Method and apparatus for sidelink beam management

Abstract

In one embodiment, a method includes configuring, by a first user equipment (UE), one or more carriers within a first frequency range, at least one of the one or more carriers including an indication indicating sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within a second frequency range; and transmitting one or more carriers within the configured first frequency range to the second UE to allow the second UE to obtain the indication.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 377,428, filed on September 28, 2022, entitled “FR1 FACILITATED BEAMFORMED IN SLFR2 OPERATION,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Apparatus and methods consistent with the present disclosure relate generally to communications, and more particularly, to methods, systems, and devices for sidelink beam management in sidelink communications. Background Art

[0003] Beam-based communications typically require beam alignment. For example, in the case of beam-based sidelink communications, the transmission (Tx) beam from a user equipment (UE) and the reception (Rx) beam from another UE need to be aligned. For another example, in beam-based downlink / uplink communications, the beam from the base station and the beam from the UE need to be aligned. Beam alignment typically involves a beam search to find the best beam. For example, a UE (typically located in a fixed position) communicating with a base station can receive a reference signal from the base station and detect the best beam based on measurements of the reference signal. However, in sidelink communications, it is difficult for the UE to know in advance all (one or more) related UEs that provide related signals, especially when there are many moving UEs nearby. This means that the UE needs to scan or search for all possible reference signals nearby, which may consume a lot of UE energy and increase operating overhead. Therefore, it is desirable to have improved systems and methods for beam management for beam-based sidelink communications. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a first UE for providing sidelink beam management information is provided. The first UE includes: a memory storing instructions; and a processor configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory to: configure one or more carriers within a first frequency range, at least one of the one or more carriers including an indication indicating sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within a second frequency range; and transmit the configured one or more carriers within the first frequency range to a second UE to allow the second UE to obtain the indication.

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a second UE for receiving sidelink beam management information is provided. The second UE includes: a memory storing instructions; and a processor configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory to: receive one or more carriers within a first frequency range from a first UE, at least one of the one or more carriers including an indication indicating sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within a second frequency range; based on the indication, identify the sidelink beam management information associated with the one or more beams within the second frequency range; and based on the sidelink beam management information, adjust the sidelink communication associated with the one or more beams within the second frequency range.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for providing sidelink beam management information is provided. The method includes: configuring, by a first UE, one or more carriers within a first frequency range, at least one of the one or more carriers including an indication of sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within a second frequency range; and transmitting the configured one or more carriers within the first frequency range to a second UE to allow the second UE to obtain the indication.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for receiving sidelink beam management information is provided. The method includes: receiving, by a second UE, one or more carriers within a first frequency range from a first UE, at least one of the one or more carriers including an indication indicating sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within a second frequency range; identifying, by the second UE based on the indication, the sidelink beam management information associated with the one or more beams within the second frequency range; and adjusting, based on the sidelink beam management information, sidelink communications associated with the one or more beams within the second frequency range.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, the non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, the instructions being executable by one or more processors of a first UE in a sidelink communication network to perform a method. The method includes: configuring one or more carriers within a first frequency range, at least one of the one or more carriers including an indication of sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within a second frequency range; and transmitting the configured one or more carriers within the first frequency range to a second UE to allow the second UE to obtain the indication. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, which stores instructions that can be executed by one or more processors of a second UE in a sidelink communication network to perform a method. The method includes: receiving one or more carriers within a first frequency range from a first UE, at least one of the one or more carriers including an indication of sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within a second frequency range; based on the indication, identifying the sidelink beam management information associated with the one or more beams within the second frequency range; and adjusting the sidelink communication associated with the one or more beams within the second frequency range based on the sidelink beam management information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a beam alignment process between a UE and a base station consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sidelink beam management scheme consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for providing sidelink beam management information consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for receiving sidelink beam management information consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a UE consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. The following description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements, unless otherwise specified. The implementations set forth in the following description of the exemplary embodiments do not represent all implementations consistent with the present disclosure. Instead, they are merely examples of systems, devices, and methods consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure as described in the appended claims.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a beam alignment process between a UE and a base station consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1, the UE uses a high-frequency beam (e.g., FR2) to communicate with a base station (e.g., gNB) via a transmission and reception point (TRP). In this disclosure, FR2 is defined as two frequency sub-ranges: FR2-1 from 24250MHz to 52600MHz, and FR2-2 from 52600MHz to 71000MHz (including millimeter wave spectrum). The alignment of the beam from the base station and the beam from the UE is performed using a four-step process. At the first step, the base station transmits sounding signals 102, 104, 106, and 108 in different directions using different Tx beams ( Figure 1 The sounding signal can be a synchronization signal (SS) / physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SS Block, SSB) or a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS). In the second step, the UE provides feedback (106) about the best beam from the base station. Figure 1 , and the base station uses the best beam 106 to transmit signals (1, 2, 3, and 4 in P-2) ( Figure 1 After further refinement using signals 1, 2, 3, and 4, the base station identifies beam 3 ( Figure 1 In the third step, the UE uses different Tx beam configurations to transmit sounding signals 110, 112, 114, and 116 in different directions ( Figure 1 At the fourth step, the base station provides feedback ( 112 ) about the best beam from the UE. Figure 1 As shown in P-3, beam 112 from the UE and beam 3 from the base station are aligned. In some embodiments, in order to facilitate the UE to detect and search for the best beam based on SSB measurement in initial beam acquisition, the base station may provide SSB related information and / or configuration via Radio Resource Control (RRC) parameters in a Master Information Block (MIB) or a System Information Block (SIB).

[0012] At least some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to sidelink beam alignment in sidelink communications. For example, in one embodiment, a beam alignment similar to Figure 1The beam alignment process of the above process is used in sidelink beam alignment. In sidelink communication, the UE may have one or more peer UEs nearby that may be related UEs. The UE may not know the existence of the related peer UEs in advance. The UE may perform scanning and / or searching for all possible SSB reference signals and any SSB transmission resources related to the sidelink FR2 beam to find the best beam for the nearby related UEs. This may cause problems, such as consuming the UE's energy and prolonging the initial beam acquisition process. In some embodiments, the above problems can be alleviated by fixing the SSB transmission resources to certain resources known to the UE.

