The wireless device 710 may determine that a single communication beam can support communication with multiple wireless devices based on the angular distance threshold that is met (and in some cases, the selected beam width, beam strength, beam angle, etc.). The wireless device 710 may report the wireless device as a group of wireless devices in the candidate list.

[0150] At 750, the network entity 705 can determine a set of one or more wireless devices for communicating with the wireless device 710. In some examples, the network entity 705 can determine the set of wireless devices based on the received candidate list. For example, the network entity 705 can determine which wireless devices or which groups of wireless devices can be paired with the communication beam of the wireless device 710 (e.g., if the wireless device groups are reported in the candidate list).

[0151] In some cases, the network entity 705 may receive a candidate list including the list of reported wireless devices. The candidate list may also include measurements associated with the reported wireless devices (e.g., the angular distance between two or more wireless devices), or other relevant information (e.g., the beam width of each communication beam used to communicate with one or more wireless devices). The network entity 705 may use the received measurements, information, or both to determine a group of wireless devices (e.g., wireless devices that can be supported by the same RF chain or communication beam). The network entity 705 may determine a set of wireless devices for communicating with the wireless device 710 based on the determined group. At 755, the network entity 705 may transmit the selected set of wireless devices (e.g., a subset of the candidates reported in the candidate list) to the wireless device 710.

[0152] At 760, the wireless device 710 may communicate with one or more wireless devices from the set of wireless devices. For example, the wireless device 710 may communicate with the wireless device 715. In some examples, the communication with the wireless device 715 may utilize the same communication beam or RF chain as the communication with another wireless device (e.g., based on the angular distance between the wireless device 715 and the other wireless device satisfying an angular distance threshold). In some cases, the wireless device 710 may receive FDM transmissions from the wireless device 715 and the other device (such as with reference to Figure 6 transmission 610-a and 610-b).

[0153] Figure 8 A block diagram 800 of a device 805 supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 805 may be an example of aspects of an IAB node (e.g., base station 105) as described herein. The device 805 may include a receiver 810, a communication manager 815, and a transmitter 820. The device 805 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0154] The receiver 810 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation, etc.). The information may be passed to other components of the device 805. The receiver 810 may be a reference Fig.11 Examples of aspects of the described transceiver 1120. The receiver 810 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0155] The communication manager 815 may be implemented by the first wireless device. The communication manager 815 may select a set of wireless devices as communication candidates based on a first pattern of the first wireless device, wherein the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices, and the angular distance of the at least two wireless devices relative to the first wireless device is less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first pattern. The communication manager 815 may report a candidate list including the set of wireless devices to a network entity, and receive a subset of the set of wireless devices from the network entity, the subset of the set of wireless devices being based on the candidate list; and communicate with the subset of the set of wireless devices using one or more communication beams, wherein the communication includes communicating with the at least two wireless devices using a single communication beam of the one or more communication beams based on the angular distance being less than the angular distance threshold. The communication manager 815 may be an example of various aspects of the communication manager 1110 described herein.

[0156] The communication manager 815 or its subcomponents may be implemented in hardware, in code (e.g., software or firmware) executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communication manager 815 or its subcomponents may be performed by a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof.

[0157] The communication manager 815 or its subcomponents may be physically located at various locations, including being distributed such that portions of functionality are implemented by one or more physical components at different physical locations. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 815 or its subcomponents may be separate and distinct components. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 815 or its subcomponents may be combined with one or more other hardware components (including, but not limited to, input / output (I / O) components, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof).

[0158] The transmitter 820 may transmit signals generated by other components of the device 805. In some examples, the transmitter 820 may be co-located with the receiver 810 in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 820 may be a reference Fig.11 Examples of aspects of the described transceiver 1120. The transmitter 820 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0159] Fig. 9A block diagram 900 of a device 905 supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 905 may be an example of aspects of the device 805, IAB node, or base station 105 as described herein. The device 905 may include a receiver 910, a communication manager 915, and a transmitter 940. The device 905 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0160] The receiver 910 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation, etc.). The information may be passed to other components of the device 905. The receiver 910 may be a reference Fig.11 Examples of aspects of the described transceiver 1120. The receiver 910 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0161] The communication manager 915 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 815 as described herein. The communication manager 915 may include a candidate manager 920, a list reporter 925, a subset module 930, and a communication component 935. The communication manager 915 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1110 described herein and may be implemented by the first wireless device.

[0162] The candidate manager 920 may select a wireless device set as a communication candidate based on a first pattern of the first wireless device, wherein the wireless device set includes at least two wireless devices whose angular distances relative to the first wireless device are less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first pattern. The list reporter 925 may report a candidate list including the wireless device set to a network entity.

[0163] The subset module 930 may receive a subset of the set of wireless devices from the network entity, the subset of the set of wireless devices being based on the candidate list. The communication component 935 may communicate with the subset of the set of wireless devices using one or more communication beams, wherein the communication includes communicating with the at least two wireless devices using a single communication beam of the one or more communication beams based on the angular distance being less than the angular distance threshold.

