Multiple grant handling in hybrid service scenario

Abstract

The subject matter of the invention is multiple grant handling in a hybrid service scenario. According to certain embodiments, a method performed by a wireless device includes receiving a first grant and a second grant from a network node. The first grant and the second grant are overlapping. The method includes determining a prioritized grant of the first grant and the second grant; and constructing a media access control (MAC) protocol description unit (PDU) for the prioritized grant of the first grant and the second grant. According to certain embodiments, a method performed by a network node includes transmitting a first grant and a second grant to a wireless device. The first grant and the second grant are overlapping. The method includes receiving a transmission from the wireless device on a prioritized grant of the first grant and the second grant.

Description

This application is a divisional application of the patent application filed on February 12, 2020, with application number 202080028746.7 and invention name “Multiple Grant Dispositions in Hybrid Service Scenarios”. Background Art

[0001] The present disclosure is described in the context of fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) radio technology described by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), for example in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.300 V15.2.0 (2018-06). Because NR is an example technology to which certain embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable, certain embodiments are described with reference to NR. Although examples related to NR can help understand the current problems and solutions proposed herein, it is to be understood that the problems and solutions are equally applicable to wireless access networks and user equipment (UE) implementing other access technologies and standards. In particular, certain embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 3GPP LTE and NR integration, also denoted as non-independent NR.

[0002] In the newly defined 3GPP study project (RP-182090, Revised SID: Study on NR Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)), NR technology enhancements are studied with the goal of providing more deterministic low-latency data delivery. This service can also be called time-sensitive networking (TSN) service, in which periodic packets usually appear every cycle time.

[0003] A network node such as a next generation NodeB (gNB) may schedule uplink (UL) traffic based on a dynamic UL grant or a configured UL grant. A dynamic grant provides a UL grant to a UE for each UL transmission. A configured grant is pre-allocated, i.e., provided to the UE once, and thereafter the configured UL grant is valid for use for UL transmissions according to a configured periodicity. If no UL data is available for transmission, the UE does not need to transmit padding on those UL resources, i.e., the UE may skip UL transmissions on such a grant.

[0004] A typical NR-Internet of Things (IoT) device will handle communications for multiple service types, for example, multiple periodic ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) type robot control messages (also known as TSN-like services), URLLC type occasional alarm signals (for which periodic resources will need to be configured or rely on the UE to send a scheduling request for each occasional alarm message), occasional sensor data transmissions (which may be time-critical or non-time-critical), or other enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) or mobile broadband (MBB) best effort services, such as occasional video transmissions or software updates. As a result, a mix of different types of services may be multiplexed by the UE for UL transmission, i.e., on multiple logical channels of the media access control (MAC) of different priorities that need to be configured. Even though the services may be mixed, it may still be desirable to treat URLLC type services with a higher priority. Summary of the invention

[0005] There are currently certain challenges. As described above, there may be two types of grants, namely dynamic UL grants and configured UL grants, which may be allocated to URLLC services or eMBB services, where each of the eMBB and URLLC services may be periodic or aperiodic. In addition, it may be necessary to support multiple periodic URLLC flows, and each flow may be served by a configured grant. As a result, there is a high probability that the allocated grants may overlap. Existing standards and implementations fail to provide an overall framework for handling all these hybrid service use cases.

[0006] Specifically, it is not resolved how the UE can decide how to handle the service when receiving overlapping grants in a mixed service scenario. Solving this problem can lead to improvements in spectrum efficiency and address URLLC quality of service (QoS) requirements. In addition, it is not resolved how to identify whether the UE should choose between two overlapping grants on the MAC (i.e., establish a MAC protocol data unit (PDU)) or whether the UE should cancel / preempt one of the grants on the physical layer (PHY). In order to consistently solve these problems, this identification process should be independent of the UE's capabilities and MAC processing time.

[0007] Certain aspects of the present disclosure and embodiments thereof may provide solutions to these or other challenges. For example, certain embodiments address scenarios where a UE must handle multiple grants (overlapping or non-overlapping) received from a gNB. Certain embodiments may allow for handling multiple grants in a manner that enhances the spectral efficiency of the system while maintaining URLLC QoS requirements. In addition, certain methods and algorithms are provided that may be implemented to address the aforementioned grant selection and preemption issues. Additionally, a preemption indicator may be provided that helps address issues caused by the UE MAC deciding to preempt a grant.

[0008] Various embodiments are presented herein that address one or more of the issues disclosed herein.

[0009] According to certain embodiments, a method performed by a wireless device includes: receiving a first grant and a second grant from a network node. The first grant and the second grant are overlapping. The method includes determining a prioritized grant in the first grant and the second grant; and constructing a MAC PDU for the prioritized grant in the first grant and the second grant.

[0010] According to certain embodiments, a wireless device includes a power supply circuit and a processing circuit. The power supply circuit is configured to supply power to the wireless device. The processing circuit is configured to receive a first grant and a second grant from a network node. The first grant and the second grant are overlapping. The processing circuit is configured to determine a prioritized grant in the first grant and the second grant, and to construct a MAC PDU for the prioritized grant in the first grant and the second grant.

[0011] According to certain embodiments, a computer program includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a method comprising the steps of receiving an overlapping first grant and a second grant from a network node, determining a prioritized grant among the first grant and the second grant, and constructing a MAC PDU for the prioritized grant among the first grant and the second grant.

[0012] Certain embodiments of the methods, wireless devices and / or computer programs described in the three preceding paragraphs may include additional features, such as any one or more of the following: In some embodiments, constructing the MAC PDU for the prioritized grant includes: constructing a new MAC PDU for the prioritized grant in the first grant and the second grant based on not starting to construct any MAC PDU for the first grant before receiving the second grant.

[0013] In some embodiments, when the wireless device has not started to construct any MAC PDU for the first grant before receiving the second grant, only one MAC PDU is constructed for the overlapping first grant and the second grant. The only one MAC PDU is constructed for the prioritized grant in the first grant and the second grant.

[0014] In some embodiments, when it is determined that the second grant is the prioritized grant and construction of a first MAC PDU for the first grant has already begun before receiving the second grant, constructing the MAC PDU for the prioritized grant includes: constructing the MAC PDU for the second grant and preempting the first MAC PDU. Some embodiments obtain a MAC PDU cancellation indicator at the MAC of the wireless device based on preempting the first MAC PDU.

[0015] In certain embodiments, when it is determined that the first grant is the prioritized grant and construction of the first MAC PDU for the first grant has begun before receiving the second grant, constructing the MAC PDU for the prioritized grant includes: ignoring the second grant; and continuing to process the first MAC PDU.

[0016] Certain embodiments deliver the MAC PDU of the prioritized grant to a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) entity. In certain embodiments, in response to receiving the first grant and the second grant that overlap, only one MAC PDU is delivered to the HARQ entity.

[0017] In some embodiments, one of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a dynamic grant and the other of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a configured grant.

[0018] In some embodiments, one of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a new transmission and the other of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a retransmission.

[0019] Certain embodiments determine the prioritized grant based on having data available in an associated logical channel for each of the first grant and the second grant.

[0020] Certain embodiments determine prioritized grants independent of the wireless device's MAC processing time.

[0021] In some embodiments, determining the prioritized grant among the first grant and the second grant includes determining a higher priority grant among the first grant and the second grant. The higher priority grant is determined based on comparing a priority associated with the first grant and a priority associated with the second grant. Constructing the MAC PDU for the prioritized grant includes constructing the MAC PDU for the higher priority grant among the first grant and the second grant.

[0022] Certain embodiments obtain the priority associated with the first grant based on signaling from a network node. In certain embodiments, the signaling from the network node includes radio resource control (RRC) signaling or downlink control information (DCI). In certain embodiments, the signaling from the network node includes an index indicating the priority of the first grant. In certain embodiments, the priority associated with the first grant is determined based on a configuration of a physical layer of a transmission associated with the first grant.

[0023] In some embodiments, one of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a dynamic grant, and the other of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a configured grant. When the priority associated with the first grant is equal to the priority associated with the second grant, determining the prioritized grant also includes determining that the dynamic grant has a higher priority.

[0024] In some embodiments, the priority associated with the first grant is based on reliability, latency, or both.

[0025] According to certain embodiments, a method performed by a network node includes transmitting a first grant and a second grant to a wireless device. The first grant and the second grant overlap. The method includes receiving a transmission from the wireless device on a prioritized grant of the first grant and the second grant.

[0026] According to some embodiments, a network node includes a power supply circuit and a processing circuit. The power supply circuit is configured to supply power to the network node. The processing circuit is configured to transmit a first grant and a second grant to a wireless device. The first grant and the second grant are overlapping. The processing circuit is configured to receive a transmission from the wireless device on a prioritized grant of the first grant and the second grant.

[0027] According to certain embodiments, a computer program includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a method including the steps of transmitting overlapping first and second grants to a wireless device, and receiving a transmission from the wireless device on a prioritized grant of the first and second grants.

[0028] Certain embodiments of the methods, network nodes and / or computer programs described in the three preceding paragraphs may include additional features, such as any one or more of the following: In some embodiments, one of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a dynamic grant and the other of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a configured grant.

[0029] In some embodiments, one of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a new transmission and the other of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a retransmission.

[0030] Certain embodiments indicate the priority associated with the first grant to the wireless device. In certain embodiments, the priority associated with the first grant is indicated to the wireless device via radio resource control (RRC) signaling or downlink control information (DCI). In certain embodiments, the priority associated with the first grant is indicated to the wireless device using an index. In certain embodiments, the priority associated with the first grant is indicated to the wireless device based on a configuration of a physical layer of a transmission associated with the first grant.

[0031] In some embodiments, one of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a dynamic grant and the other of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a configured grant. When a priority associated with the first grant is equal to a priority associated with the second grant, receiving the transmission from the wireless device on the prioritized grant of the first grant and the second grant includes receiving the transmission on the dynamic grant.

[0032] Certain embodiments determine the priority associated with the first grant based on reliability, latency, or both.

[0033] Certain embodiments may provide one or more of the following technical advantages. For example, certain embodiments provide an efficient way for a UE to react when receiving an overlapping grant, such as in response to a hybrid service traffic request. In particular, some embodiments ensure that critical service QoS is met and / or system spectrum efficiency is not reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] For a more complete understanding of the disclosed embodiments and their features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A-1B An example of a method of determining how to handle overlapping grants in accordance with certain embodiments is shown, which method may be implemented in a wireless device.

[0035] Figure 2 An example of a method of determining whether to handle two overlapping grants according to a selection process or a preemption process in accordance with certain embodiments is shown.

[0036] Figure 3 An example of a method of constructing a MAC PDU for prioritized grants according to certain embodiments is shown, which method may be implemented in a wireless device.

[0037] Figure 4An example of a method of receiving a prioritized grant according to certain embodiments is shown, which method may be implemented in a network node.

[0038] Figure 5 An example of a wireless network in accordance with some embodiments is shown.