[0013] At least some embodiments of the present disclosure provide enhanced sidelink beam alignment using low-frequency band signals to provide beam management information associated with high-frequency beams for beam alignment, thereby reducing operational overhead and improving the efficiency of sidelink communications. For example, some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to sidelink beam alignment, wherein sidelink transmissions performed at a low frequency band (e.g., FR1) using an omnidirectional antenna or a wide directional antenna provide associated beam management information for a high-frequency band beam (e.g., FR2) to facilitate beam search or tracking of a UE. In the present disclosure, FR1 is defined as a frequency range from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz (including Sub-6 GHz spectrum). In some embodiments, the high-frequency sidelink operation has an associated operation in a low frequency band, and thus the high-frequency sidelink operation is a non-standalone (NSA) sidelink (SL) operation (e.g., NSA FR2 SL operation).

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sidelink beam management scheme consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 , the sidelink communication system includes a Tx UE and an Rx UE that communicate with each other. For example, the Tx UE and the Rx UE can communicate using a low-frequency (e.g., FR1) sidelink signal and / or a high-frequency (e.g., FR2) sidelink signal. In some embodiments, the low-frequency sidelink signal is based on a first radio access technology (Radio Access Technology, RAT), and the high-frequency sidelink signal is based on a second RAT. The first RAT and the second RAT may be the same or different from each other. In some embodiments, the first RAT is Long Term Evolution (Long Term Evolution, LTE), and the second RAT is New Radio (New Radio, NR). In some embodiments, both the first RAT and the second RAT are NR.

[0015] In some embodiments, at the Tx UE, the low frequency resource pool is associated with the high frequency resource pool. Figure 2 As shown, the Tx UE may configure one or more carriers in a first frequency range ((one or more) F1 carriers). The first frequency range may be any low frequency range (e.g., FR1). The Tx UE may configure (one or more) F1 carriers such that at least one of the (one or more) F1 carriers includes an indication of sidelink beam management information associated with one or more carriers in a second frequency range ((one or more) F2 carriers). The second frequency range may be any high frequency range (e.g., FR2). The (one or more) F2 carriers may correspond to one or more beams, e.g. Figure 2 Four beams (B#1 to B#4) are shown.

[0016] In some embodiments, the indication of the sidelink beam management information in the second frequency range (e.g., FR2) is an explicit indication. Figure 2 As shown, the sidelink beam management information (BM information) associated with (one or more) F2 carriers is explicitly indicated in the PSCCH or SCI of the sidelink signal transmitted to the Rx UE at a first frequency (e.g., FR1) via the physical layer. In some embodiments, the indication may be transmitted to the Rx UE via a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) at the MAC layer or higher layer information (e.g., network layer, transport layer, or application layer). In some embodiments, the indication may include one or more identifications (IDs) of one or more beam reference signals corresponding to beams #1 to #4. For example, an indication included in the PSCCH or SCI and transmitted to the Rx UE at a first frequency (e.g., FR1) may include the IDs (e.g., 1 to 4) of the beam reference signals corresponding to beams #1 to #4. In some embodiments, the indication may also include one or more resources to be used to transmit the beam reference signals corresponding to beams #1 to #4. The one or more resources may include time resources and / or frequency resources, such as one or more frames, subframes, time slots, channels, subchannels, or resource blocks. After receiving a sidelink signal transmitted from a Tx UE in a first frequency range (e.g., FR1), the Rx UE may obtain an indication of sidelink beam management information in a second frequency range (e.g., FR2) by decoding a PSCCH or SCI included in the sidelink signal.

[0017] In some embodiments, the beam reference signals corresponding to beams #1 to #4 are transmitted from multiple different antennas or from multiple different antenna panels of an antenna. In this case, the indication indicated in the PSCCH or SCI may include the transmission order of the beam reference signals corresponding to beams #1 to #4, or the order of the antennas or antenna panels. The order may be ascending or descending. In some embodiments, the indication included in the PSCCH or SCI may also include an indication of support for directional beam transmission with or without beam tuning capability. This information may be used by the Rx UE to determine feedback information about beam management.

[0018] In some embodiments, for initial beam alignment, a complete list of beam reference signal IDs and corresponding transmission resources may be indicated for beam management. For example, in some embodiments, the Tx UE may configure (one or more) F1 carriers prior to initial beam alignment. In this case, the indication included in the PSCCH or SCI may include a complete list of IDs of beam reference signals corresponding to beams #1 to #4, and the corresponding resources (time and / or frequency) to be used for transmitting the beam reference signals.

[0019] In some embodiments, for beam management after initial beam alignment, only a portion of the complete list of IDs of beam reference signals corresponding to beams #1 to #4 may be indicated (e.g., adjacent beam information). For example, in some embodiments, the Tx UE may configure (one or more) F1 carriers after initial beam alignment, and the indication included in the PSCCH or SCI may include a partial list of IDs of beam reference signals corresponding to beams #1 to #4.

[0020] In some embodiments, due to the temporary nature of sidelink communications, beam management configurations (such as (one or more) beam reference signals and their transmission resources) may not become static. In this case, the Tx UE may select (one or more) beam reference signals and transmission resources while ensuring that the selected (one or more) beam reference signals and transmission resources do not interfere (conflict) with resources used or selected by other nearby UEs. For example, to mitigate conflicts, the Tx UE may monitor beam management information indicated by other UEs and avoid transmitting the same beam management information.

[0021] In some embodiments, the (one or more) F1 carriers may be multiple carriers to be aggregated. In this case, in one embodiment, each of the multiple carriers may include different indications indicating different sidelink beam management information. In another embodiment, only one or more specific carriers of the multiple carriers may include one or more indications indicating sidelink beam management information. The one or more specific carriers may be configured by the network node or preconfigured at the first UE.

