Uplink transmit handover for unlicensed bands

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A user equipment (UE) may receive a control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for transmitting an uplink message via a licensed radio frequency (RF) spectrum band. The UE may perform one or more listening procedures for a shared RF spectrum band to determine whether a shared resource is available for the uplink message. If the one or more listening procedures are successful, the UE may perform an uplink transmission handover to transmit the uplink message via available shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band according to a portion of the set of scheduling parameters. If the one or more listening procedures are unsuccessful, the UE may transmit the uplink message via the licensed RF spectrum band. The network entity may monitor both the licensed RF spectrum band and the shared RF spectrum band to receive the uplink message.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following relates to wireless communications including uplink transmission switching for unlicensed frequency bands. Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, and the like. These systems may be able to support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple access systems include fourth generation (4G) systems (such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, advanced LTE (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems) and fifth generation (5G) systems (which may be referred to as new radio (NR) systems). These systems may employ techniques such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), or discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple access communication system may include one or more base stations, each of which supports wireless communications for communication devices, which may be referred to as user equipment (UE).

[0003] In some examples, the UE may be configured to support two concurrent uplink transmissions using a first transmit chain and a second transmit chain. The transmit chains may be configured to transmit on different frequency bands or component carriers at any given time. The UE may switch between transmit chain configurations during an uplink switching period. Summary of the invention

[0004] The described technology relates to improved methods, systems, devices and apparatuses for supporting uplink transmission switching for unlicensed bands. For example, the described technology enables a user equipment (UE) to receive a control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed radio frequency (RF) spectrum band. The UE may perform one or more listening processes for a shared RF spectrum band to determine whether shared resources are available for the uplink message. If the one or more listening processes are successful, the UE may perform an uplink transmission switching from the licensed band to the unlicensed band, and may send the uplink message via one or more available shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band according to a portion of the scheduling parameter set. If the one or more listening processes are unsuccessful, the UE may send the uplink message via the licensed RF spectrum band. A network entity may monitor both the licensed RF spectrum band and the shared RF spectrum band to receive the uplink message. In some cases, the UE may report feedback indicating whether the one or more listening processes are successful to the network entity.

[0005] A method for wireless communication at a UE is described. The method may include: receiving a control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band; performing one or more listening processes for a shared RF spectrum band based on the set of scheduling parameters to detect whether shared resources are available for the uplink message; and sending the uplink message via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band according to at least a portion of the set of scheduling parameters based on a result of the one or more listening processes.

[0006] An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receive a control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band; based on the set of scheduling parameters, perform one or more listening processes for a shared RF spectrum band to detect whether a shared resource is available for the uplink message; and based on a result of the one or more listening processes, send the uplink message via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band according to at least a portion of the set of scheduling parameters.

[0007] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. The apparatus may include: a component for performing the following operations: receiving a control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band; a component for performing the following operations: based on the set of scheduling parameters, performing one or more listening processes for a shared RF spectrum band to detect whether shared resources are available for the uplink message; and a component for performing the following operations: based on the results of the one or more listening processes, according to at least a portion of the set of scheduling parameters, sending the uplink message via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band.

[0008] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a UE is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to perform the following operations: receiving a control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band; based on the set of scheduling parameters, performing one or more listening processes for a shared RF spectrum band to detect whether a shared resource is available for the uplink message; and based on the results of the one or more listening processes, sending the uplink message via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band according to at least a portion of the set of scheduling parameters.

[0009] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, sending the uplink message may include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: based on the successful result, switching from the licensed RF spectrum band to the shared RF spectrum band, wherein the uplink message may be sent via the one or more shared resources based on the switching.

[0010] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: switching from the shared RF spectrum band to the licensed RF spectrum band after sending the uplink message.

[0011] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the preparation time between receiving the control message and sending the uplink message can be based on a switching period between frequency bands used for the UE, one or more capabilities of the UE, and a listening period corresponding to the one or more listening processes.

[0012] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the listening period includes a time duration or a symbol duration.

[0013] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a start time of the switching period corresponds to the UE detecting that the one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band are available for the uplink message.

[0014] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, components, or instructions for sending a feedback report associated with the uplink message based on performing the one or more listening procedures.

[0015] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, sending the feedback report may include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: based on the result including a successful result, sending a confirmation associated with sending the uplink message via the one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band.

[0016] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, sending the feedback report may include operations, features, components, or instructions for sending a negative acknowledgement based on the result including a failure result.

[0017] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, up to two transmissions can be scheduled for the licensed RF spectrum band and the shared RF spectrum band.

[0018] A method for wireless communication at a network entity is described. The method may include: sending a control message to a UE, the control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band; monitoring the licensed RF spectrum band and a shared RF spectrum band different from the licensed RF spectrum band for the uplink message; and based on the monitoring, receiving the uplink message from the UE via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band according to at least a portion of the set of scheduling parameters.

[0019] An apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the following operations: send a control message to a UE, the control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band; monitor the licensed RF spectrum band and a shared RF spectrum band different from the licensed RF spectrum band for the uplink message; and based on the monitoring, receive the uplink message from the UE via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band according to at least a portion of the set of scheduling parameters.

[0020] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity is described. The apparatus may include: a component for performing the following operations: sending a control message to a UE, the control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band; a component for performing the following operations: monitoring the licensed RF spectrum band and a shared RF spectrum band different from the licensed RF spectrum band for the uplink message; and a component for performing the following operations: based on the monitoring, receiving the uplink message from the UE via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band according to at least a portion of the set of scheduling parameters.

[0021] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a network entity is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to perform the following operations: send a control message to a UE, the control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band; monitor the licensed RF spectrum band and a shared RF spectrum band different from the licensed RF spectrum band for the uplink message; and based on the monitoring, receive the uplink message from the UE via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band according to at least a portion of the set of scheduling parameters.

[0022] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: determining that the uplink transmission switching process of the UE is successful based on receiving the uplink message via the one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band.

[0023] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the preparation time between sending the control message and receiving the uplink message can be based on a switching period between frequency bands used for the UE, one or more capabilities of the UE, and a listening period for the UE.

[0024] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the listening period includes a time duration or a symbol duration.

[0025] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, components, or instructions for receiving a feedback report associated with the uplink message based on the monitoring.

[0026] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, receiving the feedback report may include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: receiving a confirmation associated with receiving the uplink message via the one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band.

[0027] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, receiving the feedback report may include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: receiving a negative acknowledgment associated with receiving the uplink grant message via the licensed RF spectrum band. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0030] Figure 3 An example of a switching timeline supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0031] Figure 4An example of a process flow for supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0032] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating an apparatus supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0033] Figure 7 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band is illustrated in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 8 A diagram illustrating a system including a device supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0035] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A block diagram illustrating an apparatus supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0036] Fig.11 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band is illustrated in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig.12 A diagram illustrating a system including a device supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0038] Figures 13 to 16 A flow chart illustrating a method of supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In some wireless communication systems, a user equipment (UE) may use two or more radio frequency (RF) chains (which may be referred to as transmit chains or receive chains) to support two or more concurrent (e.g., simultaneous or at least partially overlapping in time) uplink messages on the same or different component carriers. An RF chain (e.g., a transmit chain or a receive chain) may refer to a circuit or component that is capable of generating and sending an uplink message by a UE (or in the case of reception, the RF chain may be capable of receiving and decoding a message received by the UE). At a given time, each RF chain may be mapped to a single antenna port at the UE for transmission of uplink signals. The RF chain may be configured to dynamically switch between antenna ports, between frequency bands, between component carriers, or any combination thereof. For example, a UE configured with two RF chains may be configured to send uplink messages on two frequency bands using a single RF chain on each component carrier, or the UE may be configured to use two RF chains in the RF chain to send on one of the frequency bands and simultaneously suppress sending on the other frequency band.

[0040] The UE can perform uplink transmission switching between frequency bands by dynamically switching the configuration of a given RF chain during the uplink switching cycle. Uplink transmission switching can increase uplink signaling throughput and improve resource utilization. However, the UE may not be able to perform uplink switching between a licensed band (e.g., a licensed RF spectrum band) and a shared band (e.g., an unlicensed RF spectrum band). For example, an uplink message in a licensed band can be scheduled (e.g., by a network entity) so that the UE sends an uplink message on one or more allocated resources (e.g., frequency resources, time resources). In contrast, communication via a shared band can be based on a listening process (e.g., listen before talk (LBT)) to access a channel and send a message. Therefore, the UE may not know whether the shared band can be used for the transmission of uplink messages, or whether other transmissions occupying the shared band may interfere with the uplink message or conflict with the uplink message.

[0041] Therefore, the technical support described herein performs uplink switching between uplink licensed band and uplink shared band, which can increase signaling throughput, improve spectrum efficiency and improve resource utilization. A UE configured to communicate via a licensed band can receive a control message (e.g., grant) for scheduling an uplink message to be sent via a licensed band from a network entity. The UE can perform one or more listening processes to determine or otherwise detect whether the resources of the shared band are available. If the shared band has available resources, the UE can perform uplink transmission switching, and can send uplink messages via the shared band. For example, the UE can send an uplink message according to a subset of scheduling parameters indicated in a control message. The network entity can monitor both the shared band and the licensed band of the uplink message. In some cases, the network entity can infer that the uplink transmission switching process of the UE is successful based on receiving an uplink message via the shared band.

[0042] Various aspects of the disclosure are first described in the context of a wireless communication system. Various aspects of the disclosure are then discussed with reference to a switching timeline and process flow. Various aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flow diagrams related to uplink transmission switching for unlicensed bands.

[0043] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system 100 supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more network entities 105, one or more UEs 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an Advanced LTE (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, a New Radio (NR) network, or a network operating according to other systems and radio technologies, including future systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0044] The network entities 105 may be dispersed throughout a geographic area to form the wireless communication system 100, and may include devices in different forms or with different capabilities. In various examples, the network entities 105 may be referred to as network elements, mobility elements, radio access network (RAN) nodes, or network equipment, among other names. In some examples, the network entities 105 and the UE 115 may communicate wirelessly via one or more communication links 125 (e.g., radio frequency (RF) access links). For example, the network entity 105 may support a coverage area 110 (e.g., a geographic coverage area) within which the UE 115 and the network entity 105 may establish one or more communication links 125. The coverage area 110 may be an example of a geographic area within which the network entity 105 and the UE 115 may support signal communications according to one or more radio access technologies (RATs).

[0045] The UEs 115 may be dispersed throughout the coverage area 110 of the wireless communication system 100, and each UE 115 may be stationary or mobile, or stationary and mobile at different times. The UEs 115 may be devices in different forms or with different capabilities. Figure 1 Some example UEs 115 are illustrated in FIG. The UEs 115 described herein may be capable of supporting communications with various types of devices, such as Figure 1 Other UEs 115 or network entities 105 are shown.

[0046] As described herein, a node of the wireless communication system 100 (which may be referred to as a network node or a wireless node) may be a network entity 105 (e.g., any network entity described herein), a UE 115 (e.g., any UE described herein), a network controller, an apparatus, a device, a computing system, one or more components, or another suitable processing entity configured to perform any of the techniques described herein. For example, the node may be a UE 115. As another example, the node may be a network entity 105. As another example, a first node may be configured to communicate with a second node or a third node. In one aspect of this example, the first node may be a UE 115, the second node may be a network entity 105, and the third node may be a UE 115. In another aspect of this example, the first node may be a UE 115, the second node may be a network entity 105, and the third node may be a network entity 105. In other aspects of this example, the first node, the second node, and the third node may be different relative to these examples. Similarly, references to UE 115, network entity 105, apparatus, device, computing system, etc. may include disclosure of UE 115, network entity 105, apparatus, device, computing system, etc. as nodes. For example, a disclosure that UE 115 is configured to receive information from network entity 105 also discloses that the first node is configured to receive information from the second node.

[0047] In some examples, the network entities 105 may communicate with the core network 130, or communicate with each other, or both. For example, the network entities 105 may communicate with the core network 130 via one or more backhaul communication links 120 (e.g., according to S1, N2, N3 or other interface protocols). In some examples, the network entities 105 may communicate with each other through the backhaul communication link 120 (e.g., according to X2, Xn or other interface protocols) directly (e.g., directly between the network entities 105) or indirectly (e.g., via the core network 130). In some examples, the network entities 105 may communicate with each other via the midhaul communication link 162 (e.g., according to the midhaul interface protocol) or the fronthaul communication link 168 (e.g., according to the fronthaul interface protocol) or any combination thereof. The backhaul communication link 120, the midhaul communication link 162, or the fronthaul communication link 168 may be or include one or more wired links (e.g., electrical links, optical fiber links), one or more wireless links (e.g., radio links, wireless optical links), etc. or various combinations thereof. UE 115 may communicate with core network 130 via communication link 155 .

[0048] One or more of the network entities 105 described herein may include or may be referred to as a base station 140 (e.g., a transceiver base station, a radio base station, a NR base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), a next generation Node B, or a Gigabit Node B (any of which may be referred to as a gNB), a 5G NB, a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a Home Node B, a Home Evolved Node B, or other suitable terms). In some examples, the network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140) may be implemented in an aggregated (e.g., monolithic, stand-alone) base station architecture, which may be configured to utilize a protocol stack physically or logically integrated within a single network entity 105 (e.g., a single RAN node, such as a base station 140).