[0164] The transmitter 940 may transmit signals generated by other components of the device 905. In some examples, the transmitter 940 may be co-located with the receiver 910 in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 940 may be a reference Fig.11 Examples of aspects of the described transceiver 1120. The transmitter 940 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0165] Fig.10 A block diagram 1000 of a communication manager 1005 supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication manager 1005 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 815, the communication manager 915, or the communication manager 1110 described herein. The communication manager 1005 may include a candidate manager 1010, a list reporter 1015, a subset module 1020, a communication component 1025, an indication manager 1030, a discovery module 1035, a measurement component 1040, a spatial module 1045, a path loss manager 1050, a candidate updater 1055, an indication component 1060, and a threshold manager 1065. Each of these modules may communicate directly or indirectly with each other (e.g., via one or more buses). The communication manager 1005 may be implemented by a first wireless device.

[0166] The candidate manager 1010 may select a set of wireless devices as communication candidates based on a first pattern of the first wireless device, wherein the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices whose angular distance relative to the first wireless device is less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first pattern. In some examples, the candidate manager 1010 may select the set of wireless devices as communication candidates based on received power measurements for the set of wireless devices. In some examples, the candidate manager 1010 may also select the set of wireless devices as communication candidates based on a maximum number of communication candidates to be reported. In some cases, the first wireless device or the set of wireless devices or both include a DU or a mobile terminal (e.g., UE) or both in an IAB system.

[0167] The list reporter 1015 may report a candidate list including the set of wireless devices to a network entity. In some cases, the network entity includes a CU in an IAB system. In some examples, the list reporter 1015 may report a set of spatial separation metrics to the network entity, the set of spatial separation metrics indicating which wireless devices in the set of wireless devices the first wireless device supports using the same communication beam to communicate with. Additionally or alternatively, the list reporter 1015 may report one or more wireless device groups in the set of wireless devices to the network entity, wherein each group in the one or more wireless device groups includes a set of wireless devices with which the first wireless device supports using the same communication beam to communicate.

[0168] The subset module 1020 may receive a subset of the set of wireless devices from the network entity, the subset of the set of wireless devices being based on the candidate list. The communication component 1025 may use one or more communication beams to communicate with the subset of the set of wireless devices, wherein the communication includes using a single communication beam of the one or more communication beams to communicate with the at least two wireless devices based on the angular distance being less than the angular distance threshold. In some examples, the communication component 1025 may perform FDM on the communication with the at least two wireless devices. In some cases, each of the one or more communication beams corresponds to a different RF chain of the first wireless device. In some of these cases, the communication component 1025 may determine the number of communication beams used to communicate with the subset of the set of wireless devices based on the number of RF chains at the first wireless device.

[0169] The indication manager 1030 may receive an indication of an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode from a network entity.

[0170] The discovery module 1035 can discover a set of wireless devices. The measurement component 1040 can measure AoA or AoD or both for communications with each wireless device in the set of wireless devices. The spatial module 1045 can determine an angular separation of one or more pairs of wireless devices in the set of wireless devices based on the measured AoA or measured AoD or both, wherein the selection is based on the determined angular separation and the set of wireless devices is a subset of the set of wireless devices.

[0171] The path loss manager 1050 may activate a first mode of the first wireless device based on a measurement (e.g., a path loss measurement). In some examples, the first mode may include a high path loss mode (e.g., an activated high path loss mode). In some examples, the path loss manager 1050 may deactivate the first mode of the first wireless device based on the measurement. In some of these examples, the candidate updater 1055 may select an updated wireless device set as a communication candidate based on the deactivated first mode, wherein the angular distance between each wireless device in the updated wireless device set and each other wireless device in the updated wireless device set relative to the first wireless device is greater than an angular distance threshold associated with the deactivated first mode. In some examples, the list reporter 1015 may report an updated candidate list including the updated wireless device set to a network entity. In some cases, the angular distance threshold associated with the activated first mode is equal to the angular distance threshold associated with the deactivated first mode.

[0172] The indicating component 1060 can receive an indication of a maximum number of communication candidates to report from the network entity.The threshold manager 1065 can determine an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode based on beam characteristics of one or more communication beams.

[0173] Fig.11 A diagram of a system 1100 including a device 1105 supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1105 may be an example of a device 805, a device 905, an IAB node, or a base station 105 as described herein or include components of the above devices. The device 1105 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a communication manager 1110, a network communication manager 1115, a transceiver 1120, an antenna 1125, a memory 1130, a processor 1140, and an inter-station communication manager 1145. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus 1150).

[0174] Device 1105 may be an example of a first wireless device (e.g., an IAB node in an IAB system). The communication manager 1110 may select a set of wireless devices as communication candidates based on a first pattern of the first wireless device, wherein the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices, and the angular distance of the at least two wireless devices relative to the first wireless device is less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first pattern; report a candidate list including the set of wireless devices to a network entity; receive a subset of the set of wireless devices from the network entity, the subset of the set of wireless devices being based on the candidate list; and communicate with the subset of the set of wireless devices using one or more communication beams, wherein the communication includes communicating with the at least two wireless devices using a single communication beam of the one or more communication beams based on the angular distance being less than the angular distance threshold.

[0175] The network communications manager 1115 may manage communications with the core network 130 (eg, via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communications manager 1115 may manage the delivery of data communications for client devices, such as one or more UEs 115.

