Relay operation with energy state mode

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A relay device can detect that a network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, and the second energy state mode can be associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to a network coverage area associated with the first energy state mode. The relay device can activate a relay function at the relay device based on detecting that the network has transitioned to the second energy state mode and a location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area. The relay device is capable of communicating with a user equipment (UE) and a network entity of the network to relay transmissions between the UE and the network entity based at least in part on activating the relay function.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 17 / 944,073, entitled “RELAY OPERATIONWITH ENERGY STATE MODES,” filed by Zorgui et al. on September 13, 2022, which is assigned to the assignee of this application and is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The following relates to wireless communications including relay operations with energy state modes. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, and the like. These systems may be able to support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple access systems include fourth generation (4G) systems (such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, advanced LTE (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems) and fifth generation (5G) systems (which may be referred to as new radio (NR) systems). These systems may employ techniques such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), or discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple access communication system may include one or more base stations, each of which supports wireless communications for communication devices, which may be referred to as user equipment (UE).

[0005] In some wireless communication systems, wireless devices may participate in network energy saving operations. However, such methods may be improved. Summary of the invention

[0006] The described technology relates to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses for supporting relay operations with energy state modes. A relay device can detect that a network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, and the second energy state mode can be associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to a network coverage area associated with the first energy state mode. The relay device can activate a relay function at the relay device based on detecting that the network has transitioned to the second energy state mode and the location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area. The relay device can communicate with a user equipment (UE) and a network entity of the network to relay transmissions between the UE and the network entity based at least in part on activating the relay function.

[0007] A method for wireless communication at a relay device is described. The method may include: detecting that a network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to a network coverage area associated with the first energy state mode; activating a relay function at the relay device based on detecting that the network has transitioned to the second energy state mode and a location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area; and communicating with a user equipment (UE) and a network entity of the network to relay transmissions between the UE and the network entity based on activating the relay function.

[0008] An apparatus for wireless communication at a relay device is described. The apparatus may include: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: detect that a network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to a network coverage area associated with the first energy state mode; activate a relay function at the relay device based on detecting that the network has transitioned to the second energy state mode and a location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area; and communicate with a UE and a network entity of the network to relay transmissions between the UE and the network entity based on activating the relay function.

[0009] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a relay device is described. The apparatus may include: means for detecting that a network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to a network coverage area associated with the first energy state mode; means for activating a relay function at the relay device based on detecting that the network has transitioned to the second energy state mode and a location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area; and means for communicating with a UE and a network entity of the network to relay transmissions between the UE and the network entity based on activating the relay function.

[0010] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a relay device is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: detect that a network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to a network coverage area associated with the first energy state mode; based on detecting that the network has transitioned to the second energy state mode and a location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area, activate a relay function at the relay device; and communicate with a UE and a network entity of the network to relay transmissions between the UE and the network entity based on activating the relay function.

[0011] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, detecting that a network may have transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode may include operations, features, components, or instructions for receiving a control signal indicating a transition from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode.

[0012] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the control signal includes one or more of a system information block, a master information block, or a message received over a backhaul link.

[0013] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for sending an indication of the second energy state mode based on activating the relay function.

[0014] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for sending an indication of a second energy state mode in a sidelink synchronization signal block, a multicast shared channel message, a sidelink control information message, a unicast medium access control control element, or a unicast radio resource control message.

[0015] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for receiving an indication of one or more relay operating parameters associated with a relay device, the one or more relay operating parameters comprising a power level, an indication of one or more beams, or both, and wherein communicating with a UE, a network entity, or both may be based on the one or more relay operating parameters.

[0016] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a relay function may be activated at a relay device based on a distance between the relay device and a network entity.

[0017] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for receiving a relay function activation message indicating that a relay device may want to activate a relay function, and wherein activating the relay function at the relay device is based on receiving the relay function activation message.

[0018] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for sending a relay availability message to a network entity based on detecting that the network may have transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, the relay availability message indicating that the relay device is available to act as a relay and that a distance between the relay device and the network entity satisfies a distance threshold.

[0019] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for sending a relay availability message to a UE based on detecting that the network may have transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, the relay availability message indicating that a relay device is available to act as a relay.

[0020] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for: receiving a request for an indication of a current energy state mode from a UE; and sending an indication of a second energy state mode to the UE.

[0021] A method for wireless communication at a network entity of a network is described. The method may include: detecting that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to the network coverage area of ​​the first energy state mode; determining that a relay device has activated a relay function based on a location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area; and communicating with a UE via the relay device based on the determination.

[0022] An apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity of a network is described. The apparatus may include: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: detect that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to the network coverage area of ​​the first energy state mode; determine that the relay device has activated a relay function based on a location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area; and communicate with a UE via the relay device based on the determination.

[0023] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity of a network is described. The apparatus may include: means for detecting that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to the network coverage area of ​​the first energy state mode; means for determining that a relay device has activated a relay function based on a location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area; and means for communicating with a UE via the relay device based on the determination.

[0024] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a network entity of a network is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: detect that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to the network coverage area of ​​the first energy state mode; determine that the relay device has activated a relay function based on a location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area; and communicate with a UE via the relay device based on the determination.

[0025] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for sending a control signal indicating a transition from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode.

[0026] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the control signal includes one or more of a system information block, a master information block, or a message sent over a backhaul link.

[0027] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for sending an indication of one or more relay operating parameters associated with a relay device, the one or more relay operating parameters including a power level, an indication of one or more beams, or both.

[0028] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a relay function may be activated at a relay device based on a distance between the relay device and a network entity.

[0029] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for sending a relay function activation message indicating that the relay device may want to activate the relay function, and wherein the relay device activates the relay function based on the relay function activation message.

[0030] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for receiving a relay availability message from a relay device, the relay availability message indicating that the relay device is available to act as a relay and that a distance between the relay device and a network entity satisfies a distance threshold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system supporting relay operation with energy state modes according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0032] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system supporting relay operation with energy state modes according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0033] Figure 3 An example of a process flow supporting relay operation with energy state modes in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0034] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A block diagram of a device supporting relay operation with energy state modes in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 6 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting relay operation with energy state modes is shown in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 7 A diagram of a system including a device supporting relay operation with energy state modes in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A block diagram of a device supporting relay operation with energy state modes in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Fig.10 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting relay operation with energy state modes is shown in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig.11 A diagram of a system including a device supporting relay operation with energy state modes in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] Fig.12 and Fig.13 A flow chart illustrating a method of supporting relay operation with energy state modes according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] During wireless communication, network entities (e.g., base stations) may consume a lot of power. Therefore, network energy-saving features can help reduce this power consumption. For example, network entities can use different modes for communication, which can be associated with different levels of power consumption due to different operating configurations (e.g., turning off the radio frequency (RF) transmission chain, reducing the number of antennas used for communication, or other operating modes). Such operating modes for power saving may be referred to as network energy saving network energy saving modes. Network entities may be able to utilize network energy saving modes with varying characteristics and power saving. However, the use of such network energy saving modes may reduce the coverage area, and user equipment (UE) may fall outside such reduced coverage area. As used herein, the coverage area of ​​a device (e.g., a network entity) may refer to a geographical area in which one or more other wireless devices (e.g., UE) may be served by the device or communicate with the device.

[0042] A wireless device (e.g., another network entity, UE, or other device) may operate as a relay device for a UE that is outside a reduced coverage area caused by using a network energy saving mode. Thus, the relay device may start operating according to the network energy saving mode of the network. In some examples, the relay device may autonomously determine or detect a change in the energy saving mode and start operating as a relay device. In other examples, the network entity may command the relay device to start such an operation. In some examples, the relay device may broadcast an energy saving mode, a capability or availability indication for operating as a relay, or both to the network entity, the UE, or both to facilitate the communication of the relay. The operation of the device as a relay may be selected or activated based on one or more factors, including the distance of the relay from the network entity. The relay device may further receive one or more parameters (e.g., power level, beam selection, or other parameters) for relay operation that the network may select to coordinate relay operation and reduce interference. In these ways, energy saving at the network entity may be increased by using an energy saving mode while maintaining communication with devices that fall outside the resulting reduced coverage area.

[0043] Various aspects of the disclosure are first described in the context of a wireless communication system. Various aspects of the disclosure are then described with reference to wireless communication systems and process flows. Various aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated and described by and with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flow charts related to relay operation with energy state modes.

[0044] Figure 1An example of a wireless communication system 100 supporting relay operation with an energy state mode according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more network entities 105, one or more UEs 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may be a long term evolution (LTE) network, an advanced LTE (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, a new radio (NR) network, or a network operating according to other systems and radio technologies including future systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0045] The network entities 105 may be dispersed throughout a geographic area to form the wireless communication system 100, and may include devices in different forms or with different capabilities. In various examples, the network entities 105 may be referred to as network elements, mobility elements, radio access network (RAN) nodes, or network equipment, among other nomenclature. In some examples, the network entities 105 and the UE 115 may communicate wirelessly via one or more communication links 125 (e.g., radio frequency (RF) access links). For example, the network entity 105 may support a coverage area 110 (e.g., a geographic coverage area) within which the UE 115 and the network entity 105 may establish one or more communication links 125. The coverage area 110 may be an example of a geographic area within which the network entity 105 and the UE 115 may support signal communications according to one or more radio access technologies (RATs).

[0046] The UEs 115 may be dispersed throughout the coverage area 110 of the wireless communication system 100, and each UE 115 may be stationary or mobile or both stationary and mobile at different times. The UEs 115 may be devices in different forms or with different capabilities. Figure 1 Some example UEs 115 are illustrated in FIG. 1. The UEs 115 described herein may be capable of supporting communication with various types of devices such as Figure 1 Other UEs 115 or network entities 105 are shown communicating.

[0047] As described herein, a node of the wireless communication system 100 (which may be referred to as a network node or a wireless node) may be a network entity 105 (e.g., any network entity described herein), a UE 115 (e.g., any UE described herein), a network controller, an apparatus, a device, a computing system, one or more components, or another suitable processing entity configured to perform any of the techniques described herein. For example, the node may be a UE 115. As another example, the node may be a network entity 105. As another example, a first node may be configured to communicate with a second node or a third node. In one aspect of this example, the first node may be a UE 115, the second node may be a network entity 105, and the third node may be a UE 115. In another aspect of this example, the first node may be a UE 115, the second node may be a network entity 105, and the third node may be a network entity 105. In other aspects of this example, the first node, the second node, and the third node may be different relative to these examples. Similarly, references to UE 115, network entity 105, apparatus, device, computing system, etc. may include disclosure of UE 115, network entity 105, apparatus, device, computing system, etc. as nodes. For example, a disclosure that UE 115 is configured to receive information from network entity 105 also discloses that the first node is configured to receive information from a second node.

[0048] In some examples, the network entities 105 may communicate with the core network 130, or communicate with each other, or both. For example, the network entities 105 may communicate with the core network 130 via one or more backhaul communication links 120 (e.g., according to S1, N2, N3 or other interface protocols). In some examples, the network entities 105 may communicate with each other via the backhaul communication link 120 (e.g., according to X2, Xn or other interface protocols) directly (e.g., directly between each network entity 105) or indirectly (e.g., via the core network 130). In some examples, the network entities 105 may communicate with each other via the midhaul communication link 162 (e.g., according to the midhaul interface protocol) or the fronthaul communication link 168 (e.g., according to the fronthaul interface protocol) or any combination thereof. The backhaul communication link 120, the midhaul communication link 162, or the fronthaul communication link 168 may be or include one or more wired links (e.g., electrical links, optical fiber links), one or more wireless links (e.g., radio links, wireless optical links), etc. or various combinations thereof. UE 115 may communicate with core network 130 via communication link 155 .

[0049] One or more of the network entities 105 described herein may include or may be referred to as a base station 140 (e.g., a transceiver base station, a radio base station, an NR base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), a next-generation Node B, or a gigabit Node B (any of which may be referred to as a gNB), a 5G NB, a next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), a home Node B, a home evolved Node B, or other suitable terminology). In some examples, the network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140) may be implemented in an aggregated (e.g., monolithic, stand-alone) base station architecture, which may be configured to utilize a protocol stack physically or logically integrated within a single network entity 105 (e.g., a single RAN node, such as a base station 140).

