Sidelink multi-channel access based on user equipment (UE) capabilities

Abstract

The present disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for wireless communication that support multi-channel access with respect to sidelink communication based on user equipment (UE) capabilities. In a first aspect, a UE providing sidelink transmission may implement sidelink unlicensed spectrum (SL-U) operation in which a multi-channel access procedure facilitates simultaneous access relative to multiple different channel bandwidths in the unlicensed spectrum. Implementation of a specific SL-U multi-channel access procedure and / or UE capabilities independent of multiple UE capabilities for simultaneous transmission. The SL-U multi-channel access may facilitate transmission of a single sidelink channel over multiple channel bandwidths within a time slot and / or transmission of multiple sidelink channels over multiple channel bandwidths within a time slot. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to multi-channel access with respect to sidelink communications based on user equipment (UE) capabilities. Some features enable and provide improved communications, including transmission of a single physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) and a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) or a physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH) over multiple channel bandwidths in a time slot and / or transmission of multiple PSCCH / PSSCH, PSBCH and / or physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) over multiple channel bandwidths in a time slot. Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication networks are widely deployed to provide various communication services such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc. These wireless networks may be multiple-access networks capable of supporting multiple users by sharing the available network resources. Such networks may be multiple-access networks capable of supporting communication for multiple users by sharing the available network resources.

[0003] A wireless communication network may include several components. These components may include wireless communication devices, such as a base station (or Node B) that may support communication of several user equipments (UEs). A UE may communicate with a base station via a downlink and an uplink. A downlink (or forward link) refers to a communication link from a base station to a UE, and an uplink (or reverse link) refers to a communication link from a UE to a base station.

[0004] The base station may send data and control information to the UE on the downlink, or receive data and control information from the UE on the uplink. On the downlink, the transmission from the base station may encounter interference caused by transmissions from neighboring base stations or other wireless radio frequency (RF) transmitters. On the uplink, the transmission from the UE may encounter interference from other UEs communicating with neighboring base stations or from uplink transmissions of other wireless RF transmitters. This interference may degrade performance on both the downlink and uplink.

[0005] As the demand for mobile broadband access continues to grow, the potential for interference and congested networks grows with more UEs accessing long-range wireless communication networks and more short-range wireless systems deployed in communities. Research and development continues to advance wireless technologies to not only meet the growing demand for mobile broadband access, but also to improve and enhance the user experience with mobile communications.

[0006] For example, channel access procedures for transmission on multiple channels in unlicensed bands have been developed in new radio (NR) networks, such as to facilitate increased data throughput, reduced latency, etc. relative to communications between a base station and one or more UEs served by the base station. Multi-channel access is a process for simultaneously accessing different 20 MHz channel bandwidths. In accordance with existing NR unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) operations, a next-generation Node B (gNB) may implement downlink multi-channel access, where the gNB may use all or a subset of the multiple channel bandwidths for transmission. A UE may also implement uplink multi-channel access in accordance with existing NR-U operations, where the UE may use all or a subset of the multiple channel bandwidths for transmission (i.e., all or none access). Summary of the invention

[0007] The following summarizes some aspects of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of the technology discussed. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of all expected features of the present disclosure, and is neither intended to identify key or important elements of all aspects of the present disclosure, nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the present disclosure. The sole purpose of this summary is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the present disclosure in a summarized form as a prelude to more specific embodiments presented later.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for wireless communication may include: identifying a resource block (RB) set configuration for sidelink unlicensed spectrum (SL-U) multi-channel access. The RB set configuration may, for example, include multiple RB sets, the multiple RB sets including different RB sets for each of a plurality of channel bandwidths available for use by a SL-U multi-channel access process, the SL-U multi-channel access process being implemented by a user equipment (UE) based on one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access. The method may also include: performing a listen-before-transmit (LBT) process with respect to each of the plurality of channel bandwidths available for use by the SL-U multi-channel access process for the SL-U multi-channel access. In addition, the method may include: transmitting at least a portion of one or more side link channels using one or more RB sets of the RB set configuration according to the SL-U multi-channel access process and based on the results of the LBT process performed with respect to each of the plurality of channel bandwidths.

[0009] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to: identify an RB set configuration for SL-U multi-channel access. The RB set configuration may, for example, include multiple RB sets, the multiple RB sets including different RB sets for each of a plurality of channel bandwidths available for use by a SL-U multi-channel access process, the SL-U multi-channel access process being implemented by a UE based on one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access. The at least one processor may also be configured to: perform an LBT process with respect to each of the plurality of channel bandwidths available for use by the SL-U multi-channel access process for the SL-U multi-channel access. In addition, the at least one processor may be configured to: send at least a portion of one or more side link channels using one or more RB sets of the RB set configuration according to the SL-U multi-channel access process and based on the results of the LBT process performed with respect to each of the plurality of channel bandwidths.

[0010] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus may include: a component for identifying an RB set configuration for SL-U multi-channel access. The RB set configuration may, for example, include multiple RB sets, the multiple RB sets including different RB sets for each of a plurality of channel bandwidths available for use by a SL-U multi-channel access process, the SL-U multi-channel access process being implemented by a UE based on one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access. The apparatus may also include: a component for performing an LBT process relative to each of the plurality of channel bandwidths available for use by the SL-U multi-channel access process for the SL-U multi-channel access. In addition, the apparatus may include a component for transmitting at least a portion of one or more side link channels using one or more RB sets of the RB set configuration according to the SL-U multi-channel access process and based on the results of the LBT process performed relative to each of the plurality of channel bandwidths.

[0011] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. These operations may include: identifying an RB set configuration for SL-U multi-channel access. The RB set configuration may, for example, include multiple RB sets, the multiple RB sets including different RB sets for each of a plurality of channel bandwidths available for use by a SL-U multi-channel access process, the SL-U multi-channel access process being implemented by a UE based on one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access. These operations may also include: performing an LBT process relative to each of the plurality of channel bandwidths available for use by the SL-U multi-channel access process for the SL-U multi-channel access. In addition, these operations may include: transmitting at least a portion of one or more side link channels using one or more RB sets of the RB set configuration according to the SL-U multi-channel access process and based on the results of the LBT process performed relative to each of the plurality of channel bandwidths.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for wireless communication may include: identifying an RB set configuration for SL-U multi-channel access. The RB set configuration may, for example, include multiple RB sets, the multiple RB sets including different RB sets for each of multiple channel bandwidths available for a SL-U multi-channel access process, the SL-U multi-channel access process being implemented by a UE based on one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access. The method may also include: sending one or more scheduling grants including the RB set configuration to the UE.

[0013] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to: identify an RB set configuration for SL-U multi-channel access. The RB set configuration may, for example, include multiple RB sets, the multiple RB sets including different RB sets for each of multiple channel bandwidths available for a SL-U multi-channel access process, the SL-U multi-channel access process being implemented by a user equipment (UE) based on one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access. The at least one processor may also be configured to: send one or more scheduling grants including the RB set configuration to the UE.

[0014] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus may include: a component for identifying an RB set configuration for SL-U multi-channel access. The RB set configuration may, for example, include multiple RB sets, the multiple RB sets including different RB sets for each of multiple channel bandwidths available for use by a SL-U multi-channel access process, the SL-U multi-channel access process being implemented by a UE based on one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access. The apparatus may also include: a component for sending one or more scheduling grants including the RB set configuration to the UE.

[0015] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations may include: identifying an RB set configuration for SL-U multi-channel access. The RB set configuration may, for example, include multiple RB sets, the multiple RB sets including different RB sets for each of multiple channel bandwidths available for a SL-U multi-channel access process, the SL-U multi-channel access process being implemented by a UE based on one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access. The operations may also include: sending one or more scheduling grants including the RB set configuration to the UE.

[0016] The features and technical advantages of examples according to the present disclosure have been outlined quite extensively above so that the following specific embodiments may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described below. The disclosed concepts and specific examples may be easily used as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for achieving the same purpose of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. When considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein (both their organization and methods of operation) and the associated advantages will be better understood according to the following description. Each of the figures in the accompanying drawings is provided for the purpose of illustration and description, and not as a definition of the limitations of the claims.

[0017] Although various aspects and specific implementations are described in this application by the illustration of some examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that additional specific implementations and use cases may be generated in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovation described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and packaging arrangements. For example, aspects and / or uses can be generated via integrated chip specific implementations and other devices based on non-module components (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication equipment, computing equipment, industrial equipment, retail / purchase equipment, medical equipment, devices that enable artificial intelligence (AI), etc.). Although some examples may or may not specifically point to use cases or applications, the applicability of a wide range of described innovations may occur. The scope of specific implementations can be in the range from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level specific implementations, and further to the scope of aggregated, distributed or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices or systems in conjunction with one or more aspects of the described innovations. In some practical environments, the equipment in conjunction with the various aspects and features described may also necessarily include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the various aspects claimed and described. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals necessarily include multiple components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antennas, radio frequency (RF) chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders / summers, etc.). The innovations described herein are intended to be practiced in a variety of devices, chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, end-user devices, etc., having different sizes, shapes, and configurations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be achieved by reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference label. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by adding a dash and a second label to distinguish between similar components after the reference label. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description applies to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label, regardless of the second reference label.

[0019] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating details of an example wireless communication system in accordance with one or more aspects.

[0020] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a base station and a user equipment (UE) according to one or more aspects.

[0021] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example bandwidth part (BWP) including multiple channel bandwidths for multi-channel access according to one or more aspects.

[0022] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A user equipment (UE) is illustrated in accordance with one or more aspects using a sidelink unlicensed spectrum (SL-U) multi-channel access procedure to provide peer-to-peer sidelink communications for a sidelink channel.

[0023] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An example is provided in which a UE provides communication of multiple side link channels using an SL-U multi-channel access procedure according to one or more aspects.

[0024] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B An example is provided in which a UE provides communication of multiple sidelink channels and communication of uplink channels using an SL-U multi-channel access procedure according to one or more aspects.

[0025] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B An example is provided in which a UE according to one or more aspects performs a listen before send (LBT) procedure with respect to each of the channel bandwidths available for use by a SL-U multi-channel access procedure.

[0026] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C The example illustrates the operation of an SL-U multi-channel access process according to one or more aspects to provide all-or-nothing access to multiple channel bandwidths relative to SL-U multi-channel access.

[0027] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The operation of providing partial access to a single side link channel over multiple channel bandwidths of SL-U multi-channel access by a SL-U multi-channel access process according to one or more aspects is illustrated.

[0028] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C The operation of providing partial access to multiple side link channels over multiple channel bandwidths of SL-U multi-channel access by a SL-U multi-channel access process according to one or more aspects is illustrated.

[0029] Fig.11 An example of an SL-U multi-channel access process according to one or more aspects provides partial access to one or more multiple side link channels and full or no access to one or more side link channels over multiple channel bandwidths of the SL-U multi-channel access.

[0030] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12D An example of an SL-U multi-channel access process according to one or more aspects provides partial access to one or more side link channels and uplink channels on multiple channel bandwidths based on the results of an LBT process performed relative to each of the channel bandwidths.

[0031] Fig.13An example of providing multiple side link channel transmissions based on channel bandwidths among a plurality of channel bandwidths that are idle through corresponding LBT processes according to one or more aspects is illustrated.

[0032] Fig.14 An example of providing side link channel transmission relative to a side link channel spanning more than one channel bandwidth based on a channel bandwidth among a plurality of channel bandwidths that are idle through a corresponding LBT process according to one or more aspects is illustrated.

[0033] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D An example of providing side link channel transmission relative to a side link channel spanning more than one channel bandwidth based on a channel bandwidth among a plurality of channel bandwidths that are idle through a corresponding LBT process according to one or more aspects is illustrated.

[0034] Fig.16A and Fig. 16B An example of providing side link channel transmission relative to a side link channel spanning more than one channel bandwidth based on a channel bandwidth among a plurality of channel bandwidths that are idle through a corresponding LBT process according to one or more aspects is illustrated.

[0035] FIG. 17A to FIG. 17D An example of preparing different versions of a side link channel by transmitting an SL-U multi-channel access procedure according to one or more aspects is illustrated.

[0036] Fig.18 is a flow chart illustrating an example process for supporting SL-U multi-channel access operations by a UE according to one or more aspects.

[0037] Fig.19 is a block diagram of an example UE supporting SL-U multi-channel access according to one or more aspects.

[0038] Fig. 20 is a flow chart illustrating an example process for supporting SL-U multi-channel access operations by a base station according to one or more aspects.

[0039] Fig.21 is a block diagram of an example base station supporting SL-U multi-channel access according to one or more aspects.

[0040] The same reference numbers and designations in different drawings indicate the same elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The specific embodiments described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings are intended as descriptions of various configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Instead, the specific embodiments include specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the subject matter of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in every case, and in some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form for clarity of presentation.

[0042] Various aspects of the present disclosure enable and provide multi-channel access with respect to sidelink communications based on user equipment (UE) capabilities. For example, according to some aspects, a UE providing sidelink transmission (sidelink TX UE) may enable sidelink unlicensed spectrum (SL-U) operation, wherein a multi-channel access process facilitates simultaneous access to multiple different channel bandwidths (e.g., different 20 MHz channel bandwidths) in an unlicensed spectrum.

[0043] Implementation of a specific multi-channel access procedure for SL-U operation may be based on one or more aspects of UE capabilities (e.g., the capabilities of the SL-U sidelink TX UE (SL-U TX UE) and / or the capabilities of the UE receiving sidelink communications in an unlicensed spectrum (SL-U RX UE)). As an example, the implementation of a specific SL-U multi-channel access procedure (e.g., providing single side link channel transmission, providing multiple side link channel transmission, providing full or no SL-U multi-channel access, providing partial multi-channel access, providing a combination of partial multi-channel access and full or no SL-U multi-channel access, etc.) may be associated with or otherwise based on the UE capability for multiple simultaneous transmissions (e.g., if the UE can simultaneously transmit multiple side link channels, such as multiple physical side link control channels (PSCCH) / physical side link shared channels (PSSCH), physical side link broadcast channel (PSBCH), or a mix of PSCCH / PSSCH and / or PSBCH, and a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), then a SL-U multi-channel access procedure providing partial multi-channel access may be implemented, otherwise a full or no SL-U multi-channel access procedure may be implemented). According to another example, the implementation of a particular multi-channel access process (e.g., providing single side link channel transmission, providing multiple side link channel transmission, providing full or no SL-U partial multi-channel access, providing partial multi-channel access, etc.) may be associated with or otherwise based on UE capabilities that are different from and / or independent of UE capabilities for multiple simultaneous transmissions (e.g., UE capabilities for simultaneously processing data for multiple side links, UE capabilities for performing multiple simultaneous listen-before-transmit (LBT) processes, UE capabilities for utilizing resources allocated for SL-U multi-channel access, etc.).

