Dynamic modulation and coding scheme table switching for supporting addition of higher modulation orders and new cluster types

Abstract

Dynamic MCS table switching based on MAC-CE is introduced to support addition of higher modulation orders and new cluster types. First, the UE receives an RRC configuration indicating a plurality of MCS tables. Next, the UE receives a MAC CE that activates an MCS table among the plurality of MCS tables. Doing so allows the MCS table to be dynamically switched via MAC-CE-based activation / reactivation adapted to the current signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) / spectral efficiency (SPEF) experienced in the downlink and uplink. Finally, the UE communicates data with the base station using the MCS in the activated MCS table.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 18 / 049,162, filed on October 24, 2022, entitled “DYNAMIC MODULATION AND CODINGSCHEME TABLE SWITCHING TO SUPPORT ADDITION OF HIGHER MODULATION ORDERS AND NEW CONSTELLATION TYPES,” which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to communication systems, and more particularly to wireless communication systems between base stations and user equipment (UE). Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunication services, such as telephony, video, data, messaging, and broadcasts. Typical wireless communication systems may employ multiple access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources. Examples of such multiple access technologies include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, and time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems.

[0005] These multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunication standards to provide a common protocol that enables different wireless devices to communicate at a city, country, region, or even global level. An example telecommunication standard is 5G New Radio (NR). 5G NR is part of the continued mobile broadband evolution promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to meet new requirements associated with latency, reliability, security, scalability (e.g., with the Internet of Things (IoT)) and other requirements. 5G NR includes services associated with enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC). Certain aspects of 5G NR may be based on the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard. Further improvements to 5G NR technology are needed. In addition, these improvements may also be applicable to other multiple access technologies and telecommunication standards that employ these technologies. Summary of the invention

[0006] The following presents the summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of these aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is neither intended to identify the key or important elements of all aspects, nor to describe the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description presented later.

[0007] In one aspect, the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication at a UE. The apparatus includes a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to receive an RRC configuration indicating a plurality of MCS tables. The processor is further configured to receive a MAC-CE that activates an MCS table among the plurality of MCS tables. The processor is further configured to communicate with a base station using an MCS in the activated MCS table.

[0008] In another aspect, the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication at a base station. The apparatus includes a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to send an RRC configuration indicating a plurality of MCS tables. The processor is further configured to send a MAC-CE that activates an MCS table among the plurality of MCS tables. The processor is further configured to communicate with a UE using an MCS in the activated MCS table.

[0009] In another aspect, the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a method for wireless communication at a UE. The method includes receiving an RRC configuration indicating a plurality of MCS tables. The method also includes receiving a MAC-CE that activates an MCS table among the plurality of MCS tables. The method also includes communicating with a base station using an MCS in the activated MCS table.

[0010] In another aspect, the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a method for wireless communication at a base station. The method includes sending an RRC configuration indicating a plurality of MCS tables. The method also includes sending a MAC-CE that activates an MCS table among the plurality of MCS tables. The method also includes communicating with a UE using an MCS in the activated MCS table.

[0011] To achieve the foregoing and related ends, one or more aspects include the features fully described below and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the accompanying drawings set forth in detail some illustrative features of one or more aspects. However, these features are merely indicative of some of the various ways in which the principles of the various aspects may be employed, and this specification is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and an access network.

[0013] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example decomposed base station architecture.

[0014] Figure 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of a first frame according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of downlink channels within a subframe according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3C is a diagram illustrating an example of a second frame according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 3D is a diagram illustrating an example of uplink channels within a subframe according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a base station and a user equipment (UE) in an access network.

[0019] Figure 5 Examples of different MCS tables are illustrated.

[0020] Figure 6 An example of an MCS table for multiple configurations of dynamic switching is illustrated.

[0021] Figure 7 A call flow diagram between a base station and a UE is illustrated.

[0022] Figures 8 to 13 An example flow chart illustrating a method of wireless communication at a UE is illustrated.

[0023] Figures 14 to 16 An example flow chart illustrating a method of wireless communication at a BS is illustrated.

[0024] Fig.17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an example apparatus.

[0025] Fig.18 is a diagram illustrating another example of a hardware implementation for another example apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configuration with which the concepts described herein can be practiced. In order to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts, the specific embodiments include specific details. However, the concepts and related aspects described in this disclosure can be implemented in the absence of some or all of such specific details. In some instances, well-known structures, components, etc. are shown in block diagram form to avoid blurring such concepts.

[0027] Various aspects of the present disclosure allow for more efficient use of existing MCS (MCS table options) since it is currently not possible to dynamically switch MCS tables via RRC-based reconfiguration without imposing an interruption to the UE communication link. For example, various aspects of the present disclosure suggest that multiple MCS tables will be configured by RRC and one of them may be dynamically activated based on receipt of an activation medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) indicating a specific MCS table for activation. Doing so allows the MCS table to be dynamically switched in the UL and DL via MAC-CE-based activation / reactivation (synchronization and low-latency control signaling) that is appropriate for the current signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) / spectral efficiency (SPEF) experienced in both the downlink channel and the uplink channel, respectively. The ability to dynamically switch the MCS table used allows the use of MCS tables that cover a reduced operating SNR sub-range in each table, thereby correspondingly providing better MCS resolution (via the MCS table associated therewith) in each SNR sub-range, which in turn allows for improved link capacity. In addition, aspects of the present disclosure may provide more efficient and flexible support for higher order quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) options and new cluster types that have not yet been introduced in the specification. In addition, aspects of the present disclosure may provide more efficient and flexible support for various channel coding options (e.g., LDPC, Polar, ReedSolomon, BCH, or any other low complexity code) or transmission schemes (e.g., multi-level coding schemes) to be used adaptively, which may be introduced in the specification to support new communication scenarios for different device types, operating constraints, or modes (e.g., reduced power consumption modes).

[0028] Various aspects of the system, device, computer program product and method will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout the present disclosure. On the contrary, these aspects are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and the scope of the present disclosure will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings of this article, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the system, device, computer program product and method disclosed herein, whether it is implemented independently of other aspects of the present disclosure or implemented in combination with other aspects of the present disclosure. For example, any number of aspects set forth herein may be used to implement a device or practice method. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover such devices or methods implemented using other structures, functionality, or structures and functionality other than the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein or different from the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. Any aspect disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of the claims.

[0029] Several aspects of telecommunication systems will now be presented with reference to various apparatus and methods. These apparatus and methods will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, components, circuits, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). These elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether these elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0030] For example, an element or any part of an element or any combination of elements may be implemented as a "processing system" including one or more processors (which may also be referred to as processing units). One or more processors in a processing system may execute software. Whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language or other names, software may be broadly understood to mean instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, program codes, programs, subroutines, software components, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, processes, functions, etc. The term "application" may refer to software. As described herein, one or more technologies may refer to applications configured to perform one or more functions, i.e., software. In such examples, applications may be stored in a memory (e.g., an on-chip memory of a processor, a system memory, or any other memory). The hardware described herein (such as a processor) may be configured to execute an application. For example, an application may be described as including code that, when executed by hardware, causes the hardware to perform one or more technologies described herein. As an example, hardware may access code from a memory and execute code accessed from the memory to perform one or more technologies described herein. In some examples, components are identified in the present disclosure. In such examples, the components may be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Each component may be an individual component or a subcomponent of a single component.

[0031] Therefore, in one or more example embodiments, the described functions can be implemented with hardware, software or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, each function can be stored or encoded on a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or computer executable code. Computer-readable media include computer storage media. Storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. As an example and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), optical disk storage device, magnetic disk storage device, other magnetic storage devices, a combination of computer-readable media of the above type, or any other medium that can be used to store instructions or data structure forms of computer executable code that can be accessed by a computer.

[0032] In general, the present disclosure describes techniques for dynamically switching MCS tables to support the addition of higher modulation orders and new cluster types. This results in improved downlink and uplink transmission performance, improved cell coverage, improved spectrum efficiency, and / or improved link reliability. In addition, it will be helpful to allow better flexibility for any future specification evolution, including the adoption of higher modulation orders, the introduction of additional cluster types (amplitude phase shift keying (APSK), cross quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), etc.), the adoption of multi-level decoding (MLC) techniques, and new decoding methods (e.g., new codec types, adding outer codes, etc.). For example, the present disclosure describes techniques for switching MCS tables in any device that utilizes wireless communication. Other example benefits are described throughout the present disclosure.

[0033] The 5G NR specification defines several MCS tables for use depending on the different waveforms used in 5G NR. Some of the MCS tables are defined for direct Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM) waveforms, some are defined for cyclic prefix OFDM (CP-OFDM), and others are defined for two waveform options. In one example, each of the MCS tables is defined to cover essentially the full SNR / SPEF range, because there is currently no practical option for dynamically switching MCS tables without link interruption. Instead, the only current option is to change the MCS table and waveform through radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration. However, RRC configuration is an asynchronous process that involves high latency and introduces link interruption, which is not convenient for practical use of "on-the-fly" reconfiguration.

[0034] Different types of waveforms may be used for UL and / or DL ​​communications. For example, DL communications may use a CP-OFDM waveform (e.g., an OFDM waveform using CP), and UL communications may use a CP-OFDM waveform or a DFT-S-OFDM waveform (e.g., a single carrier waveform). The current 5G NR specification defines several MCS tables. Some of the MCS tables are defined for DFT-S-OFDM waveforms only (associated with UL), for CP-OFDM (associated with UL and DL), or for both waveform options (e.g., a 256QAM table in UL).

[0035] Compared to the DFT-S-OFDM waveform, the CP-OFDM waveform may be more convenient for relatively high SNR and / or associated with relatively high spectral efficiency. For example, the CP-OFDM waveform may be associated with an MCS table including a more spectrally efficient MCS (MCS option) relative to the DFT-S-OFDM waveform, and thus allow more spectrally efficient operation and / or enable multi-layer transmission relative to the DFT-S-OFDM waveform. Therefore, for most UEs within the coverage area of ​​a cell, the CP-OFDM waveform may be the default waveform in the UL (and the only option for the DL).

[0036] In general, the CP-OFDM scheme is a more spectrally efficient option because it is associated with an MCS table that primarily provides a more spectrally efficient MCS and can be used with multi-layer transmission. Therefore, the CP-OFDM scheme with a corresponding MCS table usually targets a more spectrally efficient or higher SNR mechanism. For example, a QAM1024, QAM 256, or QAM64LowSE MCS table can be configured by RRC for CP-OFDM cases in the DL.

[0037] On the other hand, relative to the CP-OFDM waveform, the DFT-S-OFDM waveform can provide a relatively low peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), thereby allowing increased transmit power and better coverage. In addition, the DFT-S-OFDM waveform can be used with an MCS table that is not suitable for the CP-OFDM waveform, so that the MCS is associated with a relatively low code rate and / or pi / 2 binary phase shift keying (BPSK) modulation that supports a lower operating SNR. The use of the DFT-S-OFDM waveform is currently limited to single-layer transmission. For example, the DFT-S-OFDM waveform may not be suitable for cell areas associated with high SNR or high spectral efficiency. Therefore, the DFT-S-OFDM waveform can be used by UEs at the edge of the cell, UEs experiencing poor link budgets, and / or low-capability UEs (limited to single-layer transmissions with low clustering orders).

[0038] Therefore, in general, DFT-S-OFDM is mainly coupled to the more robust MCS options (e.g., lower code rates and pi / 2BPSK modulation options) defined for UL and included in the corresponding MCS table. DFT-S-OFM is also limited to single-layer transmission and targets a lower spectral efficiency / SNR mechanism. For example, the QAM64LowSE table or the 256QAM table can be configured by RRC in the UL coupled to the DFT-S-OFDM scheme. As another example, the use of pi / 2BPSK is also configured by RRC (on top of the QAM64LowSE table) and allows the extended range of supporting low / negative SNR. As another example, two MCS tables can be configured to the UE by RRC in the UL, so that one MCS table can be applicable when the DFT-S-OFDM waveform is enabled by RRC (e.g., transform precoding is enabled), and the other MCS table is applicable when transform precoding is not enabled by RRC configuration (CP-OFDM case).

[0039] The UE may use a transmit waveform depending on the location of the UE within the coverage of the cell. If the UE is mobile, the UE may have different locations within the coverage of the cell at different times, so that different transmit schemes may be used by the UE depending on the location of the UE (e.g., at the low SNR edge of the cell, the mid SNR edge of the cell, or the high SNR range of the cell).

[0040] Each of the currently defined MCS tables per waveform option aims to cover substantially the full SNR range (e.g., Figure 5 500a shown in ). For example, each of the separately defined MCS tables may provide better "coverage" of MCS options for one of the low, medium or high SNR regimes. Targeting substantially the full SNR range per MCS table is due to the fact that there is currently no practical option for dynamically switching MCS tables. Instead, the only option for changing the MCS table is via RRC reconfiguration.

[0041] However, RRC reconfiguration is asynchronous and can result in latency of hundreds of milliseconds. Therefore, during this reconfiguration period, the base station may lack information about the transmission scheme used by the UE. Therefore, using RRC reconfiguration to switch the MCS table can result in link disruption that is not practical for dynamic switching. This can affect the communication performance / experience on the UE side and, in some cases, result in link loss—especially if the UE is approaching the edge of a cell.

[0042] Furthermore, future introduction of higher or new clustering orders comes at the expense of removing some MCS options in the newly added tables (e.g., 256QAM, 1024QAM MCS tables) and adding several MCS options associated with the newly added clustering orders to target a wide SNR range in the addressed MCS tables. This approach to MCS table definition for RRC options only coupled to MCS table configuration limits the MCS grid resolution (e.g., link efficiency degradation) and the SNR range effectively supported by the semi-statically configured MCS tables (e.g., limitations on coverage or maximum throughput).