[0050] In some examples, the network entity 105 may be implemented in a disaggregated architecture (e.g., a disaggregated base station architecture, a disaggregated RAN architecture) that may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed between two or more network entities 105, such as an integrated access backhaul (IAB) network, an open RAN (O-RAN) (e.g., a network configuration sponsored by the O-RAN Alliance), or a virtualized RAN (vRAN) (e.g., a cloud RAN (C-RAN)). For example, the network entity 105 may include one or more of the following: a central unit (CU) 160, a distributed unit (DU) 165, a radio unit (RU) 170, a RAN intelligent controller (RIC) 175 (e.g., a near real-time RIC (near RT RIC), a non-real-time RIC (non-RT RIC)), a service management and orchestration (SMO) 180 system, or any combination thereof. The RU 170 may also be referred to as a radio head, a smart radio head, a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radio unit (RRU), or a transmit receive point (TRP). One or more components of the network entity 105 in the decomposed RAN architecture may be co-located, or one or more components of the network entity 105 may be located in distributed locations (e.g., separate physical locations). In some examples, one or more network entities 105 of the decomposed RAN architecture may be implemented as virtual units (e.g., virtual CU (VCU), virtual DU (VDU), virtual RU (VRU)).

[0051] The functional split between CU 160, DU 165, and RU 170 is flexible and may support different functionalities depending on which functions (e.g., network layer functions, protocol layer functions, baseband functions, RF functions, and any combination thereof) are performed at CU 160, DU 165, or RU 170. For example, a functional split of a protocol stack may be employed between CU 160 and DU 165 such that CU 160 may support one or more layers of a protocol stack and DU 165 may support one or more different layers of a protocol stack. In some examples, CU 160 may host higher protocol layer (e.g., layer 3 (L3), layer 2 (L2)) functionality and signaling (e.g., radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP)). The CU 160 may be connected to one or more DUs 165 or RUs 170, and the one or more DUs 165 or RUs 170 may host lower protocol layers, such as layer 1 (L1) (e.g., physical (PHY) layer) or L2 (e.g., radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer) functionality and signaling, and may each be at least partially controlled by the CU 160. Additionally or alternatively, a functional split of the protocol stack may be employed between the DUs 165 and RUs 170, such that the DUs 165 may support one or more layers of the protocol stack, and the RUs 170 may support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. The DUs 165 may support one or more different cells (e.g., via one or more RUs 170). In some cases, the functional split between CU 160 and DU 165 or between DU 165 and RU 170 may be within the protocol layer (e.g., some functions of the protocol layer may be performed by one of CU 160, DU 165, or RU 170, while other functions of the protocol layer are performed by different ones of CU 160, DU 165, or RU 170). CU 160 may be further functionally split into CU control plane (CU-CP) and CU user plane (CU-UP) functions. CU 160 may be connected to one or more DUs 165 via midhaul communication links 162 (e.g., F1, F1-c, F1-u), and DU 165 may be connected to one or more RUs 170 via fronthaul communication links 168 (e.g., open fronthaul (FH) interface). In some examples, midhaul communication link 162 or fronthaul communication link 168 may be implemented based on an interface (e.g., a channel) between layers of a protocol stack supported by respective network entities 105 that communicate via such communication links.

[0052] In some wireless communication systems (e.g., wireless communication system 100), infrastructure and spectrum resources for radio access may support wireless backhaul link capabilities to supplement wired backhaul connections, thereby providing an IAB network architecture (e.g., to core network 130). In some cases, in an IAB network, one or more network entities 105 (e.g., IAB nodes 104) may be partially controlled by each other. One or more IAB nodes 104 may be referred to as donor entities or IAB donors. One or more DUs 165 or one or more RUs 170 may be controlled in part by one or more CUs 160 associated with a donor network entity 105 (e.g., donor base station 140). One or more donor network entities 105 (e.g., IAB donors) may communicate with one or more additional network entities 105 (e.g., IAB nodes 104) via supported access and backhaul links (e.g., backhaul communication links 120). The IAB node 104 may include an IAB mobile terminal (IAB-MT) controlled (e.g., scheduled) by a coupled IAB donor's DU 165. The IAB-MT may include an independent set of antennas for relaying communications with the UE 115, or may share the same antennas of the IAB node 104 (e.g., of the RU 170) for access via the DU 165 of the IAB node 104 (e.g., referred to as a virtual IAB-MT (vIAB-MT)). In some examples, the IAB node 104 may include a DU 165 that supports communication links with additional entities (e.g., IAB node 104, UE 115) within a relay chain or configuration (e.g., downstream) of the access network. In such cases, one or more components of the decomposed RAN architecture (e.g., one or more IAB nodes 104 or components of the IAB node 104) may be configured to operate according to the techniques described herein.

[0053] For example, an access network (AN) or RAN may include an access node (e.g., an IAB donor), communications between an IAB node 104, and one or more UEs 115. The IAB donor may facilitate a connection between the core network 130 and the AN (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection to the core network 130). That is, the IAB donor may refer to a RAN node having a wired or wireless connection to the core network 130. The IAB donor may include a CU 160 and at least one DU 165 (e.g., and RU 170), wherein the CU 160 may communicate with the core network 130 via an interface (e.g., a backhaul link). The IAB donor and the IAB node 104 may communicate via an F1 interface according to a protocol defining a signaling message (e.g., an F1 AP protocol). Additionally or alternatively, CU 160 may communicate with the core network via an interface (which may be an example of a portion of a backhaul link) and may communicate with other CUs 160 (e.g., CU 160 associated with an alternative IAB donor) via an Xn-C interface (which may be an example of a portion of a backhaul link).

[0054] An IAB node 104 may refer to a RAN node that provides IAB functionality (e.g., access for UE 115, wireless self-backhaul capabilities, etc.). DU 165 may act as a distributed scheduling node toward child nodes associated with IAB node 104, and IAB-MT may act as a scheduled node toward a parent node associated with IAB node 104. That is, an IAB donor may be referred to as a parent node that communicates with one or more child nodes (e.g., an IAB donor may relay for transmissions to UEs through one or more other IAB nodes 104). Additionally or alternatively, depending on the relay chain or configuration of the AN, an IAB node 104 may also be referred to as a parent node or child node of other IAB nodes 104. Thus, the IAB-MT entity of the IAB node 104 may provide a Uu interface for the child IAB node 104 to receive signaling from the parent IAB node 104 , and a DU interface (eg, DU 165 ) may provide a Uu interface for the parent IAB node 104 to signal to the child IAB node 104 or the UE 115 .

[0055] For example, the IAB node 104 may be referred to as a parent node supporting communications for a child IAB node or as a child IAB node associated with an IAB donor, or both. The IAB donor may include a CU 160 having a wired or wireless connection (e.g., backhaul communication link 120) to the core network 130, and may act as a parent node of the IAB node 104. For example, the DU 165 of the IAB donor may relay the transmission to the UE 115 through the IAB node 104, or may directly signal the transmission to the UE 115, or both. The CU 160 of the IAB donor may signal the establishment of a communication link to the IAB node 104 via the F1 interface, and the IAB node 104 may schedule the transmission (e.g., the transmission relayed from the IAB donor to the UE 115) via the DU 165. That is, data may be relayed to and from the IAB node 104 via signaling via the NR Uu interface of the MT to the IAB node 104. Communications with the IAB node 104 may be scheduled by the DU 165 of the IAB donor, and communications with the IAB node 104 may be scheduled by the DU 165 of the IAB node 104 .

[0056] In the case where the techniques described herein are applied to the context of a decomposed RAN architecture, one or more components of the decomposed RAN architecture may be configured to support relay operations with energy state modes as described herein. For example, some operations described as being performed by a UE 115 or a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140) may additionally or alternatively be performed by one or more components of the decomposed RAN architecture (e.g., an IAB node 104, a DU 165, a CU 160, a RU 170, a RIC 175, a SMO 180).

[0057] UE 115 may include or may be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other suitable terminology, where a "device" may also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, a client, or the like. UE 115 may also include or be referred to as a personal electronic device, such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a multimedia / entertainment device (e.g., a radio, an MP3 player, or a video device), a camera, a gaming device, a navigation / positioning device (e.g., a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) device based on, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System), BeiDou system, GLONASS, or Galileo system or a ground-based device), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a personal computer, a netbook, a smartbook, a personal computer, a smart device, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, smart clothing, smart glasses, virtual reality goggles, a smart wristband, smart jewelry (e.g., a smart ring, a smart bracelet)), a drone, a robot / robotic device, a vehicle, a vehicle device, a meter (e.g., a parking meter, an electricity meter, a gas meter, a water meter), a monitor, a gas pump, an appliance (e.g., a kitchen appliance, a washing machine, a dryer), a location tag, a medical / health care device, an implant, a sensor / actuator, a display, or any other suitable device configured to communicate via a wireless or wired medium. In some examples, UE 115 may include or may be referred to as a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a machine type communication (MTC) device, etc., which may be implemented in various objects such as appliances or vehicles, meters, etc.

[0058] The UE 115 described herein may be capable of communicating with various types of devices, such as other UEs 115, which may sometimes act as relays, as well as network entities 105 and network equipment including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, or relay base stations, etc. Figure 1 shown.

[0059] The UE 115 and the network entity 105 may wirelessly communicate with each other via one or more communication links 125 (e.g., access links) using resources associated with one or more carriers. The term "carrier" may refer to a collection of RF spectrum resources having a physical layer structure defined for supporting the communication link 125. For example, a carrier for the communication link 125 may include a portion of an RF spectrum band (e.g., a bandwidth portion (BWP)) that operates according to one or more physical layer channels for a given radio access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). Each physical layer channel may carry acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals, system information), control signaling for coordinating carrier operations, user data, or other signaling. The wireless communication system 100 may support communications with the UE 115 using carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. Depending on the carrier aggregation configuration, the UE 115 may be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers. Carrier aggregation may be used for both frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) component carriers. Communication between the network entity 105 and other devices may refer to communication between these devices and any part (e.g., entity, sub-entity) of the network entity 105. For example, the terms "send", "receive", or "communicate" when referring to the network entity 105 may refer to any part of the network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140, CU 160, DU 165, RU 170) of the RAN communicating with another device (e.g., directly or via one or more other network entities 105).

[0060] In some examples, such as in a carrier aggregation configuration, a carrier may also have acquisition signaling or control signaling that coordinates the operation of other carriers. A carrier may be associated with a frequency channel (e.g., an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) Absolute RF Channel Number (EARFCN)) and may be identified according to a channel raster for discovery by UE 115. A carrier may operate in a standalone mode, in which case initial acquisition and connection may be made by UE 115 via the carrier, or a carrier may operate in a non-standalone mode, in which case a different carrier (e.g., of the same or different radio access technology) is used to anchor the connection.

[0061] The communication link 125 shown in the wireless communication system 100 may include downlink transmissions (e.g., forward link transmissions) from the network entity 105 to the UE 115, uplink transmissions (e.g., return link transmissions) from the UE 115 to the network entity 105, or both, as well as other transmission configurations. A carrier may carry downlink communications or uplink communications (e.g., in FDD mode), or may be configured to carry downlink communications and uplink communications (e.g., in TDD mode).

[0062] A carrier may be associated with a particular bandwidth of the RF spectrum, and in some examples, the carrier bandwidth may be referred to as the "system bandwidth" of the carrier or wireless communication system 100. For example, the carrier bandwidth may be one of a set of bandwidths of carriers for a particular radio access technology (e.g., 1.4 megahertz (MHz), 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, 20 MHz, 40 MHz, or 80 MHz). Devices of the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., the network entity 105, the UE 115, or both) may have a hardware configuration that supports communications using a particular carrier bandwidth, or may be configured to support communications using one of the carrier bandwidths in the set of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may include a network entity 105 or a UE 115 that supports concurrent communications using carriers associated with multiple carrier bandwidths. In some examples, each served UE 115 may be configured to operate using a portion (e.g., a subband, a BWP) or all of the carrier bandwidth.

