Apparatus, method, apparatus and computer readable medium for feedback transmission

Abstract

Apparatuses, methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for feedback transmission are disclosed. An example terminal device may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the terminal device to at least perform: receiving, from the network device, a downlink medium access control unit on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling of hybrid automatic repeat request feedback; and transmitting feedback for the downlink medium access control control unit to the network device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments are directed to devices, methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for feedback transmission. Background Art

[0002] For Internet of Things (IoT) over non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), such as narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), enhanced machine type communication (eMTC) over NTNs, etc., disabling hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback may bring at least the following advantages: user equipment (UE) power consumption and latency can be reduced; HARQ stagnation of NB-IoT due to the large round-trip time (RTT) of NTN can be alleviated; uplink throughput in NTN can be improved because more resources can be available in the uplink; etc. On the other hand, if HARQ feedback is disabled, the layer 1 (L1) reliability of downlink transmission may be reduced due to the lack of HARQ feedback. In addition, disabling HARQ feedback for some important physical downlink shared channels (PDSCH) and medium access control control elements (MAC CE) will affect system operation. For example, for a single HARQ process configured, if a MAC CE is sent on a HARQ process that configures or indicates disabling HARQ feedback, the MAC CE that relies on HARQ feedback for activation will not be activated. Summary of the invention

[0003] A brief summary of exemplary embodiments is provided below to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of various embodiments. It should be noted that this summary is not intended to identify key features of essential elements or to limit the scope of the embodiments, and its sole purpose is to introduce some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description provided below.

[0004] In a first aspect, a terminal device is disclosed. The terminal device may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may store instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor may cause the terminal device to at least perform: receiving a downlink medium access control control unit on a hybrid automatic repeat request process configured or indicating that hybrid automatic repeat request feedback is disabled from a network device; and sending feedback for the downlink medium access control control unit to the network device.

[0005] In some example embodiments, the feedback may be sent according to a format indicated by the network device.

[0006] In some example embodiments, the format may be the first format or the second format indicated in downlink control information from the network device.

[0007] In some example embodiments, the first format or the second format may be indicated in a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement resource field in downlink control information of format N1.

[0008] In some example embodiments, the format may be a first format or a second format, and the first format may be indicated by the absence of resources of the second format in downlink control information from the network device.

[0009] In some example embodiments, the first format may be a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format1 and the second format may be a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format2.

[0010] In some example embodiments, the feedback may be sent in an uplink medium access control control element or in a medium access control protocol data unit header.

[0011] In some example embodiments, the feedback may be sent upon receiving an indication from the network device indicating support for a scheme for feedback to a downlink medium access control control element on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling of hybrid automatic repeat request feedback.

[0012] In some example embodiments, the indication may be received via at least one of: a system information block, or radio resource control signaling.

[0013] In some example embodiments, in the event that more than one downlink medium access control control element is received on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling hybrid automatic repeat request feedback before sending feedback, feedback for the downlink medium access control control element may be indicated in a bitmap sent to the network device.

[0014] In some example embodiments, in the event that more than one downlink medium access control control element is received on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling hybrid automatic repeat request feedback before sending feedback, feedback for the downlink medium access control control element may be indicated in a feedback bundle sent to the network device.

[0015] In some example embodiments, the hybrid automatic repeat request process may be a single hybrid automatic repeat request process configured for the terminal device.

[0016] In a second aspect, a network device is disclosed. The network device may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the network device to at least perform: sending a downlink medium access control control unit on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates that hybrid automatic repeat request feedback is disabled to a terminal device; and receiving feedback for the downlink medium access control control unit from the terminal device.

[0017] In some example embodiments, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, may cause the network device to further perform: determining a format in which the terminal device sends feedback; and instructing the terminal device to send feedback according to the determined format.

[0018] In some example embodiments, the format may be the first format or the second format indicated in downlink control information from the network device.

[0019] In some example embodiments, the first format or the second format may be indicated in a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement resource field in downlink control information of format N1.

[0020] In some example embodiments, the format may be a first format or a second format, and the first format may be indicated by the absence of resources of the second format in the downlink control information from the network device.

[0021] In some example embodiments, the first format may be determined if there is at least one of the following to be transmitted in the terminal device: uplink data, or an uplink medium access control control element.

[0022] In some example embodiments, the first format may be a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format1 and the second format may be a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format2.

[0023] In some example embodiments, the instruction, when executed by at least one processor, may cause the network device to further perform: sending an indication to a terminal device indicating a scheme for supporting feedback for a downlink medium access control control unit on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling hybrid automatic repeat request feedback.

[0024] In some example embodiments, the indication may be sent via at least one of: a system information block, or radio resource control signaling.

[0025] In some example embodiments, the hybrid automatic repeat request process may be a single hybrid automatic repeat request process configured for the terminal device.

[0026] In a third aspect, a method performed by a terminal device is disclosed. The method may include: receiving a downlink medium access control control element on a hybrid automatic repeat request process configured or indicating that hybrid automatic repeat request feedback is disabled from a network device; and sending feedback for the downlink medium access control control element to the network device.

[0027] In some example embodiments, the feedback may be sent according to a format indicated by the network device.

[0028] In some example embodiments, the format may be the first format or the second format indicated in downlink control information from the network device.

[0029] In some example embodiments, the first format or the second format may be indicated in a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement resource field in downlink control information of format N1.

[0030] In some example embodiments, the format may be a first format or a second format, and the first format may be indicated by the absence of resources of the second format in the downlink control information from the network device.

[0031] In some example embodiments, the first format may be a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format1 and the second format may be a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format2.

[0032] In some example embodiments, the feedback may be sent in an uplink medium access control control element or in a medium access control protocol data unit header.

[0033] In some example embodiments, the feedback may be sent upon receiving an indication from the network device indicating support for a scheme for feedback to a downlink medium access control control element on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling of hybrid automatic repeat request feedback.

[0034] In some example embodiments, the indication may be received via at least one of: a system information block, or radio resource control signaling.

[0035] In some example embodiments, in the event that more than one downlink medium access control control element is received on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling hybrid automatic repeat request feedback before sending feedback, feedback for the downlink medium access control control element may be indicated in a bitmap sent to the network device.

[0036] In some example embodiments, in the event that more than one downlink medium access control control element is received on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling hybrid automatic repeat request feedback before sending feedback, feedback for the downlink medium access control control element may be indicated in a feedback bundle sent to the network device.

[0037] In some example embodiments, the hybrid automatic repeat request process may be a single hybrid automatic repeat request process configured for the terminal device.

[0038] In a fourth aspect, a method performed by a network device is disclosed. The method may include: sending a downlink medium access control control element on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates that hybrid automatic repeat request feedback is disabled to a terminal device; and receiving feedback for the downlink medium access control element from the terminal device.