[0043] Depending on the channel, instant link budget, UE location and speed, and UE operating mode (e.g., power saving relative to advanced receiver) scenarios, full extensions from both sides of the SNR range may also be applicable to high-capability UEs. Therefore, without a significant compromise resolution of the MCS options for each table (or for a certain SNR sub-range), it is not possible to support a further extended SNR range with a single MCS table. Improving the code rate resolution via the introduction of a new MCS table or dynamically switching between defined MCS tables will result in improved link efficiency for the relevant SNR sub-ranges and improved coverage. Therefore, practical techniques for dynamically switching MCS tables via non-RRC-based reconfiguration rather than via non-valid (most of the time not required) per-allocated DCI-based MCS table index signaling may be helpful (e.g., MAC-CE-based activation / reactivation).

[0044] Therefore, aspects of the present disclosure allow for dynamic-based MCS table switching options for both downlink and uplink to allow more efficient and flexible support of higher order QAM options and new cluster types that are expected to be introduced. In one aspect, the RRC configuration may be used to indicate multiple MCS tables. In another aspect, the MAC-CE may be used to activate an MCS table among multiple MCS tables in order to communicate with a base station using the MCS in the activated MCS table.

[0045] Various aspects of the present disclosure describe dynamic MCS table switching options for providing improved performance, improved cell coverage, improved spectral efficiency, and / or improved link reliability for downlink and uplink transmissions. For example, the present disclosure allows adaptive selection of an MCS table with the most appropriate cluster type or maximum / minimum cluster order and code rate per scenario from a combination of MCS tables optimized for different conditions (e.g., channel conditions, UE impairments, power saving modes, power-limited mechanisms, etc.). In addition, it would be helpful to introduce a flexible platform to support any future specification evolution, including adoption of higher modulation orders, introduction of additional cluster types (APSK, cross-QAM, etc.), adoption of multi-level coding (MLC) techniques, and new coding methods (e.g., new codec types, adding outer codes, etc.).

[0046] Figure 1 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and access network 100. The wireless communication system (also referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) includes a base station 102, a user equipment (UE) 104, an evolved packet core (EPC) 160, and another core network 190 (e.g., a 5G core (5GC)). The base station 102 may include a macro cell (such as a high-power cellular base station) and / or a small cell (such as a low-power cellular base station (including a femto cell, a pico cell, and a micro cell)).

[0047] The base station 102 configured for 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) (collectively referred to as Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)) can interface with the EPC 160 through a first backhaul link 132 (e.g., an S1 interface). The base station 102 configured for 5G New Radio (NR) (collectively referred to as Next Generation Radio Access Network (RAN) (NG-RAN)) can interface with the core network 190 through a second backhaul link 134. Among other functions, the base station 102 can also perform one or more of the following: delivery of user data, radio channel encryption and decryption, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection establishment and release, load balancing, distribution of non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, RAN sharing, Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment tracking, RAN Information Management (RIM), paging, positioning, and delivery of warning messages.

[0048] In some aspects, the base stations 102 may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via the EPC 160 or the core network 190) via a third backhaul link 136 (e.g., an X2 interface). The first backhaul link 132, the second backhaul link 134, and the third backhaul link 136 may be wired, wireless, or some combination thereof. At least some of the base stations 102 may be configured for integrated access and backhaul (IAB). Accordingly, such base stations may communicate wirelessly with other base stations (and may also be configured for IAB).

[0049] At least some of the base stations 102 configured for IAB may have a split architecture that includes multiple units, some or all of which may be co-located or distributed and may communicate with each other. For example, in the following, Figure 2An exemplary disaggregated base station 200 architecture is illustrated, which includes at least one of a central unit (CU) 210, a distributed unit (DU) 230, a radio unit (RU) 240, a remote radio head (RRH), a remote unit, and / or another similar unit configured to implement one or more layers of a radio protocol stack.

[0050] Base station 102 can communicate wirelessly with UE 104. Examples of UE 104 include cellular phones, smart phones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), satellite radios, global positioning systems, multimedia devices, video devices, digital audio players (e.g., MP3 players), cameras, game consoles, tablets, smart devices, wearable devices, vehicles, electric meters, gas pumps, large or small kitchen appliances, healthcare equipment, implants, sensors / actuators, displays, or any other similarly functional devices. Some of UE 104 may be referred to as IoT devices (e.g., parking meters, gas pumps, toasters, vehicles, heart monitors, etc.).

[0051] UE 104 may also be referred to as a station, a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable terminology.

[0052] Each base station 102 may provide communication coverage for a corresponding geographic coverage area 110 (which may also be referred to as a "cell"). Potentially, two or more geographic coverage areas 110 may at least partially overlap with each other, or one of the geographic coverage areas 110 may contain another of the geographic coverage areas. For example, a small cell 102' may have a coverage area 110' that overlaps with the coverage area 110 of one or more macro base stations 102. A network that includes both small cells and macro cells may be referred to as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include a home evolved Node B (eNB) (HeNB), which may provide services to a restricted group referred to as a closed subscriber group (CSG).

[0053] The communication link 120 between the base station 102 and the UE 104 may include uplink (also known as reverse link) transmission from the UE 104 to the base station 102 and / or downlink (also known as forward link) transmission from the base station 102 to the UE 104. The communication link 120 may use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming and / or transmit diversity. The wireless link or radio link may be on one or more carriers or component carriers (CCs). The base station 102 and / or the UE 104 may use a spectrum of up to Y MHz (e.g., Y may be equal to or approximately equal to 5, 10, 15, 20, 100, 400, etc.) bandwidth per carrier allocated in a carrier aggregation of up to Yx megahertz (MHz) (e.g., x CCs) for transmission in each direction. These CCs may or may not be adjacent to each other. The allocation of CCs may be asymmetric with respect to downlink and uplink (e.g., more or fewer CCs may be allocated to downlinks than to uplinks).

[0054] A CC may include a primary CC and one or more secondary CCs. A primary CC may be referred to as a primary cell (PCell), and each secondary CC may be referred to as a secondary cell (SCell). When the UE is known to both a base station at the access network level and at least one core network entity (e.g., AMF and / or MME) at the core network level, and the UE may be configured to receive downlink control information in the access network (e.g., the UE may be in an RRC connected state), the PCell may also be referred to as a "serving cell". In some instances where carrier aggregation is configured for a UE, each of the PCell and one or more SCells may be a serving cell.

[0055] Some UEs 104 may communicate with each other using a device-to-device (D2D) communication link 158. The D2D communication link 158 may use downlink / uplink WWAN spectrum. The D2D communication link 158 may use one or more sidelink channels, such as a physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH), a physical sidelink discovery channel (PSDCH), a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), and a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH). The D2D communication may be through a variety of wireless D2D communication systems, such as, for example, WiMedia, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, LTE, or NR.

[0056] The wireless communication system may also include a Wi-Fi access point (AP) 150 that communicates with a Wi-Fi station (STA) 152 via a communication link 154 in, for example, a 5 gigahertz (GHz) unlicensed spectrum. When communicating in the unlicensed spectrum, the STA 152 / AP 150 may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) to determine whether a channel is available prior to communication.

[0057] The small cell 102' may operate in a licensed and / or unlicensed spectrum. When operating in an unlicensed spectrum, the small cell 102' may employ NR and use the same unlicensed spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz, etc.) as used by the Wi-Fi AP 150. The small cell 102' employing NR in the unlicensed spectrum may improve the coverage of the access network and / or increase the capacity of the access network.

[0058] The electromagnetic spectrum is typically subdivided into various categories, bands, channels, etc. based on frequency / wavelength. In 5G NR, two initial operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz-7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz-52.6 GHz). Frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are typically referred to as mid-band frequencies. Although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is typically (interchangeably) referred to as the “below 6 GHz” band in various documents and articles. Similar naming issues sometimes arise with respect to FR2, although unlike the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz–300 GHz) identified by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as a “millimeter wave” (or “mmWave” or simply “mmW”) band, FR2 is typically (interchangeably) referred to as “millimeter wave” in various documents and articles. In some aspects, “mmW” or “near mmW” may additionally or alternatively refer to the 60 GHz frequency range, which may include multiple channels outside of 60 GHz. For example, the 60 GHz band may refer to a collection of channels spanning from 57.24 GHz to 70.2 GHz.

[0059] In view of the above, unless otherwise specifically stated, for the purposes of the scope used herein, the terms "below 6 GHz", "below 7 GHz", etc. may broadly refer to frequencies that may be less than 6 GHz, frequencies that may be less than 7 GHz, frequencies that may be within FR1, and / or frequencies that may include mid-band frequencies. In addition, unless otherwise specifically stated, for the purposes of the scope used herein, the terms "millimeter wave" and other similar references may broadly refer to frequencies that may include mid-band frequencies, frequencies that may be within FR2, and / or frequencies that may be within the EHF band.

[0060] The base station 102 may be implemented as a macro base station providing a large cell, or may be implemented as a small cell 102' with a small cell coverage area. Some base stations 102 may operate in traditional sub-6 GHz (or sub-7 GHz) spectrum, mmW frequencies, and / or near mmW frequencies to communicate with UE 104. When such a base station operates at mmW or near mmW frequencies, the base station may be referred to as a mmW base station 180. The mmW base station 180 may utilize beamforming 186 with the UE 104 to compensate for such path loss and short range. The base station 180 and the UE 104 may each include multiple antennas (such as antenna elements, antenna panels, and / or antenna arrays) to facilitate beamforming.

[0061] The base station 180 may transmit beamformed signals to the UE 104 in one or more transmit directions 182. The UE 104 may receive beamformed signals from the base station 180 in one or more receive directions 184. The UE 104 may also transmit beamformed signals to the base station 180 in one or more transmit directions. The base station 180 may receive beamformed signals from the UE 104 in one or more receive directions. One or both of the base station 180 and / or the UE 104 may perform beam training to determine the best receive and / or transmit direction for one or both of the base station 180 and / or the UE 104. The transmit direction and the receive direction of the base station 180 may be the same or may be different. The transmit direction and the receive direction of the UE 104 may be the same or may be different.

[0062] In various aspects, one or more of base stations 102 / 180 may include and / or be referred to as a gNB, a Node B, an eNB, an access point, a transceiver base station, a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), a transmit receive point (TRP), or some other suitable terminology.

[0063] In some aspects, one or more of the base stations 102 / 180 may be connected to the EPC 160 and may provide one or more of the UEs 104 with a corresponding access point to the EPC 160. The EPC 160 may include a mobility management entity (MME) 162, other MMEs 164, a serving gateway 166, an MBMS gateway 168, a broadcast multicast service center (BM-SC) 170, and a packet data network (PDN) gateway 172. The MME 162 may communicate with a home subscriber server (HSS) 174. The MME 162 is a control node that handles signaling between the UE 104 and the EPC 160. In general, the MME 162 provides bearer and connection management. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are delivered through the serving gateway 166, which is connected to the PDN gateway 172. The PDN gateway 172 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. The PDN Gateway 172 and the BM-SC 170 are connected to the IP Services 176. The IP Services 176 may include the Internet, an Intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), a Packet Switched (PS) Streaming Service, and / or other IP Services. The BM-SC 170 may provide functionality for MBMS user service configuration and delivery. The BM-SC 170 may serve as an entry point for content provider MBMS transmissions, may be used to authorize and initiate MBMS bearer services in a public land mobile network (PLMN), and may be used to schedule MBMS transmissions. The MBMS Gateway 168 may be used to allocate MBMS services to base stations 102 belonging to a Multicast Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) area of ​​a broadcast specific service, and may be responsible for session management (start / stop) and for collecting eMBMS related charging information.

[0064] In some other aspects, one or more of the base stations 102 / 180 may be connected to the core network 190 and may provide one or more of the UEs 104 with corresponding access points to the core network 190. The core network 190 may include an access and mobility management function (AMF) 192, other AMFs 193, a session management function (SMF) 194, and a user plane function (UPF) 195. The AMF 192 may communicate with a unified data management (UDM) 196. The AMF 192 is a control node that handles signaling between the UE 104 and the core network 190. Typically, the AMF 192 provides quality of service (QoS) flows and session management. All user IP packets are delivered through the UPF 195. The UPF 195 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. The UPF 195 is connected to an IP service 197. The IP service 197 may include the Internet, an intranet, an IMS, a PS streaming service, and / or other IP services.

[0065] The deployment of a communication system (such as a 5G NR system) can be arranged with various components or components in a variety of ways. In a 5G NR system or network, a network node, a network entity, a network device, a mobility element of a network, a RAN node, a core network node, a network element, or a network equipment such as a BS or one or more units (or one or more components) performing base station functionality can be implemented in an aggregated or decomposed architecture. For example, a BS (such as a Node B (NB), an eNB, an NR BS, a 5GNB, an access point (AP), a TRP, or a cell, etc.) can be implemented as an aggregated base station (also referred to as an independent BS or a monolithic BS) or a decomposed base station.

[0066] The aggregated base station may be configured to utilize a radio protocol stack physically or logically integrated within a single RAN node. The decomposed base station 200 may be configured to utilize a protocol stack physically or logically distributed between two or more units, such as one or more central units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs), or one or more radio units (RUs). In some aspects, the CU 210 may be implemented within a RAN node, and one or more DUs 230 may be co-located with the CU, or alternatively, may be geographically or virtually distributed in one or more other RAN nodes. The DU may be implemented to communicate with one or more RUs 240. Each of the CU, DU, and RU may also be implemented as a virtual unit, i.e., a virtual central unit (VCU), a virtual distributed unit (VDU), or a virtual radio unit (VRU).

