Index modulation for PHY signature selection

Abstract

The first network node may send a first indication of a PHY signature pool comprising a plurality of PHY signatures to a second network node. The first network node may select at least one PHY signature from the plurality of PHY signatures. The first network node may send a second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature to a second network node. The first network node may send at least one message to the second network node based on the selected at least one PHY signature. The second network node may demodulate the at least one message based on the at least one PHY signature.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application serial number 17 / 817,317, filed on August 3, 2022, entitled “INDEX MODULATION FOR PHYSIGNATURE SELECTION,” which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to communication systems, and more particularly, to physical layer (PHY) signature based security in wireless communication systems. Background Art

[0003] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunication services, such as telephony, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. Typical wireless communication systems may employ multiple access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources. Examples of such multiple access technologies include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, and time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems.

[0004] These multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunication standards to provide a common protocol that enables different wireless devices to communicate at a city, country, region, or even global level. An exemplary telecommunication standard is 5G New Radio (NR). 5G NR is part of the continued mobile broadband evolution promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to meet new requirements related to latency, reliability, security, scalability (e.g., scalability with the Internet of Things (IoT)) and other requirements. 5G NR includes services associated with enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC). Some aspects of 5G NR may be based on the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard. Further improvements to 5G NR technology are needed. These improvements may also be applicable to other multiple access technologies and telecommunication standards that employ these technologies. Summary of the invention

[0005] A simplified overview of one or more aspects is presented below to provide a basic understanding of these aspects. This overview is not an extensive review of all expected aspects. This overview is neither intended to identify the key or important factors of all aspects, nor to describe the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a preface to a more detailed description presented later.

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method, a computer-readable medium, and an apparatus are provided. The apparatus may be a first network node. The apparatus may send a first indication of a physical layer (PHY) signature pool including a plurality of PHY signatures to a second network node. The apparatus may select at least one PHY signature from the plurality of PHY signatures. The apparatus may send a second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature to the second network node. The apparatus may send at least one message to the second network node based on the selected at least one PHY signature.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method, a computer-readable medium, and an apparatus are provided. The apparatus may be a second network node. The apparatus may receive a first indication of a PHY signature pool including a plurality of PHY signatures from a first network node. The apparatus may receive a second indication of at least one PHY signature of the plurality of PHY signatures from the first network node. The apparatus may receive at least one message from the first network node based on the at least one PHY signature. The apparatus may demodulate at least one message based on the at least one PHY signature.

[0008] To achieve the foregoing and related ends, the one or more aspects include features fully described below and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the accompanying drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of one or more aspects. However, these features are only indicative of a few of the various ways in which the principles of the various aspects can be employed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and an access network according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of a first frame according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of downlink (DL) channels within a subframe according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2C is a diagram illustrating an example of a second frame according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2D is a diagram illustrating an example of uplink (UL) channels within a subframe according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating examples of base stations and user equipment (UE) in an access network according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 is an example block diagram illustrating adding artificial physical layer (PHY) impairments in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 is a diagram of example processes associated with index modulation for PHY signature selection in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 is a diagram of example processes associated with index modulation for PHY signature selection in a multi-antenna scenario in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication flow of a method of wireless communication according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a method of wireless communication in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method of wireless communication in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig.10 is a flow chart of a method of wireless communication in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig.11 is a flow chart of a method of wireless communication in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of an example apparatus and / or network entity according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of an example network entity according to various aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] User privacy and data confidentiality can be an integral part of a secure and reliable transport protocol. For example, security in a wireless communication system can include providing adequate data confidentiality and data integrity, and ensuring the availability of network services (e.g., resisting denial of service attacks). In some configurations, security can be achieved through cryptographic functions available in upper layers (i.e., layers above PHY). Physical control channels (e.g., physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)) and reference signals can be important in many 5G NR functionalities (e.g., channel estimation, UL / DL authorization, positioning, etc.).

[0026] Lack of security protection for physical control channels or reference signals may make the corresponding transmission vulnerable to malicious attacks. In addition, lack of security for physical control channels or reference signals may compromise the reliability of subsequent functions.

[0027] In some configurations, artificial PHY impairments (e.g., amplitude modulation to phase modulation (AMPM) impairments or frequency domain residual sideband (FDRSB) impairments) can be embedded as signatures in the transmission to provide security and reliability directly in the PHY. Some artificial PHY impairment techniques may not be able to handle increased spectral efficiency while providing security.

[0028] One or more aspects of the present disclosure may relate to an index modulation (IM) technique associated with artificial PHY impairment-based security in a PHY. The IM technique may not only improve the spectral efficiency of the overall transmission, but may also provide IM bits that may be directly available in the PHY (i.e., without decoding). Therefore, the technique may be applicable to low-latency applications.

[0029] The specific embodiments described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describe various configurations and are not intended to be the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. This specific embodiment includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid making these concepts difficult to understand.

[0030] Several aspects of telecommunication systems are now presented with reference to various apparatus and methods. These apparatus and methods are described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by means of various blocks, components, circuits, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). These elements can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether these elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0031] As an example, an element or any part of an element or any combination of elements may be implemented as a "processing system" including one or more processors. Examples of processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), application processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, system-on-chip (SoC) processors, baseband processors, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gating logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform various functions described throughout the present disclosure. One or more processors in a processing system may execute software. Software should be broadly interpreted as representing instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, program codes, programs, subroutines, software components, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable programs, execution threads, processes, functions, or any combination thereof, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or other.

[0032] Thus, in one or more example aspects, embodiments, and / or use cases, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored or encoded as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media. The storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. Exemplarily, such a computer-readable medium may include a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), an optical disk storage device, a magnetic disk storage device, other magnetic storage devices, a combination of multiple types of computer-readable media, or any other medium that can be used to store computer executable code in the form of instructions or data structures that can be accessed by a computer.

[0033] Although various aspects, embodiments and / or use cases are described in this application by the description of some examples, additional or different aspects, embodiments and / or use cases can be implemented in many different arrangements and scenarios. The various aspects, embodiments and / or use cases described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and packaging arrangements. For example, various aspects, embodiments and / or use cases can be implemented by integrated chip implementations and other devices based on non-module components (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail / purchase equipment, medical equipment, devices supporting artificial intelligence (AI), etc.). Although some examples may or may not be specifically for use cases or applications, various applicability of the described examples may occur. Various aspects, embodiments and / or use cases can range from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level implementations, and further to the range of aggregated, distributed or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices or systems containing one or more technologies herein. In some practical settings, the equipment containing the described aspects and features may also include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described aspects. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals must include multiple components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antennas, RF chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processor(s), interleavers, adders / summers, etc.) The techniques described herein can be practiced in a wide variety of devices of different sizes, shapes, and configurations, chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, aggregated or disaggregated components, end-user devices, and the like.

[0034] The deployment of a communication system such as a 5G NR system can be arranged with various components or components in a variety of ways. In a 5G NR system or network, a network node, a network entity, a mobility element of a network, a radio access network (RAN) node, a core network node, a network element or a network device (such as a base station (BS) or one or more units (or one or more components) that perform base station functions) can be implemented in an aggregated or deaggregated architecture. For example, a BS (such as a Node B (NB), an evolved NB (eNB), an NR BS, a 5G NB, an access point (AP), a transmit receive point (TRP) or a cell, etc.) can be implemented as an aggregated base station (also called an independent BS or an integral BS) or a deaggregated base station.

[0035] The aggregated base station can be configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single RAN node. The deaggregated base station can be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed in two or more units, such as one or more central or centralized units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs), or one or more radio units (RUs). In some aspects, the CU can be implemented within a RAN node, and one or more DUs can be co-located with the CU, or alternatively, can be geographically or virtually distributed in one or more other RAN nodes. The DU can be implemented to communicate with one or more RUs. Each of the CU, DU, and RU can be implemented as a virtual unit, namely a virtual central unit (VCU), a virtual distributed unit (VDU), or a virtual radio unit (VRU).

[0036] Base station operation or network design may take into account the aggregated nature of base station functions. For example, a disaggregated base station may be utilized in an integrated access backhaul (IAB) network, an open radio access network (O-RAN (such as a network configuration sponsored by the O-RAN Alliance)), or a virtualized radio access network (vRAN, also known as a cloud radio access network (C-RAN)). Disaggregation may include distributing functions across two or more units at various physical locations, as well as distributing functions virtually for at least one unit, which may enable flexibility in network design. Various units of a disaggregated base station or disaggregated RAN architecture may be configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one other unit.

[0037] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram 100 showing an example of a wireless communication system and an access network. The wireless communication system shown includes a disaggregated base station architecture. The disaggregated base station architecture may include one or more CUs 110, which may communicate directly with a core network 120 via a backhaul link, or indirectly with a core network 120 through one or more disaggregated base station units (such as a near real-time (near RT) RAN intelligent controller (RIC) 125 via an E2 link, or a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC 115 associated with a service management and orchestration (SMO) framework 105, or both). The CU 110 may communicate with one or more DUs 130 via corresponding mid-haul links (such as an F1 interface). The DU 130 may communicate with one or more RUs 140 via corresponding fronthaul links. The RU 140 may communicate with corresponding UEs 104 via one or more radio frequency (RF) access links. In some embodiments, a UE 104 may be served by multiple RUs 140 at the same time.

[0038] Each of the units (i.e., CU 110, DU 130, RU 140, and near-RT RIC 125, non-RT RIC 115, and SMO framework 105) may include one or more interfaces, or be coupled to one or more interfaces configured to receive or send signals, data, or information (collectively referred to as signals) via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Each unit or an associated processor or controller that provides instructions to a communication interface of a unit may be configured to communicate with one or more other units via a transmission medium. For example, a unit may include a wired interface that is configured to receive signals or send signals to one or more other units via a wired transmission medium. In addition, a unit may include a wireless interface that may include a receiver, a transmitter, or a transceiver (such as an RF transceiver) that is configured to receive signals from one or more other units, or send signals to one or more other units, or both, via a wireless transmission medium.

[0039] In some aspects, CU 110 may house one or more higher layer control functions. Such control functions may include: radio resource control (RRC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and the like. Each control function may be implemented with an interface configured to communicate signals with other control functions housed by CU 110. CU 110 may be configured to handle user plane functions (i.e., central unit-user plane (CU-UP)), control plane functions (i.e., central unit-control plane (CU-CP)), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, CU 110 may be logically divided into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. When implemented in an O-RAN configuration, the CU-UP unit may communicate bidirectionally with the CU-CP unit via an interface (such as an E1 interface). CU 110 may be implemented to communicate with DU 130 as needed for network control and signaling.