[0044] According to some examples, SL-U multi-channel access may facilitate the transmission of a single side link channel (e.g., a single PSCCH / PSSCH or PSBCH) over multiple channel bandwidths within a time slot. According to another example, SL-U multi-channel access may facilitate the transmission of multiple side link channels (e.g., multiple PSCCH / PSSCH, PSBCH, and / or PUSCH) over multiple channel bandwidths within a time slot. SL-U multi-channel transmissions in some aspects of the present disclosure may implement all-or-no multi-channel access, where the SL-U TX UE transmission uses all channel bandwidths in the multiple channel bandwidths to transmit one or more side link channels (e.g., a single PSCCH / PSSCH, a single PSBCH; multiple PSCCH / PSSCH, PSBCH, and / or PUSCH), or no SL-U multi-channel transmission is transmitted. SL-U multi-channel transmission in some aspects of the present disclosure may enable partial multi-channel access, where the SL-UTX UE uses any available channel bandwidth in the multiple channel bandwidths to transmit a portion of one or more side link channels (e.g., a portion of a single PSCCH / PSSCH or PSBCH; a portion of one or more channels of PSCCH / PSSCH, PSBCH and / or PUSCH). Determination of channels for full or no SL-U multi-channel access transmission and / or partial SL-U multi-channel transmission may be associated with or otherwise based on channel bandwidths in the multiple channel bandwidths that are idle due to corresponding LBT procedures.

[0045] Specific implementations of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages or benefits. In some aspects, the present disclosure provides techniques for SL-U multi-channel access operations performed by UEs configured for various capabilities. For example, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, one or more SL-U multi-channel access procedures may be provided to UEs with multiple simultaneous transmission capabilities and UEs without multiple simultaneous transmission capabilities. Some features may implement and provide improved communications relative to sidelink communications between UEs, including communications of a single sidelink channel (e.g., PSCCH / PSSCH or PSBCH) over a wideband channel (e.g., a single transport block (TB) of multiple resource blocks (RBs) sets with multiple different channel bandwidths in an unlicensed spectrum). Transmission of a single sidelink channel according to the example SL-U multi-channel access procedure of the present disclosure may facilitate various improved sidelink communications, such as in the case of implementing peer-to-peer communications (e.g., broadcast or point-to-point communications). Additionally or alternatively, some features may enable and provide improved communications with respect to sidelink communications between UEs (e.g., PSCCH / PSSCH or PSBCH) and / or sidelink communications between UEs and between base stations and UEs (e.g., PUSCH), including communications of multiple channels (e.g., multiple PSCCH / PSSCH, PSBCH, and / or PUSCH) over wideband channels (e.g., multiple TBs of multiple RB sets of multiple different channel bandwidths in an unlicensed spectrum). Transmission of multiple channels (e.g., multiple PSCCH / PSSCH, PSBCH, and / or PUSCH) according to an example SL-U multi-channel access procedure of the present disclosure may facilitate various improved sidelink communications, such as when an anchor UE (e.g., a programmable logic controller (PLC)) is transmitting to a client UE (e.g., a sensor and / or actuator).

[0046] As should be understood from the above, the present disclosure as a whole relates to providing or participating in authorized shared access between two or more wireless devices in one or more wireless communication systems (also referred to as wireless communication networks). In various specific implementations, the various techniques and devices can be used for wireless communication networks, such as code division multiple access (CDMA) networks, time division multiple access (TDMA) networks, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) networks, orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) networks, single carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) networks, LTE networks, GSM networks, fifth generation (5G) or new radio (NR) networks (sometimes referred to as "5G NR" networks, systems or devices) and other communication networks. As described herein, the terms "network" and "system" can be used interchangeably.

[0047] A CDMA network may implement, for example, a radio technology such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), cdma2000, etc. UTRA includes Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA) and Low Chip Rate (LCR). CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards.

[0048] For example, a TDMA network may implement a radio technology such as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defines the standard for the GSM EDGE (Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution) Radio Access Network (RAN) (also known as GERAN). GERAN is the radio component of the network of GSM / EDGE together with connecting base stations (e.g., Ater and Abis interfaces) and base station controllers (A interfaces, etc.). The radio access network represents a component of the GSM network through which telephone calls and packet data are routed from the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and the Internet to subscriber phones (also known as user terminals or user equipment (UE)) and from subscriber phones to the PSTN and the Internet. The network of a mobile phone operator may include one or more GERANs, which may be coupled to the UTRAN in the case of a UMTS / GSM network. Additionally, the operator network may also include one or more LTE networks, or one or more other networks. Various network types may use different radio access technologies (RATs) and RANs.

[0049] OFDMA network can realize radio technology such as Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA, E-UTRA and GSM are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). Specifically, Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a UMTS version using E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, GSM, UMTS and LTE are described in documents provided by an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP), and cdma2000 is described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). These various radio technologies and standards are known or under development. For example, 3GPP is a collaboration between telecommunication association groups with the goal of defining a globally applicable third generation (3G) mobile phone specification. 3GPP LTE is a 3GPP plan with the goal of improving the UMTS mobile phone standard. 3GPP can define the specifications of next generation mobile networks, mobile systems and mobile devices. The present disclosure may describe certain aspects with reference to LTE, 4G or 5G NR technology; however, the description is not intended to be limited to a particular technology or application, and one or more aspects described with reference to one technology may be understood to be applicable to another technology. Additionally, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may relate to shared access to wireless spectrum between networks using different radio access technologies or radio air interfaces.

[0050] 5G networks are expected to have diverse deployments, diverse spectrum, and diverse services and devices that can be implemented using a unified air interface based on OFDM. To achieve these goals, in addition to developing new radio technologies for 5G NR networks, further enhancements to LTE and LTE-A are also being considered. 5G NR will be able to scale to provide coverage (1) to massive Internet of Things (IoT), with ultra-high density (e.g., about 1M nodes / km 2 ), ultra-low complexity (e.g., about 10s of bits / sec), ultra-low power consumption (e.g., about 10+ years of battery life), and deep coverage with the ability to reach challenging locations; (2) including mission-critical control with strong security to protect sensitive personal, financial, or classified information, ultra-high reliability (e.g., about 99.9999% reliability), ultra-low latency (e.g., about 1 millisecond (ms)), and users with a wide range of mobility or lack of mobility; and (3) providing services with enhanced mobile broadband (including extremely high capacity (e.g., about 10Tbps / km 2 ), coverage of extremely high data rates (e.g., multi-Gbps rates, 100+Mbps user experience rates), and deep awareness with advanced discovery and optimization).

[0051] Devices, networks, and systems may be configured to communicate via one or more portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic spectrum is typically subdivided into various categories, bands, channels, etc. based on frequency / wavelength. In 5GNR, two initial operating bands have been identified as frequency ranges designated FR1 (410 MHz-7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz-52.6 GHz). Frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are typically referred to as mid-band frequencies. Although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is typically (interchangeably) referred to as the "below 6 GHz" band in various documents and articles. Similar naming issues sometimes arise for FR2, which is typically (interchangeably) referred to as the "millimeter wave" (mmWave) band in documents and articles, although it is different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz-300 GHz) identified as the "mmWave" band by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

[0052] In view of the above aspects, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that if used in this article, the term "below 6 GHz" and the like can broadly represent frequencies that can be less than 6 GHz, can be within FR1, or can include mid-band frequencies. In addition, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that if used in this article, the term "mmWave" and the like can broadly represent frequencies that can include mid-band frequencies, can be within FR2, or can be within the EHF band.

[0053] 5G NR devices, networks, and systems can be implemented to use optimized OFDM-based waveform features. These features may include scalable parameter sets and transmission time intervals (TTIs); a common flexible framework that effectively multiplexes services and features using dynamic, low-latency time division duplex (TDD) designs or frequency division duplex (FDD) designs; and advanced wireless technologies such as massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), robust mmWave transmission, advanced channel decoding, and device-centric mobility. The scalability of parameter sets in 5G NR and the scaling of subcarrier spacing can effectively address the operation of various services across different spectrums and different deployments. For example, in various outdoor and macro coverage deployments of less than 3GHz FDD or TDD implementations, the subcarrier spacing may appear at 15kHz, such as over bandwidths of 1MHz, 5MHz, 10MHz, 20MHz, etc. For various other outdoor and small cell coverage deployments with TDD greater than 3GHz, the subcarrier spacing may appear at 30kHz over 80MHz / 100MHz bandwidth. For various other indoor broadband implementations, using TDD on the unlicensed portion of the 5GHz band, the subcarrier spacing may occur at 60kHz over a 160MHz bandwidth. Finally, for various deployments transmitting over mmWave components at 28GHz TDD, the subcarrier spacing may occur at 120kHz over a 500MHz bandwidth.

[0054] 5G NR's scalable parameter sets facilitate scalable TTIs for diverse latency and quality of service (QoS) requirements. For example, shorter TTIs can be used for low latency and high reliability, while longer TTIs can be used for higher spectral efficiency. Efficient multiplexing of long and short TTIs allows transmission to start on symbol boundaries. 5G NR also anticipates a self-contained integrated subframe design in which uplink or downlink scheduling information, data, and acknowledgments are in the same subframe. The self-contained integrated subframe supports communications in unlicensed or contention-based shared spectrum, adaptive uplink or downlink (which can be flexibly configured on a per-cell basis to dynamically switch between uplink and downlink to meet current business needs).

[0055] For clarity, certain aspects of the devices and techniques may be described below with reference to example 5G NR implementations or in a 5G-centric manner, and 5G terminology may be used as illustrative examples in portions of the description below; however, the description is not intended to be limited to 5G applications.

[0056] Furthermore, it should be understood that in operation, a wireless communication network adapted according to the concepts herein can operate using any combination of licensed spectrum or unlicensed spectrum depending on load and availability. Therefore, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the systems, devices, and methods described herein can be applied to other communication systems and applications beyond the specific examples provided.

[0057] Although various aspects and specific implementations are described in this application by the illustration of some examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that additional specific implementations and use cases may be generated in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovation described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and packaging arrangements. For example, specific implementation or use can be implemented via integrated chip specific implementation or other devices based on non-module components (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication equipment, computing equipment, industrial equipment, retail equipment or purchasing equipment, medical equipment, AI-enabled devices, etc.). Although some examples may or may not specifically point to use cases or applications, the applicability of a wide range of described innovations may occur. The scope of specific implementation can range from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level specific implementations, and further to aggregated, distributed, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices or systems containing one or more described aspects. In some practical environments, the equipment in combination with the various aspects and features described may also necessarily include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the various aspects claimed and described. It is intended that the innovations described herein may be implemented in a wide variety of embodiments of different sizes, shapes, and configurations, including both large and small devices, chip-level components, multi-component systems (e.g., radio frequency (RF) chains, communication interfaces, processors), distributed arrangements, end-user devices, and the like.

[0058] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating details of an example wireless communication system according to one or more aspects. The wireless communication system may include a wireless network 100. The wireless network 100 may, for example, include a 5G wireless network. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, Figure 1 Components appearing in are likely to have related corresponding components in other network arrangements (including, for example, cellular-style network arrangements and non-cellular-style network arrangements (e.g., device-to-device or peer-to-peer or ad hoc network arrangements, etc.)).

[0059] Figure 1The illustrated wireless network 100 includes many base stations 105 and other network entities. A base station may be a station that communicates with a UE, and may also be referred to as an evolved Node B (eNB), a next generation eNB (gNB), an access point, etc. Each base station 105 may provide communication coverage for a specific geographic area. In 3GPP, the term "cell" may refer to a specific geographic coverage area of ​​a base station or a base station subsystem serving the coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used. In the specific implementation of the wireless network 100 herein, the base station 105 may be associated with the same operator or different operators (e.g., the wireless network 100 may include multiple operator wireless networks). Additionally, in the specific implementation of the wireless network 100 herein, the base station 105 may provide wireless communication using one or more frequencies (e.g., one or more frequency bands in a licensed spectrum, an unlicensed spectrum, or a combination thereof) in the same frequency as an adjacent cell. In some examples, a separate base station 105 or UE 115 may be operated by more than one network operating entity. In other examples, each base station 105 and UE 115 may be operated by a single network operating entity.

[0060] A base station may provide communication coverage for a macro cell or a small cell (e.g., a pico cell or a femto cell) or other type of cell. A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with a service subscription with a network provider. Small cells (such as pico cells) will generally cover a relatively small geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with a service subscription with a network provider. Small cells (such as femto cells) will generally also cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a home) and, in addition to unrestricted access, may also provide restricted access by UEs associated with the femto cell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs of users in a home, etc.). A base station for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro base station. A base station for a small cell may be referred to as a small cell base station, a pico base station, a femto base station, or a home base station. In Figure 1 In the example shown, base stations 105d and 105e are conventional macro base stations, while base stations 105a-105c are macro base stations implemented using one of 3-dimensional (3D), full-dimensional (FD) or massive MIMO. Base stations 105a-105c use their higher-dimensional MIMO capabilities to employ 3D beamforming in elevation and azimuth beamforming to increase coverage and capacity. Base station 105f is a small cell base station, which can be a home node or a portable access point. The base station can support one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) cells.

[0061] Wireless network 100 may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, base stations may have similar frame timings, and transmissions from different base stations may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, base stations may have different frame timings, and transmissions from different base stations may not be aligned in time. In some cases, the network may be enabled or configured to handle dynamic switching between synchronous or asynchronous operation.