[0049] In some examples, the network entity 105 can be implemented in a disaggregated architecture (e.g., a disaggregated base station architecture, a disaggregated RAN architecture) that can be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed between two or more network entities 105, such as an integrated access backhaul (IAB) network, an open RAN (O-RAN) (e.g., a network configuration sponsored by the O-RAN Alliance), or a virtualized RAN (vRAN) (e.g., a cloud RAN (C-RAN)). For example, the network entity 105 can include one or more of the following: a central unit (CU) 160, a distributed unit (DU) 165, a radio unit (RU) 170, a RAN intelligent controller (RIC) 175 (e.g., a near real-time RIC (near RT RIC), a non-real-time RIC (non-RT RIC)), a service management and orchestration (SMO) 180 system, or any combination thereof. The RU 170 may also be referred to as a radio head, a smart radio head, a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radio unit (RRU), or a transmit receive point (TRP). One or more components of the network entity 105 in the decomposed RAN architecture may be co-located, or one or more components of the network entity 105 may be located in distributed locations (e.g., separate physical locations). In some examples, one or more network entities 105 of the decomposed RAN architecture may be implemented as virtual units (e.g., virtual CU (VCU), virtual DU (VDU), virtual RU (VRU)).

[0050] The functional split between CU 160, DU 165, and RU 170 is flexible and can support different functionalities, depending on which functions (e.g., network layer functions, protocol layer functions, baseband functions, RF functions, and any combination thereof) are performed at CU 160, DU 165, or RU 170. For example, a functional split of a protocol stack can be employed between CU 160 and DU 165, such that CU 160 can support one or more layers of a protocol stack and DU 165 can support one or more different layers of a protocol stack. In some examples, CU 160 can host higher protocol layer (e.g., layer 3 (L3), layer 2 (L2)) functionality and signaling (e.g., radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP)). The CU 160 may be connected to one or more DUs 165 or RUs 170, and the one or more DUs 165 or RUs 170 may host lower protocol layers, such as layer 1 (L1) (e.g., physical (PHY) layer) or L2 (e.g., radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer) functionality and signaling, and may each be at least partially controlled by the CU 160. Additionally or alternatively, a functional split of the protocol stack may be employed between the DU 165 and the RU 170, such that the DU 165 may support one or more layers of the protocol stack, and the RU 170 may support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. The DU 165 may support one or more different cells (e.g., via one or more RUs 170). In some cases, the functional split between CU 160 and DU 165 or between DU 165 and RU 170 can be within the protocol layer (e.g., some functions of the protocol layer can be performed by one of CU 160, DU 165, or RU 170, while other functions of the protocol layer are performed by different ones of CU 160, DU 165, or RU 170). CU 160 can be further functionally split into CU control plane (CU-CP) and CU user plane (CU-UP) functions. CU 160 can be connected to one or more DUs 165 via midhaul communication links 162 (e.g., F1, F1-c, F1-u), and DU 165 can be connected to one or more RUs 170 via fronthaul communication links 168 (e.g., open fronthaul (FH) interface). In some examples, midhaul communication link 162 or fronthaul communication link 168 may be implemented based on interfaces (eg, channels) between layers of a protocol stack supported by respective network entities 105 that communicate via those communication links.

[0051] In some wireless communication systems (e.g., wireless communication system 100), infrastructure and spectrum resources for radio access may support wireless backhaul link capabilities to supplement wired backhaul connections, thereby providing an IAB network architecture (e.g., to core network 130). In some cases, in an IAB network, one or more network entities 105 (e.g., IAB nodes 104) may be partially controlled by each other. One or more IAB nodes 104 may be referred to as donor entities or IAB donors. One or more DUs 165 or one or more RUs 170 may be controlled in part by one or more CUs 160 associated with a donor network entity 105 (e.g., donor base station 140). One or more donor network entities 105 (e.g., IAB donors) may communicate with one or more additional network entities 105 (e.g., IAB nodes 104) via supported access and backhaul links (e.g., backhaul communication links 120). The IAB node 104 may include an IAB mobile terminal (IAB-MT) controlled (e.g., scheduled) by a coupled IAB donor's DU 165. The IAB-MT may include an independent set of antennas for relaying communications with the UE 115, or may share the same antennas of the IAB node 104 (e.g., of the RU 170) for access via the DU 165 of the IAB node 104 (e.g., referred to as a virtual IAB-MT (vIAB-MT)). In some examples, the IAB node 104 may include a DU 165 that supports communication links with additional entities (e.g., IAB node 104, UE 115) within a relay chain or configuration (e.g., downstream) of the access network. In such cases, one or more components of the decomposed RAN architecture (e.g., one or more IAB nodes 104 or components of the IAB node 104) may be configured to operate according to the techniques described herein.

[0052] For example, an access network (AN) or RAN may include an access node (e.g., an IAB donor), communications between an IAB node 104, and one or more UEs 115. The IAB donor may facilitate a connection between the core network 130 and the AN (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection to the core network 130). That is, the IAB donor may refer to a RAN node having a wired or wireless connection to the core network 130. The IAB donor may include a CU 160 and at least one DU 165 (e.g., and RU 170), wherein the CU 160 may communicate with the core network 130 via an interface (e.g., a backhaul link). The IAB donor and the IAB node 104 may communicate via an F1 interface according to a protocol defining a signaling message (e.g., an F1 AP protocol). Additionally or alternatively, CU 160 may communicate with the core network via an interface (which may be an example of a portion of a backhaul link) and may communicate with other CUs 160 (e.g., CUs 160 associated with an alternative IAB donor) via an Xn-C interface (which may be an example of a portion of a backhaul link).

[0053] An IAB node 104 may refer to a RAN node that provides IAB functionality (e.g., access for UE 115, wireless self-backhaul capabilities, etc.). DU 165 may act as a distributed scheduling node toward child nodes associated with IAB node 104, and IAB-MT may act as a scheduled node toward a parent node associated with IAB node 104. That is, an IAB donor may be referred to as a parent node that communicates with one or more child nodes (e.g., an IAB donor may relay for UE transmissions through one or more other IAB nodes 104). Additionally or alternatively, depending on the relay chain or configuration of the AN, an IAB node 104 may also be referred to as a parent node or child node of other IAB nodes 104. Thus, the IAB-MT entity of the IAB node 104 may provide a Uu interface for the child IAB node 104 to receive signaling from the parent IAB node 104 , and a DU interface (eg, DU 165 ) may provide a Uu interface for the parent IAB node 104 to signal to the child IAB node 104 or the UE 115 .

[0054] For example, the IAB node 104 may be referred to as a parent node supporting communications for a child IAB node or as a child IAB node associated with an IAB donor, or both. The IAB donor may include a CU 160 having a wired or wireless connection (e.g., backhaul communication link 120) to the core network 130, and may act as a parent node of the IAB node 104. For example, the DU 165 of the IAB donor may relay transmission to the UE 115 through the IAB node 104, or may directly signal the transmission to the UE 115, or both. The CU 160 of the IAB donor may signal the establishment of a communication link to the IAB node 104 via the F1 interface, and the IAB node 104 may schedule transmission (e.g., transmission relayed from the IAB donor to the UE 115) via the DU 165. That is, data may be relayed to and from the IAB node 104 via signaling via the NR Uu interface of the MT to the IAB node 104. Communications with the IAB node 104 may be scheduled by the DU 165 of the IAB donor, and communications with the IAB node 104 may be scheduled by the DU 165 of the IAB node 104 .

[0055] Where the techniques described herein are applied to the context of a disaggregated RAN architecture, one or more components of the disaggregated RAN architecture may be configured to support techniques for sidelink communications based on inter-UE coordination as described herein. For example, some operations described as being performed by a UE 115 or a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140) may additionally or alternatively be performed by one or more components of the disaggregated RAN architecture (e.g., an IAB node 104, a DU 165, a CU 160, a RU 170, a RIC 175, a SMO 180).

[0056] UE 115 may include or may be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other suitable term, where a "device" may also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, etc. UE 115 may also include or may be referred to as a personal electronic device, such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, UE 115 may include or may be referred to as a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a machine type communication (MTC) device, etc., which may be implemented in various objects such as electrical appliances or vehicles, meters, etc.

[0057] The UE 115 described herein may be able to communicate with various types of devices such as other UEs 115 which may sometimes act as relays, as well as network entities 105 and network equipment including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, or relay base stations, etc. Figure 1 shown.

[0058] UE 115 and network entity 105 can use resources associated with one or more carriers to communicate wirelessly with each other via one or more communication links 125 (e.g., access links). The term "carrier" may refer to a set of RF spectrum resources having a physical layer structure defined to support communication link 125. For example, a carrier for communication link 125 may include a portion of an RF spectrum band (e.g., bandwidth portion (BWP)) that operates according to one or more physical layer channels for a given radio access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). Each physical layer channel may carry acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals, system information), control signaling for coordinating carrier operations, user data, or other signaling. The wireless communication system 100 may support communication with UE 115 using carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. According to the carrier aggregation configuration, UE 115 may be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers. Carrier aggregation may be used for both frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) component carriers. Communication between the network entity 105 and other devices may refer to communication between these devices and any part (e.g., entity, sub-entity) of the network entity 105. For example, the terms "send", "receive", or "communicate" when referring to the network entity 105 may refer to any part of the network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140, CU 160, DU 165, RU 170) of the RAN communicating with another device (e.g., directly or via one or more other network entities 105).

[0059] In some examples, such as in a carrier aggregation configuration, a carrier may also have acquisition signaling or control signaling that coordinates the operation of other carriers. A carrier may be associated with a frequency channel (e.g., an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) Absolute RF Channel Number (EARFCN)) and may be identified based on a channel raster used for discovery by UE 115. A carrier may operate in a standalone mode, in which case initial acquisition and connection may be made by UE 115 via the carrier, or a carrier may operate in a non-standalone mode, in which case a different carrier (e.g., of the same or different radio access technology) is used to anchor the connection.

[0060] The communication link 125 shown in the wireless communication system 100 may include downlink transmissions (e.g., forward link transmissions) from the network entity 105 to the UE 115, uplink transmissions (e.g., return link transmissions) from the UE 115 to the network entity 105, or both, among other transmission configurations. A carrier may carry either downlink communications or uplink communications (e.g., in FDD mode), or may be configured to carry both downlink communications and uplink communications (e.g., in TDD mode).

[0061] A carrier may be associated with a particular bandwidth of the RF spectrum, and in some examples, the carrier bandwidth may be referred to as the "system bandwidth" of the carrier or wireless communication system 100. For example, the carrier bandwidth may be one of a set of bandwidths of carriers of a particular radio access technology (e.g., 1.4 megahertz (MHz), 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, 20 MHz, 40 MHz, or 80 MHz). Devices of the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., a network entity 105, a UE 115, or both) may have a hardware configuration that supports communications using a particular carrier bandwidth, or may be configured to support communications using one of the carrier bandwidths in the set of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may include a network entity 105 or a UE 115 that supports concurrent communications using carriers associated with multiple carrier bandwidths. In some examples, each served UE 115 may be configured to operate using a portion (e.g., a subband, a BWP) or all of the carrier bandwidth.

[0062] The signal waveform transmitted via the carrier may include multiple subcarriers (e.g., using multi-carrier modulation (MCM) techniques, such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)). In a system employing MCM techniques, a resource element may refer to a resource of one symbol period (e.g., the duration of one modulation symbol) and one subcarrier, in which case the symbol period and the subcarrier spacing may be inversely related. The amount of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme, the coding rate of the modulation scheme, or both), so that a relatively higher amount of resource elements (e.g., in the transmission duration) and a relatively higher order of the modulation scheme may correspond to a relatively higher communication rate. Wireless communication resources may refer to a combination of RF spectrum resources, time resources, and spatial resources (e.g., spatial layers or beams), and the use of multiple spatial resources may increase the data rate or data integrity used for communication with UE 115.

[0063] One or more parameter sets for a carrier may be supported, and the parameter sets may include subcarrier spacing (Δf) and cyclic prefixes. A carrier may be divided into one or more BWPs with the same or different parameter sets. In some examples, a UE 115 may be configured with multiple BWPs. In some examples, a single BWP for a carrier may be active at a given time, and communications of a UE 115 may be constrained to one or more active BWPs.

[0064] The time interval for the network entity 105 or the UE 115 may be expressed in multiples of a basic time unit, which may be, for example, T s =1 / (Δf max ·N f ) seconds sampling period, for which Δf max It can represent the supported subcarrier spacing, and N f The supported discrete Fourier transform (DFT) size may be indicated. The time intervals of the communication resources may be organized according to radio frames each having a specified duration (e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms)). Each radio frame may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) (e.g., ranging from 0 to 1023).

[0065] Each frame may include multiple consecutively numbered subframes or time slots, and each subframe or time slot may have the same duration. In some examples, a frame may be divided into subframes (e.g., in the time domain), and each subframe may be further divided into a certain number of time slots. Alternatively, each frame may include a variable number of time slots, and the number of time slots may depend on the subcarrier spacing. Each time slot may include a certain number of symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of the cyclic prefix appended in front of each symbol period). In some wireless communication systems 100, the time slot may be further divided into a plurality of micro time slots associated with one or more symbols. Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may be associated with one or more (e.g., N f The duration of a symbol period may depend on the subcarrier spacing or the operating frequency band.

[0066] A subframe, slot, mini-slot, or symbol may be the smallest scheduling unit (e.g., in the time domain) of the wireless communication system 100 and may be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In some examples, the TTI duration (e.g., the number of symbol periods in a TTI) may be variable. Additionally or alternatively, the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 may be dynamically selected (e.g., in a burst of a shortened TTI (sTTI)).

[0067] Physical channels may be multiplexed using carriers for communication according to various techniques. Physical control channels and physical data channels may be multiplexed via downlink carriers for signaling, for example, using one or more of a time division multiplexing (TDM) technique, a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) technique, or a hybrid TDM-FDM technique. A control region (e.g., a control resource set (CORESET)) of a physical control channel may be defined by a set of symbol periods and may extend across a system bandwidth or a subset of a system bandwidth of a carrier. One or more control regions (e.g., CORESETs) may be configured for a set of UEs 115. For example, one or more UEs in UE 115 may monitor or search a control region for control information according to one or more search space sets, and each search space set may include one or more control channel candidates in one or more aggregation levels arranged in a cascaded manner. The aggregation level of a control channel candidate may refer to the amount of control channel resources (e.g., control channel elements (CCEs)) associated with coded information for a control information format having a given payload size. The search space sets may include a common search space set configured for transmitting control information to multiple UEs 115 , and a UE-specific search space set for transmitting control information to a specific UE 115 .