[0040] DU 130 may correspond to a logical unit including one or more base station functions for controlling the operation of one or more RU 140. In some aspects, DU 130 may accommodate one or more of a radio link control (RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, and one or more high physical (PHY) layers (such as modules for forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, demodulation, etc.) depending at least in part on a functional partition (such as a functional partition defined by 3GPP). In some aspects, DU 130 may also accommodate one or more low PHY layers. Each layer (or module) may be implemented with an interface configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) accommodated by DU 130 or with control functions accommodated by CU 110.

[0041] The lower layer functions may be implemented by one or more RUs 140. In some deployments, the RUs 140 controlled by the DUs 130 may correspond to logical nodes that house RF processing functions, or low PHY layer functions (such as performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse FFT (iFFT), digital beamforming, physical random access channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, etc.), or both, based at least in part on functional partitioning (such as lower layer functional partitioning). In such an architecture, (multiple) RUs 140 may be implemented to handle over-the-air (OTA) communications with one or more UEs 104. In some embodiments, real-time and non-real-time aspects of control and user plane communications with (multiple) RUs 140 may be controlled by the corresponding DUs 130. In some scenarios, this configuration may enable (multiple) DUs 130 and CUs 110 to be implemented in a cloud-based RAN architecture (such as a vRAN architecture).

[0042] The SMO framework 105 may be configured to support RAN deployment and provisioning of non-virtualized and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 105 may be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements that may be managed via an operation and maintenance interface (such as an O1 interface). For virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 105 may be configured to interact with a cloud computing platform (such as an open cloud (O-cloud) 190) to perform network element lifecycle management (such as instantiating virtualized network elements) via a cloud computing platform interface (such as an O2 interface). Such virtualized network elements may include, but are not limited to, CU 110, DU 130, RU 140, and near-RT RIC 125. In some embodiments, the SMO framework 105 may communicate with hardware aspects of the 4G RAN (such as an open eNB (O-eNB) 111) via the O1 interface. In addition, in some embodiments, the SMO framework 105 may communicate directly with one or more RUs 140 via the O1 interface. The SMO framework 105 may also include a non-RT RIC 115 configured to support the functionality of the SMO framework 105 .

[0043] The non-RT RIC 115 may be configured to include logic functions that implement non-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) (AI / ML) workflows (including model training and updating), or policy-based guidance of applications / features in the near-RT RIC 125. The non-RT RIC 115 may be coupled to or in communication with the near-RT RIC 125 (such as via an A1 interface). The near-RT RIC 125 may be configured to include logic functions that implement near-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources through data collection and actions via an interface that connects one or more CUs 110, one or more DUs 130, or both, and O-eNBs to the near-RT RIC 125 (such as via an E2 interface).

[0044] In some embodiments, in order to generate an AI / ML model to be deployed in the near-RT RIC 125, the non-RT RIC 115 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from an external server. Such information may be utilized by the near-RT RIC 125 and may be received at the SMO framework 105 or the non-RT RIC 115 from a non-network data source or from a network function. In some examples, the non-RT RIC 115 or the near-RT RIC 125 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the non-RT RIC 115 may monitor long-term trends and patterns of performance and employ AI / MI models to perform corrective actions through the SMO framework 105 (such as via reconfiguration of O1) or via the creation of RAN management policies (such as A1 policies).

[0045] At least one of the CU 110, the DU 130, and the RU 140 may be referred to as a base station 102. Thus, the base station 102 may include one or more of the CU 110, the DU 130, and the RU 140 (each component is indicated by a dotted line to indicate that each component may be included or not included in the base station 102). The base station 102 provides an access point to the core network 120 for the UE 104. The base station 102 may include a macro cell (a high-power cellular base station) and / or a small cell (a low-power cellular base station). Small cells include femto cells, pico cells, and micro cells. A network including both small cells and macro cells may be referred to as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include a home evolved Node B (eNB) (HeNB) which may provide services to a restricted group referred to as a closed subscriber group (CSG). The communication link between RU 140 and UE 104 may include an uplink (UL) (also referred to as a reverse link) transmission from UE 104 to RU 140 and / or a downlink (DL) (also referred to as a forward link) transmission from RU 140 to UE 104. The communication link may use multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming and / or transmit diversity. The communication link may be through one or more carriers. Base station 102 / UE 104 may use a spectrum of up to Y MHz (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 100, 400 MHz, etc.) bandwidth allocated to each carrier in a carrier aggregation of up to Yx MHz (x component carriers) for transmission in each direction. The carriers may be adjacent or non-adjacent to each other. The allocation of carriers may be asymmetric for DL ​​and UL (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated to DL than to UL). Component carriers may include a primary component carrier and one or more secondary component carriers. The primary component carrier may be referred to as a primary cell (PCell), and the secondary component carrier may be referred to as a secondary cell (SCell).

[0046] Some UEs 104 may communicate with each other using a device-to-device (D2D) communication link 158. The D2D communication link 158 may use DL / UL wireless wide area network (WWAN) spectrum. The D2D communication link 158 may use one or more sidelink channels, such as a physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH), a physical sidelink discovery channel (PSDCH), a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), and a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH). The D2D communication may be through various wireless D2D communication systems, such as, for example, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, LTE, or NR.

[0047] The wireless communication system may also include a Wi-Fi AP 150 that communicates with a UE 104 (also referred to as a Wi-Fi station (STA)) via a communication link 154 in, for example, a 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum, etc. When communicating in the unlicensed spectrum, the UE 104 / AP 150 may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) prior to communication to determine whether the channel is available.

[0048] The electromagnetic spectrum is typically subdivided into various categories, bands, channels, etc. based on frequency / wavelength. In 5G NR, two initial operating bands have been identified with the frequency range names FR1 (410 MHz-7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz-52.6 GHz). Although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is often (interchangeably) referred to as the “sub-6 GHz” band in various literature and articles. Similar naming issues sometimes arise with respect to FR2, which is often (interchangeably) referred to as the “millimeter wave” band in literature and articles, although it is different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz–300 GHz) identified as the “millimeter wave” band by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

[0049] Frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are generally referred to as mid-band frequencies. Recent 5G NR research has identified the operating bands of these mid-bands as the frequency range name FR3 (7.125GHz-24.25GHz). The frequency bands falling within FR3 can inherit FR1 characteristics and / or FR2 characteristics, and therefore the features of FR1 and / or FR2 can be effectively extended to mid-band frequencies. In addition, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operations to above 52.6GHz. For example, three higher operating bands have been identified as the frequency range names FR2-2 (52.6GHz–71GHz), FR4 (71GHz-114.25GHz), and FR5 (114.25GHz–300GHz). Each of these higher frequency bands falls within the EHF band.

[0050] With the foregoing in mind, unless otherwise specifically stated, the terms "sub-6 GHz" and the like (if used herein) may broadly refer to frequencies that may be less than 6 GHz, may be within FR1, or may include mid-band frequencies. In addition, unless otherwise specifically stated, the terms "millimeter wave" and the like (if used herein) may broadly refer to frequencies that may include mid-band frequencies, may be within FR2, FR4, FR2-2, and / or FR5, or may be within the EHF band.

[0051] The base station 102 and the UE 104 may each include multiple antennas (such as antenna elements, antenna panels, and / or antenna arrays) to facilitate beamforming. The base station 102 may send a beamformed signal 182 to the UE 104 in one or more transmit directions. The UE 104 may receive the beamformed signal from the base station 102 in one or more receive directions. The UE 104 may also send a beamformed signal 184 to the base station 102 in one or more transmit directions. The base station 102 may receive the beamformed signal from the UE 104 in one or more receive directions. The base station 102 / UE 104 may perform beam training to determine the best receive direction and receive direction for each of the base station 102 / UE 104. The transmit direction and receive direction of the base station 102 may be the same or different. The transmit direction and receive direction of the UE 104 may be the same or different.

[0052] The base station 102 may include and / or be referred to as a gNB, a Node B, an eNB, an access point, a basic transceiver station, a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), a transmit receive point (TRP), a network node, a network entity, a network device, or some other suitable term. The base station 102 may be implemented as an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a relay node, a sidelink node, an aggregated (monolithic) base station with a baseband unit (BBU) (including a CU and a DU) and a RU, or as a disaggregated base station including one or more of a CU, a DU, and / or a RU. A set of base stations that may include disaggregated base stations and / or aggregated base stations may be referred to as a next generation (NG) RAN (NG-RAN).

[0053] The core network 120 may include an access and mobility management function (AMF) 161, a session management function (SMF) 162, a user plane function (UPF) 163, a unified data management (UDM) 164, one or more location servers 168, and other functional entities. AMF 161 is a control node that handles signaling between UE 104 and the core network 120. AMF 161 supports registration management, connection management, mobility management, and other functions. SMF 162 supports session management and other functions. UPF 163 supports packet routing, packet forwarding, and other functions. UDM 164 supports the generation of authentication and key agreement (AKA) credentials, user identity processing, access authorization, and subscription management. One or more location servers 168 are shown as including a gateway mobile location center (GMLC) 165 and a location management function (LMF) 166. However, in general, the one or more location servers 168 may include one or more location / positioning servers, which may include one or more of the GMLC 165, the LMF 166, a position determination entity (PDE), a serving mobile location center (SMLC), a mobile positioning center (MPC), etc. The GMLC 165 and the LMF 166 support UE location services. The GMLC 165 provides an interface for clients / applications (e.g., emergency services) to access UE positioning information. The LMF 166 receives measurements and assistance information from the NG-RAN and the UE 104 via the AMF 161 to calculate the location of the UE 104. The NG-RAN may utilize one or more positioning methods in order to determine the location of the UE 104. Positioning the UE 104 may involve: signal measurements, position estimation, and optional speed calculation based on the measurements. Signal measurements may be performed by the UE 104 and / or the serving base station 102. The measured signals may be based on one or more of the following: a satellite positioning system (SPS) 170 (e.g., one or more of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), a global positioning system (GPS), a non-terrestrial network (NTN), or other satellite positioning / positioning systems), LTE signals, wireless local area network (WLAN) signals, Bluetooth signals, a terrestrial beacon system (TBS), sensor-based information (e.g., a pressure sensor, a motion sensor), NR enhanced cell ID (NR E-CID) methods, NR signals (e.g., multi-round trip time (multi-RTT), DL angle of departure (DL-AoD), DL time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA), UL time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA), and UL angle of arrival (UL-AoA) positioning) and / or other systems / signals / sensors.