[0039] In some example embodiments, the method may further include: determining a format in which the terminal device sends feedback; and instructing the terminal device to send feedback according to the determined format.

[0040] In some example embodiments, the format may be the first format or the second format indicated in downlink control information from the network device.

[0041] In some example embodiments, the first format or the second format may be indicated in a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement resource field in downlink control information of format N1.

[0042] In some example embodiments, the format may be a first format or a second format, and the first format may be indicated by the absence of resources of the second format in the downlink control information from the network device.

[0043] In some example embodiments, the first format may be determined if there is at least one of the following to be transmitted in the terminal device: uplink data or an uplink medium access control control element.

[0044] In some example embodiments, the first format may be a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format1 and the second format may be a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format2.

[0045] In some example embodiments, the method may further include sending an indication to the terminal device indicating a scheme for supporting feedback for a downlink medium access control control unit on a hybrid automatic repeat request process in which hybrid automatic repeat request feedback disabling is configured or indicated.

[0046] In some example embodiments, the indication may be sent via at least one of: a system information block, or radio resource control signaling.

[0047] In some example embodiments, the hybrid automatic repeat request process may be a single hybrid automatic repeat request process configured for the terminal device.

[0048] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus as a terminal device may include: a component for receiving a downlink medium access control control unit on a hybrid automatic repeat request process configured or indicating disabling hybrid automatic repeat request feedback from a network device; and a component for sending feedback for the downlink medium access control control unit to the network device.

[0049] In some example embodiments, the feedback may be sent according to a format indicated by the network device.

[0050] In some example embodiments, the format may be the first format or the second format indicated in downlink control information from the network device.

[0051] In some example embodiments, the first format or the second format may be indicated in a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement resource field in downlink control information of format N1.

[0052] In some example embodiments, the format may be a first format or a second format, and the first format may be indicated by the absence of resources of the second format in downlink control information from the network device.

[0053] In some example embodiments, the first format may be a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format1 and the second format may be a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format2.

[0054] In some example embodiments, the feedback may be sent in an uplink medium access control control element or in a medium access control protocol data unit header.

[0055] In some example embodiments, the feedback may be sent upon receiving an indication from the network device indicating support for a scheme for feedback to a downlink medium access control control element on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling of hybrid automatic repeat request feedback.

[0056] In some example embodiments, the indication may be received via at least one of: a system information block, or radio resource control signaling.

[0057] In some example embodiments, in the event that more than one downlink medium access control control element is received on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling hybrid automatic repeat request feedback before sending feedback, feedback for the downlink medium access control control element may be indicated in a bitmap sent to the network device.

[0058] In some example embodiments, in the event that more than one downlink medium access control control element is received on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling hybrid automatic repeat request feedback before sending feedback, feedback for the downlink medium access control control element may be indicated in a feedback bundle sent to the network device.

[0059] In some example embodiments, the hybrid automatic repeat request process may be a single hybrid automatic repeat request process configured for the terminal device.

[0060] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus as a network device may include: a component for sending a downlink medium access control control unit on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates that hybrid automatic repeat request feedback is disabled to a terminal device; and a component for receiving feedback for the downlink medium access control control unit from the terminal device.

[0061] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further include: a component for determining a format in which the terminal device sends feedback; and a component for instructing the terminal device to send feedback according to the determined format.

[0062] In some example embodiments, the format may be the first format or the second format indicated in downlink control information from the network device.

[0063] In some example embodiments, the first format or the second format may be indicated in a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement resource field in downlink control information of format N1.

[0064] In some example embodiments, the format may be a first format or a second format, and the first format may be indicated by the absence of resources of the second format in the downlink control information from the network device.

[0065] In some example embodiments, the first format may be determined if there is at least one of the following to be transmitted in the terminal device: uplink data or an uplink medium access control control element.

[0066] In some example embodiments, the first format may be a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format1 and the second format may be a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format2.

[0067] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for sending an indication to a terminal device indicating a scheme for supporting feedback for a downlink medium access control control unit on a hybrid automatic repeat request process in which hybrid automatic repeat request feedback disabling is configured or indicated.

[0068] In some example embodiments, the indication may be sent via at least one of: a system information block, or radio resource control signaling.

[0069] In some example embodiments, the hybrid automatic repeat request process may be a single hybrid automatic repeat request process configured for the terminal device.

[0070] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium may contain program instructions, which, when executed by a terminal device, may cause the terminal device to at least perform: receiving a downlink medium access control control unit on a hybrid automatic repeat request process configured or indicating that hybrid automatic repeat request feedback is disabled from a network device; and sending feedback for the downlink medium access control control unit to the network device.

[0071] In some example embodiments, the feedback may be sent according to a format indicated by the network device.

[0072] In some example embodiments, the format may be the first format or the second format indicated in downlink control information from the network device.

[0073] In some example embodiments, the first format or the second format may be indicated in a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement resource field in downlink control information of format N1.

[0074] In some example embodiments, the format may be a first format or a second format, and the first format may be indicated by the absence of resources of the second format in downlink control information from the network device.

[0075] In some example embodiments, the first format may be a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format1 and the second format may be a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format2.

[0076] In some example embodiments, the feedback may be sent in an uplink medium access control control element, or in a medium control protocol data unit header.

[0077] In some example embodiments, an indication may be received from a network device indicating a scheme for supporting feedback for a downlink medium access control control element on a hybrid automatic repeat request process with hybrid automatic repeat request feedback disabling configured or indicated.

[0078] In some example embodiments, the indication may be received via at least one of: a system information block, or radio resource control signaling.

[0079] In some example embodiments, in the event that more than one downlink medium access control control element is received on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling hybrid automatic repeat request feedback before sending feedback, feedback for the downlink medium access control control element may be indicated in a bitmap sent to the network device.

[0080] In some example embodiments, in the event that more than one downlink medium access control control element is received on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling hybrid automatic repeat request feedback before sending feedback, feedback for the downlink medium access control control element may be indicated in a feedback bundle sent to the network device.

[0081] In some example embodiments, the hybrid automatic repeat request process may be a single hybrid automatic repeat request process configured for the terminal device.

[0082] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by a network device, cause the network device to at least perform: sending a downlink medium access control control unit on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates that hybrid automatic repeat request feedback is disabled to a terminal device; and receiving feedback for the downlink medium access control control unit from the terminal device.

[0083] In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions that, when executed by the network device, cause the network device to further perform: determining a format for the terminal device to send feedback; and instructing the terminal device to send feedback according to the determined format.

[0084] In some example embodiments, the format may be the first format or the second format indicated in downlink control information from the network device.

