Method and apparatus for performing wireless communication

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for performing wireless communication. Unlicensed uplink data transmission from a device using one of a plurality of subsets of the set of physical resource blocks is caused. Each subset is associated with a transmission scheme, wherein at least a plurality of the subsets are associated with different transmission schemes.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of January 25, 2018, application number 201880090564.5, and invention name “Method and device for performing wireless communication”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to communications, and more particularly to methods and apparatus in wireless communication systems. In particular, but not exclusively, some embodiments relate to grant-free transmissions. Background Art

[0003] A communication system can be considered as a facility for enabling communication between two or more devices (such as user terminals, machine-like terminals, base stations and / or other nodes) by providing a communication channel for carrying information between the communication devices. A communication system can be provided, for example, by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. Communications can include data communications, for example, for carrying data such as voice, electronic mail (email), text messaging, multimedia and / or content data communications. Non-limiting examples of the services provided include two-way or multi-way calls, data communications or multimedia services, and access to data network systems such as the Internet.

[0004] In a wireless system, at least a portion of the communication is performed via a wireless interface. Examples of wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMNs), satellite-based communication systems, and different wireless local area networks, such as wireless local area networks (WLANs). Local area network wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to a data network is known by the trademark WiFi (or Wi-Fi). WiFi is often used synonymously with WLAN. Wireless systems can be divided into cells and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems. A base station provides at least one cell.

[0005] A user can access a communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal capable of communicating with a base station. Therefore, nodes such as base stations are generally referred to as access points. The communication device of a user is generally referred to as a user equipment (UE). The communication device is provided with appropriate signal receiving and transmission means for achieving communication, for example, achieving communication with a base station and / or directly communicating with other user equipment. The communication device can communicate on an appropriate channel, for example, a channel on which a listening station (e.g., a base station of a cell) transmits.

[0006] The communication system and the associated equipment are usually operated according to a given standard or specification, which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how this should be achieved. The communication protocol and / or parameters to be used for the connection are usually also defined. Non-limiting examples of standardized radio access technologies include GSM (Global System for Mobile), EDGE (Enhanced GSM Data Evolution) Radio Access Network (GERAN), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN) and 5G New Radio (NR). An example communication system architecture is the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology. LTE is standardized by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). LTE adopts Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) access and its further development (which is sometimes referred to as Advanced LTE (LTE-A)). Since the introduction of the fourth generation (4G) service, people have been increasingly interested in the next generation or so-called fifth generation (5G) standard. 5G can also be referred to as a new radio (NR) network. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect, a method is provided, comprising causing a grant-free uplink data transmission from a device using a subset of a plurality of subsets of a set of physical resource blocks, each subset being associated with a transmission scheme, at least a plurality of said subsets being associated with different transmission schemes.

[0008] Different ones of the subsets may be associated with different numbers of physical resource blocks.

[0009] A physical resource block set may include N physical resource blocks divided into multiple subband levels.

[0010] The number of subbands in a level can be 2 X , where X is the level number and the first level is level 0.

[0011] The number of physical resource blocks in a subband of a level may be N / 2 X .

[0012] The transmission scheme may depend on the level.

[0013] The transmission schemes may each include at least one of: a modulation and coding scheme and a transmission power level.

[0014] The method may comprise receiving information providing an initial configuration of said subset of said set of physical resource blocks.

[0015] One of the subsets may be a default subset, which is initially used in the grant-free uplink transmission.

[0016] The default subset may have the maximum bandwidth of the subset.

[0017] The method may include receiving, from an access point, information defining which of the subsets is to be used for the unlicensed uplink transmission.

[0018] The method may include determining in the device which of the subsets is to be used, and using the subset for the unlicensed uplink transmission.

[0019] The method may include determining in the device which of the subsets is to be used, and causing information about the determined subset to be provided to the access point.

[0020] The transmission may include a hybrid automatic repeat request retransmission.

[0021] According to a second aspect, a method is provided, comprising: causing information to be provided to a device, the information indicating which subset of multiple subsets of a set of physical resource blocks is to be used by the device for unlicensed uplink transmission, each subset being associated with a transmission scheme, and at least multiple of the subsets being associated with different transmission schemes.

[0022] Different ones of the subsets may be associated with different numbers of physical resource blocks.

[0023] A physical resource block set may include N physical resource blocks divided into multiple subband levels.

[0024] The number of subbands in a level can be 2 X , where X is the level number and the first level is level 0.

[0025] The method may include transmitting to the device information providing an initial configuration for the subset of the set of physical resource blocks for grant-free uplink transmission.

[0026] One of the subsets may be a default subset, which is initially used in the grant-free uplink transmission.

[0027] The default subset may have the maximum bandwidth of the subset.

[0028] The method may include determining that a different subset is to be used by the device for grant-free uplink transmissions.

[0029] The method may include receiving information from the device regarding which of the subsets the device proposes to use for grant-free uplink transmission.

[0030] The method may include using information received from the device to determine which of the subsets should be used by the device for unlicensed uplink transmissions.