[0022] In some embodiments, the indication of the sidelink beam management information in the second frequency range (e.g., FR2) may be an implicit indication. For example, the indication may be implicitly indicated by the resources used for the sidelink transmission in the first frequency range (e.g., FR1). Figure 2 As shown, the indication of the sidelink beam management information (BM information) in the second frequency range is implicitly indicated by the time and / or frequency resources used for the sidelink transmission in the first frequency range (e.g., FR1). For example, in one embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the time and / or frequency resources used for sidelink transmission in a first frequency range (e.g., FR1) may correspond to an indication of specific sidelink beam management information in a second frequency range (e.g., FR2). A mapping table (rule) may be generated based on the correspondence between different points in the frequency and / or time resources and different indications. In this case, based on the mapping table (rule), the Rx UE may derive indications, such as (one or more) sidelink beam reference signal IDs and their transmission resources, from the time and / or frequency resources used for sidelink transmission in the first frequency range. The mapping rules may be configured, predefined, or preconfigured at the Tx UE and the Rx UE by a network node. For example, in one embodiment, in order to ensure that the Tx UE and the Rx UE derive the same beam management information, the mapping rules are configured by the network node to both the Tx UE and the Rx UE, or are preconfigured at both the Tx UE and the Rx UE. In some embodiments, the mapping rule can be designed to allow different sidelink Tx UEs to use different sidelink resource sets for their sidelink transmissions in the first frequency range to derive different beam management information. For example, the (one or more) beam reference IDs and / or transmission resource information included in different sidelink Tx UEs are different. In this way, conflicts in beam management configurations used by different UEs in the vicinity can be avoided.

[0023] In some embodiments, a sidelink transmission in a first frequency range (e.g., FR1) may include both implicit and explicit indications. For example, in some embodiments, limited explicit information about UE capabilities (e.g., the number of beams, whether beam tuning is supported, and antenna configuration) may be included in the SCI of a sidelink transmission in the first frequency range. In some embodiments, information about UE capabilities (e.g., the number of beams, whether beam tuning is supported, and antenna configuration) may be associated with a sidelink resource pool in the first frequency range. For example, different sidelink resource pools in the first frequency range may be configured and associated with sidelink UEs in the second frequency range with different antenna capabilities. In one embodiment, one or more bit indications in a sidelink transmission in a first frequency range (e.g., FR1) may be used to indicate that the Tx UE has the ability to use both the first frequency range (e.g., FR1) and the second frequency range (e.g., FR2) for sidelink communication operations, which makes an implicit indication mechanism for sidelink communications in the second frequency range (e.g., FR2) possible.

[0024] After receiving an indication indicating sidelink beam management information in a second frequency range, the Rx UE may adjust the sidelink communication associated with the beam in the second frequency range based on the sidelink beam management information. For example, the Rx UE may adjust the beam alignment based on the beam management information. The Rx UE may also adjust the resources to be used for transmission based on the beam management information. In this way, beam alignment of a beam in a second frequency range (e.g., FR2) may be facilitated by an indication communicated in a first frequency range (e.g., FR1), thereby reducing operational overhead in beam alignment.

[0025] The methods described in the present disclosure may be applied to any sidelink communication, such as LTE, NR, or future generation (6th generation (6G), 7th generation (7G), or any future generation) sidelink communication. The methods described in the present disclosure may also be applied to downlink / uplink communication between a base station and a UE. The methods described in the present disclosure may also be applied to other systems, such as systems that comply with other standards (e.g., Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards).

[0026] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method 300 for providing sidelink beam management information consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 300 may be performed by a Tx UE in sidelink communication, such as Figure 2 Tx UE in.

[0027] The method 300 includes: step 302, configuring, by a first UE, one or more carriers in a first frequency range, at least one of the one or more carriers including an indication of sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams in a second frequency range. In one embodiment, the first frequency range is FR1, and the second frequency range is FR2. For example, in this embodiment, the first UE (e.g. Figure 2 The Tx UE in the UE may configure one or more FR1 carriers, the one or more FR1 carriers including an indication of sidelink beam management information associated with one or more FR2 beams. The indication may be an explicit indication or an implicit indication, for example, as described above with respect to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the indication may be transmitted via SCI at the physical layer, MAC CE at the MAC layer, or higher layer information.

[0028] In some embodiments, the indication may include one or more IDs of one or more beam reference signals corresponding to one or more beams within the second frequency range. In some embodiments, the indication may also include one or more resources to be used to transmit the one or more beam reference signals. The one or more resources may include at least one of a time resource (e.g., one or more frames, subframes, time slots) or a frequency resource (e.g., one or more channels, subchannels). The one or more resources may also include a time-frequency resource (e.g., one or more resource blocks).

[0029] In some embodiments, the one or more beams may be a plurality of beams to be transmitted from a plurality of different antennas or from a plurality of different antenna panels. In this case, the indication may include a transmission order of at least one of the plurality of beams or the plurality of antenna panels. The order may be ascending or descending. In some embodiments, the indication may also include an indication of support for directional beam transmission with or without beam tuning capability.

[0030] In some embodiments, configuring one or more carriers within the first frequency range may be performed prior to initial beam alignment. In this case, the indication may include a complete list of IDs of the one or more beam reference signals and corresponding resources to be used to transmit the one or more beam reference signals. In some embodiments, configuring one or more carriers within the first frequency range may be performed after initial beam alignment. In this case, the indication may include a partial list of IDs of the one or more beam reference signals.

[0031] In some embodiments, the indication indicating the sidelink beam management information may be an implicit indication, which may be derived from one or more resources used to transmit the one or more carriers based on a mapping rule. The mapping rule may be configured by a network node, preconfigured at the first UE, or predefined.

[0032] In some embodiments, one or more carriers within the first frequency range may be multiple carriers to be aggregated, and each of the multiple carriers may include different indications indicating different sidelink beam management information. In some embodiments, one or more carriers within the first frequency range may be multiple carriers to be aggregated, and one or more specific carriers among the multiple carriers include one or more indications indicating sidelink beam management information. The one or more specific carriers may be configured by the network node or preconfigured at the first UE.

[0033] In some embodiments, the sidelink communication within the first frequency range is based on a first RAT, and the sidelink communication within the second frequency range is based on a second RAT. The first RAT and the second RAT may be the same or different from each other. In some embodiments, the first RAT is LTE and the second RAT is NR. In some embodiments, both the first RAT and the second RAT are NR.

[0034] The method 300 includes: step 304, transmitting one or more carriers in the configured first frequency range to the second UE to allow the second UE to obtain the indication. For example, the second UE may be an Rx UE in a sidelink communication, such as Figure 2 Rx UE in.