[0085] In some example embodiments, the first format or the second format may be indicated in a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement resource field in downlink control information of format N1.

[0086] In some example embodiments, the format may be a first format or a second format, and the first format may be indicated by the absence of resources of the second format in downlink control information from the network device.

[0087] In some example embodiments, the first format may be determined if there is at least one of the following to be transmitted in the terminal device: uplink data or an uplink medium access control control element.

[0088] In some example embodiments, the first format may be a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format1 and the second format may be a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format2.

[0089] In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may also include instructions that, when executed by the network device, may cause the network device to further perform: sending an indication to a terminal device indicating a scheme for supporting feedback for a downlink medium access control control unit on a hybrid automatic repeat request process in which hybrid automatic repeat request feedback disabling is configured or indicated.

[0090] In some example embodiments, the indication may be sent via at least one of: a system information block, or radio resource control signaling.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the hybrid automatic repeat request process may be a single hybrid automatic repeat request process configured for the terminal device.

[0092] Other features and advantages of example embodiments of the present disclosure will also be apparent from the following description of specific embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of example embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0093] Some example embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0094] Figure 1 An exemplary sequence diagram for feedback transmission according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0095] Figure 2 An exemplary process for feedback transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0096] Figure 3 A flow chart of an example method 300 for feedback transmission according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0097] Figure 4 A flow chart of an example method 400 for feedback transmission according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0098] Figure 5 A block diagram of an example device 500 for feedback transmission according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0099] Figure 6A block diagram of an example device 600 for feedback transmission according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0100] Figure 7 A block diagram of an example apparatus 700 for feedback transmission according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0101] Figure 8 A block diagram of an example apparatus 800 for feedback transmission according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0102] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements, and repeated description of the same elements will be omitted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0103] Hereinafter, some example embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts, the following description includes specific details. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known circuits, techniques, and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts and features described.

[0104] The exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a scheme for feedback transmission. According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, if a downlink MAC CE is sent on a HARQ process that configures or indicates that HARQ feedback is disabled, feedback for the downlink MAC CE can be sent. Therefore, disabling HARQ feedback can be supported, and the advantages brought by disabling HARQ feedback can be obtained, so that performance can be improved. In addition, disabling HARQ feedback will not affect some "important" system operations. The exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to IoT through NTN.

[0105] Figure 1 An exemplary sequence diagram for feedback transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 UE 110 may represent any terminal device in IoT through NTN. Network device 120 may be used as a base station (BS) in NTN and is associated with a cell serving UE 110.

[0106] refer to Figure 1, the network device 120 may send a downlink MAC CE 128 to the UE 110 on a HARQ process configured or indicating that HARQ feedback is disabled. The downlink MAC CE may be carried on the PDSCH. In the case of NB-IoT, the downlink MAC CE may be carried on a narrowband PDSCH (NPDSCH). Although the downlink MAC CE 128 is sent on a HARQ process configured or indicating that HARQ feedback is disabled, upon receiving the downlink MAC CE 128, the UE 110 may send feedback 116 or feedback 118 for the downlink MAC CE 128 to the network device 120. The feedback 116 or feedback 118 may be an acknowledgment (ACK) feedback or a non-acknowledgment (NACK) feedback for the downlink MAC CE 128.

[0107] In an embodiment, in operation 124, the network device 120 may determine the format in which the UE 110 sends the feedback 116 or the feedback 118, and then instruct the UE 110 to send the feedback 116 or 118 according to the determined format. The format may be a first format or a second format. The first format may be used to carry feedback and other uplink transmissions, such as uplink data, uplink MAC CE, such as a buffer status report (BSR), etc. The second format may be specifically used to carry feedback. The feedback 116 or 118 may be sent according to the format indicated by the network device 120.

[0108] In an embodiment, in the case that there is at least one of the following to be transmitted in UE 110: uplink data or uplink MAC CE, in operation 124, network device 120 may determine the first format. For example, if network device 120 knows that UE 110 will transmit uplink data or uplink MAC CE in the first format shortly after network device 120 transmits downlink MAC CE 128 to UE 110, for example, network device 120 will schedule uplink data or uplink MAC CE in the first format from UE 110 shortly after transmission of downlink MAC CE 128, network device 120 may determine the first format and schedule the corresponding uplink resources. Therefore, UE 110 may transmit feedback 116 to network device 120 according to the first format, as well as uplink data or uplink MAC CE, such as BSR.

[0109] Alternatively, in an embodiment, if network device 120 knows that UE 110 will not send uplink data or uplink MAC CE during a specific time after network device 120 sends a downlink MAC CE to UE 110, network device 120 may determine the second format and schedule corresponding uplink resources. Therefore, UE 110 may send feedback 118 to network device 120 according to the second format.

[0110] In an embodiment, the network device 120 may send downlink control information (DCI) 126 to the UE 110 for indicating the determined format to the UE 110. For example, the first format or the second format may be indicated in the DCI 126. In an embodiment, the DCI 126 may be, for example, a DCI format N1 described in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specification 36.213, and the first format or the second format may be indicated in the HARQ-ACK resource field in the DCI format N1. For example, two fields in the HARQ-ACK resource field may be predefined or configured to indicate whether the first format or the second format is determined by the network device 120.

[0111] Alternatively, in an embodiment, the first format may be indicated by the absence of resources of the second format in the DCI 126. For example, if the DCI 126 shows that there are no resources scheduled for the second format, the first format may be implicitly indicated by the DCI 126. In this embodiment, the DCI 126 may also be DCI format N1. For example, the HARQ-ACK resource field submitted with a zero value may be used to indicate that there are no resources allocated for the second format, and the DCI 126 may implicitly indicate the first format.

[0112] In the case of NB-IoT, the first format may be NPDSCH format 1 described in 3GPP specification 36.213, and the second format may be NPDSCH format 2 described in 3GPP specification 36.213.

[0113] In an embodiment, as an option, network device 120 may determine whether a scheme for feedback of downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process that configures or indicates disabling of HARQ feedback is supported for UE 110, and then send an indication 122 to UE 110 indicating whether the scheme is supported.

[0114] In the event that the indication 122 indicates that this scheme is not supported, if the downlink MAC CE 128 is sent on a HARQ process that configures or indicates that HARQ feedback is disabled, then the UE 110 may not send feedback 116 or 118 when the indication 122 is received.

[0115] In case the indication 122 indicates a scheme of supporting feedback for downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process for which HARQ feedback is configured or indicated to be disabled, upon receiving the indication 122, the UE 110 may send feedback 116 or 118 for the downlink MAC CE.