[0054] Examples of UE 104 include cellular phones, smart phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), satellite radios, global positioning systems, multimedia devices, video devices, digital audio players (e.g., MP3 players), cameras, game consoles, tablet computers, smart devices, wearable devices, vehicles, electric meters, oil pumps, large or small kitchen appliances, medical devices, implants, sensors / actuators, displays, or any other similar functional devices. Some UE 104 may be referred to as IoT devices (e.g., parking meters, oil pumps, toasters, vehicles, heart monitors, etc.). UE 104 may also be referred to as stations, mobile stations, user stations, mobile units, user units, wireless units, remote units, mobile devices, wireless devices, wireless communication devices, remote devices, mobile user stations, access terminals, mobile terminals, wireless terminals, remote terminals, mobile phones, user agents, mobile clients, clients, or some other suitable term. In some scenarios, the term UE may also be applied to one or more companion devices such as in a device constellation arrangement. One or more of these devices may access a network together and / or individually.

[0055] Reference again Figure 1 In certain aspects, the UE 104 may include a PHY security component 198, which may be configured to receive a first indication of a PHY signature pool including a plurality of PHY signatures from a first network node. The PHY security component 198 may be configured to receive a second indication of at least one PHY signature from the plurality of PHY signatures from the first network node. The PHY security component 198 may be configured to receive at least one message from the first network node based on the at least one PHY signature. The PHY security component 198 may be configured to demodulate at least one message based on the at least one PHY signature. In certain aspects, the base station 102 may include a PHY security component 199, which may be configured to send a first indication of a PHY signature pool including a plurality of PHY signatures to a second network node. The PHY security component 199 may be configured to select at least one PHY signature from the plurality of PHY signatures. The PHY security component 199 may be configured to send a second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature to the second network node. The PHY security component 199 may be configured to send at least one message to the second network node based on the selected at least one PHY signature. Although the following description may focus on 5G NR, the concepts described herein may be applicable to other similar areas such as LTE, LTE-A, CDMA, GSM, and other wireless technologies.

[0056] Figure 2A200 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first subframe within a 5G NR frame structure. Figure 2B 230 is a diagram illustrating an example of DL channels within a 5G NR subframe. Figure 2C 250 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second subframe within a 5G NR frame structure. Figure 2D 280 is a diagram illustrating an example of UL channels within a 5G NR subframe. The 5G NR frame structure may be frequency division duplex (FDD), where for a particular set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), the subframes within the subcarrier set are dedicated to either DL or UL, or may be time division duplex (TDD), where for a particular set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), the subframes within the subcarrier set are dedicated to both DL and UL. Figure 2A , 2C In the example provided, it is assumed that the 5G NR frame structure is TDD, where subframe 4 is configured with slot format 28 (mostly DL), where D is DL, U is UL, and F is flexibly used between DL / UL, and subframe 3 is configured with slot format 1 (all UL). Although subframes 3 and 4 are shown as having slot formats 1 and 28, respectively, any particular subframe can be configured with any of the various available slot formats 0-61. Slot formats 0 and 1 are full DL and UL, respectively. Other slot formats 2-61 include a mix of DL, UL, and flexible symbols. The slot format is configured for the UE via the received slot format indicator (SFI) (dynamically configured via DL control information (DCI) or semi-statically / statically configured via radio resource control (RRC) signaling). Note that the following description also applies to a 5G NR frame structure that is TDD.

[0057] Figures 2A-2DThe frame structure is shown, and various aspects of the present disclosure are applicable to other wireless communication technologies that may have different frame structures and / or different channels. A frame (10ms) can be divided into 10 equally sized subframes (1ms). Each subframe may include one or more time slots. A subframe may also include a micro-time slot, which may include 7, 4 or 2 symbols. Each time slot may include 14 or 12 symbols, depending on whether the cyclic prefix (CP) is normal or extended. For a normal CP, each time slot may include 14 symbols, and for an extended CP, each time slot may include 12 symbols. The symbol on the DL may be a CP orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) (CP-OFDM) symbol. The symbol on the UL may be a CP-OFDM symbol (for high throughput scenarios) or a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbol (also known as a single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) symbol) (for power-limited scenarios; limited to single stream transmission). The number of time slots within a subframe is based on the CP and the digital scheme. The digital scheme defines the subcarrier spacing (SCS), and effectively defines the symbol length / duration, which is equal to 1 / SCS. Table 1. Digital scheme, SCS and CP

[0058] For normal CP (14 symbols / slot), different digital schemes μ0 to 4 allow 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 slots per subframe, respectively. For extended CP, digital scheme 2 allows 4 slots per subframe. Therefore, for normal CP and digital scheme μ, there are 14 symbols / slot and 2 μ timeslots / subframe. The subcarrier spacing can be equal to 2 μ *15kHz, where μ is digital scheme 0 to 4. Thus, digital scheme μ=0 has a subcarrier spacing of 15kHz, and digital scheme μ=4 has a subcarrier spacing of 240kHz. The symbol length / duration is inversely proportional to the subcarrier spacing. Figures 2A-2D An example is provided for a normal CP with 14 symbols per slot and a digital scheme μ=2 with 4 slots per subframe. The slot duration is 0.25 ms, the subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz, and the symbol duration is about 16.67 μs. Within a frame set, there may be one or more different bandwidth parts (BWPs) of frequency division multiplexing (see Figure 2B ). Each BWP can have a specific number scheme and CP (normal or extended).

[0059] A resource grid may be used to represent a frame structure. Each slot includes a resource block (RB) (also called a physical RB (PRB)) extending over 12 consecutive subcarriers. The resource grid is divided into a number of resource elements (REs). The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0060] like Figure 2A As shown, some REs carry reference (pilot) signals (RS) for UEs. RSs may include demodulation RSs (DM-RSs) (indicated as R for a particular configuration, but other DM-RS configurations are possible) and channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs) for channel estimation at the UE. RSs may also include beam measurement RSs (BRSs), beam refinement RSs (BRRSs), and phase tracking RSs (PT-RSs).

[0061] Figure 2B Examples of various DL channels within a subframe of a frame are shown. The physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carries DCI in one or more control channel elements (CCEs) (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 CCEs), each CCE including six RE groups (REGs), each REG including 12 consecutive REs in an OFDM symbol of an RB. The PDCCH within a BWP may be referred to as a control resource set (CORESET). The UE is configured to monitor PDCCH candidates in a PDCCH search space (e.g., a common search space, a UE-specific search space) during a PDCCH monitoring opportunity on the CORESET, wherein the PDCCH candidates have different DCI formats and different aggregation levels. Additional BWPs may be located at greater and / or lower frequencies across the channel bandwidth. The primary synchronization signal (PSS) may be within symbol 2 of a particular subframe of a frame. The UE 104 uses the PSS to determine subframe / symbol timing and physical layer identification. The secondary synchronization signal (SSS) may be within symbol 4 of a particular subframe of a frame. The UE uses the SSS to determine the physical layer cell identity group number and the radio frame timing. Based on the physical layer identity and the physical layer cell identity group number, the UE can determine the physical cell identifier (PCI). Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the location of the DM-RS. The physical broadcast channel (PBCH) carrying the master information block (MIB) can be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form a synchronization signal (SS) / PBCH block (also called SS block (SSB)). The MIB provides the number of RBs in the system bandwidth and the system frame number (SFN). The physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information not sent via the PBCH (such as, system information block (SIB)), and paging messages.

[0062] like Figure 2CAs shown, some REs carry DM-RS for channel estimation at the base station (indicated as R for one specific configuration, but other DM-RS configurations are also possible). The UE can send DM-RS for the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and DM-RS for the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). The PUSCH DM-RS can be sent in the first one or two symbols of the PUSCH. Depending on whether a short or long PUCCH is sent and depending on the specific PUCCH format used, the PUCCH DM-RS can be sent in different configurations. The UE can send a sounding reference signal (SRS). The SRS can be sent in the last symbol of the subframe. The SRS can have a comb structure, and the UE can send the SRS on one of the combs. The base station can use the SRS for channel quality estimation to enable frequency-based scheduling on the UL.

[0063] Figure 2D Examples of various UL channels within a subframe of a frame are shown. The PUCCH may be positioned as indicated in one configuration. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as scheduling requests, channel quality indicator (CQI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), rank indicator (RI), and hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgement (ACK) (HARQ-ACK) feedback (i.e., one or more HARQ ACK bits indicating one or more ACKs and / or negative ACKs (NACKs)). The PUSCH carries data and may also be used to carry a buffer status report (BSR), a power headroom report (PHR), and / or UCI.

[0064] Figure 33 is a block diagram of a base station 310 in communication with a UE 350 in an access network. In the DL, Internet Protocol (IP) packets may be provided to a controller / processor 375. The controller / processor 375 implements the functions of layer 3 and layer 2. Layer 3 includes a radio resource control (RRC) layer, and layer 2 includes a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, and a medium access control (MAC) layer. The controller / processor 375 provides: RRC layer functions associated with broadcasting of system information (e.g., MIB, SIB), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-radio access technology (RAT) mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functions associated with header compression / decompression, security (ciphering, deciphering, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functions associated with forwarding of upper layer packet data units (PDUs), error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functions associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0065] The transmit (TX) processor 316 and the receive (RX) processor 370 implement layer 1 functions associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1, including the physical (PHY) layer, may include: error detection on the transmission channel, forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding of the transmission channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation and demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. The TX processor 316 processes the mapping to the signal constellation based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-phase shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The coded and modulated symbols can then be divided into parallel streams. Each stream can then be mapped to an OFDM subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., a pilot) in the time domain and / or frequency domain, and then combined together using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying a time domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM stream is spatially precoded to produce multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from a channel estimator 374 may be used to determine the coding and modulation schemes and for spatial processing. The channel estimate may be derived from a reference signal and / or channel condition feedback sent by the UE 350. Each spatial stream may then be provided to a different antenna 320 via a separate transmitter 318Tx. Each transmitter 318Tx may modulate a radio frequency (RF) carrier with a corresponding spatial stream for transmission.