[0035] In some embodiments, the second UE may be a plurality of UEs configured to operate at a second frequency range. In some embodiments, the indication is a first indication, and the first UE may also monitor the transmission of at least one second indication indicating sidelink beam management information by at least one UE of the plurality of UEs. The first indication and the second indication may be the same or different. The first UE may avoid transmitting the first indication in response to determining that the first indication and the second indication are the same.

[0036] Figure 4 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method 400 for receiving sidelink beam management information consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 400 may be performed by an Rx UE in sidelink communication, such as Figure 2 Rx UE in.

[0037] The method 400 includes: step 402, receiving, by a second UE from a first UE, one or more carriers within a first frequency range, at least one of the one or more carriers including an indication of sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within a second frequency range. For example, the second UE may be an Rx UE in a sidelink communication, such as Figure 2 The first UE may be an Rx UE in the sidelink communication, and the first UE may be a Tx UE in the sidelink communication, such as Figure 2 Tx UE in.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first frequency range may be FR1, and the second frequency range may be FR2. For example, in this embodiment, the second UE (eg Figure 2 The Rx UE in the first UE (eg Figure 2 The Tx UE in the UE receives one or more FR1 carriers, and the one or more FR1 carriers include an indication of the sidelink beam management information associated with the one or more FR2 beams. The indication may be an explicit indication or an implicit indication, for example, as described above with respect to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the second UE may receive the indication via SCI at the physical layer, MAC CE at the MAC layer, or higher layer information.

[0039] In some embodiments, the indication may include one or more IDs of one or more beam reference signals corresponding to one or more beams within the second frequency range. In some embodiments, the indication may also include one or more resources to be used to transmit the one or more beam reference signals. The one or more resources may include at least one of a time resource or a frequency resource.

[0040] In some embodiments, the one or more beams are multiple beams to be transmitted from multiple different antennas or from multiple different antenna panels. In this case, the indication may include a transmission order of at least one of the multiple beams or the multiple antenna panels. In some embodiments, the indication may also include an indication of support for directional beam transmission with or without beam tuning capability.

[0041] In some embodiments, the indication is a first indication, and the second UE may also transmit a second indication indicating the sidelink beam management information to the first UE. The first indication and the second indication may be the same or different. In some embodiments, one or more carriers within the first frequency range may be multiple carriers to be aggregated, and each of the multiple carriers may include different indications indicating different sidelink beam management information.

[0042] In some embodiments, one or more carriers within the first frequency range may be multiple carriers to be aggregated, and one or more specific carriers among the multiple carriers may include one or more indications indicating sidelink beam management information. The one or more specific carriers may be configured by the network node or preconfigured at the second UE.

[0043] In some embodiments, the sidelink communication within the first frequency range is based on a first RAT, and the sidelink communication within the second frequency range is based on a second RAT. The first RAT and the second RAT may be the same or different from each other. In some embodiments, the first RAT is LTE and the second RAT is NR. In some embodiments, both the first RAT and the second RAT are NR.

[0044] The method 400 includes: step 404, the second UE identifies sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within the second frequency range based on the indication.

[0045] For example, in some embodiments, the indication is an explicit indication, and the second UE can identify the sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams in the second frequency range by decoding the SCI received from the first UE in the first frequency range. In some embodiments, the indication is an implicit indication, and the second UE can derive the indication indicating the sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams in the second frequency range from one or more resources used to transmit the one or more carriers based on a mapping rule. The mapping rule can be configured by the network node, preconfigured at the first and second UEs, or predefined.

[0046] The method 400 includes: step 406, based on the sidelink beam management information, adjusting the sidelink communication associated with one or more beams in the second frequency range. For example, the second UE can adjust the beam alignment based on the identified beam management information. The second UE can also adjust the resources to be used for transmission and / or reception based on the identified beam management information.

[0047] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a UE 500 consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 2 The Tx UE and Rx UE in the embodiment may take the form of UE 500. UE 500 may be installed in a mobile vehicle or in a fixed location. UE 500 may take any form, including but not limited to a vehicle, a component installed in a vehicle, a roadside unit, a laptop computer, a wireless terminal (including a mobile phone), a wireless handheld device or a wireless personal device, or any other form. Figure 5, UE 500 may include an antenna 502, which may be used to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals to / from a base station or other UE. Antenna 502 may include one or more antenna elements and may enable different input-output antenna configurations, such as a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) configuration, a multiple input single output (MISO) configuration, and a single input multiple output (SIMO) configuration. In some embodiments, antenna 502 may include multiple (e.g., tens or hundreds) of antenna elements and may enable multi-antenna functions, such as beamforming. In some embodiments, antenna 502 is a single antenna. Antenna 502 may be an FR1 omnidirectional antenna or a FR2 antenna.

[0048] UE 500 may include a transceiver 504 coupled to antenna 502. Transceiver 504 may be a wireless transceiver of UE 500 and may communicate bidirectionally with a base station or other UEs. For example, transceiver 504 may receive / transmit wireless signals from / to a base station via downlink / uplink communications. Transceiver 504 may also receive / transmit wireless signals from / to another UE or roadside unit via sidelink communications. Transceiver 504 may include a modem for modulating packets and providing the modulated packets to antenna 502 for transmission, and demodulating packets received from antenna 502.

[0049] UE 500 may include memory 506. Memory 506 may be any type of computer-readable storage medium, including volatile or non-volatile storage devices, or a combination thereof. Computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, non-transitory computer storage media. Non-transitory storage media may be accessed by general-purpose or special-purpose computers. Examples of non-transitory storage media include, but are not limited to, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), digital versatile disks (DVD), flash memory, compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, etc. Non-transitory media may be used to carry or store the required program code (e.g., instructions and / or data structures) and may be accessed by general-purpose or special-purpose computers or general-purpose or special-purpose processors. In some examples, the software / program code can be transmitted from a remote source (e.g., a website, a server, etc.) using a coaxial cable, a fiber optic cable, a twisted pair, a digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio, and microwave). In this case, the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio, and microwave) falls within the scope of the definition of medium. Combinations of the above examples also fall within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0050] The memory 506 may store information related to the identity of the UE 500 and the signals and / or data received by the antenna 502. The memory 506 may also store post-processed signals and / or data. The memory 506 may also store computer-readable program instructions, mathematical models, and algorithms, which are used for signal processing in the transceiver 504 and calculations in the processor 508. The memory 506 may also store computer-readable program instructions for execution by the processor 508 to operate the UE 500 to perform various functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, the memory 506 may include a basic input / output system (BIOS), which may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices. In some embodiments, the memory 506 includes both LTE SL and NR SL modules. In some embodiments, the memory 506 includes only the NR SL module. In some embodiments, the memory 506 includes only the LTE SL module.