[0116] In an embodiment, a scheme for feedback on a downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process configured or indicating that HARQ feedback is disabled may be that feedback on a downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process configured or indicating that HARQ feedback is disabled is sent according to a first format, such as NPDSCH format 1, or a second format, such as NPDSCH format 2. In this case, if the scheme is supported, feedback on a downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process configured or indicating that HARQ feedback is disabled is sent according to the first format or the second format.

[0117] In an embodiment, a scheme for feedback on a downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process configured or indicating that HARQ feedback is disabled may be, in a case where there is uplink data and / or uplink MAC CE to be sent in UE 110, feedback on a downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process configured or indicating that HARQ feedback is disabled is sent according to a first format, such as NPDSCH format 1. In this case, if the scheme is supported and there is uplink data and / or uplink MAC CE to be sent in UE 110, feedback on a downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process configured or indicating that HARQ feedback is disabled will be sent according to the first format.

[0118] The indication 122 may be sent via at least one of: a system information block (SIB), or a radio resource control (RRC) signaling. For example, the indication 122 may be a semi-static flag.

[0119] In an embodiment, the feedback 116 may be sent in an uplink MAC CE or in a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU) header. For example, the feedback 116 may be carried in a dedicated uplink MAC CE in a first format (e.g., NPUSCH format 1). Alternatively, the feedback 116 may be carried in a MAC PDU header in a first format (e.g., NPUSCH format 11). For example, the feedback 116 may be carried using a reserved bit in a MAC PDU header.

[0120] In an embodiment, the UE 110 may receive more than one downlink MAC CE 128 on a HARQ process that configures or indicates disabling HARQ feedback from the network device 120 before sending the feedback 116. For example, if the UE 110 is instructed to use a first format for the feedback 116, but the network device 120 has not yet scheduled resources of the first format, the UE 110 may have received multiple NPDSCHs carrying the MAC CE 128 before sending the feedback 116. After being scheduled with resources of the first format, the UE 110 is to send feedback 116 for more than one MAC CE 128 in more than one NPDSCH. In this case, the UE 110 may indicate the feedback 116 for the downlink MAC CE 128 to the network device 120. For example, the UE 110 may send a bitmap 112 indicating the feedback 116 for the downlink MAC CE 128 to the network device 120. Alternatively, UE 110 may send a feedback bundle 114 indicating feedback 116 for downlink MAC CE 128 to network device 120 .

[0121] Feedback bundle 114 may be an acknowledgment bundle. In the case where UE 110 may acknowledge more than one downlink MAC CE 128 (i.e., an ACK for downlink MAC CE 128), feedback bundle 114 may be a bundled ACK. Otherwise, feedback bundle 114 may be a NACK. Bitmap 112 may indicate the correspondence between different parts of feedback 116 in a first format (e.g., NPDSCH format1), and downlink MAC CE 128. In this case, feedback 116 may be indicated in bitmap 112 or feedback bundle 114 sent to network device 120.

[0122] In an embodiment, the HARQ process may be a single HARQ process configured for the UE 110. In this case, regardless of whether the HARQ process is configured or indicates that HARQ feedback is disabled or enabled, the downlink MAC CE may have to be sent on the single HARQ process with a high probability. In a scheme for feedback transmission according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, even if a downlink MAC CE 128 is received on a single HARQ process that is configured or indicates that HARQ feedback is disabled, the UE 110 may send feedback 116 or 118 for the downlink MAC CE 128.

[0123] In some embodiments, taking NB-IoT through NTN as an example scenario, the scheme for feedback transmission according to the example embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied. Since a maximum of 2 HARQ processes are configured in NB-IoT, UE 110 is more likely to be configured with a single HARQ process configured or indicated to disable HARQ feedback. It can be appreciated that the scheme for feedback transmission according to the example embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to other IoTs (such as eMTC through NTN), although more HARQ processes may be configured in eMTC. For example, in eMTC, if UE 110 receives a downlink MAC CE 128 on a HARQ process configured or indicated to disable HARQ feedback, UE 110 may send feedback 116 or 118 for the downlink MAC CE 128.

[0124] Figure 2 An exemplary process for feedback transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In an embodiment, UE 110 and network device 120 may operate according to the exemplary process. Figure 1 Describe the details.

[0125] refer to Figure 2 After the process starts, in operation 210, the network device 120 may determine whether a scheme for feedback of downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process configured or indicating that HARQ feedback is disabled is supported. If the scheme is supported (the "yes" branch of operation 210), the network device 120 may notify the UE 110, for example, via an indication 122: a scheme for feedback of downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process configured or indicating that HARQ feedback is disabled is supported.

[0126] In operation 220, if UE 110 receives a downlink MAC CE (e.g., carried in NPDSCH) and HARQ feedback is disabled ("yes" branch of operation 220), then in operation 230, UE 110 may check whether a second format (e.g., NPUSCH format2) is indicated by network device 120. The format may be explicitly or implicitly indicated by, for example, DCI 126. For example, no resources scheduled for the second format may indicate the first format.

[0127] If the second format is indicated ("yes" branch of operation 230), then in operation 240, UE 110 may send feedback, such as feedback 118 for downlink MAC CE, to network device 120 according to the second format.

[0128] If the second format is not indicated (the "No" branch of operation 230), then in operation 250, UE 110 may check whether resources of the first format (e.g., NPUSCH) are scheduled. If resources of the first format are scheduled (the "Yes" branch of operation 250), then in operation 260, UE 110 may send feedback to network device 120 according to the first format (e.g., NPUSCH format1), such as feedback 116 for downlink MAC CE, and uplink data and / or (multiple) other uplink MAC CEs.

[0129] In the scheme for feedback transmission according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, even if HARQ feedback is disabled for the corresponding PDSCH carrying MAC CE, the network side can schedule the first format, such as NPUSCH format1, or the second format, such as NPUSCH format2, for downlink MAC CE feedback. With this scheme, the function that MAC CE relies on HARQ feedback for activation can be supported. Therefore, disabling HARQ feedback will not affect the system operation.

[0130] In addition, the network side may consider many factors such as system performance and UE power consumption to determine whether the feedback for the downlink MAC CE is carried in the first format, such as NPUSCH format 1, or the second format, such as NPUSCH format 2. For example, if the network side knows that the network side will schedule uplink data and / or (multiple) other uplink MAC CEs in the first format (e.g., NPUSCH format 1) shortly after the network side sends the downlink MAC CE carried by, for example, NPDSCH, the network side will not schedule the second format (e.g., NPUSCH format 2) for downlink MAC CE feedback, because the second format (e.g., NPUSCH format 2) will consume both resources and UE power, and the first format to be scheduled can carry the downlink MAC CE feedback. If the network side will not schedule, for example, uplink data in, for example, NPUSCH format 1 during a specific time period after the transmission of the downlink MAC CE, the network side may schedule resources, such as NPUSCH format 2, together with the NPDSCH carrying the downlink MAC CE.