[0031] The transmission schemes may each include at least one of: a modulation and coding scheme and a transmission power level.

[0032] According to a third aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: cause unauthorized uplink data transmission using one subset of a plurality of subsets of a set of physical resource blocks, each subset being associated with a transmission scheme, at least a plurality of said subsets being associated with different transmission schemes.

[0033] The apparatus may be provided in a user equipment.

[0034] Different ones of the subsets may be associated with different numbers of physical resource blocks.

[0035] A physical resource block set may include N physical resource blocks divided into multiple subband levels.

[0036] The number of subbands in a level can be 2 X , where X is the level number and the first level is level 0.

[0037] The number of physical resource blocks in a subband of a level may be N / 2 X .

[0038] The transmission scheme may depend on the level.

[0039] The transmission schemes may each include at least one of: a modulation and coding scheme and a transmission power level.

[0040] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive information providing an initial configuration for said subset of said set of physical resource blocks.

[0041] One of the subsets may be a default subset, which is initially used in the grant-free uplink transmission.

[0042] The default subset may have the maximum bandwidth of the subset.

[0043] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive information from an access point defining which of the subsets is to be used for the unlicensed uplink transmission.

[0044] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to determine, in the device, which subset of the subsets to use, and use the subset for the unlicensed uplink transmission.

[0045] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to determine which of the subsets is to be used in the device, and cause information about the determined subset to be provided to an access point.

[0046] The transmission may include a hybrid automatic repeat request retransmission.

[0047] According to a fourth aspect, a device is provided, which includes at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, and the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the device to at least: cause information to be provided to a device, the information indicating which subset of multiple subsets of a set of physical resource blocks is to be used by the device for unlicensed uplink transmission, each subset being associated with a transmission scheme, and at least multiple of the subsets being associated with different transmission schemes.

[0048] The apparatus may be provided in an access point.

[0049] Different ones of the subsets may be associated with different numbers of physical resource blocks.

[0050] A physical resource block set may include N physical resource blocks divided into multiple subband levels.

[0051] The number of subbands in a level can be 2 X , where X is the level number and the first level is level 0.

[0052] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to cause information to be transmitted to the device, the information providing an initial configuration for the subset of the set of physical resource blocks for grant-free uplink transmission.

[0053] One of the subsets may be a default subset, which is initially used in the grant-free uplink transmission.

[0054] The default subset may have the maximum bandwidth of the subset.

[0055] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to determine a different subset to be used by the device for grant-free uplink transmission.

[0056] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive information from the device regarding which subset of the subsets the device proposes to use for unlicensed uplink transmission.

[0057] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to use information received from the device to determine which of the subsets should be used by the user equipment for unlicensed uplink transmissions.

[0058] The transmission schemes may each include at least one of: a modulation and coding scheme and a transmission power level.

[0059] According to a fifth aspect, a device is provided, comprising: a component for causing unauthorized uplink data transmission using a subset of multiple subsets of a set of physical resource blocks, each subset being associated with a transmission scheme, and at least multiple of the subsets being associated with different transmission schemes.

[0060] The apparatus may be provided in a user equipment.

[0061] Different ones of the subsets may be associated with different numbers of physical resource blocks.

[0062] A physical resource block set may include N physical resource blocks divided into multiple subband levels.

[0063] The number of subbands in a level can be 2 X , where X is the level number and the first level is level 0.

[0064] The number of physical resource blocks in a subband of a level may be N / 2 X .

[0065] The transmission scheme may depend on the level.

[0066] The transmission schemes may each include at least one of: a modulation and coding scheme and a transmission power level.

[0067] The apparatus may include means for receiving information providing an initial configuration of the subset of the set of physical resource blocks.

[0068] One of the subsets may be a default subset, which is initially used in the grant-free uplink transmission.

[0069] The default subset may have the maximum bandwidth of the subset.

[0070] The apparatus may include means for receiving information from an access point defining which of the subsets is to be used for the unlicensed uplink transmission.

[0071] The apparatus may include means for determining which of the subsets to use and using the subset for the unlicensed uplink transmission.

[0072] The apparatus may include means for determining which of the subsets to use and causing information regarding the determined subset to be provided to the access point.

[0073] The transmission may include a hybrid automatic repeat request retransmission.

[0074] According to a sixth aspect, a device is provided, comprising: a component for enabling information to be provided to a device, wherein the information indicates which subset of multiple subsets of a set of physical resource blocks is to be used by the device for unauthorized uplink transmission, each subset being associated with a transmission scheme, and at least multiple of the subsets being associated with different transmission schemes.

[0075] The apparatus may be provided in an access point.

[0076] Different ones of the subsets may be associated with different numbers of physical resource blocks.

[0077] A physical resource block set may include N physical resource blocks divided into multiple subband levels.

[0078] The number of subbands in a level can be 2 X , where X is the level number and the first level is level 0.

[0079] The apparatus may include means for causing transmission of information to the device providing an initial configuration for the subset of the set of physical resource blocks for grant-free uplink transmission.