[0039] Figure 6 An example of a user equipment according to some embodiments is illustrated.

[0040] Figure 7 An example of a virtualized environment in accordance with some embodiments is shown.

[0041] Figure 8 An example of a telecommunications network connected to a host computer via an intermediary network is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0042] Fig. 9 An example is shown in which a host computer communicates with a user device via a base station over a partially wireless connection according to some embodiments.

[0043] Fig.10 An example of a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment according to some embodiments is illustrated.

[0044] Fig.11 An example of a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment according to some embodiments is illustrated.

[0045] Fig.12 An example of a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment according to some embodiments is illustrated.

[0046] Fig.13 An example of a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment according to some embodiments is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Generally, all terms used herein, unless clearly given and / or different meanings are implied from the context in which it is used, will be interpreted according to their common meanings in the relevant technical field. Unless otherwise clearly stated, all references to one / an / the element, equipment, assembly, parts, steps, etc. will be openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of the element, equipment, assembly, parts, steps, etc. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless the steps are clearly described as after or before another step and / or the implicit steps must be after or before another step. Where appropriate, any feature of any embodiment disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment. Similarly, any advantage of any embodiment may be applied to any other embodiment, and vice versa. From the following description, other purposes, features and advantages of the attached embodiments will be apparent.

[0048] Some embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other embodiments are included within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein, and the disclosed subject matter should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0049] In certain embodiments, when a UE is configured with overlapping grants through configured grant configuration or dynamic scheduling of dynamic UL grants, the UE may decide how to construct the MAC PDU and which grant to use based on one or more of the following criteria.

[0050] In some embodiments, the UE may decide how to construct the MAC PDU based on the priority of the grant. Certain embodiments use a transmission profile indication or index (TPI) to determine the priority of the grant. The TPI of the grant may be defined as a value that marks and measures the reliability (and possible latency) of the grant as the modulation and coding scheme (MCS), coding rate, repetition, etc. changes. The higher the transmission profile index of the grant reflects the higher reliability and / or lower latency of the grant. Alternatively, the TPI may be defined as a grant (or grant group) indication that identifies which logical channel (LCH) (or LCH group) is allowed to be sent on the granted resources (based on, for example, the logical channel prioritization (LCP) process in Section 5.4.3.1 of 3GPP TS 38.321).

[0051] In some embodiments, the TPI may be implicit, such as inferred from a lower MCS, lower coding rate, configuration of repetitions, etc. In some examples, the TPI may be based on (i.e., inferred from) the configuration of the physical layer of the transmission associated with the grant. In some embodiments, the indication may also be explicitly communicated from the gNB to the UE, for example, via a DCI or RRC configuration. In some embodiments, the term granted transmission profile indicator may be replaced by or referred to as a granted priority.

[0052] In some embodiments, the UE may decide how to construct the MAC PDU based on whether there is any data in the LCH that can be multiplexed on the grant subject to the LCH mapping restrictions. This may be taken into account using the conventional restrictions in Rel-15 or newly defined restrictions related to the reliability of the grant.

[0053] In another example, according to certain embodiments, the UE decides how to construct a MAC PDU based on considering whether any MAC PDUs have been constructed (assembled with logical channel data in the MAC and / or submitted to the physical layer for transmission).

[0054] As yet another example, in accordance with certain embodiments, the UE may consider the transport block (TB) size associated with the grant when determining how it handles overlapping grants and constructing the MAC PDU.

[0055] Although example criteria have been explained above, embodiments are further described that describe how these criteria may be utilized by a UE, including reference to Figure 1A-1B .

[0056] According to certain embodiments, a new function may be provided, which may be implemented in the MAC layer and / or using an assembly and multiplexing entity. This new function may link or map the priority of the LCH to the priority of a grant (e.g., TPI) to help identify the arrival / availability of data on the LCH linked to each grant. For example, the transmission of certain logical channels should only be allowed on grants that provide sufficient reliability. Therefore, these LCHs may be configured with restrictions that prevent transmission on grants with insufficient reliability. In this article, "LCH associated with a grant" or an equivalent concept represents an LCH with a priority that matches the priority of the grant. For example, if the grant has sufficient reliability so that the LCH is configured to transmit on the grant (e.g., without restriction), the LCH may have a priority that matches the grant.

[0057] The present disclosure contemplates that when a granted MAC PDU is assembled by the MAC, it will be immediately sent to the PHY layer for transmission. Alternatively, if it is not immediately sent to the PHY for transmission, the techniques described below related to whether to construct a MAC PDU may be applied to whether the MAC PDU is submitted to the PHY for transmission. For example, instead of using the described methods and criteria for determining whether to construct a MAC PDU, those methods and criteria may determine whether the MAC PDU is submitted to the PHY for transmission.

[0058] Figure 1A-1B An example algorithm for solving the hybrid service problem described previously is presented. The algorithm may begin when MAC processing begins for an UL grant (step 1). In step 2, the method includes checking whether there is an overlap of grants. If there are no overlapping grants, the method proceeds to step 3.2, where the normal MAC process continues. However, if there are overlapping grants in step 2, and they were both dynamic grants in step 2.1, the method proceeds to step 2.2, where the MAC layer in the UE decides to build two MAC PDUs and sends both MAC PDUs to the PHY layer, with the understanding that the later grant has a higher TPI. For example, if one transmission has not yet started (subject to other processing timing constraints), the PHY layer may perform a cancellation, or if one transmission has already started or cannot be stopped, the PHY layer may perform a preemption. Whether a grant is "later" may be based on the timing of the DCI reception of the grant relative to the overlapping grant. Therefore, this decision reflects that the gNB issuing the dynamic grant is aware of the impact of sending two grants and that the gNB may intentionally send a later grant, i.e., the UE's selection of a later grant is anticipated by the gNB sending two dynamic grants and should not be conditional. Figure 1A As can be seen in FIG, step 2.2 is followed by step 3.2 (delivering the grant to the HARQ entity) and step 4 (obtaining the MAC PDU from the multiplexing and assembly entity).

[0059] However, if in step 2.1, at least one of the overlapping grants is not a dynamic grant, the UE may proceed to Figure 1B3.1 to determine whether any granted MAC PDU has been assembled. For example, if in step 3.1, the MAC PDU has not yet been constructed, the method may proceed to step 3.1.2 to construct a MAC PDU based on the selection process. For example, due to the selection process, when a previously granted MAC PDU has not been MAC assembled, the UE may choose not to construct the original / previously granted MAC PDU, but to assemble the MAC PDU according to the new / selected grant. The UE may select between the grants to determine which grant to use. If both grants have available data in the associated LCH (for example, such LCH is not restricted in both grants), the UE may select the grant with the higher TPI. Otherwise, the UE may select the grant that has available data in the LCH mapped to its TPI (or in the associated LCH). After constructing the MAC PDU in step 3.1.2, the method proceeds to Figure 1A Step 3.2.

[0060] If in Figure 1B If it is determined in step 3.1 that any one of the granted MAC PDUs has been assembled, the method proceeds to step 3.1.1. In step 3.1.1, the method decides whether to establish another MAC PDU based on the preemption process. If not, the method stops, and if yes, the method proceeds to step 3.1.1a. In this case, due to the preemption process, the UE may select the grant differently. For example, when the MAC has assembled a previously granted MAC PDU, the UE may cover part of the resources used for the MAC PDU / TB with a newly constructed MAC PDU / TB based on the original grant. In some embodiments, if a later grant has available data in the associated (or mapped) LCH and it has a higher TPI than the grant already in progress, the UE may decide to prepare a new MAC PDU based on the later grant and send it to the PHY to preempt the existing grant. However, if the later grant does not have an available date in the associated LCH, or it has available data in the associated LCH, but it has a lower TPI than the grant in progress, the UE may ignore the later grant and not prepare a new MAC PDU. In this way, the UE may decide how to respond to overlapping grants. In step 3.1.1a, the method may store the MAC CE of the previous grant (in the case where both grants have the same PID) and / or the PHY may send a preemption indicator to the MAC and gNB once the previous PUSCH is cancelled. The method proceeds from step 3.1.1a to Figure 1A Step 3.2.

[0061] As described above, after the above process, the selected (or preempted) grant can be delivered to the HARQ entity (step 3.2), which can obtain the MAC PDU from the assembly and multiplexing entity. The entity can construct the MAC PDU based on the TPI of the selected (determined) grant, the conventional LCP and the restriction rules and the reliability restrictions.

[0062] Once the MAC PDU is obtained, the HARQ entity can pass it to the HARQ process.

[0063] According to certain embodiments, the determination of whether a grant is dynamic or non-dynamic does not result in different actions for the UE. For example, the different decision paths described above may collapse as to whether a grant is dynamic or not. In a specific example, even if two overlapping grants are dynamic, Figure 1A-1B The algorithm in may also proceed from step 1 to step 3.1 without having to perform steps 2, 2.1, and 2.2. In this manner, some embodiments do not provide special handling of overlapping dynamic grants (e.g., the handling applied when each of the overlapping grants is a dynamic grant may be the same as the handling applied when one of the overlapping grants is a dynamic grant and the other of the overlapping grants is a configured grant).

[0064] Figure 2 An example is shown in which, when handling overlapping grants, the UE determines whether to apply a selection process (e.g., select between grants) or a preemption process (e.g., possibly preempt a previous grant). Figure 2 A grant 1, such as a configuration grant (CG), and a grant 2, such as a dynamic grant (DG), are shown as overlapping grants.

[0065] In certain embodiments, if two grants overlap and no associated MAC PDU is constructed, the UE may perform a selection process to construct a single MAC PDU based on one or more of Grant 1 (CG) and Grant 2 (DG). The selection process may select a prioritized grant from Grant 1 and Grant 2. In particular, if the priority associated with Grant 1 is greater than the priority associated with Grant 2 (if CG's TPI>DG's TPI), the UE selects Grant 1 (sends the CG MAC PDU based on the selection process). However, if the priority associated with Grant 1 is less than the priority associated with Grant 2 (if CG's TPI<DG's TPI), the UE selects Grant 2 (sends the DG MAC PDU based on the selection process). If the priority associated with Grant 1 is equal to the priority associated with Grant 2 (if CG's TPI=DG's TPI), the UE selects Grant 2 (sends the DG MAC PDU based on the selection process). That is, when a dynamic grant and a configured grant have equal TPI, certain embodiments may prioritize the dynamic grant over the overlapping configured grant.

[0066] In some embodiments, if two grants overlap and any of the associated MAC PDUs has been constructed, the UE may perform a preemption process. For example, the preemption process may determine whether to continue with the MAC PDU that has already started to be constructed or to construct a new MAC PDU, which preempts the MAC PDU that has already started to be constructed. In some embodiments, the UE constructs MAC PDU "X" based on the following considerations. In this example, consider the case where any MAC PDU associated with the CG (grant 1) has already been constructed. If the TPI of the CG> the TPI of the DG, then X=1, and the CG MAC PDU is sent (deciding not to preempt). If the TPI of the CG< the TPI of the DG, then X=2, and the DG MAC PDU is sent (deciding to continue with PHY preemption). If the TPI of the CG=the TPI of the DG, then X=2, and the DG MAC PDU is sent (deciding to continue with PHY preemption). That is, when a dynamic grant and a configured grant have equal TPIs, some embodiments may give priority to the dynamic grant over the overlapping configured grant.