[0067] Base station type operations or network designs may take into account the aggregated nature of base station functionality. For example, a disaggregated base station may be used in an integrated access backhaul (IAB) network, an open radio access network (O-RAN (network configurations such as those initiated by the O-RAN Alliance)), or a virtualized radio access network (vRAN, also known as a cloud radio access network (C-RAN)). Decomposition may include distributing functionality across two or more units at various physical locations, as well as virtually distributing functionality of at least one unit, which may enable flexibility in network design. Various units of a disaggregated base station or disaggregated RAN architecture may be configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one other unit.

[0068] Although the present disclosure may focus on 5G NR, the concepts and aspects described herein may be applicable to other similar areas such as LTE, Advanced LTE (LTE-A), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and / or other wireless / radio access technologies.

[0069] In certain aspects, the base station 102 / 180 may include an MCS table configuration component 198 configured to: send a radio resource control (RRC) configuration indicating multiple modulation and coding scheme (MCS) tables; send a medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC-CE) to activate an MCS table among the multiple MCS tables; and communicate with the UE using the MCS in the activated MCS table.

[0070] In certain aspects, the UE 104 may include an MCS table activation component 199 configured to: receive a radio resource control (RRC) configuration indicating multiple modulation and coding scheme (MCS) tables; receive a medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC-CE) that activates an MCS table among the multiple MCS tables; and communicate with a base station using the MCS in the activated MCS table.

[0071] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating an example decomposed base station 200 architecture is shown. The decomposed base station 200 architecture may include one or more CUs 210 that may communicate directly with the core network 190 via a backhaul link, or indirectly with the core network 190 through one or more decomposed base station units (such as a near real-time RIC 225 via an E2 link, or a non-real-time RIC 215 associated with a service management and orchestration (SMO) framework 205, or both). The CU 210 may communicate with one or more DUs 230 via corresponding midhaul links, such as an F1 interface. The DU 230 may communicate with one or more RUs 187 via corresponding fronthaul links. The RUs 240 may communicate with the UEs 104, respectively, via one or more radio frequency (RF) access links. In some implementations, the UE 104 may be served simultaneously by multiple RUs 240.

[0072] Each of the units (i.e., CU 210, DU 230, RU 240, and near-RT RIC 225, non-RT RIC 215, and SMO framework 205) may include or be coupled to one or more interfaces configured to receive or send signals, data, or information (collectively referred to as signals) via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Each of the units or an associated processor or controller that provides instructions to the communication interface of these units may be configured to communicate with one or more of the other units via a transmission medium. For example, these units may include a wired interface configured to receive or send signals to one or more of the other units via a wired transmission medium. Additionally, these units may include a wireless interface that may include a receiver, transmitter, or transceiver (such as a radio frequency (RF) transceiver) configured to receive or send signals, or both, to one or more of the other units on a wireless transmission medium.

[0073] In some aspects, CU 210 may host higher-layer control functions. Such control functions may include radio resource control (RRC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), or service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), etc. Each control function may be implemented using an interface configured to communicate signals with other control functions hosted by CU 210. CU 210 may be configured to handle user plane functionality (i.e., central unit-user plane (CU-UP)), control plane functionality (i.e., central unit-control plane (CU-CP)), or a combination thereof. In some specific implementations, CU 210 may be logically split into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. When implemented in an O-RAN configuration, the CU-UP unit may communicate bidirectionally with the CU-CP unit via an interface (such as an E1 interface). As needed, CU 210 may be implemented to communicate with DU 230 for network control and signal transmission.

[0074] DU 230 may correspond to a logical unit that includes one or more base station functions for controlling the operation of one or more RUs 240. In some aspects, DU 230 may host one or more of a radio link control (RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, and one or more high physical (PHY) layers (such as modules for forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, etc.) at least in part according to a functional split such as defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In some aspects, DU 230 may further host one or more low PHY layers. Each layer (or module) may be implemented using an interface that is configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by DU 230 or with control functions hosted by CU 210.

[0075] The lower layer functionality may be implemented by one or more RUs 240. In some deployments, the RU 240 controlled by the DU 230 may correspond to a logical node that hosts RF processing functions or low PHY layer functions (such as performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse FFT (iFFT), digital beamforming, physical random access channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, etc.), or both, based at least in part on a functional split (such as a lower layer functional split). In such an architecture, the RU 240 may be implemented to handle over-the-air (OTA) communications with one or more UEs 104. In some implementations, real-time and non-real-time aspects of communicating with the control plane and user plane of the RU 240 may be controlled by the corresponding DU 230. In some scenarios, this configuration may enable the DU 230 and CU 210 to be implemented in a cloud-based RAN architecture (such as a vRAN architecture).

[0076] The SMO framework 205 may be configured to support RAN deployment and provisioning of non-virtualized network elements and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 205 may be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements, which may be managed via an operation and maintenance interface (such as an O1 interface). For virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 205 may be configured to interact with a cloud computing platform (such as an open cloud (O-Cloud) 290) to perform network element lifecycle management (such as instantiating virtualized network elements) via a cloud computing platform interface (such as an O2 interface). Such virtualized network elements may include, but are not limited to, CU 210, DU 230, RU 240, and near-RT RIC 225. In some specific implementations, the SMO framework 205 may communicate with hardware aspects of the 4G RAN (such as an open eNB (O-eNB) 211) via the O1 interface. Additionally, in some specific implementations, the SMO framework 205 may communicate directly with one or more RUs 240 via the O1 interface. The SMO framework 205 may also include a non-RT RIC 215 configured to support the functionality of the SMO framework 205 .

[0077] The non-RT RIC 215 may be configured to include logic functions that enable non-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) workflows including model training and updating, or policy-based guidance of applications / features in the near-RT RIC 225. The non-RT RIC 215 may be coupled to or in communication with the near-RT RIC 225 (such as via an A1 interface). The near-RT RIC 225 may be configured to include logic functions that enable near-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources via data collection and actions through an interface (such as via an E2 interface) that connects one or more CUs 210, one or more DUs 230, or both, and the O-eNB with the near-RT RIC 225.

[0078] In some implementations, in order to generate an AI / ML model to be deployed in the near-RT RIC 225, the non-RT RIC 215 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from an external server. Such information may be utilized by the near-RT RIC 225 and may be received from a non-network data source or from a network function at the SMO framework 205 or the non-RT RIC 215. In some examples, the non-RT RIC 215 or the near-RT RIC 225 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the non-RT RIC 215 may monitor long-term trends and patterns of performance and employ AI / ML models to perform corrective actions through the SMO framework 205 (such as via reconfiguration of O1) or via the creation of RAN management policies (such as A1 policies).

[0079] Figure 3A FIG300 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first subframe within a 5G NR frame structure. Figure 3B is a diagram 330 illustrating an example of downlink channels within a 5G NR subframe. Figure 3C 350 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second subframe within a 5G NR frame structure. Figure 3D FIG380 is a diagram illustrating an example of an uplink channel within a 5G NR subframe. The 5G NR frame structure may be frequency division duplex (FDD), where for a particular set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within the set of subcarriers are dedicated to either downlink or uplink, or time division duplex (TDD), where for a particular set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within the set of subcarriers are dedicated to both downlink and uplink. Figure 3A and Figure 3C In the example provided, the 5G NR frame structure is assumed to be TDD, where subframe 4 is configured with slot format 28 (mostly downlink) and subframe 3 is configured with slot format 34 (mostly uplink), where D is downlink, U is uplink, and F is used flexibly between downlink / uplink. Although subframes 3 and 4 are shown with slot formats 34 and 28, respectively, any particular subframe can be configured with any of the various available slot formats 0-61. Slot formats 0 and 1 are full downlink and full uplink, respectively. Other slot formats 2-61 include a mix of downlink, uplink and flexible symbols. The UE is configured with a slot format (dynamically configured by downlink control information (DCI) or semi-statically / statically configured by RRC signaling) through the received slot format indicator (SFI). It should be noted that the above description also applies to the 5G NR frame structure as TDD.

[0080] Other wireless communication technologies may have different frame structures and / or different channels. For example, a 10 millisecond (ms) frame may be divided into 10 equally sized subframes (1 ms). Each subframe may include one or more time slots. A subframe may also include a microslot, which may include 7, 4, or 2 symbols. Each time slot may contain 7 or 14 symbols, depending on the time slot configuration. For time slot configuration 0, each time slot may include 14 symbols, and for time slot configuration 1, each time slot may include 7 symbols. The symbols on the downlink may be cyclic prefix CP-OFDM symbols. The symbols on the uplink may be CP-OFDM symbols (for high throughput scenarios) or DFT-s-OFDM symbols (also known as single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) symbols) (for power-constrained scenarios; limited to single-stream transmission). The number of time slots in a subframe is based on the time slot configuration and parameter set. For time slot configuration 0, different parameter sets μ0 to 4 allow 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 time slots per subframe, respectively. For slot configuration 1, different parameter sets 0 to 2 allow 2, 4, and 8 slots per subframe, respectively. Therefore, for slot configuration 0 and parameter set μ, there are 14 symbols / slot and 2μ slots / subframe. The subcarrier spacing and symbol length / duration are functions of the parameter set. The subcarrier spacing can be equal to 2 μ *15 kilohertz (kHz), where μ is parameter set 0 to 4. Therefore, the subcarrier spacing for parameter set μ=0 is 15 kHz, and the subcarrier spacing for parameter set μ=4 is 240 kHz. The symbol length / duration is inversely related to the subcarrier spacing. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D An example is provided for slot configuration 0 with 14 symbols per slot and parameter set μ=2 with 4 slots per subframe. The slot duration is 0.25 ms, the subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz, and the symbol duration is approximately 16.67 microseconds (μs). Within a frame set, there may be one or more different bandwidth parts (BWPs) that are frequency-division multiplexed (see Figure 3B ). Each BWP can have a specific set of parameters.

[0081] A resource grid may be used to represent the frame structure. Each slot includes a resource block (RB) (also referred to as a physical RB (PRB)) extending over 12 consecutive subcarriers. The resource grid is divided into a plurality of resource elements (REs). The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0082] like Figure 3AAs illustrated, some REs carry at least one pilot signal for the UE, such as a reference signal (RS). Broadly speaking, RSs can be used for beam training and management, tracking and positioning, channel estimation, and / or other such purposes. In some configurations, the RSs may include at least one demodulation RS (DM-RS) for channel estimation at the UE (indicated as Rx for a particular configuration, where 100x is the port number, but other DM-RS configurations are possible) and / or at least one channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI-RS). In some other configurations, the RSs may additionally or alternatively include at least one beam measurement (or management) RS (BRS), at least one beam refinement RS (BRRS), and / or at least one phase tracking RS (PT-RS).

[0083] Figure 3B Examples of various downlink channels within a subframe of a frame are illustrated. The physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carries DCI within one or more control channel elements (CCEs), each CCE includes nine RE groups (REGs), and each REG includes four consecutive REs in an OFDM symbol. The PDCCH within one BWP may be referred to as a control resource set (CORESET). Additional BWPs may be located at higher and / or lower frequencies across the channel bandwidth. The primary synchronization signal (PSS) may be within symbol 2 of a particular subframe of a frame. UEs (such as Figure 1 The PSS may be used by UE 104 to determine subframe / symbol timing and physical layer identification. The secondary synchronization signal (SSS) may be in symbol 4 of a particular subframe of a frame. Figure 1 The UE 104) can use the SSS to determine the physical layer cell identity group number and the radio frame timing. Based on the physical layer identity and the physical layer cell identity group number, the UE can determine the physical cell identifier (PCI). Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the position of the aforementioned DM-RS. The physical broadcast channel (PBCH) carrying the master information block (MIB) can be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form a synchronization signal (SS) / PBCH block (also referred to as an SS block (SSB)). The MIB provides the system frame number (SFN) and the number of RBs in the system bandwidth. The physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information such as system information blocks (SIBs) that are not sent through the PBCH, and paging messages.

[0084] like Figure 3CAs illustrated, some of the REs carry DM-RS (indicated as R for a particular configuration, but other DM-RS configurations are possible) for channel estimation at the base station. The UE may send a DM-RS for a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and a DM-RS for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). The PUSCH DM-RS may be sent in the first or first two symbols of the PUSCH. Depending on whether a short PUCCH or a long PUCCH is sent and depending on the specific PUCCH format used, the PUCCH DM-RS may be sent in different configurations. The UE may send a sounding reference signal (SRS). The SRS may be sent in the last symbol of a subframe. The SRS may have a comb structure, and the UE may send the SRS on one of the teeth of the comb. The SRS may be used by the base station for channel quality estimation to enable frequency-dependent scheduling on the uplink.

[0085] Figure 3D Examples of various uplink channels within a subframe of a frame are illustrated. The PUCCH may be located at a position as indicated in one configuration. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), which may include a scheduling request (SR), a channel quality indicator (CQI), a precoding matrix indicator (PMI), a rank indicator (RI), and hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgement (ACK) / negative acknowledgement (NACK) feedback. The PUSCH carries data and may additionally be used to carry a buffer status report (BSR), a power headroom report (PHR), and / or UCI.