[0062] UE 115 is dispersed throughout the wireless network 100, and each UE may be stationary or mobile. It should be understood that, although in the standards and specifications promulgated by 3GPP, mobile devices are generally referred to as UEs, such devices may be additionally or otherwise referred to as mobile stations (MS), subscriber stations, mobile units, subscriber units, wireless units, remote units, mobile devices, wireless devices, wireless communication devices, remote devices, mobile subscriber stations, access terminals (AT), mobile terminals, wireless terminals, remote terminals, mobile phones, terminals, user agents, mobile clients, clients, gaming devices, augmented reality devices, vehicle components, vehicle devices or vehicle modules or some other suitable terminology by those skilled in the art. In this document, a "mobile" device or UE does not necessarily have the ability to move and may be fixed. Some non-limiting examples of mobile devices (for example) may include one or more specific implementations of UE 115, including mobile phones, cellular phones, smart phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, laptops, personal computers (PCs), notebooks, netbooks, smart books, tablet computers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). The mobile device may additionally be an IoT or "Internet of Everything" (IoE) device, such as a car or other transportation vehicle, a satellite radio, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) device, a logistics controller, a drone, a multi-rotor helicopter, a quad-rotor helicopter, a smart energy or security device, a solar panel or solar array, city lighting, tap water or other infrastructure; industrial automation and enterprise equipment; consumer and wearable devices, such as glasses, wearable cameras, smart watches, health or fitness trackers, mammal implantable devices, gesture tracking devices, medical devices, digital audio players (e.g., MP3 players), cameras, game consoles, etc.; and digital home or smart home devices, such as home audio, video and multimedia devices, appliances, sensors, vending machines, smart lighting, home security systems, smart meters, etc. In one aspect, a UE may be a device including a universal integrated circuit card (UICC). In another aspect, a UE may be a device that does not include a UICC. In some aspects, a UE that does not include a UICC may also be referred to as an IoE device. Figure 1The UE 115a-115d of the specific implementation illustrated in the figure are examples of mobile smart phone type devices accessing the wireless network 100. The UE may also be a machine specially configured for connected communications (including machine type communications (MTC), enhanced MTC (eMTC), narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), etc.). Figure 1 The illustrated UEs 115e - 115k are examples of various machines that access the wireless network 100 and are configured for communication.

[0063] A mobile device, such as UE 115, may be able to communicate with any type of base station, whether macro, pico, femto, relay, etc. Figure 1 In the figure, the communication link (represented as a lightning ball) indicates the wireless transmission between the UE and the serving base station (which is a base station designated to serve the UE on the downlink or uplink) or the expected transmission between the base stations and the backhaul transmission between the base stations. The UE can operate as a base station or other network node in some scenarios. The backhaul communication between the base stations of the wireless network 100 can be carried out using wired or wireless communication links.

[0064] In operation, at the wireless network 100, base stations 105a-105c use 3D beamforming and collaborative spatial techniques (e.g., coordinated multipoint (CoMP) or multi-connectivity) to serve UEs 115a and 115b. Macro base station 105d performs backhaul communications with base stations 105a-105c and small cells (base station 105f). Macro base station 105d also transmits multicast services that are subscribed to and received by UEs 115c and 115d. Such multicast services may include mobile TV or streaming video, or may include other services for providing community information, such as weather emergencies or alerts, such as Amber alerts or gray alerts.

[0065] The wireless network 100 of the specific implementation supports mission critical communications with ultra-reliable and redundant links for mission critical devices such as UE 115e as drones. The redundant communication links with UE 115e include links from macro base stations 105d and 105e and small cell base station 105f. Other machine type devices such as UE 115f (thermometer), UE 115g (smart meter) and UE 115h (wearable device) can communicate directly with base stations such as small cell base station 105f and macro base station 105e through the wireless network 100, or in a multi-hop configuration by communicating with another user device that relays its information to the network, such as UE 115f communicating temperature measurement information to smart meter UE 115g, which then reports it to the network through small cell base station 105f. The wireless network 100 may also provide additional network efficiency through dynamic, low-latency TDD communications or low-latency FDD communications (eg, in a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) mesh network between UEs 115i-115k communicating with a macro base station 105e).

[0066] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a base station 105 and a UE 115 according to one or more aspects. The base station 105 and the UE 115 may be Figure 1 For a restricted association scenario (as described above), base station 105 may be any one of the base stations in the UE and one of the UEs. Figure 1 The small cell base station 105f in the example of FIG. 105 and the UE 115 may be a UE 115c or 115d operating in the service area of ​​the base station 105f, which will be included in the list of accessible UEs of the small cell base station 105f in order to access the small cell base station 105f. The base station 105 may also be some other type of base station. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the base station 105 may be equipped with antennas 234a through 234t and the UE 115 may be equipped with antennas 252a through 252r for facilitating wireless communication.

[0067] At the base station 105, the transmit processor 220 may receive data from the data source 212 and control information from the controller 240 (such as a processor). The control information may be for a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), a physical control format indicator channel (PCFICH), a physical hybrid ARQ (automatic repeat request) indicator channel (PHICH), a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), an enhanced physical downlink control channel (EPDCCH), an MTC physical downlink control channel (MPDCCH), etc. The data may be for a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), etc. Additionally, the transmit processor 220 may process (e.g., encode and symbol map) the data and the control information, respectively, to obtain data symbols and control symbols. The transmit processor 220 may also generate reference symbols, such as for a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a cell-specific reference signal. The transmit (TX) MIMO processor 230 may perform spatial processing (e.g., pre-coding) on ​​data symbols, control symbols, or reference symbols, if applicable, and may provide an output symbol stream to modulators (MODs) 232a to 232t. For example, the spatial processing performed on the data symbols, control symbols, or reference symbols may include pre-coding. Each modulator 232 may process a corresponding output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain an output sample stream. Additionally or alternatively, each modulator 232 may process the output sample stream (e.g., analog-convert, amplify, filter, and up-convert it) to obtain a downlink signal. The downlink signals from modulators 232a to 232t may be transmitted via antennas 234a to 234t, respectively.

[0068] At the UE 115, antennas 252a to 252r may receive downlink signals from the base station 105 and may provide received signals to demodulators (DEMODs) 254a to 254r, respectively. Each demodulator 254 may condition (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and digitize) a corresponding received signal to obtain input samples. Each demodulator 254 may further process the input samples (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain received symbols. The MIMO detector 256 may obtain received symbols from the demodulators 254a to 254r, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols when necessary, and provide detected symbols. The receive processor 258 may process (e.g., demodulate, deinterleave, and decode) the detected symbols, provide decoded data for the UE 115 to the data sink 260, and provide decoded control information to the controller 280 (e.g., a processor).

[0069] On the uplink, at the UE 115, the transmit processor 264 may receive and process data from the data source 262 (e.g., for PUSCH) and control information from the controller 280 (e.g., for a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)). Additionally, the transmit processor 264 may also generate reference symbols for reference signals. The symbols from the transmit processor 264 may be pre-decoded by the TX MIMO processor 266, if necessary, further processed by the modulators 254a to 254r (e.g., for SC-FDM, etc.), and transmitted to the base station 105. At the base station 105, the uplink signal from the UE 115 may be received by the antenna 234, processed by the demodulator 232, detected by the MIMO detector 236, if necessary, and further processed by the receive processor 238 to obtain decoded data and control information transmitted by the UE 115. The receive processor 238 may provide the decoded data to the data sink 239 and the decoded control information to the controller 240.

[0070] The controllers 240 and 280 may direct the operation at the base station 105 and the UE 115, respectively. The controller 240 or other processors and modules at the base station 105 or the controller 280 or other processors and modules at the UE 115 may perform or direct the performance of various processes for the techniques described herein, such as performing or directing Fig.18 and Fig. 20 The illustrated execution, or execution or directing execution of other processes for the techniques described herein. Memories 242 and 282 may store data and program codes for base station 105 and UE 115, respectively. Scheduler 244 may schedule UEs for data transmission on the downlink or uplink.

[0071] In some cases, the UE 115 and the base station 105 may operate in a shared radio spectrum band, which may include licensed or unlicensed (e.g., contention-based) spectrum. In the unlicensed frequency portion of the shared radio spectrum band, the UE 115 or the base station 105 may traditionally perform a medium sensing process to compete for access to the spectrum. For example, the UE 115 or the base station 105 may perform a listen-before-talk or listen-before-send (LBT) process (such as a clear channel assessment (CCA)) before communicating to determine whether the shared channel is available. In some specific implementations, the CCA may include an energy detection process to determine whether there are any other active transmissions. For example, the device may infer that a change in the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the power meter indicates that the channel is occupied. Specifically, the signal power concentrated in a certain bandwidth and exceeding a predetermined noise floor may indicate another wireless transmitter. CCA may also include detection of a specific sequence indicating the use of the channel. For example, another device may send a specific preamble before sending a data sequence. In some cases, the LBT process may include the wireless node adjusting its own backoff window based on the amount of energy detected on the channel or acknowledgement / negative acknowledgement (ACK / NACK) feedback for its own transmitted packets (as a manifestation of a collision).

[0072] The deployment of a communication system (such as a 5G NR system) can be arranged in a variety of ways using various components or constituent parts. In a 5G NR system or network, a network node, a network entity, a mobility element of a network, a RAN node, a core network node, a network element, or a network equipment (such as a base station (BS), or one or more units (or one or more components) performing base station functions) can be implemented in an aggregated or decomposed architecture. For example, a BS (such as a Node B (NB), an evolved NB (eNB), an NRBS, a 5G NB, an access point (AP), a transmit receive point (TRP), or a cell, etc.) can be implemented as an aggregated base station (also referred to as an independent BS or a monolithic BS) or a decomposed base station.

[0073] A converged base station may be configured to utilize a radio protocol stack physically or logically integrated within a single RAN node. A decomposed base station may be configured to utilize a protocol stack physically or logically distributed between two or more units, such as one or more central or centralized units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs), or one or more radio units (RUs). In some aspects, a CU may be implemented within a RAN node, and one or more DUs may be co-located with the CU, or alternatively, may be geographically or virtually distributed in one or more other RAN nodes. A DU may be implemented to communicate with one or more RUs. Each of a CU, a DU, and a RU may also be implemented as a virtual unit, i.e., a virtual central unit (VCU), a virtual distributed unit (VDU), or a virtual radio unit (VRU).

[0074] Base station type operations or network designs may take into account the aggregated nature of base station functionality. For example, a disaggregated base station may be used in an integrated access backhaul (IAB) network, an open radio access network (O-RAN (network configurations such as those initiated by the O-RAN Alliance)), or a virtualized radio access network (vRAN, also known as a cloud radio access network (C-RAN)). Decomposition may include distributing functionality across two or more units at various physical locations, as well as virtually distributing functionality of at least one unit, which may enable flexibility in network design. Individual units of a disaggregated base station or disaggregated RAN architecture may be configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one other unit.

[0075] NR unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) operation provides a multi-channel access procedure for transmission on multiple channels in the unlicensed band. A gNB implementing multi-channel access in accordance with NR-U operation provides downlink multi-channel access, where the gNB may use all or a subset of the multiple channels for transmission. A UE implementing multi-channel access in accordance with NR-U operation provides uplink multi-channel access, where the UE uses all of the multiple channels for transmission (i.e., all-or-none access).

[0076] NR-U operation is configured to coexist with WiFi in the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands by using a 20 MHz basic channel access unit corresponding to the WiFi channel access 20 MHz unit. Therefore, multi-channel access according to NR-U operation supports simultaneous access to different 20 MHz channels, where the RBs in each channel bandwidth of the 20 MHz channel are referred to as RB sets.

[0077] The multi-channel access according to NR-U operation is a process based on LBT. Specifically, the NR-U multi-channel access uses an independent type 1 LBT on each RB set (e.g., an LBT process in which the NR-U base station or UE must back off according to a channel sensing multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA) process and an exponential backoff mechanism) to identify the channel bandwidth that can be used for multi-channel access.

[0078] The SL-U operation according to various aspects of the present disclosure provides a SL-U multi-channel access process for simultaneous access to multiple different channel bandwidths in an unlicensed spectrum supporting direct UE-to-UE communication. The SL-U multi-channel access process of various aspects of the present disclosure is relative to one or more LBT processes for channel bandwidths available for SL-U multi-channel access. For example, the SL-U multi-channel access process can be used. Specifically, NR-U multi-channel access uses an LBT process on each RB set in the SL-U RB set configuration to identify the channel bandwidth available for multi-channel access.

[0079] Some example SL-U multi-channel access procedures utilize aspects of the NR-U operating configuration to facilitate implementation within the NR network. For example, the SL-U multi-channel access procedure may utilize the same LBT procedure (e.g., Type 1) as utilized in NR-U operation. As another example, the SL-U multi-channel access procedure may utilize 20 MHz channel access units corresponding to the channel access units of NR-U operation (e.g., multiple different 20 MHz channel bandwidths).

[0080] Figure 3 An example bandwidth portion (BWP) including multiple channel bandwidths for multi-channel access (such as may be used in SL-U operation as well as NR-U operation) is shown. The illustrated BWP includes channel bandwidths 301-304 (e.g., each including a 20 MHz channel bandwidth), wherein adjacent channel bandwidths are separated by corresponding guard bands (e.g., a first guard band disposed between adjacent channel bandwidths 301 and 302, a second guard band disposed between adjacent channel bandwidths 302 and 303, and a third guard band disposed between adjacent channel bandwidths 303 and 304). The RBs available in each channel bandwidth include RB sets (e.g., RB set 0 in channel bandwidth 301, RB set 1 in channel bandwidth 302, RB set 2 in channel bandwidth 303, and RB set 3 in channel bandwidth 304), wherein the RB sets of the multiple channel bandwidths for multi-channel access include RB configuration 300.

[0081] It should be understood that Figure 3 The BWP is an example of a BWP and RB configuration. Figure 3Compared to the example channel bandwidths and RB sets illustrated in , a BWP for multi-channel access according to various aspects of the present disclosure may include more or less channel bandwidths and / or more or less RB sets.