[0067] In certain embodiments, if the MAC decides to pass a later MAC PDU to the PHY to preempt a previous MAC PDU, the PHY shall send a MAC-PDU Cancellation Indicator (MPCI) to the MAC once the decision is made in the PHY to cancel the earlier Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). Once received, if the MAC does not have resources to transmit the preempted PDU, the UE may request new resources by a) transmitting a Buffer Status Report (BSR), or b) transmitting a Scheduling Request (SR) procedure. Otherwise, the MAC may initiate a new transmission of the previous MAC PDU at the next opportunity indicated by the network.

[0068] This process may have certain technical advantages. For example, if the UE does not receive any feedback from the gNB for a CG transmission, the UE may incorrectly assume that the CG PUSCH is received correctly. However, if the gNB does not receive any CG message, it will not send feedback, so the UE MAC can assume that the CG PUSCH is received correctly. If the UE (MAC) decides to initiate a new transmission (or retransmission), then upon receipt of the Priority Indicator (PI) (PHY to MAC), the UE shall start at the earliest of the following events: upon expiration of the CGTimer or equivalent MAC timer, the next CG opportunity, upon receipt of the earliest suitable dynamic grant, or any equivalent transmission opportunity.

[0069] Additionally, a network node (such as a gNB) transmitting one or more overlapping grants may receive a transmission using one of the overlapping grants based on one or more embodiments described herein, which describe how a wireless device may select a grant for constructing a MAC PDU.

[0070] Figure 3 An example of a method of constructing a MAC PDU for prioritized grants according to certain embodiments is shown, which method may be implemented in a wireless device, such as the wireless device 110 or the UE 200 described below.

[0071] In step 1002, the method receives a first grant and a second grant from a network node. The first grant and the second grant are overlapping. As an example, the wireless device may receive a first grant, wherein the network node grants the wireless device permission to use a first uplink resource. The wireless device may later receive a second grant, wherein the network node grants the wireless device permission to use a second uplink resource, and the second uplink resource may overlap with the first uplink resource. In some embodiments, the first grant is a dynamic grant, and the second grant is a configured grant, or vice versa. The first grant may be used for a new transmission or a retransmission on the uplink. Similarly, the second grant may be used for a new transmission or a retransmission on the uplink.

[0072] In step 1004, which may be optional in some embodiments, the method obtains a priority associated with the first grant. The priority associated with the first grant may be obtained based on signaling from the network node. In some embodiments, the wireless device obtains the priority associated with the network node based on RRC signaling or DCI received from the network node. The signaling may explicitly indicate the priority associated with the first grant, or the wireless device may infer the priority based on the signaling. In some embodiments, the signaling from the network node includes an index indicating the priority of the first grant, such as a TPI. In some embodiments, the priority associated with the first grant is determined based on a configuration of a physical layer of a transmission associated with the first grant. For example, an index (e.g., TPI) may be inferred based on a configuration of a physical layer of a transmission associated with the first grant. In some embodiments, the priority associated with the first grant is based on reliability, latency, or both.

[0073] In certain embodiments, the method further obtains a priority associated with the second grant, for example based on signaling from the network node.The options for obtaining the priority associated with the second grant may be similar to the options described above for obtaining the priority associated with the first grant.

[0074] In step 1006, the method determines a prioritized grant among the first grant and the second grant. For example, if available data is available in both a logical channel associated with the first grant and a logical channel associated with the second grant, the wireless device may need to determine which grant to prioritize. In some embodiments, the prioritized grant is determined independent of the MAC processing time of the wireless device.

[0075] The method may determine the prioritized grant based on a priority associated with the first grant and a priority associated with the second grant. As described above with respect to step 1004, the priority associated with the first grant and the priority associated with the second grant may be obtained via signaling from a network node. The priority associated with the first grant and the priority associated with the second grant may be compared to determine which grant has a higher priority. In some embodiments, if the priority associated with the first grant is equal to the priority associated with the second grant, and if one of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a dynamic grant, and the other of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a configured grant, then the one of the first grant and the second grant corresponding to the dynamic grant is determined to have a higher priority (the one of the first grant and the second grant corresponding to the configured grant is determined to have a lower priority).

[0076] In step 1008, the method constructs a MAC PDU for the prioritized grant (e.g., the higher priority grant of the first grant and the second grant). Certain embodiments construct the MAC PDU based on a selection process or a preemption process, as described above with respect to Figure 1A-1B and Figure 2 described.

[0077] The selection process may be used when the wireless device has not started constructing any MAC PDUs for the first grant before receiving the second grant. Based on not starting to construct any MAC PDUs for the first grant before receiving the second grant, the method constructs a new MAC PDU for the priority grants of the first grant and the second grant. In some embodiments, when the wireless device has not started to construct any MAC PDUs for the first grant before receiving the second grant, only one MAC PDU (e.g., a new MAC PDU) is constructed for the overlapping first grant and the second grant. This MAC PDU is constructed for the prioritized grant in the first grant and the second grant.

[0078] The preemption process may be used when the wireless device has already begun constructing a first MAC PDU for a first grant before receiving the second grant. As an example, when it is determined in step 1006 that the first grant is a prioritized grant, the preemption process includes ignoring the second grant and continuing with the first MAC PDU. As another example, when it is determined in step 1006 that the second grant is a prioritized grant, the preemption process includes constructing a MAC PDU for the second grant and preempting the first MAC PDU. In some embodiments, based on preempting the first MAC PDU, a MAC PDU cancel indicator is obtained at the MAC of the wireless device.

[0079] In step 1010, the method delivers the prioritized granted MAC PDU to the HARQ entity, which step may be optional in some embodiments. Figure 1A Step 3.2 of describes an example of delivering the MAC PDU to the HARQ entity. In some embodiments, in response to receiving the overlapping first grant and second grant, only one MAC PDU is delivered to the HARQ entity.

[0080] Figure 4 An example of a method of receiving a prioritized grant according to some embodiments is shown. The method may be implemented in a network node, such as the network node 160 described below.

[0081] In step 1012, the method transmits a first grant and a second grant to the wireless device. The first grant and the second grant are overlapping. In some embodiments, one of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a dynamic grant and the other of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a configured grant (e.g., the first grant can be a dynamic grant and the second grant can be a configured grant, or vice versa). Both grants can be used for new transmissions, both grants can be used for retransmissions, or one grant can be used for new transmissions and the other grant can be used for retransmissions. For example, in some embodiments, one of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a new transmission and the other of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a retransmission.

[0082] In step 1014, which may be optional in some embodiments, the method indicates to the wireless device a priority associated with the first grant. In some embodiments, the priority associated with the first grant is indicated to the wireless device via RRC signaling or DCI. In some embodiments, an index is used to indicate to the wireless device the priority associated with the first grant. In some embodiments, the priority associated with the first grant is indicated to the wireless device based on a configuration of a physical layer of a transmission associated with the first grant (e.g., the physical layer may be configured in a manner that enables the wireless device to infer the priority).

[0083] In certain embodiments, the method further indicates to the wireless device a priority associated with the second grant.The options for indicating the priority associated with the second grant may be similar to the options described above for indicating the priority associated with the first grant.

[0084] In some embodiments, before indicating the priority associated with the first grant, the network node determines the priority associated with the first grant. Similarly, before indicating the priority associated with the second grant, the network node may determine the priority associated with the second grant. For example, the network node may determine the priority associated with the first grant and / or the priority associated with the second grant based on reliability, latency, or both.

[0085] In step 1016, the method receives a transmission from the wireless device on the prioritized grant of the first grant and the second grant. As an example, if the indication in step 1014 indicates that the first grant has a higher priority, then the method receives the transmission on the first grant. As another example, if the indication in step 1014 indicates that the second grant has a higher priority, then the method receives the transmission on the second grant. In some embodiments, when one of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a dynamic grant and the other of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a configured grant, and when the priority associated with the first grant is equal to the priority associated with the second grant, the method receives the transmission on the dynamic grant.

[0086] Although the subject matter described herein may be implemented in any suitable type of system using any suitable components, the embodiments disclosed herein are directed to wireless networks such as Figure 5 For simplicity, Figure 5 The wireless network of FIG. 1 depicts only network 106, network nodes 160 and 160b, and wireless devices 110, 110b, and 110c. In practice, the wireless network may further include any additional elements suitable for supporting communications between wireless devices or between a wireless device and another communication device, such as a landline telephone, a service provider, or any other network node or end device. In the components shown, network node 160 and wireless device 110 are depicted with additional details. The wireless network may provide communication and other types of services to one or more wireless devices to facilitate the wireless devices to access and / or use services provided by or via the wireless network.

[0087] A wireless network may include and / or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular and / or radio network or other similar type of system. In some embodiments, a wireless network may be configured to operate according to a specific standard or other type of predefined rules or procedures. Thus, specific embodiments of a wireless network may implement communication standards such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G standards; Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) standards such as IEEE 802.11 standards; and / or any other suitable wireless communication standards such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave and / or ZigBee standards.

[0088] The network 106 may include one or more backhaul networks, core networks, IP networks, public switched telephone networks (PSTNs), packet data networks, optical networks, wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs), wired networks, wireless networks, metropolitan area networks, and other networks that enable communication between devices.

[0089] The network node 160 and the wireless device 110 include various components described in more detail below. These components work together to provide network node and / or wireless device functionality, such as providing wireless connections in a wireless network. In various embodiments, the wireless network may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, base stations, controllers, wireless devices, relay stations, and / or any other components or systems that may facilitate or participate in the transfer of data and / or signals via a wired or wireless connection.

[0090] As used herein, a network node refers to a device that is capable of, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a wireless device and / or with other network nodes or devices in a wireless network to implement and / or provide wireless access to a wireless device and / or perform other functions (e.g., management) in a wireless network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs), and NR NodeBs (gNBs)). Base stations can be classified based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, in other words, their transmit power levels), and then may also be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. A base station may be a relay node or a relay donor node that controls a relay. A network node may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station, such as a centralized digital unit and / or a remote radio unit (RRU), sometimes referred to as a remote radio head (RRH). Such a remote radio unit may or may not be integrated with an antenna as a radio device with an integrated antenna. Parts of a distributed radio base station may also be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS). Still other examples of network nodes include multi-standard radio (MSR) equipment (such as an MSR BS), a network controller (such as a radio network controller (RNC) or a base station controller (BSC)), a base transceiver station (BTS), a transmission point, a transmission node, a multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), a core network node (e.g., a mobile switching center (MSC), a mobility management entity (MME)), an operation and maintenance (O&M) node, an operation support system (OSS) node, a self-optimizing network (SON) node, a positioning node (e.g., an evolved serving mobile positioning center (E-SMLC)), and / or a minimization of drive tests (MDT). As another example, a network node may be a virtual network node, as described in more detail below. However, more generally, a network node may represent any suitable device (or group of devices) that is capable of, configured, arranged, and / or operable to implement and / or provide a wireless device with access to a wireless network or to provide a certain service to a wireless device that has accessed a wireless network.