[0086] Figure 44 is a block diagram of a base station 410 in an access network 400 communicating with a UE 450. In the downlink, IP packets from the EPC 160 may be provided to a controller / processor 475. The controller / processor 475 implements layer 2 (L2) and layer 3 (L3) functionality. The L3 includes the RRC layer, and the L2 includes the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, the RLC layer, and the medium access control (MAC) layer. The controller / processor 475 provides RRC layer functionality associated with broadcasting of system information (e.g., MIB, SIB), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-radio access technology (RAT) mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functionality associated with delivery of upper layer packet data units (PDUs), error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0087] The transmit (TX) processor 416 and the receive (RX) processor 470 implement layer 1 (L1) functionality associated with various signal processing functions. The L1 including the physical (PHY) layer may include error detection of the transport channel, forward error correction (FEC) coding / decoding of the transport channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. The TX processor 416 processes the mapping to the signal constellation based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-order phase shift keying (M-PSK), M-order quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The decoded and modulated symbols may then be split into parallel streams. Each stream may then be mapped to an OFDM subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., pilot) in the time and / or frequency domain, and then combined using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to generate a physical channel carrying a time domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM stream is spatially pre-coded to generate multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from a channel estimator 474 may be used to determine the coding and modulation schemes, as well as for spatial processing. Channel estimates may be derived from reference signals and / or channel condition feedback sent by the UE 450. Each spatial stream may then be provided to a different antenna 420 via a separate transmitter 418TX. Each transmitter 418TX may modulate a radio frequency (RF) carrier with a corresponding spatial stream for transmission.

[0088] At the UE 450, each receiver 454RX receives a signal through at least one corresponding antenna 452. Each receiver 454RX recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides the information to a receive (RX) processor 456. The TX processor 468 and the RX processor 456 implement L1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. The RX processor 456 can perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial stream destined for the UE 450. If multiple spatial streams are destined for the UE 450, they can be combined into a single OFDM symbol stream by the RX processor 456. The RX processor 456 then converts the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain using a fast Fourier transform (FFT). The frequency domain signal includes a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols on each subcarrier and the reference signal are recovered and demodulated by determining the most likely signal constellation point sent by the base station 410. These soft decisions can be based on channel estimates calculated by the channel estimator 458. The soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the data and control signals originally sent on the physical channel by the base station 410. The data and control signals are then provided to a controller / processor 459, which implements L3 and L2 functionality.

[0089] The controller / processor 459 may be associated with a memory 460 that stores program codes and data. The memory 460 may be referred to as a computer readable medium. In the uplink, the controller / processor 459 provides demultiplexing between transport channels and logical channels, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets from the EPC 160. The controller / processor 459 is also responsible for error detection using ACK and / or NACK protocols to support HARQ operations.

[0090] Similar to the functionality described in conjunction with downlink transmissions performed by the base station 410, the controller / processor 459 provides RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) acquisition, RRC connection, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression and security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functionality associated with transmission of upper layer PDUs, error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto TBs, demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0091] The TX processor 468 may use channel estimates derived by the channel estimator 458 from a reference signal or feedback sent by the base station 410 to select appropriate coding and modulation schemes and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial streams generated by the TX processor 468 may be provided to different antennas 452 via separate transmitters 454TX. Each transmitter 454TX may modulate an RF carrier with a corresponding spatial stream for transmission.

[0092] Uplink transmissions are processed at the base station 410 in a manner similar to that described in connection with the receiver functionality at the UE 450. Each receiver 418RX receives a signal through at least one respective antenna 420. Each receiver 418RX recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to a RX processor 470.

[0093] The controller / processor 475 may be associated with a memory 476 that stores program codes and data. The memory 476 may be referred to as a computer readable medium. In the uplink, the controller / processor 475 provides demultiplexing between transport channels and logical channels, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, control signal processing to recover IP packets from the UE 450. The IP packets from the controller / processor 475 may be provided to the EPC 160. The controller / processor 475 is also responsible for error detection using ACK and / or NACK protocols to support HARQ operations.

[0094] At least one of the TX processor 468, the RX processor 456, and the controller / processor 459 may be configured to combine Figure 1 The MCS table activation component 199 performs various aspects.

[0095] At least one of the TX processor 416, the RX processor 470, and the controller / processor 475 may be configured to combine Figure 1 The MCS table configuration component 198 performs various aspects.

[0096] Higher QAM orders (e.g., 4096QAM) can be added for customer premises equipment (CPE) / integrated access and backhaul (IAB) / high-capability UEs. Correspondingly, supporting a wider SNR range may be helpful. In addition, coverage enhancement work can also lead to an extension of the SNR range on the low SNR edge.

[0097] Depending on the channel, instant link budget, UE location and speed, and UE operating mode (e.g., power saving vs. advanced receiver) scenarios, the fully extended SNR range from both sides may be applicable to high-capability UEs. Supporting a further extended SNR range with a single MCS table may require a significant compromise resolution (or for a certain SNR sub-range) of the MCS options for each table. Even for existing MCS tables, if it is possible to improve the code rate resolution via the introduction of new MCS tables or dynamically switch between defined tables, this will result in link efficiency improvements or coverage improvements for the relevant SNR sub-ranges.

[0098] Non-square constellations (such as APSK or spanned QAM) may allow for some PAPR advantage, improved PN robustness or lower complexity of nonlinear handling for FR2x, subThz, and NTN. The introduction of any of these additional constellation types may require additional MCS tables. These additional MCS tables may be adaptively used for other scenarios (e.g., SNR / MCSTHR, explicit PN impairment scenarios, with or without significant nonlinear impairment + mitigation capabilities, power saving modes, etc.) under some specific conditions.

[0099] Therefore, a dynamic MAC-CE based MCS table switching option is introduced for downlink and uplink to improve link efficiency (e.g., better resolution of the MCS grid), improve maximum throughput (e.g., allowing almost unlimited introduction of higher order modulation and higher spectral efficiency MCS in the specification without any involved cost or "penalty"), and improve coverage (e.g., an extended list of MCS for a range of SNRs). The dynamic MAC-CE based MCS table switching option also allows more efficient and flexible support for higher order QAM options and new cluster types expected to be introduced in 5G NR. In addition to better flexibility for introducing any new modulation / code / MCS table or related technology, the proposed approach can also achieve more efficient use of already existing MCS table options.

[0100] Figure 5 Examples 500a, 500b of MCS tables are illustrated. Specifically, example 500a depicts a first type of MCS tables 501, 503, 505, and example 500b depicts a second type of MCS tables 507, 509. Figure 5 Tables corresponding to the tables are maintained in (or for) each device employing the techniques taught herein. It should be appreciated that such tables may take other forms in accordance with the teachings herein. For example, a given table may include other parameters, additional parameters, or both. Furthermore, a table may be associated with a signal quality range that is different from the signal quality range shown. Furthermore, a different number of tables may be included in a set.

[0101] Each MCS table is associated with a different range of SNR. The MCS table may include a data structure that maps multiple MCS parameter sets to corresponding index values ​​(e.g., MCS indexes). For example, each row of the MCS table identified by an index value (e.g., MCS index) may include an MCS parameter set. The MCS parameter set may include a modulation order, a target code rate, and / or a spectral efficiency, etc.

[0102] Example 500a depicts the type of MCS table that covers a wide SNR range (a minimum full operational SNR range with some priority for low, medium, or high operational SNR depending on the usage scenario). For example, in example 500a, MCS tables 501, 503, 505 are each defined to cover a wide operational SNR / SPEF range. In addition, in example 500a, each MCS table covers a wide or some minimum sufficient operational SNR range, but gives more priority to different SNR / SPEF sub-ranges within the full or extended operational SNR range. Correspondingly, each of the MCS tables from example 500a can provide better "coverage" of MCS options for one of the low, medium, or high SNR mechanisms. For example, in example 500a, MCS table 1 501 is prioritized for a lower operational SNR range, MCS table 2 503 is prioritized for a medium operational SNR range, and MCS table 3 505 is prioritized for a higher operational SNR range.

[0103] In example 500a, each MCS table 501, 503, 505 is selected a priori for each cell and UE type scenario, and each MCS table is RRC configured. This means that the MCS tables 501, 503, 505 do not actually support dynamic switching, because the only option for changing the MCS table and waveform configured by the RRC is to reconfigure via RRC (e.g., control signaling), which includes an asynchronous process involving high latency (e.g., a latency of several hundred milliseconds) for reconfiguration. Therefore, during this reconfiguration period, the base station may lack information about the MCS table used by the UE. Using RCC reconfiguration for MCS table switching may cause link interruption and affect the communication performance and link experience on the UE side, which may cause link failure in some cases, especially if the UE is approaching the edge of the cell. Therefore, the current method for MCS table configuration is actually inconvenient for "instant" reconfiguration.

[0104] Due to the fact that current methods for MCS table configuration are not convenient for "on-the-fly" reconfiguration, a dynamic MCS table switching option is introduced. This new dynamic MCS table switching option can support MCS tables covering more limited SNR ranges (each individually), with better MCS resolution for each corresponding limited range, and with overall extended SNR range support coupled to the ability for dynamic MCS table switching, because there is movement between SNR sub-ranges / tables, as shown below in example 500b.

[0105] Similar to example 500a, in example 500b, each MCS table 507, 509 shows the same number of MCSs (or MCS options) for each table to allow backward compatibility with existing DCI formats (e.g., MCS index fields) and better resolution of the MCS / SPEF grid addressed by each table. For example, the MCS tables 507, 509 may include 32 MCS options mapped to a 5-bit DCI field. Adding more MCS options for each table will require corresponding expansion of the corresponding DCI field. Alternatively, a lower number of MCS options may also be used (coupled with the ability to dynamically switch between MCS tables for dynamic MCS table switching), which may allow a reduction in the size of the MCS field in the DCI and allow better resolution of the MCS / SPEF grid over an extended operating SNR range addressed by a composite set of MCS tables, which may be dynamically switched to the operating SNR of the UE link adaptively on the fly.

[0106] Example 500b shows MCS tables 507, 509 defined to cover a more limited sub-range of operating SNR / SPEF than example 500a. As shown in example 500b, MCS table 1 507 covers the first half of the SNR range, and MCS table 2 509 covers the second half of the SNF range. For example, each MCS table 507, 509 provides a finer granularity of MCS options under its corresponding covered SNF / SPEF sub-range than MCS tables 501, 503, 505 in example 500a.

[0107] In addition, the MCS tables 507, 509 in example 500b share a smaller shared range with a partial overlap 511 in the covered SNR / SPEF range (e.g., MCS index overlap) at the boundary of adjacent sub-ranges covered by different tables. In example 500b, the partial overlap 511 corresponds to a shared MCS / SNR range that overlaps between the MCS tables 507, 509. Accordingly, at least one MCS in the different MCS tables 507, 509 is associated with the same spectral efficiency range. The partial overlap 511 may be introduced so as not to impose strict switching time requirements by leaving sufficient response time for table switching decisions, allowing for hysteresis implementations, and facilitating HARQ retransmissions of HARQ processes with MCS table switching events in between.

[0108] Figure 6 An example 600 of a configured MCS table for dynamic switching is illustrated. As shown in example 600, multiple MCS tables (e.g., from Figure 5The MCS tables 507, 509 of the RRC configuration are configured by the RRC for dynamic switching to the UE based on the ability of the UE to switch between multiple MCS tables. In example 600, the MCS tables 507, 509 are dynamically switched (or activated) via MAC-CE based activation / reactivation suitable for the current SNR / SPEF conditions experienced in the DL / UL link. One of the MCS tables from the list configured by the RRC can be dynamically activated or reactivated by MAC-CE signaling. For example, if a more convenient MCS table is to be used, the MCS table will be switched whenever the UE approaches the edge of the currently used MCS table (e.g., the first or last MCS index of the MCS table). Specifically, the MCS table switching will be adaptively performed based on the best match between the currently experienced SNR / SPEF and the SNR / SPEF range supported by the most convenient MCS table from the list of RRC configured MCS tables.

[0109] MAC-CE based signaling is used to dynamically switch / reactivate the MCS tables for UL and DL, because table switching should be a relatively rare event and does not require DCI based signaling (with MCS table index indication) per allocation. MAC-CE based control signaling is a synchronous process with very low latency and signaling overhead, because it is only signaled once in a certain time instead of being signaled on a per allocation basis like DCI. In addition, DCI based table switching will be equivalent to increasing the number of MCS options for each table (e.g., MCS field extension in DCI). In some aspects, the MCS table indicated by MAC-CE for activation (for DL ​​or UL) will become "active" N time slots after the time slot in which the ACK for the corresponding PDSCH carrying the MAC-CE command is signaled by the UE via the UL. For example, specific activation times for different MCS tables can be signaled by MAC-CE. The activation time is N time slots after the ACK signaling in the UL for the PDSCH allocation in the dL carrying the MAC-CE command. The MCS table switching then occurs at a specific time slot determined by the "activation time" rule (deterministic for gNB and UE). In addition, the existing RRC configuration structure (where a single MCS table is RRC configured in DL and UL for each waveform option) can be used for MCS table indication / configuration before any MCS table activation from multiple tables configured by RRC for dynamic switching.

[0110] Figure 7700 is a diagram illustrating a call flow between a base station 702 and a UE 704. Process flow 700 illustrates an exemplary sequence of operations performed between a base station 702 and a UE 704 to support dynamic MCS table switching. For example, process flow 700 depicts operations for dynamically switching an MCS table. It will be understood that one or more operations described in process flow 700 may be performed earlier or later in the process, omitted, replaced, supplemented, or combined with another operation. In addition, additional operations described herein that are not included in process flow 700 may be included in process flow 700.

[0111] Initially, UE 704 may send control signaling (e.g., RRC control signaling) 710 to base station 702. In some examples, the control signaling may indicate a capability to support new cluster types, some higher cluster order, codex type, and a capability for dynamic MCS switching to base station 702. In some examples, base station 702 may support a CSF session for UE 704—e.g., a periodic CSF reporting procedure or an aperiodically triggered CSF reporting procedure.