[0082] According to NR-U operation, the gNB configures a downlink and / or uplink RB set for each UE. For example, the RB set may be derived from intra-cell guard band signaling (e.g., an intra-cell guard band configured by intraCellGuardBandDL-r16 or intraCellGuardBandUL-r16). According to some examples, SL-U operation may configure the RB set of RB configuration 300 via gNB or other network element signaling for the SL-U multi-channel access process (e.g., using the same or similar techniques for deriving RB sets as described above). Additionally or alternatively, according to other examples, SL-U operation may use one or more alternative techniques to configure RB sets for the SL-U multi-channel access process, such as to facilitate configuring RB sets relative to SL-U RX UEs that do not communicate directly with the gNB or other network elements. For example, a common RB set configuration may be provided for SL-U UEs in the network, such as via a UE profile or gNB configuration (e.g., when joining the network, when establishing a link with the gNB, etc.). According to some examples, different UEs may have different specific implementations, and the guard band requirements may be different. Relative to some or all of the SL-U links that utilize a common RB set configuration, the use of a common RB set configuration between UEs that do not belong to the same side link network may result in spectral efficiency that is lower than the maximum spectral efficiency. According to another example, the RB set configuration may be provided for each SL-U link, such as via a radio resource control (RRC) message. According to some aspects, distributed SL-U UE-to-UE communications implement a common assumption of RB set configuration to facilitate the delivery of per-link RB set configuration via residual system information (RMSI) / system information block (SIB), RRC message exchange. By using the per-link configuration techniques of various aspects of the present disclosure, the RB set configuration may be refined for each SL-U link to obtain maximum or increased spectral efficiency.

[0083] The SL-U multi-channel access procedures of various aspects of the present disclosure may be configured to facilitate sidelink communications relative to one or more use cases of SL-U multi-channel access. For example, the SL-U multi-channel access procedures may be configured for a use case in which transmission of a single sidelink channel is provided over multiple channel bandwidths within a time slot. Additionally or alternatively, the SL-U multi-channel access procedures may be configured for a use case in which transmission of multiple sidelink channels is provided over multiple channel bandwidths within a time slot.

[0084] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B In an example use case (e.g., peer-to-peer sidelink communication), UE 115a uses the SL-U multi-channel access procedure to send a single sidelink channel to UE 115b. In the illustrated example, RB set configuration 400 (such as may be described with respect to Figure 3 The RB set configuration 300 of the example 100 includes RB set 1 of channel bandwidth 401, RB set 2 of channel bandwidth 402, and RB set 3 of channel bandwidth 403. In operation of the SL-U multi-channel access procedure according to this example, UE 115a uses RB sets—RB set 1, RB set 2, and RB set 3—to transmit a single side link channel (e.g., a single TB including a single PSCCH / PSSCH or PSBCH) to UE 115b via wideband channel 411.

[0085] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B In an example use case (e.g., an anchor UE transmitting to a client UE), UE 115a uses the SL-U multi-channel access procedure to transmit multiple sidelink channels to UE 115b and UE 115c. In the illustrated example, RB set configuration 500 (such as may be described with respect to Figure 3 RB set configuration 300 as described above includes RB set 1 of channel bandwidth 501 and RB set 2 of channel bandwidth 502. In operation of the SL-U multi-channel access procedure according to this example, UE 115a uses RB set 1 to send a side link channel (e.g., a single TB including PSCCH / PSSCH or PSBCH) to UE 115b via channel 511, and uses RB set 2 to send a side link channel (e.g., a single TB including PSCCH / PSSCH or PSBCH) to UE 115c via channel 512.

[0086] exist Fig. 6A and Figure 6B In an example use case (e.g., combined SL-U and NR-U operation), UE 115a uses the SL-U multi-channel access procedure to send multiple sidelink channels to UE 115b and UE 115c and an uplink channel to base station 105. In the illustrated example, RB set configuration 600 (such as may be described with respect to Figure 3RB set configuration 300 of the example (described in detail) includes RB set 1 of channel bandwidth 601, RB set 2 of channel bandwidth 602, and RB set 3 of channel bandwidth 603. In operation of the SL-U multi-channel access procedure according to this example, UE 115a transmits an uplink channel to base station 105a via channel 611, transmits a sidelink channel (e.g., a single TB including PSCCH / PSSCH or PSBCH) to UE 115b via channel 612 using RB set 2, and transmits a sidelink channel (e.g., a single TB including PSCCH / PSSCH or PSBCH) to UE 115c via channel 613 using RB set 3.

[0087] A UE implementing the SL-U multi-channel access procedure (e.g., a SL-U TX UE and / or a SL-U RX UE) may have different capabilities relative to SL-U operation. The selection and / or implementation of the SL-U multi-channel access procedure according to various aspects of the present disclosure may be based on UE capabilities (e.g., UE capabilities for multiple simultaneous transmissions, UE capabilities for simultaneously processing data of multiple side links, UE capabilities for performing multiple simultaneous LBT procedures, UE capabilities for utilizing resources allocated for SL-U multi-channel access, etc.). According to some examples, a specific SL-U multi-channel access procedure may be implemented by a UE based on one or more capabilities of the UE for SL-U multi-channel access.

[0088] According to an example, the capability for multi-channel access according to one or more SL-U multi-channel access procedures may be associated with or otherwise based on the UE capability relative to multiple simultaneous transmissions. If the UE can transmit multiple channels simultaneously (e.g., multiple PSCCH / PSSCH and / or PSBCH or a mixture of PSCCH / PSSCH and / or PSBCH and PUSCH), the UE may implement a first SL-U multi-channel access procedure (e.g., a SL-U multi-channel access procedure that provides partial multi-channel access), otherwise the UE may implement a second SL-U multi-channel access procedure (e.g., a SL-U multi-channel access procedure that provides full or no multi-channel access). Additionally or alternatively, the capability for multi-channel access according to one or more SL-U multi-channel access procedures may be independent of the capability relative to multiple simultaneous transmissions. For example, the SL-U multi-channel access procedure may be at least partially selected for implementation by the UE based on the following capabilities: the UE capability to simultaneously process data of multiple side links, the UE capability to perform multiple simultaneous LBT processes, the UE capability to utilize resources allocated for SL-U multi-channel access, etc.

[0089] As should be understood from the foregoing, there may be different levels of UE capabilities for handling different situations. For example, the UE may implement a specific SL-U multi-channel access process based on one or more capabilities of the UE for SL-U multi-channel access, the one or more capabilities including a first UE capability or a second UE capability (e.g., a specific first UE capability and a second UE capability, UE capabilities that meet the first capability level and the second capability level, UE capabilities corresponding to the first capability category and the second capability category, etc.).

[0090] In operation according to some examples, information about UE capabilities with respect to SL-U multi-channel access may be signaled between various devices (e.g., between a SL-U TX UE and one or more SL-U RX UEs, between a SL-U TX UE and a base station, between a SL-U RX UE and a base station, etc.). For example, according to various aspects, the ability to perform multiple simultaneous sidelink transmissions may be a UE capability signaled via RRC. Additionally or alternatively, the ability to perform simultaneous sidelink transmissions and uplink transmissions may be a UE capability signaled via RRC. As another example, the ability to perform multiple simultaneous LBT procedures may additionally or alternatively be a UE capability signaled via RRC. A device (e.g., a base station or SL-U TX UE) to which another device (e.g., a SL-U TX UE, a SL-U RX UE) provides UE capability information may use the capability information to provide scheduling grants (e.g., multiple sidelink transmission mode 1 (Mode 1) sidelink grants, mode 1 sidelink grants and uplink grants, etc.) or otherwise select or schedule resources for simultaneous transmission of SL-U multi-channel access (e.g., sidelink transmission mode 2 (Mode 2) scheduling assignments).

[0091] According to some examples, a first UE capability for SL-U multi-channel access may support the transmission of a single side link channel (e.g., PSCCH / PSSCH or PSBCH) without supporting the simultaneous transmission of multiple side link channels (e.g., low-capability UE). According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a low-capability UE may implement a single side link channel transmission SL-U multi-channel access procedure based at least in part on such capability of the UE. Since the UE's ability to transmit a single side link channel in a time slot is relatively limited, the single side link channel transmission SL-U multi-channel access procedure implemented by the low-capability UE may provide all-or-no SL-U multi-channel access (e.g., the UE uses all channel bandwidths among the multiple channel bandwidths to transmit a single side link channel or does not transmit a single side link channel). In operation according to the single side link channel transmission SL-U multi-channel access procedure implemented by the example low-capability UE, as Fig. 7AAs shown in , the UE may perform an LBT process (e.g., independently perform processes LBT 1, LBT 2, and LBT 3) with respect to each channel bandwidth (e.g., channel bandwidths 701, 702, and 703) of the channel bandwidths available for use by the SL-U multi-channel access process. The SL-U TX UE of this example may send a single side link channel (e.g., PSCCH / PSSCH or PSBCH) when the UE has access to all channel bandwidths (e.g., channel bandwidths 701, 702, and 703 are each idle through the corresponding LBT process).

[0092] The SL-U multi-channel access process implemented by the example of a UE (e.g., a low-capability UE) having a first UE capability for SL-U multi-channel access is not limited to a single side link channel transmission SL-U multi-channel access process. For example, a low-capability UE may implement a multi-side link channel transmission SL-U multi-channel access process based at least in part on such capability of the UE. Since the capability of the UE of this example is relatively limited, the multi-side link channel transmission SL-U multi-channel access process implemented by the low-capability UE may provide all-or-no SL-U multi-channel access (e.g., the UE uses all channel bandwidths in the multiple channel bandwidths to transmit all side link channels in the multiple side link channels, or does not transmit any side link channels in the multiple side link channels). As in the previous example, in operation according to the multi-side link channel transmission SL-U multi-channel access process implemented by the example low-capability UE, when the UE has access to all channel bandwidths, the UE may perform an LBT process relative to each channel bandwidth and transmit the multiple side link channels.

[0093] According to some examples, the second UE capability for SL-U multi-channel access may support simultaneous transmission of multiple side link channels (e.g., a high-capability UE). According to aspects of the present disclosure, a high-capability UE may implement a multi-side link channel transmission SL-U multi-channel access procedure based at least in part on such capability of the UE. Since the UE's ability to transmit multiple side link channels in a time slot is relatively advanced, the multi-side link channel transmission SL-U multi-channel access procedure implemented by the high-capability UE may provide partial SL-U multi-channel access (e.g., the UE transmits on a channel bandwidth that is idle after a corresponding LBT procedure). In operation according to the multi-side link channel transmission SL-U multi-channel access procedure implemented by the example high-capability UE, as Figure 7BAs shown in , the UE may perform an LBT process (e.g., independently perform processes LBT 1, LBT 2, and LBT 3) with respect to each channel bandwidth (e.g., channel bandwidths 701, 702, and 703) among the channel bandwidths available for the SL-U multi-channel access process. The SL-U TXUE of this example may send a side link channel (e.g., PSCCH / PSSCH or PSBCH) of the multiple side link channels when the UE has access to the corresponding channel bandwidth (e.g., channel bandwidths 701, 702, and 703 that are idle after the corresponding LBT process).

[0094] According to another example, the second UE capability for SL-U multi-channel access may support the transmission of an uplink channel to a base station and the transmission of one or more side link channels simultaneously (e.g., a high-capability UE). As in the previous example, in operation of the SL-U multi-channel access procedure according to the multi-uplink / sidelink channel transmission implemented by the example high-capability UE, the UE may perform an LBT procedure with respect to each channel bandwidth and transmit the uplink channel and / or side link channel when the UE has access to the corresponding channel bandwidth.

[0095] The SL-U multi-channel access process implemented by the example of a UE (e.g., a high-capability UE) having a second UE capability for SL-U multi-channel access is not limited to the multiple side link channel transmission SL-U multi-channel access process. For example, a high-capability UE may implement a single side link channel transmission SL-U multi-channel access process based at least in part on such capability of the UE. Since the capability of the UE in this example is relatively advanced, the single side link channel transmission SL-U multi-channel access process implemented by the high-capability UE may be operated to puncture and rate match the side link channel according to available resources (e.g., a set of RBs of the channel bandwidth that are idle after passing the corresponding LBT process). The single side link channel transmission SL-U multi-channel access process implemented by the high-capability UE may additionally or alternatively operate to prepare different versions of the side link channel, and use specific ones of these versions according to available resources (e.g., a set of RBs of the channel bandwidth that are idle after passing the corresponding LBT process).

[0096] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C , Fig.9A and Fig. 9B , FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C , Fig.11 and FIG. 12A to FIG. 12D Examples of various SL-U multi-channel access procedures according to the concepts of the present disclosure are illustrated. The examples of these figures illustrate the operation of the SL-U multi-channel access procedure for a SL-U UE based on UE capabilities.

[0097] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8CThe SL-U multi-channel access process provides an all-or-nothing access operation for multiple channel bandwidths relative to the SL-U multi-channel access. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C For example, all-or-no transmission of a single side link channel may be provided based on the results of an LBT process performed relative to each of the channel bandwidths (e.g., when each channel bandwidth is idle after passing its corresponding LBT process, the all-or-no transmission is performed using a set of RBs for all channel bandwidths).

[0098] exist Fig. 8A In the example, all-or-no access to a single sidelink channel (e.g., PSCCH / PSSCH or PSBCH) is provided on multiple channel bandwidths based on the results of an LBT process performed relative to each of the channel bandwidths. Fig. 8A The example of may be implemented, for example, by a UE that does not have the capability for multiple simultaneous transmissions.

[0099] exist Figure 8B In an example of , all-or-no access to multiple side links (e.g., PSCCH / PSSCH and / or PSBCH) on multiple channel bandwidths is provided based on the results of an LBT process performed relative to each of the channel bandwidths. Figure 8B The examples may be implemented by a UE that does not have the capability for multiple simultaneous transmissions but has the capability to simultaneously process data for multiple side links, and / or by a UE that has the capability for multiple simultaneous transmissions and the capability to simultaneously process data for multiple transmissions.

[0100] exist Figure 8C In the example, all-or-no access to one or more sidelink channels (e.g., PSCCH / PSSCH and / or PSBCH) and uplink channels (e.g., PUSCH) on multiple channel bandwidths is provided based on the results of an LBT process performed relative to each of the channel bandwidths. Figure 8B An example of may be implemented, for example, by a UE having capability for multiple simultaneous transmissions, capability for simultaneous transmission of sidelink and uplink channels, and capability to simultaneously process data for multiple transmissions.