[0091] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment, the network node 160 includes a processing circuit 170, a device readable medium 180, an interface 190, an auxiliary device 184, a power supply 186, a power circuit 187 and an antenna 162. Figure 5The network node 160 shown in the example wireless network of can represent a device including the illustrated combination of hardware components, but other embodiments can include network nodes with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that the network node includes any suitable combination of hardware and / or software required to perform the tasks, features, functions, and methods disclosed herein. In addition, although the components of the network node 160 are depicted as a single box located within a larger box or nested within multiple boxes, in reality, the network node can include multiple different physical components that make up the single illustrated component (for example, the device readable medium 180 can include multiple separate hard drives and multiple RAM modules).

[0092] Similarly, the network node 160 may be composed of multiple physically separated components (e.g., NodeB components and RNC components or BTS components and BSC components, etc.), each of which may have its own corresponding components. In some cases where the network node 160 includes multiple individual components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the individual components may be shared between several network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple NodeBs. In this case, each unique NodeB and RNC pair may be considered a single individual network node in some instances. In some embodiments, the network node 160 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such an embodiment, some components may be repeated (e.g., separate device-readable storage media 180 for different RATs), and some components may be reused (e.g., RATs may share the same antenna 162). The network node 160 may also include multiple sets of various illustrated components for different wireless technologies (such as, for example, global system for mobile communications (GSM), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), LTE, NR, WiFi, or Bluetooth wireless technologies) integrated into the network node 160. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chips or chipsets and other components within the network node 160 .

[0093] The processing circuit 170 is configured to perform any determination, calculation, or similar operation (e.g., certain obtaining operations) described herein as being provided by the network node. These operations performed by the processing circuit 170 may include processing information obtained by the processing circuit 170, for example, by converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or the converted information with information stored in the network node, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or the converted information and making a determination as a result of the processing.

[0094] The processing circuitry 170 may include a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software, and / or encoded logic operable to provide network node 160 functionality, alone or in conjunction with other network node 160 components, such as device readable medium 180. For example, the processing circuitry 170 may execute instructions stored in the device readable medium 180 or in a memory within the processing circuitry 170. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features, functions, or benefits discussed herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 170 may include a system on a chip (SOC).

[0095] In some embodiments, processing circuitry 170 may include one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 172 and baseband processing circuitry 174. In some embodiments, radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 172 and baseband processing circuitry 174 may be on separate chips (or chipsets), boards, or units (such as a radio unit and a digital unit). In alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 172 and baseband processing circuitry 174 may be on the same chip or chipset, board, or unit.

[0096] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein as provided by a network node, base station, eNB, or other such network device may be performed by a processing circuit 170 executing instructions stored in a memory or device-readable medium 180 within the processing circuit 170. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuit 170, such as in a hardwired manner, without the need to execute instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable medium. In any of those embodiments, the processing circuit 170 can be configured to perform the described functionality, whether or not instructions stored on a device-readable storage medium are executed. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuit 170 alone or other components of the network node 160, but are enjoyed by the network node 160 as a whole, and / or generally by end users and wireless networks.

[0097] Device-readable medium 180 may include any form of volatile or non-volatile computer-readable memory, including, but not limited to, permanent storage devices, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (e.g., hard disk), removable storage media (e.g., flash drive, compact disk (CD), or digital video disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computer-executable memory device that stores information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by processing circuit 170. Device-readable medium 180 may store any suitable instructions, data, or information, including computer programs, software, applications including one or more of logic, rules, codes, tables, etc., and / or other instructions that can be executed by processing circuit 170 and utilized by network node 160. Device-readable medium 180 may be used to store any computations performed by processing circuit 170 and / or any data received via interface 190. In some embodiments, processing circuit 170 and device-readable medium 180 may be considered integrated.

[0098] Interface 190 is used in wired or wireless communication of signaling and / or data between network node 160, network 106 and / or wireless device 110. As shown, interface 190 includes (one or more) ports / (one or more) terminals 194 to send data to network 106 and receive data from network 106 through wired connection, for example. Interface 190 also includes radio front-end circuit 192, which can be coupled to antenna 162, or in some embodiments is part of antenna 162. Radio front-end circuit 192 includes filter 698 and amplifier 696. Radio front-end circuit 192 can be connected to antenna 162 and processing circuit 170. Radio front-end circuit can be configured to adjust the signal transmitted between antenna 162 and processing circuit 170. Radio front-end circuit 192 can receive digital data to be sent out to other network nodes or wireless devices via wireless connection. Radio front-end circuit 192 can use a combination of filter 698 and / or amplifier 696 to convert digital data into a radio signal with appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters. Then, the radio signal can be transmitted via antenna 162. Similarly, when data is received, antenna 162 may collect radio signals, which are then converted into digital data by radio front end circuitry 192. The digital data may be passed to processing circuitry 170. In other embodiments, the interface may include different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0099] In some alternative embodiments, the network node 160 may not include a separate radio front end circuit 192, and instead, the processing circuit 170 may include the radio front end circuit and may be connected to the antenna 162 without the separate radio front end circuit 192. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of the RF transceiver circuit 172 may be considered part of the interface 190. In still other embodiments, the interface 190 may include one or more ports or terminals 694, the radio front end circuit 192, and the RF transceiver circuit 172 as part of a radio unit (not shown), and the interface 190 may communicate with the baseband processing circuit 174, which is part of the digital unit (not shown).

[0100] Antenna 162 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays configured to send and / or receive wireless signals. Antenna 162 may be coupled to radio front-end circuit 190 and may be any type of antenna capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data and / or signals. In some embodiments, antenna 162 may include one or more omnidirectional, sector or flat panel antennas operable to transmit / receive radio signals, for example, between 2 GHz and 66 GHz. Omnidirectional antennas may be used to transmit / receive radio signals in any direction, sector antennas may be used to transmit / receive radio signals from devices within a specific area, and flat panel antennas may be line of sight antennas for transmitting / receiving radio signals in a relatively straight line. In some instances, the use of more than one antenna may be referred to as MIMO. In some embodiments, antenna 162 may be separate from network node 160 and may be connectable to network node 160 via an interface or port.

[0101] Antenna 162, interface 190 and / or processing circuit 170 can be configured to perform any receiving operation and / or certain obtaining operation described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data and / or signal can be received from a wireless device, another network node and / or any other network equipment. Similarly, antenna 162, interface 190 and / or processing circuit 170 can be configured to perform any transmitting operation described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data and / or signal can be transmitted to a wireless device, another network node and / or any other network equipment.

[0102] The power circuit 187 may include or be coupled to a power management circuit and is configured to supply power to the components of the network node 160 for performing the functionality described herein. The power circuit 187 may receive power from the power supply 186. The power supply 186 and / or the power circuit 187 may be configured to provide power to the various components of the network node 160 in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at the voltage and current levels required by each respective component). The power supply 186 may be included in the power circuit 187 and / or the network node 160 or outside the power circuit 187 and / or the network node 160. For example, the network node 160 may be connected to an external power source (e.g., an electrical socket) via an input circuit or interface (such as a cable), whereby the external power source supplies power to the power circuit 187. As another example, the power supply 186 may include a power source in the form of a battery or battery pack, which is connected to the power circuit 187 or integrated in the power circuit 187. If the external power supply fails, the battery may provide a backup power source. Other types of power sources, such as photovoltaic devices, may also be used.

[0103] Alternative embodiments of network node 160 may include, in addition to Figure 6 , which may be responsible for providing certain aspects of the functionality of the network node, including any functionality described herein and / or any functionality necessary to support the subject matter described herein. For example, the network node 160 may include a user interface device to allow information to be input into the network node 160 and to allow information to be output from the network node 160. This may allow a user to perform diagnostics, maintenance, repair, and other management functions on the network node 160.

[0104] Wireless device (wireless device) used in this article refers to a device that can, is configured to, is arranged to and / or is operable to wirelessly communicate with a network node and / or other wireless devices. Unless otherwise indicated, the term wireless device is used interchangeably with user equipment (UE) in this article. Wireless communication may involve the use of electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves and / or other types of signals suitable for transmitting information through the air to transmit and / or receive wireless signals. In some embodiments, the wireless device may be configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, the wireless device may be designed to transmit information to the network according to a predetermined schedule when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to a request from the network. Examples of wireless devices include, but are not limited to, smart phones, mobile phones, cellular phones, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, desktop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless cameras, game consoles or devices, music storage devices, playback devices, wearable terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, tablets, laptop computers, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), smart devices, wireless client equipment (CPEs), vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, etc. For example, by implementing 3GPP standards for sidelink communication, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X), the wireless device can support device-to-device (D2D) communication, and in this case the wireless device can be referred to as a D2D communication device. As another specific example, in the case of the Internet of Things (IoT), the wireless device can represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurement, and transmits the results of such monitoring and / or measurement to another wireless device and / or a network node. In this case, the wireless device can be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which can be referred to as an MTC device in the 3GPP context. As a specific example, the wireless device may be a UE that implements the 3GPP Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) standard. Specific examples of such machines or equipment are sensors, metering equipment (such as power meters), industrial machinery or household or personal appliances (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, etc.), personal wearable devices (e.g., watches, fitness trackers, etc.). In other cases, the wireless device may represent a vehicle or other device that is capable of monitoring and / or reporting its operating status or other functions associated with its operation. The wireless device as described above may represent an endpoint of a wireless connection, in which case the device may be referred to as a wireless terminal. In addition, the wireless device as described above may be mobile, in which case it may also be referred to as a mobile device or a mobile terminal.

[0105] As shown, the wireless device 110 includes an antenna 111, an interface 114, a processing circuit 120, a device-readable medium 130, a user interface device 132, an auxiliary device 134, a power supply 136, and a power circuit 137. The wireless device 110 may include multiple sets of one or more of the illustrated components for different wireless technologies supported by the wireless device 110, such as, for example, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, WiMAX, or Bluetooth wireless technologies, to mention just a few. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chips or chipsets as other components within the wireless device 110.

[0106] Antenna 111 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays configured to send and / or receive wireless signals, and is connected to interface 114. In some alternative embodiments, antenna 111 may be separate from wireless device 110 and may be connected to wireless device 110 via an interface or port. Antenna 111, interface 114 and / or processing circuit 120 may be configured to perform any receiving or transmitting operation described herein as being performed by a wireless device. Any information, data and / or signal may be received from a network node and / or another wireless device. In some embodiments, radio front end circuitry and / or antenna 111 may be considered an interface.