[0063] The signal waveform transmitted via the carrier may include multiple subcarriers (e.g., using multi-carrier modulation (MCM) techniques, such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)). In a system employing MCM techniques, a resource element may refer to a resource of one symbol period (e.g., the duration of one modulation symbol) and one subcarrier, in which case the symbol period and the subcarrier spacing may be inversely related. The amount of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme, the coding rate of the modulation scheme, or both), so that a relatively higher amount of resource elements (e.g., in the transmission duration) and a relatively higher order of the modulation scheme may correspond to a relatively higher communication rate. Wireless communication resources may refer to a combination of RF spectrum resources, time resources, and spatial resources (e.g., spatial layers or beams), and the use of multiple spatial resources may increase the data rate or data integrity used for communication with UE 115.

[0064] One or more parameter sets for a carrier may be supported, and the parameter sets may include subcarrier spacing (Δf) and cyclic prefixes. A carrier may be divided into one or more BWPs with the same or different parameter sets. In some examples, a UE 115 may be configured with multiple BWPs. In some examples, a single BWP for a carrier may be active at a given time, and communications of a UE 115 may be constrained to one or more active BWPs.

[0065] The time interval for the network entity 105 or the UE 115 may be expressed in multiples of a basic time unit, which may be, for example, a sampling period T s =1 / (Δf max ·N f ) seconds, where Δfmax It can represent the supported subcarrier spacing, and N f The supported discrete Fourier transform (DFT) size may be indicated. Time intervals of the communication resources may be organized according to radio frames, each having a specified duration (e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms)). Each radio frame may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) (e.g., ranging from 0 to 1023).

[0066] Each frame may include multiple consecutively numbered subframes or time slots, and each subframe or time slot may have the same duration. In some examples, the frame may be divided into subframes (e.g., in the time domain), and each subframe may be further divided into a certain number of time slots. Alternatively, each frame may include a variable number of time slots, and the number of time slots may depend on the subcarrier spacing. Each time slot may include a certain number of symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of the cyclic prefix appended in front of each symbol period). In some wireless communication systems 100, the time slot may be further divided into a plurality of micro-time slots associated with one or more symbols. Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may be associated with one or more (e.g., N f The duration of a symbol period may depend on the subcarrier spacing or the operating frequency band.

[0067] A subframe, a time slot, a mini-time slot, or a symbol may be the smallest scheduling unit (e.g., in the time domain) of the wireless communication system 100 and may be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In some examples, the TTI duration (e.g., the amount of symbol periods in a TTI) may be variable. Additionally or alternatively, the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 may be dynamically selected (e.g., in a burst of a shortened TTI (sTTI)).

[0068] According to various techniques, physical channels may be multiplexed using carriers for communication. Physical control channels and physical data channels may be multiplexed for signaling via downlink carriers, for example, using one or more of a time division multiplexing (TDM) technique, a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) technique, or a hybrid TDM-FDM technique. A control region (e.g., a control resource set (CORESET)) of a physical control channel may be defined by a set of symbol periods and may extend across a system bandwidth of a carrier or a subset of that system bandwidth. One or more control regions (e.g., CORESETs) may be configured for a set of UEs 115. For example, one or more UEs in UE 115 may monitor or search a control region for control information according to one or more search space sets, and each search space set may include one or more control channel candidates in one or more aggregation levels arranged in a cascaded manner. The aggregation level of a control channel candidate may refer to the amount of control channel resources (e.g., control channel elements (CCEs)) associated with coded information for a control information format having a given payload size. The search space sets may include a common search space set configured for transmitting control information to multiple UEs 115 , and a UE-specific search space set for transmitting control information to a specific UE 115 .

[0069] The network entity 105 may provide communication coverage via one or more cells (e.g., macro cells, small cells, hotspots, or other types of cells, or any combination thereof). The term "cell" may refer to a logical communication entity used to communicate with the network entity 105 (e.g., using a carrier), and may be associated with an identifier (e.g., a physical cell identifier (PCID), a virtual cell identifier (VCID), or other cell identifier) ​​used to distinguish adjacent cells. In some examples, a cell may also refer to a coverage area 110 or a portion of a coverage area 110 (e.g., a sector) on which the logical communication entity operates. Depending on various factors (such as the capabilities of the network entity 105), such cells may range from smaller areas (e.g., structures, subsets of structures) to larger areas. For example, a cell may be or may include a building, a subset of a building, or an external space between or overlapping coverage areas 110, and the like.

[0070] A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access to UEs 115 that have service subscriptions with a network provider that supports the macro cell. Small cells may be associated with lower power network entities 105 (e.g., lower power base stations 140) compared to macro cells, and small cells may operate using the same or different (e.g., licensed, unlicensed) frequency bands as macro cells. Small cells may provide unrestricted access to UEs 115 that have service subscriptions with a network provider, or may provide restricted access to UEs 115 associated with small cells (e.g., UEs 115 in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs 115 associated with users in a home or office). The network entity 105 may support one or more cells, and may also use one or more component carriers to support communications via one or more cells.

[0071] In some examples, a carrier may support multiple cells, and different cells may be configured according to different protocol types (e.g., MTC, narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)) that may provide access to different types of devices.

[0072] In some examples, the network entities 105 (e.g., base stations 140, RUs 170) may be mobile and thus provide communication coverage for mobile coverage areas 110. In some examples, different coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may overlap, but the different coverage areas 110 may be supported by the same network entity 105. In some other examples, overlapping coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may be supported by different network entities 105. The wireless communication system 100 may include, for example, a heterogeneous network in which different types of network entities 105 provide coverage for various coverage areas 110 using the same or different radio access technologies.

[0073] The wireless communication system 100 may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, the network entities 105 (e.g., base stations 140) may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different network entities 105 may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, the network entities 105 may have different frame timing, and in some examples, transmissions from different network entities 105 may not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for either synchronous operation or asynchronous operation.

[0074] Some UEs 115, such as MTC or IoT devices, may be low-cost or low-complexity devices and may provide automated communication between machines (e.g., via machine-to-machine (M2M) communication). M2M communication or MTC may refer to data communication technology that allows devices to communicate with each other or with a network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140) without human intervention. In some examples, M2M communication or MTC may include communication from devices with integrated sensors or meters to measure or acquire information and relay such information to a central server or application that uses the information or presents the information to a person interacting with the application. Some UEs 115 may be designed to collect information or implement automated behavior of machines or other devices. Examples of applications for MTC devices include: smart metering, inventory monitoring, water level monitoring, equipment monitoring, health care monitoring, wildlife monitoring, weather and geographic event monitoring, queue management and tracking, remote security sensing, physical access control, and transaction-based commercial charging. In one aspect, the technology disclosed herein may be applicable to MTC or IoT UEs. MTC or IoT UE may include MTC / enhanced MTC (eMTC, also known as CAT-M, Cat M1) UE, NB-IoT (also known as CAT NB1) UE, and other types of UE. eMTC and NB-IoT may refer to future technologies that may evolve from or be based on these technologies. For example, eMTC may include FeMTC (further eMTC), eFeMTC (enhanced further eMTC), and mMTC (massive MTC), etc., and NB-IoT may include eNB-IoT (enhanced NB-IoT) and FeNB-IoT (further enhanced NB-IoT).

[0075] Some UEs 115 may be configured to employ a reduced power consumption mode of operation, such as half-duplex communication (e.g., a mode that supports unidirectional communication via transmission or reception but does not transmit and receive concurrently). In some examples, half-duplex communication may be performed with a reduced peak rate. Other power saving techniques for UE 115 include entering a power saving deep sleep mode when not engaged in active communications, operating using limited bandwidth (e.g., according to narrowband communications), or a combination of these techniques. For example, some UEs 115 may be configured to operate using a narrowband protocol type that is associated with a defined portion or range (e.g., a set of subcarriers or resource blocks (RBs)) within a carrier, within a guard band of a carrier, or outside a carrier.

[0076] The wireless communication system 100 may be configured to support ultra-reliable communication or low-latency communication or various combinations thereof. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may be configured to support ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). UE 115 may be designed to support ultra-reliable or low-latency or critical functions. Ultra-reliable communication may include private communication or group communication, and may be supported by one or more services (such as push-to-talk, video, or data). Support for ultra-reliable, low-latency functions may include prioritization of services, and such services may be used for public safety or general commercial applications. The terms "ultra-reliable", "low latency", and "ultra-reliable low latency" are used interchangeably herein.

[0077] In some examples, a UE 115 may be configured to support communication directly with other UEs 115 via a device-to-device (D2D) communication link 135 (e.g., according to a peer-to-peer (P2P), D2D, or sidelink protocol). In some examples, one or more UEs 115 in a group that are performing D2D communication may be within a coverage area 110 of a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140, a RU 170), which may support aspects of such D2D communication configured by the network entity 105 (e.g., scheduled by the network entity). In some examples, one or more UEs 115 in such a group may be outside the coverage area 110 of the network entity 105, or may otherwise be unable or not configured to receive transmissions from the network entity 105. In some examples, a group of UEs 115 communicating via D2D communication may support a one-to-many (1:M) system, in which each UE 115 transmits to each of the other UEs 115 in the group. In some examples, network entity 105 may facilitate scheduling of resources for D2D communications. In some other examples, D2D communications may be performed between UEs 115 without involving network entity 105.

[0078] In some systems, the D2D communication link 135 can be an example of a communication channel (such as a sidelink communication channel) between vehicles (e.g., UE 115). In some examples, the vehicles can communicate using vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, or some combination of these items. The vehicles can signal information related to traffic conditions, signal scheduling, weather, safety, emergency situations, or any other information related to the V2X system. In some examples, the vehicles in the V2X system can communicate with roadside infrastructure (such as roadside units), or communicate with the network via one or more network nodes (e.g., network entity 105, base station 140, RU 170) using vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, or both.

[0079] The core network 130 may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing or mobility functions. The core network 130 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC), which may include at least one control plane entity (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF)) for managing access and mobility and at least one user plane entity (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)) for routing packets or interconnecting to an external network. The control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management of UE 115 served by a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140) associated with the core network 130. User IP packets may be delivered through the user plane entity, which may provide IP address allocation and other functions. The user plane entity may be connected to the IP service 150 of one or more network operators. IP services 150 may include access to the Internet, an intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or packet-switched streaming services.

[0080] The wireless communication system 100 may operate using one or more frequency bands that may be in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). Generally speaking, the region from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is referred to as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band because the wavelength ranges from about one decimeter to one meter in length. UHF waves may be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features (which may be referred to as clusters), but these waves may be sufficient to penetrate structures so that macro cells provide services to UEs 115 located indoors. Communications using UHF waves may be associated with smaller antennas and shorter ranges (e.g., less than 100 kilometers) than communications using lower frequencies and longer waves in the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portions of the spectrum below 300 MHz.

[0081] The wireless communication system 100 may also operate in an ultra-high frequency (SHF) region (also known as a centimeter band) that may be in the range of 3 GHz to 30 GHz or an extremely high frequency (EHF) region (also known as a millimeter band) that uses a spectrum (e.g., from 30 GHz to 300 GHz). In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support millimeter wave (mmW) communications between a UE 115 and a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140, a RU 170), and the EHF antenna of the corresponding device may be smaller and closer than the UHF antenna. In some examples, such technology may facilitate the use of antenna arrays within the device. However, the propagation of EHF transmissions may be subject to even greater attenuation and a shorter range than SHF or UHF transmissions. The technology disclosed herein may be adopted across transmissions using one or more different frequency regions, and the use of frequency bands specified across these frequency regions may vary by country or regulatory agency.

[0082] The wireless communication system 100 can utilize licensed and unlicensed RF spectrum bands. For example, the wireless communication system 100 can use unlicensed bands (such as the 5 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band) to employ license assisted access (LAA), LTE unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology. When operating using unlicensed RF spectrum bands, devices such as network entity 105 and UE 115 can employ carrier sensing for conflict detection and avoidance. In some examples, operations using unlicensed bands can be based on carrier aggregation configuration (e.g., LAA) in combination with component carriers operating using licensed bands. Operations using unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, P2P transmissions, or D2D transmissions, and the like.