[0101] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The SL-U multi-channel access procedure is illustrated to provide partial access to a single sidelink channel (e.g., PSCCH / PSSCH or PSBCH) over multiple channel bandwidths of SL-U multi-channel access. Fig.9A and Fig. 9BFor example, a partial transmission of a single side link channel may be provided based on the results of an LBT process performed relative to each of the channel bandwidths (e.g., the partial transmission is performed using a set of RBs of the channel bandwidth that are idle due to their corresponding LBT processes).

[0102] exist Fig.9A In the example of , the SCI (e.g., SCI-1 and / or SCI-2) may be repeated on each allocation of channel bandwidth for transmission of a portion of the side link channel to facilitate use of the RB set of any channel bandwidth that is idle through its LBT process for transmission of the portion of the side link channel. Fig. 9B In an example, an SCI (e.g., SCI-1 and / or SCI-2) may be included on a main portion of a side link channel, wherein if the channel bandwidth used for the portion is idle through an associated LBT process, transmission of one or more portions of the side link channel is provided (e.g., partial access may occur on one or more channel bandwidths, such as those channel bandwidths that include the SCI, those channel bandwidths that are idle through their LBT process, etc.). Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The example of may be implemented, for example, by a UE that does not have the capability for multiple simultaneous transmissions. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The UE of the example may additionally have the ability to puncture the sidelink channel resources and perform rate matching to facilitate the transmission of a portion of the sidelink channel. According to some examples, the UE may have the ability to create multiple redundant versions of the PSSCH based on the ability and select the appropriate version for transmission based on the results of the LBT process performed relative to each of the channel bandwidths.

[0103] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C The SL-U multi-channel access process is illustrated to provide partial access to multiple side link channels (e.g., multiple PSCCH / PSSCH and / or PSBCH) over multiple channel bandwidths of SL-U multi-channel access. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C For example, partial transmission of multiple side link channels and / or specific side link channels can be provided based on the results of the LBT process performed relative to each channel bandwidth in the channel bandwidth (for example, the partial transmission is performed using a set of RBs of the channel bandwidth that are idle due to their corresponding LBT processes).

[0104] exist Fig. 10A In the example of , a side link channel is provided for each channel bandwidth, wherein its associated channel bandwidth is transmitted through the LBT process and the idle side link channel is transmitted. Fig. 10B In an example of , one or more side link channels may span more than one channel bandwidth (e.g., Fig.9A and Fig. 10A ), where a portion of the sidelink channel whose associated channel bandwidth is idle through the LBT process is transmitted. Fig. 10B In the example of , the SCI (e.g., SCI-1 and / or SCI-2) may be repeated on each allocation of channel bandwidth for transmission of a portion of the side link channel to facilitate use of RB sets of any channel bandwidth that has passed its LBT process and is idle for transmission of the portion of the side link channel. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B An example of may be implemented, for example, by a UE having capability for multiple simultaneous transmissions and having capability for simultaneously processing data for multiple side links.

[0105] exist Fig. 10C In an example of , one or more side link channels may span more than one channel bandwidth (e.g., Fig. 9B and Fig. 10A ), where a portion of the sidelink channel whose associated channel bandwidth is idle through the LBT process is transmitted. Fig. 10C In an example, an SCI (e.g., SCI-1 and / or SCI-2) may be included on a main portion of a side link channel spanning more than one channel bandwidth, wherein transmission of one or more portions of the side link channel is provided if the channel bandwidth used for the portion is idle via an associated LBT process (e.g., partial access may occur on one or more channel bandwidths, such as those channel bandwidths that include the SCI, those channel bandwidths that are idle via their LBT process, etc.). Fig. 10C The example of can be implemented, for example, by a UE having the capability for multiple simultaneous transmissions and having the capability to simultaneously process data of multiple side links. Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C The UE of the example may additionally have the ability to puncture the sidelink channel resources and perform rate matching to facilitate the transmission of a portion of the sidelink channel. According to some examples, the UE may have the ability to create multiple redundant versions of the PSSCH based on the ability and select the appropriate version for transmission based on the results of the LBT process performed relative to each of the channel bandwidths.

[0106] Fig.11 The SL-U multi-channel access process is illustrated to provide partial access to one or more multiple side link channels (e.g., multiple PSCCH / PSSCH and / or PSBCH) and full or no access to one or more side link channels (e.g., PSCCH / PSSCH and / or PSBCH) over multiple channel bandwidths of the SL-U multi-channel access. Fig.11 For example, one or more side link channels may span more than one channel bandwidth (e.g., Fig. 8Aand Fig. 10A , wherein partial access (e.g., per-side link channel access) is provided to idle side link channels via an LBT process for their associated channel bandwidths, wherein full or no access is provided to side link channels spanning multiple channel bandwidths based on the results of the LBT process. Fig.11 An example of may be implemented, for example, by a UE having capability for multiple simultaneous transmissions and having capability for simultaneously processing data for multiple side links.

[0107] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12D The SL-U multi-channel access process is illustrated to provide partial access to one or more sidelink channels (e.g., multiple PSCCH / PSSCH and / or PSBCH) and uplink channels (e.g., PUSCH) on multiple channel bandwidths based on the results of the LBT process performed with respect to each of the channel bandwidths. FIG. 12A to FIG. 12D For example, partial transmission of multiple side link channels, specific side link channels and / or uplink channels can be provided based on the results of the LBT process performed relative to each channel bandwidth in the channel bandwidth (for example, the partial transmission is performed using a set of RBs of the channel bandwidth that are idle due to their corresponding LBT processes).

[0108] exist Fig. 12A In the example of FIG. 1 , a sidelink channel or uplink channel (eg, Fig. 10A ), where the sidelink and uplink channels whose associated channel bandwidths are idle through the LBT process are sent. Fig. 12B In an example of , one or more sidelink and / or uplink channels may span more than one channel bandwidth (e.g., Fig. 10B An example of a hybrid) in which portions of the sidelink and / or uplink channels whose associated channel bandwidth has passed through the LBT process and are idle are transmitted. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B An example of can be implemented, for example, by a UE having a capability for multiple simultaneous transmissions, a capability to simultaneously process data for multiple sidelinks, and a capability to perform sidelink transmissions and uplink transmissions.

[0109] exist Fig. 12C In an example of , one or more sidelink and / or uplink channels may span more than one channel bandwidth (e.g., Fig. 10C ), where a portion of a sidelink and / or uplink channel whose associated channel bandwidth is idle through the LBT process is transmitted. Fig. 12CIn an example, an SCI (e.g., SCI-1 and / or SCI-2) may be included on a major portion of a side link channel spanning more than one channel bandwidth, wherein transmission of one or more portions of the side link channel is provided if the channel bandwidth used for the portion is idle through an associated LBT process (e.g., partial access may occur on one or more channel bandwidths, such as those channel bandwidths that include the SCI, those channel bandwidths that have passed its LBT process, etc.). Fig. 12C An example of can be implemented, for example, by a UE having a capability for multiple simultaneous transmissions, a capability for processing data for multiple sidelinks simultaneously, and a capability for performing simultaneous sidelink transmissions and uplink transmissions. Fig. 12B and Fig. 12C The UE of the example may additionally have the ability to puncture the sidelink channel resources and perform rate matching to facilitate the transmission of a portion of the sidelink channel. According to some examples, the UE may have the ability to create multiple redundant versions of the PSSCH based on the ability and select the appropriate version for transmission based on the results of the LBT process performed relative to each of the channel bandwidths.

[0110] according to Fig.12D For example, one or more sidelink channels and / or uplink channels may span more than one channel bandwidth (e.g., Fig.11 ), wherein partial access is provided to idle sidelink and / or uplink channels (e.g., per-sidelink / uplink channel access) via an LBT process for their associated channel bandwidths, wherein full or no access is provided with respect to sidelink and / or uplink channels spanning multiple channel bandwidths based on the results of the LBT process. Fig.12D An example of may be implemented, for example, by a UE having capability for multiple simultaneous transmissions, capability to simultaneously process data for multiple sidelinks, and capability to perform simultaneous sidelink transmissions and uplink transmissions.

[0111] In the SL-U multiple access channel process according to various aspects of the present disclosure (such as the above described FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C , Fig.9A and Fig. 9B , FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C , Fig.11 and FIG. 12A to FIG. 12DIn the operation of an example SL-U multi-access channel procedure), SL-U multi-access transmissions of sidelink channels (and in some examples, uplink channels) are provided based on appropriate channel bandwidths that have been idle through associated LBT procedures. For example, if all LBT procedures in the SL-U multi-channel access procedure are successful, a UE with first UE capability for SL-U multi-channel access (e.g., a low-capability UE) may send all prepared sidelink channel transmissions (e.g., PSCCH / PSSCH and / or PSBCH). In another example, a UE with second UE capability for SL-U multi-channel access (e.g., a high-capability UE) may transmit over a subset of the channel bandwidth on which SL-U multi-channel access was performed, such as depending on resource allocation for the transmission, the ability to select or modify a waveform after the LBT procedure, etc.

[0112] Fig.13 , Fig.14 , FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D , Fig.16A and Fig. 16B Various specific implementations of SL-U multi-channel access based on the results of the LBT process for channel bandwidth are illustrated. Specifically, Fig.13 The example of illustrates an example of providing multiple side link channel transmission based on channel bandwidths among a plurality of channel bandwidths that are idle after passing corresponding LBT processes. Fig.14 , FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D , Fig.16A and Fig. 16B The example of illustrates an example of providing a side link channel transmission with respect to a side link channel spanning more than one channel bandwidth based on a channel bandwidth among a plurality of channel bandwidths that are idle through a corresponding LBT process. It should be understood that although the examples with respect to Fig.13 , Fig.14 , FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D , Fig.16A and Fig. 16B The examples described are provided to help understand the concepts of the present disclosure, but various example sidelink channel configurations (e.g., providing transmission of multiple sidelink channels, where one or more sidelink channels span more than one channel bandwidth) may be combined according to aspects of the disclosure. In addition, although the examples refer to sidelink channel transmissions, it should be understood that the concepts described are applicable to examples that provide transmission of sidelink and uplink channels. That is, in the operation according to the example in which the UE is capable of simultaneous sidelink and uplink transmissions, the following references to Fig.13 , Fig.14 , FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D , Fig.16A and Fig. 16BThe described techniques may be applied to a mix of one or more sidelink channels (eg, PSCCH / PSSCH and / or PSBCH) and one or more uplink channels (eg, PUSCH).

[0113] exist Fig.13 In the example of , transmission is provided for side link channels (e.g., PSSCH / PSCCH and / or PSBCH) that are completely contained in the corresponding channel bandwidth. Channel bandwidths 1301 and 1303 of the illustrated example are shown as being idle through their corresponding LBT procedures, while channel bandwidth 1302 is shown as failing to pass its corresponding LBT procedure. Therefore, side link channels that are completely contained in the RB sets of channel bandwidths 1301 and 1303 can be transmitted according to the example SL-U multiple access channel procedure.

[0114] exist Fig.14 , FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D , Fig.16A and Fig. 16B In the example of , transmission is provided for side link channels (e.g., PSSCH / PSCCH and / or PSBCH) that span more than one channel bandwidth. Specifically, Fig.14 and FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D The sidelink channels are included in the RB set of the channel bandwidth of the SL-U multi-channel access process, without occupying the RBs of the guard band. Fig.16A and Fig. 16B The sidelink channel of the channel bandwidth is contained in the set of RBs of the channel bandwidth and the RBs of the guard band between these channel bandwidths. The illustrated example supports the transmission of the sidelink channel across more channel bandwidths, where the corresponding channel bandwidth has a successful LBT process (for example, the LBT process for the channel bandwidth indicates that the channel bandwidth is idle and can be used for transmission). For partial transmission of the sidelink channel according to some aspects of the present disclosure, the UE can puncture the waveform and perform rate matching on available resources (excluding those resources on the channel that did not pass its LBT process).

[0115] exist Fig.14In the example, the side link channel is contained within a set of RBs of a channel bandwidth (e.g., channel bandwidths 1401-1403) and does not occupy RBs of a guard band set between those channel bandwidths. According to the example, partial transmission of the side link channel is facilitated by including an SCI (e.g., SCI-1 (e.g., including the TDRA and FDRA of the PSSCH) and / or SCI-2) in the side link channel portion corresponding to each SL-U multi-access channel bandwidth in the SL-U multi-access channel bandwidth. For example, for each channel bandwidth in channel bandwidths 1401-1403, the SCI may be repeated in the side link channel portion to facilitate partial transmission of the side link channel portion where the corresponding channel bandwidth has passed its LBT process and is idle. According to some examples, the side link channel portion in each channel bandwidth may be rate matched around the repeated SCI.

[0116] exist FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D In the example, the side link channel is contained within a set of RBs of a channel bandwidth (e.g., channel bandwidths 1501-1503) and does not occupy RBs of a guard band set between those channel bandwidths. If at least one of the side link channel portions associated with the SL-U multi-access channel bandwidth available for access includes an SCI (e.g., SCI-1 (e.g., including the TDRA and FDRA of the PSSCH) and / or SCI-2), partial transmission of the side link channel may be provided according to these examples. For example, the SCI may be included in a side link channel portion of a primary channel bandwidth (e.g., channel bandwidth 1503). As Fig.15A and Fig. 15B As shown in the example, if the corresponding LBT process is successful and if the LBT process relative to the main channel bandwidth (e.g., channel bandwidth 1501) is successful, the transmission of the side link channel portion can be provided via a channel bandwidth (e.g., channel bandwidth 1502 and / or 1503) in which the side link channel portion does not include SCI.