[0107] As shown, the interface 114 includes a radio front-end circuit 112 and an antenna 111. The radio front-end circuit 112 includes one or more filters 118 and an amplifier 116. The radio front-end circuit 114 is connected to the antenna 111 and the processing circuit 120, and is configured to adjust the signals transmitted between the antenna 111 and the processing circuit 120. The radio front-end circuit 112 may be coupled to the antenna 111 or may be part of the antenna 111. In some embodiments, the wireless device 110 may not include a separate radio front-end circuit 112; instead, the processing circuit 120 may include the radio front-end circuit and may be connected to the antenna 111. Similarly, in some embodiments, some or all of the RF transceiver circuit 122 may be considered to be part of the interface 114. The radio front-end circuit 112 may receive digital data to be sent out to other network nodes or wireless devices via a wireless connection. The radio front-end circuit 112 may use a combination of filters 118 and / or amplifiers 116 to convert the digital data into a radio signal with appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters. The radio signal may then be transmitted via the antenna 111. Similarly, when receiving data, antenna 111 may collect radio signals, which are then converted into digital data by radio front end circuit 112. The digital data may be passed to processing circuit 120. In other embodiments, the interface may include different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0108] The processing circuitry 120 may include a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software, and / or encoded logic operable to provide wireless device 110 functionality, alone or in conjunction with other wireless device 110 components, such as device readable medium 130. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features or benefits discussed herein. For example, the processing circuitry 120 may execute instructions stored in the device readable medium 130 or in a memory within the processing circuitry 220 to provide the functionality disclosed herein.

[0109] As shown, the processing circuit 120 includes one or more of the RF transceiver circuit 122, the baseband processing circuit 124, and the application processing circuit 126. In other embodiments, the processing circuit may include different components and / or different combinations of components. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 120 of the wireless device 110 may include a SOC. In some embodiments, the RF transceiver circuit 122, the baseband processing circuit 124, and the application processing circuit 126 may be on a separate chip or chipset. In an alternative embodiment, part or all of the baseband processing circuit 124 and the application processing circuit 126 may be combined into one chip or chipset, and the RF transceiver circuit 122 may be on a separate chip or chipset. In some alternative embodiments, part or all of the RF transceiver circuit 122 and the baseband processing circuit 124 may be on the same chip or chipset, and the application processing circuit 126 may be on a separate chip or chipset. In some alternative embodiments, part or all of the RF transceiver circuit 122, the baseband processing circuit 124, and the application processing circuit 126 may be combined in the same chip or chipset. In some embodiments, RF transceiver circuitry 122 may be part of interface 114 . RF transceiver circuitry 122 may condition RF signals for processing circuitry 120 .

[0110] In some embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein as being performed by the wireless device may be provided by the processing circuit 120 executing instructions stored on the device-readable medium 130, which in some embodiments may be a computer-readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuit 120, such as in a hardwired manner, without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable storage medium. In any of those particular embodiments, the processing circuit 120 can be configured to perform the described functionality regardless of whether instructions stored on a device-readable storage medium are executed. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuit 120 alone or other components of the wireless device 110, but are enjoyed by the wireless device 110 as a whole, and / or generally by end users and wireless networks.

[0111] The processing circuit 120 may be configured to perform any determination, calculation, or similar operation (e.g., certain obtaining operations) described herein as being performed by the wireless device. Such operations performed by the processing circuit 120 may include processing information obtained by the processing circuit 120, such as by converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or the converted information with information stored by the wireless device 110, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or the converted information and making a determination as a result of the processing.

[0112] The device-readable medium 130 may be operable to store a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, etc., and / or other instructions executable by the processing circuit 120. The device-readable medium 130 may include a computer memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM)), a mass storage medium (e.g., a hard disk), a removable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk (CD) or a digital video disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computer-executable memory device that stores information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by the processing circuit 120. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 120 and the device-readable medium 130 may be considered integrated.

[0113] The user interface device 132 may provide a component that allows a human user to interact with the wireless device 110. This interaction may have a variety of forms, such as visual, auditory, tactile, etc. The user interface device 132 may be operable to generate output to the user and allow the user to provide input to the wireless device 110. The type of interaction may vary depending on the type of user interface device 132 installed in the wireless device 110. For example, if the wireless device 110 is a smart phone, the interaction may be performed via a touch screen; if the wireless device 110 is a smart meter, the interaction may be performed through a screen that provides usage (e.g., the number of gallons used) or a speaker that provides an audible alarm (e.g., if smoke is detected). The user interface device 132 may include input interfaces, devices, and circuits, as well as output interfaces, devices, and circuits. The user interface device 132 is configured to allow information to be input into the wireless device 110, and is connected to the processing circuit 120 to allow the processing circuit 120 to process the input information. The user interface device 132 may include, for example, a microphone, a proximity sensor or other sensor, a key / button, a touch display, one or more cameras, a USB port, or other input circuits. The user interface device 132 is also configured to allow information to be output from the wireless device 110 and to allow the processing circuit 120 to output information from the wireless device 110. The user interface device 132 may include, for example, a speaker, a display, a vibration circuit, a USB port, a headphone interface, or other output circuits. Using one or more input and output interfaces, devices, and circuits of the user interface device 132, the wireless device 110 can communicate with an end user and / or a wireless network and allow them to benefit from the functionality described herein.

[0114] The auxiliary device 134 is operable to provide more specific functionality that may not normally be performed by a wireless device. This may include specialized sensors for taking measurements for various purposes, interfaces for additional types of communications such as wired communications, etc. The inclusion and types of components of the auxiliary device 134 may vary depending on the embodiment and / or situation.

[0115] In some embodiments, the power source 136 may take the form of a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources may also be used, such as an external power source (e.g., an electrical outlet), a photovoltaic device, or a power cell. The wireless device 110 may further include a power circuit 137 for delivering power from the power source 136 to various parts of the wireless device 110 that require power from the power source 136 to perform any functionality described or indicated herein. In some embodiments, the power circuit 137 may include a power management circuit. The power circuit 137 may additionally or alternatively be operable to receive power from an external power source; in this case, the wireless device 110 may be connectable to an external power source (such as an electrical outlet) via an input circuit or interface (such as a power cable). In some embodiments, the power circuit 137 may also be operable to deliver power from an external power source to the power source 136. For example, this may be used for charging the power source 136. The power circuit 137 may perform any formatting, conversion, or other modification of the power from the power source 136 to make the power suitable for the corresponding components of the wireless device 110 to which the power is supplied.

[0116] Figure 6 An embodiment of a UE according to various aspects described herein is illustrated. As used herein, a user equipment or UE may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and / or operates the associated device. Alternatively, a UE may represent a device that is intended to be sold to or operated by a human user, but the device may not be, or may not initially be, associated with a particular human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a UE may represent a device that is not intended to be sold to or operated by an end user, but that may be associated with or operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart meter). UE 2200 may be any UE identified by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including a NB-IoT UE, a Machine Type Communication (MTC) UE, and / or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE. As Figure 6 UE 2200 illustrated in FIG. 2 is an example of a wireless device configured to communicate in accordance with one or more communication standards promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 3GPP's GSM, UMTS, LTE, and / or 5G standards. As previously mentioned, the terms wireless device and UE may be used interchangeably. Thus, although Figure 6 It is a UE, but the components discussed herein are also applicable to a wireless device, and vice versa.

[0117] exist Figure 6In the embodiment, UE 200 includes a processing circuit 201, which is operably coupled to an input / output interface 205, a radio frequency (RF) interface 209, a network connection interface 211, a memory 715 including a random access memory (RAM) 217, a read-only memory (ROM) 219, and a storage medium 221, a communication subsystem 731, a power supply 733, and / or any other components or any combination thereof. The storage medium 221 includes an operating system 223, an application 225, and data 227. In other embodiments, the storage medium 221 may include other similar types of information. Some UEs may utilize Figure 6 All components shown in the UE may be used, or only a subset of the components may be used. The degree of integration between components may vary from one UE to another. In addition, some UEs may contain multiple instances of components, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0118] exist Figure 6 , processing circuitry 201 may be configured to process computer instructions and data. Processing circuitry 201 may be configured to implement any sequential state machine operable to execute machine instructions stored in memory as a machine-readable computer program, such as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, FPGA, ASIC, etc.); programmable logic together with appropriate firmware; one or more stored program, general-purpose processors, such as microprocessors or digital signal processors (DSPs), together with appropriate software; or any combination of the above. For example, processing circuitry 201 may include two central processing units (CPUs). Data may be information in a form suitable for use by a computer.

[0119] In the depicted embodiment, the input / output interface 205 may be configured to provide a communication interface to an input device, an output device, or an input and output device. The UE 200 may be configured to use an output device via the input / output interface 205. The output device may use an interface port of the same type as the input device. For example, a USB port may be used to provide input to the UE 200 and output from the UE 200. The output device may be a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, a transmitter, a smart card, another output device, or any combination thereof. The UE 200 may be configured to use an input device via the input / output interface 205 to allow a user to capture information into the UE 200. The input device may include a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a webcam, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a directional pad, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smart card, etc. The presence-sensitive display may include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to sense input from the user. For example, the sensor can be an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, another similar sensor, or any combination thereof. For example, the input device can be an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a digital camera, a microphone, and a light sensor.

[0120] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment of the present invention, the RF interface 209 can be configured to provide a communication interface to the RF components (such as transmitters, receivers and antennas). The network connection interface 211 can be configured to provide a communication interface to the network 243a. The network 243a can cover wired and / or wireless networks, such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), computer networks, wireless networks, telecommunication networks, another similar network or any combination thereof. For example, the network 243a can include a Wi-Fi network. The network connection interface 211 can be configured to include a receiver and a transmitter interface for communicating with one or more other devices through a communication network according to one or more communication protocols (such as Ethernet, TCP / IP, SONET, ATM, etc.). The network connection interface 211 can implement receiver and transmitter functionality suitable for communication network links (e.g., optical, electrical, etc.). The transmitter and receiver functions can share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively can be implemented separately.

[0121] RAM 217 can be configured to interface with processing circuit 201 via bus 202 to provide storage or cache of data or computer instructions during the execution of software programs such as operating systems, applications and device drivers. ROM 219 can be configured to provide computer instructions or data to processing circuit 201. For example, ROM 219 can be configured to store unchanged low-level system code or data of basic system functions stored in non-volatile memory, and basic system functions such as basic input and output (I / O), startup or receiving keystrokes from keyboard. Storage medium 221 can be configured to include memory, such as RAM, ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), disk, optical disk, floppy disk, hard disk, removable cassette or flash drive. In one example, storage medium 221 can be configured to include operating system 223, application 225 (such as web browser application, widget or gadget engine or another application) and data file 227. The storage medium 221 may store any of various operating systems or combinations of operating systems for use by the UE 700 .