[0068] The network entity 105 may provide communication coverage via one or more cells (e.g., macro cells, small cells, hot spots, or other types of cells, or any combination thereof). The term "cell" may refer to a logical communication entity used to communicate with the network entity 105 (e.g., using a carrier), and may be associated with an identifier (e.g., a physical cell identifier (PCID), a virtual cell identifier (VCID), or other cell identifier) ​​used to distinguish adjacent cells. In some examples, a cell may also refer to a coverage area 110 or a portion of a coverage area 110 (e.g., a sector) on which a logical communication entity operates. Depending on various factors such as the capabilities of the network entity 105, such cells may range from smaller areas (e.g., structures, subsets of structures) to larger areas. For example, a cell may be or may include a building, a subset of a building, or an external space between or overlapping coverage areas 110, and the like.

[0069] A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access to a UE 115 that has a service subscription with a network provider that supports the macro cell. A small cell may be associated with a lower power network entity 105 (e.g., a lower power base station 140) than a macro cell, and the small cell may operate using the same or different (e.g., licensed, unlicensed) frequency band as the macro cell. A small cell may provide unrestricted access to a UE 115 that has a service subscription with a network provider, or may provide restricted access to a UE 115 associated with a small cell (e.g., a UE 115 in a closed subscriber group (CSG), a UE 115 associated with a user in a home or office). A network entity 105 may support one or more cells, and may also use one or more component carriers to support communications via one or more cells.

[0070] In some examples, a carrier may support multiple cells, and different cells may be configured according to different protocol types (e.g., MTC, narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)) that may provide access to different types of devices.

[0071] In some examples, the network entities 105 (e.g., base stations 140, RUs 170) may be mobile and thus provide communication coverage for mobile coverage areas 110. In some examples, different coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may overlap, but the different coverage areas 110 may be supported by the same network entity 105. In some other examples, overlapping coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may be supported by different network entities 105. The wireless communication system 100 may include, for example, a heterogeneous network in which different types of network entities 105 provide coverage for various coverage areas 110 using the same or different radio access technologies.

[0072] The wireless communication system 100 can be configured to support ultra-reliable communication or low-latency communication or various combinations thereof. For example, the wireless communication system 100 can be configured to support ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). UE 115 can be designed to support ultra-reliable or low-latency or critical functions. Ultra-reliable communication can include private communication or group communication, and can be supported by one or more services (such as push-to-talk, video or data). Support for ultra-reliable, low-latency functions can include prioritization of services, and such services can be used for public safety or general commercial applications. The terms ultra-reliable, low-latency and ultra-reliable low-latency can be used interchangeably in this article.

[0073] In some examples, the UE 115 may be configured to support communication directly with other UEs 115 via a device-to-device (D2D) communication link 135 (e.g., according to a peer-to-peer (P2P), D2D, or sidelink protocol). In some examples, one or more UEs 115 in the group that are performing D2D communication may be within a coverage area 110 of a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140, a RU 170), which may support aspects of such D2D communication configured or (e.g., scheduled) by the network entity 105. In some examples, one or more UEs 115 of the group may be outside the coverage area 110 of the network entity 105, or may otherwise be unable or not configured to receive transmissions from the network entity 105. In some examples, the group of UEs 115 communicating via D2D communication may support a one-to-many (1:M) system, in which each UE 115 transmits to each of the other UEs 115 in the group. In some examples, network entity 105 may facilitate scheduling of resources for D2D communications. In some other examples, D2D communications may be performed between UEs 115 without involving network entity 105.

[0074] The core network 130 may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network 130 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC), which may include at least one control plane entity (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF)) for managing access and mobility and at least one user plane entity (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)) for routing packets or interconnecting to an external network. The control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management of UE 115 served by a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140) associated with the core network 130. User IP packets may be delivered through the user plane entity, which may provide IP address allocation and other functions. The user plane entity may be connected to the IP service 150 of one or more network operators. IP services 150 may include access to the Internet, an intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or packet-switched streaming services.

[0075] The wireless communication system 100 may operate using one or more frequency bands that may be in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). Generally speaking, the region from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is referred to as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band because the wavelength ranges from about one decimeter to one meter in length. UHF waves may be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features (which may be referred to as clusters), but these waves may be sufficient to penetrate structures so that macro cells provide services to UEs 115 located indoors. Communications using UHF waves may be associated with smaller antennas and shorter ranges (e.g., less than 100 kilometers) compared to communications using lower frequencies and longer waves in the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portion of the spectrum below 300 MHz.

[0076] The wireless communication system 100 may also operate using a super high frequency (SHF) region (also known as a centimeter band) that may be in the range of 3 GHz to 30 GHz or an extremely high frequency (EHF) region (e.g., 30 GHz to 300 GHz) (also known as a millimeter band) using a spectrum. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support millimeter wave (mmW) communications between a UE 115 and a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140, a RU 170), and the EHF antenna of the corresponding device may be smaller and closer than the UHF antenna. In some examples, such technology may facilitate the use of antenna arrays within the device. However, the propagation of EHF transmissions may be affected by greater attenuation and a shorter range than SHF or UHF transmissions. The technology disclosed herein may be adopted across transmissions using one or more different frequency regions, and the use of frequency bands specified across these frequency regions may vary by country or regulatory agency.

[0077] The wireless communication system 100 can utilize licensed RF spectrum bands and unlicensed RF spectrum bands. For example, the wireless communication system 100 can use unlicensed bands (such as the 5 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band) to adopt license assisted access (LAA), LTE unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology. When operating using unlicensed RF spectrum bands, devices such as network entities 105 and UE 115 can use carrier sensing for conflict detection and avoidance. In some examples, operations using unlicensed bands can be based on carrier aggregation configuration (e.g., LAA) in combination with component carriers operating using licensed bands. Operations using unlicensed spectrum can include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, P2P transmissions, or D2D transmissions, and the like.

[0078] The network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140, RU 170) or UE 115 may be equipped with multiple antennas that may be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications, or beamforming. The antennas of the network entity 105 or UE 115 may be located within one or more antenna arrays or antenna panels, which may support MIMO operations or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be co-located at an antenna assembly, such as an antenna tower. In some examples, antennas or antenna arrays associated with the network entity 105 may be located at different geographic locations. The network entity 105 may include an antenna array having a collection of multiple rows and columns of antenna ports that the network entity 105 may use to support beamforming for communications with the UE 115. Similarly, the UE 115 may include one or more antenna arrays that may support various MIMO or beamforming operations. Additionally or alternatively, the antenna panel may support RF beamforming for signals sent via the antenna ports.

[0079] The network entity 105 or UE 115 can use MIMO communication to utilize multipath signal propagation and improve spectral efficiency by sending or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers. Such technology may be referred to as spatial multiplexing. The multiple signals may be sent, for example, by a transmitting device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Similarly, the multiple signals may be received by a receiving device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Each of the multiple signals may be referred to as a separate spatial stream and may carry information associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams (e.g., different codewords). Different spatial layers may be associated with different antenna ports for channel measurement and reporting. MIMO technologies include: single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO), for which multiple spatial layers are sent to the same receiving device; and multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), for which multiple spatial layers are sent to multiple devices.

[0080] Beamforming (which may also be referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception) is a signal processing technique that may be used at a sender device or a receiver device (e.g., network entity 105, UE 115) to shape or direct an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam, a receive beam) along a spatial path between the sender device and the receiver device. Beamforming may be achieved by combining signals conveyed via antenna elements of an antenna array so that some signals propagating along a particular direction relative to the antenna array experience constructive interference, while other signals experience destructive interference. Adjustments to signals conveyed via antenna elements may include the sender device or the receiver device applying an amplitude offset, a phase offset, or both to signals carried via antenna elements associated with the device. Adjustments associated with each of these antenna elements may be defined by a set of beamforming weights associated with a particular direction (e.g., relative to the antenna array of the sender device or the receiver device or relative to some other direction).

[0081] The network entity 105 or UE 115 may use beam scanning techniques as part of a beamforming operation. For example, the network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140, RU 170) may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays (e.g., antenna panels) to perform beamforming operations for directional communication with UE 115. Some signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be sent multiple times by the network entity 105 along different directions. For example, the network entity 105 may send signals according to different sets of beamforming weights associated with different transmission directions. Transmission along different beam directions may be used to identify (e.g., by a transmitting device (such as network entity 105), or by a receiving device (such as UE 115)) a beam direction for later transmission or reception by the network entity 105.

[0082] Some signals, such as data signals associated with a particular receiving device, may be sent by a sending device (e.g., a sending network entity 105, a sending UE 115) along a single beam direction (e.g., a direction associated with a receiving device (such as a receiving network entity 105 or a receiving UE 115)). In some examples, a beam direction associated with transmission along a single beam direction may be determined based on signals sent along one or more beam directions. For example, UE 115 may receive one or more of the signals sent by network entity 105 along different directions, and may report to network entity 105 an indication of the signal received by UE 115 with the highest signal quality or other acceptable signal quality.

[0083] In some examples, transmission by a device (e.g., by network entity 105 or UE 115) can be performed using multiple beam directions, and the device can use a combination of digital precoding or beamforming to generate a combined beam for transmission (e.g., from network entity 105 to UE 115). UE 115 can report feedback indicating precoding weights for one or more beam directions, and the feedback can correspond to a configured set of beams across a system bandwidth or one or more subbands. Network entity 105 can send a reference signal (e.g., a cell-specific reference signal (CRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS)), which can be precoded or non-precoded. UE 115 can provide feedback for beam selection, which can be a precoding matrix indicator (PMI) or codebook-based feedback (e.g., a multi-panel codebook, a linear combination codebook, a port selection codebook). Although these techniques are described with reference to signals sent along one or more directions by a network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140, RU 170), UE 115 may use similar techniques to send signals multiple times along different directions (e.g., to identify a beam direction for subsequent transmission or reception by UE 115), or to send signals along a single direction (e.g., to send data to a receiving device).

[0084] A receiving device (e.g., UE 115) may perform receiving operations according to multiple receiving configurations (e.g., directional listening) when receiving various signals (such as synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) from a receiving device (e.g., network entity 105). For example, the receiving device may perform reception according to multiple receiving directions by: receiving via different antenna subarrays, processing the received signals according to different antenna subarrays, receiving according to different receiving beamforming weight sets (e.g., different directional listening weight sets) applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, or processing the received signals according to different receiving beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, any of which may be referred to as "listening" according to different receiving configurations or receiving directions. In some examples, the receiving device may use a single receiving configuration to receive along a single beam direction (e.g., when receiving a data signal). A single receive configuration may be aligned along a beam direction determined based on listening according to different receive configuration directions (e.g., a beam direction determined to have the highest signal strength, highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), or other acceptable signal quality based on listening according to multiple beam directions).

[0085] UE 115 and network entity 105 can support retransmission of data to increase the possibility of data being successfully received. Hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback is a technology for increasing the possibility of correctly receiving data via a communication link (e.g., communication link 125, D2D communication link 135). HARQ can include a combination of error detection (e.g., using cyclic redundancy check (CRC)), forward error correction (FEC) and retransmission (e.g., automatic repeat request (ARQ)). HARQ can improve the throughput at the MAC layer under poor radio conditions (e.g., low signal-to-noise ratio conditions). In some examples, the device can support the same time slot HARQ feedback, in which case the device can provide HARQ feedback for data received via the previous symbol in the time slot in a specific time slot. In some other examples, the device can provide HARQ feedback in subsequent time slots or according to some other time interval.

[0086] In some examples, UE 115 can perform uplink transmission switching between two frequency bands (e.g., two different frequency bands). In some cases, enabling UE 115 to dynamically perform uplink transmission switching can increase uplink throughput. For example, if UE 115 is capable of using multiple frequency bands to perform transmission, UE 115 can switch to a frequency band with less traffic or associated with relatively high quality. Additionally or alternatively, UE 115 can perform multiple transmissions simultaneously on the corresponding frequency bands.

[0087] In some cases, in order to reduce the use of limited bandwidth availability in a licensed RF spectrum band, devices in the wireless communication system 100 can communicate in an unlicensed RF spectrum band (also referred to as a shared RF spectrum band, a shared band, an unlicensed band, etc.), which can have a relatively large available bandwidth. However, the unlicensed RF spectrum band can be shared with other technologies (e.g., a wireless local area network (WLAN) system such as Wi-Fi). Additionally, access to the unlicensed RF spectrum band can be regulated. Therefore, a device operating in an unlicensed RF spectrum band can perform channel access (e.g., a channel access procedure such as LBT) before transmitting in the unlicensed RF spectrum band.

[0088] According to the technology described herein, UE 115 can perform uplink transmission switching (also referred to as uplink switching) between licensed RF spectrum band and unlicensed RF spectrum band. The switching between the licensed band and the unlicensed band can enable UE 115 to communicate with improved throughput and reduced latency. For example, UE 115 can receive a grant of scheduling uplink messages via the licensed RF spectrum band (e.g., from network entity 105), but can perform uplink transmission switching to switch to the unlicensed RF spectrum band and send uplink messages via the unlicensed RF spectrum band. In order to avoid conflict with the occupied resources of the unlicensed RF spectrum band or interference with the occupied resources of the unlicensed RF spectrum band, UE 115 can determine whether there are any available resources in the unlicensed RF spectrum band that UE 115 can use for the transmission of uplink messages. That is, before switching the RF chain configuration, UE 115 can perform one or more listening processes to sense the channels of the unlicensed RF spectrum band. The UE 115 may determine which resources (e.g., time resources, frequency resources) of the unlicensed RF spectrum band, if any, are available for transmission (e.g., to the network entity 105) based on the results of the one or more listening processes. If sufficient resources are available (e.g., not occupied by other transmissions or devices), the UE 115 may switch to the unlicensed RF spectrum band and may send an uplink message via the unlicensed RF spectrum band in accordance with the grant.