[0131] Figure 3 A flow chart of an example method 300 for feedback transmission according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The example method 300 may be performed, for example, by a terminal device (such as UE 110).

[0132] refer to Figure 3, the example method 300 may include an operation 310 of receiving, from a network device, a downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process that configures or indicates disabling MAC CE feedback; and an operation 320 of sending feedback for the downlink MAC CE to the network device.

[0133] The details of operation 310 have been described above in the description of at least downlink MAC CE 128 and operation 220, and a repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0134] The details of operation 320 have been described above in the description of at least feedback 116, feedback 118, and operations 240 and 260, and a repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0135] In an embodiment, the feedback may be sent according to a format indicated by the network device.More details have been described above in the description of at least operation 124 and operations 240 and 260, and a repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0136] In an embodiment, the format may be the first format or the second format indicated in the DCI from the network device.More details have been described above in the description of at least the DCI 126, and a repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0137] In an embodiment, the first format or the second format may be indicated in the HARQ-ACK resource field in the DCI format N1. More details have been described above in the description of at least the HARQ-ACK resource field and the DCI format N1, and a repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0138] In an embodiment, the format may be a first format or a second format, and the first format may be indicated by a lack of resources of the second format in the DCI from the network device.More details have been described above in the description of at least DCI 126 and the HARQ-ACK resource field, and their repeated description is omitted here.

[0139] In an embodiment, the first format may be NPUSCH format 1, and the second format may be NPUSCH format 2. More details have been described above with respect to at least NPUSCH format 1 and NPUSCH format 2, and a repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0140] In an embodiment, the feedback may be sent in an uplink MAC CE or in a MAC PDU header.More details have been described above in the description of at least the feedback 116, and a repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0141] In an embodiment, the feedback may be sent when an indication indicating a scheme for supporting feedback for downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process for which HARQ feedback is configured or indicated to be disabled is received from the network device. More details have been described above in the description of at least indication 122 and operation 210, and their repeated description is omitted here.

[0142] In an embodiment, the indication may be received via at least one of: SIB, or RRC signaling. More details have been described above in the description of at least indication 122, SIB, and RRC signaling, and a repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0143] In an embodiment, in the case where more than one downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process that configures or indicates disabling HARQ feedback is received before sending feedback, feedback for downlink MAC CE may be indicated in a bitmap sent to the network device. More details have been described above in the description of at least bitmap 112, and their repeated description is omitted here.

[0144] In an embodiment, in the case where more than one downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process that configures or indicates disabling HARQ feedback is received before sending feedback, feedback for the downlink MAC CE may be indicated in the feedback bundle sent to the network device. More details have been described above in the description of feedback bundling 114, and their repeated description is omitted here.

[0145] In an embodiment, the HARQ process may be a single HARQ process configured for the terminal device.

[0146] Figure 4 A flow chart of an example method 400 for feedback transmission according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The example method 400 may be performed, for example, by a network device (such as network device 120).

[0147] refer to Figure 4 , the example method 400 may include an operation 410 of sending a downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process that configures or indicates that HARQ feedback is disabled to a terminal device; and an operation 420 of receiving feedback for the MAC CE from the terminal device.

[0148] The details of operation 410 have been described above in the description of at least downlink MAC CE 128 and operation 220, and a repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0149] The details of operation 420 have been described above in the description of at least feedback 116, feedback 118, and operations 240 and 260, and a repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0150] In an embodiment, the example method 400 may further include an operation of determining a format in which the terminal device sends feedback; and an operation of instructing the terminal device to send feedback according to the determined format. More details have been described above in the description of at least operation 124 and operation 240 and operation 260, and their repeated description is omitted here.

[0151] In an embodiment, the format may be the first format or the second format indicated in the DCI from the network device.More details have been described above in the description of at least the DCI 126, and a repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0152] In an embodiment, the first format or the second format may be indicated in the HARQ-ACK resource field in the DCI format N1. More details have been described above in the description of at least the HARQ-ACK resource field and the DCI format N1, and a repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0153] In an embodiment, the format may be a first format or a second format, and the first format may be indicated by a lack of resources of the second format in the DCI from the network device.More details have been described above in the description of at least DCI 126 and the HARQ-ACK resource field, and their repeated description is omitted here.

[0154] In an embodiment, the first format may be determined when there is at least one of the following to be transmitted in the terminal device: uplink data, or uplink MAC CE. More details have been described above in the description of at least operation 124, and a repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0155] In an embodiment, the first format may be NPUSCH format 1, and the second format may be NPUSCH format 2. More details have been described above in the description of at least NPUSCH format 1 and NPUSCH format 2, and a repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0156] In an embodiment, the example method 400 may also include an operation of sending an indication to the terminal device indicating a scheme for supporting feedback for downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process that configures or indicates disabling HARQ feedback. More details have been described above in the description of at least indication 122 and operation 210, and their repeated description is omitted here.

[0157] In an embodiment, the indication may be sent via at least one of: SIB, or RRC signaling. More details have been described above in the description of at least indication 122, SIB, and RRC signaling, and a repeated description thereof is omitted here.

[0158] In an embodiment, the HARQ process may be a single HARQ process configured for the terminal device.

[0159] Figure 5 A block diagram of an example device 500 for feedback transmission according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The device may be, for example, at least a part of a terminal device such as UE 110 in the above example.

[0160] like Figure 5 As shown in , the example device 500 may include at least one processor 510 and at least one memory 520, which may store instructions 530. The instructions 530, when executed by the at least one processor 510, may cause the device 500 to at least perform the example method 300 described above.

[0161] In various example embodiments, at least one processor 510 in the example device 500 may include, but is not limited to, at least one hardware processor including at least one microprocessor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a portion of at least one hardware processor, and any other suitable special-purpose processor, such as a processor developed based on, for example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In addition, the at least one processor 510 may also include Figure 5 At least one other circuit or element not shown.

[0162] In various example embodiments, at least one memory 520 in the example device 500 may include at least one storage medium in various forms, such as temporary memory and / or non-temporary memory. Temporary memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, random access memory (RAM), cache, etc. Non-temporary memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, etc. The term "non-temporary" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), rather than a limitation on data storage persistence (e.g., RAM vs. ROM). In addition, at least one memory 520 may include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or equipment, or any combination of the above.

[0163] Furthermore, in various example embodiments, the example device 500 may further include at least one other circuit, element, and interface, such as at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like.

[0164] In various example embodiments, the circuits, components, elements, and interfaces in the example device 500, including at least one processor 510 and at least one memory 520, may be coupled together in any suitable manner (e.g., electrically, magnetically, optically, electromagnetically, etc.) via any suitable connection (including, but not limited to, buses, crossbar switches, wiring, and / or wireless links).