[0122] The storage medium 221 may be configured to include a plurality of physical drive units, such as a redundant array of independent disks (RAID), a floppy disk drive, a flash memory, a USB flash drive, an external hard drive, a thumb drive, a pen drive, a key drive, a high-density digital versatile disk (HD-DVD) optical drive, an internal hard drive, a Blu-ray optical drive, a holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical drive, an external mini dual in-line memory module (DIMM), a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), an external micro DIMM SDRAM, a smart card memory (such as a subscriber identity module or a removable user identity (SIM / RUIM) module), other memory or any combination thereof. The storage medium 221 may allow the UE 700 to access computer executable instructions, applications, etc. stored on a temporary or non-temporary storage medium to unload data or upload data. An article such as utilizing a communication system may be tangibly embodied in the storage medium 221, which may include a device-readable medium.

[0123] exist Figure 6In the embodiment, the processing circuit 201 can be configured to communicate with the network 243b using the communication subsystem 231. The network 243a and the network 243b can be the same one or more networks or different one or more networks. The communication subsystem 231 can be configured to include one or more transceivers for communicating with the network 243b. For example, the communication subsystem 231 can be configured to include one or more transceivers for communicating with the network 243b according to one or more communication protocols (such as IEEE 802.2, CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, LTE, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), WiMax, etc.) and one or more remote transceivers of another device (such as another wireless device, UE or base station of a radio access network (RAN)) capable of wireless communication. Each transceiver can include a transmitter 233 and / or a receiver 235 to respectively implement the transmitter or receiver functionality (e.g., frequency allocation, etc.) suitable for a radio access network (RAN) link. In addition, the transmitter 233 and the receiver 235 of each transceiver can share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively can be implemented separately.

[0124] In the illustrated embodiment, the communication functions of the communication subsystem 231 may include data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communication such as Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communication such as using a global positioning system (GPS) to determine the location, another similar communication function or any combination thereof. For example, the communication subsystem 231 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth communication, and GPS communication. The network 243b may include a wired and / or wireless network, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a computer network, a wireless network, a telecommunications network, another similar network or any combination thereof. For example, the network 243b may be a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, and / or a near-field network. The power supply 213 may be configured to provide alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power to the components of the UE 200.

[0125] The features, benefits and / or functions described herein may be implemented in one of the components of the UE 200, or divided across multiple components of the UE 200. In addition, the features, benefits and / or functions described herein may be implemented in any combination of hardware, software or firmware. In one example, the communication subsystem 231 may be configured to include any component described herein. In addition, the processing circuit 201 may be configured to communicate with any such component via the bus 202. In another example, any of such components may be represented by program instructions stored in a memory, which perform corresponding functions described herein when executed by the processing circuit 201. In another example, the functionality of any of such components may be divided between the processing circuit 201 and the communication subsystem 231. In another example, the non-computationally intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware, and the computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0126] Figure 7 300 is a schematic block diagram of a virtualized environment 300, in which the functions implemented by some embodiments can be virtualized. In this context, virtualization means creating a virtual version of a device or device, which may include a virtualized hardware platform, storage device, and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization can be applied to a node (e.g., a virtualized base station or a virtualized radio access node) or a device (e.g., a UE, a wireless device, or any other type of communication device) or a component thereof, and involves an implementation in which at least a portion of functionality (e.g., one or more applications, components, functions, virtual machines, or containers executed on one or more physical processing nodes in one or more networks) is implemented as one or more virtual components.

[0127] In some embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be implemented as virtual components performed by one or more virtual machines implemented in one or more virtual environments 300 hosted by one or more of the hardware nodes 330. Additionally, in embodiments where the virtual nodes are not radio access nodes or do not require radio connectivity (e.g., core network nodes), then the network nodes may be fully virtualized.

[0128] These functions may be implemented by one or more applications 320 (alternatively they may be referred to as software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) operable to implement some of the features, functions, and / or benefits of some embodiments disclosed herein. The applications 320 run in a virtualized environment 300, which provides hardware 330 including processing circuitry 360 and memory 390. The memory 390 contains instructions 395 executable by the processing circuitry 360, whereby the applications 320 are operable to provide one or more of the features, benefits, and / or functions disclosed herein.

[0129] The virtualized environment 300 includes a general or special purpose network hardware device 330, which includes a collection of one or more processors or processing circuits 360, which may be commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) processors, specialized application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any other type of processing circuit, including digital or analog hardware components or special purpose processors. Each hardware device may include a memory 390-1, which may be a non-persistent memory for temporarily storing software or instructions 395 executed by the processing circuit 360. Each hardware device may include one or more network interface controllers (NICs) 370, also known as network interface cards, which include physical network interfaces 380. Each hardware device may also include a non-transitory, permanent machine-readable storage medium 390-2 in which instructions and / or software 395 executable by the processing circuit 360 are stored. The software 395 may include any type of software, including software for instantiating one or more virtualization layers 350 (also known as hypervisors), software for executing virtual machines 340, and software that allows them to perform the functions, features, and / or benefits described in conjunction with some of the embodiments described herein.

[0130] The virtual machine 340 includes virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interfaces, and virtual storage devices, and can be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 350 or hypervisor. Different embodiments of the instances of the virtual device 320 can be implemented on one or more of the virtual machines 340, and the implementation can be performed in different ways.

[0131] During operation, processing circuitry 360 executes software 395 to instantiate a hypervisor or virtualization layer 350, which may sometimes be referred to as a virtual machine monitor (VMM). Virtualization layer 350 may present to virtual machines 340 a virtual operating platform that appears to be networked hardware.

[0132] like Figure 7As shown, hardware 330 can be an independent network node with common or specific components. Hardware 330 can include antenna 325, and some functions can be implemented via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware 330 can be part of a larger hardware cluster (e.g., such as in a data center or customer premise equipment (CPE)), where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration (MANO) 310, which also oversees the life cycle management of application 320.

[0133] Hardware virtualization is referred to in some contexts as network function virtualization (NFV). NFV can be used to consolidate many network device types onto industry-standard high-volume server hardware, physical switching equipment, and physical storage devices, which can be located in data centers and customer premises equipment.

[0134] In the context of NFV, virtual machines 340 may be software implementations of physical machines that run programs as if they were executing on a physical, non-virtualized machine. Each of the virtual machines 340 and the portion of the hardware 330 that executes the virtual machine, if it is hardware dedicated to the virtual machine and / or hardware shared by the virtual machine with other virtual machines 340, forms a separate virtual network element (VNE).

[0135] Still in the context of NFV, a virtual network function (VNF) is responsible for handling specific network functions running in one or more virtual machines 340 atop the hardware networking infrastructure 330 and corresponds to Figure 7 Application 320.

[0136] In some embodiments, one or more radio units 3200, each including one or more transmitters 3220 and one or more receivers 3210, may be coupled to one or more antennas 3225. The radio units 3200 may communicate directly with the hardware nodes 330 via one or more appropriate network interfaces, and may be used in combination with virtual components to provide radio capabilities to virtual nodes, such as radio access nodes or base stations.

[0137] In some embodiments, some signaling may be accomplished using a control system 3230 , which may alternatively be used for communications between the hardware node 330 and the radio unit 3200 .

[0138] refer to Figure 8According to an embodiment, a communication system includes a telecommunication network 410, such as a 3GPP type cellular network, which includes an access network 411 (such as a radio access network) and a core network 414. The access network 411 includes a plurality of base stations 412a, 412b, 412c, such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 413a, 413b, 413c. Each base station 412a, 412b, 412c may be connected to the core network 414 via a wired or wireless connection 415. A first UE 491 located in the coverage area 413c is configured to be wirelessly connected to the corresponding base station 412c, or to be paged by the corresponding base station 412c. A second UE 492 in the coverage area 413a may be wirelessly connected to the corresponding base station 412a. Although multiple UEs 491, 492 are shown in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to situations where a single UE is in the coverage area or a single UE is connecting to the corresponding base station 412.

[0139] The telecommunications network 410 itself is connected to a host computer 430, which may be embodied in the hardware and / or software of a stand-alone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, or as processing resources in a server farm. The host computer 430 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated by or on behalf of a service provider. Connections 421 and 422 between the telecommunications network 410 and the host computer 430 may extend directly from the core network 414 to the host computer 430, or may be via an optional intermediate network 420. The intermediate network 420 may be one or a combination of more than one of a public, private, or hosted network; the intermediate network 420, if any, may be a backbone network or the Internet; in particular, the intermediate network 420 may include two or more subnets (not shown).

[0140] Figure 8The communication system as a whole implements connectivity between the connected UEs 491, 492 and the host computer 430. This connectivity can be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 450. The host computer 430 and the connected UEs 491, 492 are configured to use the access network 411, the core network 414, any intermediate networks 420 and possible additional infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries to pass data and / or signaling via the OTT connection 450. The OTT connection 450 can be transparent in the sense that the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection 450 passes do not know the routes of uplink and downlink communications. For example, the base station 412 may not be informed or need not be informed of the past routes of incoming downlink communications, where data originating from the host computer 430 is to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to the connected UE 491. Similarly, the base station 412 does not need to know the future routes of outgoing uplink communications originating from the UE 491 toward the host computer 430.

[0141] According to the embodiment, reference will now be made to Fig. 9 Describe the example implementation of the UE, base station and host computer discussed in the previous paragraph. In the communication system 500, the host computer 510 includes hardware 515, which includes a communication interface 516, which is configured to establish and maintain a wired or wireless connection of the interface with different communication devices of the communication system 500. The host computer 510 further includes a processing circuit 518, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. In particular, the processing circuit 518 may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of these (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The host computer 510 further includes software 511, which is stored in the host computer 510 or accessible by the host computer 510 and executable by the processing circuit 518. The software 511 includes a host application 512. The host application 512 may be operable to provide services to remote users, such as UE 530 connected via an OTT connection 550 terminating at the UE 530 and the host computer 510. In providing services to remote users, the host application 512 may provide user data transmitted using the OTT connection 550 .

[0142] The communication system 500 further includes a base station 520, which is provided in the telecommunication system and includes hardware 525, enabling it to communicate with the host computer 510 and the UE 530. The hardware 525 may include a communication interface 526 for establishing and maintaining wired or wireless connections with different communication devices of the communication system 500, and for establishing and maintaining connections with the base station 520 in the coverage area ( Fig. 9The communication interface 526 may be configured to facilitate a connection 560 to the host computer 510. The connection 560 may be direct, or it may be through a core network (eg, a wireless network) of the telecommunications system. Fig. 9 ) and / or through one or more intermediate networks external to the telecommunications system. In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 525 of the base station 520 further includes processing circuitry 528, which may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of these (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The base station 520 further has software 521 stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

[0143] The communication system 500 also includes the UE 530 already mentioned. Its hardware 535 may include a radio interface 537, which is configured to establish and maintain a wireless connection 570 with a base station serving the coverage area where the UE 530 is currently located. The hardware 535 of the UE 530 can also include a processing circuit 538, which may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of these (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The UE 530 also includes software 531, which is stored in the UE 530 or accessible by the UE 530 and executable by the processing circuit 538. The software 531 includes a client application 532. The client application 532 may be operable to provide services to human or non-human users via the UE 530 with the support of the host computer 510. In the host computer 510, the executing host application 512 can communicate with the executing client application 532 via an OTT connection 550 terminated at the UE 530 and the host computer 510. When providing services to users, client application 532 can receive request data from host application 512 and provide user data in response to the request data. OTT connection 550 can transmit both request data and user data. Client application 532 can interact with the user to generate the user data it provides.