[0089] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system 200 that supports uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the wireless communication system 200 can implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100. For example, the wireless communication system 200 can include a network entity 105-a and a UE 115-a, which can be examples of corresponding devices described herein.

[0090] The wireless communication system 200 may support communication between the network entity 105-a and the UE 115-a. For example, the network entity 105-a may communicate signals (e.g., uplink transmissions and downlink transmissions) with the UE 115-a via a corresponding communication link 205, which may be a reference Figure 1 An example of a communication link 125 is described.

[0091] UE 115-a may be able to perform uplink transmissions using one or more of shared frequency band 230 (which may also be referred to as an unlicensed RF spectrum band), licensed frequency band 235 (which may also be referred to as a licensed RF spectrum band), or simultaneously using shared frequency band 230 and licensed frequency band 235. That is, UE 115-a may be configured to perform one uplink transmission on one frequency band at a time, or to perform simultaneous uplink transmissions on multiple frequency bands. In some cases, UE 115-a may be able to perform simultaneous uplink transmissions on two frequency bands (e.g., shared frequency band 230 and licensed frequency band 235).

[0092] To support uplink transmissions via multiple frequency bands, the UE 115-a may be able to perform uplink switching between the shared frequency band 230 and the licensed frequency band 235. The UE 115-a may be configured to support one or more transmit chains (e.g., transmit RF chains), such as the transmit chain 215. In the example of the wireless communication system 200, the transmit chain 215 may be configured to support communications on the shared frequency band 230 and the licensed frequency band 235. That is, the transmit chain 215 may be variably configured to support uplink transmissions via the shared frequency band 230 or the licensed frequency band 235 at any given time. The UE 115-a may perform uplink switching by switching the configuration of the transmit chain 215 (e.g., from a configuration for the shared frequency band 230 to a configuration for the licensed frequency band 235, or vice versa).

[0093] It should be noted that the example of a single transmit chain 215 for UE 115-a Figure 2 The example of is not limiting, and the techniques described herein may be applicable to any number of transmission chains 215. For example, as referenced Figure 3 As described, the UE 115-a may have two transmit chains configured to communicate via any combination of the shared frequency band 230 and the licensed frequency band 235. That is, the first transmit chain and the second transmit chain may be variably configured to support single-port transmission, dual-port transmission, or no transmission on the shared frequency band 230 and the licensed frequency band 235 at any given time. The UE 115-a may perform uplink switching between the shared frequency band 230 and the licensed frequency band 235 by switching the configuration of one or both transmit chains.

[0094] The network entity 105-a may schedule an uplink transmission at the UE 115-a by sending a control message 210 (e.g., downlink control information (DCI)) indicating a scheduling grant. For example, the UE 115 may be configured to communicate via a licensed band 235. The UE 115-a may receive a control message 210 (e.g., an uplink grant) from the network entity 105-a that schedules an uplink message 220 for transmission on a set of one or more transmit ports of the UE 115-a via the licensed band 235. The control message 210 may indicate a set of scheduling parameters for transmission of the uplink message 220. For example, the set of scheduling parameters may indicate a number of transmission layers (e.g., a transmission rank) for the uplink message 220, a pre-decoder, a set of resources (e.g., time resources, frequency resources, or both) of the licensed band 235, one or more other transmission parameters, or any combination thereof.

[0095] UE 115-a may perform an uplink transmission switch to switch the transmission chain 215 of UE 115-a from shared frequency band 230 to licensed frequency band 235. For example, although uplink message 220 may be scheduled for licensed frequency band 235, shared frequency band 230 may be accessed by UE 115-a. For example, instead of or in addition to sending uplink message 220 via licensed frequency band 235, UE 115-a may determine to send uplink message 220 via shared frequency band 230. In some examples, UE 115-a may be triggered, for example by network entity 105-a, to perform the uplink switch. For example, the control message 210 may additionally or alternatively indicate that the UE 115-a is to perform an uplink transmit switch to switch the transmit chain 215 to the shared frequency band 230, or indicate that the UE 115-a is to transmit the uplink message 220 via the licensed frequency band 235, the shared frequency band 230, or a combination thereof. In some cases, if the shared frequency band 230 is available (e.g., if the UE 115-a's listening process for the shared frequency band 230 is successful), the control message 210 may command (e.g., trigger) the UE 115-a to perform an uplink transmit switch from the licensed frequency band 235 to the shared frequency band 230.

[0096] In some cases, the network entity 105-a may schedule up to two uplink messages, including the uplink message 220, via the control message 210 (e.g., and one or more additional control messages). For example, the network entity 105-a may schedule two uplink messages for the licensed band 235. Alternatively, the network entity 105-a may schedule a first uplink message for the licensed band 235 via the control message 210 and instruct the UE 115-a to send a second uplink message via the shared band 230, such that the UE 115-a performs an uplink switch of a transmission chain to send the second uplink message. In another example, the control message 210 may instruct or otherwise trigger the UE 115-a to perform an uplink transmission switch to attempt to send one or two uplink messages via the shared band 230.

[0097] exist Figure 2 In the example of , UE 115-a can perform uplink switching for transmission chain 215 to send uplink message 220 via shared frequency band 230. In order to avoid interfering with other transmissions on shared frequency band 230 or conflicting with other transmissions on shared frequency band 230, UE 115-a can perform one or more listening processes for shared frequency band 230 to determine whether shared resources are available for the transmission of uplink message 220. For example, UE 115-a can sense shared frequency band 230 by measuring the energy level of shared frequency band 230 during the listening period. If the energy level is below a threshold, UE 115-a can determine that shared frequency band 230 (e.g., shared resources of shared frequency band 230) is available for use by UE 115-a. Detection of available shared resources can correspond to a successful result of the listening process. Alternatively, if UE 115-a fails to detect any available resources or otherwise determines that shared frequency band 230 is occupied, the listening process can be considered unsuccessful (e.g., corresponding to a failure result of the listening process).

[0098] UE 115-a may perform one or more listening processes for the shared frequency band 230 before performing an uplink transmission switch to the shared frequency band 230. For example, UE 115-a may refrain from switching to the shared frequency band 230 until UE 115-a confirms that resources of the shared frequency band 230 are available for uplink transmission (e.g., via one or more listening processes). In some cases, UE 115-a may initiate one or more listening processes based on receiving a control message 210. Based on the results of the one or more listening processes, UE 115-a may perform an uplink transmission switch to switch the transmission chain 215 from the licensed frequency band 235 to the shared frequency band 230. For example, if one or more listening processes are successful, UE 115-a may switch to the shared frequency band 230, or if one or more listening processes fail, UE 115-a may refrain from switching to the shared frequency band 230.

[0099] In some examples, UE 115-a may be configured with a processing time to prepare for an uplink transmission, such as uplink message 220. This processing time may be referred to as a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) preparation time and may be defined as the minimum time required for UE 115-a to decode control message 210 and prepare uplink message 220. This PUSCH preparation time may include one or more configured processing durations and may be based on one or more capabilities (e.g., processing capabilities) of UE 115-a. Additionally, as described in reference Figure 3 As described, the PUSCH preparation time may include: a listening period, during which the UE 115-a performs one or more listening processes; and a switching period, during which the UE 115-a switches the transmission chain 215. Once the UE 115-a has detected one or more available resources on the shared frequency band 230, the switching period may begin. That is, if one or more listening processes are successful, the end time of the listening period may coincide with the start time of the switching period.

[0100] Based on performing the switch, UE 115-a may send an uplink message 220 to network entity 105-a via shared frequency band 230. Network entity 105-a may monitor both shared frequency band 230 and licensed frequency band 235 to receive uplink message 220. For example, network entity 105-a may be aware that UE 115-a may attempt to switch uplink frequency bands, and may monitor both shared frequency band 230 and licensed frequency band 235 to ensure that uplink message 220 is received, regardless of whether the uplink switch at UE 115-a is successful.

[0101] Additionally, in some examples and based on the switch, the UE 115-a may send a message (e.g., a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) message) including a feedback report 225 to the network entity 105-a. If the UE 115-a finds available resources for the uplink message 220 on the shared band 230 and switches the transmit chain 215 from the licensed band 235 to the shared band 230, the feedback report 225 may include an acknowledgment (ACK) message. That is, the UE 115-a may send a feedback report 225 associated with the uplink message 220 to the network entity 105-a, wherein the feedback report 225 indicates that the switch, one or more listening processes, or both are successful. In some cases, the network entity 105-a may monitor the shared band 230 based on receiving an ACK in the feedback report 225. Alternatively, UE 115-a may report a negative acknowledgement (NACK) if UE 115-a fails to detect available resources on shared frequency band 230 for transmission of uplink message 220 and does not switch transmit chain 215. For example, UE 115-a may send a feedback report 225 associated with uplink message 220 indicating that the switch, one or more listening procedures, or both were not successful (e.g., failed).

[0102] In some examples, the UE 115-a may not send the feedback report 225. The network entity 105-a may determine whether the handover or one or more listening procedures at the UE 115-a is successful based on whether the network entity 105-a receives the uplink message 220 via the shared frequency band 230 or the licensed frequency band 235. For example, if the network entity 105-a receives the uplink message 220 via the licensed frequency band 235, the network entity 105-a may assume that the handover or one or more listening procedures at the UE 115-a failed. If the network entity 105-a receives the uplink message 220 via the shared frequency band 230, the network entity 105-a may determine that the handover or one or more listening procedures at the UE 115-a is successful. In some cases, if the network entity 105-a does not receive the uplink message 220 at all, the network entity 105-a may assume a failed result for the handover or one or more listening procedures at the UE 115-a. For example, UE 115-a may transmit uplink message 220 via shared frequency band 230, but uplink message 220 may conflict with or be interfered with by other transmissions on shared frequency band 230 and may fail to reach network entity 105-a.

[0103] Figure 3An example of a switching timeline 300 for supporting uplink transmission switching for a shared frequency band 305-bs according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the carrier switching timeline 300 can implement aspects of wireless communication systems 100 and 200, or be implemented by aspects of these wireless communication systems. For example, the carrier switching timeline 300 illustrates a timeline for a UE to switch between a licensed frequency band 305-a and a shared frequency band 305-b to communicate with a network entity. The UE and the network entity may represent as referred to herein Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of a corresponding device described. The UE may perform uplink carrier switching between the licensed band 305-a and the shared band 305-b to send one or more uplink messages 310 to the network entity. The network entity may monitor both the shared band 305-b and the licensed band 305-a to receive the uplink message 310.

[0104] The UE may be configured with one or more transmit chains, as shown in Figure 2 Described. Figure 3 In an example, the UE may include two transmit chains (e.g., a first transmit chain and a second transmit chain) that may be variably configured to support single-port transmission, dual-port transmission, or no transmission on a shared band 305-b and a licensed band 305-a at any given time. For example, the first transmit chain may be configured to communicate via the shared band 305-b, and the second transmit chain may be configured to communicate via the licensed band 305-a. Alternatively, both the first transmit chain and the second transmit chain may be configured to communicate via the shared band 305-b or via the licensed band 305-a.

[0105] The RF state of the UE may refer to a configuration of a transmit chain tuned to the shared frequency band 305-b, the licensed frequency band 305-a, or a combination thereof, which may be additionally or alternatively referred to as a transmit chain configuration. The RF state of the UE and / or the transmit chain configuration may refer to a configuration of a first transmit chain, a second transmit chain, or both regarding whether they are configured for single antenna port transmission, dual antenna port transmission, or both on the shared frequency band 305-b, the licensed frequency band 305-a, or both.

[0106] The UE can support uplink transmission chain switching between the shared frequency band 305-b and the licensed frequency band 305-a by modifying or changing the transmission chain configuration. During the uplink transmission chain switching, the UE can switch the configuration of the first transmission chain, the second transmission chain, or both. The switching timeline 300 illustrates a timeline for the UE to perform switching between an uplink message 310 on the shared frequency band 305-b and an uplink message 310 on the licensed frequency band 305-a, including a switching period (e.g., an uplink switching period) and a listening period.

[0107] exist Figure 3 In the example of , the UE may send an uplink message 310-a to the network entity via the licensed band 305-a. When sending the uplink message 310-a, both the first transmission chain and the second transmission chain may be configured to transmit via the licensed band 305-a. Figure 2 As described, after the transmission of the uplink message 310-a, the UE may determine to switch a transmission chain, such as the first transmission chain, to the shared frequency band 305-b. For example, the UE may be triggered by a network entity to perform an uplink switch, or the UE may have an uplink message 310-c to be transmitted via the shared frequency band 305-b. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may receive a control message scheduling the uplink message 310-b via the licensed frequency band 305-a and indicating that the UE is to transmit the uplink message 310-c via the shared frequency band 305-b. In another example, the UE may receive a control message scheduling the uplink message 310-b via the licensed frequency band 305-a, and at the same time may determine to attempt to transmit the uplink message 310-c via the shared frequency band 305-b. In this example, the uplink message 310-c may have the same payload as the uplink message 310-b. That is, the UE may send repetitions of the uplink message 310 via each of the shared frequency band 305 - b and the licensed frequency band 305 - a , which may improve reliability and robustness.

[0108] In any case, the UE may perform one or more listening processes to determine whether resources (also referred to as shared resources) of the shared frequency band 305-b are available for uplink messages 310-c. The time duration or symbol duration during which the UE performs one or more listening processes may be referred to as a listening period. The start time of the listening period may refer to the time when the UE starts one or more listening processes, and the end time of the listening period may refer to the time when the UE ends one or more listening processes and determines the result (e.g., whether the one or more listening processes are successful and indicate one or more available resources, or fail and no available resources are detected).