[0080] One of the subsets may be a default subset, which is initially used in the grant-free uplink transmission.

[0081] The default subset may have the maximum bandwidth of the subset.

[0082] The apparatus may include means for determining a different subset to be used by the device for grant-free uplink transmissions.

[0083] The apparatus may include means for receiving information from the device regarding which of the subsets the device proposes to use for grant-free uplink transmissions.

[0084] The apparatus may include means for using information received from the device to determine which of the subsets should be used by the user equipment for unlicensed uplink transmissions.

[0085] The transmission schemes may each include at least one of: a modulation and coding scheme and a transmission power level.

[0086] According to a seventh aspect, a computer program is provided, which includes computer executable code, which when running on at least one processor is configured to cause information to be provided to a device, the information indicating which subset of multiple subsets of a set of physical resource blocks is to be used by the device for unlicensed uplink transmission, each subset being associated with a transmission scheme, and at least multiple of the subsets being associated with different transmission schemes.

[0087] According to an eighth aspect disclosed herein, a computer program is provided, comprising computer executable code, which, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to cause unlicensed uplink data transmission from a device using one of a plurality of subsets of a set of physical resource blocks, each subset being associated with a transmission scheme, at least a plurality of the subsets being associated with different transmission schemes.

[0088] Various other aspects and further embodiments are also described in the following detailed description and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0089] To assist in understanding the present disclosure and to show how certain embodiments may be implemented, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, in which:

[0090] Figure 1 An example of a first resource is schematically shown;

[0091] Figure 2 An example of a second resource grid is schematically shown;

[0092] Figure 3 An example of signaling between a base station and a user equipment is schematically shown;

[0093] Figure 4 schematically illustrates an example modulation and coding scheme for grant-free transmission;

[0094] Figure 5 a shows a method performed by an apparatus in a base station;

[0095] Figure 5 b shows method steps performed by a base station and a user equipment respectively;

[0096] Figure 6An example of a communication network is schematically shown;

[0097] Figure 7 An example of a mobile communication device is schematically shown;

[0098] Figure 8 An example of a control device is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099] Figure 6 A system 600 of a network and UEs is schematically shown. The network includes a base station implemented as a gNB 601, whose coverage area defines a cell 603. In other examples, the base station may be implemented as an eNB. The network supports a first UE 605, a second UE 607, and a third UE 609, all of which are within the coverage of the network. In the example currently shown, the UEs 605, 607, 609 are all within the coverage of the gNB 601, but each of the UEs 605, 607, 609 is mobile and can therefore move in and out of the coverage of the gNB 601. Figure 6 Other UEs not shown in the figure may also enter the coverage of gNB 601.

[0100] As will be discussed in greater detail, some embodiments may provide a mechanism for allowing the gNB 601 to communicate configurations in the form of a resource grid for UEs 605, 607, 609 within coverage to allow the UEs 605, 607, 609 to perform unlicensed uplink transmissions to the gNB 601. The gNB 601 and UEs 605, 607, 609 may be communicating, for example, to transmit configurations, transmission quality measurements, and transmit data packets.

[0101] Now refer to Figure 7 In more detail, an apparatus, such as a mobile communication device, is described. Figure 7 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a communication device 700 is shown. Such a communication device may be, for example, a mobile device (e.g., a user equipment (UE)), i.e., a device that is not fixed to a specific location, or a fixed device. A wireless device may or may not require human interaction to communicate. The latter device is sometimes referred to as an MTC (machine type communication) device (e.g., a sensor). Such a device may have only Figure 7A subset of the components shown and / or a simplified version of the components. In this teaching, the term UE is used to refer to any type of wireless communication device. Suitable mobile communication devices can be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples include mobile stations (MS) or mobile devices such as mobile phones or so-called "smart phones", computers equipped with wireless interface cards or other wireless interface facilities (e.g., USB dongles), personal data assistants (PDAs) or tablet computers equipped with wireless communication capabilities, or any combination of these devices, etc. Mobile communication devices can provide, for example, data communications for carrying communications such as voice, e-mail (email), text messages, multimedia, etc. Therefore, many services can be supplied and provided to users via their communication devices. Non-limiting examples of these services include two-way or multi-way calls, data communications or multimedia services, or simply include access to data communication network systems such as the Internet. Broadcast or multicast data can also be provided to users. Non-limiting examples of content include downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alarms and other information.

[0102] The mobile device 700 may receive signals over the air or radio interface via appropriate means for receiving, and may transmit signals via appropriate means for transmitting radio signals. Figure 7 In the mobile device, the transceiver arrangement is schematically represented by block 706. The transceiver arrangement 706 may be provided, for example, by means of a radio part and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

[0103] The mobile device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 701, at least one memory 702 and other possible components 703 for use in the software and hardware-assisted execution of the tasks that the mobile device is designed to perform, including control of access to and communication with access systems and other communication devices. Data processing, storage and other related control devices can be provided on appropriate circuit boards and / or in chipsets. This feature is represented by reference numeral 704. The user can control the operation of the mobile device with the help of a suitable user interface such as a keypad 705, voice commands, a touch-sensitive screen or touchpad, a combination thereof, etc. A display 708, a speaker and a microphone may also be provided. In addition, the mobile communication device may include appropriate connectors (wired or wireless) to other devices and / or for connecting external accessories (e.g., hands-free devices) to it. The communication devices 702, 704, 705 can access the communication system based on various access technologies.