[0066] At the UE 350, each receiver 354Rx receives a signal through its corresponding antenna 352. Each receiver 354Rx recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides the information to a receive (RX) processor 356. The TX processor 368 and the RX processor 356 implement layer 1 functions associated with various signal processing functions. The RX processor 356 can perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial stream destined for the UE 350. If multiple spatial streams are destined for the UE 350, they can be combined into a single OFDM symbol stream by the RX processor 356. The RX processor 356 then converts the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain using a fast Fourier transform (FFT). The frequency domain signal includes a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols and reference signals on each subcarrier are recovered and demodulated by determining the most likely signal constellation point sent by the base station 310. These soft decisions can be based on channel estimates calculated by the channel estimator 358. The soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the data and control signals originally sent on the physical channel by the base station 310. The data and control signals are then provided to the controller / processor 359 which performs layer 3 and layer 2 functions.

[0067] The controller / processor 359 may be associated with a memory 360 that stores program codes and data. The memory 360 may be referred to as a computer readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 359 provides demultiplexing between transport channels and logical channels, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets. The controller / processor 359 is also responsible for error detection using ACK and / or NACK protocols to support HARQ operations.

[0068] Similar to the functions described in conjunction with the DL transmission of the base station 310, the controller / processor 359 provides: RRC layer functions associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) acquisition, RRC connection, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functions related to header compression / decompression and security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functions associated with forwarding of upper layer PDUs, error correction through ARQ, splicing, segmentation and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functions associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs on TBs, demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization

[0069] Channel estimates derived by the channel estimator 358 from a reference signal or feedback sent by the base station 310 may be used by the TX processor 368 to select the appropriate coding and modulation schemes and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial streams generated by the TX processor 368 may be provided to different antennas 352 via separate transmitters 354Tx. Each transmitter 354Tx may modulate an RF carrier with a corresponding spatial stream for transmission.

[0070] UL transmissions are processed at the base station 310 in a manner similar to that described in conjunction with the receiver functionality at the UE 350. Each receiver 318Rx receives a signal through its respective antenna 320. Each receiver 318Rx recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to the RX processor 370.

[0071] The controller / processor 375 may be associated with a memory 376 that stores program codes and data. The memory 376 may be referred to as a computer readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 375 provides: demultiplexing between transport channels and logical channels, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, control signal processing to recover IP packets. The controller / processor 375 is also responsible for error detection using ACK and / or NACK protocols to support HARQ operations.

[0072] At least one of the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and the controller / processor 359 may be configured to combine Figure 1 The PHY security component 198 is used to perform various aspects.

[0073] At least one of the TX processor 316, the RX processor 370, and the controller / processor 375 may be configured to combine Figure 1 The PHY security component 199 is used to perform various aspects.

[0074] The transmitter may embed artificial PHY impairments (e.g., AMPM impairments, FDRSB impairments, etc.) as PHY signatures in the transmitted signal to provide security and reliability directly in the PHY. The PHY signature / impairment may be removed by a receiver that knows the embedded PHY signature. Thus, by using the PHY signature, a passive eavesdropper may not be able to correctly demodulate the message because even though the eavesdropper may successfully capture the message, the eavesdropper may not know the exact embedded PHY signature.

[0075] Figure 4 4 is an example block diagram 400 illustrating adding artificial PHY impairments. For example, the artificial PHY impairments may be used as a signature that both authenticates the transmitter and encrypts the transmission. A receiver may receive an indication of the PHY impairments from the transmitter. Based on the indication, the receiver may confirm that the transmitter sent a transmission with PHY impairments consistent with the indication. In addition, the receiver may recover the content of the transmission by removing the PHY impairments based on the indication. Adding artificial PHY impairments in the oversampled domain (e.g., the output of the digital front end (DFE) block 408, also referred to as the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) input) may introduce out-of-band leakage, which may result in a violation of the adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) specification. Therefore, artificial PHY impairments may be added in the baseband domain at block 404 between the IFFT block 402 (the output of the baseband frequency domain processing block 401 may become the input of the IFFT block 402) and the DFE block 408.

[0076] Because artificial PHY impairments are introduced in the baseband domain, all impairments can be folded into the band, which can be associated with a penalty in terms of error vector magnitude (EVM). In addition, the added artificial PHY impairments can be removed at the receiver. However, due to other impairments (e.g., thermal noise, channel noise, etc.), the removal of artificial PHY impairments at the receiver may not be perfect. In one or more configurations, if artificial PHY impairments are also added to at least one data portion of a downlink service (e.g., PDSCH and / or PDCCH), a digital post-distortion (DPoD) technique (which can be applied iteratively) can be utilized to improve (e.g., reduce) the EVM associated with at least one data portion of the downlink service.

[0077] In some configurations, to implement artificial PHY impairments, the transmitter may provide an indication of the type of embedded PHY signature and parameters associated with the embedded PHY signature to the receiver. For example, the transmitter may send these indications to the receiver in a trusted and PHY-secure manner via Layer 3 (L3) signaling or via a PHY Security Reference Signal (SERS).

[0078] In some other configurations, a signature pool including potential artificial PHY signatures can be securely shared between a transmit-receive pair in advance (i.e., before the transmitter sends a message protected by an artificial PHY signature). For example, the signature pool can include all possible artificial PHY impairments / signatures that can be used by the transmitter (e.g., AMPM impairments, FDRSB impairments, etc.). Thereafter, the transmitter can reference the PHY signature to be used by the index of the PHY signature in the pool. That is, the transmitter can send the index of the PHY signature to the receiver so that the receiver knows the PHY signature being used / to be used, and the receiver can remove the PHY impairments accordingly.

[0079] In some configurations, the index sent by the transmitter may be further used to carry additional information bits (e.g., as in an IM frame). Using an index to carry additional information bits may be beneficial in low-latency applications because the information is immediately available upon receipt without further decoding. Additional techniques may be used in multi-antenna scenarios where the transmitter may use a single RF chain or multiple RF chains.

[0080] Figure 5 5 is a schematic diagram of an example process 500 associated with index modulation for PHY signature selection according to one or more aspects. As shown, in some examples, a transmitter 502 may correspond to a base station / network node, and a receiver 504 may correspond to a UE. Although some aspects are described in conjunction with a base station / network node as a transmitter and a UE as a receiver, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some additional examples, the transmitter and the receiver may be other network nodes. For example, both the transmitter and the receiver may be a base station / network node (e.g., an IAB node) or a UE. In some further examples, the transmitter may be a UE, and the receiver may be a base station / network node.

[0081] Transmitter 502 and receiver 504 may share a signature pool 506 via link 518 (which may be a layer 1 (L1) / PHY link or an L3 link). Signature pool 506 may include a plurality of possible artificial PHY impairments / signatures that may be used in a communication session between transmitter 502 and receiver 504. Signature pool 506 (e.g., a pool of artificial PHY signatures) may include artificial PHY signatures of the same type or different types. For example, an AMPM signature (e.g., a number of sinusoidal cycles, a delay, a frequency, and / or an amplitude of a sinusoidal wave) and an FDRSB signature (e.g., an AR-type digital filter representing a phase mismatch between an in-phase (I) path and a quadrature (Q) path of a transmit / receive chain) are two types of artificial PHY signatures that may be used. Other types of suitable artificial PHY signatures may also be used.

[0082] In different configurations, the signature pool 506 may be selected by the transmitter 502 or by a network (e.g., a RAN or core network) associated with the transmitter 502. The transmitter 502 may share the signature pool 506 with the receiver 504 at the beginning of the communication session over the link 518. For example, if the transmitter 502 is a base station and the receiver 504 is a UE, the base station may share the signature pool 506 with the UE when the UE becomes attached to the base station.

[0083] In different configurations, the transmitter 502 may share the signature pool 506 with the receiver 504 via an L3 link or a PHY (L1) link, where the L3 link may be secure (e.g., using cryptographic techniques). If the L3 link is used to share the signature pool 506, the L3 link may be available after RRC is established. Sharing the pool via the L3 link may be suitable for a larger signature pool. A larger signature pool (e.g., signature pool 506) may be associated with more IM bits.

[0084] If a PHY link is to be used to share the signature pool 506, the signature pool 506 may be shared over the PHY link in a PHY-safe manner (e.g., using a phase difference-based technique). The transmission of the signature pool 506 over the PHY link may be connectionless (i.e., without RRC establishment), which may be more convenient for smaller signature pools. A smaller signature pool (e.g., signature pool 506) may be associated with fewer IM bits.

[0085] In some configurations, the transmitter 502 (or a network associated with the transmitter 502) may define a lifetime (e.g., validity duration) of the signature pool 506. The lifetime of the signature pool 506 may be independent of the session duration, and thus, the lifetime of the signature pool 506 may be shorter or longer than the session duration. In one configuration, the transmitter 502 (or a network associated with the transmitter 502) may revoke the current signature pool (e.g., the signature pool 506 (or any PHY signature therein)) before the lifetime expires. For example, if the signature pool 506 or any entry (PHY signature) in the signature pool 506 is evaluated by the transmitter 502 as having been compromised (e.g., known to an adversary), the transmitter 502 may revoke the signature pool 506 before the lifetime of the signature pool 506 expires.

[0086] At 526, the transmitter 502 may select a PHY signature 516 to embed into the message 510 to be transmitted. After modulating the index of the selected PHY signature 516 in the signature pool 506, the transmitter may transmit the index of the selected PHY signature 516 to the receiver 504 (e.g., via the link 518). At 520, the transmitter 502 may generate the signature-embedded message 512 by embedding the selected PHY signature 516 into the message 510. Thereafter, at 522, the transmitter 502 may transmit the signature-embedded message 512 to the receiver 504.

[0087] For a signature pool size N, the index of a particular PHY signature in the signature pool 506 can be represented by log2 N bits. These bits 508 may be referred to as IM bits 508 hereinafter. The transmitter 502 may send the IM bits 508 to the receiver 504. In some configurations, the IM bits 508 may be directly available to the receiver 504 in the PHY (i.e., without further decoding). Accordingly, the IM bits 508 may be suitable for use as PHY command bits (e.g., DCI indication bits), particularly for low-latency applications. Therefore, the transmitter 502 may select the PHY signature 516 to be used based on the information (e.g., PHY command bits, DCI indication bits, etc.) that the transmitter 502 intends to send to the receiver 504 via IM technology, so that the IM bits 508 corresponding to the selected PHY signature 516 can convey the information that the transmitter 502 intends to send via IM technology.