[0165] It can be appreciated that the structure of the device on the UE 110 side is not limited to the example device 500 described above.

[0166] Figure 6 A block diagram of an example device 600 for feedback transmission according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The device may be, for example, at least a part of a network device such as the network device 120 in the above example.

[0167] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 6 , the example device 600 may include at least one processor 610 and at least one memory 620, which may store instructions 630. The instructions 630, when executed by the at least one processor 610, may cause the device 600 to perform at least the example method 400 described above.

[0168] In various example embodiments, at least one processor 610 in the example device 600 may include, but is not limited to, at least one hardware processor including at least one microprocessor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a portion of at least one hardware processor, and any other suitable special-purpose processor, such as a special-purpose processor developed based on, for example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In addition, the at least one processor 610 may also include Figure 6 At least one other circuit or element not shown.

[0169] In various example embodiments, at least one memory 620 in the example device 600 may include at least one storage medium in various forms, such as temporary memory and / or non-temporary memory. Temporary memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, random access memory (RAM), cache, etc. Non-temporary memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, etc. The term "non-temporary" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), rather than a limitation on data storage persistence (e.g., RAM vs. ROM). In addition, at least one memory 620 may include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or equipment, or any combination of the above.

[0170] Furthermore, in various example embodiments, the example device 600 may further include at least one other circuit, element, and interface, such as at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like.

[0171] In various example embodiments, the circuits, components, elements, and interfaces in the example device 600, including at least one processor 610 and at least one memory 620, may be coupled together in any suitable manner (e.g., electrically, magnetically, optically, electromagnetically, etc.) via any suitable connection (including, but not limited to, buses, crossbar switches, wiring, and / or wireless links).

[0172] It can be appreciated that the structure of the device on the network device 120 side is not limited to the example device 600 described above.

[0173] Figure 7 A block diagram of an example apparatus 700 for feedback transmission according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The apparatus may be, for example, at least a part of a terminal device such as UE 110 in the above example.

[0174] like Figure 7 As shown in , the example apparatus 700 may include a component 710 for performing operation 310 of the example method 300, and a component 720 for performing operation 320 of the example method 300. In one or more other example embodiments, at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, etc. may also be included in the example apparatus 700.

[0175] In an embodiment, the feedback may be sent according to a format indicated by the network device.

[0176] In an embodiment, the format may be the first format or the second format indicated in the DCI from the network device.

[0177] In an embodiment, the first format or the second format may be indicated in the HARQ-ACK resource field in the DCI of format N1.

[0178] In an embodiment, the format may be a first format or a second format, and the first format may be indicated by a lack of resources of the second format in a DCI from the network device.

[0179] In an embodiment, the first format may be NPUSCH format1, and the second format may be NPUSCH format2.

[0180] In an embodiment, the feedback may be sent in an uplink MAC CE or in a MAC PDU header.

[0181] In an embodiment, feedback may be sent upon receiving a scheme from a network device indicating support for feedback for downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process that configures or indicates disabling of HARQ feedback.

[0182] In an embodiment, the indication may be received via at least one of: SIB, or RRC signaling.

[0183] In an embodiment, in the event that more than one downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process that configures or indicates disabling of HARQ feedback is received before sending feedback, feedback for the downlink MAC CE may be indicated in a bitmap sent to the network device.

[0184] In an embodiment, in the event that more than one downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process that configures or indicates disabling of HARQ feedback is received before sending feedback, feedback for the downlink MAC CE may be indicated in a feedback bundle sent to the network device.

[0185] In an embodiment, the HARQ process may be a single HARQ process configured for the terminal device.

[0186] In some example embodiments, examples of components in the example apparatus 700 may include circuitry. For example, examples of components 710 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 310 of the example method 300, and examples of components 720 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 320 of the example method 300.

[0187] The example apparatus 700 may also include components of circuitry configured to perform the example method 300. In some example embodiments, examples of components may also include software modules and any other suitable functional entities.

[0188] Figure 8 A block diagram of an example apparatus 800 for feedback transmission according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The apparatus may be, for example, at least a part of a network device such as the network device 120 in the above example.

[0189] like Figure 8 As shown in , the example apparatus 800 may include a component 810 for performing operation 410 of the example method 400, and a component 820 for performing operation 420 of the example method 400. In one or more other example embodiments, at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, etc. may also be included in the example apparatus 800.

[0190] In an embodiment, the example apparatus 800 may further include a component for determining a format in which the terminal device sends feedback; and a component for instructing the terminal device to send feedback according to the determined format.

[0191] In an embodiment, the format may be the first format or the second format indicated in the DCI from the network device.

[0192] In an embodiment, the first format or the second format may be indicated in the HARQ-ACK resource field in the DCI of format N1.

[0193] In an embodiment, the format may be a first format or a second format, and the first format may be indicated by a lack of resources of the second format in a DCI from the network device.

[0194] In an embodiment, the first format may be determined if there is at least one of the following to be sent in the terminal device: uplink data, or uplink MAC CE.

[0195] In an embodiment, the first format may be NPUSCH format1, and the second format may be NPUSCH format2.

[0196] In an embodiment, the example apparatus 800 may further include means for sending an indication to the terminal device indicating a scheme for supporting feedback for downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process for which HARQ feedback is configured or indicated to be disabled.

[0197] In an embodiment, the indication may be sent via at least one of: SIB, or RRC signaling.

[0198] In an embodiment, the HARQ process may be a single HARQ process configured for the terminal device.

[0199] In some example embodiments, examples of components in the example apparatus 800 may include circuits. For example, examples of components 810 may include circuits configured to perform operation 410 of the example method 400, and examples of components 820 may include circuits configured to perform operation 420 of the example method 400.

[0200] The example apparatus 800 may also include components of circuitry configured to perform the example method 400. In some example embodiments, examples of components may also include software modules and any other suitable functional entities.

[0201] An example embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer-readable medium, which includes program instructions, which when executed by a terminal device (such as UE 110 in the above example) can cause the terminal device to at least perform: receiving a downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process that is configured or indicates that MAC CE feedback is disabled from a network device; and sending feedback for the downlink MAC CE to the network device.

[0202] In an embodiment, the feedback may be sent according to a format indicated by the network device.

[0203] In an embodiment, the format may be the first format or the second format indicated in the DCI from the network device.

[0204] In an embodiment, the first format or the second format may be indicated in the HARQ-ACK resource field in the DCI of format N1.

[0205] In an embodiment, the format may be a first format or a second format, and the first format may be indicated by a lack of resources of the second format in a DCI from the network device.

[0206] In an embodiment, the first format may be NPUSCH format1, and the second format may be NPUSCH format2.