[0176] The transceiver 1120 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired or wireless links, as described above. For example, the transceiver 1120 can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1120 can also include a modem to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to an antenna for transmission, and demodulate packets received from an antenna.

[0177] In some cases, a wireless device may include a single antenna 1125. However, in some cases, the device may have more than one antenna 1125, which may be capable of transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions concurrently.

[0178] The memory 1130 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or a combination thereof. The memory 1130 may store computer readable code 1135 including instructions that, when executed by a processor (e.g., processor 1140), cause the device to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 1130 may include, among other things, a basic I / O system (BIOS) that may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0179] Processor 1140 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general purpose processor, a DSP, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, processor 1140 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some cases, the memory controller may be integrated into processor 1140. Processor 1140 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 1130) to cause device 1105 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks to support beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation).

[0180] The inter-site communication manager 1145 may manage communications with other base stations 105 and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with UE 115 in cooperation with other base stations 105. For example, the inter-site communication manager 1145 may coordinate the scheduling of transmissions to UE 115 for various interference mitigation techniques, such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, the inter-site communication manager 1145 may provide an X2 interface within an LTE / LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communications between base stations 105.

[0181] The code 1135 may include instructions for implementing various aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions for supporting wireless communications. The code 1135 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a system memory or other type of memory. In some cases, the code 1135 may not be directly executable by the processor 1140, but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein.

[0182] Fig.12A block diagram 1200 of a device 1205 supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1205 may be an example of aspects of a network entity (e.g., a CU) as described herein. The device 1205 may include a receiver 1210, a communication manager 1215, and a transmitter 1220. The device 1205 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0183] Receiver 1210 may receive information, such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation, etc.). The information may be passed to other components of device 1205. Receiver 1210 may be a reference Fig.15 Examples of aspects of the described transceiver 1520. The receiver 1210 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0184] The communication manager 1215 may receive a candidate list including a set of wireless devices from a first wireless device; select a subset of the set of wireless devices for communication with the first wireless device based on a first mode of the first wireless device, wherein the subset of the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices having an angular distance relative to the first wireless device that is less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode; and transmit the subset of the set of wireless devices to the first wireless device. The communication manager 1215 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1510 described herein.

[0185] The communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents may be implemented in hardware, in code (e.g., software or firmware) executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents may be performed by a general purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device designed to perform the functions described in this disclosure, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof.

[0186] The communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents may be physically located at various locations, including being distributed such that portions of functionality are implemented by one or more physical components at different physical locations. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents may be separate and distinct components. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents may be combined with one or more other hardware components (including, but not limited to, I / O components, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof).

[0187] The transmitter 1220 may transmit signals generated by other components of the device 1205. In some examples, the transmitter 1220 may be co-located with the receiver 1210 in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 1220 may be a reference Fig.15 Examples of various aspects of the described transceiver 1520. The transmitter 1220 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0188] Fig.13 A block diagram 1300 of a device 1305 supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1305 may be an example of aspects of the device 1205 or a network entity (e.g., a CU) as described herein. The device 1305 may include a receiver 1310, a communication manager 1315, and a transmitter 1335. The device 1305 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0189] Receiver 1310 may receive information, such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation, etc.). The information may be passed to other components of device 1305. Receiver 1310 may be a reference Fig.15 Examples of various aspects of the described transceiver 1520. The receiver 1310 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0190] The communication manager 1315 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1215 as described herein. The communication manager 1315 may include a candidate module 1320, a subset manager 1325, and a communication module 1330. The communication manager 1315 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1510 described herein and may be implemented by a network entity.

[0191] The candidate module 1320 may receive a candidate list including a set of wireless devices from the first wireless device. The subset manager 1325 may select a subset of the set of wireless devices for communication with the first wireless device based on a first mode of the first wireless device, wherein the subset of the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices whose angular distances relative to the first wireless device are less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode. The communication module 1330 may transmit the subset of the set of wireless devices to the first wireless device.

[0192] Transmitter 1335 can transmit signals generated by other components of device 1305. In some examples, transmitter 1335 can be co-located with receiver 1310 in a transceiver module. For example, transmitter 1335 can be a reference Fig.15 Examples of various aspects of the described transceiver 1520. The transmitter 1335 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0193] Fig.14 A block diagram 1400 of a communication manager 1405 supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication manager 1405 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1215, the communication manager 1315, or the communication manager 1510 described herein. The communication manager 1405 may include: a candidate module 1410, a subset manager 1415, a communication module 1420, an indication module 1425, an update manager 1430, a subset updater 1435, an update module 1440, and a candidate indicator 1445. Each of these modules may communicate directly or indirectly with each other (e.g., via one or more buses). The communication manager 1405 may be implemented by a network entity (such as a CU).