[0083] The network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140, RU 170) or UE 115 may be equipped with multiple antennas that can be used to employ technologies such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications, or beamforming. The antennas of the network entity 105 or UE 115 may be located in one or more antenna arrays or antenna panels, which may support MIMO operations or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be co-located at an antenna assembly such as an antenna tower. In some examples, antennas or antenna arrays associated with the network entity 105 may be located at different geographical locations. The network entity 105 may include an antenna array having a collection of multiple rows and columns of antenna ports that the network entity 105 can use to support beamforming for communications with the UE 115. Similarly, the UE 115 may include one or more antenna arrays that may support various MIMO or beamforming operations. Additionally or alternatively, the antenna panel may support RF beamforming for signals sent via the antenna ports.

[0084] The network entity 105 or UE 115 may use MIMO communication to utilize multipath signal propagation and improve spectral efficiency by sending or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers. Such a technology may be referred to as spatial multiplexing. The multiple signals may be sent, for example, by a transmitting device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Similarly, the multiple signals may be received by a receiving device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Each of the multiple signals may be referred to as a separate spatial stream and may carry information associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams (e.g., different codewords). Different spatial layers may be associated with different antenna ports for channel measurement and reporting. MIMO technologies include: single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO), in which multiple spatial layers are sent to the same receiving device; and multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), in which multiple spatial layers are sent to multiple devices.

[0085] Beamforming (which may also be referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception) is a signal processing technique that may be used at a sender device or a receiver device (e.g., network entity 105, UE 115) to shape or direct an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam, a receive beam) along a spatial path between the sender device and the receiver device. Beamforming may be achieved by combining signals conveyed via antenna elements of an antenna array so that some signals propagating along a particular orientation relative to the antenna array experience constructive interference, while other signals experience destructive interference. Adjustments to signals conveyed via antenna elements may include the sender device or the receiver device applying an amplitude offset, a phase offset, or both to signals carried via antenna elements associated with the device. Adjustments associated with each of these antenna elements may be defined by a set of beamforming weights associated with a particular orientation (e.g., relative to the antenna array of the sender device or the receiver device or relative to some other orientation).

[0086] The network entity 105 or UE 115 may use beam scanning techniques as part of a beamforming operation. For example, the network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140, RU 170) may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays (e.g., antenna panels) to perform beamforming operations for directional communication with UE 115. Some signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be sent multiple times by the network entity 105 along different directions. For example, the network entity 105 may send signals according to different sets of beamforming weights associated with different transmission directions. Transmissions along different beam directions may be used to identify (e.g., by a transmitting device (such as network entity 105), or by a receiving device (such as UE 115)) beam directions for later transmission or reception by the network entity 105.

[0087] Some signals, such as data signals associated with a particular receiving device, may be sent by a transmitting device (e.g., transmitting network entity 105, transmitting UE 115) along a single beam direction (e.g., a direction associated with a receiving device (such as receiving network entity 105 or receiving UE 115)). In some examples, a beam direction associated with transmission along a single beam direction may be determined based on signals sent along one or more beam directions. For example, UE 115 may receive one or more of the signals sent by network entity 105 along different directions, and may report to network entity 105 an indication of the signal received by UE 115 with the highest signal quality or other acceptable signal quality.

[0088] In some examples, transmission by a device (e.g., by network entity 105 or UE 115) may be performed using multiple beam directions, and the device may use a combination of digital precoding or beamforming to generate a combined beam for transmission (e.g., from network entity 105 to UE 115). UE 115 may report feedback indicating precoding weights for one or more beam directions, and the feedback may correspond to a configured set of beams across a system bandwidth or one or more subbands. Network entity 105 may send reference signals (e.g., cell-specific reference signals (CRS), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS)), which may or may not be precoded. UE 115 may provide feedback for beam selection, which may be a precoding matrix indicator (PMI) or codebook-based feedback (e.g., multi-panel codebook, linear combination codebook, port selection codebook). Although these techniques are described with reference to signals sent along one or more directions by a network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140, RU 170), UE 115 may use similar techniques to send signals multiple times along different directions (e.g., to identify a beam direction for subsequent transmission or reception by UE 115), or to send signals along a single direction (e.g., to send data to a receiving device).

[0089] A receiving device (e.g., UE 115) may perform receiving operations according to multiple receiving configurations (e.g., directional listening) when receiving various signals (such as synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) from a receiving device (e.g., network entity 105). For example, the receiving device may perform reception according to multiple receiving directions by: receiving via different antenna subarrays, processing received signals according to different antenna subarrays, receiving according to different receiving beamforming weight sets (e.g., different directional listening weight sets) applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, or processing received signals according to different receiving beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, any of which may be referred to as "listening" according to different receiving configurations or receiving directions. In some examples, the receiving device may use a single receiving configuration to receive along a single beam direction (e.g., when receiving a data signal). A single receive configuration may be aligned along a beam direction determined based on listening according to different receive configuration directions (e.g., a beam direction determined to have the highest signal strength, highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), or other acceptable signal quality based on listening according to multiple beam directions).

[0090] The wireless communication system 100 may be a packet-based network operating according to a layered protocol stack. In the user plane, communications at the bearer or PDCP layer may be IP-based. The RLC layer may perform packet segmentation and reassembly to communicate via logical channels. The MAC layer may perform priority handling and multiplexing of logical channels into transport channels. The MAC layer may also implement error detection techniques, error correction techniques, or both to support retransmission to improve link efficiency. In the control plane, the RRC layer may provide the establishment, configuration, and maintenance of an RRC connection for a radio bearer supporting user plane data between the UE 115 and the network entity 105 or the core network 130. The PHY layer may map transport channels to physical channels.

[0091] UE 115 and network entity 105 may support retransmission of data to increase the likelihood of data being successfully received. Hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback is a technique for increasing the likelihood of correctly receiving data via a communication link (e.g., communication link 125, D2D communication link 135). HARQ may include a combination of error detection (e.g., using a cyclic redundancy check (CRC)), forward error correction (FEC), and retransmission (e.g., automatic repeat request (ARQ)). HARQ may improve throughput at the MAC layer under poor radio conditions (e.g., low signal-to-noise ratio conditions). In some examples, a device may support same-slot HARQ feedback, in which case the device may provide HARQ feedback in a specific time slot for data received via a previous symbol in the time slot. In some other examples, the device may provide HARQ feedback in a subsequent time slot or according to some other time interval.

[0092] In some implementations, a relay device (which may be a UE 115, a network entity 105, or other wireless device) may be used to relay communications between the network entity 105 and the UE 115 when the network (e.g., one or more devices operating in the network, such as the network entity 105) is operating in a network energy saving mode (which may also be referred to as an energy state mode) with reduced power consumption and reduced coverage area. In this case, the UE 115 may have been in the coverage area of ​​the network entity 105 before the network entered the network energy saving mode, but is now outside the reduced coverage area due to the reduction in coverage area associated with the network energy saving mode. Therefore, the relay device may detect that the network (e.g., the network entity 105 or other wireless device of the network) has entered the network energy saving mode with reduced coverage area. The relay device may activate a relay function for relaying communications between the network entity 105 and the UE 115 located outside the reduced coverage area.

[0093] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system 200 supporting relay operation with an energy state mode according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The wireless communication system 200 may include a network entity 105-a, which may be an example of one or more network entities as discussed with respect to other figures. The wireless communication system 200 may also include a relay device 215, which may be an example of a relay device as discussed with respect to other figures. The wireless communication system 200 may also include a UE 115-a, which may be an example of a UE as discussed with respect to other figures.

[0094] During operation, the wireless communication system 200 may participate in power saving operations that may be performed at one or more network devices. The wireless communication system 200 may use a large amount of power to operate, and thus network power saving operations may be employed to increase adoption and expansion of wireless communication networks.

[0095] The network power saving operation may employ different modes and operations to save power while maintaining network operation, and the network may switch between different network power saving modes based on network input and current traffic conditions. For example, in the case of low traffic volume, the network entity 105-a may not activate all antennas of the network entity. Additionally or alternatively, different network power saving modes may include adjusting the bandwidth suitable for communication, the number of active antennas, one or more other communication parameters, or any combination thereof.

[0096] In some examples, the network power saving mode may be a sleep mode or a mode associated with reduced power consumption. Such network power saving sleep modes may differ from one another in operation, triggering conditions or messages (e.g., reduced traffic volume, such as traffic below a threshold), or both. For example, some sleep modes may shut down the radio frequency chain, while other sleep modes may not shut down the radio frequency chain. In addition, different sleep modes may have different amounts of power consumption and may employ different transition times (e.g., time periods for transitioning to and from a sleep mode).

[0097] In some examples, a semi-static approach to network operation may be employed, wherein different network energy saving modes may optionally be employed on a periodic basis. A network energy saving mode (also referred to as an energy state mode) may refer to an operating mode in which one or more power saving operations are performed, by which the network saves energy. A network energy saving mode may also be a flexible mode in which different power saving operations may be employed, which may also be dynamically indicated by the network (e.g., depending on current traffic conditions). Yet another network energy saving mode may be a "legacy" mode that may be associated with only some power saving operations or no power saving operations.

[0098] During the operation process, when the network operates in different network energy saving modes, different communication parameters associated with the network energy saving mode may be adjusted. For example, the network entity 105-a may adjust the number of transmit antennas, receive antennas, transmit power, one or more other communication parameters, or any combination thereof that may affect the coverage area associated with the network entity 105-a. For example, the network entity 105-a may operate in a first energy state mode 220 that may be associated with a first coverage area 110-a. The network entity 105-a may transition to a second energy state mode 225 that may be associated with a second coverage area 110-b. Therefore, a UE 115-a located in the first coverage area 110-a may not be located in the second coverage area 110-b, and a relay device 215 may be located in the second coverage area 110-b. Therefore, as described herein, a relay device 215 (which may be a network entity, a UE, a dedicated relay device, or other wireless communication device) may operate as a relay point to relay communications between a UE 115-a and the network entity 105-a.

[0099] In some examples, the network entity 105-a may assign one or more wireless devices (e.g., UEs, amplify and forward (AF) or decode and forward (DF) relays or repeaters, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) devices, reconfigurable intelligent metasurfaces (RIS), one or more other wireless devices, or any combination thereof) to act as relays for a device (e.g., UE 115-a) in one or more network energy-saving modes. Such devices may be referred to herein as relay devices, such as relay device 215.

[0100] In some examples, relay device 215 may be autonomously activated as a relay depending on a network power saving mode. For example, relay device 215 may detect that the network or network entity 105-a has transitioned to a network power saving associated with one or more power saving operations, second coverage area 110-b (e.g., used due to power saving operations), or both. Relay device 215 may then autonomously activate as a relay to relay communications between network entity 105-a and UE 115-a.

[0101] In some examples, the network entity 105-a may send an indication to the relay device 215 that the relay device 215 is to act as a relay, that the network is operating in a different network energy saving mode or will operate in a different network energy saving mode, or both. The network entity 105-a NW may communicate such an indication via a direct link (e.g., via a backhaul link) or via a broadcast signal or a dedicated over-the-air (OTA) signal (e.g., which the relay device 215 may decode to receive an indication of a change in the network energy saving mode). In some examples, such an indication may be part of a system information message broadcast.

[0102] In some examples, activating relay device 215 to operate as a relay may be associated with a network energy saving mode indication or a communication state change indication associated with a network energy saving mode change (e.g., once the energy state is indicated or identified in signaling, such as synchronization signal block (SSB) signaling, downlink control information (DCI), RRC signaling, medium access control element (MAC-CE) signaling, other signaling, or any combination thereof). In some examples, the indication to activate relay device 215 as a relay may be sent in different types of signaling, including L1 signaling (e.g., DCI), L2 signaling (e.g., MAC-CE), L3 signaling (e.g., RRC), or any combination thereof.

[0103] In some examples, network entity 105-a may activate relay device 215 to act as a relay based on one or more communication parameters, such as transmit power (e.g., specifying one or more power levels that relay device 215 should use to communicate with UE 115-a that is out of coverage). Such power indication may be indicated via L1 signaling (e.g., DCI), L2 signaling (e.g., MAC-CE), L3 signaling (e.g., RRC), or any combination thereof.