[0104] Figure 8An example device is shown in FIG. The device 800 includes at least one memory 801, at least one data processing unit 802, 803, and an input / output interface 804. The device 800 or the processor 802 / 803 may be configured to execute appropriate software code to provide control functions.

[0105] Processors 802 , 803 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 800 .

[0106] In some examples, at least one memory 801 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processors 802, 803. The modules may include an operating system that provides operating system functionality for the apparatus 800. The components of the apparatus 800 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0107] The apparatus 800 may be provided in an access point. In one example, the access point may be a base station.

[0108] According to some example embodiments, Figure 6 or Figure 7 One or more of the blocks or functions shown may be implemented as a chip or chipset.

[0109] As will now be explained in more detail, some embodiments relate to 5G (NR) systems. However, it should be understood that some embodiments can be used with any other suitable communication standard. Some embodiments may also be applicable to future LTE versions or other communication standards.

[0110] Some embodiments may be used with uplink (UL) unlicensed transmission for 5G ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC). With UL unlicensed transmission, many user devices can transmit their packets on time-frequency radio resources, but there is a risk of collision. Compared with authorization-based transmission, unlicensed transmission can achieve lower latency and lower signaling overhead because the user equipment (UE) does not need to send a scheduling request and wait for UL authorization before data transmission. For URLLC type services, it has been agreed to use unlicensed transmission.

[0111] Some embodiments may provide enhancements to unlicensed uplink transmissions on shared resources.Some embodiments may provide link adaptation and / or frequency resource allocation for unlicensed uplink transmissions.

[0112] Ultra-reliable low-latency communications may require UEs to transmit data packets using relatively robust modulation and coding schemes. This may require a large number of resource blocks and, therefore, may use a large amount of radio resources. This may result in reduced resource utilization efficiency. Link adaptation can improve resource utilization by allowing UEs with power margin to transmit with a higher modulation and coding scheme with reduced bandwidth. This can reduce the possibility of collisions.

[0113] If the UE can autonomously decide which modulation and coding scheme (MCS) configuration to use, this may result in a relatively large number of different MCS configurations. This may mean that a base station (BS) receiving a transmission from the UE will have to perform blind detection on all possible MCSs (including all possible time / frequency allocations of the payload). This may result in a high complexity on the receiver side.

[0114] It has been proposed that there are UL transmission schemes without support for grants for URLLC. Resources may or may not be shared between one or more users.

[0115] Different types of data transmission without grant may be configured through radio resource control (RRC) and possibly through layer 1 (L1) signaling.

[0116] The following types of UL data transmission without grant have been proposed:

[0117] Type 1: UL data transmission without grant is based only on RRC (re)configuration without any L1 signaling.

[0118] Type 2: UL data transmission without grant is based on both RRC configuration and L1 signaling to activate / deactivate UL data transmission without grant. Modification can be achieved through activation through L1 signaling; and

[0119] Type 3: UL data transmission without grant is based on RRC configuration, and L1 signaling is allowed to modify certain parameters configured by RRC, but no L1 signaling is used for activation.

[0120] Configuration can include one or more of the following:

[0121] Resource periodicity and offset; time domain resource allocation; frequency domain resource allocation; UE-specific demodulation reference signal (DMRS) configuration; MCS / transport block size (TBS) value; number of repetitions K; preamble sequence; and power control related parameters.

[0122] It has been proposed that multiple resource configurations for UL transmission without UL grant may be configured to the UE.For UL transmission without UL grant, the same resource configuration may be used for K repetitions of the transport block including the initial transmission.

[0123] Some embodiments may provide uplink grant-free transmission with link adaptation and frequency resource allocation for such situations.

[0124] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 An example of a first resource grid 101 of subband levels 103, 105, 107 and associated modulation and coding schemes is shown.For example, a user equipment (UE) may be configured with the first resource grid 101 in order to perform grant-free transmissions.

[0125] Figure 1 A first subband 103 is shown having a width of N physical resource blocks (PRBs). This may be the maximum transmission bandwidth (N PRBs) that a UE may use to perform grant-free transmissions. N may be any suitable number (e.g., 32 or 48). In principle, N may be from 1 to N. max Any positive integer between max is the number of PRBs in the carrier bandwidth. Figure 1 The resource grid structure shown, N can be equal to a power of 2 (i.e., 2, 4, 8, 16...). In other examples, N may not be a power of 2. The first subband 103 level has a first MCS labeled MCS0. A second subband 105 level is shown, where the physical resource blocks have been divided by 2. The second subband 105 has a second MCS labeled MCS1. A UE performing unlicensed transmission using the second subband 105 will transmit on half of the maximum transmission bandwidth. A third subband 107 level is shown, where the physical resource blocks have been divided by 4. The third subband 107 has a third MCS labeled MCS2. A UE performing unlicensed transmission using the third subband 107 will transmit on one-quarter of the maximum transmission bandwidth. The first MCS, the second MCS, and the third MCS may be different. In other examples, MCS0, MCS1, and MCS2 may be the same MCS, but each has a different power control setting.