[0207] In an embodiment, the feedback may be sent in an uplink MAC CE or in a MAC PDU header.

[0208] In an embodiment, feedback may be sent upon receiving a scheme from a network device indicating support for feedback for downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process that configures or indicates disabling of HARQ feedback.

[0209] In an embodiment, the indication may be received via at least one of: SIB, or RRC signaling.

[0210] In an embodiment, in the event that more than one downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process that configures or indicates disabling of HARQ feedback is received before sending feedback, feedback for the downlink MAC CE may be indicated in a bitmap sent to the network device.

[0211] In an embodiment, in case more than one downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process that configures or indicates disabling of HARQ feedback is received before sending feedback, feedback for the downlink MAC CE may be indicated in a feedback bundle sent to the network device.

[0212] In an embodiment, the HARQ process may be a single HARQ process configured for the terminal device.

[0213] An example embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions, which, when executed by a network device (such as network device 120 in the above example), can cause the network device to at least perform: sending a downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process that configures or indicates that HARQ feedback is disabled to a terminal device; and receiving feedback for the MAC CE from the terminal device.

[0214] In an embodiment, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions, which when executed by the network device may cause the network device to further perform: determining a format for the terminal device to send feedback; and instructing the terminal device to send feedback according to the determined format.

[0215] In an embodiment, the format may be the first format or the second format indicated in the DCI from the network device.

[0216] In an embodiment, the first format or the second format may be indicated in the HARQ-ACK resource field in the DCI of format N1.

[0217] In an embodiment, the format may be a first format or a second format, and the first format may be indicated by a lack of resources of the second format in a DCI from the network device.

[0218] In an embodiment, the first format may be determined if there is at least one of the following to be transmitted in the terminal device: uplink data, or uplink MAC CE.

[0219] In an embodiment, the first format may be NPUSCH format1, and the second format may be NPUSCH format2.

[0220] In an embodiment, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions which, when executed by the network device, may cause the network device to further execute: sending an indication to the terminal device indicating a scheme for supporting feedback for downlink MAC CE on a HARQ process that configures or indicates disabling of HARQ feedback.

[0221] In an embodiment, the indication may be sent via at least one of: SIB, or RRC signaling.

[0222] In an embodiment, the HARQ process may be a single HARQ process configured for the terminal device.

[0223] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions (wherein a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0224] The term "circuitry" throughout this disclosure may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware circuit implementation only (such as an implementation with analog and / or digital circuits only); (b) a combination of hardware circuits and software, such as (where applicable) (i) a combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware and (ii) any portion of (multiple) hardware processors (including (multiple) digital signal processors) with software, software and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions); and (c) (multiple) hardware circuits and or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or portions of (multiple) microprocessors, which require software (e.g., firmware) to run, but the software may not be present when it does not require software to run. This definition of circuitry applies to one or all uses of the term in this disclosure, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this disclosure, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of a hardware circuit or processor (or processors) only or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, and if applicable to a claim element, the term circuitry would also cover a baseband integrated circuit or a processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or networking equipment.

[0225] Another example embodiment may involve computer program code or instructions that may cause an apparatus to perform at least the above-described corresponding method. Another example embodiment may involve a computer readable medium having such computer program code or instructions stored thereon. In some embodiments, such a computer readable medium may include at least one storage medium in various forms, such as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, RAM, cache, etc. Non-volatile memory may include, but is not limited to, ROM, hard disk, flash memory, etc. Non-volatile memory may also include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices or equipment, or any combination of the above.

[0226] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "include", "comprises", etc. should be interpreted in an inclusive sense, rather than in an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to". The word "coupled" as commonly used herein means that two or more elements can be directly connected, or connected through one or more intermediate elements. Similarly, the word "connected" as commonly used herein means that two or more elements can be directly connected, or connected through one or more intermediate elements. In addition, when the words "in this article", "above", "below" and words of similar meanings are used in this application, they should refer to the entire application, rather than any specific part of the application. Where the context permits, words used in the singular or plural in the specification may also include the plural or singular, respectively. The word "or" when it involves a list of two or more items, the word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0227] Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise or otherwise understood within the context of use, conditional language used herein (such as "can," "may," "might," "could," "for example," "for example," "such as," etc.) is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or states, while other embodiments do not. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or states are in any way necessary for one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic (with or without author input or prompting) for determining whether such features, elements, and / or states are included or to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0228] As used herein, the term "determined" (and grammatical variations thereof) may include, among other things: calculating, computing, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, searching (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, etc. Furthermore, "determined" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), obtaining, etc. Furthermore, "determined" may include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc.

[0229] Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In fact, the devices, methods, and systems described herein may be embodied in various other forms; in addition, various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made to the forms of the methods and systems described herein without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, although the blocks are presented in a given arrangement, alternative embodiments may perform similar functions with different components and / or circuit topologies, and some blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified. At least one of these blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. The order of these blocks may also be changed. Any appropriate combination of the elements and actions of some of the above-described embodiments may be combined to provide further embodiments. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0230] The abbreviations used in the specification and / or in the drawings are defined as follows:

[0231] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0232] ACK

[0233] BS Base Station

[0234] BSR Buffer Status Report

[0235] DCI Downlink Control Information DL Downlink

[0236] eMTC Enhanced Machine Type Communication HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request ID Identifier

[0237] IoT

[0238] L1 Layer 1

[0239] MAC medium access control MAC CE medium access control control unit NACK non-acknowledgement

[0240] NB-IoT Narrowband Internet of Things

[0241] NPDSCH Narrowband Physical Downlink Shared Channel NTN Non-Terrestrial Network

[0242] PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel PDU Protocol Data Unit

[0243] RA Random Access

[0244] RRC Radio Resource Control RTT Round Trip Time

[0245] SIB System Information Block

[0246] UE User Equipment

[0247] UL Uplink

Claims

1. A terminal device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as At least one memory, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the terminal device at least performs: receiving from a network device a downlink medium access control element on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling hybrid automatic repeat request feedback; and Feedback for the downlink medium access control control element is sent to the network device. 2 . The terminal device according to claim 1 , wherein the feedback is sent according to a format indicated by the network device. 3 . The terminal device according to claim 2 , wherein the format is a first format or a second format indicated in downlink control information from the network device. 4 . The terminal device according to claim 3 , wherein the first format or the second format is indicated in a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement resource field in the downlink control information of format N1. 5 . The terminal device according to claim 2 , wherein the format is a first format or a second format, and the first format is indicated by a lack of resources of the second format in downlink control information from the network device. 6 . The terminal device according to claim 3 , wherein the first format is a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format1 , and the second format is a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format2 .

7. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the feedback is sent in an uplink medium access control control element or in a medium access control protocol data unit header.