[0051] The computer-readable program instructions of the present disclosure may be assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (Instruction-Set-Architecture, ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-related instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or source code or object code written in one or more programming languages ​​(including object-oriented programming languages ​​and conventional process programming languages). The computer-readable program instructions may be executed completely on a computing device as an independent software package, or partially executed on a first computing device and partially executed on a second computing device remote from the first computing device. In the latter case, the second remote computing device may be connected to the first computing device via any type of network (including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)).

[0052] UE 500 may include a processor 508, which may include a hardware device with processing capabilities. Processor 508 may include at least one of the following: a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (Digital Signal Processor, DSP), a central processing unit (Central Processing Unit, CPU), a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (Application Specific Integrated Circuit, ASIC), a field programmable gate array (Field Programmable Gate Array, FPGA), a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component or other programmable logic device. Examples of general-purpose processors include, but are not limited to, microprocessors, any conventional processors, controllers, microcontrollers, or state machines. In some embodiments, processor 508 may be implemented using a combination of devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors and a DSP core, or any other such configuration). Processor 508 may receive downlink signals or sidelink signals from transceiver 504 and further process these signals. Processor 508 may also receive packets from transceiver 504 and further process these packets. In some embodiments, processor 508 may be configured to operate a memory using a memory controller. In some embodiments, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 508. The processor 508 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (eg, the memory 506) to enable the UE 500 to perform various functions.

[0053] UE 500 may include a global positioning system (GPS) 510. GPS 510 may be used to implement location-based services or other services based on the geographic location of UE 500 and / or synchronization between UEs. GPS 510 may receive a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal from a single satellite or multiple satellite signals via antenna 502 and provide the geographic location of UE 500 (e.g., coordinates of UE 500). In some embodiments, GPS 510 is omitted. In some embodiments, a timer is included.

[0054] UE 500 may include an input / output (I / O) device 512, which may be used to communicate the results of signal processing and calculation to a user or other device. I / O device 512 may include a user interface, which includes a display and an input device for transmitting user commands to processor 508. The display may be configured to display the reception status of the signal at UE 500, the data stored in memory 506, the status of signal processing and the calculation results, etc. The display may include but is not limited to a cathode ray tube (Cathode Ray Tube, CRT), a liquid crystal display (LiquidCrystal Display, LCD), a light-emitting diode (Light-Emitting Diode, LED), a gas plasma display, a touch screen or other image projection device for displaying information to a user. The input device may be any type of computer hardware device for receiving data and control signals from a user. The input device may include but is not limited to a keyboard, a mouse, a scanner, a digital camera, a joystick, a trackball, a cursor direction key, a touch screen monitor or an audio / video commander, etc.

[0055] UE 500 may also include a machine interface 514 , such as an electrical bus that connects transceiver 504 , memory 506 , processor 508 , GPS 510 , and I / O devices 512 .

[0056] In some embodiments, UE 500 may be a transmitting UE in sidelink communication and may be configured or programmed to provide sidelink beam management information. Processor 508 may be configured or programmed to execute instructions stored in memory 506 to configure one or more carriers within a first frequency range, at least one of the one or more carriers including an indication of sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within a second frequency range; and transmit the configured one or more carriers within the first frequency range to a second UE to allow the second UE to obtain the indication.

[0057] In some embodiments, UE 500 may be a receiving UE in a sidelink communication and is configured or programmed to receive sidelink beam management information. Processor 508 may be configured or programmed to execute instructions stored in memory 506 to receive one or more carriers in a first frequency range from a first UE, at least one of the one or more carriers including an indication indicating sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams in a second frequency range; based on the indication, identify the sidelink beam management information associated with the one or more beams in the second frequency range; and based on the sidelink beam management information, adjust the sidelink communication associated with the one or more beams in the second frequency range.

[0058] As used in the present disclosure, the use of the term "or" in a list of items indicates an inclusive list. A list of items may be prefixed with phrases such as "at least one" or "one or more". For example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C includes A or B or C or AB (i.e., A and B) or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). In addition, as used in the present disclosure, prefixing a list of conditions with the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as a set of conditions "based only on", but rather should be interpreted as a set of conditions "based at least in part on". For example, a result described as "based on condition A" may be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] In this specification, the terms "include", "contain" or "comprise" can be used interchangeably and have the same meaning, and are interpreted as inclusive and open-ended. The terms "include", "contain" or "comprises" can be used before a list of elements and indicate that at least all of the listed elements in the list are present, but other elements that are not in the list may also be present. For example, if A includes B and C, then {B, C} and {B, C, D} are both within the scope of A.

[0060] In conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure describes example configurations, which do not represent all examples that can be implemented or all configurations within the scope of the present disclosure. The term "exemplary" should not be interpreted as "preferred" or "advantageous compared to other examples", but should be interpreted as "illustration, instance or example". By reading this disclosure, including the description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that alternative embodiments can be used to implement the technology disclosed herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described herein or certain features of the embodiments can be combined to obtain other embodiments for practicing the technology described in the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0061] The flowchart and block diagram in the figure show examples of the architecture, functions and operations of possible implementations of the systems, methods and devices according to various embodiments. It should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the box may occur outside the order marked in the figure. For example, depending on the functions involved, the two boxes shown in succession can actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the boxes can sometimes be executed in reverse order. Similarly, in the method consistent with various embodiments, additional steps may be included in such a method, and some steps may be omitted or combined.

[0062] It should be understood that the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and elements, components, materials or steps described in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with or eliminated from other embodiments in a suitable manner to achieve the desired design purpose.