[0126] exist Figure 1 In the example of , there are three different sub-band levels 103, 105, 107. In other examples, there may be a different number of sub-band levels.

[0127] For example, if the UE is configured with the first resource grid 101 and is to use the second subband 105 to perform grant-free transmission, the UE will use the second modulation and coding scheme MCS1 and will transmit only on half of the maximum transmission bandwidth.

[0128] Figure 2Another example of a resource grid 201 of a modulation and coding scheme is shown. In this example, a UE configured with the second resource grid 201 will always transmit on the entire transmission bandwidth. This can achieve better frequency diversity for grant-free transmissions. A UE performing grant-free transmissions using this configuration will transmit on all PRBs or using a subset of PRBs, depending on which MCS is being utilized.

[0129] Figure 2 A second resource grid 201 is shown with a third MCS 203, a fourth MCS 205, and a fifth MCS 207. In other examples, there may be a different number of MCSs. The third MCS 203, the fourth MCS 205, and the fifth MCS 207 may be the same modulation scheme as MCS0, MCS1, and MCS2, respectively. In other examples, the modulation and coding schemes may be different.

[0130] The third MCS 203 has a width of N physical resource blocks (PRBs). This can be the maximum transmission bandwidth (N PRBs) for transmission. A UE using the third MCS 203 will transmit on all PRBs. A UE using the fourth MCS 205 will transmit on every other PRB. A UE using the fifth MCS 207 will transmit on every fourth PRB.

[0131] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Various aspects of the resource grids 101, 201 may be used in combination.

[0132] In some embodiments, the base station configures the resource grid. The UE may initially transmit in a default initial subband or in a signaled subband. The subband may be signaled to the UE by, for example, the base station. The subband may be a set of PRBs. In one embodiment, the base station may configure the UE with an initial subband to use, for example based on knowledge of channel conditions or collision probabilities. In another embodiment, the UE may start using a default initial configuration (e.g., a larger subband).

[0133] When or if the base station detects a more favorable option, the base station signals the UE to perform transmission in a different subband / MCS than the configured resource grid.

[0134] Alternatively or additionally, the UE proposes a preferred MCS and subband size. This may be based, for example, on DL channel quality (e.g., in the case of time division duplex) and / or application quality of service (QoS) parameters. This gives the UE more autonomy, which may be beneficial if the UE has, for example, the ability to sense channel quality and make faster decisions. In some embodiments, the UE will then use the preferred MCS and subband size. In other embodiments, the final decision may be made by the base station, as the base station may have more information, such as the number of UEs sharing the same subband, historical collision rates, etc.

[0135] Figure 3 An example of signaling between a base station and a UE for unlicensed transmission is shown. The base station may be, for example, a gNB, an eNB, etc.

[0136] In step 301, the base station configures a resource grid for a UE for unlicensed transmission. The UE may be configured with an example Figure 1 or Figure 2 Resource grids 101, 201 are shown.

[0137] The base station configures a specific set of time-frequency resources for uplink (UL) unlicensed transmission to the connected UE set, which includes a maximum transmission bandwidth of N PRBs.

[0138] As an example, N PRBs are divided into N / 2 X subbands, where X is, for example, X=0, 1, 2, 3, ..., M.

[0139] For UE unlicensed transmission at subband level x, the UE shall use the MCS scheme MCS X The resource grid (i.e., subband transmission options) and MCS scheme can follow the following Figure 1 and 2 One of the resource grids 101, 201 shown. Thus, for example, if the UE is configured with the first resource grid 101 and the UE sends a grant-free uplink transmission over the entire bandwidth of N PRBs, the UE uses the MCS scheme MCS0. If the UE transmits on one of the two subbands with N / 2 PRBs, the UE uses MCS1, and so on.

[0140] The base station configures the N PRBs, the subband options (ie, the valid values ​​of x) and the corresponding MCS scheme. This may be configured via higher layer unicast or multicast or even broadcast signaling, for example.

[0141] By way of example only, this can include a configuration with N=32 PRBs as the maximum transmission bandwidth, where x=0, 1, 2 (i.e., when x=0, transmission is allowed using 32 PRBs, when x=1, transmission is allowed using 16 PRBs, or when x=2, transmission is allowed using 8 PRBs).

[0142] Alternatively or additionally, the base station may configure the UE to operate with different transmit power control settings depending on the subband level (i.e., the value of x) used by the UE. For the fractional path loss compensation open loop power control mechanism, this may mean using different P0 and Alpha values ​​depending on the subband index x. Alpha is the compensation factor, and P0 is the target received power at the base station.