[0117] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, if a resource allocation for a side link channel spanning multiple channels (e.g., a set of RBs for a corresponding channel bandwidth) does not have gaps in frequency (e.g., missing intermediate channel bandwidths), then a partial transmission of the side link channel may be provided. For example, an LBT process with respect to a primary channel bandwidth (e.g., 1503) corresponding to a portion of the side link channel including an SCI may be successful, and an LBT process with respect to another channel bandwidth (e.g., channel bandwidths 1501 and / or 1502) corresponding to another portion of the side link channel may also be successful. According to this example, if there is no frequency gap between corresponding channel bandwidths (e.g., a resource allocation for a SL-U multi-channel access channel bandwidth excluding a guard band), transmission of a portion of the side link channel that does not include an SCI is provided. Fig. 15C An example is illustrated in which channel bandwidths 1501 and 1503 are idle after passing their LBT processes, however, the side link channel portion corresponding to channel bandwidth 1501 is not transmitted due to the frequency gap between the channel bandwidths for which the LBT process for the side link channel succeeded. Fig.15D An instance is illustrated in which channel bandwidths 1502 and 1503 are idle after passing their LBT processes, and given that there is no frequency gap between the channel bandwidths for which the LBT process for the side link channel is successful (e.g., channel bandwidths 1502 and 1503 are adjacent channel bandwidths), a side link channel portion corresponding to channel bandwidth 1502 is sent.

[0118] As indicated above, according to some aspects of the present disclosure, if resource allocation does not involve RBs in a guard band of a channel bandwidth (e.g., a set of RBs of a channel bandwidth that can be used for SL-U multi-channel access), partial transmission of a side link channel may be provided. Fig.16A and Fig. 16B In the examples, a side link channel spanning more than one channel bandwidth is contained within both a set of RBs of a channel bandwidth (e.g., channel bandwidths 1601 and 1602) and RBs of a guard band between these channel bandwidths. According to some examples, if a receiving UE (e.g., a SL-U RX UE) has the ability to decode a side link channel having an allocation on an RB in a guard band, transmission of a side link channel spanning multiple channel bandwidths having an allocation on an RB in the guard band is provided. If the LBT process is successful for the channel bandwidth around the guard band, transmission of a side link channel spanning multiple channels having an allocation on an RB in a guard band between a set of RBs of different channel bandwidths of SL-U multi-channel access may be provided according to some examples. For example, as Fig.16A As shown in the example of , the LBT process with respect to channel bandwidth 1601 is successful, but the LBT process with respect to adjacent channel bandwidth 1602 is not successful. In this example, the side link channel spanning channel bandwidths 1601 and 1602 is not transmitted. Fig. 16B As shown in the example of , the LBT process is successful with respect to adjacent channel bandwidths 1601 and 1602. In this example, a side link channel spanning channel bandwidths 1601 and 1602 is transmitted.

[0119] FIG. 17A to FIG. 17D The example of the side link channel sending SL-U multi-channel access process operation to prepare different versions of the side link channel is illustrated. For example, version 1700A ( Fig.17A )、1700B( Fig. 17B ) and 1700C( Fig. 17C) for transmitting a specific version of the side link channel based on the result of the LBT process of the channel bandwidth for SL-U multi-channel access. For example, a specific side link channel version among the side link channel versions may be used according to available resources (e.g., a set of RBs of the channel bandwidth that are idle after the corresponding LBT process). Fig.17D In the example of , channel bandwidths 1701 and 1702 are idle because they have passed their LBT processes, while channel bandwidth 1703 is not idle because it has not passed its LBT process. According to this example, transmission of a side link channel version 1700B in which the side link channel spans two channel bandwidths is provided according to the SL-U multi-channel access process.

[0120] Fig.18 1800 is a flow chart illustrating an example process 1800 for supporting SL-U multi-channel access according to one or more aspects. The operations of process 1800 may be performed by a UE (e.g., a SL-U TX UE) (such as the one described above with reference to Figure 1 indivual Figure 2 The UE 115 or reference Fig.19 For example, the example operations (also referred to as "boxes") of process 400 may enable UE 115 to support SL-U multi-channel access based on UE capabilities.

[0121] exist Fig.18 In block 1801 of the process 1800 illustrated in FIG. 1 , a UE identifies (e.g., through an operation of SL-U multi-channel access logic performed by the UE) an RB set configuration for SL-U multi-channel access. The RB set configuration may, for example, include multiple RB sets including a different RB set for each of a plurality of channel bandwidths that may be used by a SL-U multi-channel access process implemented by the UE based on one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access.

[0122] The SL-U multi-channel access process for use by the UE or otherwise implemented may be selected based on one or more aspects of the UE capabilities. The UE may, for example, implement a specific SL-U multi-channel access process based on one or more capabilities of the UE for SL-U multi-channel access, the one or more capabilities including a first UE capability or a second UE capability (e.g., a specific first UE capability and a second UE capability, a UE capability that meets a first capability level and a second capability level, a UE capability corresponding to a first capability category and a second capability category, etc.). As an example, the implementation of a specific SL-U multi-channel access process may be associated with or otherwise based on a UE capability for multiple simultaneous transmissions (e.g., in a case where the UE can simultaneously transmit multiple side link channels or a mixture of side link channels and uplink channels). According to another example, the implementation of a specific SL-U multi-channel access process may be associated with or otherwise based on a UE capability that is different from and / or independent of the UE capability for multiple simultaneous transmissions (e.g., a UE capability to simultaneously process data of multiple side links, a UE capability to perform multiple simultaneous LBT processes, a UE capability to utilize resources allocated for SL-U multi-channel access, etc.).

[0123] According to some aspects, a base station or other network entity may (e.g., under the control of SL-U multi-channel access logic executed by the base station) select a SL-U multi-channel access procedure for use by a UE based on one or more capabilities of the UE, such as, associated with connection of the UE to a network, associated with establishing or maintaining a communication link between the base station and the UE, associated with sidelink resource grants, associated with scheduling sidelink communications, and the like. In some implementations, the UE may send information about one or more capabilities of the UE for SL-U multi-channel access to a base station, wherein the base station may select a particular SL-U multi-channel access procedure for implementation by the UE and / or identify a RB set configuration for use by the SL-U multi-channel access procedure based at least in part on the information received from the UE. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may (e.g., under the control of SL-U multi-channel access logic executed by the UE) select a SL-U multi-channel access procedure based on one or more capabilities of the UE, such as, associated with sidelink resource grants, associated with scheduling sidelink communications, and the like.

[0124] According to some examples, one or more RB set configurations for SL-U multi-channel access may be stored by the UE (e.g., as SL-U RB set information in a database memory of the UE) or otherwise available to the UE. The UE may determine, select, or otherwise identify an RB set configuration for use with a SL-U multi-channel access process implemented by the UE.

[0125] The RB set configuration may be provided as a common RB set configuration, such as via a UE profile or gNB configuration (e.g., when joining a network, when establishing a link with a gNB, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the RB set configuration may be provided for each SL-U link.

[0126] The UE may operate as a sidelink transmission mode 1 UE that processes one or more grants obtained from a base station, or as a sidelink transmission mode 2 UE that creates one or more grants itself. According to some examples of the UE operating according to sidelink transmission mode 1, the base station may provide the UE with an RB set configuration, such as via signaling for sidelink resource grant and / or scheduling (e.g., a dynamic grant (DG) or a configured grant (CG) from the base station on the PDCCH (e.g., one or more DCI 3_0 information elements)). For example, if the frequency domain resource allocation (FDRA) indicated by the mode 1 grant spans more than one RB set, the SL-U multi-channel access process will be performed by the UE to start the channel occupancy time (COT). According to some examples of the SL-UTX UE operating according to sidelink transmission mode 2, the UE may make a determination regarding the RB set configuration to be used by the UE for SL-U multi-channel access. For a sidelink transmission mode 2 UE, a medium access control (MAC) entity may indicate an amount of frequency resources and request the physical layer (PHY) to provide a set of candidate resources to create a grant. For example, if the number of frequency resources indicated by the MAC entity is large enough to span multiple RB sets, the SL-U multi-channel access procedure will be performed by the UE to start COT. Additionally or alternatively, the sidelink resources for RB set configuration can be selected by the UE from pre-configured sidelink resources.

[0127] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a UE may receive an uplink grant from a base station, such as to simultaneously perform an NR-U uplink PUSCH transmission and an SL-U multi-channel access transmission. The uplink grant, for example, provides a grant for frequency resources (e.g., a set of RBs) that are not part of a sidelink resource pool available to the UE for SL-U multi-channel access.

[0128] According to aspects of the present disclosure, an RB set configuration may include RBs on one or more BWPs. For example, some example RB set configurations may include RBs on different BWPs, such as a sidelink BWP and an uplink BWP in the same carrier.

[0129] In block 1802 of the illustrated example, the UE performs an LBT procedure with respect to each of the plurality of channel bandwidths available for use by the SL-U multi-channel access procedure for SL-U multi-channel access (e.g., using one or more radio devices under control of SL-U multi-channel access logic executed by the UE). The UE may, for example, perform an LBT procedure with respect to each of the channel bandwidths available for use by the SL-U multi-channel access procedure (e.g., independently performing the procedure for each RB set configured as a RB set, as described above with reference to Fig. 7A and Figure 7B described).

[0130] In block 1803 of the illustrated example, the UE transmits at least a portion of one or more side link channels using one or more RB sets configured by the RB set in accordance with the SL-U multi-channel access procedure and based on the results of the LBT procedure performed relative to each of the multiple channel bandwidths (e.g., using one or more radio devices of the UE under the control of SL-U multi-channel access logic performed by the UE). For example, in operation according to the SL-U multi-channel access procedure implemented by the UE, the UE may provide all-or-no transmission of a single side link channel (e.g., all-or-no transmission of a single side link channel to one or more SL RX UEs) based on the results of the LBT procedure for the channel bandwidths available for SL-U multi-channel access (e.g., as described above with reference to Fig. 8A As another example, the UE may provide partial transmission of a single side link channel (e.g., all or none transmission of a single side link channel to one or more SLRX UEs) based on the results of the LBT process for the channel bandwidth available for SL-U multi-channel access (e.g., as described above with reference to Fig.9A and Fig. 9B As yet another example, the UE may provide all or no transmission of multiple side link channels (e.g., all or no transmission of multiple side link channels to one or more SL RX UEs) based on the result of the LBT process for the channel bandwidth available for SL-U multi-channel access (e.g., as described above with reference to Figure 8B and Figure 8C As yet another example, the UE may provide partial transmissions with respect to multiple side link channels (e.g., partial transmissions of multiple side link channels to one or more SL RX UEs) based on the results of the LBT process for the channel bandwidth available for SL-U multi-channel access (e.g., as described above with reference to FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C , Fig.11 and FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C described).

[0131] In some implementations, the UE is configured to perform NR-U uplink transmission and SL-U multi-channel access transmission simultaneously. Accordingly, in some examples of operation according to the SL-U multi-channel access process implemented by the UE, the UE may, based on the result of the LBT process (e.g., the above reference Figure 8B and Figure 8C The UE may provide all or no transmission with respect to one or more sidelink channels (e.g., all or no transmission of multiple sidelink channels to one or more SL RX UEs) and all or no transmission with respect to one or more uplink channels (e.g., all or no transmission of one or more uplink channels to one or more base stations) based on the results of the LBT process (e.g., the above referenced examples). FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C , Fig.11 and FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C A hybrid of the described examples) is used to provide partial transmission with respect to one or more side link channels (e.g., partial transmission of multiple side link channels to one or more SL RX UEs) and partial transmission with respect to one or more uplink channels (e.g., partial transmission of one or more uplink channels to one or more base stations).

[0132] In some implementations, the UE may create multiple redundant versions of the sidelink channel. According to some aspects, the UE may select an appropriate version of the sidelink channel for transmission (e.g., a version in the multiple redundant versions that may be included in an RB of the channel bandwidth with a successful LBT process) based on the results of the LBT process performed with respect to each of the channel bandwidths.

[0133] Fig.19 1 is a block diagram of an example UE 115 supporting SL-U multi-channel access according to one or more aspects. The UE 115 may be configured to perform operations, including reference Fig.18 In some implementations, the UE 115 includes a reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 1 and 115. For example, the UE 115 includes a controller 280 that operates to execute logic or computer instructions stored in a memory 282 and to control components of the UE 115 that provide the features and functionality of the UE 115. Under the control of the controller 280, the UE 115 transmits and receives signals via the radios 1901a-r and antennas 252a-r. The radios 1901a-r include various components and hardware, such as Figure 2 1, illustrated for UE 115, includes modulators and demodulators 254a-r, a MIMO detector 256, a receive processor 258, a transmit processor 264, and a TX MIMO processor 266.

[0134] As shown, the memory 282 may include SL-U RB set information 1902 and SL-U multi-channel access 1903. According to the concept of the present disclosure, the SL-U RB set information 1902 may include one or more databases and / or other data structures configured to store one or more RB set configurations and / or parameters for SL-U multi-channel access and other information for SL-U multi-channel access. According to the concept of this article, the SL-U multi-channel access logic 1903 may be configured to perform various functions and operations for SL-U multi-channel access (e.g., selecting a SL-U multi-channel access process based on UE capabilities, identifying a RB set configuration for SL-U multi-channel access, creating multiple redundant versions of a side link channel, selecting an appropriate redundant version of a side link channel, performing an LBT process with respect to each of a plurality of channel bandwidths available for use by the SL-U multi-channel access process, using one or more RB sets of the RB set configuration to send at least a portion of one or more side link channels according to the SL-U multi-channel access process based on the results of the LBT process performed with respect to a plurality of channel bandwidths, etc.). UE 115 may send signals to and receive signals from one or more UEs (e.g., SL RX UEs). In addition, UE 115 may receive signals from one or more network entities (e.g., Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Fig.21 The base station 105) receives signals and / or sends signals to the one or more network entities.

[0135] Fig. 20 2000 is a flow chart illustrating an example process 2000 for supporting SL-U multi-channel access according to one or more aspects. The operations of process 2000 may be performed by a base station (e.g., a gNB or other network element) (such as, for example, the above reference Figure 1 to Figure 2 Base station 105 as described above or as referenced above Fig. 20 For example, the example operations of process 2000 may enable base station 105 to support SL-U multi-channel access based on UE capabilities.

[0136] exist Fig. 20 At block 2001 of the process 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 , a base station identifies (e.g., through an operation of SL-U multi-channel access logic performed by the base station) an RB set configuration for SL-U multi-channel access. The RB set configuration may, for example, include multiple RB sets including a different RB set for each of a plurality of channel bandwidths that may be used by a SL-U multi-channel access process implemented by a UE based on one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access.