[0104] The network entity 105-a may activate the relay device 215 to act as a relay based on one or more beam parameters (e.g., specifying one or more beams that the relay device 215 is to use to communicate with the UE 115-a that is out of coverage). Such a beam indication may be indicated via L1 signaling (e.g., DCI), L2 signaling (e.g., MAC-CE), L3 signaling (e.g., RRC), or any combination thereof. One or more beams to be used by the relay device 215 may be determined based on the positioning of the relay device 215 or multiple relay devices 215. For example, the network entity 105-a may coordinate beam parameters for one or more relay devices 215, such as by limiting the beams to be used for relay operation to one or more directions or not allowing some beams to be used. Such coordination may help reduce, avoid, or manage inter-cell interference.

[0105] In some examples, one or more relay devices 215 may be used to relay transmissions, and the relay devices 215 may be deployed or activated so that they are placed at or near (e.g., within a threshold distance or within a threshold signal strength) a coverage endpoint of the network entity 105-a. For example, the relay device 215 may be located at or near an edge of the second coverage area 110-b.

[0106] In some examples, the relay device 215 may send an indication of the current network energy saving mode being adopted by the network entity 105-a. For example, the relay device 215 may send an indication of the second energy state mode 225 when acting as a relay, and the indication may be sent via L1 signaling (e.g., DCI), L2 signaling (e.g., MAC-CE), L3 signaling (e.g., RRC), or any combination thereof. In some examples involving sidelink communications, the relay device 215 may send signaling such as sidelink control information (SCI), LTE-Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) (PC5) MAC-CE signaling, PC5-RRC signaling, physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) multicast signaling, PSSCH unicast signaling, dedicated relay operation signaling, sidelink SSB signaling, or any combination thereof. In this way, devices out of coverage (such as UE 115-a) may be notified of the current network energy saving mode.

[0107] In some examples, different devices may act as relay device 215 based on the network energy conservation mode. For example, if network entity 105-a sends an indication of operation in second energy state mode 225, relay device 215 may be activated as a relay, while if network entity 105-a sends an indication of operation in first energy state mode 220, UE 115-a may be activated to function as a relay device.

[0108] In some examples, the network entity 105-a may activate one or more UEs to act as relays to communicate with devices out of coverage. In some examples, the network entity 105-a may do so in association with some network energy saving modes and not in association with other network energy saving modes. Activating one or more UEs as relays may allow additional flexibility because a dedicated stationary relay unit may not be required and the UEs may be activated as relay devices on demand when needed (e.g., based on traffic levels or whether the traffic levels exceed a threshold or do not exceed a threshold). In some examples, the network entity 105-a may activate one or more UEs as relays based on a network energy saving mode, a distance from the UE to the serving gNB, one or more other characteristics or parameters, or any combination thereof. The distance may be obtained by different techniques, including positioning estimation, reference signal received power (RSRP) estimation, receiving an indication of an explicit location (e.g., an absolute location or a location relative to the network entity 105-a), or any combination thereof.

[0109] In some examples, the network entity 105-a may send a configuration that the relay device 215 is to use to communicate with out-of-coverage devices. The configuration may include one or more indications of power, beams, other parameters, or any combination thereof that the relay device 215 is to use for relay operations.

[0110] In some examples, the UE may be activated as a relay device 215 in an autonomous manner (e.g., subject to decoding or detecting a network energy saving mode or a transition between network energy saving modes, a distance between the network entity 105-a and the relay device 215, or both). In other examples, the UE receives a command from the network entity 105-a to act as a relay device 215. For example, if one or more conditions are met (e.g., the network entity 105-a is using a network energy saving mode in which relaying may be appropriate, a distance between the network entity 105-a and the UE, or both), the network entity 105-a may activate the UE to act as a relay device 215 by sending an indication to the UE. This approach may allow the network entity 105-a to control interference and adaptively activate UE relays based on the density of available UEs. In some examples, conditions for activation (e.g., at a UE, network entity 105-a, other device, or any combination thereof) can be configured or dynamically specified in signaling (e.g., L1 signaling (e.g., DCI), L2 signaling (e.g., MAC-CE), L3 signaling (e.g., RRC), or any combination thereof).

[0111] In some examples, the network entity 105-a may determine or estimate a set of UEs that may act as relay devices 215 based on a network energy conservation mode (e.g., a current network energy conservation mode or a future network energy conservation mode), a distance of the UE from the network entity 105-a, or both. As described herein, the network entity 105-a may receive an indication of the distance of the UE, or may estimate or calculate the distance of the UE. Additionally or alternatively, the network entity 105-a may employ other metrics to determine whether the UE is a candidate for relay operation (e.g., RSRP meets or exceeds a threshold RSRP).

[0112] In some examples, the network entity 105-a may request one or more UEs to signal the availability of acting as a relay for network operations associated with a current or future network energy conservation mode. For example, the network entity 105-a may request the availability of the UE 115-a to act as a relay based on a transition from the first energy state mode 220 to the second energy state mode 225. Then, depending on the availability response and whether the respective UE 115-a meets a distance threshold for relay operation, the network entity 105-a may activate one or more of the UEs 115-a (or not activate the UEs). In some examples, such a distance threshold may be specified or dynamically indicated by the network entity 105-a or other network device.

[0113] In some examples, if a UE is acting as a relay device 215 and is serving another UE (e.g., one of UEs 115-a), the UE acting as a relay device 215 can receive instructions to continue relaying communications even if network entity 105-a transitions to another network power saving mode, even if distance conditions are not met, or even if both conditions exist.

[0114] In some examples, a UE acting as a relay device 215 may transmit (e.g., "announce") its capability or actual operation as a relay based on a current or future network energy saving mode and optionally satisfying a distance condition. In this way, other UEs (such as UEs out of coverage, such as UE 115-a) may prioritize or manage relay technologies or strategies (e.g., by selecting between available relay devices 215). In some examples, a UE acting as a relay device 215 may broadcast a current or future network energy saving mode in which the network entity 105-a operates as part of an SL-SSB transmission. Additionally or alternatively, a UE acting as a relay device 215 may transmit a multicast PSSCH to broadcast the current or future network energy saving mode. In other cases, a UE acting as a relay device 215 may transmit an SCI transmission (e.g., an SCI transmission that may not be decoded by all surrounding UEs). In addition, a UE acting as a relay device 215 may transmit MAC-CE signaling, RRC signaling, or both, which may be used to transmit an indication of a current or future network energy saving mode. However, if a UE out of coverage does not detect or receive the broadcast of a network energy saving mode, the UE may request an indication of a current or future network energy saving mode from the relay device 215 .

[0115] In this way, even if UE 115-a is outside the second coverage area 110-b associated with the second energy state mode 225, the network entity 105-a can communicate with UE 115-a while still adopting the network energy saving mode to reduce power consumption by relaying communications via the relay device 215.

[0116] Figure 3 An example of a process flow 300 for supporting relay operation with an energy state mode according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The process flow 300 can implement various aspects of the present disclosure described herein. The elements described in the process flow 300 (e.g., the network entity 105-b, the relay device 215-a, and the UE 115-b) can be examples of similarly named elements described herein.

[0117] In the following description of process flow 300, operations between various entities or elements may be performed in different orders or at different times. Some operations may also be excluded from process flow 300, or other operations may be added. Although various entities or elements are shown as performing operations of process flow 300, some aspects of some operations may also be performed by other entities or elements of process flow 300 or by entities or elements not depicted in the process flow, or any combination thereof.

[0118] At 320, relay device 215-a may receive a control signal that may indicate a transition from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode. In some examples, the control signal may include one or more of a system information block, a master information block, or a message received over a backhaul link.

[0119] At 325 , relay device 215 - a may receive a relay function activation message that may indicate that the relay device is to activate a relay function.

[0120] At 330, the relay device 215-a may detect that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, and the second energy state mode may be associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to the network coverage area associated with the first energy state mode.

[0121] At 335, the relay device 215-a may send a relay availability message to the network entity based at least in part on detecting that the network has transitioned from the first energy state mode to the second energy state mode, the relay availability message indicating that the relay device is available to act as a relay and that a distance between the relay device and the network entity satisfies a distance threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the relay device 215-a may send a relay availability message to the UE based at least in part on detecting that the network has transitioned from the first energy state mode to the second energy state mode, the relay availability message indicating that the relay device is available to act as a relay.

[0122] At 340, relay device 215-a may activate a relay function at the relay device based at least in part on detecting that the network has transitioned to the second energy state mode and the location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area. In some examples, the relay function may be activated at the relay device based at least in part on a distance between the relay device and a network entity. In some examples, activating the relay function at the relay device is based at least in part on receiving a relay function activation message.

[0123] At 345, relay device 215-a may receive a request from the UE for an indication of a current energy state mode.

[0124] At 350, relay device 215-a may send an indication of the second energy state mode based at least in part on activating the relay functionality. In some examples, relay device 215-a may send the indication of the second energy state mode in a sidelink synchronization signal block, a multicast shared channel message, a sidelink control information message, a unicast medium access control control element, or a unicast radio resource control message. In some examples, relay device 215-a may send the indication of the second energy state mode to the UE.

[0125] At 355, the relay device 215-a may receive an indication of one or more relay operating parameters associated with the relay device, the one or more relay operating parameters including a power level, an indication of one or more beams, or both.

[0126] At 360, the relay device 215-a can communicate with the UE 215-b and the network entity 105-b of the network to relay transmissions between the UE 215-b and the network entity 105-b based at least in part on activating the relay functionality. In some examples, communicating with the UE, the network entity, or both can be based at least in part on one or more relay operating parameters.

[0127] Figure 4 A block diagram 400 of a device 405 supporting relay operation with an energy state mode according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 405 can be an example of aspects of a relay device as described herein. The device 405 can include a receiver 410, a transmitter 415, and a communication manager 420. The device 405 can also include a processor. Each of these components can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0128] Receiver 410 may provide means for receiving information (such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to relay operation with energy state modes). The information may be communicated to other components of device 405. Receiver 410 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0129] The transmitter 415 may provide means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device 405. For example, the transmitter 415 may transmit information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to relay operation with energy state modes), such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the transmitter 415 may be co-located with the receiver 410 in a transceiver module. The transmitter 415 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0130] The communication manager 420, the receiver 410, the transmitter 415, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof, may be examples of means for performing various aspects of relay operation with energy state modes as described herein. For example, the communication manager 420, the receiver 410, the transmitter 415, or various combinations thereof, or components thereof, may support methods for performing one or more of the functions described herein.

[0131] In some examples, the communication manager 420, the receiver 410, the transmitter 415, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in a communication management circuit). The hardware may include a processor, a DSP, a CPU, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, a microprocessor, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof that is configured as or otherwise supports components for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, the processor and a memory coupled to the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by executing instructions stored in the memory by the processor).

[0132] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communication manager 420, the receiver 410, the transmitter 415, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code executed by a processor (e.g., as communication management software). If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functionality of the communication manager 420, the receiver 410, the transmitter 415, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general purpose processor (e.g., configured as or otherwise supporting components for performing the functions described in the present disclosure), a DSP, a CPU, a GPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, a microcontroller, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices.

[0133] In some examples, communication manager 420 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, transmit) using or otherwise cooperating with receiver 410, transmitter 415, or both. For example, communication manager 420 may receive information from receiver 410, transmit information to transmitter 415, or be integrated in conjunction with receiver 410, transmitter 415, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0134] Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 420 may support wireless communications at a relay device. For example, the communication manager 420 may be configured to or otherwise support components for detecting that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to the network coverage area associated with the first energy state mode. The communication manager 420 may be configured to or otherwise support components for activating a relay function at the relay device based on detecting that the network has transitioned to the second energy state mode and the location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area. The communication manager 420 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating with the UE and a network entity of the network to relay transmissions between the UE and the network entity based on activating the relay function.

[0135] By including or configuring a communications manager 420 according to examples as described herein, a device 405 (e.g., a processor controlling or otherwise coupled to a receiver 410, a transmitter 415, a communications manager 420, or a combination thereof) may support techniques for reducing processing, reducing power consumption, more efficiently utilizing communications resources, or any combination thereof.