[0143] In step 303, the UE performs unlicensed uplink transmission of data to the base station using the default subband and the default MCS. By default, whenever the UE has data to be delivered to the base station, the UE configured with unlicensed uplink transmission may, for example, transmit over the entire bandwidth of N-PRBs with MCS0 (e.g., 48 PRBs with x=0). In other examples, the UE may transmit at a random subband level with an associated MCS.

[0144] At step 305, the base station estimates whether a different grant-free transmission option is more advantageous.

[0145] The estimate made by the base station may be based on measurements such as signal strength, historical collision rate, number of UEs on the same subband, CQI, etc. Alternatively or additionally, in another embodiment, the UE proposes a preferred MCS and / or subband level to the base station based on downlink channel quality and / or application QoS measurements. However, the base station may make the final decision and signal the UE to change to a different subband and associated MCS.

[0146] In an alternative embodiment, the UE may determine the MCS and / or subband level to be used and begin performing unlicensed uplink transmission using the determined MCS and / or subband level. The UE may then notify the base station which MCS and / or subband level the UE is using for transmission.

[0147] In step 307, the base station dynamically configures the corresponding UE to transmit at different subband levels. This can be configured through dedicated downlink signaling.

[0148] For example, when a UE communicates with a base station, the base station may signal to the UE information for the UE to use different subbands and MCSs for its unlicensed transmissions.

[0149] This different subband and MCS may be a more favorable option estimated by the base station in step 305. There may be multiple different UEs connected to a single base station, and the base station may dynamically configure each individual UE to transmit at a different subband level. The base station may signal the subband and MCS information via dedicated downlink signaling.

[0150] As an example, dedicated DL signaling may be facilitated via dedicated RRC signaling, MAC control element (MAC-CE) signaling, or faster physical layer (PHY layer) signaling such as a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The signaling to one or more UEs may be event-based signaling, where the base station decides when or whether the base station will signal new subband allocations (and therefore MCS schemes) to certain UEs.

[0151] The information signaled to the UE at step 307 may include information about which subband of the subbands configured to the UE at step 301 the UE should use for future unlicensed transmissions. Alternatively or additionally, the information may include the value of x (i.e., the number of subbands). The UE may then randomly select which of the x+1 subbandwidth options to use for each new unlicensed transmission, for example with equal probability.

[0152] By dynamically adjusting the transmission bandwidth and MCS scheme of the UE connected to the base station, this can improve unlicensed transmissions to the base station by reducing collisions. Using a lower transmission bandwidth may result in a lower probability of collisions.

[0153] In step 309, the UE will perform grant-free transmission using the different subbands and MCS signaled to the UE in step 307. Therefore, in step 309, the UE will transmit data to the base station.

[0154] Even if not Figure 3 As shown in , the base station may also signal the UE(s) to use a different subband and associated MCS again. The UE(s) may change to different subbands and associated MCSs multiple times.

[0155] Alternatively or additionally, some embodiments may be used for hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) retransmissions.

[0156] HARQ retransmissions may also be sent by the UE on resources assigned for grant-free transmissions. For example, after receiving a negative acknowledgement (NACK), the UE may send a grant-free UL HARQ retransmission on the same subband and associated MCS as the original transmission. Alternatively or additionally, the UE may be configured to autonomously select a different subband and associated MCS for each HARQ retransmission (e.g., the UE uses fall-back to use all N-PRBs with higher bandwidth with a more robust MCS for HARQ retransmissions). After receiving a NACK in the downlink (or no acknowledgement (ACK) at the expected time), the exact time of the grant-free HARQ retransmission may be affected by a random backoff time in order to randomize the transmission, which may reduce the likelihood of harmful collisions.

[0157] For the case where HARQ retransmissions are sent by the UE on grant-based resources, the received signal quality from the UL grant-free transmission can also be used to determine the appropriate MCS level for the HARQ retransmission. For example, the first uplink grant-free transmission can use MCS2. If the transmission detection fails, the base station can allocate resources for retransmission according to MCS1 or MCS0, so as to have a better chance of successful reception.

[0158] Figure 4 Shown according to Figure 3 Operation of a UE according to one embodiment of the signaling. Figure 4 In the example case shown, the configured resource grid 401 has a maximum transmission bandwidth of 48 PRBs (i.e., N=48). The maximum transmission bandwidth is divided into 3 subband levels (i.e., x=0, 1, 2) corresponding to three different MCSs. The resource grid 401 includes: level 0 subbands 403, which correspond to the entire bandwidth transmission, i.e., 48 PRBs, with an associated MCS of quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) 1 / 8 (coding rate); level 1 subbands 405, which have half the bandwidth, i.e., 24 PRBs, with an associated MCS of QPSK 1 / 4; and level 2 subbands 407, which have a quarter of the maximum bandwidth, i.e., 12 PRBs, with an associated MCS of QPSK 1 / 2.