[0063] References herein to "some embodiments" or "some exemplary embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. The appearance of the phrases "one embodiment," "some embodiments," or "another embodiment" throughout this disclosure does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are they necessarily separate or alternative embodiments that are mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0064] In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this disclosure and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clearly directed to a singular form by context.

[0065] Unless expressly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate, as would the word "about" or "approximately" preceding the value of the numerical value or range.

[0066] Although elements in the following method claims, if any, are recited in a specific order, these elements are not necessarily intended to be limited to being implemented in that specific order unless the claim recitation otherwise implies a specific order for implementing some or all of these elements.

[0067] It should be understood that certain features of the present disclosure described in the context of separate embodiments for the sake of clarity may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the present specification described in the context of a single embodiment for the sake of brevity may also be provided separately, or in any suitable sub-combination, or as appropriate in any other described embodiment of the present specification. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not essential features of these embodiments unless otherwise stated.

[0068] It should also be understood that those skilled in the art may make various modifications, substitutions and changes to the details, materials and arrangements of the components described and illustrated for the purpose of explaining the nature of the described embodiments without departing from the scope. Accordingly, the appended claims cover all such substitutions, modifications and changes falling within the aspects of the claims.

[0069] Clause 1. A first user equipment (UE) for providing sidelink beam management information, the first UE comprising: a memory storing instructions; and a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to: configuring one or more carriers within a first frequency range, at least one of the one or more carriers comprising an indication of sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within a second frequency range; and One or more carriers within the configured first frequency range are transmitted to the second UE to allow the second UE to obtain the indication.

[0070] Clause 2. The first UE of clause 1, wherein the first frequency range is FR1 and the second frequency range is FR2.

[0071] Clause 3. The first UE of clause 1, wherein the indication is transmitted via sidelink control information (SCI) at a physical layer, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) at a MAC layer, or higher layer information.

[0072] Clause 4. The first UE of clause 1, wherein the indication comprises one or more identifications (IDs) of one or more beam reference signals corresponding to one or more beams within the second frequency range.

[0073] Clause 5. The first UE according to clause 4, wherein the indication further comprises one or more resources to be used for transmitting the one or more beam reference signals, the one or more resources comprising at least one of time resources or frequency resources.

[0074] Clause 6. A first UE according to clause 1, wherein the one or more beams are multiple beams to be transmitted from multiple different antennas or from multiple different antenna panels, and wherein the indication includes a transmission order of at least one of the multiple beams or the multiple antenna panels.

[0075] Clause 7. The first UE according to clause 1, wherein the indication further comprises an indication of support of directional beam transmission with or without beam tuning capability.

[0076] Clause 8. A first UE according to clause 4, wherein configuring one or more carriers within the first frequency range is performed before initial beam alignment, and the indication includes a complete list of IDs of one or more beam reference signals and corresponding resources to be used for transmitting the one or more beam reference signals.

[0077] Clause 9. A first UE according to clause 4, wherein configuring one or more carriers in the first frequency range is performed after initial beam alignment, and the indication comprises a partial list of IDs of the one or more beam reference signals.

[0078] Clause 10. The first UE of clause 1, wherein the second UE is a plurality of UEs configured to operate in the second frequency range.

[0079] Clause 11. The first UE of clause 10, wherein the indication is a first indication and the processor is further configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to: monitoring at least one of the plurality of UEs for transmission of at least one second indication indicative of sidelink beam management information; and In response to determining that the first indication and the second indication are the same, transmitting the first indication is avoided.

[0080] Clause 12. A first UE according to clause 1, wherein the indication of the sidelink beam management information is derived from one or more resources used to transmit one or more carriers based on a mapping rule, which mapping rule is configured, preconfigured or predefined.

[0081] Clause 13. A first UE according to clause 1, wherein the one or more carriers within the first frequency range are a plurality of carriers to be aggregated, and wherein each carrier in the plurality of carriers comprises a different indication indicating different sidelink beam management information.

[0082] Clause 14. A first UE according to clause 1, wherein one or more carriers within the first frequency range are multiple carriers to be aggregated, and wherein one or more specific carriers among the multiple carriers include one or more indications indicating sidelink beam management information, and the one or more specific carriers are configured or pre-configured.

[0083] Clause 15. A first UE according to clause 1, wherein the sidelink communication within the first frequency range is based on a first radio access technology (RAT) and the sidelink communication within the second frequency range is based on a second RAT, the first RAT and the second RAT being the same or different from each other.

[0084] Clause 16. The first UE of clause 15, wherein the first RAT is Long Term Evolution (LTE) and the second RAT is New Radio (NR).

[0085] Clause 17. The first UE of clause 15, wherein both the first RAT and the second RAT are NRs.

[0086] Clause 18. A second user equipment (UE) for receiving sidelink beam management information, the second UE comprising: a memory storing instructions; and a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to: receiving, from a first UE, one or more carriers within a first frequency range, at least one of the one or more carriers comprising an indication of sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within a second frequency range; Based on the indication, identifying sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within the second frequency range; and Based on the sidelink beam management information, sidelink communications associated with one or more beams within the second frequency range are adjusted.

[0087] Clause 19. The second UE of clause 18, wherein the first frequency range is FR1 and the second frequency range is FR2.

[0088] Clause 20. The second UE of clause 18, wherein the indication is received via sidelink control information (SCI) at a physical layer, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) at a MAC layer, or higher layer information.

[0089] Clause 21. A second UE according to clause 18, wherein the indication comprises one or more identifications (IDs) of one or more beam reference signals corresponding to one or more beams within the second frequency range.

[0090] Clause 22. The second UE according to clause 21, wherein the indication further comprises one or more resources to be used for transmitting the one or more beam reference signals, the one or more resources comprising at least one of time resources or frequency resources.

[0091] Clause 23. A second UE according to clause 18, wherein the one or more beams are multiple beams to be transmitted from multiple different antennas or from multiple different antenna panels, and wherein the indication includes a transmission order of at least one of the multiple beams or the multiple antenna panels.

[0092] Clause 24. The second UE of clause 18, wherein the indication further comprises an indication of support of directional beam transmission with or without beam tuning capability.

[0093] Clause 25. A second UE according to clause 18, wherein the indication is a first indication and the processor is further configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to: A second indication indicating sidelink beam management information is transmitted to the first UE, where the first indication and the second indication are the same or different.