[0194] The candidate module 1410 may receive a candidate list including a set of wireless devices from a first wireless device. In some examples, the candidate module 1410 may receive a set of spatial separation metrics from the first wireless device, the set of spatial separation metrics indicating which wireless devices in the set of wireless devices the first wireless device supports using the same communication beam to communicate with, wherein selecting a subset of the set of wireless devices is further based on the set of spatial separation metrics. Additionally or alternatively, the candidate module 1410 may receive one or more wireless device groups in the set of wireless devices from the first wireless device, wherein each group in the one or more wireless device groups includes a set of wireless devices with which the first wireless device supports using the same communication beam to communicate, wherein the selection is further based on the one or more wireless device groups. In addition, in some examples, the candidate module 1410 may receive a set of received power measurements for the set of wireless devices from the first wireless device, wherein the selection is further based on the set of received power measurements. In some cases, the first wireless device or the set of wireless devices or both include a DU or a mobile terminal (e.g., UE) or both in an IAB system.

[0195] The subset manager 1415 may select a subset of the set of wireless devices for communication with the first wireless device based on the first mode of the first wireless device, wherein the subset of the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices whose angular distance relative to the first wireless device is less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode. In some examples, the subset manager 1415 may select the subset of the set of wireless devices so that the number of communication beams used for the first wireless device to communicate with the subset of the set of wireless devices is less than or equal to the maximum number of supported communication beams of the first wireless device. In some cases, the maximum number of supported communication beams of the first wireless device corresponds to the number of RF chains at the first wireless device. In some cases, the number of wireless devices in the subset of the set of wireless devices is greater than the maximum number of supported communication beams of the first wireless device. The communication module 1420 may transmit the subset of the set of wireless devices to the first wireless device.

[0196] The indication module 1425 can transmit an indication of an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode to the first wireless device.In some examples, the first mode can include an activated high path loss mode.

[0197] The update manager 1430 may receive an updated candidate list from the first wireless device, the updated candidate list including an updated set of wireless devices based on a second mode of the first wireless device. In some examples, the second mode includes a deactivated high path loss mode. The subset updater 1435 may select an updated subset of the updated wireless device set for communication with the first wireless device based on the second mode of the first wireless device, wherein each wireless device in the updated subset of the updated wireless device set and each other wireless device in the updated subset of the updated wireless device set are at an angular distance relative to the first wireless device that is greater than an angular distance threshold associated with the second mode. In some cases, the angular distance threshold associated with the activated high path loss mode is equal to the angular distance threshold associated with the second mode. The update module 1440 may transmit the updated subset of the updated wireless device set to the first wireless device.

[0198] The candidate indicator 1445 may transmit an indication of a maximum number of communication candidates to be reported to the first wireless device, wherein the candidate list is based on the maximum number of communication candidates to be reported.

[0199] Fig.15A diagram of a system 1500 including a device 1505 supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Device 1505 may be an example of or include components of device 1205, device 1305, or a network entity (e.g., a CU in an IAB system) as described herein. Device 1505 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a communication manager 1510, an I / O controller 1515, a transceiver 1520, an antenna 1525, a memory 1530, and a processor 1535. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus 1545).

[0200] The communication manager 1510 can receive a candidate list including a set of wireless devices from a first wireless device; select a subset of the set of wireless devices for communication with the first wireless device based on a first mode of the first wireless device, wherein the subset of the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices whose angular distances relative to the first wireless device are less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode; and transmit the subset of the set of wireless devices to the first wireless device.

[0201] I / O controller 1515 can manage input and output signals for device 1505. I / O controller 1515 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into device 1505. In some cases, I / O controller 1515 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some cases, I / O controller 1515 can utilize an operating system, such as Or another known operating system. In other cases, I / O controller 1515 may represent or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or similar device. In some cases, I / O controller 1515 may be implemented as part of a processor. In some cases, a user may interact with device 1505 via I / O controller 1515 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 1515.

[0202] The transceiver 1520 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired or wireless links, as described above. For example, the transceiver 1520 may represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1520 may also include a modem to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to an antenna for transmission, and demodulate packets received from an antenna.

[0203] In some cases, a wireless device may include a single antenna 1525. However, in some cases, the device may have more than one antenna 1525, which may be capable of transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions concurrently.

[0204] Memory 1530 may include RAM and ROM. Memory 1530 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 1540 including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the various functions described herein. In some cases, memory 1530 may include, among other things, a BIOS that may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0205] Processor 1535 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, processor 1535 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into processor 1535. Processor 1535 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 1530) to cause device 1505 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation).

[0206] The code 1540 may include instructions for implementing various aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions for supporting wireless communications. The code 1540 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a system memory or other type of memory. In some cases, the code 1540 may not be directly executed by the processor 1535, but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein.

[0207] Fig.16 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1600 for supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by an IAB node (e.g., a first wireless device (such as base station 105)) or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by a node as described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 In some examples, the first wireless device may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the first wireless device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the first wireless device may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0208] At 1605, the first wireless device may select a set of wireless devices as communication candidates based on a first mode of the first wireless device, wherein the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices, and the angular distances of the at least two wireless devices relative to the first wireless device are less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode. The operations of 1605 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1605 may be performed as described in reference to Figures 8 to 11 Describes the candidate manager to execute.

[0209] At 1610, the first wireless device may report to the network entity a candidate list including the set of wireless devices. The operations of 1610 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1610 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The list reporter described is executed.

[0210] At 1615, the first wireless device may receive a subset of the set of wireless devices from the network entity, the subset of the set of wireless devices being based on the candidate list. The operations of 1615 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1615 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The described subset modules are executed.