[0088] The index (e.g., IM bit 508) may be sent by transmitter 502 to receiver 504 following a strategy similar to that used to communicate signature pool 506, i.e., via a secure L3 link (which may be associated with a slower update rate) or via a PHY link in a PHY-secure manner (e.g., using a phase difference-based technique).

[0089] The receiver 504 may then obtain the index at 514 and may use the index to select the corresponding PHY signature 516. At 524, the receiver 504 may remove the PHY signature 516 from one or more subsequent messages (e.g., the message 512 with the embedded signature) from the transmitter 502. For example, removing the PHY signature 516 from the message 512 with the embedded signature may include demodulating the message 512 with the embedded signature to recover the original message 510. Additionally, at 514, when the receiver 504 obtains the index, the receiver 504 may extract the IM bits 508 (e.g., the information conveyed therein) in parallel.

[0090] Figure 6 6 is a diagram of an example process 600 associated with index modulation for PHY signature selection in a multi-antenna scenario according to one or more aspects. Figure 6 ) can be used with Figure 5 The transmitter 502 in Figure 5 In a similar manner to the receiver 504 in the example, sharing a PHY signature pool (e.g., signature pool 506) with the receiver ( Figure 6 In addition, the transmitter may select (e.g., from a total of n T RF chains) - number (n A ) of active RF chains for transmitting toward a receiver, where n A ≤n T In addition, the transmitter can select n S Different PHY signatures can be embedded in the A The messages (streams) sent to the receiver by the active RF chains, where 1≤n S ≤n A Using multiple different PHY signatures across the various active RF chains can further increase the level of security protection. A The active RF chains can be used to send different streams.

[0091] Therefore, that is, if n S = 1, the same PHY signature can be used to impair all n A On the other hand, if n S =n A , then different PHY signature impairments can be used A Each active RF chain in the active RF chains. If n S Falling between 1 and n A (excluding) between, then for n A An active RF chain can use multiple different PHY signatures, and n ASome of the active RF chains may share one or more identical PHY signatures.

[0092] Therefore, the transmitter can modulate the selected n S The index of different PHY signatures can be Figure 5 The transmitter 502 in FIG. 10 transmits the received data to the user (e.g., via one or more secure L3 links (which may be associated with a slower update rate) or via one or more PHY links in a PHY-secure manner (e.g., using a phase difference-based technique)). Figure 5 In a similar manner as the receiver 504 in sends the modulated index for the selected PHY signature 516, the modulated index is sent to the receiver.

[0093] For a pool size of N, the total number of IM bits 604 may be n S log2 N, which may be a single antenna / RF chain scenario (e.g., Figure 5 The number of IM bits (log2 N) in the scenario shown in S times. IM bit 604 can be directly used by a receiver in a PHY without further decoding. Therefore, IM bit 604 can be used as a PHY command bit (e.g., a DCI indication bit). Using IM bit 604 as a PHY command bit may be particularly suitable for low-latency applications.

[0094] Upon receiving the index, the receiver can use the index to select n from the PHY signature pool. S In addition, the receiver can use the selected n S corresponding PHY signatures to remove the PHY signature from subsequent messages from the transmitter. That is, the receiver can remove the PHY signature from subsequent messages from the transmitter based on the selected n S The receiver may also use the corresponding PHY signatures to demodulate subsequent messages from the transmitter to recover the original message / data bits 602. In addition, when the receiver obtains the index, the receiver may also extract the IM bits 604 (eg, the information conveyed therein) in parallel.

[0095] In one or more configurations, n may also be referenced based on an index (eg, an RF chain combination index). S active RF chains, where the index can be compared to a total of n T In addition to the IM bit 604 associated with the PHY signature selection, the RF chain combination index may be used as an additional IM bit.

[0096] In one example, the transmitter may select n AA subset of active RF chains (layers) may be selected, where signals sent via the selected subset of active RF chains may carry a PHY signature, and signals sent via unselected active RF chains may not carry a PHY signature. For example, the selected subset of active RF chains may be associated with higher signal strength or quality. This may be similar to antenna port selection for a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS), where a stronger port may be selected for transmission of PTRS.

[0097] In some configurations, the RF chain (layer) selection for PHY signature embedding can be based on the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) selected for the codeword (the codeword can be the output of an error correction code (e.g., a polar code, a low-density parity check (LDPC) code, etc.). In some examples, a single RF chain (layer / antenna port) can be selected for each codeword for PHY signature embedding because authenticating one RF chain (layer) based on the PHY signature embedded for that RF chain (layer) can also implicitly authenticate transmissions via other RF chains (layers) because rate matching of the coded bits can be spread across active RF chains (layers) within the codeword.

[0098] In one or more configurations, the set of antenna ports selected for PHY signature embedding (and the relationship between the ports and RF chains, as appropriate) can be communicated to the receiver by the transmitter (e.g., in a secure manner, such as via one or more secure L3 links (which may be associated with a slower update rate) or in a PHY-secure manner (e.g., using phase difference-based techniques) via one or more PHY links).

[0099] In some other configurations, the selection of antenna ports for PHY signature embedding can also be used to generate another set of IM bits. In particular, when n is selected for PHY signature embedding A n of the active RF chains / antenna ports AP At this time, you can send messages based on IM technology. bits.

[0100] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication flow 700 of a method of wireless communication. The first network node 702 may correspond to Figure 5 In addition, the second network node 704 may correspond to Figure 5 At 706, the first network node 702 may send a first indication of a PHY signature pool including a plurality of PHY signatures to the second network node 704.

[0101] In one configuration, each PHY signature in the plurality of PHY signatures may be an AMPM signature or an FDRSB signature.

[0102] In one configuration, a first indication 706 of the PHY signature pool may be sent by the first network node 702 to the second network node 704 via PHY signaling or L3 signaling. The PHY signaling may not be associated with the RRC procedure. The L3 signaling may be associated with the RRC procedure.

[0103] At 708, the first network node 702 may select at least one PHY signature from the plurality of PHY signatures. In some configurations, the first network node 702 may select the at least one PHY signature based on additional information (e.g., PHY command bits, DCI indication bits, etc.) that the first network node 702 communicates to the second network node 704 based on the IM technology intent.

[0104] At 710 , the first network node 702 may send a second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature to the second network node 704 .

[0105] In one configuration, a second indication 710 of the selected at least one PHY signature may be sent by the first network node 702 to the second network node 704 via PHY signaling or L3 signaling.

[0106] In one configuration, the second indication 710 of the selected at least one PHY signature may include at least one PHY signature index associated with the selected at least one PHY signature. Accordingly, the second indication 710 may include additional information based on IM technology (e.g., PHY command bits, DCI indication bits, etc.).

[0107] At 712, first network node 702 may send at least one message to second network node 704 based on the selected at least one PHY signature.

[0108] At 714, the second network node 704 may demodulate the at least one message 712 based on the at least one PHY signature.

[0109] In one configuration, the PHY signature pool may be associated with a lifetime of the PHY signature pool or a duration of the PHY signature pool.

[0110] At 716, the first network node 702 may send a third indication to the second network node 704 to revoke the PHY signature pool before the lifetime expires or the duration expires.

[0111] In one configuration, the at least one message 712 may be sent by the first network node 702 to the second network node 704 using the plurality of RF chains. Each of the selected at least one PHY signature may be associated with one or more respective RF chains of the plurality of RF chains.

[0112] In one configuration, the plurality of RF chains may be associated with an RF chain combination index. The first network node 702 may select the plurality of RF chains (from all RF chains of the first network node 702) based on additional information (e.g., PHY command bits, DCI indication bits, etc.) that the first network node 702 intends to communicate to the second network node 704 based on IM technology. Accordingly, the indication of the plurality of RF chains sent from the first network node 702 to the second network node 704 may include the additional information based on IM technology (e.g., PHY command bits, DCI indication bits, etc.).

[0113] In one configuration, the plurality of RF chains may include a first subset of RF chains and a second subset of RF chains. The first subset of RF chains may be associated with PHY impairments based on the selected at least one PHY signature. The second subset of RF chains may not be associated with PHY impairments.

[0114] At 718, the first network node 702 may select a first subset of RF chains from the plurality of RF chains based on the MCS associated with the codeword.

[0115] At 720, the first network node 702 may send a fourth indication of the first RF chain subset to the second network node 704. In some configurations, the first RF chain subset may be associated with another index (e.g., a second RF chain combination index). At 718, the first network node 702 may select the first RF chain subset based on additional information (e.g., a PHY command bit, a DCI indication bit, etc.) communicated by the first network node 702 to the second network node 704 based on the IM technology intent. Accordingly, the fourth indication 720 may include additional information based on the IM technology (e.g., a PHY command bit, a DCI indication bit, etc.).

[0116] In one configuration, the fourth indication 720 of the first RF chain subset may be sent by the first network node 702 to the second network node 704 via PHY signaling or L3 signaling.

[0117] Figure 8 800 is a flow chart of a method of wireless communication. The method may be performed by a first network node / base station (e.g., base station 102 / 310; first network node 702; network entity 1202). At 802, the first network node may send a first indication of a PHY signature pool including a plurality of PHY signatures to a second network node. For example, 802 may be performed by Fig.13 Component 199 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 706 , the first network node 702 may send a first indication of a PHY signature pool including a plurality of PHY signatures to the second network node 704 .

[0118] At 804, the first network node may select at least one PHY signature from a plurality of PHY signatures. For example, 804 may be performed by Fig.13 Component 199 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 708, the first network node 702 may select at least one PHY signature from the plurality of PHY signatures.

[0119] At 806, the first network node may send a second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature to the second network node. For example, 806 may be performed by Fig.13 Component 199 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 710 , the first network node 702 may send a second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature to the second network node 704 .

[0120] At 808, the first network node may send at least one message to the second network node based on the selected at least one PHY signature. For example, 808 may be performed by Fig.13 Component 199 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 712, the first network node 702 may send at least one message to the second network node 704 based on the selected at least one PHY signature.

[0121] Fig. 9 900 is a flow chart of a method of wireless communication. The method may be performed by a first network node / base station (e.g., base station 102 / 310; first network node 702; network entity 1202). At 902, the first network node may send a first indication of a PHY signature pool including a plurality of PHY signatures to a second network node. For example, 902 may be performed by Fig.13 Component 199 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 706 , the first network node 702 may send a first indication of a PHY signature pool including a plurality of PHY signatures to the second network node 704 .