[0112] In some aspects, the UE 704 may receive an initial RRC configuration prior to the RRC indicating multiple MCS tables, wherein the initial RRC configuration indicates a default MCS table 712. The initial RRC configuration may indicate a default MCS table. For example, one of the configured MCS tables from the RRC configuration will be addressed as a default MCS table option to apply prior to the first MAC-CE-based activation of one of the MCS tables included in the multiple MCS tables (e.g., or a list of MCS tables). For example, the default MCS table may be the first configured MCS option (or the lowest index in the configured MCS table index). Another option is that a specific default MCS table will be used by a definition predefined by the specification prior to any MAC-CE-based activation. Yet another option is to retain the existing MCS table RRC configuration option / parameter (for backward compatibility), and the configuration will apply prior to the first MAC-CE activation, and a list of MCS table options for the RRC configuration for dynamic switching will be configured separately (two RRC configurations will be provided prior to entering the connected mode as usual). In some cases, the UE 704 may communicate 727 with the base station using an MCS in the default MCS table prior to receiving the MAC-CE.

[0113] In some aspects, the base station 702 may activate an MLC process for transmission to the UE 704. In some aspects, the base station 702 may select an MCS table that supports the MLC process—e.g., based on activating the MLC process. The introduction of higher modulation orders also provides greater potential for MLC that can be beneficially coupled to very high SPEF mechanisms. MLC may also be beneficial for power reduction of subThz links or any other nearly additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channels. MLC adoption will also require the addition of a dedicated MCS table, which may be added to the combination of dynamic switching tables.

[0114] The base station 702 may configure multiple MCS tables 714. The configuration may be a semi-static configuration, such as an RRC configuration. In some aspects, multiple MCS tables / IDs will be configured by the RRC for dynamic switching to the UE based on the UE's ability to dynamically switch between multiple MCS tables.

[0115] Next, the base station 702 may send an RRC configuration 716 (from the Figure 6 Example 600).

[0116] In some aspects, the base station 702 may identify the channel conditions 718. In some aspects, the base station 702 determines a set of transmit characteristics related to the transmit environment of the UE 704. In some aspects, the UE 704 may identify the channel conditions 718. The UE 704 determines a set of transmit characteristics related to the transmit environment of the UE 704. In some aspects, the UE 704 may estimate the channel conditions between the base station 702 and the UE 704—e.g., based on a received reference signal.

[0117] For example, the set of transmission characteristics or channel conditions may include multiple different characteristics related to the transmission environment associated with the UE and affecting the optimal selection of the MCS. For example, the transmission characteristics may include, but are not limited to, the level of frequency-selective fading experienced by a given channel, channel flatness, mobility, link SNR or SPEF, RB allocation (e.g., narrowband versus broadband), communication band or type (e.g., Sub6, mmW, SubThz, TDD, FDD, full-duplex, ...), transmitter deployment (e.g., one TRP or joint transmission from multiple TRPs or panels), transmission mode, rank, waveform, accuracy of pre-coding schemes (e.g., SVD pre-coding, codebook-based pre-coding, broadband pre-coding, open-loop MIMO, etc.), nonlinear characteristics, phase noise characteristics.

[0118] In some aspects, the UE 704 may support a channel state feedback (CSF) session 724. In some aspects, the CSF session may include: receiving downlink control information (DCI) scheduling a CSF report; receiving a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS); and sending a CSF report based on receiving the CSI-RS. In the event that different MCS tables are activated during the CSF session, the CSF report may correspond to an MCS table that is active on a timeslot in which the CSI-RS is received, or on a timeslot in which the DCI is received, or on a CSI reference timeslot associated with the CSF report.

[0119] In some aspects, the UE 704 may use a CSF report to indicate a request for a change in the MCS table. In some aspects, the MCS table switch may be determined by the base station 702. In some aspects, it may be assumed that the MCS table switch is triggered or requested by the UE 704. In some aspects, the requested MCS table index / ID may be explicitly reported by the UE 704 as part of the CSF report. This option is more suitable for scenarios where the UE 704 has additional information about some UE impairments or dynamic receiver optimizations (e.g., power saving, online training / calibration processes, etc.) that are not available to the network or base station 702. In addition, this option will allow the UE 704 to request an MCS table that not only follows the current SNR / SPEF status of the UE 704 but also assumes that a different cluster type or demodulation / decoding technology (such as MLC) is used. In some aspects, only the MCS table switch request bit will be signaled or reported by the UE 704 to the base station 702 that is coupled or not coupled to the CSF. In this case, the MCS table to be switched to may be determined by the base station 702.

[0120] In some aspects, the base station 702 determines an MCS table 726 from a plurality of RRC configured MCS tables based on the identified channel conditions. In some aspects, the base station 702 may select one or more MCS tables from a plurality of RRC configured MCS tables based at least in part on a channel quality indicator (CQI) received from the UE 704, process (e.g., encode and modulate) data for each UE based at least in part on an MCS table switch indicated to the UE 704 and an MCS table selected for the UE, and provide data symbols for all UEs. In some aspects, the base station 702 maintains the MCS table in a memory. For example, the MCS table may also be known to the UE. Each MCS table in the MCS table includes a set of MCS values ​​that are selected to optimize or achieve higher performance for a specific channel condition and based on a set of transmission characteristics associated with the transmission environment. In other words, since the MCS tables are predefined (e.g., the same as the MCS options in these tables), one of the MCS tables and one of the MCS options from one of the MCS tables is selected for each transmission based on the channel, SNR and other conditions and the applicable waveform or transmission scheme.

[0121] The base station 702 sends a MAC-CE 728 that activates an MCS table among a plurality of MCS tables. In some aspects, one of the MCS tables from the plurality of MCS tables will be dynamically activated / reactivated by a corresponding MAC-CE signal. As described above, MAC-CE-based control signaling is a synchronous process with very low latency and signaling overhead. MAC-CE-based control signaling is superior to DCI-based table switching because MAC-CE-based control signaling is only signaled once at a certain time instead of being signaled on a per-allocation basis like DCI. For example, indicated by the MAC-CE, the table used for activation (for DL ​​or UL) will become "active" N time slots after the time slot in which the UE signals an ACK for the corresponding PDSCH carrying the MAC-CE command via the UL. In some aspects, the MCS table will be dynamically switched whenever the UE approaches the edge of the currently used MCS table (e.g., the first or last MCS index of the table)—assuming that a more convenient MCS table is to be used.

[0122] In response to receiving the MAC-CE transmission to activate the MCS table, the UE 704 may communicate with the base station using the MCS in the activated MCS table 730 after the corresponding activation time as previously described.

[0123] In some aspects, the base station 702 may receive one or more uplink communications 732 based at least in part on the dynamically switched MCS table indicated by the MAC-CE signal. In some aspects, the UE 704 may transmit uplink communications using a determined transmit waveform type (e.g., a DST-s-OFDM waveform or a CP-OFDM waveform) according to the activated MCS table that may be associated with a particular waveform option. In some aspects, after receiving the dynamic indication, the activation time of the activated MCS table (e.g., for the UE 704 and the base station 702) may be based at least in part on the transmission time of the acknowledgment feedback sent by the UE 704 for the dynamic indication (MAC-CE). For example, the activation time may be the number of time slots (e.g., four time slots) after the uplink time slot in which the acknowledgment feedback is signaled.

[0124] In some aspects, the UE 704 will receive or send an initial data transmission associated with a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process using an MCS from a first active MCS table. In the case of an active HARQ process / retransmission with an MCS table switching event prior to termination of the HARQ process or successful decoding of the retransmission (e.g., a scheduled retransmission when there is no new data indicator in the scheduling DCI), there may be two options. In the first option, all retransmissions after the MCS switching event will continue to assume (or use) the MCS table that was "active" during the initial data scheduling / transmission. In the case where a reserved MCS index is used to indicate a different modulation order for the retransmission than the initial transmission, the reserved MCS index will also be associated or will follow what is defined in the MCS table as "active" for the initial transmission. In the second option, in the case where there is an MCS table switching event in the middle of these HARQ processes, all active HARQ processes will be suspended. Therefore, the initial data transmission will be repeated for them (MAC level reTx) using the new activated MCS table.

[0125] In this way, dynamic MCS table switching can provide synchronized switching between MCS tables.Therefore, dynamic MCS table switching can provide improved performance for uplink transmission, downlink transmission, improved cell coverage, improved spectrum efficiency and / or improved link reliability, etc.

[0126] Figure 8 8 is a flow chart of a method 800 for dynamic MCS table switching. The method may be performed by a UE (eg, UE 104, 450, 704), another wireless communication device (eg, Fig.17The method 800 is performed by the device 1702 shown in the figure or one or more components thereof or performed at the UE, another wireless communication device or one or more components thereof. According to various aspects, one or more of the illustrated blocks of the method 800 may be omitted, swapped and / or performed concurrently. The method allows the UE to dynamically switch the MCS table based on MAC-CE signaling.

[0127] The method 800 may be performed by an apparatus, such as the MCS table activation component 199 described above. In some implementations, the method 800 is performed by processing logic including hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the method 800 is performed by a processor executing code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory).

[0128] At block 802, a UE may receive a radio resource control (RRC) configuration indicating a plurality of modulation and coding scheme (MCS) tables. In one aspect, the RRC configuration is received based on the UE's ability to dynamically switch between the plurality of MCS tables. For example, referring to Figure 7 , UE 704 may receive a message from base station 702 indicating multiple MCS tables (e.g., Figure 5 When the UE and the base station exchange control signaling 512, the UE may indicate its ability to switch between multiple MCS tables.

[0129] In some aspects, multiple MCS tables are associated with different signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) ranges. At least two of the multiple MCS tables share a partial overlap in the range of supported SNRs or corresponding SPEFs. For example, referring to Figure 5 , the MCS tables 507, 509 may include MCSs for different SNR ranges. In another aspect, at least one MCS in different MCS tables of the plurality of MCS tables is associated with the same spectral efficiency (SPEF) range. For example, referring to Figure 5 , the MCSs with indices referenced by the partial overlap 511 may share the same SNR range. On the other hand, the multiple MCS tables include the same number of MCS options in each MCS table. For example, referring to Figure 5, the MCS tables 507, 509 may each include 28 MCSs in the illustrated example, 32 MCSs represented by 5 bits in the DCI in another example, or any other number of MCSs in different examples. The number of MCSs in the MCS tables 507, 509 may be the same as the number of MCSs in the MCS tables 501, 503, 505. In some aspects, the multiple MCS tables include a first MCS table associated with an enable value for a pi / 2 binary phase shift keying (BPSK) enable parameter and a second MCS table associated with a disable value for the pi / 2 BPSK enable parameter. The enable value is fixed for the first MCS table and the disable value is fixed for the second MCS table. For example, referring to Figure 5 , the MCS table 507 may be configured with the pi / 2BPSK enable parameter being enabled, while the MCS table 509 may be configured with the pi / 2BPSK enable parameter being disabled.

[0130] In some aspects, multiple MCS tables are associated with different cluster types (square, non-square), code types (LDPC, polar, Reed-Solomon, etc.), or transmission schemes (such as MLC).

[0131] At block 804, the UE may receive a medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC-CE) that activates an MCS table among a plurality of MCS tables. Figure 7 , UE 704 may receive a MAC-CE 728 that activates an MCS table among a plurality of MCS tables. In some aspects, the MCS table is activated based on the condition of a channel between the base station and the UE. For example, referring to Figure 7 , the base station 702 can determine the MCS table 726 from the MCS tables of multiple RRC configurations based on the identified channel condition 718.

[0132] At block 806, the UE may communicate data with the base station using an MCS in the activated MCS table. Figure 7 UE 704 may communicate with base station 702 using the MCS in activated MCS table 730 .

[0133] In one aspect, an MCS table is adaptively activated based on a match between a current signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a device and an SNR range supported by a more convenient MCS table from a plurality of MCS tables, wherein the subsequent MCS table is determined to be more convenient than the previously active MCS table based on an overlap between MCS indexes of the previously active MCS table and the subsequent MCS table and when the current SNR increases toward a last MCS index of the previously active MCS table or decreases toward a first MCS index of the previously active MCS table. For example, referring to Figure 5, the MCS table switching can be adaptively completed based on the best match between the currently experienced SNR / SPEF and the SNR / SPEF range supported by the most convenient MCS table (if available) from the list of RRC configured MCS tables. In one aspect, in response to a CSF report of the device indicating an index corresponding to an MCS table recommended by the UE, a MAC-CE for activating the MCS table is received. In one aspect, in response to a request indication from the device to switch to a different MCS table (with or without an explicit indication from the UE for the recommended MCS table index), the MAC-CE for activating the MCS table is received.

[0134] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method 900 for dynamic MCS table switching. The method may be performed by a UE (eg, UE 104, 450, 704), another wireless communication device (eg, Fig.17 The method 900 is performed by the device 1702 shown in the figure or one or more components thereof or performed at the UE, another wireless communication device or one or more components thereof. According to various aspects, one or more of the illustrated blocks of the method 900 may be omitted, replaced and / or performed concurrently. The method allows the UE to dynamically switch the MCS table via the MAC-CE.

[0135] The method 900 may be performed by an apparatus, such as the MCS table configuration component 199 described above. In some implementations, the method 900 is performed by processing logic including hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the method 900 is performed by a processor executing code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory). In such a method 900, blocks 802, 804, and 806 are as described above in conjunction with Figure 8 Execute as described.

[0136] At block 904, the UE may receive an initial RRC configuration, where the initial RRC configuration indicates a default MCS table. In some aspects, the initial (or default) MCS table is configured using an existing RRC configuration structure to achieve backward compatibility. For example, referring to Figure 7 At 712, UE 704 may receive an initial RRC configuration from base station 702 indicating multiple MCS tables.