[0109] Additionally, a switching period (or gap) in which the UE may be required to re-tune its RF component (e.g., RF state) to switch transmit chains may occur between uplink messages 310. Re-tuning or otherwise reconfiguring the RF state (e.g., current RF state) of the UE may refer to re-tuning or re-configuring the first transmit chain, the second transmit chain, or both between single antenna port transmission and dual antenna port transmission on the shared frequency band 305-b and / or the licensed frequency band 305-a, or vice versa. For example, during the switching period, the UE may switch the first transmit chain from the licensed frequency band 305-a to the shared frequency band 305-b to transmit the uplink message 310-c. The UE may keep the second transmit chain configured to the licensed frequency band 305-a for transmission of the uplink message 310-b. The start time of the switching period may correspond to the UE detecting that one or more shared resources of the shared frequency band 305-b are available for an uplink message 310 (e.g., uplink message 310-c), and the end time of the switching period may correspond to sending an uplink message 310 (e.g., uplink message 310-c) via the shared frequency band 305-b.

[0110] The UE may be configured with a processing time to prepare for the uplink message 310. The processing time may be referred to as a PUSCH preparation time. The PUSCH preparation time may include one or more configured processing durations. The UE may calculate the PUSCH preparation time for the uplink message 310 using Equation 1 below.

[0111] T proc,2 =max((N 2 +d 2,1 +d 2 )(2048+144)·κ2 -μ ·T C +T ext +T switch ,d 2,2 ) (1)

[0113] T in Equation 1 switch The parameter may indicate the switching period. If uplink transmission chain switching is not configured for the UE, T switch The parameter μ may be zero. The μ parameter may correspond to a subcarrier spacing (SCS) value associated with a downlink communication link in which a control message (e.g., a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carrying DCI) scheduling an uplink message 310 (e.g., a PUSCH) is transmitted. N may be determined based on the value of μ and the processing capability of the UE (e.g., UE processing capability 1 or 2). 2If the first symbol of the PUSCH allocation indicated in a control message (e.g., for an uplink message) includes a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) allocation, then d 2,1 The parameter may be zero. If the first symbol of the PUSCH allocation includes an allocation different from that of the DMRS, then d 2,1 Can be set to one. If BWP switching is triggered (e.g., if a scheduling DCI triggers BWP switching), then d 2,2 The parameter can be set to the switching time for bandwidth part (BWP) switching. If BWP switching is not triggered, then d 2,2 Can be zero. If a PUSCH with a larger priority index overlaps a PUCCH with a smaller priority index, then d 2 The parameter may be reported by the UE. Otherwise, d 2 can be set to zero. T can be calculated for operation with shared spectrum channel access ext Parameter. Otherwise, T ext can be set to zero. κ and T C The parameter can be a constant.

[0114] According to the present disclosure, the PUSCH preparation time for uplink switching between the shared frequency band 305-b and the licensed frequency band 305-a may further include a listening period corresponding to one or more listening processes performed by the UE. The listening period may be expressed as a time duration in microseconds (μs), for example. In such a case, the UE may calculate the PUSCH preparation time according to the following equation 2, where the listening period in μs is represented by T listen Given.

[0115] T proc,2 =max((N 2 +d 2,1 +d 2 )(2048+144)·κ2 -μ ·T C +T ext +T switch +T listen ,d 2,2 ) (2)

[0117] Alternatively, the listening period may be expressed as a symbol duration (eg, the number of symbols). In this example, the UE may calculate the PUSCH preparation time according to the following equation 3, where the listening period in symbols is represented by d 3 Given.

[0118] T proc,2 =max((N 2 +d 2,1 +d2 +d 3 )(2048+144)·κ2 -μ ·T C +T ext +T switch ,d 2,2 ) (3)

[0120] like Figure 3 As illustrated, the UE may prepare the uplink message 310-c during the preparation time calculated according to Equation 2 or Equation 3. For example, the UE may perform one or more listening processes during the listening period to detect available resources of the shared frequency band 305-b. The UE may sense a channel associated with the shared frequency band 305-b to determine whether upcoming resources (e.g., in the time domain) are occupied or available for the UE to use for the uplink message 310-c. One or more listening processes may be successful, such that the UE detects one or more shared resources that may be used to send the uplink message 310-c via the shared frequency band 305-b. Based on the successful result, the UE may perform an uplink switch during the switching period to switch to the shared frequency band 305-b (e.g., the UE may switch the first transmission chain to the shared frequency band 305-b) for the transmission of the uplink message 310-c.

[0121] In some examples, the UE can operate according to a transmit chain configuration that supports concurrent transmissions on the shared band 305-b and the licensed band 305-a. For example, if the UE's first transmit chain is active on the shared band 305-b and the UE's second transmit chain is active on the licensed band 305-a, the UE can support simultaneous transmissions on each band. The UE can simultaneously send an uplink message 310-b (e.g., based on a grant) via the licensed band 305-a and send an uplink message 310-c via the shared band 305-b on one or more available resources detected during one or more listening processes.

[0122] After performing the transmission of uplink messages 310-b and 310-c, the UE can subsequently switch the first transmission chain back to the licensed band 305-a during another switching period. The UE can use a single transmission chain (e.g., the first transmission chain or the second transmission chain) or use two transmission chains to send uplink messages 310-d via the licensed band 305-a. After the transmission of uplink message 310-d, the UE can initiate the uplink switching process again by performing one or more listening processes for the shared band 305-b during the listening period, to switch to the shared band 305-b, for the transmission of uplink message 310-e. However, at this, the UE may fail to detect any upcoming available resources (e.g., one or more listening processes may fail) on the shared band 305-b. Therefore, the UE may not perform uplink switching, and both the first transmission chain and the second transmission chain can be maintained in the configuration for the licensed band 305-a. At this point, based on the failure of one or more listening processes, the UE may not send uplink message 310-d. In some cases, if the network entity expects to receive uplink message 310-d, the network entity may assume that one or more listening procedures and associated handover procedures at the UE were unsuccessful.

[0123] In some examples, after some time has passed, the UE may retry one or more listening procedures during a listening period to determine whether any upcoming resources are now available on the shared frequency band 305-b. Upon detecting one or more available resources, the UE may initiate an uplink switching procedure by switching the first transmit chain and the second transmit chain to the shared frequency band 305-b. After the associated switching period, the UE may send an uplink message 310-e to the network entity using the two transmit chains.

[0124] Figure 4 An example of a process flow 400 for supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The process flow 400 may implement or be implemented by some aspects of the wireless communication system 100 or 200 or the carrier switching timeline 300. For example, the process flow 400 may include the UE 115-b and the network entity 105-b, which may be as described in reference to Figures 1 to 3 Examples of UE 115 and network entity 105 described herein. UE 115-b may be configured with up to two transmit RF chains, as described herein, where each transmit RF chain is configured to communicate via an RF spectrum band. For example, UE 115-b may include two transmit RF chains configured to communicate with network entity 105-b via a licensed band.

[0125] It should be understood that the devices and nodes described by the process flow 400 may communicate or couple with other devices or nodes not illustrated. For example, the UE 115-b and the network entity 105-b may communicate with one or more other UEs 115, base stations 105, or other devices. The following alternative examples may be implemented, in which some of the steps are performed in an order different from the order described or not performed at all. In some cases, the steps may include additional features not mentioned below, or further steps may be added.

[0126] At 405, the network entity 105-b may send control signaling, and the UE 115-b may receive the control signaling, which indicates a set of scheduling parameters for the UE 115-b to use for sending an uplink message via a licensed band. The control signaling may include a grant that schedules resources of a licensed band for uplink messages. In some examples, the control signaling (e.g., a grant) may additionally or alternatively indicate that the UE 115-b will send an uplink message via a licensed band, an unlicensed band, or a combination thereof. For example, if the unlicensed band is available (e.g., if the UE 115-b's listening process for the unlicensed band is successful), the grant may command (e.g., trigger) the UE 115-b to perform an uplink transmission switch from the licensed band to the unlicensed band.

[0127] In some cases, the network entity 105-b may schedule up to two uplink messages via control signaling (e.g., a grant). For example, the grant may schedule two uplink messages for a licensed band, or may schedule one uplink message for a licensed band and command the UE 115-b to send another uplink message via an unlicensed band (e.g., if available and based on an uplink transmission switching process at the UE 115-b), or may command (e.g., trigger) the UE 115-b to perform an uplink transmission switching to attempt to send two uplink messages via an unlicensed band.

[0128] At 410, based on the control signaling, the UE 115-b may perform one or more listening procedures (e.g., channel access procedures) for the unlicensed band to determine or otherwise detect whether resources (e.g., shared resources) of the unlicensed band are available for uplink messages. That is, the UE 115-b may perform one or more listening procedures to determine whether to perform an uplink transmission switch with one or both transmit RF chains to transmit uplink messages via the unlicensed band. In some cases, the UE 115-b may perform one or more listening procedures based on being triggered by the network entity 105-b to initiate an uplink transmission switching procedure (e.g., to the unlicensed band). The trigger may be indicated via the control signaling at 405 or another message received from the network entity 105-b.

[0129] During one or more listening processes, UE 115-b may listen to (e.g., sense) one or more channels of the unlicensed band to determine whether an upcoming (e.g., subsequent in time) shared resource is occupied or available. In some cases, UE 115-b may sense the number of shared resources based on a set of scheduling parameters indicated by control signaling. For example, the set of scheduling parameters may indicate the number of time resources to be used for the transmission of an uplink message, and UE 115-b may perform one or more listening processes to determine whether the number of time resources is available in the unlicensed band, e.g., whether the unlicensed band has enough shared resources free to send the uplink message.

[0130] A successful outcome of one or more listening processes may correspond to UE 115-b detecting or otherwise determining that one or more shared resources of the unlicensed band are available for (e.g., not occupied for) transmission of an uplink message. Alternatively, a failed outcome of one or more listening processes may correspond to UE 115-b detecting or otherwise determining that one or more shared resources of the unlicensed band are occupied, e.g., there are no available shared resources for transmission of an uplink message.

[0131] Based on the results of one or more listening processes (e.g., successful results or failed results), UE 115-b can determine to switch to an unlicensed band for the transmission of uplink messages, or to suppress switching to an unlicensed band. For example, at 415, if one or more listening processes are successful, UE 115-b can perform uplink transmission switching by switching at least one transmit RF chain (e.g., the configuration of at least one transmit RF chain) to an unlicensed band. That is, if UE115-b determines via one or more listening processes that one or more shared resources of an unlicensed band are available, UE115-b can switch at least one transmit RF chain to an unlicensed band. Alternatively, if one or more listening processes at 410 are unsuccessful (e.g., failed), UE 115-b can suppress performing uplink transmission switching so that at least one transmit RF chain remains configured for communication via a licensed band.

[0132] In some examples, the uplink transmission switching may be performed at 415 according to a preparation time (e.g., a PUSCH preparation time). The preparation time may be defined as the time duration between receiving control signaling at UE 115-b (e.g., at 405) and sending an uplink message by UE 115-b (e.g., at 420), and may be determined by reference to Figure 3The preparation time may be expressed as in equation 1 or equation 2 discussed. In some examples, the preparation time may start when one or more listening processes are initiated, so that the preparation time includes a listening period. The listening period may be defined as a time duration (e.g., in μs) or a symbol duration (e.g., in the number of symbols). Additionally, the preparation time may include a switching period between frequency bands for UE 115-b, and may be based on one or more capabilities of UE 115-b. The start time of the switching period between frequency bands may correspond to the time when UE 115-b detects that one or more shared resources of the unlicensed band are available, and the end time of the switching period may correspond to the time when UE 115-b completes switching of the transmit RF chain and starts sending uplink messages.

[0133] At 420, the network entity 105-b may monitor the licensed band and the unlicensed band for uplink messages from the UE 115-b.

[0134] At 425, according to at least a portion of the scheduling parameter set and based on the results of one or more listening processes, UE 115-b may send an uplink message, and network entity 105-b may receive the uplink message. For example, if one or more listening processes are successful, so that UE 115-b performs uplink transmission switching at 415, UE 115-b may send an uplink message via one or more shared resources of an unlicensed band. Here, UE 115-b may send an uplink message according to a portion of the scheduling parameter set. For example, UE 115-b may utilize the transmission power, MCS, etc. indicated by the control signaling at 405 to send an uplink message via an unlicensed band. However, UE 115-b may ignore or discard other scheduling parameters, such as resource allocation dedicated to a licensed band. In some examples, UE 115-b may perform an uplink transmission switching to switch back to a licensed band after sending an uplink message via an unlicensed band.

[0135] Alternatively, if one or more listening processes fail such that UE 115-b does not perform uplink transmission switching at 415, UE 115-b may send an uplink message via a licensed band based on at least a portion of the scheduling parameter set (e.g., the entire scheduling parameter set). At 420, network entity 105-b may receive an uplink message based on monitoring both the licensed band and the unlicensed band.

[0136] At 430, in some examples, UE 115-b may optionally report whether one or more listening processes are successful and subsequently report whether the uplink transmission process is successful. Based on the results of one or more listening processes, UE 115-b may send a feedback report associated with the uplink message, and network entity 105-b may receive a feedback report associated with the uplink message (e.g., via a licensed band or an unlicensed band). For example, when one or more listening processes are successful, UE 115-b may send a feedback report including a confirmation (e.g., ACK) associated with sending an uplink message via one or more shared resources of an unlicensed band or an example of the confirmation. Alternatively, if one or more listening processes fail, UE 115-b may send a feedback report including a negative confirmation (e.g., NACK) or an example of the negative confirmation.

[0137] In other examples, UE 115-b may report implicitly, and network entity 105-b may infer whether one or more listening processes (e.g., and uplink transmission switching processes) are successful. Here, UE 115-a may not send a feedback message at 430. Instead, sending an uplink message via an unlicensed band according to a portion of the scheduling parameters may be considered a confirmation (e.g., an implicit indication of a successful result), such that network entity 105-b may infer or otherwise determine that one or more listening processes and uplink transmission switching processes at UE 115-b are successful. If network entity 105-b fails to receive the uplink message (e.g., via a licensed band or an unlicensed band), network entity 105-b may infer or otherwise determine that one or more listening processes and uplink transmission switching processes at UE 115-b are unsuccessful (e.g., failed).