[0122] At 904, the first network node may select at least one PHY signature from a plurality of PHY signatures. For example, 904 may be performed by Fig.13 Component 199 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 708, the first network node 702 may select at least one PHY signature from the plurality of PHY signatures.

[0123] At 906, the first network node may send a second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature to the second network node. For example, 906 may be performed by Fig.13 Component 199 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7At 710 , the first network node 702 may send a second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature to the second network node 704 .

[0124] At 908, the first network node may send at least one message to the second network node based on the selected at least one PHY signature. For example, 908 may be performed by Fig.13 Component 199 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 712, the first network node 702 may send at least one message to the second network node 704 based on the selected at least one PHY signature.

[0125] In one configuration, each PHY signature in the plurality of PHY signatures may be an AMPM signature or an FDRSB signature.

[0126] In one configuration, reference Figure 7 , a first indication 706 of the PHY signature pool may be sent to the second network node 704 via PHY signaling or L3 signaling. PHY signaling may not be associated with the RRC procedure. L3 signaling may be associated with the RRC procedure.

[0127] In one configuration, reference Figure 7 , a second indication 710 of the selected at least one PHY signature may be sent to the second network node 704 via PHY signaling or L3 signaling.

[0128] In one configuration, reference Figure 7 The second indication 710 of the selected at least one PHY signature may include at least one PHY signature index associated with the selected at least one PHY signature.

[0129] In one configuration, the PHY signature pool may be associated with a lifetime of the PHY signature pool or a duration of the PHY signature pool.

[0130] In one configuration, at 910, the first network node may send a third indication to the second network node to revoke the PHY signature pool before the lifetime expires or the duration expires. For example, 910 may be performed by Fig.13 Component 199 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 716, the first network node 702 may send a third indication to revoke the PHY signature pool to the second network node 704 before the lifetime expires or the duration expires.

[0131] In one configuration, reference Figure 7 , at least one message 712 may be sent using the plurality of RF chains to the second network node 704. Each of the selected at least one PHY signature may be associated with one or more corresponding RF chains of the plurality of RF chains.

[0132] In one configuration, multiple RF chains may be associated with an RF chain combination index.

[0133] In one configuration, the plurality of RF chains may include a first subset of RF chains and a second subset of RF chains. The first subset of RF chains may be associated with PHY impairments based on the selected at least one PHY signature. The second subset of RF chains may not be associated with PHY impairments.

[0134] In one configuration, at 912, the first network node may select a first subset of RF chains from a plurality of RF chains based on an MCS associated with a codeword. For example, 912 may be performed by Fig.13 Component 199 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 718, the first network node 702 may select a first subset of RF chains from the plurality of RF chains based on the MCS associated with the codeword.

[0135] At 914, the first network node may send a fourth indication of the first RF chain subset to the second network node. For example, 914 may be performed by Fig.13 Component 199 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 720 , the first network node 702 may send a fourth indication of the first RF chain subset to the second network node 704 .

[0136] In one configuration, reference Figure 7 , a fourth indication 720 of the first RF chain subset may be sent to the second network node 704 via PHY signaling or L3 signaling.

[0137] Fig.10 1000 is a flow chart of a method of wireless communication. The method may be performed by a second network node / UE (e.g., UE 104 / 350; second network node 704; apparatus 1204). At 1002, the second network node may receive a first indication of a PHY signature pool including a plurality of PHY signatures from a first network node. For example, 1002 may be performed by Fig.12 Component 198 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 706 , the second network node 704 may receive, from the first network node 702 , a first indication of a PHY signature pool including a plurality of PHY signatures.

[0138] At 1004, the second network node may receive a second indication of at least one of the plurality of PHY signatures from the first network node. For example, 1004 may be performed by Fig.12 Component 198 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7At 710 , the second network node 704 may receive a second indication of at least one of the plurality of PHY signatures from the first network node 702 .

[0139] At 1006, the second network node may receive at least one message from the first network node based on the at least one PHY signature. For example, 1006 may be performed by Fig.12 Component 198 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 712, the second network node 704 may receive at least one message from the first network node 702 based on the at least one PHY signature.

[0140] At 1008, the second network node may demodulate at least one message based on the at least one PHY signature. For example, 1008 may be performed by Fig.12 Component 198 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 714, the second network node 704 may demodulate the at least one message 712 based on the at least one PHY signature.

[0141] Fig.11 1100 is a flow chart of a method of wireless communication. The method may be performed by a second network node / UE (e.g., UE 104 / 350; second network node 704; apparatus 1204). At 1102, the second network node may receive a first indication of a PHY signature pool including a plurality of PHY signatures from a first network node. For example, 1102 may be performed by Fig.12 Component 198 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 706 , the second network node 704 may receive, from the first network node 702 , a first indication of a PHY signature pool including a plurality of PHY signatures.

[0142] At 1104, the second network node may receive a second indication of at least one of the plurality of PHY signatures from the first network node. For example, 1104 may be performed by Fig.12 Component 198 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 710 , the second network node 704 may receive a second indication of at least one of the plurality of PHY signatures from the first network node 702 .

[0143] At 1106, the second network node may receive at least one message from the first network node based on the at least one PHY signature. For example, 1106 may be performed by Fig.12 Component 198 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 712, the second network node 704 may receive at least one message from the first network node 702 based on the at least one PHY signature.

[0144] At 1108, the second network node may demodulate at least one message based on the at least one PHY signature. For example, 1108 may be performed by Fig.12 Component 198 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 714, the second network node 704 may demodulate the at least one message 712 based on the at least one PHY signature.

[0145] In one configuration, each PHY signature in the plurality of PHY signatures may be an AMPM signature or an FDRSB signature.

[0146] In one configuration, reference Figure 7 , a first indication 706 of a PHY signature pool may be received from a first network node 702 via PHY signaling or L3 signaling. PHY signaling may not be associated with an RRC procedure. L3 signaling may be associated with an RRC procedure.

[0147] In one configuration, reference Figure 7 , a second indication 710 of at least one PHY signature may be received from the first network node 702 via PHY signaling or L3 signaling.

[0148] In one configuration, reference Figure 7 The second indication 710 of the at least one PHY signature may include at least one PHY signature index associated with the at least one PHY signature.

[0149] In one configuration, the PHY signature pool may be associated with a lifetime of the PHY signature pool or a duration of the PHY signature pool.

[0150] In one configuration, at 1110, the second network node may receive a third indication from the first network node to revoke the PHY signature pool before the lifetime expires or the duration expires. For example, 1110 may be performed by Fig.12 Component 198 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 716, the second network node 704 may receive a third indication to revoke the PHY signature pool from the first network node 702 before the lifetime expires or the duration expires.

[0151] In one configuration, reference Figure 7 At least one message 712 may be received from the first network node 702 via the plurality of RF chains at the first network node 702. Each of the at least one PHY signature may be associated with one or more respective RF chains of the plurality of RF chains.

[0152] In one configuration, multiple RF chains may be associated with an RF chain combination index.

[0153] In one configuration, the plurality of RF chains may include a first subset of RF chains and a second subset of RF chains. The first subset of RF chains may be associated with PHY impairments based on at least one PHY signature. The second subset of RF chains may not be associated with PHY impairments.

[0154] In one configuration, at 1112, the second network node may receive a fourth indication of a first RF chain subset from the first network node. The first RF chain subset may be based on an MCS associated with a codeword. For example, 1112 may be provided by Fig.12 Component 198 in the implementation. Reference Figure 7 At 720 , the second network node 704 may receive a fourth indication of the first RF chain subset from the first network node 702 .

[0155] In one configuration, reference Figure 7 , a fourth indication 720 of the first RF chain subset may be received from the first network node 702 via PHY signaling or L3 signaling.

[0156] Fig.121200 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of an apparatus 1204. The apparatus 1204 may be a UE, a component of a UE, or may implement UE functionality. In some aspects, the apparatus 1204 may include a cellular baseband processor 1224 (also referred to as a modem) coupled to one or more transceivers 1222 (e.g., a cellular RF transceiver). The cellular baseband processor 1224 may include on-chip memory 1224'. In some aspects, the apparatus 1204 may also include one or more subscriber identity module (SIM) cards 1220 and an application processor 1206 coupled to a secure digital (SD) card 1208 and a screen 1210. The application processor 1206 may include on-chip memory 1206'. In some aspects, the device 1204 may also include a Bluetooth module 1212, a WLAN module 1214, an SPS module 1216 (e.g., a GNSS module), one or more sensor modules 1218 (e.g., a barometric pressure sensor / altimeter; a motion sensor such as an inertial management unit (IMU), a gyroscope, and / or (multiple) accelerometers; a laser detection and ranging (LIDAR), a radio-aided detection and ranging (RADAR), a sound navigation and ranging (SONAR), a magnetometer, audio, and / or other technologies for positioning), an additional memory module 1226, a power source 1230, and / or a camera 1232. The Bluetooth module 1212, the WLAN module 1214, and the SPS module 1216 may include an on-chip transceiver (TRX) (or in some cases, only a receiver (RX)). The Bluetooth module 1212, the WLAN module 1214, and the SPS module 1216 may include their own dedicated antennas and / or communicate using an antenna 1280. The cellular baseband processor 1224 communicates with the UE 104 and / or with the RU associated with the network entity 1202 via one or more antennas 1280 through (multiple) transceivers 1222. The cellular baseband processor 1224 and the application processor 1206 can each include a computer-readable medium / memory 1224', 1206', respectively. The additional memory module 1226 can also be considered as a computer-readable medium / memory. Each computer-readable medium / memory 1224', 1206', 1226 can be non-temporary. The cellular baseband processor 1224 and the application processor 1206 are each responsible for general processing, including executing software stored on the computer-readable medium / memory. When the software is executed by the cellular baseband processor 1224 / application processor 1206, the cellular baseband processor 1224 / application processor 1206 performs the various functions described above. The computer-readable medium / memory can also be used to store data manipulated by the cellular baseband processor 1224 / application processor 1206 when executing the software.The cellular baseband processor 1224 / application processor 1206 may be a component of the UE 350 and may include the memory 360 and / or at least one of the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and the controller / processor 359. In one configuration, the device 1204 may be a processor chip (modem and / or application) and include only the cellular baseband processor 1224 and / or the application processor 1206, and in another configuration, the device 1204 may be the entire UE (e.g., see. Figure 3 350) and includes additional modules of device 1204.