[0211] At 1620, the first wireless device may communicate with a subset of the set of wireless devices using one or more communication beams, wherein the communication includes communicating with the at least two wireless devices using a single communication beam of the one or more communication beams based on the angular distance being less than the angular distance threshold. The operations of 1620 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1620 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The communication components described are performed.

[0212] Fig.17 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1700 for supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by an IAB node (e.g., a first wireless device (such as base station 105)) or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by a node as described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 In some examples, the first wireless device may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the first wireless device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the first wireless device may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0213] At 1705, the first wireless device may discover a group of wireless devices. The operations of 1705 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1705 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The described discovery module is executed.

[0214] At 1710, the first wireless device may measure AoA or AoD or both for communications with each wireless device in the group of wireless devices. The operations of 1710 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1710 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The described measurement components are performed.

[0215] At 1715, the first wireless device may determine the angular distance of one or more pairs of wireless devices in the group of wireless devices based on the measured AoA or AoD or both. The operations of 1715 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1715 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The described spatial module is used to perform

[0216] At 1720, the first wireless device may receive an indication of an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode from a network entity. The operations of 1720 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1720 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 Describes the instructions the manager should perform.

[0217] At 1725, the first wireless device may select a set of wireless devices as communication candidates based on the first mode of the first wireless device, wherein the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices, and the angular distance of the at least two wireless devices relative to the first wireless device is less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode. The operation of 1725 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1725 may be performed as described in reference to Figures 8 to 11 Describes the candidate manager to execute.

[0218] At 1730, the first wireless device may report to the network entity a candidate list that includes the set of wireless devices. In some cases, the first wireless device may report a set of spatial separation metrics, one or more wireless device groups, or a combination thereof along with the candidate list. The set of spatial separation metrics may indicate which wireless devices in the set of wireless devices the first wireless device supports using the same communication beam to communicate with. In the one or more wireless device groups, each group may include a set of wireless devices that the first wireless device supports using the same communication beam to communicate with. The operations of 1730 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1730 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 8 to 11The list reporter described is executed.

[0219] At 1735, the first wireless device may receive a subset of the set of wireless devices from the network entity, the subset of the set of wireless devices being based on the candidate list. The operations of 1735 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1735 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The described subset modules are executed.

[0220] At 1740, the first wireless device may communicate with a subset of the set of wireless devices using one or more communication beams, wherein the communication includes communicating with the at least two wireless devices using a single communication beam of the one or more communication beams based on the angular distance being less than the angular distance threshold. Communicating with the at least two wireless devices using a single communication beam may involve FDMing the communications with the at least two wireless devices. The operations of 1740 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1740 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The communication components described are performed.

[0221] Fig.18 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1800 for supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1800 may be implemented by a network entity (e.g., a CU) or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1800 may be implemented by a network entity (e.g., a CU) or a component thereof as described herein. Figures 12 to 15 In some examples, a network entity may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the network entity to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, a network entity may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0222] At 1805, the network entity may receive a candidate list including a set of wireless devices from a first wireless device. The operations of 1805 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1805 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 15 The candidate modules described are executed.

[0223] At 1810, the network entity may select a subset of the set of wireless devices for communication with the first wireless device based on a first mode of the first wireless device, wherein the subset of the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices having an angular distance relative to the first wireless device that is less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode. The operations of 1810 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1810 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 15 The described subset manager is used to perform the

[0224] At 1815, the network entity may transmit a subset of the set of wireless devices to the first wireless device. The operations of 1815 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1815 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 15 The described communication module is executed.

[0225] Fig.19 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1900 for supporting beam direction selection for high path loss mode operation according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1900 may be implemented by a network entity (e.g., a CU) or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1900 may be implemented by a network entity (e.g., a CU) or a component thereof as described herein. Figures 12 to 15 In some examples, a network entity may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the network entity to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, a network entity may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0226] At 1905, the network entity may transmit an indication of an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode to the first wireless device. The operations of 1905 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1905 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 15 Describes the instructions for the module to execute.

[0227] At 1910, the network entity may receive a candidate list including a set of wireless devices from a first wireless device. The operations of 1910 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1910 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 15 The candidate modules described are executed.

[0228] At 1915, the network entity may receive, from the first wireless device, an indication of a group of wireless devices belonging to the set of wireless devices with which the first wireless device supports using the same communication beam to communicate. In some cases, the network entity may receive a set of spatial separation metrics indicating which wireless devices in the set of wireless devices the first wireless device supports using the same communication beam to communicate with. In other cases, the network entity may receive one or more groups of wireless devices in the set of wireless devices, wherein each of the one or more groups of wireless devices includes a group of wireless devices with which the first wireless device supports using the same communication beam to communicate. The operations of 1915 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1915 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 15 The candidate modules described are executed.

[0229] At 1920, the network entity may select a subset of the set of wireless devices for communication with the first wireless device based on the first pattern of the first wireless device, wherein the subset of the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices having an angular distance relative to the first wireless device that is less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first pattern. In some examples, the selection may be further based on the set of spatial separation metrics, the one or more groups of wireless devices, or a combination thereof. The operations of 1920 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1920 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 15 The described subset manager is used to perform the

[0230] At 1925, the network entity may transmit the subset of the set of wireless devices to the first wireless device. The operations of 1925 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1925 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 15 The described communication module is executed.