[0137] According to some aspects, the base station may (e.g., under the control of SL-U multi-channel access logic executed by the base station) select a SL-U multi-channel access procedure for use by the UE based on one or more capabilities of the UE, such as, associated with connection of the UE to the network, associated with establishing or maintaining a communication link between the base station and the UE, associated with sidelink resource grants, associated with scheduling sidelink communications, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may (e.g., under the control of SL-U multi-channel access logic executed by the UE) select a SL-U multi-channel access procedure based on one or more capabilities of the UE, such as, associated with sidelink resource grants, associated with scheduling sidelink communications, etc.

[0138] In some implementations, the base station may receive information about the one or more capabilities of the UE for SL-U multi-channel access. The base station may select a specific SL-U multi-channel access procedure to be implemented by the UE and / or identify an RB set configuration for use with the SL-U multi-channel access procedure based at least in part on the information received from the UE.

[0139] According to some examples, one or more RB set configurations for SL-U multi-channel access may be stored by a base station (e.g., as SL-U RB set information in a database memory of the base station) or otherwise available to the base station. The base station may determine, select, or otherwise identify an RB set configuration for use by a SL-U multi-channel access process implemented by a UE.

[0140] The base station may, for example, identify an RB set configuration for one or more sidelink grants made to a UE operating as a sidelink transmit mode 1 UE. As another example, the base station may identify an RB set configuration used as a pre-configured sidelink resource (e.g., used by a UE operating as a sidelink transmit mode 2 UE). The RB set configuration identified for the SL-U multi-channel access may include an FDRA that spans more than one RB set.

[0141] At block 2001 of the illustrated example, the base station (e.g., using one or more radios of the base station under control of SL-U multi-channel access logic executed by the base station) sends one or more scheduling grants including RB set configurations to the UE. The base station may send the RB set configurations to the UE, for example, via a sidelink resource grant and / or scheduling signaling (e.g., a DG or CG from the base station on a PDCCH (e.g., one or more DCI 3_0 information elements)). According to another example in which the UE operates according to a sidelink transmit mode 2 UE, the base station may send the one or more RB set configurations to the UE as pre-configured sidelink resources (e.g., one or more RRC information elements).

[0142] According to some aspects, in block 2002, the base station may send information to the UE regarding a SL-U multi-channel access procedure selected for implementation by the UE based on one or more capabilities of the UE for SL-U multi-channel access. For example, the base station may provide signaling (e.g., an index to a database storing a plurality of SL-U multi-channel access procedures, an identification of a particular SL-U multi-channel access procedure, parameters for operation of a particular SL-U multi-channel access procedure, etc.) to indicate a particular SL-U multi-channel access procedure for implementation by the UE.

[0143] Fig.21 is a block diagram of an example base station 105 supporting SL-U multi-channel access according to one or more aspects. The base station 105 may be configured to perform operations including reference Fig. 20 In some implementations, the base station 105 includes a reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure, hardware, and components of the base station 105 shown and described above are shown in the accompanying drawings. For example, the base station 105 may include a controller 240 that operates to execute logic or computer instructions stored in a memory 242 and to control components of the base station 105 that provide the features and functionality of the base station 105. The base station 105 transmits and receives signals via the radios 2101a-t and antennas 234a-t under the control of the controller 240. The radios 2101a-t include various components and hardware, such as those described in Figure 2 , illustrated for base station 105, includes modulators and demodulators 232a-t, a transmit processor 220, a TX MIMO processor 230, a MIMO detector 236, and a receive processor 238.

[0144] As shown, the memory 242 may include SL-U RB set information 2102 and SL-U multi-channel access logic 2103. According to the concepts of the present disclosure, the SL-U RB set information 2102 may include one or more databases and / or other data structures configured to store one or more RB set configurations and / or parameters for SL-U multi-channel access and other information for SL-U multi-channel access. The SL-U multi-channel access logic 2103 may be configured to perform various functions and operations for SL-U multi-channel access (e.g., receiving information about one or more capabilities of the UE for SL-U multi-channel access, selecting a specific SL-U multi-channel access process based on UE capabilities, identifying RB set configurations for SL-U multi-channel access, providing grants and / or scheduling relative to SL-U multi-channel access, etc.). The base station 105 may receive information from one or more UEs (such as Figure 1 , Fig. 20 and Fig.19 UE 115) receives a signal or sends a signal to the one or more UEs.

[0145] It should be noted that the reference Fig.18 and Fig. 20 One or more blocks (or operations) described herein may be combined with one or more blocks (or operations) described in another figure in the reference figure. Fig.18 One or more boxes (or operations) of Figure 4A and Figure 4B , Figure 5A and Figure 5B , Fig. 6A and Figure 6B and / or Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As another example, with Fig.18 One or more boxes can be associated with the same FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C , Fig.9A , Fig. 9B , FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C , Fig.11 and / or FIG. 12A to FIG. 12D As another example, Fig.18 One or more boxes can be associated with the same Fig.13 , Fig.14 , FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D , Fig.16A , Fig. 16B and / or Fig.17D One or more associated boxes (or operations) are combined. Additionally or alternatively, the above reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 One or more of the operations described may be combined with reference to Fig.19 or Fig.21 A combination of one or more of the operations described.

[0146] In some examples of methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture including non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, various aspects of SL-U multi-channel access may be implemented in various combinations consistent with the concepts described herein. In the following example clauses, non-limiting examples of combinations of some aspects of multi-slot transport block technology are described.

[0147] 1. A method, apparatus and article for wireless communication, the method, apparatus and article being capable of supporting: identifying an RB set configuration for SL-U multi-channel access, wherein the RB set configuration includes multiple RB sets, the multiple RB sets including different RB sets for each of multiple channel bandwidths available for use by a SL-U multi-channel access process, the SL-U multi-channel access process being implemented by a UE based on one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access; performing an LBT process relative to each of the multiple channel bandwidths available for use by the SL-U multi-channel access process for the SL-U multi-channel access; and sending at least a portion of one or more side link channels using one or more RB sets of the RB set configuration according to the SL-U multi-channel access process and based on the results of the LBT process performed relative to each of the multiple channel bandwidths.

[0148] 2. The method, apparatus and article of manufacture of clause 1, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access procedure is implemented by the UE based on whether the UE includes a multi-simultaneous transmission capability.

[0149] 3. A method, apparatus and article according to any one of clauses 1 and 2, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access procedure is implemented by the UE based on whether the UE includes a predetermined capability other than a multiple simultaneous transmission capability.

[0150] 4. The method, apparatus and article of claim 3, wherein the predetermined capability in addition to the multiple simultaneous transmission capability comprises a UE capability to simultaneously process data for multiple side links or a UE capability to perform multiple simultaneous LBT processes.

[0151] 5. The method, apparatus and article of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access process provides for transmitting at least a portion of one or more side link channels, wherein the transmitting transmits a single side link channel.

[0152] 6. The method, apparatus, and article of manufacture of clause 5, wherein the single sidelink channel comprises a PSCCH and a PSSCH or a single PSBCH.

[0153] 7. A method, apparatus and article according to any one of clauses 5 and 6, wherein the one or more capabilities of the UE based on which the UE implements the SL-U multi-channel access process include UE capabilities that are first capabilities or second capabilities, and wherein sending the single side link channel includes: sending the single side link channel using each RB set configured by the RB set according to the SL-U multi-channel access process based on the result of the LBT process indicating that each channel bandwidth in the multiple channel bandwidths can be used for the SL-U multi-channel access when the one or more capabilities of the UE include the first capability; or sending at least a portion of the single side link channel using some or all of the RB sets configured by the RB set according to the SL-U multi-channel access process based on the result of the LBT process indicating that the corresponding channel bandwidth in the multiple channel bandwidths can be used for the SL-U multi-channel access when the one or more capabilities of the UE include the second capability.

[0154] 8. Methods, devices and articles according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access process provides for sending at least a portion of one or more side link channels, and the sending includes: indicating that corresponding channel bandwidths among the multiple channel bandwidths can be used for the SL-U multi-channel access to send multiple side link channels based on the result of the LBT process.

[0155] 9. The method, apparatus, and article of manufacture of clause 8, wherein the plurality of sidelink channels comprises a plurality of PSCCHs and PSSCHs, a plurality of PSBCHs, or a combination of one or more PSCCHs and PSSCHs and one or more PSBCHs.

[0156] 10. A method, apparatus and article according to any one of clauses 7 to 9, wherein the one or more capabilities of the UE based on which the UE implements the SL-U multi-channel access process include UE capabilities that are first capabilities or second capabilities, and wherein sending the multiple side link channels includes: when the one or more capabilities of the UE include the second capability, sending at least a portion of the channels in the multiple side link channels using the corresponding RB sets configured by the RB sets according to the SL-U multi-channel access process based on the result of the LBT process indicating that the corresponding channel bandwidths in the multiple channel bandwidths can be used for the SL-U multi-channel access; or when the one or more capabilities of the UE include the first capability, sending the multiple side link channels using each RB set configured by the RB set according to the SL-U multi-channel access process based on the result of the LBT process indicating that each channel bandwidth in the multiple channel bandwidths can be used for the SL-U multi-channel access.

[0157] 11. The method, apparatus and article according to any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the SL-

[0158] The U multi-channel access process provides for sending at least a portion of one or more side link channels, and the sending includes: sending channels of the one or more side link channels that are completely contained in a corresponding RB set corresponding to the channel bandwidth indicated by the LBT process as being capable of being used for the SL-U multi-channel access.

[0159] 12. Methods, apparatus and articles according to any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein for channels in the one or more side link channels that respectively span RB sets of more than one channel bandwidth in the channel bandwidth available for use by the SL-U multi-channel access process, the SL-U multi-channel access process provides for sending at least a portion of one or more side link channels, and the sending includes: sending the portion of the channel in the one or more side link channels contained in the corresponding RB set corresponding to the channel bandwidth indicated by the LBT process as available for the SL-U multi-channel access.

[0160] 13. A method, apparatus and article according to clause 12, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access process provides that at least a portion of each of the one or more side link channels transmitted includes side link control information (SCI).

[0161] 14. The method, apparatus and article of manufacture of clause 13, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access process provides for repeating the SCI in each channel portion of each of the channels in the one or more side link channels transmitted.

[0162] 15. The method, apparatus, and article of manufacture of claim 13, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access process provides that the SCI is included in at least one channel portion of each of the channels in the one or more side link channels, for which one or more portions of the channel are transmitted.

[0163] 16. A method, apparatus and article according to clause 13, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access process provides for sending a portion of the channel of the one or more side link channels, the sending comprising sending a portion of a set of RBs of the channel of the one or more side link channels that respectively span more than one channel bandwidth in the channel bandwidth when the following circumstances occur: the channel bandwidths of the one or more channel bandwidths used for the portion of the channel are adjacent channel bandwidths.

[0164] 17. A method, apparatus and article according to clause 13, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access process provides for sending a portion of the channel of the one or more side link channels, the sending comprising sending a portion of a set of RBs of the channel of the one or more side link channels that respectively span more than one channel bandwidth in the channel bandwidth when the following circumstances occur: the set of RBs containing the portion of the channel does not include RBs in a guard band between the channel bandwidths.

[0165] 18. A method, apparatus and article according to clause 13, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access process provides for sending a portion of the channel of the one or more side link channels, the sending comprising sending a portion of a set of RBs of the channel of the one or more side link channels that respectively spans more than one channel bandwidth in the channel bandwidth when the following conditions occur: the set of RBs containing the portion of the channel includes RBs in a guard band between the channel bandwidths, and the LBT process indicates that each of the multiple channel bandwidths adjacent to the guard band can be used for the SL-U multi-channel access.

[0166] 19. A method, apparatus and article according to clause 13, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access process provides for sending a portion of the channel of the one or more side link channels, the sending comprising sending a portion of a set of RBs of the channel of the one or more side link channels that respectively spans more than one channel bandwidth of the channel bandwidth when the following conditions apply: the set of RBs containing the portion of the channel includes RBs in a guard band between the channel bandwidths, and a UE intended to receive the transmission has the ability to decode the allocated side link channel on the RBs in the guard band.

[0167] 20. Methods, apparatus and articles according to any of clauses 1 to 19, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access process provides for transmitting at least a portion of one or more side link channels, wherein the transmission transmits a PUSCH and one or more side link channels.

[0168] 21. The method, apparatus and article of any one of clauses 1 to 20, further comprising preparing different versions of a side link channel in the one or more side link channels, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access process provides for sending at least a portion of the one or more side link channels, wherein the sending sends a version of the different versions of the side link channel that is completely contained in a corresponding RB set corresponding to a channel bandwidth indicated by the LBT process as being capable of being used for the SL-U multi-channel access.

[0169] 22. The method, apparatus and article of any one of clauses 1 to 21, further comprising sending to a base station information about the one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access.

[0170] 23. The method, apparatus and article according to any one of clauses 1 to 22, further comprising selecting a SL-U multi-channel access process to be implemented by the UE based on: the UE capability to simultaneously process data of multiple side links, the UE capability to perform multiple simultaneous LBT processes and / or the UE capability to utilize resources allocated for the SL-U multi-channel access.

[0171] 24. A method, apparatus and article for wireless communications, the method, apparatus and article being capable of supporting: identifying an RB set configuration for SL-U multi-channel access, wherein the RB set configuration includes multiple RB sets, the multiple RB sets including different RB sets for each channel bandwidth in multiple channel bandwidths available for use by the SL-U multi-channel access process, the SL-U multi-channel access process being implemented by a UE based on one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access; and sending one or more scheduling grants including the RB set configuration to the UE.

[0172] 25. The method, apparatus and article of claim 24, further comprising receiving from the UE information about the one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access, wherein the one or more scheduling grants are based at least in part on the information received from the UE.

[0173] 26. Methods, apparatus and articles according to any of clauses 24 and 25, wherein the one or more scheduling grants include a scheduling grant with respect to one or sidelink channels and a scheduling grant with respect to an uplink from the UE to the network element.

[0174] 27. The method, apparatus and article of manufacture of any of clauses 24 to 26, further comprising selecting a SL for implementation by the UE based on the following capabilities:

[0175] U multi-channel access process: UE capability to process data of multiple side links simultaneously, UE capability to perform multiple simultaneous LBT processes and / or UE capability to utilize resources allocated for the SL-U multi-channel access.