[0159] from Figure 4As can be seen in the lower part of , at time t1, three different UEs (UE1, UE2, UE3) are transmitting data simultaneously. UE1 is transmitting according to level 1 configuration 405, utilizing 24 PRBs and QPSK 1 / 4. UE2 is transmitting according to level 0 configuration 403, utilizing 48 PRBs and QPSK 1 / 8. UE3 is transmitting according to level 2 configuration 407, utilizing 12 PRBs and QPSK 1 / 2. Therefore, unlicensed transmissions from UEs to the base station may exploit frequency resource overlap. Advanced receivers with interference suppression capabilities can be utilized in the base station. This allows the base station to decode signals from overlapping transmissions despite the possibility of mutual interference.

[0160] As shown at time t2, only one UE is transmitting at a moment in time. At time t2, only UE2 is transmitting to the base station using level 1 configuration 405.

[0161] At time t3, UE2 is transmitting to the base station using level 1 configuration 405. UE3 is transmitting according to level 2 configuration 407.

[0162] Two separate UEs may simultaneously have UL grant-free transmissions to the base station using the same subband configuration as shown at time t4. At time t4, both UE2 and UE4 are transmitting using level 0 configuration 403.

[0163] At time t5 , UE1 is transmitting according to level 1 configuration 405 , while UE6 is transmitting according to level 2 configuration 407 .

[0164] At each transmission instant, as shown along the x-axis of the lower graph, the UE is configured to transmit a payload (eg, 32 bytes) in the selected subband and with the associated MCS.

[0165] In another example, the UE selects a subband from a configured resource grid. This gives the UE more autonomy, which may be beneficial if the UE has the ability to sense channel quality and make faster decisions, for example.

[0166] In another embodiment, multiple subbands of a resource grid may be configured using the same PRB and MCS but with different power control or transmission mode configurations. Typically, each link adaptation component (MCS, power control, transmission mode, etc.) may be a setting of the grid configuration. However, having fewer options in the resource grid in pre-configuration will reduce the search space, which may benefit the speed and efficiency of the base station for situations where the UE autonomously selects which subband it will use to perform transmissions.

[0167] Figure 5 a shows an example of method steps performed in a base station.

[0168] In step 501, a device (e.g., Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 ), the base station signals the UE or broadcasts the resource grid configuration to multiple UEs connected to the base station. The resource grid configuration may be as previously discussed, and may be, for example, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 , 2 and 4. In step 501, the base station may optionally signal the UE to initially use a default subband and MCS configuration for unlicensed transmission.

[0169] In step 503, the base station receives a grant-free transmission or retransmission from one or more UEs using the default configuration signaled to the (multiple) UEs in step 501. As an example, the UE may have transmitted using the maximum transmission bandwidth (e.g., 48 PRBs) as in the default case. As previously discussed, the apparatus may determine that one or more UEs will use a different MCS. The decision to change the MCS may be based on channel state information (CSI), collision rate, etc. that the base station has measured. In other examples, the UE feeds back information to the base station indicating that a different subband and MCS may be more appropriate.

[0170] At step 505, the apparatus causes the base station to signal one or more specific UEs to perform future grant-free transmissions using different subbands and associated MCSs.

[0171] The signal to the UE at step 505 may include information about which of the multiple subbands the UE should use for future unlicensed transmissions. In some examples, one of the multiple subbands may indicate that the UE uses two or more subbands simultaneously. Alternatively or additionally, the information may include the value of x (i.e., the number of subbands). The UE may then randomly select which of the x+1 subband options to use for each new unlicensed transmission with equal probability.

[0172] At step 507 , the base station receives a grant-free transmission or retransmission from the UE(s), wherein the UE(s) are using different subbands and MCSs signaled to the UE at step 505 .

[0173] Figure 5 b shows an example of method steps performed in a UE according to some embodiments.

[0174] At step 509, the UE receives a signal from the base station including configuration information provided to the device. The configuration information includes a resource grid including multiple subband levels with associated (multiple) MCSs. The UE may receive the signal via a dedicated signal such as, for example, dedicated RRC signaling or via a broadcast / multicast signal.

[0175] In step 511, the apparatus causes the UE to transmit packets to the base station using unlicensed uplink transmission. The apparatus causes the UE to transmit using an initial or default subband level and an associated MCS that may have been signaled to the UE in step 509.

[0176] At step 513, the UE may detect a dedicated signal from the base station. The dedicated signal may include information for using different subband levels and associated MCSs for future unlicensed uplink transmissions. The signaled information may include information about which specific subband should be used for future unlicensed transmissions. The information is provided to the device.

[0177] In some examples, the signaled information may not include a specific subband and MCS, as shown in step 515. If the signaled information does not include a specific subband and MCS, the information may include a value of x (i.e., a subband level). The UE apparatus may then randomly select which of the x+1 sub-bandwidth options should be used for each new unlicensed transmission with equal probability.

[0178] In step 517, the apparatus enables the UE to transmit any UL packets exempted from authorization to the base station on the selected subband while using the selected MCS.

[0179] Some embodiments may be used for URLLC services that may be characterized by small / medium packet transmissions. The payload size of the URLLC service may be known or predefined during initial configuration. In the event that the payload does not fit into the PRBs of the selected subband, there are many solutions that can be implemented to address this issue, including, for example, segmentation (if larger) and zero padding (if shorter).