[0138] Figure 5 A block diagram 500 of a device 505 supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The device 505 may be an example of aspects of a UE 115 as described herein. The device 505 may include a receiver 510, a transmitter 515, and a communication manager 520. The device 505 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0139] The receiver 510 may provide means for receiving information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels related to uplink transmission switching for unlicensed bands, data channels, information channels), such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof. The information may be passed to other components of the device 505. The receiver 510 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0140] The transmitter 515 may provide means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device 505. For example, the transmitter 515 may transmit information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to uplink transmission switching for unlicensed bands), such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the transmitter 515 may be co-located with the receiver 510 in a transceiver module. The transmitter 515 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0141] The communication manager 520, the receiver 510, the transmitter 515, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof, may be examples of means for performing various aspects of uplink transmit switching for unlicensed bands as described herein. For example, the communication manager 520, the receiver 510, the transmitter 515, or various combinations thereof, or components thereof, may support methods for performing one or more of the functions described herein.

[0142] In some examples, the communication manager 520, the receiver 510, the transmitter 515, or various combinations thereof or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in a communication management circuit). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a microcontroller, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting components for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, the processor and a memory coupled to the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by executing instructions stored in the memory by the processor).

[0143] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communication manager 520, receiver 510, transmitter 515, or various combinations thereof, or components thereof may be implemented in code executed by a processor (e.g., as communication management software or firmware). If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functionality of the communication manager 520, receiver 510, transmitter 515, or various combinations thereof, or components thereof may be performed by a general purpose processor (e.g., configured as or otherwise supporting means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure), a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, a microcontroller, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices.

[0144] In some examples, communication manager 520 can be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, send) using or otherwise cooperating with receiver 510, transmitter 515, or both. For example, communication manager 520 can receive information from receiver 510, transmit information to transmitter 515, or be integrated in conjunction with receiver 510, transmitter 515, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0145] According to the examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 520 can support wireless communications at the UE. For example, the communication manager 520 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: receiving a control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band. The communication manager 520 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: based on the scheduling parameter set, performing one or more listening processes for a shared RF spectrum band to detect whether shared resources are available for the uplink message. The communication manager 520 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: based on the results of the one or more listening processes, according to at least a portion of the scheduling parameter set, sending the uplink message via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band.

[0146] By including or configuring a communication manager 520 according to an example as described herein, the device 505 (e.g., a processor that controls or otherwise couples with the receiver 510, the transmitter 515, the communication manager 520, or a combination thereof) can support techniques for uplink transmission switching between licensed and unlicensed bands. By enabling the device 505 to dynamically switch to and from unlicensed bands, the techniques described herein can increase signaling throughput, improve spectral efficiency, and improve resource utilization efficiency. In addition, the device 505 can support concurrent uplink transmissions via one or both of the licensed and unlicensed bands, which can reduce latency and improve communication reliability.

[0147] Figure 6 A block diagram 600 of a device 605 supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The device 605 may be an example of aspects of the device 505 or UE 115 as described herein. The device 605 may include a receiver 610, a transmitter 615, and a communication manager 620. The device 605 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0148] The receiver 610 may provide means for receiving information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels related to uplink transmission switching for unlicensed bands, data channels, information channels), such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof. The information may be passed to other components of the device 605. The receiver 610 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0149] The transmitter 615 may provide means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device 605. For example, the transmitter 615 may transmit information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to uplink transmission switching for unlicensed bands), such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the transmitter 615 may be co-located with the receiver 610 in a transceiver module. The transmitter 615 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0150] Device 605 or its various components may be examples of components for performing various aspects of uplink transmission switching for unlicensed bands as described herein. For example, communication manager 620 may include control message receiver 625, listening component 630, uplink message transmitter 635, or any combination thereof. Communication manager 620 may be an example of various aspects of communication manager 520 as described herein. In some examples, communication manager 620 or its various components may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, send) using or otherwise cooperating with receiver 610, transmitter 615, or both. For example, communication manager 620 may receive information from receiver 610, transmit information to transmitter 615, or integrate with receiver 610, transmitter 615, or both in combination to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0151] According to the examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 620 can support wireless communication at the UE. The control message receiver 625 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: receiving a control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band. The listening component 630 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: based on the scheduling parameter set, performing one or more listening processes for a shared RF spectrum band to detect whether shared resources are available for the uplink message. The uplink message transmitter 635 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: based on the results of the one or more listening processes, according to at least a portion of the scheduling parameter set, sending the uplink message via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band.

[0152] Figure 7 A block diagram 700 of a communication manager 720 supporting uplink transmission switching for unlicensed bands according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The communication manager 720 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 520, the communication manager 620, or both as described herein. The communication manager 720 or its various components may be examples of components for performing various aspects of uplink transmission switching for unlicensed bands as described herein. For example, the communication manager 720 may include a control message receiver 725, a listening component 730, an uplink message transmitter 735, a switching component 740, a feedback component 745, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate directly or indirectly with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0153] According to the examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 720 can support wireless communication at the UE. The control message receiver 725 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: receiving a control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band. The listening component 730 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: based on the scheduling parameter set, performing one or more listening processes for a shared RF spectrum band to detect whether shared resources are available for the uplink message. The uplink message transmitter 735 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: based on the results of the one or more listening processes, according to at least a portion of the scheduling parameter set, sending the uplink message via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band.

[0154] In some examples, to support sending the uplink message, switching component 740 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: based on the successful result, switching from the licensed RF spectrum band to the shared RF spectrum band, wherein the uplink message is sent via the one or more shared resources based on the switching.

[0155] In some examples, switching component 740 can be configured as or otherwise support means for switching from the shared RF spectrum band to the licensed RF spectrum band after sending the uplink message.

[0156] In some examples, the preparation time between receiving the control message and sending the uplink message is based on a switching period between frequency bands used for the UE, one or more capabilities of the UE, and a listening period corresponding to the one or more listening processes. In some examples, the listening period includes a time duration or a symbol duration. In some examples, the start time of the switching period corresponds to the UE detecting that the one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band can be used for the uplink message.

[0157] In some examples, feedback component 745 may be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: sending a feedback report associated with the uplink message based on performing the one or more listening processes. In some examples, to support sending the feedback report, feedback component 745 may be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: based on the result including a successful result, sending a confirmation associated with sending the uplink message via the one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band. In some examples, to support sending the feedback report, feedback component 745 may be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: sending a negative confirmation based on the result including a failed result.

[0158] In some examples, up to two transmissions are scheduled for the licensed RF spectrum band and the shared RF spectrum band.

[0159] Figure 8 A diagram of a system 800 including a device 805 supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The device 805 may be an example of a device 505, a device 605, or a UE 115 as described herein, or include components thereof. The device 805 may communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with one or more network entities 105, one or more UEs 115, or any combination thereof. The device 805 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, such as a communication manager 820, an input / output (I / O) controller 810, a transceiver 815, an antenna 825, a memory 830, a code 835, and a processor 840. These components may be electronically communicated or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., a bus 845).

[0160] I / O controller 810 can manage input signals and output signals of device 805. I / O controller 810 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into device 805. In some cases, I / O controller 810 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some cases, I / O controller 810 can utilize an operating system, such as or another known operating system. Additionally or alternatively, I / O controller 810 may represent or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or similar device. In some cases, I / O controller 810 may be implemented as part of a processor, such as processor 840. In some cases, a user may interact with device 805 via I / O controller 810 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 810.

[0161] In some cases, the device 805 may include a single antenna 825. However, in some other cases, the device 805 may have more than one antenna 825, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The transceiver 815 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas 825, a wired or wireless link, as described herein. For example, the transceiver 815 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 815 may also include a modem for: modulating a packet; providing the modulated packet to one or more antennas 825 for transmission; and demodulating packets received from one or more antennas 825. The transceiver 815 or the transceiver 815 and the one or more antennas 825 may be examples of transmitters 515, transmitters 615, receivers 510, receivers 610, or any combination thereof or components thereof as described herein.

[0162] The memory 830 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory 830 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 835 including instructions that, when executed by the processor 840, cause the device 805 to perform various functions described herein. The code 835 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as system memory or another type of memory). In some cases, the code 835 may not be directly executable by the processor 840, but may (e.g., when compiled and executed) cause the computer to perform the functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 830 may also contain, among other things, a basic I / O system (BIOS) that may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0163] The processor 840 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor 840 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 840. The processor 840 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., a memory 830) to cause the device 805 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks to support uplink transmission switching for unlicensed bands). For example, the device 805 or a component of the device 805 may include a processor 840 and a memory 830 coupled to or coupled to the processor 840, and the processor 840 and the memory 830 are configured to perform the various functions described herein.

[0164] According to the examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 820 can support wireless communications at the UE. For example, the communication manager 820 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: receiving a control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band. The communication manager 820 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: based on the scheduling parameter set, performing one or more listening processes for a shared RF spectrum band to detect whether shared resources are available for the uplink message. The communication manager 820 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: based on the results of the one or more listening processes, according to at least a portion of the scheduling parameter set, sending the uplink message via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band.

[0165] By including or configuring a communication manager 820 according to an example as described herein, the device 805 can support a technique for uplink transmission switching between a licensed band and an unlicensed band. By enabling the device 805 to dynamically switch to an unlicensed band and switch from an unlicensed band, the techniques described herein can increase signaling throughput, improve spectrum efficiency, and improve resource utilization efficiency. In addition, the device 805 can support concurrent uplink transmission via one or both of the licensed band and the unlicensed band, which can reduce latency and improve communication reliability. Enabling the device 805 to use the unlicensed band for uplink communications can also reduce the use of limited bandwidth availability in the licensed band.

[0166] In some examples, the communication manager 820 can be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, monitor, transmit) using or otherwise cooperating with the transceiver 815, one or more antennas 825, or any combination thereof. Although the communication manager 820 is illustrated as a separate component, in some examples, one or more functions described with reference to the communication manager 820 can be supported or performed by the processor 840, the memory 830, the code 835, or any combination thereof. For example, the code 835 can include instructions that are executable by the processor 840 to cause the device 805 to perform various aspects of uplink transmission switching for unlicensed bands as described herein, or the processor 840 and the memory 830 can be otherwise configured to perform or support such operations.

[0167] Fig. 9A block diagram 900 of a device 905 supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The device 905 may be an example of aspects of a network entity 105 as described herein. The device 905 may include a receiver 910, a transmitter 915, and a communication manager 920. The device 905 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0168] The receiver 910 may provide components for obtaining (e.g., receiving, determining, identifying) information associated with various channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels, channels associated with a protocol stack), such as user data, control information, or any combination thereof (e.g., I / Q samples, symbols, packets, protocol data units, service data units). The information may be passed to other components of the device 905. In some examples, the receiver 910 may support obtaining information by receiving signals via one or more antennas. Additionally or alternatively, the receiver 910 may support obtaining information by receiving signals via one or more wired (e.g., electrical, optical) interfaces, wireless interfaces, or any combination thereof.

[0169] The transmitter 915 may provide a component for performing the following operations: output (e.g., send, provide, convey, transmit) information generated by other components of the device 905. For example, the transmitter 915 may output information associated with various channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels, channels associated with a protocol stack), such as user data, control information, or any combination thereof (e.g., I / Q samples, symbols, packets, protocol data units, service data units). In some examples, the transmitter 915 may support outputting information by sending signals via one or more antennas. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitter 915 may support outputting information by sending signals via one or more wired (e.g., electrical, optical fiber) interfaces, wireless interfaces, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the transmitter 915 and the receiver 910 may be co-located in a transceiver, which may include a modem or be coupled to a modem.

[0170] The communication manager 920, the receiver 910, the transmitter 915, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof, may be examples of means for performing various aspects of uplink transmit switching for unlicensed bands as described herein. For example, the communication manager 920, the receiver 910, the transmitter 915, or various combinations thereof, or components thereof, may support methods for performing one or more of the functions described herein.

[0171] In some examples, the communication manager 920, the receiver 910, the transmitter 915, or various combinations thereof or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in a communication management circuit). The hardware may include a processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, a microcontroller, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting components for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, a processor and a memory coupled to the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by executing instructions stored in the memory by the processor).

[0172] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communication manager 920, receiver 910, transmitter 915, or various combinations thereof, or components thereof may be implemented in code executed by a processor (e.g., as communication management software or firmware). If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functionality of the communication manager 920, receiver 910, transmitter 915, or various combinations thereof, or components thereof may be performed by a general purpose processor (e.g., configured as or otherwise supporting means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure), a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, a microcontroller, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices.

[0173] In some examples, the communication manager 920 can be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, send) using or otherwise cooperating with the receiver 910, the transmitter 915, or both. For example, the communication manager 920 can receive information from the receiver 910, transmit information to the transmitter 915, or be integrated with the receiver 910, the transmitter 915, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0174] According to the examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 920 may support wireless communications at a network entity. For example, the communication manager 920 may be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: sending a control message to a UE, the control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band. The communication manager 920 may be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: monitoring the licensed RF spectrum band and a shared RF spectrum band different from the licensed RF spectrum band for the uplink message. The communication manager 920 may be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: based on the monitoring, according to at least a portion of the scheduling parameter set, receiving the uplink message from the UE via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band.

[0175] By including or configuring a communication manager 920 according to an example as described herein, the device 905 (e.g., a processor that controls or otherwise couples to the receiver 910, the transmitter 915, the communication manager 920, or a combination thereof) can support techniques for receiving uplink messages from a UE based on uplink transmission switching between a licensed band and an unlicensed band. By enabling the device 905 to receive uplink transmissions on one or both of a licensed band and an unlicensed band, the techniques described herein can increase signaling throughput, improve spectral efficiency, and improve resource utilization efficiency. In addition, the device 905 can support concurrent uplink transmissions via one or both of a licensed band and an unlicensed band, which can reduce latency and improve communication reliability.