[0176] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any of a variety of different technologies and techniques may be used to represent information and signals. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be mentioned throughout the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

[0177] In this article, relative to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Fig.19 and Fig.21 The components, functional blocks and modules described include processors, electronic devices, hardware devices, electronic components, logical circuits, memories, software codes, firmware codes, etc., or any combination thereof. Software should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, program codes, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, processes, and / or functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or other terms. In addition, the features discussed herein may be implemented via dedicated processor circuits, via executable instructions, or a combination thereof.

[0178] The technician will further understand that the various exemplary logic boxes, modules, circuits and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the disclosure of this article can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software or a combination of the two. In order to clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various exemplary components, boxes, modules, circuits and steps have been generally described in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints proposed to the entire system. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in different ways for each specific application, but such specific implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing departure from the scope of the present disclosure. The technician will also easily recognize that the order or combination of components, methods or interactions described herein are only examples, and the components, methods or interactions of various aspects of the present disclosure can be combined or performed in a manner other than the manner illustrated and described herein.

[0179] The various illustrative logic components, logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic processes described in conjunction with the specific implementations disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. The interchangeability of hardware and software has been generally described in terms of functionality and is exemplified in the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and processes described above. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0180] The hardware and data processing apparatus for implementing the various exemplary logic components, logic blocks, modules and circuits described in conjunction with the various aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or executed using a general purpose single-chip or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller or state machine. In some specific implementations, a processor may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some specific implementations, a particular process and method may be performed by a circuit specific to a given function.

[0181] In one or more aspects, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, digital electronic circuitry, computer software, firmware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or any combination thereof. Specific implementations of the subject matter described in this specification may also be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on computer storage media for execution by data processing apparatus or for controlling the operation of data processing apparatus.

[0182] If implemented in software, the function may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium or sent via a computer-readable medium. The process of the method or algorithm disclosed herein may be implemented in a processor executable software module that may reside on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media, and the communication media include any media that can be implemented to transfer a computer program from one place to another. The storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access. As an example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), CD-ROM or other optical disk storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the required program code in the form of an instruction or data structure and can be accessed by a computer. In addition, any connection may be appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. Disks and optical disks as used herein include compact disks (CDs), laser disks, optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and blue-ray disks, wherein disks generally reproduce data magnetically, and optical disks reproduce data optically with lasers. The above combination should also be included in the scope of computer-readable media. Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as a code and instruction set, or any combination of code and instruction sets, on a machine-readable medium or computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0183] Various modifications to the specific implementations described in this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to some other specific implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the specific implementations shown herein, but are to be consistent with the broadest scope consistent with the disclosure, the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0184] Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the terms "upper" and "lower" are sometimes used for ease of describing the drawings and indicate relative positions corresponding to the orientation of the drawings on a correctly oriented page, and may not reflect the correct orientation of any device as implemented.

[0185] Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple implementations, either individually or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, while features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be removed from the combination, and a claimed combination may be directed to subcombinations or variations of subcombinations.

[0186] Similarly, although the operations are depicted in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order, or to perform all illustrated operations to achieve the desired result. In addition, the accompanying drawings can schematically depict one or more example processes in the form of a flow chart. However, other operations that are not depicted can be combined in the example processes schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously or between any illustrated operations. In some environments, multitasking and parallel processing are advantageous. In addition, the separation of various system components in the specific implementation described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all specific implementations, and it should be understood that the program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. Additionally, some other specific implementations also fall within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions described in the claims can be performed in different orders and still achieve the desired result.

[0187] As used herein, including in the claims, the term "or" used in a list of two or more items means that any of the listed items may be employed alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, or C, the composition may contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B combined; A and C combined; B and C combined; or A, B, and C combined. In addition, as used herein, including in the claims, "or" as used in a list of items beginning with "at least one" indicates a separate list, so that, for example, a list of "at least one of A, B, or C" means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C) or any combination of any of these. The term "substantially" is defined as to a large extent, but not necessarily entirely, what is specified (and includes what is specified; for example, substantially 90 degrees includes 90 degrees, and substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed implementation, the term "substantially" may be replaced with "within [percent] of" a specified content, where the percentage includes 0.1%, 1%, 5%, or 10%.

[0188] The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein, but to be consistent with the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: identifying a resource block (RB) set configuration for sidelink unlicensed spectrum (SL-U) multi-channel access, wherein the RB set configuration includes a plurality of RB sets, the plurality of RB sets including a different RB set for each of a plurality of channel bandwidths available for use by a SL-U multi-channel access procedure, the SL-U multi-channel access procedure being implemented by the UE based on one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access; performing a listen before send (LBT) procedure with respect to each of the plurality of channel bandwidths available for the SL-U multi-channel access procedure for the SL-U multi-channel access; as well as At least a portion of one or more side link channels is sent using one or more RB sets configured with the RB set according to the SL-U multi-channel access process and based on the results of the LBT process performed relative to each of the multiple channel bandwidths.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access process is implemented by the UE based on whether the UE includes multiple simultaneous transmission capabilities.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access procedure is implemented by the UE based on whether the UE includes a predetermined capability other than a multiple simultaneous transmission capability.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the predetermined capability other than the multiple simultaneous transmission capability includes a UE capability of simultaneously processing data of multiple side links or a UE capability of performing multiple simultaneous LBT processes.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access process provides for transmitting at least a portion of one or more side link channels, wherein the transmitting transmits a single side link channel.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the one or more capabilities of the UE based on which the SL-U multi-channel access procedure is implemented by the UE include a UE capability that is a first capability or a second capability, and wherein sending the single sidelink channel comprises: In a case where the one or more capabilities of the UE include the first capability, transmitting the single side link channel using each RB set of the RB set configuration according to the SL-U multi-channel access procedure based on an indication by a result of the LBT procedure that each of the multiple channel bandwidths can be used for the SL-U multi-channel access; or In a case where the one or more capabilities of the UE include the second capability, at least a portion of the single side link channel is sent using some or all of the RB sets configured by the RB sets according to the SL-U multi-channel access process and based on an indication by a result of the LBT process that corresponding channel bandwidths among the multiple channel bandwidths can be used for the SL-U multi-channel access.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access procedure provides for transmitting at least a portion of one or more side link channels, the transmitting comprising: Indicating based on the result of the LBT process that corresponding channel bandwidths among the multiple channel bandwidths can be used for the SL-U multi-channel access to send multiple side link channels.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more capabilities of the UE based on which the SL-U multi-channel access procedure is implemented by the UE include a UE capability that is a first capability or a second capability, and wherein sending the plurality of sidelink channels comprises: In a case where the one or more capabilities of the UE include the second capability, transmitting at least a portion of channels among the multiple side link channels using a corresponding RB set of the RB set configuration according to the SL-U multi-channel access procedure based on an indication by a result of the LBT procedure that a corresponding channel bandwidth among the multiple channel bandwidths can be used for the SL-U multi-channel access; or In a case where the one or more capabilities of the UE include the first capability, the multiple side link channels are sent using each RB set configured by the RB set according to the SL-U multi-channel access process and based on the result of the LBT process indicating that each of the multiple channel bandwidths can be used for the SL-U multi-channel access.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access procedure provides for transmitting at least a portion of one or more side link channels, the transmitting comprising: Send channels of the one or more side link channels that are completely contained in a corresponding RB set corresponding to a channel bandwidth indicated by the LBT process as being capable of being used for the SL-U multi-channel access.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein for channels of the one or more side link channels that respectively span RB sets of more than one of the channel bandwidths available for use by the SL-U multi-channel access procedure, the SL-U multi-channel access procedure provides for transmitting at least a portion of the one or more side link channels, the transmitting comprising: Sending a portion of the channel of the one or more side link channels contained in a corresponding RB set corresponding to a channel bandwidth indicated by the LBT process as being usable for the SL-U multi-channel access.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access process provides that at least a portion of each of the one or more side link channels transmitted includes side link control information (SCI).

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access procedure provides for transmitting at least a portion of one or more side link channels, the transmitting comprising: A physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) and one or more sidelink channels are transmitted.

13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: preparing a different version of a sidelink channel of the one or more sidelink channels, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access procedure provides for transmitting at least a portion of the one or more sidelink channels, the transmitting comprising: Sending a version of the different versions of the side link channel that is completely contained in a corresponding RB set corresponding to the channel bandwidth indicated by the LBT process as being capable of being used for the SL-U multi-channel access.

14. A method of wireless communication performed by a network entity, the method comprising: identifying a resource block (RB) set configuration for sidelink unlicensed spectrum (SL-U) multi-channel access, wherein the RB set configuration includes a plurality of RB sets, the plurality of RB sets including a different RB set for each of a plurality of channel bandwidths available for use by a SL-U multi-channel access procedure, the SL-U multi-channel access procedure being implemented by a user equipment (UE) based on one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access; as well as One or more scheduling grants including the RB set configuration are sent to the UE.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: Information is received from the UE regarding the one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access, wherein the one or more scheduling grants are based at least in part on the information received from the UE.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more scheduling grants include a scheduling grant with respect to one or sidelink channels and a scheduling grant with respect to an uplink from the UE to the network entity.

17. A user equipment (UE), the user equipment (UE) comprising: a memory storing processor readable code; and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the processor readable code such that the at least one processor: identifying a resource block (RB) set configuration for sidelink unlicensed spectrum (SL-U) multi-channel access, wherein the RB set configuration includes a plurality of RB sets, the plurality of RB sets including a different RB set for each of a plurality of channel bandwidths available for use by a SL-U multi-channel access procedure, the SL-U multi-channel access procedure being implemented by the UE based on one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access; performing a listen before send (LBT) procedure with respect to each of the plurality of channel bandwidths available for the SL-U multi-channel access procedure for the SL-U multi-channel access; as well as At least a portion of one or more side link channels is sent using one or more RB sets configured with the RB set according to the SL-U multi-channel access process and based on the results of the LBT process performed relative to each of the multiple channel bandwidths.

18. The UE according to claim 17, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access procedure is implemented by the UE based on whether the UE includes multiple simultaneous transmission capabilities.

19. The UE according to claim 17, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access process is implemented by the UE based on whether the UE includes a UE capability of simultaneously processing data of multiple side links or a UE capability of performing multiple simultaneous LBT processes.

20. The UE of claim 17, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access procedure provides for transmitting a single sidelink channel.

21. The UE of claim 20, wherein the one or more capabilities of the UE based on which the SL-U multi-channel access procedure is implemented by the UE include a UE capability that is a first capability or a second capability, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the processor-readable code so that the at least one processor: In a case where the one or more capabilities of the UE include the first capability, transmitting the single side link channel using each RB set of the RB set configuration according to the SL-U multi-channel access procedure based on an indication by a result of the LBT procedure that each of the multiple channel bandwidths can be used for the SL-U multi-channel access; or In a case where the one or more capabilities of the UE include the second capability, at least a portion of the single side link channel is sent using some or all of the RB sets configured by the RB sets according to the SL-U multi-channel access process and based on an indication by a result of the LBT process that corresponding channel bandwidths among the multiple channel bandwidths can be used for the SL-U multi-channel access.

22. The UE of claim 17, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the processor readable code so that the at least one processor: Indicating based on the result of the LBT process that corresponding channel bandwidths among the multiple channel bandwidths can be used for the SL-U multi-channel access to send multiple side link channels.

23. The UE of claim 22, wherein the one or more capabilities of the UE based on which the SL-U multi-channel access procedure is implemented by the UE include a UE capability that is a first capability or a second capability, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the processor-readable code so that the at least one processor: In a case where the one or more capabilities of the UE include the second capability, transmitting at least a portion of channels among the multiple side link channels using a corresponding RB set configured by the RB set according to the SL-U multi-channel access procedure based on an indication by a result of the LBT procedure that a corresponding channel bandwidth among the multiple channel bandwidths can be used for the SL-U multi-channel access; or In a case where the one or more capabilities of the UE include the first capability, the multiple side link channels are sent using each RB set configured by the RB set according to the SL-U multi-channel access process and based on the result of the LBT process indicating that each of the multiple channel bandwidths can be used for the SL-U multi-channel access.

24. The UE of claim 17, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the processor readable code so that the at least one processor: Send channels of the one or more side link channels that are completely contained in a corresponding RB set corresponding to a channel bandwidth indicated by the LBT process as being capable of being used for the SL-U multi-channel access.

25. The UE of claim 17, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the processor readable code so that the at least one processor: For channels of the one or more side link channels that respectively span RB sets of more than one channel bandwidth in the channel bandwidth available for the SL-U multi-channel access process, send the portion of the channel of the one or more side link channels that is contained in the corresponding RB set corresponding to the channel bandwidth indicated by the LBT process as being available for the SL-U multi-channel access.

26. A UE according to claim 25, wherein the SL-U multi-channel access process provides that at least a portion of each of the one or more sidelink channels transmitted includes sidelink control information (SCI).

27. The UE of claim 17, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the processor readable code so that the at least one processor: A physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) and one or more sidelink channels are transmitted.

28. The UE of claim 17, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the processor readable code so that the at least one processor: preparing a different version of a sidelink channel of the one or more sidelink channels; and Sending a version of the different versions of the side link channel that is completely contained in a corresponding RB set corresponding to the channel bandwidth indicated by the LBT process as being capable of being used for the SL-U multi-channel access.

29. A network entity, comprising: a memory storing processor readable code; and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the processor readable code such that the at least one processor: identifying a resource block (RB) set configuration for sidelink unlicensed spectrum (SL-U) multi-channel access, wherein the RB set configuration includes a plurality of RB sets, the plurality of RB sets including a different RB set for each of a plurality of channel bandwidths available for use by a SL-U multi-channel access procedure, the SL-U multi-channel access procedure being implemented by a user equipment (UE) based on one or more capabilities of the UE for the SL-U multi-channel access; as well as One or more scheduling grants including the RB set configuration are sent to the UE.

30. The network entity of claim 29, wherein the one or more scheduling grants include a scheduling grant with respect to one or sidelink channels and a scheduling grant with respect to an uplink from the UE to the network entity.

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