[0094] Clause 26. A second UE according to clause 18, wherein upon identifying the sidelink beam management information, the processor is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to: The indication of the sidelink beam management information is derived from one or more resources used to transmit the one or more carriers based on a mapping rule, and the mapping rule is configured, preconfigured or predefined.

[0095] Clause 27. A second UE according to clause 18, wherein the one or more carriers within the first frequency range are a plurality of carriers to be aggregated, and wherein each carrier in the plurality of carriers comprises a different indication indicating different sidelink beam management information.

[0096] Clause 28. A second UE according to clause 18, wherein one or more carriers within the first frequency range are multiple carriers to be aggregated, and wherein one or more specific carriers among the multiple carriers include one or more indications indicating sidelink beam management information, and the one or more specific carriers are configured or pre-configured.

[0097] Clause 29. A second UE according to clause 18, wherein the sidelink communication within the first frequency range is based on a first radio access technology (RAT) and the sidelink communication within the second frequency range is based on a second RAT, the first RAT and the second RAT being the same or different from each other.

[0098] Clause 30. The second UE of clause 29, wherein the first RAT is Long Term Evolution (LTE) and the second RAT is New Radio (NR).

[0099] Clause 31. The second UE of clause 29, wherein both the first RAT and the second RAT are NRs.

[0100] Clause 32. A method for providing sidelink beam management information, the method comprising: configuring, by a first user equipment (UE), one or more carriers within a first frequency range, at least one of the one or more carriers comprising an indication of sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within a second frequency range; and One or more carriers within the configured first frequency range are transmitted to the second UE to allow the second UE to obtain the indication.

[0101] Clause 33. The method of clause 32, wherein the first frequency range is FR1 and the second frequency range is FR2.

[0102] Clause 34. The method of clause 32, wherein the indication is transmitted via sidelink control information (SCI) at a physical layer, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) at a MAC layer, or higher layer information.

[0103] Clause 35. The method of clause 32, wherein the indication comprises one or more identifications (IDs) of one or more beam reference signals corresponding to one or more beams within the second frequency range.

[0104] Clause 36. The method of clause 35, wherein the indication further comprises one or more resources to be used for transmitting the one or more beam reference signals, the one or more resources comprising at least one of time resources or frequency resources.

[0105] Clause 37. A method according to clause 32, wherein the one or more beams are multiple beams to be transmitted from multiple different antennas or from multiple different antenna panels, and wherein the indication includes a transmission order of at least one of the multiple beams or the multiple antenna panels.

[0106] Clause 38. The method of clause 32, wherein the indication further comprises an indication of support for directional beam transmission with or without beam tuning capability.

[0107] Clause 39. A method according to clause 35, wherein configuring one or more carriers within the first frequency range is performed before initial beam alignment, and the indication includes a complete list of IDs of the one or more beam reference signals and corresponding resources to be used to transmit the one or more beam reference signals.

[0108] Clause 40. The method of clause 35, wherein configuring the one or more carriers within the first frequency range is performed after initial beam alignment, and the indication comprises a partial list of IDs of the one or more beam reference signals.

[0109] Clause 41. The method of clause 32, wherein the second UE is a plurality of UEs configured to operate in the second frequency range.

[0110] Clause 42. The method of clause 41, wherein the indication is a first indication, and the method further comprises: monitoring at least one of the plurality of UEs for transmission of at least one second indication indicative of sidelink beam management information; and In response to determining that the first indication and the second indication are the same, transmitting the first indication is avoided.

[0111] Clause 43. A method according to clause 32, wherein the indication of the sidelink beam management information is derived from one or more resources used to transmit the one or more carriers based on a mapping rule, and the mapping rule is configured, preconfigured or predefined.

[0112] Clause 44. A method according to clause 32, wherein the one or more carriers within the first frequency range are a plurality of carriers to be aggregated, and wherein each carrier of the plurality of carriers comprises a different indication indicating different sidelink beam management information.

[0113] Clause 45. A method according to clause 32, wherein one or more carriers within the first frequency range are multiple carriers to be aggregated, and wherein one or more specific carriers among the multiple carriers include one or more indications indicating sidelink beam management information, and the one or more specific carriers are configured or pre-configured.

[0114] Clause 46. A method according to clause 32, wherein the sidelink communication within the first frequency range is based on a first radio access technology (RAT) and the sidelink communication within the second frequency range is based on a second RAT, the first RAT and the second RAT being the same or different from each other.

[0115] Clause 47. The method of clause 46, wherein the first RAT is Long Term Evolution (LTE) and the second RAT is New Radio (NR).

[0116] Clause 48. The method of clause 46, wherein both the first RAT and the second RAT are NRs.

[0117] Clause 49. A method for receiving sidelink beam management information, the method comprising: Receiving, by a second user equipment (UE), from a first UE, one or more carriers within a first frequency range, at least one of the one or more carriers comprising an indication of sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within a second frequency range; identifying, by the second UE based on the indication, sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within the second frequency range; and Based on the sidelink beam management information, sidelink communications associated with one or more beams within the second frequency range are adjusted.

[0118] Clause 50. The method of Clause 49, wherein the first frequency range is FR1 and the second frequency range is FR2.

[0119] Clause 51. The method of clause 49, wherein the indication is received via sidelink control information (SCI) at a physical layer, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) at a MAC layer, or higher layer information.

[0120] Clause 52. The method of clause 49, wherein the indication comprises one or more identifications (IDs) of one or more beam reference signals corresponding to one or more beams within the second frequency range.

[0121] Clause 53. The method of clause 52, wherein the indication further comprises one or more resources to be used for transmitting the one or more beam reference signals, the one or more resources comprising at least one of time resources or frequency resources.

[0122] Clause 54. A method according to clause 49, wherein the one or more beams are multiple beams to be transmitted from multiple different antennas or from multiple different antenna panels, and wherein the indication includes a transmission order of at least one of the multiple beams or the multiple antenna panels.

[0123] Clause 55. The method of clause 49, wherein the indication further comprises an indication of support for directional beam transmission with or without beam tuning capability.

[0124] Clause 56. The method of clause 49, wherein the indication is a first indication, and the method further comprises: A second indication indicating sidelink beam management information is transmitted to the first UE, where the first indication and the second indication are the same or different.