[0144] Notice, Fig. 9 The host computer 510, base station 520 and UE 530 shown may be similar to or identical to Figure 8 The host computer 430, one of the base stations 412a, 412b, 412c and one of the UEs 491, 492. That is, the internal workings of these entities can be as follows Fig. 9 shown, and independently, the surrounding network topology can be Figure 8 network topology.

[0145] exist Fig. 9In the figure, OTT connection 550 has been abstractly drawn to illustrate communication between host computer 510 and UE 530 via base station 520, without explicitly mentioning any intermediate devices and the precise routing of messages via these devices. The network infrastructure can determine the route, which can be configured to hide the route from UE 530 or the service provider operating host computer 510, or both. When OTT connection 550 is active, the network infrastructure can further make decisions by which it dynamically changes the route (e.g., based on network reconfiguration or load balancing considerations).

[0146] The wireless connection 570 between the UE 530 and the base station 520 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improves the performance of OTT services provided to the UE 530 using the OTT connection 550, wherein the wireless connection 570 forms the last leg. More specifically, the teachings of these embodiments can improve data rates and latency, and thereby provide benefits such as reduced latency, better responsiveness, and relaxed restrictions on file sizes.

[0147] A measurement process may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rates, latency, and other factors improved by one or more embodiments. There may also be optional network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 550 between the host computer 510 and the UE 530 in response to changes in the measurement results. The measurement process and / or network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 550 may be implemented in the software 511 and hardware 515 of the host computer 510 or in the software 531 and hardware 535 of the UE 530 or in both. In an embodiment, a sensor (not shown) may be deployed in or associated with a communication device through which the OTT connection 550 passes; the sensor may participate in the measurement process by providing the values ​​of the monitored quantities exemplified above or by providing the values ​​of other physical quantities from which the software 511, 531 can calculate or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguration of the OTT connection 550 may include message formats, retransmission settings, preferred routes, etc.; the reconfiguration does not need to affect the base station 520 and may be unknown or imperceptible to the base station 520. Such processes and functionality may be known and practiced in the art. In some embodiments, the measurements may involve proprietary UE signaling, thereby facilitating host computer 510 measurements of throughput, propagation time, latency, etc. The measurements may be accomplished by software 511 and 531 causing a message, particularly a null or "dummy" message, to be transmitted using OTT connection 550 while it monitors propagation time, errors, etc.

[0148] Fig.10is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE, which can be a reference Figure 8 and 9 To simplify this disclosure, only the Fig.10 . In step 610, the host computer provides user data. In sub-step 611 of step 610 (which may be optional), the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step 620, the host computer initiates a transmission that carries the user data to the UE. In step 630 (which may be optional), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, the base station transmits the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the host computer to the UE. In step 640 (which may also be optional), the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

[0149] Fig.11 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE, which can be a reference Figure 8 and 9 To simplify this disclosure, only the Fig.11 . In step 710 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional sub-step (not shown), the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step 720, the host computer initiates a transmission that carries the user data to the UE. According to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, the transmission may be through a base station. In step 730 (which may be optional), the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

[0150] Fig.12 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE, which can be a reference Figure 8 and 9 To simplify this disclosure, only the Fig.12. In step 810 (which may be optional), the UE receives input data provided by the host computer. Additionally or alternatively, in step 820, the UE provides user data. In sub-step 821 of step 820 (which may be optional), the UE provides user data by executing a client application. In sub-step 811 of step 810 (which may be optional), the UE reacts to the received input data provided by the host computer and executes the client application that provides user data. When providing user data, the executed client application may further consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner in which the user data is provided, in sub-step 830 (which may be optional), the UE initiates transmission of the user data to the host computer. In step 840 of the method, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, the host computer receives user data transmitted from the UE.

[0151] Fig.13 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE, which can be a reference Figure 8 and 9 To simplify this disclosure, only the Fig.13 In step 910 (which may be optional), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, the base station receives user data from the UE. In step 920 (which may be optional), the base station initiates transmission of the received user data to the host computer. In step 930 (which may be optional), the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station.

[0152] Any appropriate steps, methods, features, functions or benefits disclosed herein may be performed by one or more functional units or modules of one or more virtual devices. Each virtual device may include multiple such functional units. These functional units may be implemented via a processing circuit, which may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, and other digital hardware, which may include a digital signal processor (DSP), dedicated digital logic, etc. The processing circuit may be configured to execute program codes stored in a memory, which may include one or more types of memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a cache memory, a flash memory device, an optical storage device, etc. The program code in the memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and / or data communication protocols and instructions for executing one or more technologies described herein. In some implementations, the processing circuit may be used to cause each functional unit to perform the corresponding functions according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0153] The term "unit" has a conventional meaning in the field of electronics, electrical devices and / or electronic devices, and may include, for example, electrical and / or electronic circuits, devices, modules, processors, memories, logical solid-state and / or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions for performing corresponding tasks, processes, calculations, output and / or display functions, etc., such as those described herein.

[0154] In some embodiments, a computer program, a computer program product, or a computer-readable storage medium includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, perform any of the embodiments disclosed herein. In a further example, the instructions are carried on a signal or carrier and can be executed on a computer, wherein when executed, any of the embodiments disclosed herein are performed. Example

[0155] Group A Embodiment 1. A method performed by a wireless device, the method comprising: a. receiving a first grant and a second grant from a network node, wherein the first grant and the second grant are overlapping; b. obtaining an indication of each of the first grant and the second grant, wherein the indication is associated with a reliability and / or latency of the respective grant; and c. Based on the indications of both the first grant and the second grant, construct a medium access control (MAC) protocol description unit (PDU) for at least one of the first grant and the second grant.

[0156] 2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein if both the first grant and the second grant are dynamic grants, constructing a MAC PDU for at least one of the first grant and the second grant comprises constructing a MAC PDU for each of the first grant and the second grant.

[0157] 3. The method of embodiment 2, wherein a physical layer (PHY) determines which of the MAC PDUs to construct based on which of the indications of the first grant and the second grant is associated with higher reliability and / or lower latency.

[0158] 4. A method according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein before the MAC PDU has been constructed based on one of the first grant and the second grant, the method also includes determining which of the first grant and the second grant to construct the MAC PDU for based on indications for both the first grant and the second grant.

[0159] 5. The method of embodiment 4, wherein determining for which of the first grant and the second grant to construct a MAC PDU is based on whether the first grant or the second grant has available data in a logical channel that is available based on the indication.

[0160] 6. A method according to embodiment 5, wherein if both the first grant and the second grant have data available in the associated logical channel, a MAC PDU is constructed for the corresponding grant in the first grant and the second grant, and the MAC PDU has a corresponding indication associated with higher reliability and / or lower latency.

[0161] 7. The method as in any of the previous embodiments, wherein if the second grant is received after construction of the MAC PDU for the first grant has begun, the method further comprises: a. determining to construct a MAC PDU for the second grant, and preempting the first grant if the second grant has data available in the associated logical channel and the indication of the second grant is associated with higher reliability and / or lower latency than the indication of the first grant; and If the second grant does not have data available in the associated logical channel, or if the indication of the second grant is associated with lower reliability and / or higher latency than the indication of the first grant, it is determined to ignore the second grant and send the MAC PDU of the first grant to the physical layer.

[0162] 8. The method of any of the previous embodiments, further comprising delivering a corresponding grant of the first grant and the second grant to a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) entity, wherein a MAC PDU has been constructed for the corresponding grant.

[0163] 9. The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein constructing the MAC PDU for at least one of the first grant and the second grant is further based on whether the first grant and / or the second grant is a dynamic grant or a configured grant.

[0164] 10. The method of embodiment 9, wherein the first grant is a configured grant and the second grant is a dynamic grant, and wherein: a. constructing a MAC PDU for said first grant if said first grant is associated with higher reliability and / or lower latency than said indication of said second grant; and b. If the second grant is associated with a higher or equal reliability and / or a higher or equal or lower latency than indicated by the first grant, constructing a MAC PDU for the second grant.

[0165] 11. The method of embodiment 9, wherein the first grant is a configured grant and the second grant is a dynamic grant, and wherein: a. If the first grant is associated with a higher or equal reliability and / or lower or equal latency than the indication of the second grant, constructing a MAC PDU for the first grant; and b. If the second grant is associated with higher reliability and / or higher lower latency than the indication of the first grant, constructing a MAC PDU for the second grant.

[0166] 12. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: obtaining a MAC PDU cancellation indicator at the MAC of the wireless device if the MAC determines to preempt a previous MAC PDU for a later received granted MAC PDU.

[0167] 13. A method according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the indication of the first grant or the second grant is based on one or more of a modulation coding scheme (MCS) associated with the first grant and the second grant, a coding rate, a repetition, an indication of allowed logical channels, an implicit indication of the MCS, a configuration of the coding rate or repetition, a transport block size, whether a MAC PDU has been constructed, whether there is any data in the logical channel that can be multiplexed, etc.

[0168] 14. The method of any of the previous embodiments, further comprising: - provide user data; and - forwarding said user data to a host computer via transmission to said base station.

[0169] Group B Example 15. A method performed by a base station, the method comprising: a. transmitting a first grant of resources to a wireless device, wherein the first grant of resources overlaps with a second grant of resources received at the wireless device; b. Receiving a transmission from the wireless device using the first grant based on a comparison of an indication of each of the first grant and the second grant, wherein the indication is associated with a reliability and / or latency of the corresponding grant.

[0170] 16. The method of the preceding embodiment, further comprising providing an indication of the first grant and / or the second grant to the wireless device.

[0171] 17. The method as in any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising transmitting the second grant of resources.

[0172] 18. The method as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first and / or second grant is one of a dynamic grant and a configured grant.

[0173] 19. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: - obtain user data; and - Forwarding the user data to a host computer or wireless device.

[0174] Group C Example 20. A wireless device, comprising: - a processing circuit configured to perform any of the steps of any of Group A embodiments; - A power supply circuit configured to supply power to the wireless device.

[0175] 21. A base station, the base station comprising: - a processing circuit configured to perform any of the steps of any Group B embodiments; - A power supply circuit configured to supply power to the base station.