[0137] At block 906, the UE may communicate with the base station using the MCS in the default MCS table before receiving the MAC-CE. Figure 7 At 727, UE 704 may communicate with base station 702 using an MCS from a default (or initial) RRC-configured MCS table before receiving a first activation MAC-CE for MCS table activation.

[0138] Fig.101 is a flow chart of a method 1000 for dynamic MCS table switching. The method may be performed by a UE (eg, UE 104, 450, 704), another wireless communication device (eg, Fig.17 The method 1000 is performed by the device 1702 shown in the figure or one or more components thereof or performed at the UE, another wireless communication device or one or more components thereof. According to various aspects, one or more of the illustrated blocks of the method 1000 may be omitted, replaced and / or performed concurrently. The method allows the UE to dynamically switch the MCS table via the MAC-CE.

[0139] The method 1000 may be performed by an apparatus, such as the MCS table configuration component 199 described above. In some implementations, the method 1000 is performed by processing logic including hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the method 1000 is performed by a processor executing code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory). In such a method 1000, blocks 802, 804, and 806 are as described above in conjunction with Figure 8 Execute as described.

[0140] At 1002, the UE may support a channel state feedback (CSF) session. The CSF session may include: receiving DCI that schedules a CSF report; receiving a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS); and sending a CSF report based on receiving the CSI-RS when different MCS tables are activated during the CSF session. In this case, the CSF report corresponds to the MCS table that is active on the timeslot in which the CSI-RS is received, or on the timeslot in which the DCI is received, or on the CSI reference timeslot associated with the CSF report. In other words, only one of the alternative options listed above will define which MCS table is taken as a reference for CSF report evaluation (e.g., which CQI is reported and how the CQI can be converted into a corresponding MCS from a specific MCS table, which is determined to be the active MCS based on the timeslot in which the CSI-RS is received, the timeslot in which the DCI is received, or the CSI reference timeslot associated with the CSF report. For example, with reference to Figure 7 , UE 704 can support CSF session 724.

[0141] Fig.11 1 is a flow chart of a method 1100 for switching an MCS table. The method may be performed by a UE (eg, UE 104, 450, 704), another wireless communication device (eg, Fig.17The method 1100 is performed by the device 1702 shown in the figure or one or more components thereof or performed at the UE, another wireless communication device or one or more components thereof. According to various aspects, one or more of the illustrated blocks of the method 1100 may be omitted, replaced and / or performed concurrently. The method allows the UE to dynamically switch the MCS table via the MAC-CE.

[0142] The method 1100 may be performed by a device, such as the MCS table activation component 199 described above. In some implementations, the method 1100 is performed by processing logic including hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the method 1100 is performed by a processor executing code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory). In such a method 1100, blocks 802 and 804 are as described above in conjunction with Figure 8 Execute as described.

[0143] In a first aspect, at 1102, the UE may receive or send an initial data transmission associated with a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process using an MCS from a first active MCS table. In response to a MAC-CE, a second MCS table signaled by the MAC-CE is activated instead of the first active MCS table before termination of the HARQ process at a time slot determined by an activation time of the second MCS table. Specifically, the activation time is N time slots after the ACK signaling for the PDSCH allocation in the DL for executing the MAC-CE command. An MCS table switch then occurs at a specific time slot determined by an "activation time" rule. At 1104, communication with the base station also includes receiving or sending one or more HARQ retransmissions of the initial data transmission based at least in part on the first MCS table that was active during the initial data transmission, regardless of the MCS table switching event.

[0144] In a second aspect, at 1102, the UE may receive or send an initial data transmission associated with a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process using an MCS from a first active MCS table. The MAC-CE may activate a second MCS table instead of the first active MCS table (which was received prior to termination of the HARQ process). In response to the MAC-CE, the HARQ process is terminated at a time when the second MCS table becomes active. At 1108, communicating with the base station also includes receiving or sending the initial data transmission in another HARQ process using the second MCS table activated by the MAC-CE.

[0145] Fig.12 1 is a flow chart of a method 1200 for switching an MCS table. The method may be performed by a UE (eg, UE 104, 450, 704), another wireless communication device (eg, Fig.17The method 1200 is performed by the device 1702 shown in the figure or one or more components thereof or performed at the UE, another wireless communication device or one or more components thereof. According to various aspects, one or more of the illustrated blocks of the method 1200 may be omitted, replaced and / or performed concurrently. The method allows the UE to dynamically switch the MCS table via the MAC-CE.

[0146] The method 1200 may be performed by a device, such as the MCS table activation component 199 described above. In some implementations, the method 1200 is performed by a processing logic including hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the method 1200 is performed by a processor executing code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory). In such a method 1200, blocks 802, 804, and 806 are as described above in conjunction with Figure 8 Execute as described.

[0147] At 1202, the UE may communicate with a base station by sending one or more uplink communications or receiving one or more downlink communications based at least in part on corresponding activated MCS tables for the uplink and downlink. Figure 7 At 732, the UE 704 communicates with the base station by sending one or more uplink communications or receiving one or more downlink communications based at least in part on the corresponding activated MCS tables for the uplink and downlink.

[0148] In an aspect, one or more uplink communications may utilize a transmit waveform type based at least in part on an activated MCS table.

[0149] Fig.13 13 is a flow chart of a method 1300 for switching an MCS table. The method may be performed by a UE (eg, UE 104, 450, 704), another wireless communication device (eg, Fig.17 The method 1300 is performed by the device 1702 shown in the figure or one or more components thereof or performed at the UE, another wireless communication device or one or more components thereof. According to various aspects, one or more of the illustrated blocks of the method 1300 may be omitted, replaced and / or performed concurrently. The method allows the UE to dynamically switch the MCS table via the MAC-CE.

[0150] The method 1300 may be performed by an apparatus, such as the MCS table configuration component 199 described above. In some implementations, the method 1300 is performed by processing logic including hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the method 1300 is performed by a processor executing code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory). In such a method 1300, blocks 802, 804, and 806 are as described above in conjunction with Figure 8 Execute as described.

[0151] At 1302, the UE may receive downlink control information (DCI) indicating an MCS index and a new data indicator (NDI). The MCS index may be associated with an MCS in a currently active MCS table.

[0152] Fig.14 1400 is a flow chart of a method 1400 for switching an MCS table. The method 1400 may be performed by a network entity (eg, a base station 102 / 180, 410, 702), another wireless communication device (eg, Fig.18 The method 1400 is performed by the device 1802 shown in the figure or one or more components thereof or performed at the network entity, another wireless communication device or one or more components thereof. According to various aspects, one or more of the illustrated blocks of the method 1400 may be omitted, swapped and / or performed concurrently. The method allows the UE to dynamically switch the MCS table via the MAC-CE. The method allows the UE to dynamically switch the MCS table via the MAC-CE.

[0153] The method 1400 may be performed by an apparatus, such as the MCS table configuration component 198 described above. In some implementations, the method 1400 is performed by processing logic including hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the method 1400 is performed by a processor executing code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory).

[0154] At block 1402, a base station may send a radio resource control (RRC) configuration indicating a plurality of modulation and coding scheme (MCS) tables. In one aspect, the RRC configuration is sent based on the ability of the UE to switch between the plurality of MCS tables. For example, referring to Figure 7 , the base station 702 may send a message to the UE 704 indicating multiple MCS tables (e.g., Figure 5 RRC configuration 716 of the MCS tables 507, 509).

[0155] In some aspects, multiple MCS tables are associated with different signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) ranges. At least two of the multiple MCS tables may share a partial overlap in the range of associated SNR or SPEF covered by each MCS table. For example, referring to Figure 5 , the MCS tables 507, 509 may include MCSs for different SNR ranges. In another aspect, at least one MCS in different MCS tables of the plurality of MCS tables is associated with the same SPEF sub-range. For example, referring to Figure 5 , the MCSs with indices referenced by the partial overlap 511 may share the same corresponding SNR / SPEF sub-range. On the other hand, the multiple MCS tables include the same number of MCSs, respectively. For example, referring to Figure 5 , the MCS tables 507, 509 may each include 28 MCSs in the illustrated example, 32 MCSs represented by 5 bits in the DCI in another example, or any other number of MCSs in different examples. The number of MCSs in the MCS tables 507, 509 may be the same as the number of MCSs in the MCS tables 501, 503, 505. In some aspects, the multiple MCS tables include a first MCS table associated with an enable value for a pi / 2 binary phase shift keying (BPSK) enable parameter and a second MCS table associated with a disable value for the pi / 2 BPSK enable parameter, wherein the enable value is fixed for the first MCS table and the disable value is fixed for the second MCS table. For example, referring to Figure 5 , the MCS table 507 may be configured with the pi / 2BPSK enable parameter being enabled, while the MCS table 509 may be configured with the pi / 2BPSK enable parameter being disabled.

[0156] At block 1404, the base station may send a medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC-CE) that activates an MCS table among a plurality of MCS tables. Figure 7 , the base station 702 may send a MAC-CE 728 to activate an MCS table among the multiple MCS tables. In some aspects, the MCS table is activated based on the condition of the channel between the base station and the UE. For example, referring to Figure 7 , the base station 702 can determine the MCS table 726 from the MCS tables of multiple RRC configurations based on the identified channel condition 718.

[0157] At block 1406, the base station may communicate data with the UE using an MCS in the activated MCS table. Figure 7 , the base station 702 can communicate with the UE 704 using the MCS in the activated MCS table 730.

[0158] Fig.15 1 is a flow chart of a method 1500 for switching an MCS table. The method 1500 may be performed by a network entity (eg, a base station 102 / 180, 410, 702), another wireless communication device (eg, Fig.18 The method 1500 is performed by the device 1802 shown in the figure or one or more components thereof or performed at the network entity, another wireless communication device or one or more components thereof. According to various aspects, one or more of the illustrated blocks of the method 1500 may be omitted, replaced and / or performed concurrently. The method allows the UE to dynamically switch the MCS table via the MAC-CE.

[0159] The method 1500 may be performed by an apparatus, such as the MCS table configuration component 198 described above. In some implementations, the method 1500 is performed by processing logic including hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the method 1500 is performed by a processor executing code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory). In such a method 1500, blocks 1402, 1404, and 1406 are as described above in conjunction with Fig.14 Execute as described.

[0160] At block 1504, the base station may send an initial RRC configuration indicating a default (or initial) MCS table. Figure 7 At 712, the base station 702 may send an initial RRC configuration indicating multiple MCS tables to the UE 704.

[0161] At block 1506, the base station may receive communications from the UE using an MCS in the default MCS table before sending a MAC-CE. Figure 7 At 727, the base station 702 communicates with the UE 704 using the MCS in the default MCS table 727 before the UE 704 receives the MAC-CE.

[0162] Fig.16 1 is a flow chart of a method 1600 for switching an MCS table. The method 1600 may be performed by a network entity (eg, a base station 102 / 180, 410, 702), another wireless communication device (eg, Fig.18 The method 1600 is performed by the device 1802 shown in the figure or one or more components thereof or performed at the network entity, another wireless communication device or one or more components thereof. According to various aspects, one or more of the illustrated blocks of the method 1600 may be omitted, replaced and / or performed concurrently. The method allows the UE to dynamically switch the MCS table via the MAC-CE.

[0163] The method 1600 may be performed by an apparatus, such as the MCS table configuration component 198 described above. In some implementations, the method 1600 is performed by processing logic including hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the method 1600 is performed by a processor executing code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory). In such a method 1600, blocks 1402 and 1406 are described above in conjunction with Fig.14 Execute as described.

[0164] In some aspects, at 1606, the base station may communicate with the UE by receiving one or more uplink communications or sending one or more downlink communications based at least in part on the corresponding activated MCS tables for the uplink and downlink. Figure 7 , the base station 702 may receive one or more uplink communications 732 based at least in part on the dynamically switched MCS table indicated by the MAC-CE signal. In some aspects, the one or more uplink communications use a transmit waveform type based at least in part on the activated MCS table.

[0165] Fig.17 1700 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an apparatus 1702. The apparatus 1702 may be a UE or similar device, or the apparatus 1702 may be a component of a UE or similar device. The apparatus 1702 may include a cellular baseband processor 1704 (also referred to as a modem) and / or a cellular RF transceiver 1722, which may be coupled together and / or integrated into the same package, component, circuit, chip, and / or other circuit.

[0166] In some aspects, the device 1702 may accommodate or include one or more subscriber identity module (SIM) cards 1720, which may include one or more integrated circuits, chips, or similar circuits, and may be removable or embedded. The one or more SIM cards 1720 may carry identification and / or authentication information, such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and / or IMSI-related keys. In addition, the device 1702 may include one or more of an application processor 1706 coupled to a secure digital (SD) card 1708 and a screen 1710, a Bluetooth module 1712, a wireless local area network (WLAN) module 1714, a global positioning system (GPS) module 1716, and / or a power source 1718.

[0167] The cellular baseband processor 1704 communicates with the UE 104 and / or the base station 102 / 180 via the cellular RF transceiver 1722. The cellular baseband processor 1704 may include a computer-readable medium / memory. The computer-readable medium / memory may be non-transitory. The cellular baseband processor 1704 is responsible for general processing, including executing software stored on the computer-readable medium / memory. The software, when executed by the cellular baseband processor 1704, causes the cellular baseband processor 1704 to perform the various functions described above. The computer-readable medium / memory may also be used to store data manipulated by the cellular baseband processor 1704 when executing the software. The cellular baseband processor 1704 also includes a receiving component 1730, a communication manager 1732, and a sending component 1734. The communication manager 1732 includes one or more of the illustrated components. The components within the communication manager 1732 may be stored in a computer-readable medium / memory and / or configured as hardware within the cellular baseband processor 1704.