[0125] Clause 57. The method of clause 49, wherein identifying the sidelink beam management information further comprises: The indication of the sidelink beam management information is derived from one or more resources used to transmit the one or more carriers based on a mapping rule, and the mapping rule is configured, preconfigured or predefined.

[0126] Clause 58. A method according to clause 49, wherein the one or more carriers within the first frequency range are a plurality of carriers to be aggregated, and wherein each carrier of the plurality of carriers comprises a different indication indicating different sidelink beam management information.

[0127] Clause 59. A method according to clause 49, wherein the one or more carriers within the first frequency range are multiple carriers to be aggregated, and wherein one or more specific carriers among the multiple carriers include one or more indications indicating sidelink beam management information, and the one or more specific carriers are configured or pre-configured.

[0128] Clause 60. A method according to clause 49, wherein the sidelink communication within the first frequency range is based on a first radio access technology (RAT) and the sidelink communication within the second frequency range is based on a second RAT, the first RAT and the second RAT being the same or different from each other.

[0129] Clause 61. The method of clause 60, wherein the first RAT is Long Term Evolution (LTE) and the second RAT is New Radio (NR).

[0130] Clause 62. The method of clause 60, wherein both the first RAT and the second RAT are NRs.

[0131] Clause 63. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of a first user equipment (UE) in a sidelink communication network to perform a method comprising: configuring one or more carriers within a first frequency range, at least one of the one or more carriers comprising an indication of sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within a second frequency range; and One or more carriers within the configured first frequency range are transmitted to the second UE to allow the second UE to obtain the indication.

[0132] Clause 64. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of a second user equipment (UE) in sidelink communication to perform a method comprising: receiving, from a first UE, one or more carriers within a first frequency range, at least one of the one or more carriers comprising an indication of sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within a second frequency range; Based on the indication, identifying sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within the second frequency range; and Based on the sidelink beam management information, sidelink communications associated with one or more beams within the second frequency range are adjusted.

Claims

1. A first user equipment (UE) for providing sidelink beam management information, the first UE comprising: a memory storing instructions; as well as a processor configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory to: configuring one or more carriers within a first frequency range, at least one of the one or more carriers comprising an indication of sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within a second frequency range; as well as The one or more carriers within the configured first frequency range are transmitted to a second UE to allow the second UE to obtain the indication.

2. The first UE according to claim 1, wherein: The first frequency range is FR1 and the second frequency range is FR2.

3. The first UE according to claim 1, wherein: The indication is transmitted via Sidelink Control Information (SCI) at the physical layer, a Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) at the MAC layer, or higher layer information.

4. The first UE according to claim 1, wherein: The indication includes one or more identifications (IDs) of one or more beam reference signals corresponding to the one or more beams within the second frequency range.

5. The first UE according to claim 4, wherein: The indication also includes one or more resources to be used for transmitting the one or more beam reference signals, the one or more resources comprising at least one of time resources or frequency resources.

6. The first UE according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more beams are a plurality of beams to be transmitted from a plurality of different antennas or from a plurality of different antenna panels, and wherein the indication comprises a transmission order of at least one of the plurality of beams or the plurality of antenna panels.

7. The first UE according to claim 1, wherein: The indication also includes an indication of support for directional beam transmission with or without beam tuning capability.

8. The first UE according to claim 4, wherein: Configuring the one or more carriers within the first frequency range is performed prior to initial beam alignment, and the indication includes a complete list of IDs of the one or more beam reference signals and corresponding resources to be used for transmitting the one or more beam reference signals.

9. The first UE according to claim 4, wherein: Configuring the one or more carriers within the first frequency range is performed after initial beam alignment, and the indication includes a partial list of IDs of the one or more beam reference signals.

10. The first UE according to claim 1, wherein: The second UEs are a plurality of UEs configured to operate in the second frequency range.

11. The first UE according to claim 10, wherein: The indication is a first indication, and the processor is further configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory to: monitoring transmission by at least one of the plurality of UEs of at least one second indication indicative of sidelink beam management information; as well as In response to determining that the first indication and the second indication are the same, transmitting the first indication is avoided.

12. The first UE according to claim 1, wherein: The indication indicating the sidelink beam management information is derived from one or more resources used to transmit the one or more carriers based on a mapping rule, and the mapping rule is configured, preconfigured or predefined.

13. The first UE according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more carriers within the first frequency range are a plurality of carriers to be aggregated, and wherein each carrier of the plurality of carriers comprises a different indication indicating different sidelink beam management information.

14. The first UE according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more carriers within the first frequency range are multiple carriers to be aggregated, and wherein one or more specific carriers among the multiple carriers include one or more indications indicating sidelink beam management information, and the one or more specific carriers are configured or pre-configured.

15. The first UE according to claim 1, wherein: The sidelink communication within the first frequency range is based on a first radio access technology (RAT), and the sidelink communication within the second frequency range is based on a second RAT, the first RAT and the second RAT being the same or different from each other.

16. The first UE according to claim 15, wherein: The first RAT is Long Term Evolution (LTE) and the second RAT is New Radio (NR).

17. The first UE according to claim 15, wherein: Both the first RAT and the second RAT are NR.

18. A second user equipment (UE) for receiving sidelink beam management information, the second UE comprising: a memory storing instructions; as well as a processor configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory to: receiving, from a first UE, one or more carriers within a first frequency range, at least one of the one or more carriers comprising an indication of sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within a second frequency range; identifying, based on the indication, the sidelink beam management information associated with the one or more beams within the second frequency range; as well as Based on the sidelink beam management information, sidelink communications associated with the one or more beams within the second frequency range are adjusted.

19. The second UE according to claim 18, wherein: The indication is a first indication, and the processor is further configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory to: A second indication indicating sidelink beam management information is transmitted to the first UE, wherein the first indication and the second indication are the same or different.

20. A method for providing sidelink beam management information, the method comprising: configuring, by a first user equipment (UE), one or more carriers within a first frequency range, at least one of the one or more carriers including an indication of sidelink beam management information associated with one or more beams within a second frequency range; as well as The one or more carriers within the configured first frequency range are transmitted to a second UE to allow the second UE to obtain the indication.

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