[0136] Figure 5 A block diagram 500 of a device 505 supporting relay operation with an energy state mode according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 505 can be an example of aspects of the device 405 or the relay device 215 as described herein. The device 505 may include a receiver 510, a transmitter 515, and a communication manager 520. The device 505 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0137] Receiver 510 may provide means for receiving information (such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to relay operation with energy state modes). The information may be communicated to other components of device 505. Receiver 510 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0138] The transmitter 515 may provide means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device 505. For example, the transmitter 515 may transmit information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to relay operation with energy state modes), such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the transmitter 515 may be co-located with the receiver 510 in a transceiver module. The transmitter 515 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0139] Device 505 or its various components may be examples of components for performing various aspects of relay operations with energy state modes as described herein. For example, communication manager 520 may include energy state mode component 525, relay function activation component 530, transmit relay component 535, or any combination thereof. Communication manager 520 may be an example of various aspects of communication manager 420 as described herein. In some examples, communication manager 520 or its various components may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, send) using or otherwise in conjunction with receiver 510, transmitter 515, or both. For example, communication manager 520 may receive information from receiver 510, transmit information to transmitter 515, or integrate with receiver 510, transmitter 515, or both in combination to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0140] According to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 520 may support wireless communications at a relay device. The energy state mode component 525 may be configured to or otherwise support components for detecting that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to the network coverage area associated with the first energy state mode. The relay function activation component 530 may be configured to or otherwise support components for activating a relay function at a relay device based on detecting that the network has transitioned to the second energy state mode and the location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area. The transmission relay component 535 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating with a UE and a network entity of the network to relay transmissions between the UE and the network entity based on activating the relay function.

[0141] Figure 6 A block diagram 600 of a communication manager 620 supporting relay operation with an energy state mode according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication manager 620 can be an example of aspects of the communication manager 420, the communication manager 520, or both as described herein. The communication manager 620 or its various components can be examples of components for performing various aspects of relay operation with an energy state mode as described herein. For example, the communication manager 620 may include an energy state mode component 625, a relay function activation component 630, a transmit relay component 635, a control signaling component 640, an energy state mode indication component 645, a relay operation parameter component 650, a relay availability component 655, an energy state mode request component 660, or any combination thereof. Each of these components can communicate directly or indirectly with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0142] Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 620 may support wireless communications at a relay device. The energy state mode component 625 may be configured to or otherwise support components for detecting that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to the network coverage area associated with the first energy state mode. The relay function activation component 630 may be configured to or otherwise support components for activating a relay function at a relay device based on detecting that the network has transitioned to the second energy state mode and the location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area. The transmission relay component 635 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating with a network entity of the UE and the network to relay transmissions between the UE and the network entity based on activating the relay function.

[0143] In some examples, to support detecting that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, the control signaling component 640 may be configured as or otherwise support components for receiving a control signal indicating a transition from the first energy state mode to the second energy state mode.

[0144] In some examples, the control signal includes one or more of a system information block, a master information block, or a message received over a backhaul link.

[0145] In some examples, energy state mode indicating component 645 may be configured or otherwise support means for sending an indication of a second energy state mode based on activating a relay function.

[0146] In some examples, the energy state mode indication component 645 may be configured as or otherwise support components for sending an indication of a second energy state mode in a sidelink synchronization signal block, a multicast shared channel message, a sidelink control information message, a unicast medium access control control element (MAC-CE), or a unicast radio resource control message.

[0147] In some examples, relay operating parameters component 650 can be configured or otherwise support components for receiving an indication of one or more relay operating parameters associated with a relay device, the one or more relay operating parameters including a power level, an indication of one or more beams, or both. In some examples, relay operating parameters component 650 can be configured or otherwise support components for wherein communicating with a UE, a network entity, or both is based on the one or more relay operating parameters.

[0148] In some examples, a relay function is activated at a relay device based on a distance between the relay device and a network entity.

[0149] In some examples, the relay function activation component 630 may be configured or otherwise support components for receiving a relay function activation message indicating that the relay device is to activate the relay function. In some examples, the relay function activation component 630 may be configured or otherwise support components for wherein activating the relay function at the relay device is based on receiving the relay function activation message.

[0150] In some examples, the relay availability component 655 may be configured as or otherwise support components for sending a relay availability message to a network entity based on detecting that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, the relay availability message indicating that the relay device is available to act as a relay and that a distance between the relay device and the network entity satisfies a distance threshold.

[0151] In some examples, the relay availability component 655 may be configured to or otherwise support components for sending a relay availability message to the UE based on detecting that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, the relay availability message indicating that the relay device is available to act as a relay.

[0152] In some examples, energy state mode request component 660 may be configured or otherwise support means for receiving a request for an indication of a current energy state mode from a UE. In some examples, energy state mode indication component 645 may be configured or otherwise support means for sending an indication of a second energy state mode to a UE.

[0153] Figure 7 A diagram of a system 700 including a device 705 supporting relay operation with an energy state mode according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 705 may be an example of a device 405, a device 505, or a relay device as described herein, or may include components thereof. The device 705 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, such as a communication manager 720, an I / O controller 710, a transceiver 715, an antenna 725, a memory 730, a code 735, and a processor 740. These components may be electronically communicated or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., a bus 745).

[0154] I / O controller 710 can manage input signals and output signals of device 705. I / O controller 710 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into device 705. In some cases, I / O controller 710 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some cases, I / O controller 710 can utilize an operating system, such as or another known operating system. Additionally or alternatively, I / O controller 710 may represent or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or similar device. In some cases, I / O controller 710 may be implemented as part of a processor (such as processor 740). In some cases, a user may interact with device 705 via I / O controller 710 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 710.

[0155] In some cases, the device 705 may include a single antenna 725. However, in some other cases, the device 705 may have more than one antenna 725, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The transceiver 715 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas 725, a wired or wireless link, as described herein. For example, the transceiver 715 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 715 may also include a modem for: modulating packets; providing the modulated packets to one or more antennas 725 for transmission; and demodulating packets received from one or more antennas 725. The transceiver 715 or the transceiver 715 and the one or more antennas 725 may be examples of transmitters 415, transmitters 515, receivers 410, receivers 510, or any combination thereof or components thereof as described herein.

[0156] The memory 730 may include RAM and ROM. The memory 730 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 735 including instructions that, when executed by the processor 740, cause the device 705 to perform various functions described herein. The code 735 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as a system memory or another type of memory. In some cases, the code 735 may not be directly executable by the processor 740, but may (e.g., when compiled and executed) cause the computer to perform the functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 730 may include, among other things, a BIOS that may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0157] The processor 740 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a GPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor 740 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 740. The processor 740 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., a memory 730) to enable the device 705 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting relay operations with an energy state mode). For example, the device 705 or a component of the device 705 may include a processor 740 and a memory 730 coupled to or coupled to the processor 740, and the processor 740 and the memory 730 are configured to perform the various functions described herein.

[0158] Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 720 may support wireless communications at a relay device. For example, the communication manager 720 may be configured to or otherwise support components for detecting that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to the network coverage area associated with the first energy state mode. The communication manager 720 may be configured to or otherwise support components for activating a relay function at the relay device based on detecting that the network has transitioned to the second energy state mode and the location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area. The communication manager 720 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating with a UE and a network entity of the network to relay transmissions between the UE and the network entity based on activating the relay function.

[0159] By including or configuring a communication manager 720 according to the examples described herein, the device 705 may support techniques for improving communication reliability, reducing latency, improving the user experience associated with reduced processing, reducing power consumption, more efficiently utilizing communication resources, improving coordination between devices, extending battery life, improving utilization of processing power, or any combination thereof.

[0160] In some examples, the communication manager 720 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, monitor, transmit) using or otherwise cooperating with the transceiver 715, one or more antennas 725, or any combination thereof. Although the communication manager 720 is illustrated as a separate component, in some examples, one or more functions described with reference to the communication manager 720 may be supported or performed by the processor 740, the memory 730, the code 735, or any combination thereof. For example, the code 735 may include instructions that may be executed by the processor 740 to cause the device 705 to perform various aspects of the relay operation with the energy state mode as described herein, or the processor 740 and the memory 730 may be otherwise configured to perform or support such operations.

[0161] Figure 8 A block diagram 800 of a device 805 supporting relay operation with an energy state mode according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 805 may be an example of aspects of the network entity 105 as described herein. The device 805 may include a receiver 810, a transmitter 815, and a communication manager 820. The device 805 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0162] Receiver 810 may provide means for obtaining (e.g., receiving, determining, identifying) information associated with various channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels, channels associated with a protocol stack), such as user data, control information, or any combination thereof (e.g., I / Q samples, symbols, packets, protocol data units, service data units). The information may be communicated to other components of device 805. In some examples, receiver 810 may support obtaining information by receiving signals via one or more antennas. Additionally or alternatively, receiver 810 may support obtaining information by receiving signals via one or more wired (e.g., electrical, optical) interfaces, wireless interfaces, or any combination thereof.

[0163] The transmitter 815 may provide means for outputting (e.g., sending, providing, conveying, transmitting) information generated by other components of the device 805. For example, the transmitter 815 may output information associated with various channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels, channels associated with a protocol stack), such as user data, control information, or any combination thereof (e.g., I / Q samples, symbols, packets, protocol data units, service data units). In some examples, the transmitter 815 may support outputting information by sending signals via one or more antennas. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitter 815 may support outputting information by sending signals via one or more wired (e.g., electrical, optical) interfaces, wireless interfaces, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the transmitter 815 and the receiver 810 may be co-located in a transceiver, which may include a modem or be coupled to a modem.

[0164] The communication manager 820, the receiver 810, the transmitter 815, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof, may be examples of means for performing various aspects of relay operation with energy state modes as described herein. For example, the communication manager 820, the receiver 810, the transmitter 815, or various combinations thereof, or components thereof, may support methods for performing one or more of the functions described herein.

[0165] In some examples, the communication manager 820, the receiver 810, the transmitter 815, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in a communication management circuit). The hardware may include a processor, a DSP, a CPU, a GPU, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, a microprocessor, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof that is configured as or otherwise supports components for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, a processor and a memory coupled to the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by executing instructions stored in the memory by the processor).

[0166] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communication manager 820, the receiver 810, the transmitter 815, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code executed by a processor (e.g., as communication management software). If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functionality of the communication manager 820, the receiver 810, the transmitter 815, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general purpose processor (e.g., configured as or otherwise supporting components for performing the functions described in the present disclosure), a DSP, a CPU, a GPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, a microcontroller, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices.

[0167] In some examples, the communication manager 820 can be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, send) using or otherwise cooperating with the receiver 810, the transmitter 815, or both. For example, the communication manager 820 can receive information from the receiver 810, transmit information to the transmitter 815, or integrate with the receiver 810, the transmitter 815, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0168] Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 820 may support wireless communications at a network entity of the network. For example, the communication manager 820 may be configured to or otherwise support components for detecting that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to the network coverage area of ​​the first energy state mode. The communication manager 820 may be configured to or otherwise support components for determining that the relay device has activated a relay function based on the location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area. The communication manager 820 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating with the UE via the relay device based on the determination.

[0169] By including or configuring a communications manager 820 according to examples as described herein, a device 805 (e.g., a processor controlling or otherwise coupled to a receiver 810, a transmitter 815, a communications manager 820, or a combination thereof) may support techniques for reducing processing, reducing power consumption, more efficiently utilizing communications resources, or any combination thereof.

[0170] Fig. 9 A block diagram 900 of a device 905 supporting relay operation with an energy state mode according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 905 may be an example of aspects of the device 805 or the network entity 105 as described herein. The device 905 may include a receiver 910, a transmitter 915, and a communication manager 920. The device 905 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0171] Receiver 910 may provide means for obtaining (e.g., receiving, determining, identifying) information associated with various channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels, channels associated with a protocol stack), such as user data, control information, or any combination thereof (e.g., I / Q samples, symbols, packets, protocol data units, service data units). The information may be communicated to other components of device 905. In some examples, receiver 910 may support obtaining information by receiving signals via one or more antennas. Additionally or alternatively, receiver 910 may support obtaining information by receiving signals via one or more wired (e.g., electrical, optical) interfaces, wireless interfaces, or any combination thereof.

[0172] The transmitter 915 may provide means for outputting (e.g., sending, providing, conveying, transmitting) information generated by other components of the device 905. For example, the transmitter 915 may output information associated with various channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels, channels associated with a protocol stack), such as user data, control information, or any combination thereof (e.g., I / Q samples, symbols, packets, protocol data units, service data units). In some examples, the transmitter 915 may support outputting information by sending signals via one or more antennas. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitter 915 may support outputting information by sending signals via one or more wired (e.g., electrical, optical) interfaces, wireless interfaces, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the transmitter 915 and the receiver 910 may be co-located in a transceiver, which may include a modem or be coupled to a modem.