[0168] exist Figure 4In the context of , the cellular baseband processor 1704 may be a component of the UE 450 and may include the memory 460 and / or at least one of the TX processor 468, the RX processor 456, and / or the controller / processor 459. In one configuration, the device 1702 may be a modem chip and / or may be implemented as the baseband processor 1704, while in another configuration, the device 1702 may be the entire UE (e.g., Figure 4 UE 450) and may include some or all of the above components, circuits, chips, and / or other circuits illustrated in the context of device 1702. In one configuration, the cellular RF transceiver 1722 may be implemented as at least one of the transmitter 454TX and / or the receiver 454RX.

[0169] The receiving component 1730 may be configured to receive signaling on a wireless channel, such as signaling from a base station 102 / 180 or a UE 104. The sending component 1734 may be configured to send signaling on a wireless channel, such as signaling to a base station 102 / 180 or a UE 104. The communication manager 1732 may coordinate or manage some or all wireless communications by the device 1702, including wireless communications across the receiving component 1730 and the sending component 1734.

[0170] Receiving component 1730 may provide some or all data and / or control information included in received signaling to communications manager 1732, and communications manager 1732 may generate and provide some or all data and / or control information to be included in transmitted signaling to transmitting component 1734. Communications manager 1732 may include various illustrated components, including one or more components configured to process received data and / or control information and / or one or more components configured to generate data and / or control information for transmission.

[0171] The communication manager 1732 includes an MCS configuration sending component 1742, which is configured to receive an RRC configuration indicating multiple MCS tables (e.g., as combined from Figure 8 ), and communicating with the base station using an MCS in the activated MCS table (e.g., as combined with Figure 8 The communication manager 1732 also includes an MCS activation component 1744 and is configured to receive a MAC-CE to activate an MCS table among a plurality of MCS tables (e.g., as described in conjunction with a MAC-CE from Figure 8 804 of FIG. 10 ).

[0172] In some aspects, the communications manager 1732 also includes an uplink receiving component 1746 configured to send one or more uplink communications based at least in part on the activated MCS table (e.g., as combined with a received MCS from a Fig.10 In some aspects, the communication manager 1732 also includes a feedback component 1748 that is configured to or otherwise supports components for supporting CSF sessions (e.g., as described in conjunction with Fig.10 In some aspects, the communications manager 1732 further includes a reporting component 1750 configured to receive a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) and, when different MCS tables are activated during a CSF session, send a CSF report based on receiving the CSI-RS, wherein the CSF report corresponds to an MCS table that is active on a timeslot in which the CSI-RS is received, on a timeslot in which the DCI is received, or on a channel state information (CSI) reference timeslot associated with the CSF report (e.g., as combined with a CSI from Fig.10 1002 as described above).

[0173] The device 1702 may include executing Figures 7 to 13 The foregoing call flow diagrams and / or the blocks, operations, signaling, etc. of the algorithms in the flow diagrams may be additional components of some or all of the above. Figures 7 to 13 Some or all of the blocks, operations, signaling, etc. in the aforementioned call flow diagrams and / or flow diagrams may be performed by one or more components, and the device 1702 may include one or more such components. These components may be one or more hardware components that are specifically configured to perform the process / algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to perform the process / algorithm, stored in a computer-readable medium so as to be implemented by a processor, or some combination thereof.

[0174] In one configuration, the device 1702 (and specifically, the baseband processor 1704) may include components for: receiving a radio resource control (RRC) configuration indicating multiple modulation and coding scheme (MCS) tables; receiving a medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC-CE) that activates an MCS table among the multiple MCS tables; and communicating with a base station using the MCS in the activated MCS table.

[0175] In one configuration, the apparatus 1702 (and specifically the baseband processor 1704) may include means for communicating with the base station using an MCS from a default MCS table of the plurality of MCS tables prior to receiving the MAC-CE.

[0176] In one configuration, the apparatus 1702 (and specifically the baseband processor 1704) may include means for receiving an initial RRC configuration prior to the RRC configuration indicating the plurality of MCS tables, wherein the initial RRC configuration indicates the default MCS table.

[0177] In one configuration, the device 1702 (and specifically, the baseband processor 1704) may include components for: supporting a channel state feedback (CSF) session by: receiving downlink control information (DCI) scheduling a channel state feedback (CSF) report; receiving a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS); and when different MCS tables are activated during the CSF session, sending a CSF report based on receiving the CSI-RS, and wherein the CSF report corresponds to an MCS table that is active on a timeslot in which the CSI-RS is received, on a timeslot in which the DCI is received, or on a channel state information (CSI) reference timeslot associated with the CSF report.

[0178] In one configuration, the device 1702 (and specifically, the baseband processor 1704) may include components for communicating with the base station by sending one or more uplink communications or receiving one or more downlink communications based at least in part on corresponding activated MCS tables for the uplink and downlink.

[0179] In one configuration, the device 1702 (and specifically, the baseband processor 1704) may include components for: receiving or sending an initial data transmission associated with a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process using an MCS from a first active MCS table; and wherein the MAC-CE activating a second MCS table instead of the first active MCS table is received prior to termination of the HARQ process, and wherein the communication with the base station also includes receiving or sending one or more HARQ retransmissions of the initial data transmission based at least in part on the first active MCS table that was active during the initial data transmission.

[0180] In one configuration, the device 1702 (and specifically, the baseband processor 1704) may include components for: receiving or sending an initial data transmission associated with a HARQ process using an MCS from a first active MCS table; and wherein the MAC-CE activating a second MCS table instead of the first active MCS table is received before termination of the HARQ process, wherein in response to the MAC-CE, the HARQ process is terminated at the moment when the second MCS table becomes active, and wherein the communication with the base station also includes receiving or sending the initial data transmission in another HARQ process using the second MCS table activated by the MAC-CE.

[0181] In one configuration, the apparatus 1702 (and specifically the baseband processor 1704) may include means for receiving downlink control information (DCI) indicating an MCS index and a new data indicator (NDI), wherein the MCS index is associated with the MCS in a currently active MCS table.

[0182] The aforementioned means may be one or more of the aforementioned components of the apparatus 1702 configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means. As described above, the apparatus 1702 may include the TX processor 468, the RX processor 456, and the controller / processor 459. Therefore, in one configuration, the aforementioned means may be the TX processor 468, the RX processor 456, and the controller / processor 459 configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means.

[0183] Fig.18 1800 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an apparatus 1802. The apparatus 1802 may be a base station or similar device or system, or the apparatus 1802 may be a component of a base station or similar device or system. The apparatus 1802 may include a baseband unit 1804. The baseband unit 1804 may communicate via a cellular RF transceiver. For example, the baseband unit 1804 may communicate with the UE 104 (such as for downlink communication and / or uplink communication) and / or communicate with the base station 102 / 180 (such as for IAB) via the cellular RF transceiver.

[0184] The baseband unit 1804 may include a computer-readable medium / memory that may be non-transitory. The baseband unit 1804 is responsible for general processing, including executing software stored on the computer-readable medium / memory. The software causes the baseband unit 1804 to perform the various functions described above when executed by the baseband unit 1804. The computer-readable medium / memory can also be used to store data manipulated by the baseband unit 1804 when executing the software. The baseband unit 1804 also includes a receiving component 1830, a communication manager 1832, and a sending component 1834. The communication manager 1832 includes one or more of the illustrated components. The components within the communication manager 1832 may be stored in a computer-readable medium / memory and / or configured as hardware within the baseband unit 1804. The baseband unit 1804 may be a component of the base station 410 and may include a memory 476 and / or at least one of the TX processor 416, the RX processor 470, and the controller / processor 475.

[0185] The receiving component 1830 may be configured to receive signaling on a wireless channel, such as signaling from the UE 104 or the base station 102 / 180. The sending component 1834 may be configured to send signaling on a wireless channel, such as signaling to the UE 104 or the base station 102 / 180. The communication manager 1832 may coordinate or manage some or all wireless communications performed by the device 1802, including wireless communications across the receiving component 1830 and the sending component 1834.

[0186] The receiving component 1830 may provide some or all of the data and / or control information included in the received signaling to the communication manager 1832, and the communication manager 1832 may generate and provide some or all of the data and / or control information to be included in the transmitted signaling to the transmitting component 1834. The communication manager 1832 may include various illustrated components, including one or more components configured to process the received data and / or control information and / or one or more components configured to generate data and / or control information for transmission. In some aspects, the generation of the data and / or control information may include packetizing or otherwise reformatting the data and / or control information received from the core network (such as the core network 190 or the EPC 160) for transmission.

[0187] The communication manager 1832 includes an MCS configuration sending component 1842 configured to send an RRC configuration indicating a plurality of MCS tables (e.g., as combined with Fig.14 ), and communicating with the UE using an MCS in the activated MCS table (e.g., as combined with Fig.14 The communication manager 1832 also includes an MCS activation component 1844 and is configured to send a MAC-CE to activate an MCS table among a plurality of MCS tables (e.g., as described in conjunction with the MCS table from Fig.14 1404).

[0188] In some aspects, the communications manager 1832 also includes an uplink receiving component 1846 configured to receive one or more uplink communications based at least in part on the activated MCS table (e.g., as combined with the uplink communication from Fig.16 1606 as described above).

[0189] The device 1802 may include executing Figure 7 and Figures 14 to 16 The foregoing call flow diagrams and / or the blocks, operations, signaling, etc. of the algorithms in the flow diagrams may be additional components of some or all of the above. Figure 7 and Figures 14 to 16 Some or all of the blocks, operations, signaling, etc. in the aforementioned call flow diagrams and / or flow diagrams may be performed by a component and the apparatus 1802 may include one or more of those components. These components may be one or more hardware components that are specifically configured to perform the process / algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to perform the process / algorithm, stored in a computer-readable medium so as to be implemented by a processor, or some combination thereof.

[0190] In one configuration, the apparatus 1802 (and specifically, the baseband unit 1804) may include components for: sending a radio resource control (RRC) configuration indicating a plurality of modulation and coding scheme (MCS) tables; sending a medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC-CE) to activate an MCS table among the plurality of MCS tables; and communicating with a user equipment (UE) using the MCS in the activated MCS table.

[0191] In one configuration, the apparatus 1802 (and specifically the baseband unit 1804) may include means for communicating with the UE using an MCS from a default MCS table of the plurality of MCS tables prior to receiving the MAC-CE.

[0192] In one configuration, the apparatus 1802 (and specifically the baseband unit 1804) may include means for sending an initial RRC configuration prior to the RRC indicating the plurality of MCS tables, wherein the initial RRC configuration indicates the default MCS table.

[0193] In one configuration, the apparatus 1802 (and specifically the baseband unit 1804) may include means for communicating with the UE by receiving one or more uplink communications or sending one or more downlink communications based at least in part on corresponding activated MCS tables for the uplink and downlink.

[0194] The aforementioned means may be one or more of the aforementioned components of the apparatus 1802 configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means. As described above, the apparatus 1302 may include the TX processor 416, the RX processor 470, and the controller / processor 475. Therefore, in one configuration, the aforementioned means may be the TX processor 416, the RX processor 470, and the controller / processor 475 configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means.

[0195] The subject matter described herein may be implemented to achieve one or more benefits or advantages. For example, the wireless communication techniques described may be used by a UE, a base station, or other devices that may perform wireless communication techniques. Therefore, aspects of the present disclosure allow for dynamic-based MCS table switching options for both downlink and uplink to allow more efficient and flexible support of higher order QAM options and new cluster types that are expected to be introduced. In one aspect, an RRC configuration may be used to indicate multiple MCS tables. On the other hand, a MAC-CE may be used to activate an MCS among multiple MCS tables. On yet another aspect, a UE may communicate with a base station using an MCS in an activated MCS table.

[0196] Aspects of the present disclosure allow for more efficient use of existing MCS table options. For example, the present disclosure allows for adaptive selection of an MCS table with the most appropriate cluster type and code rate per scenario from a combination of MCS tables optimized for different conditions (e.g., channel conditions, UE impairments, power saving modes, power-limited mechanisms, etc.). In addition, dynamic MCS table switching provides improved link efficiency, improved maximum throughput, and improved coverage. In addition, it would be helpful to allow for better flexibility for any future specification evolution, including the adoption of higher modulation orders, the introduction of additional cluster types (APSK, cross-QAM, etc.), the adoption of multi-level coding (MLC) techniques, and new coding methods (e.g., new codec types, adding outer codes, etc.).

[0197] The specific order or hierarchy of each frame or operation in each of the above-mentioned processes, flow charts and other diagrams disclosed herein is an illustration of an exemplary method. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of frames or operations in each of these processes, flow charts and other diagrams can be rearranged, omitted and / or performed concurrently without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, some frames or operations can be combined or omitted. The attached method claims present the elements of various frames or operations in an exemplary order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0198] Some additional examples

[0199] The following examples are merely illustrative and may be combined with aspects of other embodiments or teachings described herein, but are not limited thereto.

[0200] Aspect 1. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising:

[0201] Memory; and

[0202] at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to:

[0203] Receiving a radio resource control signal indicating a plurality of modulation and coding scheme (MCS) tables

[0204] (RRC) configuration;

[0205] receiving a medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC-CE) activating an MCS table among the plurality of MCS tables; and

[0206] The MCS in the activated MCS table is used to communicate with the base station.

[0207] Aspect 2. The apparatus according to aspect 1, wherein the plurality of MCS tables are associated with different signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) ranges, wherein at least two of the plurality of MCS tables share a partial overlap in the range of the SNR.

[0208] Aspect 3. The apparatus according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein at least one MCS in a different MCS table among the plurality of MCS tables is associated with the same spectral efficiency range.

[0209] Aspect 4. An apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the MCS table is activated based at least in part on a condition of a channel between the base station and the UE.