[0231] Described below are some examples of methods, systems, or devices, including: a device for implementing a method or implementing a device; a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors, which cause the one or more processors to implement various methods; and a system including one or more processors and a memory coupled to the one or more processors, which stores instructions executable by the one or more processors so that the system or device implements various methods. It should be understood that these are only some of the possible examples, and other examples will be obvious to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0232] Example 1: A method for performing wireless communications at a first wireless device, comprising: selecting a set of wireless devices as communication candidates based at least in part on a first mode of the first wireless device, wherein the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices, and an angular distance of the at least two wireless devices relative to the first wireless device is less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode; reporting a candidate list including the set of wireless devices to a network entity; receiving a subset of the set of wireless devices from the network entity, the subset of the set of wireless devices being based at least in part on the candidate list; and communicating with the subset of the set of wireless devices using one or more communication beams, wherein the communication includes communicating with the at least two wireless devices using a single communication beam of the one or more communication beams based at least in part on the angular distance being less than the angular distance threshold.

[0233] Example 2: The method of Example 1 further comprises: receiving an indication of an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode from the network entity.

[0234] Example 3: The method of Example 1 or 2 further includes: discovering multiple wireless devices; measuring the arrival angle or the departure angle or both for communications with each of the multiple wireless devices; and determining the angular distance of one or more pairs of wireless devices among the multiple wireless devices based at least in part on the measured arrival angle or the measured departure angle or both, wherein the selection is based at least in part on the determined angular distance and the set of wireless devices is a subset of the multiple wireless devices.

[0235] Example 4: The method of any of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the selecting further comprises: selecting the set of wireless devices as communication candidates based at least in part on received power measurements for the set of wireless devices.

[0236] Example 5: A method as in Examples 1 to 4, wherein reporting the candidate list further comprises: reporting a set of spatial separation metrics to the network entity, the set of spatial separation metrics indicating which wireless devices in the set of wireless devices the first wireless device supports using the same communication beam to communicate with.

[0237] Example 6: A method as in Examples 1 to 5, wherein reporting the candidate list further includes: reporting one or more wireless device groups in the wireless device set to a network entity, wherein each of the one or more wireless device groups includes a first wireless device supporting multiple wireless devices to communicate with it using the same communication beam.

[0238] Example 7: The method of any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein using a single communication beam to communicate with the at least two wireless devices comprises: frequency division multiplexing communications with the at least two wireless devices.

[0239] Example 8: The method of any of Examples 1 to 7, further comprising: activating a first mode of the first wireless device based at least in part on the measurement, the first mode comprising a high path loss mode.

[0240] Example 9: A method as in any one of Examples 1 to 8, further comprising: deactivating a first mode of a first wireless device based at least in part on measurements; selecting an updated set of wireless devices as communication candidates based at least in part on the deactivated first mode, wherein an angular distance between each wireless device in the updated set of wireless devices and each other wireless device in the updated set of wireless devices relative to the first wireless device is greater than an angular distance threshold associated with the deactivated first mode; and reporting an updated candidate list including the updated set of wireless devices to a network entity.

[0241] Example 10: The method of any of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the angular distance threshold associated with the activated first mode is equal to the angular distance threshold associated with the deactivated first mode.

[0242] Example 11: The method of any of Examples 1 to 10, wherein each of the one or more communication beams corresponds to a different radio frequency chain of the first wireless device.

[0243] Example 12: The method of any of Examples 1 to 11, further comprising: determining a number of communication beams for communicating with a subset of the set of wireless devices based at least in part on a number of radio frequency chains at the first wireless device.

[0244] Example 13: The method of any of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the selecting further comprises: selecting the set of wireless devices as communication candidates based at least in part on a maximum number of communication candidates to report.

[0245] Example 14: The method of any one of Examples 1 to 13, further comprising: receiving an indication of a maximum number of communication candidates to be reported from the network entity.

[0246] Example 15: The method of any one of Examples 1 to 14, further comprising: determining an angular separation threshold associated with the first mode based at least in part on beam characteristics of the one or more communication beams.

[0247] Example 16: A method as described in any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein: the first wireless device or the set of wireless devices or both include a distributed unit or a mobile terminal or both in an integrated access and backhaul system; and the network entity includes a centralized unit in the integrated access and backhaul system.

[0248] Example 17: An apparatus comprising: at least one device for performing the method of any one of Examples 1 to 16.

[0249] Example 18: An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; the processor and the memory are configured to perform the method of any one of Examples 1 to 16.

[0250] Example 19: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method of any of Examples 1 to 16.

[0251] Example 20: A method for wireless communication at a network entity, comprising: receiving a candidate list including a set of wireless devices from a first wireless device; selecting a subset of the set of wireless devices for communicating with the first wireless device based at least in part on a first mode of the first wireless device, wherein the subset of the set of wireless devices includes at least two wireless devices whose angular distance relative to the first wireless device is less than an angular distance threshold associated with the first mode; and transmitting the subset of the set of wireless devices to the first wireless device.