[0176] Fig.10 A block diagram 1000 of a device 1005 supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The device 1005 may be an example of aspects of the device 905 or the network entity 105 as described herein. The device 1005 may include a receiver 1010, a transmitter 1015, and a communication manager 1020. The device 1005 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0177] The receiver 1010 may provide components for obtaining (e.g., receiving, determining, identifying) information associated with various channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels, channels associated with a protocol stack), such as user data, control information, or any combination thereof (e.g., I / Q samples, symbols, packets, protocol data units, service data units). The information may be passed to other components of the device 1005. In some examples, the receiver 1010 may support obtaining information by receiving signals via one or more antennas. Additionally or alternatively, the receiver 1010 may support obtaining information by receiving signals via one or more wired (e.g., electrical, optical) interfaces, wireless interfaces, or any combination thereof.

[0178] The transmitter 1015 may provide a component for performing the following operations: output (e.g., send, provide, convey, transmit) information generated by other components of the device 1005. For example, the transmitter 1015 may output information associated with various channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels, channels associated with a protocol stack), such as user data, control information, or any combination thereof (e.g., I / Q samples, symbols, packets, protocol data units, service data units). In some examples, the transmitter 1015 may support outputting information by sending signals via one or more antennas. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitter 1015 may support outputting information by sending signals via one or more wired (e.g., electrical, optical fiber) interfaces, wireless interfaces, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the transmitter 1015 and the receiver 1010 may be co-located in a transceiver, which may include a modem or be coupled to a modem.

[0179] The device 1005 or its various components may be examples of components for performing various aspects of uplink transmission switching for unlicensed bands as described herein. For example, the communication manager 1020 may include a control message transmitter 1025, a monitoring component 1030, an uplink message receiver 1035, or any combination thereof. The communication manager 1020 may be an example of various aspects of the communication manager 920 as described herein. In some examples, the communication manager 1020 or its various components may be configured to use or otherwise cooperate with the receiver 1010, the transmitter 1015, or both to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, send). For example, the communication manager 1020 may receive information from the receiver 1010, transmit information to the transmitter 1015, or be integrated with the receiver 1010, the transmitter 1015, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0180] According to the examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 1020 can support wireless communication at a network entity. The control message transmitter 1025 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: sending a control message to the UE, the control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band. The monitoring component 1030 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: monitoring the licensed RF spectrum band and a shared RF spectrum band different from the licensed RF spectrum band for the uplink message. The uplink message receiver 1035 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: based on the monitoring, according to at least a portion of the scheduling parameter set, receiving the uplink message from the UE via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band.

[0181] Fig.11 A block diagram 1100 of a communication manager 1120 supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The communication manager 1120 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 920, the communication manager 1020, or both as described herein. The communication manager 1120 or its various components may be examples of components for performing various aspects of uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band as described herein. For example, the communication manager 1120 may include a control message transmitter 1125, a monitoring component 1130, an uplink message receiver 1135, a switching component 1140, a feedback message receiver 1145, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate directly or indirectly with one another (e.g., via one or more buses), which communication may include communication within a protocol layer of a protocol stack, communication associated with a logical channel of a protocol stack (e.g., between protocol layers of a protocol stack, within a device, component, or virtualized component associated with the network entity 105, between devices, components, or virtualized components associated with the network entity 105), or any combination thereof.

[0182] According to the examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 1120 can support wireless communication at a network entity. The control message transmitter 1125 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: sending a control message to the UE, the control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band. The monitoring component 1130 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: monitoring the licensed RF spectrum band and a shared RF spectrum band different from the licensed RF spectrum band for the uplink message. The uplink message receiver 1135 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: based on the monitoring, according to at least a portion of the scheduling parameter set, receiving the uplink message from the UE via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band.

[0183] In some examples, switching component 1140 can be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: based on receiving the uplink message via the one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band, determining that the UE's uplink transmission switching process is successful.

[0184] In some examples, the preparation time between sending the control message and receiving the uplink message is based on a switching period between frequency bands used for the UE, one or more capabilities of the UE, and a listening period for the UE. In some examples, the listening period includes a time duration or a symbol duration.

[0185] In some examples, the feedback message receiver 1145 may be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: receiving a feedback report associated with the uplink message based on the monitoring. In some examples, to support receiving the feedback report, the feedback message receiver 1145 may be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: receiving an acknowledgment associated with receiving the uplink message via the one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band. In some examples, to support receiving the feedback report, the feedback message receiver 1145 may be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: receiving a negative acknowledgment associated with receiving the uplink grant message via the licensed RF spectrum band.

[0186] Fig.12 A diagram of a system 1200 including a device 1205 supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The device 1205 may be an example of a device 905, a device 1005, or a network entity 105 as described herein, or include components thereof. The device 1205 may communicate with one or more network entities 105, one or more UEs 115, or any combination thereof, which may include communication through one or more wired interfaces, through one or more wireless interfaces, or any combination thereof. The device 1205 may include components that support output and obtain communications, such as a communication manager 1220, a transceiver 1210, an antenna 1215, a memory 1225, a code 1230, and a processor 1235. These components may be electronically communicated or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., bus 1240).

[0187] The transceiver 1210 may support bidirectional communication via a wired link, a wireless link, or both as described herein. In some examples, the transceiver 1210 may include a wired transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wired transceiver. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the transceiver 1210 may include a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. In some examples, the device 1205 may include one or more antennas 1215, which may be capable of (e.g., concurrently) sending or receiving wireless transmissions. The transceiver 1210 may also include a modem for: modulating a signal; providing a modulated signal for transmission (e.g., via one or more antennas 1215, via a wired transmitter); receiving a modulated signal (e.g., from one or more antennas 1215, from a wired receiver); and demodulating a signal. In some implementations, the transceiver 1210 may include one or more interfaces, such as one or more interfaces coupled to one or more antennas 1215 configured to support various receiving operations or obtaining operations, or one or more interfaces coupled to one or more antennas 1215 configured to support various transmitting operations or output operations, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the transceiver 1210 may include or be configured to be coupled to one or more processors or memory components that are operable to perform the following operations: perform or support operations based on received or obtained information or signals; or generate information or other signals for transmission or other output, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the transceiver 1210, or the transceiver 1210 and one or more antennas 1215, or the transceiver 1210 and one or more antennas 1215 and one or more processors or memory components (e.g., processor 1235, or memory 1225, or both) may be included in a chip or chip assembly installed in the device 1205. In some examples, the transceiver may be operable to support communications via one or more communication links (eg, communication link 125, backhaul communication link 120, midhaul communication link 162, fronthaul communication link 168).

[0188] Memory 1225 may include RAM and ROM. Memory 1225 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 1230 including instructions that, when executed by processor 1235, cause device 1205 to perform various functions described herein. Code 1230 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. In some cases, code 1230 may not be directly executable by processor 1235, but may (e.g., when compiled and executed) cause a computer to perform the functions described herein. In some cases, memory 1225 may contain, among other things, a BIOS that may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0189] The processor 1235 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a CPU, an FPGA, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor 1235 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 1235. The processor 1235 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., a memory 1225) to enable the device 1205 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks to support uplink transmission switching for unlicensed bands). For example, the device 1205 or a component of the device 1205 may include a processor 1235 and a memory 1225 coupled to the processor 1235, and the processor 1235 and the memory 1225 are configured to perform the various functions described herein. The processor 1235 may be an example of a cloud computing platform (e.g., one or more physical nodes and supporting software, such as an operating system, a virtual machine, or a container instance) that can host functions (e.g., by executing code 1230) to perform functions of the device 1205. The processor 1235 may be any one or more suitable processors capable of executing scripts or instructions of one or more software programs stored in the device 1205 (such as within the memory 1225). In some specific implementations, the processor 1235 may be a component of a processing system. A processing system may generally refer to a system or a series of machines or components that receive inputs and process these inputs to produce a set of outputs (which may be delivered to, for example, other systems or components of the device 1205). For example, the processing system of the device 1205 may refer to a system including various other components or subcomponents of the device 1205 (such as the processor 1235 or the transceiver 1210 or the communication manager 1220 or other components or combinations of components of the device 1205). The processing system of device 1205 can be docked with other components of device 1205, and can process information (such as input or signal) received from other components or output information to other components. For example, a chip or modem of device 1205 may include a processing system and one or more interfaces for outputting information or for obtaining information or both. One or more interfaces may be implemented as or otherwise include a first interface configured to output information and a second interface configured to obtain information, or the same interface configured to output information and obtain information, as well as other specific implementations. In some specific implementations, one or more interfaces may refer to an interface between a processing system of a chip or modem and a transmitter, so that device 1205 can send information output from the chip or modem.Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, one or more interfaces may refer to an interface between a processing system of a chip or modem and a receiver, such that the device 1205 may obtain information or signal input, and the information may be passed to the processing system. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that a first interface may also obtain information or signal input, and a second interface may also output information or signal output.

[0190] In some examples, bus 1240 can support communications of protocol layers (e.g., within protocol layers) of a protocol stack. In some examples, bus 1240 can support communications associated with logical channels of a protocol stack (e.g., between protocol layers of a protocol stack), which can include communications performed within components of device 1205 or between different components of device 1205 that can be co-located or can be located in different locations (e.g., where device 1205 can refer to a system in which one or more of communication manager 1220, transceiver 1210, memory 1225, code 1230, and processor 1235 can be located in one of the different components or divided between the different components).

[0191] In some examples, the communication manager 1220 can manage aspects of communications with the core network 130 (e.g., via one or more wired or wireless backhaul links). For example, the communication manager 1220 can manage the delivery of data communications for client devices, such as one or more UEs 115. In some examples, the communication manager 1220 can manage communications with other network entities 105 and can include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with the UE 115 in coordination with the other network entities 105. In some examples, the communication manager 1220 can support an X2 interface within an LTE / LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communications between network entities 105.

[0192] According to the examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 1220 may support wireless communications at a network entity. For example, the communication manager 1220 may be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: sending a control message to a UE, the control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band. The communication manager 1220 may be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: monitoring the licensed RF spectrum band and a shared RF spectrum band different from the licensed RF spectrum band for the uplink message. The communication manager 1220 may be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing the following operations: based on the monitoring, according to at least a portion of the scheduling parameter set, receiving the uplink message from the UE via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band.

[0193] By including or configuring a communication manager 1220 according to an example as described herein, the device 1205 can support a technique for receiving an uplink message from a UE based on an uplink transmission switch between a licensed band and an unlicensed band. By enabling the device 1205 to receive uplink transmissions on one or both of a licensed band and an unlicensed band, the techniques described herein can increase signaling throughput, improve spectrum efficiency, and improve resource utilization efficiency. In addition, the device 1205 can support concurrent uplink transmissions via one or both of a licensed band and an unlicensed band, which can reduce latency and improve communication reliability. Enabling the device 1205 to use an unlicensed band for uplink communications can also reduce the use of limited bandwidth availability in the licensed band.

[0194] In some examples, the communication manager 1220 can be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, transmit) using or otherwise cooperating with the transceiver 1210, one or more antennas 1215 (e.g., where applicable), or any combination thereof. Although the communication manager 1220 is illustrated as a separate component, in some examples, one or more functions described with reference to the communication manager 1220 can be supported or performed by the transceiver 1210, the processor 1235, the memory 1225, the code 1230, or any combination thereof. For example, the code 1230 may include instructions that are executable by the processor 1235 to cause the device 1205 to perform various aspects of uplink transmission switching for unlicensed bands as described herein, or the processor 1235 and the memory 1225 may be otherwise configured to perform or support such operations.

[0195] Fig.13 A flowchart illustrating a method 1300 for supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The operations of the method 1300 may be implemented by a UE or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1300 may be implemented by a UE or a component thereof as described in reference to Figures 1 to 8 The described UE 115 may be performed. In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0196] At 1305, the method may include receiving a control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band. The operations of 1305 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1305 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The control message receiver 725 described is executed.

[0197] At 1310, the method may include: based on the scheduling parameter set, performing one or more listening processes for the shared RF spectrum band to detect whether shared resources are available for the uplink message. The operations of 1310 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1310 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The described listening component 730 is executed.

[0198] At 1315, the method may include: based on the results of the one or more listening processes, according to at least a portion of the scheduling parameter set, sending the uplink message via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band. The operations of 1315 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1315 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The described uplink message sender 735 is performed.

[0199] Fig.14 A flowchart illustrating a method 1400 for supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The operations of the method 1400 may be implemented by a UE or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1400 may be implemented by a UE or a component thereof as described in reference to Figures 1 to 8 The described UE 115 may be performed. In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0200] At 1405, the method may include receiving a control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band. The operations of 1405 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1405 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The control message receiver 725 described is executed.

[0201] At 1410, the method may include: performing one or more listening processes for the shared RF spectrum band based on the scheduling parameter set to detect whether shared resources are available for the uplink message. The operations of 1410 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1410 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The described listening component 730 is executed.

[0202] At 1415, the method may include: based on the success result, switching from the licensed RF spectrum band to the shared RF spectrum band, wherein the uplink message is sent via the one or more shared resources based on the switching. The operations of 1415 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1415 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The described switching component 740 is performed.

[0203] At 1420, the method may include: based on the results of the one or more listening processes, according to at least a portion of the scheduling parameter set, sending the uplink message via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band. The operations of 1420 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1420 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The described uplink message sender 735 is performed.

[0204] At 1425, the method may include sending a feedback report associated with the uplink message based on performing the one or more listening processes. The operations of 1425 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1425 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The described feedback component 745 is performed.