[0157] As described above, component 198 is configured to receive a first indication of a PHY signature pool including a plurality of PHY signatures from a first network node. Component 198 may be configured to receive a second indication of at least one of the plurality of PHY signatures from the first network node. Component 198 may be configured to receive at least one message from the first network node based on at least one PHY signature. Component 198 may be configured to demodulate at least one message based on at least one PHY signature. Component 198 may be within a cellular baseband processor 1224, an application processor 1206, or both a cellular baseband processor 1224 and an application processor 1206. Component 198 may be: one or more hardware components specifically configured to perform the process / algorithm, implemented by one or more processors configured to perform the process / algorithm, stored in a computer-readable medium for implementation by one or more processors, or some combination thereof. As shown, device 1204 may include various components configured for various functions. In one configuration, the apparatus 1204 (and specifically the cellular baseband processor 1224 and / or the application processor 1206) includes means for receiving a first indication of a PHY signature pool including a plurality of PHY signatures from a first network node. The apparatus 1204 (and specifically the cellular baseband processor 1224 and / or the application processor 1206) includes means for receiving a second indication of at least one PHY signature from the first network node of the plurality of PHY signatures. The apparatus 1204 (and specifically the cellular baseband processor 1224 and / or the application processor 1206) includes means for receiving at least one message from the first network node based on the at least one PHY signature. The apparatus 1204 (and specifically the cellular baseband processor 1224 and / or the application processor 1206) includes means for demodulating at least one message based on the at least one PHY signature.

[0158] In one configuration, each of the plurality of PHY signatures may be an AMPM signature or an FDRSB signature. In one configuration, a first indication of a PHY signature pool may be received from a first network node via PHY signaling or L3 signaling. The PHY signaling may not be associated with an RRC process. The L3 signaling may be associated with an RRC process. In one configuration, a second indication of at least one PHY signature may be received from a first network node via PHY signaling or L3 signaling. In one configuration, the second indication of at least one PHY signature may include at least one PHY signature index associated with the at least one PHY signature. In one configuration, the PHY signature pool may be associated with a lifetime of the PHY signature pool or a duration of the PHY signature pool. In one configuration, the apparatus 1204 (and specifically the cellular baseband processor 1224 and / or the application processor 1206) includes a unit for receiving a third indication of revoking the PHY signature pool from the first network node before the lifetime expires or the duration expires. In one configuration, at least one message may be received from the first network node via a plurality of RF chains at the first network node. Each PHY signature in at least one PHY signature may be associated with one or more corresponding RF chains in a plurality of RF chains. In one configuration, a plurality of RF chains may be associated with an RF chain combination index. In one configuration, a plurality of RF chains may include a first subset of RF chains and a second subset of RF chains. The first subset of RF chains may be associated with PHY impairments based on at least one PHY signature. The second subset of RF chains may not be associated with PHY impairments. In one configuration, the device 1204 (and specifically the cellular baseband processor 1224 and / or the application processor 1206) includes a unit for receiving a fourth indication of the first subset of RF chains from a first network node. The first subset of RF chains may be based on an MCS associated with a codeword. In one configuration, a fourth indication of the first subset of RF chains may be received from the first network node via PHY signaling or L3 signaling.

[0159] These means may be components 198 of the apparatus 1204 configured to perform the functions recited by these means. As described above, the apparatus 1204 may include a TX processor 368, an RX processor 356, and a controller / processor 359. Thus, in one configuration, these means may be the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and / or the controller / processor 359 configured to perform the functions recited by these means.

[0160] Fig.131300 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of a network entity 1302. The network entity 1302 may be a BS, a component of a BS, or may implement BS functionality. The network entity 1302 may include at least one of a CU 1310, a DU 1330, or a RU 1340. For example, depending on the layer functionality handled by the component 199, the network entity 1302 may include: a CU 1310; both a CU 1310 and a DU 1330; each of the CU 1310, the DU 1330, and the RU 1340; the DU 1330; both a DU 1330 and a RU 1340; or a RU 1340. The CU 1310 may include a CU processor 1312. The CU processor 1312 may include an on-chip memory 1312'. In some aspects, the CU 1310 may also include an additional memory module 1314 and a communication interface 1318. CU1310 communicates with DU 1330 via a mid-range link such as an F1 interface. DU 1330 may include a DU processor 1332. DU processor 1332 may include on-chip memory 1332'. In some aspects, DU 1330 may also include additional memory modules 1334 and a communication interface 1338. DU 1330 communicates with RU 1340 via a fronthaul link. RU 1340 may include a RU processor 1342. RU processor 1342 may include on-chip memory 1342'. In some aspects, RU 1340 may also include additional memory modules 1344, one or more transceivers 1346, antenna 1380, and communication interface 1348. RU 1340 communicates with UE 104. On-chip memory 1312', 1332', 1342' and additional memory modules 1314, 1334, 1344 may each be considered a computer-readable medium / memory. Each computer-readable medium / memory may be non-transitory. Each of processors 1312, 1332, 1342 is responsible for general processing, including executing software stored on the computer-readable medium / memory. The software, when executed by the corresponding (multiple) processors, causes the (multiple) processors to perform the various functions described above. The computer-readable medium / memory may also be used to store data manipulated by the (multiple) processors when executing the software.

[0161] As described above, component 199 is configured to send a first indication of a PHY signature pool including multiple PHY signatures to a second network node. Component 199 may be configured to select at least one PHY signature from the multiple PHY signatures. Component 199 may be configured to send a second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature to the second network node. Component 199 may be configured to send at least one message to the second network node based on the selected at least one PHY signature. Component 199 may be within one or more processors of one or more of CU 1310, DU 1330, and RU 1340. Component 199 may be: one or more hardware components specifically configured to perform the process / algorithm, implemented by one or more processors configured to perform the process / algorithm, stored in a computer-readable medium for one or more processors to implement, or some combination thereof. Network entity 1302 may include various components configured for various functions. In one configuration, network entity 1302 includes a unit for sending a first indication of a PHY signature pool including multiple PHY signatures to a second network node. The network entity 1302 includes means for selecting at least one PHY signature from a plurality of PHY signatures. The network entity 1302 includes means for sending a second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature to a second network node. The network entity 1302 includes means for sending at least one message to the second network node based on the selected at least one PHY signature.

[0162] In one configuration, each of the plurality of PHY signatures may be an AMPM signature or an FDRSB signature. In one configuration, a first indication of a PHY signature pool may be sent to a second network node via PHY signaling or L3 signaling. The PHY signaling may not be associated with an RRC process. The L3 signaling may be associated with an RRC process. In one configuration, a second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature may be sent to the second network node via PHY signaling or L3 signaling. In one configuration, the second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature may include at least one PHY signature index associated with the selected at least one PHY signature. In one configuration, the PHY signature pool may be associated with a lifetime of the PHY signature pool or a duration of the PHY signature pool. In one configuration, the network entity 1302 includes a unit for sending a third indication of revoking the PHY signature pool to the second network node before the lifetime expires or the duration expires. In one configuration, at least one message may be sent to the second network node using a plurality of RF chains. Each of the selected at least one PHY signature may be associated with one or more corresponding RF chains of the plurality of RF chains. In one configuration, multiple RF chains may be associated with an RF chain combination index. In one configuration, the multiple RF chains may include a first subset of RF chains and a second subset of RF chains. The first subset of RF chains may be associated with PHY impairments based on at least one selected PHY signature. The second subset of RF chains may not be associated with PHY impairments. In one configuration, the network entity 1302 includes a unit for selecting a first subset of RF chains from multiple RF chains based on an MCS associated with a codeword. The network entity 1302 includes a unit for sending a fourth indication of the first subset of RF chains to the second network node. In one configuration, the fourth indication of the first subset of RF chains may be sent to the second network node via PHY signaling or L3 signaling.

[0163] These means may be components 199 of the network entity 1302 configured to perform the functions recited by these means. As described above, the network entity 1302 may include a TX processor 316, an RX processor 370, and a controller / processor 375. Thus, in one configuration, these means may be the TX processor 316, the RX processor 370, and / or the controller / processor 375 configured to perform the functions recited by these means.

[0164] Return to reference Figure 4-13, the first network node may send a first indication of a PHY signature pool including a plurality of PHY signatures to the second network node. The first network node may select at least one PHY signature from the plurality of PHY signatures. The first network node may send a second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature to the second network node. The first network node may send at least one message to the second network node based on the selected at least one PHY signature. The second network node may demodulate at least one message based on the at least one PHY signature. Therefore, the IM technology may not only improve the spectral efficiency of the overall transmission, but also provide IM bits that may be directly available to the receiver in the PHY without decoding.

[0165] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the disclosed process / flowchart is an illustration of an exemplary solution. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the process / flowchart can be rearranged. In addition, some blocks can be combined or omitted. The attached method claims present the elements of each block in an exemplary order and are not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0166] The above description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not limited to the various aspects described herein, but are given the full scope consistent with the textual claims. Reference to the elements in the singular form does not mean "one and only one", unless specifically stated, but "one or more". Terms such as "if", "when ..." and "while ..." do not imply an immediate time relationship or reaction. That is, these phrases, such as "when ...", do not imply an immediate action in response to the occurrence of an action or during the occurrence of an action, but only imply that if the condition is met, the action will occur, but no specific or immediate time constraint is required for the occurrence of the action. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "used as an example, instance or illustration". Any aspect described as "exemplary" herein is not necessarily interpreted as preferred or superior to other aspects. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "some" refers to one or more. Combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B and C", "one or more of A, B, and C", and "A, B, C, or any combination thereof" include any combination of A, B, and / or C, and may include multiple A, multiple B, or multiple C. Specifically, combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, and C", and "A, B, C, or any combination thereof" may be only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, wherein any such combination may contain one or more members of A, B, or C. A set should be interpreted as a set of elements, wherein the number of elements is one or more. Thus, for a set of X, X will include one or more elements. If a first device receives data from or sends data to a second device, the data may be received / sent directly between the first device and the second device, or indirectly between the first device and the second device through a set of devices. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described in the full text of the present disclosure known or later to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are covered by the claims. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is contributed to the public, regardless of whether these disclosures are clearly stated in the claims. The words "module", "mechanism", "element", "device" and the like may not replace the word "unit (means)". Therefore, no claim element is interpreted as a unit plus function unless the element is clearly stated with the phrase "unit for ..."

[0167] As used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as a reference to a closed set of information, one or more conditions, one or more factors, etc. That is, the phrase "based on A" (where "A" can be information, a condition, a factor, etc.) should be interpreted as "based at least on A" unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0168] The following aspects are merely illustrative and may be combined with other aspects or teachings described herein without limitation.