8. A terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the feedback is sent when an indication is received from the network device indicating support for a scheme for the feedback to the downlink medium access control control unit on the hybrid automatic repeat request process in which hybrid automatic repeat request feedback is configured or indicated to be disabled.

9. The terminal device of claim 8, wherein the indication is received via at least one of: a system information block, or a radio resource control signaling.

10. A terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, in the case where more than one downlink medium access control control unit on the hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling hybrid automatic repeat request feedback is received before sending the feedback, the feedback for the downlink medium access control control unit is indicated in the bitmap sent to the network device.

11. A terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, in the case where more than one downlink medium access control control unit on the hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling hybrid automatic repeat request feedback is received before sending the feedback, the feedback for the downlink medium access control control unit is indicated in the feedback bundle sent to the network device.

12. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the hybrid automatic repeat request process is a single hybrid automatic repeat request process configured for the terminal device.

13. A network device comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to: sending a downlink medium access control control element on a hybrid automatic repeat request process configuring or indicating disabling of hybrid automatic repeat request feedback to a terminal device; and Feedback for the downlink medium access control control element is received from the terminal device.

14. The network device of claim 13, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to further perform: determining a format in which the terminal device sends the feedback; and The terminal device is instructed to send the feedback according to the determined format.

15. The network device according to claim 14, wherein the format is a first format or a second format indicated in downlink control information from the network device. 16 . The network device according to claim 15 , wherein the first format or the second format is indicated in a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement resource field in the downlink control information of format N1. 17 . The network device according to claim 14 , wherein the format is a first format or a second format, and the first format is indicated by an absence of resources of the second format in downlink control information from the network device.

18. The network device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the first format is determined in the case where there is at least one of the following to be sent in the terminal device: uplink data, or an uplink medium access control control element.

19. The network device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the first format is a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format1, and the second format is a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format2.

20. The network device according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to further perform: An indication is sent to the terminal device indicating a scheme for supporting the feedback for the downlink medium access control control unit on the hybrid automatic repeat request process with hybrid automatic repeat request feedback disabled configured or indicated.

21. The network device of any one of claims 20, wherein the indication is sent via at least one of: a system information block, or radio resource control signaling.

22. The network device according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the hybrid automatic repeat request process is a single hybrid automatic repeat request process configured for the terminal device.

23. A method performed by a terminal device, comprising: receiving, from a network device, a downlink medium access control element on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling hybrid automatic repeat request feedback; as well as Feedback for the downlink medium access control control element is sent to the network device.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the feedback is sent according to a format indicated by the network device.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the format is a first format or a second format indicated in downlink control information from the network device.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the first format or the second format is indicated in a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement resource field in the downlink control information of format N1.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein the format is a first format or a second format, and the first format is indicated by an absence of resources of the second format in downlink control information from the network device.

28. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the first format is a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format1, and the second format is a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format2.

29. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the feedback is sent in an uplink medium access control control element or in a medium access control protocol data unit header.

30. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the feedback is sent when an indication is received from the network device indicating support for a scheme for the feedback to the downlink medium access control control unit on the hybrid automatic repeat request process in which hybrid automatic repeat request feedback is configured or indicated to be disabled.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the indication is received via at least one of: a system information block, or radio resource control signaling.

32. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein, in the event that more than one downlink medium access control control unit on the hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling hybrid automatic repeat request feedback is received before sending the feedback, the feedback for the downlink medium access control control unit is indicated in a bitmap sent to the network device.

33. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein, in the event that more than one downlink medium access control control unit on the hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling hybrid automatic repeat request feedback is received before sending the feedback, the feedback for the downlink medium access control control unit is indicated in the feedback bundle sent to the network device.

34. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 33, wherein the hybrid automatic repeat request process is a single hybrid automatic repeat request process configured for the terminal device.

35. A method performed by a network device, comprising: sending a downlink medium access control control element on a hybrid automatic repeat request process configuring or indicating disabling of hybrid automatic repeat request feedback to a terminal device; as well as Feedback for the downlink medium access control control element is received from the terminal device.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising: Determining a format in which the terminal device sends the feedback; as well as The terminal device is instructed to send the feedback according to the determined format.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the format is a first format or a second format indicated in downlink control information from the network device.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein the first format or the second format is indicated in a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement resource field in the downlink control information of format N1.

39. The method of claim 36, wherein the format is a first format or a second format, and the first format is indicated by an absence of resources of the second format in downlink control information from the network device.

40. A method according to any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein the first format is determined in the event that there is at least one of the following to be sent in the terminal device: uplink data, or an uplink medium access control control element.

41. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein the first format is a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format1 and the second format is a narrowband physical uplink shared channel format2.

42. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 41, further comprising: An indication is sent to the terminal device indicating a scheme for supporting the feedback for the downlink medium access control control unit on the hybrid automatic repeat request process with hybrid automatic repeat request feedback disabled configured or indicated.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the indication is sent via at least one of: a system information block, or radio resource control signaling.

44. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 43, wherein the hybrid automatic repeat request process is a single hybrid automatic repeat request process configured for the terminal device.

45. A device as a terminal device, comprising: means for receiving from a network device a downlink medium access control control element on a hybrid automatic repeat request process configuring or indicating disabling of hybrid automatic repeat request feedback; as well as Means for sending feedback to the network device for the downlink medium access control control element.

46. ​​The apparatus of claim 45, further comprising: Means for performing a method according to any one of claims 24 to 34.

47. An apparatus as a network device, comprising: means for sending to a terminal device a downlink medium access control control unit on a hybrid automatic repeat request procedure configuring or indicating disabling of hybrid automatic repeat request feedback; as well as Means for receiving feedback from the terminal device to the downlink medium access control control element.

48. The apparatus of claim 47, further comprising: Means for performing a method according to any one of claims 36 to 44.

49. A computer-readable medium, the computer-readable medium comprising program instructions, the program instructions when executed by a terminal device, causing the terminal device to at least perform: receiving from a network device a downlink medium access control element on a hybrid automatic repeat request process that configures or indicates disabling hybrid automatic repeat request feedback; and Feedback for the downlink medium access control control element is sent to the network device.

50. The computer-readable medium of claim 49, further comprising instructions which, when executed by the terminal device, cause the terminal device to perform the method of any one of claims 24 to 34.

51. A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions, which, when executed by a network device, cause the network device to at least perform: sending a downlink medium access control control element on a hybrid automatic repeat request process configuring or indicating disabling of hybrid automatic repeat request feedback to a terminal device; and Feedback for the downlink medium access control control element is received from the terminal device.

52. The computer-readable medium of claim 51, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the network device, cause the network device to perform the method of any one of claims 36 to 44.

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