[0180] If a preamble or DMRS is used, it may be used for UE identification during unlicensed transmission, and the preamble or DMRS portion may be limited to the data portion on the selected subband size. In other examples, packets may be transmitted on a larger configured subband to fit the required sequence length.

[0181] In general, the various examples shown may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but the invention is not limited thereto. Although various aspects may be shown and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the boxes, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0182] Some embodiments may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of a mobile device, such as in a processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs (also referred to as program products) including software routines, applets and / or macros may be stored in any device-readable data storage medium, and they include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer executable components configured to perform the methods described in the present disclosure when the program is run. One or more computer executable components may be at least one software code or a portion thereof.

[0183] In addition, it should be noted at this point that any box of the logic flow as shown in the figure can represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, boxes and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, boxes and functions. The software can be stored on physical media such as memory chips or storage blocks implemented in a processor, magnetic media such as hard disks or floppy disks, and optical media such as DVDs and data variants thereof, CDs, etc. Physical media are non-transient media.

[0184] The memory may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may be implemented using any appropriate data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based storage devices, magnetic storage devices and systems, optical storage devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The data processor may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may include, as non-limiting examples, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA, a gate-level circuit, and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture.

[0185] Examples of the disclosed embodiments may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is generally a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available to convert a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0186] The examples described herein are to be understood as illustrative examples of embodiments of the present invention. Additional embodiments and examples are contemplated. Any feature described with respect to any one example or embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features. In addition, any feature described with respect to any one example or embodiment may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other example or embodiment, or any combination of any other example or embodiment. In addition, equivalent forms and modifications not described herein may also be adopted within the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: Causing unlicensed uplink data transmission from a device using one of a plurality of subsets of a set of physical resource blocks, the set of physical resource blocks comprising N physical resource blocks, the N physical resource blocks being divided into a plurality of levels, wherein the number of subsets in a level depends on a resource grid configuration, and wherein all subsets in a level are associated with the same transmission scheme, at least a plurality of said subsets are associated with different transmission schemes, each of said transmission schemes comprising at least one of: a modulation and coding scheme and a transmission power level.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising receiving information providing an initial configuration for the subset of the set of physical resource blocks.

3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, comprising receiving information from an access point defining which of the subsets is to be used for the unlicensed uplink transmission.

4. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, comprising determining which of the subsets is to be used in the device, and using the determined subset for the unlicensed uplink transmission.

5. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising determining which of the subsets is to be used in the device, and causing information about the determined subset to be provided to the access point.

6. A communication method, comprising: Information is caused to be provided to a device, the information indicating which subset of a plurality of subsets of a set of physical resource blocks is to be used by the device for unlicensed uplink transmission, the set of physical resource blocks comprising N physical resource blocks, the N physical resource blocks being divided into a plurality of levels, wherein the number of subsets in a level depends on a resource grid configuration, and wherein all subsets in a level are associated with the same transmission scheme, at least a plurality of said subsets are associated with different transmission schemes, each of said transmission schemes comprising at least one of: a modulation and coding scheme and a transmission power level. The method of claim 6 , wherein different subsets of the plurality of subsets are associated with different numbers of physical resource blocks.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein in the resource grid configuration, the number of subsets in a level is 2 X , where X is the level number and the first level is level 0.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein the number of physical resource blocks in a subset of a level is N / 2 X .

10. An apparatus for communication, comprising means for causing an unlicensed uplink data transmission from a device using one of a plurality of subsets of a set of physical resource blocks, the set of physical resource blocks comprising N physical resource blocks, the N physical resource blocks being divided into a plurality of levels, wherein the number of subsets in a level depends on a resource grid configuration, and wherein all subsets in a level are associated with the same transmission scheme, at least a plurality of said subsets are associated with different transmission schemes, each of said transmission schemes comprising at least one of: a modulation and coding scheme and a transmission power level.

11. An apparatus for communication, comprising means for causing information to be provided to a device, the information indicating which subset of a plurality of subsets of a set of physical resource blocks is to be used by the device for unlicensed uplink transmission, the set of physical resource blocks comprising N physical resource blocks, the N physical resource blocks being divided into a plurality of levels, wherein the number of subsets in a level depends on a resource grid configuration, and wherein all subsets in a level are associated with the same transmission scheme, at least a plurality of said subsets are associated with different transmission schemes, each of said transmission schemes comprising at least one of: a modulation and coding scheme and a transmission power level.

12. An apparatus for communication, comprising means for causing information to be provided to a device, the information indicating that the device is to use a different subset of a plurality of subsets of a set of physical resource blocks, the set of physical resource blocks comprising N physical resource blocks, the N physical resource blocks being divided into a plurality of levels, wherein the number of subsets in a level depends on a resource grid configuration, and wherein all subsets in a level are associated with the same transmission scheme, at least a plurality of said subsets are associated with different transmission schemes, each of said transmission schemes comprising at least one of: a modulation and coding scheme and a transmission power level.

13. A computer program comprising computer executable code, which, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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