[0169] Aspect 1 is a method for wireless communication at a first network node, comprising: sending a first indication of a PHY signature pool including multiple PHY signatures to a second network node; selecting at least one PHY signature from the multiple PHY signatures; sending a second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature to the second network node; and sending at least one message to the second network node based on the selected at least one PHY signature.

[0170] Aspect 2 is the method of aspect 1, wherein each of the plurality of PHY signatures is an AMPM signature or an FDRSB signature.

[0171] Aspect 3 is the method of aspect 1, wherein the first indication of the PHY signature pool is sent to the second network node via PHY signaling or L3 signaling, wherein the PHY signaling is not associated with the RRC process and the L3 signaling is associated with the RRC process.

[0172] Aspect 4 is the method of aspect 1, wherein the second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature is sent to the second network node via PHY signaling or L3 signaling.

[0173] Aspect 5 is the method of aspect 1, wherein the second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature comprises at least one PHY signature index associated with the selected at least one PHY signature.

[0174] Aspect 6 is the method of aspect 1, wherein the PHY signature pool is associated with a lifetime of the PHY signature pool or a duration of the PHY signature pool.

[0175] Aspect 7 is the method of aspect 6, further comprising: sending a third indication to the second network node to revoke the PHY signature pool before the lifetime expires or the duration expires.

[0176] Aspect 8 is the method of aspect 1, wherein the at least one message is sent to the second network node using multiple RF chains, and each of the selected at least one PHY signature is associated with one or more corresponding RF chains of the multiple RF chains.

[0177] Aspect 9 is the method of aspect 8, wherein the plurality of RF chains are associated with an RF chain combination index.

[0178] Aspect 10 is the method of aspect 8, wherein the plurality of RF chains include a first subset of RF chains and a second subset of RF chains, the first subset of RF chains being associated with PHY impairments based on the selected at least one PHY signature, and the second subset of RF chains being not associated with the PHY impairments.

[0179] Aspect 11 is the method of aspect 10, further comprising: selecting the first subset of RF chains from the plurality of RF chains based on an MCS associated with a codeword; and sending a fourth indication of the first subset of RF chains to the second network node.

[0180] Aspect 12 is the method of aspect 11, wherein the fourth indication of the first RF chain subset is sent to the second network node via PHY signaling or L3 signaling.

[0181] Aspect 13 is a method for performing wireless communication at a second network node, comprising: receiving a first indication of a PHY signature pool including multiple PHY signatures from a first network node; receiving a second indication of at least one PHY signature of the multiple PHY signatures from the first network node; receiving at least one message from the first network node based on the at least one PHY signature; and demodulating the at least one message based on the at least one PHY signature.

[0182] Aspect 14 is the method of aspect 13, wherein each of the plurality of PHY signatures is an AMPM signature or an FDRSB signature.

[0183] Aspect 15 is the method of aspect 13, wherein the first indication of the PHY signature pool is received from the first network node via PHY signaling or L3 signaling, wherein the PHY signaling is not associated with an RRC procedure and the L3 signaling is associated with the RRC procedure.

[0184] Aspect 16 is the method of aspect 13, wherein the second indication of the at least one PHY signature is received from the first network node via PHY signaling or L3 signaling.

[0185] Aspect 17 is the method of aspect 13, wherein the second indication of the at least one PHY signature comprises at least one PHY signature index associated with the at least one PHY signature.

[0186] Aspect 18 is the method of aspect 13, wherein the PHY signature pool is associated with a lifetime of the PHY signature pool or a duration of the PHY signature pool.

[0187] Aspect 19 is the method of aspect 18, further comprising: receiving a third indication to revoke the PHY signature pool from the first network node before the lifetime expires or the duration expires.

[0188] Aspect 20 is the method of Aspect 13, wherein the at least one message is received from the first network node via multiple RF chains at the first network node, and each of the at least one PHY signature is associated with one or more corresponding RF chains of the multiple RF chains.

[0189] Aspect 21 is the method of aspect 20, wherein the plurality of RF chains are associated with an RF chain combination index.

[0190] Aspect 22 is the method of aspect 20, wherein the plurality of RF chains include a first subset of RF chains and a second subset of RF chains, the first subset of RF chains being associated with PHY impairments based on the at least one PHY signature, and the second subset of RF chains being not associated with the PHY impairments.

[0191] Aspect 23 is the method of aspect 22, further comprising: receiving a fourth indication of the first RF chain subset from the first network node, wherein the first RF chain subset is based on an MCS associated with a codeword.

[0192] Aspect 24 is the method of aspect 23, wherein the fourth indication of the first RF chain subset is received from the first network node via PHY signaling or L3 signaling.

[0193] Aspect 25 is an apparatus for wireless communication, comprising at least one processor coupled to a memory, and based at least in part on information stored in the memory, the at least one processor is configured to implement the method of any one of aspects 1 to 24.

[0194] Aspect 26 may be combined with Aspect 25 and further comprise a transceiver coupled to the at least one processor.

[0195] Aspect 27 is an apparatus for wireless communication, comprising means for implementing any one of aspects 1 to 24.

[0196] Aspect 28 is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable code, wherein the code, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement any one of aspects 1 to 24.

[0197] Various aspects have been described herein. These and other aspects are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication at a first network node, comprising: Memory; as well as at least one processor coupled to the memory and based at least in part on the information stored in the memory, the at least one processor configured to: sending a first indication of a physical layer (PHY) signature pool comprising a plurality of PHY signatures to a second network node; selecting at least one PHY signature from the plurality of PHY signatures; sending a second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature to the second network node; as well as At least one message is sent to the second network node based on the selected at least one PHY signature.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: Each PHY signature of the plurality of PHY signatures is an amplitude modulation to phase modulation (AMPM) signature or a frequency domain vestigial sideband (FDRSB) signature.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The first indication of the PHY signature pool is sent to the second network node via PHY signaling or layer 3 (L3) signaling, wherein the PHY signaling is not associated with a radio resource control (RRC) procedure and the L3 signaling is associated with the RRC procedure.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature is sent to the second network node via PHY signaling or Layer 3 (L3) signaling.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature includes at least one PHY signature index associated with the selected at least one PHY signature.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The PHY signature pool is associated with a lifetime of the PHY signature pool or a duration of the PHY signature pool.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Before the lifetime expires or the duration expires, a third indication to revoke the PHY signature pool is sent to the second network node.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one message is sent to the second network node using a plurality of radio frequency (RF) chains, and each of the selected at least one PHY signature is associated with one or more respective RF chains of the plurality of RF chains.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of RF chains are associated with an RF chain combination index.

10. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of RF chains includes a first subset of RF chains associated with PHY impairments based on the selected at least one PHY signature and a second subset of RF chains not associated with the PHY impairments.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: selecting the first subset of RF chains from the plurality of RF chains based on a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) associated with a codeword; and A fourth indication of the first subset of RF chains is sent to the second network node.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein The fourth indication of the first RF chain subset is sent to the second network node via PHY signaling or layer 3 (L3) signaling.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A transceiver is coupled to the at least one processor.

14. A method of wireless communication at a first network node, comprising: sending a first indication of a physical layer (PHY) signature pool comprising a plurality of PHY signatures to a second network node; selecting at least one PHY signature from the plurality of PHY signatures; sending a second indication of the selected at least one PHY signature to the second network node; as well as At least one message is sent to the second network node based on the selected at least one PHY signature.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: Each PHY signature of the plurality of PHY signatures is an amplitude modulation to phase modulation (AMPM) signature or a frequency domain vestigial sideband (FDRSB) signature.

16. An apparatus for wireless communication at a second network node, comprising: Memory; as well as at least one processor coupled to the memory and based at least in part on the information stored in the memory, the at least one processor configured to: receiving, from a first network node, a first indication of a physical layer (PHY) signature pool comprising a plurality of PHY signatures; receiving, from the first network node, a second indication of at least one PHY signature of the plurality of PHY signatures; receiving at least one message from the first network node based on the at least one PHY signature; as well as The at least one message is demodulated based on the at least one PHY signature.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein: Each PHY signature of the plurality of PHY signatures is an amplitude modulation to phase modulation (AMPM) signature or a frequency domain vestigial sideband (FDRSB) signature.

18. The device according to claim 16, wherein: The first indication of the PHY signature pool is received from the first network node via PHY signaling or layer 3 (L3) signaling, wherein the PHY signaling is not associated with a radio resource control (RRC) procedure and the L3 signaling is associated with the RRC procedure.

19. The device according to claim 16, wherein: The second indication of the at least one PHY signature is received from the first network node via PHY signaling or Layer 3 (L3) signaling.

20. The device according to claim 16, wherein: The second indication of the at least one PHY signature includes at least one PHY signature index associated with the at least one PHY signature.

21. The device according to claim 16, wherein: The PHY signature pool is associated with a lifetime of the PHY signature pool or a duration of the PHY signature pool.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Prior to expiration of the lifetime or expiration of the duration, a third indication is received from the first network node to revoke the PHY signature pool.

23. The device according to claim 16, wherein: The at least one message is received from the first network node via a plurality of radio frequency (RF) chains at the first network node, and each of the at least one PHY signature is associated with one or more respective RF chains of the plurality of RF chains.

24. The device according to claim 23, wherein: The plurality of RF chains are associated with an RF chain combination index.

25. The device according to claim 23, wherein: The plurality of RF chains includes a first subset of RF chains associated with PHY impairments based on the at least one PHY signature and a second subset of RF chains not associated with the PHY impairments.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: A fourth indication of the first subset of RF chains is received from the first network node, wherein: The first subset of RF chains is based on a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) associated with a codeword.

27. The device according to claim 26, wherein: The fourth indication of the first RF chain subset is received from the first network node via PHY signaling or Layer 3 (L3) signaling.

28. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: A transceiver is coupled to the at least one processor.

29. A method for wireless communication at a second network node, comprising: receiving, from a first network node, a first indication of a physical layer (PHY) signature pool comprising a plurality of PHY signatures; receiving, from the first network node, a second indication of at least one PHY signature of the plurality of PHY signatures; receiving at least one message from the first network node based on the at least one PHY signature; as well as The at least one message is demodulated based on the at least one PHY signature.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein: Each PHY signature of the plurality of PHY signatures is an amplitude modulation to phase modulation (AMPM) signature or a frequency domain vestigial sideband (FDRSB) signature.

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