[0210] Aspect 5. An apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the RRC configuration is received at least in part based on an ability of the UE to dynamically switch between the multiple MCS tables.

[0211] Aspect 6. The apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:

[0212] The method further comprises communicating with the base station using an MCS from a default MCS table among the plurality of MCS tables before receiving the MAC-CE.

[0213] Aspect 7. The apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:

[0214] receiving an initial RRC configuration prior to the RRC configuration indicating the plurality of MCS tables,

[0215] The initial RRC configuration indicates the default MCS table.

[0216] Aspect 8. The apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to support a channel state feedback (CSF) session by:

[0217] receiving downlink control information (DCI) scheduling a channel state feedback (CSF) report; receiving a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS); and

[0218] When different MCS tables are activated during the CSF session, based on receiving the CSI-

[0219] RS sends a CSF report, and wherein the CSF report corresponds to the MCS table that is active on:

[0220] The time slot in which the CSI-RS is received,

[0221] on the timeslot in which the DCI is received, or

[0222] on a channel state information (CSI) reference slot associated with the CSF report.

[0223] Aspect 9. The apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of MCS tables include the same number of MCS options in each MCS table.

[0224] Aspect 10. The apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:

[0225] Data is communicated with the base station by sending one or more uplink communications or receiving one or more downlink communications based at least in part on corresponding activated MCS tables for the uplink and downlink.

[0226] Aspect 11. An apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the one or more uplink communications use a transmit waveform type based at least in part on the activated MCS table.

[0227] Aspect 12. The apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:

[0228] receiving or sending an initial data transmission associated with a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process using an MCS from a first active MCS table; and

[0229] wherein in response to the MAC-CE, before termination of the HARQ process at a time slot determined by an activation time of the second MCS table, a second MCS table signaled by the MAC-CE is activated instead of the first active MCS table, and

[0230] Wherein the communicating with the base station further comprises receiving or sending one or more HARQ retransmissions of the initial data transmission based at least in part on the first MCS table that was active during the initial data transmission.

[0231] Aspect 13. The apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:

[0232] receiving or sending an initial data transmission associated with the HARQ process using an MCS from a first active MCS table; and

[0233] wherein the MAC-CE activating a second MCS table instead of the first active MCS table is received before termination of the HARQ process,

[0234] wherein in response to the MAC-CE, the HARQ process is suspended at the moment when the second MCS table becomes active, and

[0235] The communication with the base station further comprises receiving or sending the initial data transmission in another HARQ process using the second MCS table activated by the MAC-CE.

[0236] Aspect 14. An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, wherein the multiple MCS tables include a first MCS table associated with an enable value for a pi / 2 binary phase shift keying (BPSK) enable parameter and a second MCS table associated with a disable value for the pi / 2BPSK enable parameter, wherein the enable value is fixed for the first MCS table and the disable value is fixed for the second MCS table.

[0237] Aspect 15. The apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:

[0238] Downlink control information (DCI) indicating an MCS index and a new data indicator (NDI) is received, wherein the MCS index is associated with the MCS in a currently active MCS table.

[0239] Aspect 16. An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 15, wherein the MCS table is adaptively activated based on a match between a current signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the apparatus and an SNR range supported by a more convenient MCS table from the multiple MCS tables, wherein the subsequent MCS table is determined to be more convenient than the previously active MCS table based on an overlap between MCS indexes of a previously active MCS table and a subsequent MCS table and when the current SNR increases toward a last MCS index of the previously active MCS table or decreases toward a first MCS index of the previously active MCS table.

[0240] Aspect 17. An apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the MAC-CE activating the MCS table is received in response to a channel state feedback (CSF) report of the apparatus indicating an index corresponding to the MCS table.

[0241] Aspect 18. The apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the MAC-CE activating the MCS table is received in response to a request indication from the apparatus to switch to a different MCS table.

[0242] Aspect 19. An apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 18, wherein the multiple MCS tables are associated with different cluster types, code types, or transmission schemes.

[0243] Aspect 20. An apparatus for wireless communication at a base station (BS), the apparatus comprising:

[0244] Memory; and

[0245] at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to:

[0246] sending a radio resource control (RRC) configuration indicating a plurality of modulation and coding scheme (MCS) tables;

[0247] transmitting a medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC-CE) activating an MCS table among the plurality of MCS tables; and

[0248] Data is communicated with a user equipment (UE) using an MCS in the activated MCS table.

[0249] Aspect 21. The apparatus of aspect 20, wherein the plurality of MCS tables are associated with different signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) ranges, wherein at least two of the plurality of MCS tables share a partial overlap in the range of the SNR.

[0250] Aspect 22. The apparatus according to aspect 20 or 21, wherein at least one MCS in a different MCS table of the plurality of MCS tables is associated with the same spectral efficiency range.

[0251] Aspect 23. An apparatus according to any one of aspects 20 to 22, wherein the MCS table is activated based at least in part on a condition of a channel between the base station and the UE.

[0252] Aspect 24. An apparatus according to any one of aspects 19 to 23, wherein the RRC configuration is received based at least in part on an ability of the UE to dynamically switch between the multiple MCS tables.

[0253] Aspect 25. The apparatus according to any one of aspects 19 to 24, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:

[0254] The method further comprises: communicating with the UE using an MCS from a default MCS table among the plurality of MCS tables before receiving the MAC-CE.

[0255] Aspect 26. The apparatus according to any one of aspects 19 to 25, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:

[0256] Send an initial RRC configuration indicating a default MCS table.

[0257] Aspect 27. An apparatus according to any one of aspects 19 to 26, wherein the plurality of MCS tables respectively include the same number of MCS options in each MCS table.

[0258] Aspect 28. The apparatus according to any one of aspects 19 to 27, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:

[0259] The communication is performed with the UE by receiving one or more uplink communications or sending one or more downlink communications based at least in part on the corresponding activated MCS tables for the uplink and downlink.

[0260] Aspect 29. A method of wireless communication by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0261] receiving a radio resource control (RRC) configuration indicating a plurality of modulation and coding scheme (MCS) tables;

[0262] receiving a medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC-CE) activating an MCS table among the plurality of MCS tables; and

[0263] The MCS in the activated MCS table is used to communicate with the base station.

[0264] Aspect 30. A method of wireless communication at a base station (BS), the method comprising:

[0265] sending a radio resource control (RRC) configuration indicating a plurality of modulation and coding scheme (MCS) tables;

[0266] transmitting a medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC-CE) activating an MCS table among the plurality of MCS tables; and

[0267] Communicating with a user equipment (UE) using an MCS in the activated MCS table.

[0268] The previous description is provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the various aspects shown herein, but should be given the full scope consistent with the language. Therefore, the language employed herein is not intended to limit the scope of the claims to only those aspects shown herein, but should be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims.

[0269] As an example, the language "determine" may encompass a wide variety of actions and, therefore, may not be limited to the concepts and aspects explicitly described or illustrated by the present disclosure. In some contexts, "determine" may include calculating, computing, processing, measuring, deriving, investigating, searching (e.g., searching in a table, database, or another data structure), ascertaining, resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like. In some other contexts, "determining" may include communications and / or memory operations / procedures such as "receiving" (e.g., receiving information), "accessing" (e.g., accessing data in a memory), "detecting," and the like by obtaining information or values.

[0270] As another example, reference to a singular element is not intended to mean "there is and only one" (unless otherwise specifically stated), but "one or more". In addition, terms such as "if", "when ..." and "when ..." should be interpreted as meaning "under ..." conditions, rather than implying a direct temporal relationship or reaction. That is, these phrases (e.g., "when ...") do not imply an immediate action in response to the occurrence of an action or event or during the occurrence of an action or event, but imply that another action or event will occur if a condition is met, without requiring a specific or immediate time constraint or direct correlation for the occurrence of the other action or event. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "used as an example, instance, or illustration". Any aspect described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily interpreted as being preferred or having an advantage over other aspects. Unless otherwise specified, the term "some" refers to one or more. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” include any combination of A, B, and / or C, and may include multiple A, multiple B, or multiple C. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” may be only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, where any such combination may include one or more members of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout the disclosure that are known or later become known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. Words such as "module," "mechanism," "element," and "device" cannot replace the word "component." Therefore, no claim element will be construed as part-plus-function unless the element is explicitly stated using the phrase "component for..."

Claims

1. A device for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), the device include: Memory; and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to: receiving a radio resource control (RRC) configuration indicating a plurality of modulation and coding scheme (MCS) tables; receiving a medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC-CE) activating an MCS table among the plurality of MCS tables; and Data is communicated with a base station using an MCS in the activated MCS table.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of MCS tables are associated with different signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) ranges, wherein at least two of the plurality of MCS tables share a partial overlap in the range of the SNR. 3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one MCS in a different MCS table of the plurality of MCS tables is associated with a same spectral efficiency range.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the MCS table is activated based at least in part on a condition of a channel between the base station and the UE.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the RRC configuration is received based at least in part on an ability of the UE to dynamically switch between the plurality of MCS tables.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: The method further comprises communicating with the base station using an MCS from a default RRC configured MCS table before receiving the first activation MAC-CE.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: An initial RRC configuration is received, wherein the initial RRC configuration indicates the default MCS table.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to support a channel state feedback (CSF) session by: receiving downlink control information (DCI) for scheduling channel state feedback (CSF) reports; receiving a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS); and When different MCS tables are activated during the CSF session, a CSF report is sent based on receiving the CSI-RS, and wherein the CSF report corresponds to an MCS table that is active on one of: The time slot in which the CSI-RS is received, on the timeslot in which the DCI is received, or on a channel state information (CSI) reference slot associated with the CSF report.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of MCS tables include the same number of MCS options in each of the MCS tables.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Data is communicated with the base station by sending one or more uplink communications or receiving one or more downlink communications based at least in part on corresponding activated MCS tables for the uplink and downlink.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the one or more uplink communications use a transmit waveform type based at least in part on the activated MCS table.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receiving or sending an initial data transmission associated with a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process using an MCS from a first active MCS table; and wherein in response to the MAC-CE, before termination of the HARQ process at a time slot determined by an activation time of the second MCS table, a second MCS table signaled by the MAC-CE is activated instead of the first active MCS table, Wherein the communicating with the base station further comprises receiving or sending one or more HARQ retransmissions of the initial data transmission based at least in part on the first MCS table that was active during the initial data transmission.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receiving or sending an initial data transmission associated with the HARQ process using an MCS from a first active MCS table, wherein the MAC-CE activating a second MCS table instead of the first active MCS table is received before termination of the HARQ process, wherein in response to the MAC-CE, the HARQ process is suspended at the moment when the second MCS table becomes active, The communication with the base station further comprises receiving or sending the initial data transmission in another HARQ process using the second MCS table activated by the MAC-CE.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of MCS tables comprises a first MCS table associated with an enable value for a π / 2 binary phase shift keying (BPSK) enable parameter and a second MCS table associated with a disable value for the π / 2 BPSK enable parameter, wherein the enable value is fixed for the first MCS table and the disable value is fixed for the second MCS table.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Downlink control information (DCI) indicating an MCS index and a new data indicator (NDI) is received, wherein the MCS index is associated with the MCS in a currently active MCS table.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the MCS table is adaptively activated based on a match between a current signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the apparatus and an SNR range supported by a more convenient MCS table from the plurality of MCS tables, wherein the subsequent MCS table is determined to be more convenient than the previously active MCS table based on an overlap between MCS indexes of the previously active MCS table and the subsequent MCS table and when the current SNR increases toward a last MCS index of the previously active MCS table or decreases toward a first MCS index of the previously active MCS table.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the MAC-CE activating the MCS table is received in response to a channel state feedback (CSF) report of the apparatus indicating an index corresponding to the MCS table.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the MAC-CE activating the MCS table is received in response to a request indication from the apparatus to switch to a different MCS table.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of MCS tables are associated with different cluster types, code types, or transmission schemes.

20. An apparatus for wireless communication at a base station (BS), the apparatus include: Memory; and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to: sending a radio resource control (RRC) configuration indicating a plurality of modulation and coding scheme (MCS) tables; transmitting a medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC-CE) activating an MCS table among the plurality of MCS tables; and Data is communicated with a user equipment (UE) using an MCS in the activated MCS table.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the plurality of MCS tables are associated with different signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) ranges, wherein at least two of the plurality of MCS tables share a partial overlap in the range of the SNR.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein at least one MCS in a different one of the plurality of MCS tables is associated with a same spectral efficiency range.

23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the MCS table is activated based at least in part on a condition of a channel between the base station and the UE.

24. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the RRC configuration is received based at least in part on an ability of the UE to dynamically switch between the plurality of MCS tables.

25. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: The method further comprises: communicating with the UE using an MCS from a default MCS table among the plurality of MCS tables before receiving the MAC-CE.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Send an initial RRC configuration indicating a default MCS table.

27. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the plurality of MCS tables include the same number of MCS options in each of the MCS tables, respectively.

28. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: The communication is performed with the UE by receiving one or more uplink communications or sending one or more downlink communications based at least in part on the corresponding activated MCS tables for the uplink and downlink.

29. A method for wireless communication by a user equipment (UE), the method include: receiving a radio resource control (RRC) configuration indicating a plurality of modulation and coding scheme (MCS) tables; receiving a medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC-CE) activating an MCS table among the plurality of MCS tables; and Data is communicated with a base station using an MCS in the activated MCS table.

30. A method for wireless communication at a base station (BS), the method include: sending a radio resource control (RRC) configuration indicating a plurality of modulation and coding scheme (MCS) tables; transmitting a medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC-CE) activating an MCS table among the plurality of MCS tables; and Data is communicated with a user equipment (UE) using an MCS in the activated MCS table.

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