[0176] 22. A user equipment (UE), the UE comprising: - an antenna configured to send and receive wireless signals; - a radio front end circuit coupled to the antenna and the processing circuit and configured to condition signals passed between the antenna and the processing circuit; - a processing circuit configured to perform any of the steps of any of Group A embodiments; - an input interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to allow information to be input into the UE for processing by the processing circuitry; - an output interface connected to the processing circuit and configured to output information from the UE that has been processed by the processing circuit; and - a power supply connected to the processing circuit and configured to supply power to the UE.

[0177] 23. A computer program comprising instructions for performing any of the steps of any of Group A embodiments when executed on a computer.

[0178] 24. A computer program product comprising a computer program comprising instructions for performing any of the steps of any of Group A embodiments when executed on a computer.

[0179] 25. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or carrier comprising a computer program comprising instructions to perform any of the steps of any of Group A embodiments when executed on a computer.

[0180] 26. A computer program comprising instructions for performing any of the steps of any of Group B embodiments when executed on a computer.

[0181] 27. A computer program product comprising a computer program comprising instructions for performing any of the steps of any of Group B embodiments when executed on a computer.

[0182] 28. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or carrier comprising a computer program comprising instructions to perform any of the steps of any of Group B embodiments when executed on a computer.

[0183] 29. A communication system including a host computer, comprising: - processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and - a communication interface configured to forward user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), - wherein the cellular network comprises a base station having a radio interface and a processing circuit, the processing circuit of the base station being configured to perform any steps of any Group B embodiments.

[0184] 30. The communication system according to the previous embodiment further comprises a base station.

[0185] 31. The communication system according to the first two embodiments further includes a UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with the base station.

[0186] 32. The communication system according to any of the preceding three embodiments, wherein: - the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing user data; and - the UE comprises a processing circuitry configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

[0187] 33. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: - at the host computer, providing user data; and - At a host computer, initiating a transmission carrying user data to the UE via a cellular network including a base station, wherein the base station performs any steps of any Group B embodiments.

[0188] 34. The method of the preceding embodiment further comprising transmitting user data at a base station.

[0189] 35. The method of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the user data is provided at the host computer by executing a host application, the method further comprising executing a client application associated with the host application at the UE.

[0190] 36. A user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with a base station, the UE comprising a radio interface and a processing circuit configured to perform the first three embodiments.

[0191] 37. A communication system comprising a host computer, the host computer comprising: - processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and - a communication interface configured to forward user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), - wherein the UE comprises a radio interface and a processing circuit, the components of the UE being configured to perform any steps of any Group A embodiments.

[0192] 38. The communication system of the preceding embodiment, wherein the cellular network further comprises a base station configured to communicate with the core network node.

[0193] 39. The communication system of the first two embodiments, wherein: - the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing user data; and - the processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

[0194] 40. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: - at the host computer, providing user data; and - At a host computer, initiating a transmission carrying user data to a UE via a cellular network including a base station, wherein the UE performs any steps of any Group A embodiments.

[0195] 41. The method according to the previous embodiment further includes receiving user data from a base station at the UE.

[0196] 42. A communication system including a host computer, comprising: - a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station, - wherein the UE comprises a radio interface and a processing circuit, and the processing circuit of the UE is configured to perform any steps of any Group A embodiments.

[0197] 43. The communication system according to the previous embodiment further includes a UE.

[0198] 44. The communication system according to the first two embodiments further comprises a base station, wherein the base station comprises a radio interface configured to communicate with the UE and a communication interface configured to forward user data carried by transmissions from the UE to the base station to the host computer.

[0199] 45. The communication system according to any of the preceding three embodiments, wherein: - the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application; and - The processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing user data.

[0200] 46. ​​The communication system according to any one of the preceding four embodiments, wherein: - the processing circuitry of the host is configured to execute the host application to provide the requested data; and - The processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application to provide user data in response to the request data.

[0201] 47. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: - At a host computer, receiving user data transmitted from a UE to a base station, wherein the UE performs any steps of any Group A embodiments.

[0202] 48. The method of the preceding embodiment further comprises providing user data to the base station at a UE.

[0203] 49. The method according to the previous two embodiments further comprises: - at the UE, executing a client application, thereby providing user data to be transmitted; and - At the host computer, executing a host application associated with the client application.

[0204] 50. The method according to the first three embodiments, further comprising: - At the UE, executing the client application; and - at the UE, receiving input data of the client application, providing the input data at the host computer by executing a host application associated with the client application, - wherein user data to be transmitted is provided by a client application in response to input data.

[0205] 51. A communication system comprising a host computer, the host computer comprising a communication interface, the communication interface being configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station, wherein the base station comprises a radio interface and a processing circuit, the processing circuit of the base station being configured to perform any steps of any Group B embodiments.

[0206] 52. According to the communication system described in the previous embodiment, it also includes a base station.

[0207] 53. The communication system according to the first two embodiments further comprises a UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with the base station.

[0208] 54. The communication system according to any of the preceding three embodiments, wherein: - the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application; - The UE is configured to execute a client application associated with a host application, thereby providing user data to be received by the host computer.

[0209] 55. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: - receiving, at a host computer, from a base station user data originating from a transmission that the base station has received from a UE, wherein the UE performs any of the steps of any Group A embodiments.

[0210] 56. The method according to the previous embodiment further includes receiving user data from the UE at the base station.

[0211] 57. The method according to the previous two embodiments further comprises initiating, at the base station, transmission of the received user data to a host computer.

[0212] Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the systems and devices described herein may be modified, added, or omitted. The components of the systems and devices may be integrated or separated. In addition, the operations of the systems and devices may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. In addition, the operations of the systems and devices may be performed using any suitable logic including software, hardware, and / or other logic. "Each" as used in this document refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

[0213] Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the methods described herein may be modified, added to, or omitted. The methods may include more, fewer, or other steps. In addition, the steps may be performed in any suitable order.

[0214] Although the present disclosure has been described according to certain embodiments, the changes and substitutions of these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description of the embodiments does not limit the present disclosure. Other changes, substitutions and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method performed by a wireless device, the method comprising: Receiving (1002) a first grant and a second grant from a network node, wherein the first grant and the second grant overlap; determining (1006) a prioritized grant among the first grant and the second grant; and constructing (1008) a medium access control MAC protocol description unit PDU for the prioritized grant in the first grant and the second grant; Wherein determining the prioritized grant is based on having data available in an associated logical channel for each of the first grant and the second grant.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Constructing the MAC PDU for the prioritized grant comprises: Based on not starting to construct any MAC PDU for the first grant before receiving the second grant, constructing a new MAC PDU for the prioritized grant among the first grant and the second grant.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: When the wireless device has not started to construct any MAC PDU for the first grant before receiving the second grant, only one MAC PDU is constructed for the overlapping first grant and the second grant, and the only one MAC PDU is constructed for the prioritized grant in the first grant and the second grant.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: When it is determined that the second grant is the prioritized grant and construction of a first MAC PDU for the first grant has already begun before receiving the second grant, constructing the MAC PDU for the prioritized grant includes: constructing the MAC PDU for the second grant; and Seize the first MAC PDU.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: When it is determined that the first grant is the prioritized grant and construction of a first MAC PDU for the first grant has already begun before receiving the second grant, constructing the MAC PDU for the prioritized grant includes: ignoring the second grant; and Continue processing the first MAC PDU.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: The MAC PDU of the prioritized grant is delivered (1010) to a hybrid automatic repeat request HARQ entity.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: One of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a dynamic grant; and The other of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a configured grant.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The priority level associated with the first grant is obtained (1004) based on signaling from a network node.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: One of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a dynamic grant, and the other of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a configured grant; as well as When the priority associated with the first grant is equal to the priority associated with the second grant, determining the prioritized grant further includes determining that the dynamic grant has a higher priority.

10. A wireless device (110, 200), the wireless device comprising: a power supply circuit (137, 213) configured to supply power to the wireless device; as well as The processing circuit (120, 201) is configured to: receiving a first grant and a second grant from a network node, wherein the first grant and the second grant overlap; determining a prioritized grant among the first grant and the second grant; and Constructing a medium access control MAC protocol description unit PDU for the prioritized grant in the first grant and the second grant; Wherein the processing circuit is configured to determine the prioritized grant based on having data available in an associated logical channel for each of the first grant and the second grant.

11. The wireless device according to claim 10, wherein: To construct the MAC PDU for the prioritized grant, the processing circuit is configured to: Based on not starting to construct any MAC PDU for the first grant before receiving the second grant, constructing a new MAC PDU for the prioritized grant among the first grant and the second grant.

12. The wireless device according to claim 10, wherein: When it is determined that the first grant is the prioritized grant and construction of a first MAC PDU for the first grant has already begun before receiving the second grant, in order to construct the MAC PDU for the prioritized grant, the processing circuit is further configured to: ignoring the second grant; and Continue processing the first MAC PDU.

13. The wireless device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The processing circuit is further configured to: The MAC PDU of the prioritized grant is delivered to a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) entity.

14. The wireless device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein: One of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a dynamic grant; and The other of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a configured grant.

15. The wireless device according to claim 10, wherein: The processing circuit is further configured to: The priority level associated with the first grant is obtained based on signaling from a network node.

16. The wireless device according to any one of claims 15, wherein: One of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a dynamic grant, and the other of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a configured grant; as well as To determine the prioritized grant, the processing circuit is further configured to determine that the dynamic grant has a higher priority when the priority associated with the first grant is equal to the priority associated with the second grant.

17. A method performed by a network node, the method comprising: transmitting (1012) a first grant and a second grant to a wireless device, wherein the first grant and the second grant overlap; and receiving (1016) a transmission from the wireless device on a prioritized grant among the first grant and the second grant; Wherein the prioritized grant is based on the wireless device having data available in an associated logical channel for each of the first grant and the second grant.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: One of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a dynamic grant; and The other of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a configured grant.

19. The method according to any one of claims 17-18, further comprising: A priority associated with the first grant is indicated (1014) to the wireless device.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: one of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a dynamic grant, and the other of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a configured grant; as well as When the priority associated with the first grant is equal to the priority associated with the second grant, receiving the transmission from the wireless device on the prioritized grant of the first grant and the second grant includes receiving the transmission on the dynamic grant.

21. A network node (160), the network node comprising: A power supply circuit (187) configured to supply power to the network node; as well as The processing circuit (170) is configured to: transmitting a first grant and a second grant to a wireless device, wherein the first grant and the second grant overlap; and A transmission is received from the wireless device on a prioritized grant among the first grant and the second grant; wherein the prioritized grant is based on the wireless device having data available in an associated logical channel for each of the first grant and the second grant.

22. The network node according to claim 21, wherein: One of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a dynamic grant; and The other of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a configured grant.

23. The network node according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein: The processing circuit is further configured to: A priority associated with the first grant is indicated to the wireless device.

24. The network node according to claim 23, wherein: one of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a dynamic grant, and the other of the first grant and the second grant corresponds to a configured grant; as well as To receive the transmission from the wireless device on the prioritized grant of the first grant and the second grant when the priority associated with the first grant is equal to the priority associated with the second grant, the processing circuit is further configured to receive the transmission on the dynamic grant.

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