[0252] Example 21: The method of Example 20, further comprising: transmitting an indication of an angular distance threshold associated with a first mode to the first wireless device, wherein the first mode comprises an activated high path loss mode.

[0253] Example 22: A method as in Example 20 or 21, wherein the resource reservation reserves uplink resources on a physical uplink shared channel, the method further comprising: transmitting a data message to a second wireless device in the reserved uplink resources on the physical uplink shared channel.

[0254] Example 23: A method as in any of Examples 20 to 22, wherein receiving the candidate list further comprises: receiving a set of spatial separation metrics from the first wireless device, the set of spatial separation metrics indicating which wireless devices in the set of wireless devices the first wireless device supports using the same communication beam to communicate with, wherein the selection is further based at least in part on the set of spatial separation metrics.

[0255] Example 24: A method as in any of Examples 20 to 23, wherein receiving the candidate list further comprises: receiving one or more wireless device groups in a wireless device set from a first wireless device, wherein each group in the one or more wireless device groups includes a plurality of wireless devices that the first wireless device supports to communicate with it using the same communication beam, and wherein the selection is further based at least in part on the one or more wireless device groups.

[0256] Example 25: The method of any of Examples 20 to 24, wherein receiving the candidate list further comprises: receiving a set of received power measurements for the set of wireless devices from the first wireless device, wherein the selection is further based at least in part on the set of received power measurements.

[0257] Example 26: A method as described in any of Examples 20 to 25, wherein the selection includes: selecting a subset of the set of wireless devices so that the number of communication beams used for the first wireless device to communicate with the subset of the set of wireless devices is less than or equal to the maximum number of supported communication beams of the first wireless device.

[0258] Example 27: The method of any one of Examples 20 to 26, wherein a maximum number of supported communication beams of the first wireless device corresponds to a number of radio frequency chains at the first wireless device.

[0259] Example 28: The method of any one of Examples 20 to 27, wherein the number of wireless devices in the subset of the set of wireless devices is greater than a maximum number of supported communication beams of the first wireless device.

[0260] Example 29: A method as in any one of Examples 20 to 28, further comprising: receiving an updated candidate list from a first wireless device, the updated candidate list comprising an updated set of wireless devices based at least in part on a second mode of the first wireless device, wherein the second mode comprises a disabled high path loss mode; selecting an updated subset of the updated set of wireless devices for communication with the first wireless device based at least in part on the second mode of the first wireless device, wherein an angular distance between each wireless device in the updated subset of the updated set of wireless devices and each other wireless device in the updated subset of the updated set of wireless devices relative to the first wireless device is greater than an angular distance threshold associated with the second mode; and transmitting the updated subset of the updated set of wireless devices to the first wireless device.

[0261] Example 30: The method of any one of Examples 20 to 29, wherein the angular distance threshold associated with the first mode is equal to the angular distance threshold associated with the second mode.

[0262] Example 31: The method of any one of Examples 20 to 30, further comprising: transmitting an indication of a maximum number of communication candidates to be reported to the first wireless device, wherein the candidate list is based at least in part on the maximum number of communication candidates to be reported.

[0263] Example 32: A method as in any one of Examples 20 to 31, wherein: the first wireless device or the set of wireless devices or both include a distributed unit or a mobile terminal or both in an integrated access and backhaul system; and the network entity includes a centralized unit in the integrated access and backhaul system.

[0264] Example 33: An apparatus comprising: at least one device for performing the method of any one of Examples 20 to 32.

[0265] Example 34: An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; the processor and the memory are configured to perform the method of any one of Examples 20 to 32.

[0266] Example 35: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method of any of Examples 20 to 32.

[0267] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the operations may be rearranged or otherwise modified and other implementations are possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more methods may be combined.

[0268] The technology described herein can be used for various wireless communication systems, such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA), and other systems. CDMA systems can implement radio technologies such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA). CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95 and IS-856 standards. IS-2000 versions are generally referred to as CDMA2000 1X, 1X, etc. IS-856 (TIA-856) is generally referred to as CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), etc. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. TDMA systems can implement radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).

[0269] OFDMA systems can implement radio technologies such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). LTE, LTE-A, and LTE-A Pro are versions of UMTS that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR, and GSM are described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). The techniques described herein may be used for systems and radio technologies mentioned herein as well as for other systems and radio technologies. Although aspects of LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR systems may be described for example purposes and LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR terminology may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein may also be applicable to applications other than LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR applications.

[0270] A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions to a network provider. A small cell may be associated with a lower power base station (compared to a macro cell), and the small cell may operate in the same or different (e.g., licensed, unlicensed, etc.) frequency band as the macro cell. According to various examples, a small cell may include a pico cell, a femto cell, and a micro cell. A pico cell, for example, may cover a smaller geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions to a network provider. A femto cell may also cover a smaller geographic area (e.g., a residence) and may provide restricted access by UEs associated with the femto cell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs of users in the residence, etc.). An eNB for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro eNB. An eNB for a small cell may be referred to as a small cell eNB, a pico eNB, a femto eNB, or a home eNB. An eNB may support one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) cells and may also support communications using one or more component carriers. A gNB for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro gNB. A gNB for a small cell may be referred to as a small cell gNB, a pico gNB, a femto gNB, or a home gNB. A gNB may support one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) cells (e.g., component carriers). A UE may be able to communicate with various types of base stations and network equipment, including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, relay base stations, etc.