[0205] Fig.15 A flowchart illustrating a method 1500 for supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The operations of the method 1500 may be implemented by a network entity or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1500 may be implemented by a network entity or a component thereof as described in reference to Figures 1 to 4 as well as Figures 9 to 12 The network entity described herein may be executed by the network entity described herein. In some examples, the network entity may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the network entity to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the network entity may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0206] At 1505, the method may include: sending a control message to the UE, the control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band. The operations of 1505 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1505 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.11 The described control message sender 1125 is executed.

[0207] At 1510, the method may include monitoring the licensed RF spectrum band and a shared RF spectrum band different from the licensed RF spectrum band for the uplink message. The operations of 1510 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1510 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.11 The monitoring component 1130 described is executed.

[0208] At 1515, the method may include: based on the monitoring, receiving the uplink message from the UE via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band according to at least a portion of the scheduling parameter set. The operations of 1515 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1515 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.11 The described uplink message receiver 1135 is performed.

[0209] Fig.16 A flowchart illustrating a method 1600 for supporting uplink transmission switching for an unlicensed frequency band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by a network entity or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by a network entity or a component thereof as described in reference to Figures 1 to 4 as well as Figures 9 to 12 The network entity described herein may be executed by the network entity described herein. In some examples, the network entity may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the network entity to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the network entity may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0210] At 1605, the method may include: sending a control message to the UE, the control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band. The operations of 1605 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1605 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.11 The described control message sender 1125 is executed.

[0211] At 1610, the method may include monitoring the licensed RF spectrum band and a shared RF spectrum band different from the licensed RF spectrum band for the uplink message. The operations of 1610 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1610 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.11 The monitoring component 1130 described is executed.

[0212] At 1615, the method may include: based on the monitoring, receiving the uplink message from the UE via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band according to at least a portion of the scheduling parameter set. The operations of 1615 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1615 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.11 The described uplink message receiver 1135 is performed.

[0213] At 1620, the method may include: determining that the uplink transmission switching process of the UE is successful based on receiving the uplink message via the one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band. The operations of 1620 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1620 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.11 The described switching component 1140 is performed.

[0214] At 1625, the method may include: receiving a feedback report associated with the uplink message based on the monitoring, wherein the feedback report includes an acknowledgement associated with receiving the uplink message via the one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band. The operations of 1625 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1625 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.11 The described feedback message receiver 1145 is executed.

[0215] The following provides an overview of various aspects of the disclosure:

[0216] Aspect 1: A method for performing wireless communications at a UE, the method comprising: receiving a control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band; performing one or more listening processes for a shared RF spectrum band based at least in part on the scheduling parameter set to detect whether shared resources are available for the uplink message; and sending the uplink message via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band based at least in part on the results of the one or more listening processes according to at least a portion of the scheduling parameter set.

[0217] Aspect 2: A method according to Aspect 1, wherein the result includes a success result indicating that the one or more shared resources are available for the uplink message, and wherein sending the uplink message includes: switching from the licensed RF spectrum band to the shared RF spectrum band based at least in part on the success result, wherein the uplink message is sent via the one or more shared resources based at least in part on the switching.

[0218] Aspect 3: According to the method of Aspect 2, the method further includes: after sending the uplink message, switching from the shared RF spectrum band to the licensed RF spectrum band.

[0219] Aspect 4: A method according to any one of Aspects 2 to 3, wherein the preparation time between receiving the control message and sending the uplink message is at least partially based on a switching period between frequency bands used for the UE, one or more capabilities of the UE, and a listening period corresponding to the one or more listening processes.

[0220] Aspect 5: The method according to aspect 4, wherein the listening period comprises a time duration or a symbol duration.

[0221] Aspect 6: A method according to any one of Aspects 4 to 5, wherein a start time of the switching period corresponds to the UE detecting that the one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band are available for the uplink message.

[0222] Aspect 7: According to any one of aspects 1 to 6, the method further comprises: sending a feedback report associated with the uplink message based at least in part on performing the one or more listening processes.

[0223] Aspect 8: A method according to Aspect 7, wherein sending the feedback report includes: sending a confirmation associated with sending the uplink message via the one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band based at least in part on the result including a success result.

[0224] Aspect 9: The method of aspect 7, wherein sending the feedback report comprises sending a negative acknowledgement based at least in part on the result comprising a failure result.

[0225] Aspect 10: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein up to two transmissions are scheduled for the licensed RF spectrum band and the shared RF spectrum band.

[0226] Aspect 11: A method for performing wireless communications at a network entity, the method comprising: sending a control message to a UE, the control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed RF spectrum band; monitoring the licensed RF spectrum band and a shared RF spectrum band different from the licensed RF spectrum band for the uplink message; and receiving the uplink message from the UE via one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band based at least in part on the monitoring and according to at least a portion of the scheduling parameter set.

[0227] Aspect 12: According to the method of Aspect 11, the method further includes: determining that the uplink transmission switching process of the UE is successful based at least in part on receiving the uplink message via the one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band.

[0228] Aspect 13: A method according to any one of Aspects 11 to 12, wherein the preparation time between sending the control message and receiving the uplink message is at least partially based on a switching period between frequency bands used for the UE, one or more capabilities of the UE, and a listening period used for the UE.

[0229] Aspect 14: The method according to aspect 13, wherein the listening period comprises a time duration or a symbol duration.

[0230] Aspect 15: The method according to any one of aspects 11 to 14, the method further comprising: receiving a feedback report associated with the uplink message based at least in part on the monitoring.

[0231] Aspect 16: The method according to Aspect 15, wherein receiving the feedback report includes: receiving a confirmation associated with receiving the uplink message via the one or more shared resources of the shared RF spectrum band.

[0232] Aspect 17: The method according to any one of Aspect 15, wherein receiving the feedback report includes: receiving a negative acknowledgement associated with receiving the uplink grant message via the licensed RF spectrum band.

[0233] Aspect 18: An apparatus for performing wireless communications at a UE, the apparatus comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10.

[0234] Aspect 19: An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE, the apparatus comprising at least one component for performing the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 10.

[0235] Aspect 20: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a code for wireless communication at a UE, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 10.

[0236] Aspect 21: An apparatus for performing wireless communications at a network entity, the apparatus comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method according to any one of Aspects 11 to 17.

[0237] Aspect 22: An apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity, the apparatus comprising at least one component for performing a method according to any one of aspects 11 to 17.

[0238] Aspect 23: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a network entity, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to any one of aspects 11 to 17.

[0239] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the various operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and other implementations are possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more methods may be combined.

[0240] Although aspects of LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR systems may be described for example purposes, and LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR terminology may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein may also be applicable to networks other than LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR networks. For example, the described techniques may be applicable to various other wireless communication systems, such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, and other systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0241] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and methods. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips mentioned throughout the specification may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

[0242] The various illustrative blocks and components described in conjunction with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, CPU, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0243] The functions described herein may be implemented using hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented using software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes of a computer-readable medium, or sent using a computer-readable medium. Other examples and specific implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hard wiring, or a combination of any of these items. Features that implement the functions may also be physically located at different locations, including being distributed so that the various parts of the functions are implemented at different physical locations.

[0244] Computer-readable medium includes both non-transient computer storage medium and communication medium, and it includes any medium that facilitates computer program to be transmitted from one position to another position.Non-transient storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by general or special-purpose computer.By way of example and not limitation, non-transient computer-readable medium can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disc (CD) ROM or other optical disc storage device, disk storage device or other magnetic storage device, or can be used for carrying or storing desired program code parts and any other non-transient medium that can be accessed by general or special-purpose computer or general or special-purpose processor in the form of instruction or data structure.In addition, any connection is appropriately referred to as computer-readable medium.For example, if software is sent from website, server or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technology such as infrared, radio and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technology such as infrared, radio and microwave are included in the definition of computer-readable medium. As used herein, disks and discs include CDs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, and disks can reproduce data magnetically and discs can reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0245] As used herein (including in the claims), "or" used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items followed by a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive list, so that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). In addition, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step described as "based on condition A" can be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "based at least in part on."

[0246] The term "determining" encompasses a variety of actions, and thus, "determining" may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (such as via looking up in a table, database or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. Additionally, "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data stored in a memory), etc. Additionally, "determining" may include resolving, obtaining, selecting, choosing, establishing, and other such similar actions.

[0247] In the drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference label. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a dash and a second label to distinguish between the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description may apply to any of the similar components having the same first reference label, regardless of the second reference label or other subsequent reference labels.

[0248] The descriptions set forth herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describe example configurations and do not represent all examples that may be implemented or within the scope of the claims. The term "example" as used herein means "used as an example, instance, or illustration," rather than "preferred" or "having advantages over other examples." The specific implementation includes specific details to provide an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0249] The description herein is provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to implement or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be granted the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), the method include: receiving a control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for transmitting an uplink message via a licensed radio frequency spectrum band; performing one or more listening procedures for a shared radio frequency spectrum band to detect whether shared resources are available for the uplink message based at least in part on the set of scheduling parameters; as well as The uplink message is sent via one or more shared resources of the shared radio frequency spectrum band in accordance with at least a portion of the set of scheduling parameters based at least in part on results of the one or more listening processes.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the result comprises a success result indicating that the one or more shared resources are available for the uplink message, and wherein sending the uplink message include: Based at least in part on the successful outcome, switching from the licensed radio frequency spectrum band to the shared radio frequency spectrum band, wherein the uplink message is sent via the one or more shared resources based at least in part on the switching.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: include: After sending the uplink message, switching is performed from the shared radio frequency spectrum band to the licensed radio frequency spectrum band.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein a preparation time between receiving the control message and sending the uplink message is based at least in part on a switching period between frequency bands used for the UE, one or more capabilities of the UE, and a listening period corresponding to the one or more listening processes. The method of claim 4 , wherein the listening period comprises a time duration or a symbol duration.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein a start time of the switching period corresponds to a time at which the UE detects that the one or more shared resources of the shared radio frequency spectrum band are available for the uplink message.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: include: A feedback report associated with the uplink message is sent based at least in part on performing the one or more listening procedures.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein sending the feedback report include: Based at least in part on the results including a success result, sending a confirmation associated with sending the uplink message via the one or more shared resources of the shared radio frequency spectrum band.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein sending the feedback report include: A negative acknowledgement is sent based at least in part on the results including a failure result.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein up to two transmissions are scheduled for the licensed radio frequency spectrum band and the shared radio frequency spectrum band.

11. A method for wireless communication at a network entity, the method include: sending a control message to a user equipment (UE), the control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed radio frequency spectrum band; monitoring the licensed radio frequency spectrum band and a shared radio frequency spectrum band different from the licensed radio frequency spectrum band for the uplink message; as well as Based at least in part on the monitoring, the uplink message is received from the UE via one or more shared resources of the shared radio frequency spectrum band in accordance with at least a portion of the set of scheduling parameters.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: include: Based at least in part on receiving the uplink message via the one or more shared resources of the shared radio frequency spectrum band, it is determined that an uplink transmission switching procedure of the UE is successful.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein a preparation time between sending the control message and receiving the uplink message is based at least in part on a switching period between frequency bands for the UE, one or more capabilities of the UE, and a listening period for the UE. The method of claim 13 , wherein the listening period comprises a time duration or a symbol duration.

15. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: include: A feedback report associated with the uplink message is received based at least in part on the monitoring.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein receiving the feedback report include: An acknowledgement is received associated with receiving the uplink message via the one or more shared resources of the shared radio frequency spectrum band.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein receiving the feedback report include: A negative acknowledgement associated with receiving the uplink message via the licensed radio frequency spectrum band is received.

18. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), the apparatus include: processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receiving a control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for transmitting an uplink message via a licensed radio frequency spectrum band; performing one or more listening procedures for a shared radio frequency spectrum band to detect whether shared resources are available for the uplink message based at least in part on the set of scheduling parameters; as well as The uplink message is sent via one or more shared resources of the shared radio frequency spectrum band in accordance with at least a portion of the set of scheduling parameters based at least in part on results of the one or more listening processes.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the result comprises a success result indicating that the one or more shared resources are available for the uplink message, and wherein the instructions for sending the uplink message are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Based at least in part on the successful outcome, switching from the licensed radio frequency spectrum band to the shared radio frequency spectrum band, wherein the uplink message is sent via the one or more shared resources based at least in part on the switching.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: After sending the uplink message, switching is performed from the shared radio frequency spectrum band to the licensed radio frequency spectrum band.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein a preparation time between receiving the control message and sending the uplink message is based at least in part on a switching period between frequency bands used for the UE, one or more capabilities of the UE, and a listening period corresponding to the one or more listening processes.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the listening period comprises a time duration or a symbol duration.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein a start time of the switching period corresponds to a time at which the UE detects that the one or more shared resources of the shared radio frequency spectrum band are available for the uplink message.

24. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: A feedback report associated with the uplink message is sent based at least in part on performing the one or more listening procedures.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the instructions for sending the feedback report are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Based at least in part on the results including a success result, sending a confirmation associated with sending the uplink message via the one or more shared resources of the shared radio frequency spectrum band.

26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the instructions for sending the feedback report are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: A negative acknowledgement is sent based at least in part on the results including a failure result.

27. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein up to two transmissions are scheduled for the licensed radio frequency spectrum band and the shared radio frequency spectrum band.

28. An apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity, the apparatus include: processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: sending a control message to a user equipment (UE), the control message indicating a set of scheduling parameters for sending an uplink message via a licensed radio frequency spectrum band; monitoring the licensed radio frequency spectrum band and a shared radio frequency spectrum band different from the licensed radio frequency spectrum band for the uplink message; as well as Based at least in part on the monitoring, the uplink message is received from the UE via one or more shared resources of the shared radio frequency spectrum band in accordance with at least a portion of the set of scheduling parameters.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Based at least in part on receiving the uplink message via the one or more shared resources of the shared radio frequency spectrum band, it is determined that an uplink transmission switching procedure of the UE is successful.

30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein a preparation time between sending the control message and receiving the uplink message is based at least in part on a switching period between frequency bands for the UE, one or more capabilities of the UE, and a listening period for the UE.

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