[0173] Device 905 or its various components may be examples of components for performing various aspects of relay operations with energy state modes as described herein. For example, communication manager 920 may include energy state mode component 925, relay function activation component 930, transmit relay component 935, or any combination thereof. Communication manager 920 may be an example of various aspects of communication manager 820 as described herein. In some examples, communication manager 920 or its various components may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, send) using or otherwise in conjunction with receiver 910, transmitter 915, or both. For example, communication manager 920 may receive information from receiver 910, transmit information to transmitter 915, or integrate with receiver 910, transmitter 915, or both in combination to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0174] According to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 920 may support wireless communications at a network entity of the network. The energy state mode component 925 may be configured to or otherwise support components for detecting that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to the network coverage area of ​​the first energy state mode. The relay function activation component 930 may be configured to or otherwise support components for determining that the relay device has activated a relay function based on the location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area. The transmit relay component 935 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating with the UE via the relay device based on the determination.

[0175] Fig.10 A block diagram 1000 of a communication manager 1020 supporting relay operation with energy state modes according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication manager 1020 can be an example of aspects of the communication manager 820, the communication manager 920, or both as described herein. The communication manager 1020 or its various components can be examples of components for performing various aspects of relay operation with energy state modes as described herein. For example, the communication manager 1020 may include an energy state mode component 1025, a relay function activation component 1030, a send relay component 1035, a control signaling component 1040, a relay operation parameter component 1045, a relay availability component 1050, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate directly or indirectly with each other (e.g., via one or more buses), which communication may include communication within a protocol layer of a protocol stack, communication associated with a logical channel of a protocol stack (e.g., between protocol layers of a protocol stack, within a device, component, or virtualized component associated with the network entity 105, between devices, components, or virtualized components associated with the network entity 105), or any combination thereof.

[0176] Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 1020 may support wireless communications at a network entity of the network. The energy state mode component 1025 may be configured to or otherwise support components for detecting that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to the network coverage area of ​​the first energy state mode. The relay function activation component 1030 may be configured to or otherwise support components for determining that the relay device has activated a relay function based on the location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area. The transmit relay component 1035 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating with the UE via the relay device based on the determination.

[0177] In some examples, control signaling component 1040 can be configured or otherwise support means for sending a control signal indicating a transition from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode.

[0178] In some examples, the control signal includes one or more of a system information block, a master information block, or a message sent over a backhaul link.

[0179] In some examples, relay operating parameters component 1045 may be configured as or otherwise support components for sending an indication of one or more relay operating parameters associated with a relay device, the one or more relay operating parameters including a power level, an indication of one or more beams, or both.

[0180] In some examples, a relay function is activated at a relay device based on a distance between the relay device and a network entity.

[0181] In some examples, the relay function activation component 1030 may be configured or otherwise support a component for sending a relay function activation message indicating that the relay device is to activate the relay function. In some examples, the relay function activation component 1030 may be configured or otherwise support a component for wherein the relay device activates the relay function based on the relay function activation message.

[0182] In some examples, relay availability component 1050 may be configured or otherwise support components for receiving a relay availability message from a relay device indicating that the relay device is available to act as a relay and that a distance between the relay device and a network entity satisfies a distance threshold.

[0183] Fig.11 A diagram of a system 1100 including a device 1105 supporting relay operation with an energy state mode according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1105 may be an example of a device 805, a device 905, or a network entity 105 as described herein, or include components thereof. The device 1105 may communicate with one or more network entities 105, one or more UEs 115, or any combination thereof, which communication may include communication through one or more wired interfaces, through one or more wireless interfaces, or any combination thereof. The device 1105 may include components that support output and acquisition of communications, such as a communication manager 1120, a transceiver 1110, an antenna 1115, a memory 1125, a code 1130, and a processor 1135. These components may be electronically communicated or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., a bus 1140).

[0184] As described herein, the transceiver 1110 may support bidirectional communication via a wired link, a wireless link, or both. In some examples, the transceiver 1110 may include a wired transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wired transceiver. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the transceiver 1110 may include a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. In some examples, the device 1105 may include one or more antennas 1115, which may be capable of sending or receiving wireless transmissions (e.g., concurrently). The transceiver 1110 may also include a modem for modulating a signal, thereby providing a modulated signal for transmission (e.g., through one or more antennas 1115, through a wired transmitter), for receiving a modulated signal (e.g., from one or more antennas 1115, from a wired receiver), and for demodulating a signal. In some implementations, the transceiver 1110 may include one or more interfaces, such as one or more interfaces coupled to one or more antennas 1115 configured to support various receiving or obtaining operations, or one or more interfaces coupled to one or more antennas 1115 configured to support various transmitting operations or output operations, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the transceiver 1110 may include or be configured to be coupled to one or more processors or memory components that are operable to: perform or support operations based on received or obtained information or signals; or generate information or other signals for transmission or other output, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the transceiver 1110, or the transceiver 1110 and one or more antennas 1115, or the transceiver 1110 and one or more antennas 1115 and one or more processors or memory components (e.g., processor 1135, or memory 1125, or both) may be included in a chip or chip assembly installed in the device 1105. In some examples, the transceiver may be operable to support communications via one or more communication links (eg, communication link 125, backhaul communication link 120, midhaul communication link 162, fronthaul communication link 168).

[0185] Memory 1125 may include RAM and ROM. Memory 1125 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 1130 including instructions that, when executed by processor 1135, cause device 1105 to perform various functions described herein. Code 1130 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. In some cases, code 1130 may not be directly executable by processor 1135, but may (e.g., when compiled and executed) cause a computer to perform the functions described herein. In some cases, memory 1125 may include, among other things, a BIOS that may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0186] The processor 1135 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a CPU, a GPU, an FPGA, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic element, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor 1135 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 1135. The processor 1135 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., a memory 1125) to enable the device 1105 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks that support relay operations with energy state modes). For example, the device 1105 or a component of the device 1105 may include a processor 1135 and a memory 1125 coupled to the processor 1135, the processor 1135 and the memory 1125 being configured to perform the various functions described herein. The processor 1135 may be an example of a cloud computing platform (e.g., one or more physical nodes and supporting software (such as an operating system, virtual machine, or container instance)) that may host functionality (e.g., by executing code 1130) to perform functionality of the device 1105. The processor 1135 may be any one or more suitable processors capable of executing scripts or instructions of one or more software programs stored in the device 1105 (such as within the memory 1125). In some implementations, the processor 1135 may be a component of a processing system. A processing system may generally refer to a system or series of machines or components that receive inputs and process those inputs to produce a set of outputs (which may be passed to, for example, other systems or components of the device 1105). For example, the processing system of the device 1105 may refer to a system including various other components or subcomponents of the device 1105, such as the processor 1135, or the transceiver 1110, or the communication manager 1120, or other components or combinations of components of the device 1105. The processing system of device 1105 may interface with other components of device 1105 and may process information (such as input or signals) received from other components or output information to other components. For example, a chip or modem of device 1105 may include a processing system and one or more interfaces for outputting information or for obtaining information or both. The one or more interfaces may be implemented as or otherwise include a first interface configured to output information and a second interface configured to obtain information, or the same interface configured to output information and obtain information, as well as other specific implementations. In some specific implementations, the one or more interfaces may refer to an interface between the processing system of the chip or modem and a transmitter, so that device 1105 can send information output from the chip or modem.Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, the one or more interfaces may refer to an interface between a processing system of a chip or modem and a receiver, such that the device 1105 may obtain information or signal input, and the information may be passed to the processing system. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the first interface may also obtain information or signal input, and the second interface may also output information or signal output.

[0187] In some examples, bus 1140 may support communications of protocol layers (e.g., within a protocol layer) of a protocol stack. In some examples, bus 1140 may support communications associated with logical channels of a protocol stack (e.g., between protocol layers of a protocol stack), which may include communications performed within components of device 1105, or communications performed between different components of device 1105 that may be co-located or may be located in different locations (e.g., where device 1105 may refer to a system in which one or more of communication manager 1120, transceiver 1110, memory 1125, code 1130, and processor 1135 may be located in one component of different components or divided between different components).

[0188] In some examples, the communication manager 1120 may manage aspects of communications with the core network 130 (e.g., via one or more wired or wireless backhaul links). For example, the communication manager 1120 may manage the delivery of data communications for client devices, such as one or more UEs 115. In some examples, the communication manager 1120 may manage communications with other network entities 105 and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with the UEs 115 in coordination with the other network entities 105. In some examples, the communication manager 1120 may support an X2 interface within an LTE / LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communications between network entities 105.

[0189] Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 1120 may support wireless communications at a network entity of the network. For example, the communication manager 1120 may be configured to or otherwise support components for detecting that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to the network coverage area of ​​the first energy state mode. The communication manager 1120 may be configured to or otherwise support components for determining that the relay device has activated a relay function based on the location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area. The communication manager 1120 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating with the UE via the relay device based on the determination.

[0190] By including or configuring a communications manager 1120 according to the examples described herein, the device 1105 may support techniques for improving communications reliability, reducing latency, improving user experience associated with reduced processing, reducing power consumption, more efficiently utilizing communications resources, improving coordination between devices, extending battery life, improving utilization of processing power, or any combination thereof.

[0191] In some examples, the communication manager 1120 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, transmit) using or otherwise cooperating with the transceiver 1110, one or more antennas 1115 (e.g., where applicable), or any combination thereof. Although the communication manager 1120 is illustrated as a separate component, in some examples, one or more functions described with reference to the communication manager 1120 may be supported or performed by the transceiver 1110, the processor 1135, the memory 1125, the code 1130, or any combination thereof. For example, the code 1130 may include instructions that are executable by the processor 1135 to cause the device 1105 to perform various aspects of the relay operation with the energy state mode as described herein, or the processor 1135 and the memory 1125 may be otherwise configured to perform or support such operations.

[0192] Fig.12 A flowchart illustrating a method 1200 for supporting relay operation with an energy state mode according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 1200 may be implemented by a relay device or components thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1200 may be implemented by a relay device or components thereof as described herein. Figures 1 to 7 In some examples, the relay device may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the relay device to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the relay device may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0193] At 1205, the method may include detecting that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to a network coverage area associated with the first energy state mode. The operations of 1205 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1205 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 6 The described energy state mode component 625 is executed.

[0194] At 1210, the method may include activating a relay function at the relay device based on detecting that the network has transitioned to the second energy state mode and the location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area. The operations of 1210 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1210 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 6 The relay function described is executed by activating component 630.

[0195] At 1215, the method may include communicating with the UE and a network entity of the network to relay transmissions between the UE and the network entity based on activating the relay function. The operations of 1215 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1215 may be performed as described in reference Figure 6 The described sending relay component 635 is executed.

[0196] Fig.13 A flowchart illustrating a method 1300 for supporting relay operation with an energy state mode according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 1300 may be implemented by a network entity or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1300 may be implemented by a network entity or a component thereof as described in reference to Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 8 to 11 The network entity described herein may be executed by the network entity. In some examples, the network entity may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the network entity to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the network entity may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0197] At 1305, the method may include detecting that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to the network coverage area of ​​the first energy state mode. The operations of 1305 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1305 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.10 The described energy state mode component 1025 is executed.

[0198] At 1310, the method may include determining that the relay device has activated a relay function based on the location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area. The operations of 1310 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1310 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.10 The relay function described is executed by activating component 1030.

[0199] At 1315, the method may include, based on the determination, communicating with the UE via a relay device. The operations of 1315 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1315 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.10 The described sending relay component 1035 is executed.

[0200] The following provides an overview of various aspects of the disclosure:

[0201] Aspect 1: A method for performing wireless communications at a relay device, the method comprising: detecting that a network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to a network coverage area associated with the first energy state mode; activating a relay function at the relay device based at least in part on detecting that the network has transitioned to the second energy state mode and a position of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area; and communicating with a UE and a network entity of the network to relay transmissions between the UE and the network entity based at least in part on activating the relay function.