[0271] The wireless communication systems described herein may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, each base station may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations may be roughly aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, each base station may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations may not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for synchronous or asynchronous operation.

[0272] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout this description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0273] The various illustrative blocks and modules described in conjunction with the disclosure herein may be implemented or executed with a general purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0274] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted by a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or codes. Other examples and implementations fall within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or any combination thereof. Features that implement the functions may also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed so that parts of the functions are implemented at different physical locations.

[0275] Computer-readable medium includes both non-transient computer storage medium and communication medium, and it includes any medium that facilitates computer program to transfer from one place to another.Non-transient storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by general or special-purpose computer.As an example and not limitation, non-transient computer-readable medium can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or can be used to carry or store instruction or data structure form of desired program code means and can be accessed by general or special-purpose computer or general or special-purpose processor any other non-transient medium.Any connection is also properly referred to as computer-readable medium.For example, if software is transmitted from website, server or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technology such as infrared, radio and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technology such as infrared, radio and microwave are just included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc as used herein include CDs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0276] As used herein (including in the claims), "or" used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items with a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive list, so that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Similarly, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as referring to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary process described as "based on condition A" may be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "based at least in part on."

[0277] In the accompanying drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference number. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference number with a dash and a second reference number that distinguishes between similar components. If only the first reference number is used in the specification, the description may apply to any of the similar components having the same first reference number regardless of the second reference number, or other subsequent reference numbers.

[0278] The descriptions set forth herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describe example configurations and do not represent all examples that may be implemented or that fall within the scope of the claims. The term "exemplary" as used herein means "used as an example, instance, or illustration" and does not mean "better than" or "better than other examples." This detailed description includes specific details to provide an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0279] The description herein is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the universal principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be granted the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device, comprising: one or more memories; as well as one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories and configured to cause the first wireless device to: transmitting a candidate list of communication candidates based at least in part on a path loss pattern of the first wireless device, wherein the communication candidates include at least two wireless devices selected based at least in part on angular distances relative to the first wireless device that support communication via a common communication beam; receiving, based at least in part on the candidate list, an indication to communicate with a subset of wireless devices included in the candidate list; as well as Based at least in part on receiving the indication to communicate with the subset of wireless devices, communicating with the subset of wireless devices via a common communication beam.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the path loss pattern comprises a high path loss pattern, and wherein the communication candidate is selected based at least in part on the path loss pattern being the high path loss pattern.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the angular distance is less than a threshold angular distance associated with the high path loss mode, and wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the first wireless device to: An indication of the threshold angular distance associated with the high path loss mode is received.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the first wireless device to: measuring an angle of arrival or an angle of departure or both for communicating with each of the at least two wireless devices; and An angular separation of the at least two wireless devices is determined based at least in part on the angle of arrival or the angle of departure, or both.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the first wireless device to: A power measurement for the communication candidate is received, wherein the communication candidate is selected based at least in part on the power measurement for the communication candidate.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the first wireless device to: A set of spatial separation metrics is reported, the set of spatial separation metrics indicating which wireless devices among the communication candidates support communicating with the first wireless device via the same communication beam.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the first wireless device to: An indication of one or more groups of wireless devices in the communication candidate is reported, wherein each group in the one or more groups of wireless devices includes a plurality of wireless devices supporting communication with the first wireless device via a same communication beam.

8. An apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity, comprising: one or more memories; as well as one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories and configured to cause the network entity to: receiving a candidate list of communication candidates for a first wireless device, wherein the communication candidates include a set of wireless devices; as well as Sending an indication of a subset of the set of wireless devices for communicating with the first wireless device, wherein the subset is selected based at least in part on a path loss pattern of the first wireless device and at least in part on the subset having an angular distance relative to the first wireless device that supports communication with the first wireless device via a common communication beam.

9. An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device, comprising: one or more memories; as well as one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories and configured to cause the first wireless device to: receiving a list of one or more criteria for selecting a communication candidate for a path loss pattern of the first wireless device; transmitting an indication of a set of wireless devices selected as communication candidates and angular distance information for the set of wireless devices, the set of wireless devices being selected as communication candidates based at least in part on the list of one or more criteria; as well as Communicating with the subset of the set of wireless devices based at least in part on an indication of the subset of the set of wireless devices received in response to the indication of the set of wireless devices and the angular distance information.

10. An apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity, comprising: one or more memories; as well as one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories and configured to cause the network entity to: transmitting a list of one or more criteria for selecting a communication candidate for a first wireless device, the list of one or more criteria being based at least in part on a path loss pattern of the first wireless device; receiving, based at least in part on the list of one or more criteria, an indication of a set of wireless devices selected as communication candidates for the first wireless device and angular distance information for the set of wireless devices; as well as An indication of a subset of the set of wireless devices is sent based at least in part on the path loss pattern of the first wireless device and the angular distance information for the set of wireless devices.

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