[0202] Aspect 2: The method according to aspect 1, wherein detecting that the network has transitioned from the first energy state mode to the second energy state mode comprises: receiving a control signal indicating the transition from the first energy state mode to the second energy state mode.

[0203] Aspect 3: The method according to aspect 2, wherein the control signal comprises one or more of a system information block, a master information block, or a message received through a backhaul link.

[0204] Aspect 4: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, further comprising: sending an indication of the second energy state mode based at least in part on activating the relay function.

[0205] Aspect 5: According to the method described in Aspect 4, the method also includes: sending the indication of the second energy state mode in a side link synchronization signal block, a multicast shared channel message, a side link control information message, a unicast medium access control control element or a unicast radio resource control message.

[0206] Aspect 6: According to the method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 5, the method further includes: receiving an indication of one or more relay operating parameters associated with the relay device, the one or more relay operating parameters including a power level, an indication of one or more beams, or both; wherein communication with the UE, the network entity, or both is at least partially based on the one or more relay operating parameters.

[0207] Aspect 7: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the relay function is activated at the relay device based at least in part on a distance between the relay device and the network entity.

[0208] Aspect 8: According to the method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 7, the method further includes: receiving a relay function activation message indicating that the relay device is to activate the relay function; wherein activating the relay function at the relay device is at least partially based on receiving the relay function activation message.

[0209] Aspect 9: According to the method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 8, the method further includes: sending a relay availability message to the network entity based at least in part on detecting that the network has transitioned from the first energy state mode to the second energy state mode, the relay availability message indicating that the relay device can be used to act as a relay and that the distance between the relay device and the network entity satisfies a distance threshold.

[0210] Aspect 10: According to the method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 9, the method also includes: sending a relay availability message to the UE based at least in part on detecting that the network has transitioned from the first energy state mode to the second energy state mode, wherein the relay availability message indicates that the relay device can be used to act as a relay.

[0211] Aspect 11: According to the method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, the method also includes: receiving a request for an indication of a current energy state mode from the UE; and sending an indication of the second energy state mode to the UE.

[0212] Aspect 12: A method for performing wireless communications at a network entity of a network, the method comprising: detecting that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to the network coverage area of ​​the first energy state mode; determining that the relay device has activated a relay function based at least in part on a position of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area; and communicating with a UE via the relay device based at least in part on the determination.

[0213] Aspect 13: The method according to aspect 12, the method further comprising: sending a control signal indicating the transition from the first energy state mode to the second energy state mode.

[0214] Aspect 14: The method according to aspect 13, wherein the control signal comprises one or more of a system information block, a master information block, or a message sent over a backhaul link.

[0215] Aspect 15: According to the method described in any one of Aspects 12 to 14, the method also includes: sending an indication of one or more relay operating parameters associated with the relay device, the one or more relay operating parameters including a power level, an indication of one or more beams, or both.

[0216] Aspect 16: The method according to any one of aspects 12 to 15, wherein the relay function is activated at the relay device based at least in part on a distance between the relay device and the network entity.

[0217] Aspect 17: According to the method described in any one of Aspects 12 to 16, the method further includes: sending a relay function activation message indicating that the relay device is to activate the relay function; wherein the relay device activates the relay function at least in part based on the relay function activation message.

[0218] Aspect 18: According to the method described in any one of Aspects 12 to 17, the method further includes: receiving a relay availability message from the relay device, the relay availability message indicating that the relay device can be used to act as a relay and that the distance between the relay device and the network entity satisfies a distance threshold.

[0219] Aspect 19: An apparatus for performing wireless communications at a relay device, the apparatus comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11.

[0220] Aspect 20: An apparatus for wireless communication at a relay device, the apparatus comprising at least one component for performing the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 11.

[0221] Aspect 21: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a relay device, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 11.

[0222] Aspect 22: An apparatus for performing wireless communications at a network entity of a network, the apparatus comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method according to any one of Aspects 12 to 18.

[0223] Aspect 23: An apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity of a network, the apparatus comprising at least one component for performing a method according to any one of aspects 12 to 18.

[0224] Aspect 24: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a network entity of a network, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to any one of aspects 12 to 18.

[0225] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the various operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible. In addition, aspects of two or more of the methods may be combined.

[0226] Although aspects of LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR systems may be described for example purposes, and LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR terminology may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein may also be applicable to networks other than LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR networks. For example, the techniques described may be applicable to various other wireless communication systems, such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash OFDM, and other systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein, including future systems and radio technologies.

[0227] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and methods. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips mentioned throughout the specification may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

[0228] The various illustrative blocks and components described in conjunction with the disclosure herein may be implemented or executed using a general purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, CPU, GPU, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0229] The functions described herein can be implemented using hardware, software executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. Software should be broadly interpreted as meaning instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, program codes, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures or functions, etc., whether it is described in software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or other terms. When implemented using software executed by a processor, the function can be stored as one or more instructions or codes of a computer-readable medium or sent using one or more instructions or codes of a computer-readable medium. Other examples and specific implementations are within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein can be implemented using software, firmware, hard wiring, or any combination thereof executed by a processor. The features of the implementation function can also be physically located at different locations, including being distributed so that the various parts of the function are implemented at different physical locations.

[0230] Computer-readable media include both non-transient computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that promotes the transfer of computer programs from one location to another.Non-transient storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general or special-purpose computer.As an example and not limitation, non-transient computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, phase change memory, compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage devices, disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices or can be used to carry or store instructions or data structure forms of desired program code components and can be accessed by general or special-purpose computers or general or special-purpose processors.Any connection is appropriately referred to as computer-readable media.For example, if software is sent from a website, server or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwave are included in the definition of computer-readable media. Disks and optical disks as used herein include CDs, laser optical disks, optical optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray disks. Disks can reproduce data magnetically, and optical disks can reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0231] As used herein (including in the claims), "or" used in a listing of items (e.g., a listing of items with a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive listing, so that, for example, a listing of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Moreover, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step described as "based on condition A" can be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "based at least in part on". As used herein, when the term "and / or" is used in a list of two or more items, it means that any one of the listed items can be adopted individually, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be adopted. For example, if a composition is described as comprising components A, B, and / or C, the composition can comprise A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0232] The term "determining" encompasses a variety of actions, and thus, "determining" may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (such as via looking up in a table, database or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. Also, "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data stored in a memory), etc. Also, "determining" may include parsing, retrieving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and other such similar actions.

[0233] In the drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference label. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a dash and a second label to distinguish between the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description may apply to any of the similar components having the same first reference label, regardless of the second or other subsequent reference labels.

[0234] The descriptions set forth herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describe example configurations and do not represent all examples that may be implemented or within the scope of the claims. The term "example" as used herein means "used as an example, instance, or illustration," rather than "preferred" or "advantageous over other examples." The specific embodiments include specific details to provide an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0235] The description herein is provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to implement or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be granted the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication at a relay device, the apparatus comprising: processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the relay device to: detecting that a network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to a network coverage area associated with the first energy state mode; activating a relay function at the relay device based at least in part on detecting that the network has transitioned to the second energy state mode and a location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area; as well as Communicating with a user equipment (UE) and a network entity of the network to relay transmissions between the UE and the network entity based at least in part on activating the relay function.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instructions for detecting that the network has transitioned from the first energy state mode to the second energy state mode are executable by the processor to cause the relay device to: A control signal is received indicating the transition from the first energy state mode to the second energy state mode.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the control signal comprises one or more of a system information block, a master information block, or a message received over a backhaul link.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the relay device to: An indication of the second energy state mode is sent based at least in part on activating the relay functionality.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the relay device to: The indication of the second energy state mode is sent in a sidelink synchronization signal block, a multicast shared channel message, a sidelink control information message, a unicast medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC-CE), or a unicast radio resource control message.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the relay device to: receiving an indication of one or more relay operating parameters associated with the relay device, the one or more relay operating parameters comprising a power level, an indication of one or more beams, or both; Wherein communicating with the UE, the network entity, or both is based at least in part on the one or more relay operating parameters.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the relay functionality is activated at the relay device based at least in part on a distance between the relay device and the network entity.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the relay device to: receiving a relay function activation message indicating that the relay device is to activate the relay function; Wherein activating the relay function at the relay device is based at least in part on receiving the relay function activation message.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the relay device to: A relay availability message is sent to the network entity based at least in part on detecting that the network has transitioned from the first energy state mode to the second energy state mode, the relay availability message indicating that the relay device is capable of being used to act as a relay and that a distance between the relay device and the network entity satisfies a distance threshold.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the relay device to: Based at least in part on detecting that the network has transitioned from the first energy state mode to the second energy state mode, a relay availability message is sent to the UE, the relay availability message indicating that the relay device is available to function as a relay.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the relay device to: receiving a request from the UE for an indication of a current energy state mode; and Sending an indication of the second energy state mode to the UE.

12. An apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity of a network, the apparatus comprising: processor; a memory coupled to the processor; as well as instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the network entity to: detecting that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to the network coverage area of ​​the first energy state mode; determining that the relay device has activated a relay function based at least in part on a location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area; and Based at least in part on the determination, communicating with a user equipment (UE) via the relay device.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the network entity to: A control signal is sent indicating the transition from the first energy state mode to the second energy state mode.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the control signal comprises one or more of a system information block, a master information block, or a message sent over a backhaul link.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the network entity to: An indication of one or more relay operating parameters associated with the relay device is sent, the one or more relay operating parameters comprising a power level, an indication of one or more beams, or both.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the relay functionality is activated at the relay device based at least in part on a distance between the relay device and the network entity.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the network entity to: Sending a relay function activation message indicating that the relay device is to activate the relay function; The relay device activates the relay function based at least in part on the relay function activation message.

18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the network entity to: A relay availability message is received from the relay device, the relay availability message indicating that the relay device is available to serve as a relay and that a distance between the relay device and the network entity satisfies a distance threshold.

19. A method for wireless communication at a relay device, the method comprising: detecting that a network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to a network coverage area associated with the first energy state mode; activating a relay function at the relay device based at least in part on detecting that the network has transitioned to the second energy state mode and a location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area; as well as Communicating with a user equipment (UE) and a network entity of the network to relay transmissions between the UE and the network entity based at least in part on activating the relay function.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein detecting that the network has transitioned from the first energy state mode to the second energy state mode comprises: A control signal is received indicating the transition from the first energy state mode to the second energy state mode.

21. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: An indication of the second energy state mode is sent based at least in part on activating the relay functionality.

22. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: receiving an indication of one or more relay operating parameters associated with the relay device, the one or more relay operating parameters comprising a power level, an indication of one or more beams, or both; Wherein communicating with the UE, the network entity, or both is based at least in part on the one or more relay operating parameters.

23. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: receiving a relay function activation message indicating that the relay device is to activate the relay function; Wherein activating the relay function at the relay device is based at least in part on receiving the relay function activation message.

24. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: Based at least in part on detecting that the network has transitioned from the first energy state mode to the second energy state mode, a relay availability message is sent to the UE, the relay availability message indicating that the relay device is available to function as a relay.

25. The method of claim 19, further comprising: receiving a request for an indication of a current energy state mode from the UE; as well as Sending an indication of the second energy state mode to the UE.

26. A method for wireless communication at a network entity of a network, the method comprising: detecting that the network has transitioned from a first energy state mode to a second energy state mode, wherein the second energy state mode is associated with a reduced network coverage area relative to the network coverage area of ​​the first energy state mode; determining that the relay device has activated a relay function based at least in part on a location of the relay device relative to the reduced network coverage area; and Based at least in part on the determination, communicating with a user equipment (UE) via the relay device.

27. The method according to claim 26, further comprising: A control signal is sent indicating the transition from the first energy state mode to the second energy state mode.

28. The method according to claim 26, further comprising: An indication of one or more relay operating parameters associated with the relay device is sent, the one or more relay operating parameters comprising a power level, an indication of one or more beams, or both.

29. The method according to claim 26, further comprising: Sending a relay function activation message indicating that the relay device is to activate the relay function; The relay device activates the relay function based at least in part on the relay function activation message.

30. The method of claim 26, further comprising: A relay availability message is received from the relay device, the relay availability message indicating that the relay device is available to serve as a relay and that a distance between the relay device and the network entity satisfies a distance threshold.

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