System and method for on / off state control of network nodes

Abstract

Systems and methods for on / off state control of network nodes are presented. A network node can receive state indication information from a wireless communication node. The network node can determine an on / off configuration of the network node in accordance with the state indication information to support signal forwarding of one or more signals between the wireless communication node and a wireless communication device.

Description

[0001] This Divisional Application is a Divisional of the Chinese Patent Application No. 202280082896.5, filed on April 14, 2022, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ON / OFF STATE CONTROL OF NETWORK NODES”. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, including but not limited to systems and methods for on / off state control of network nodes. BACKGROUND

[0003] Coverage is a fundamental aspect of cellular network deployments. Mobile operators rely on different types of network nodes to provide comprehensive coverage in their deployments. As such, new types of network nodes have been considered to improve the flexibility of mobile operator network deployments. For example, certain systems and architectures introduce Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB), which can be enhanced in certain other systems as a new type of network node that does not require a wired backhaul. Another type of network node is a RF repeater that simply amplifies and forwards any signal it receives. RF repeaters have been widely deployed in 2G, 3G, and 4G to supplement the coverage provided by regular full-stack cells. SUMMARY

[0004] The example embodiments disclosed herein are directed to addressing issues related to one or more of the problems set forth in the prior art, as will become apparent in the following detailed description and in conjunction with the drawings. According to various embodiments, example systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, are not exhaustive, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure to the particular embodiments for which they are represented. As such, modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, and the full scope of the disclosure should be defined by the language of the claims that follow, rather than the explanations that are provided herein.

[0005] At least one aspect is directed to a system, method, apparatus, or computer readable medium. A network node (e.g., a smart node (SN)) can receive state indication information from a wireless communication node (e.g., a base station (BS)). The network node can determine an on / off configuration of the network node in accordance with the state indication information to support signal forwarding of one or more signals between the wireless communication node and a wireless communication device (e.g., a user equipment (UE)).

[0006] In some implementations, the on / off configuration includes at least one of: an on / off configuration of the network node; an on / off configuration of a set of network nodes; an on / off configuration of one or more antenna ports of the network node; an on / off configuration of one or more beam indices of the network node; an on / off configuration of one or more serving sectors of the network node; or an on / off configuration of one or more components of the network node. In some implementations, the on / off configuration further includes an on / off configuration of at least one of the following links: a first communication link from the wireless communication node to the network node; a second communication link from the network node to the wireless communication node; a first forwarding link from the wireless communication node to the network node; a second forwarding link from the network node to the wireless communication node; a third forwarding link from the network node to the wireless communication device; or a fourth forwarding link from the wireless communication device to the network node.

[0007] In various implementations, the network node can receive the state indication information from the wireless communication node via signaling. The signaling can include at least one of: downlink control information (DCI) or medium access control control element (MAC CE) signaling, radio resource control (RRC) or operation, management, and maintenance (OAM) signaling. In some cases, in response to receiving the state indication information, the network node can transmit a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) feedback message to the wireless communication node.

[0008] In some implementations, the on / off configuration of the network node can become active at a point in time, which can include: a start time of a next subframe; an end of a subframe in which the network node receives the state indication information; a start time of a next frame; an end of a frame in which the network node receives the state indication information; a start time of a subframe indicated by a system frame number (SFN) signaled with the state indication information; a start time of a frame indicated by the SFN signaled with the state indication information; an end of a system information (SI) window; a point in time at a defined duration after the network node receives the state indication information; a point in time at a first duration after the network node receives the state indication information, where the first duration is based on a capability of the network node; or a point in time at a second duration after the network node receives the state indication information, where the second duration is configured via signaling from the wireless communication node.

[0009] In some implementations, the state indication information can include a 1-bit indication, the 1-bit indication having a first value indicating activation of the signal forwarding or a second value indicating deactivation of the signal forwarding. In some cases, the activation or deactivation state of the signal forwarding can be maintained until a next 1-bit indication indicates a different state. In some cases, at least one of: the activation or deactivation state of the signal forwarding can be configured to become a previous state after a defined time elapses, or the defined duration is configured via DCI, MAC CE, radio resource control (RRC), or operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) signaling.

[0010] In some implementations, at least one of: the state indication information can include a value related to transmit power control of the network node, the value indicating activation of the signal forwarding if the value is at least one of: equal to or greater than a defined value, or the value indicating deactivation of the signal forwarding, or a cumulative value related to transmit power control of the network node by applying the value in the state indication information is at least one of: equal to or greater than a defined value, the value or the cumulative value indicating activation of the signal forwarding, or the value or the cumulative value indicating deactivation of the signal forwarding. In some cases, the defined value is configured via radio resource control (RRC), MAC CE, or operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) signaling. In some aspects, the value can be indicated by a transmit power control (TPC) field in a downlink control information (DCI) field.

[0011] In some implementations, the activation or deactivation state of the signal is configured to become a previous state after a defined time elapses, or the defined duration is configured via downlink control information (DCI), media access control control element (MAC CE), RRC, or OAM signaling.

[0012] In various implementations, the state indication information can include at least one of: a duration indicating a first duration of activation of the signal forwarding or deactivation of the signal forwarding, or a period indicating an alternation between the first duration and a second duration over time, the activation or deactivation state of the signal forwarding of the second duration being opposite to the activation or deactivation state of the signal forwarding of the first duration. In some cases, the state indication information can include at least one of: a ratio or percentage indicating a first duration of activation of the signal forwarding to a second duration of deactivation of the signal forwarding, or a period indicating an alternation between the first duration and the second duration over time.

[0013] In some aspects, the periodicity is activated at a reference time, or at a point in time. In some aspects, the state indication information can include a transmission pattern. In some implementations, the on / off configuration can be implicitly determined by a transmission pattern of at least one of a common signal or a common channel. In some implementations, the state indication information can include an implicit determination. In various implementations, at least one of: the at least one relayed link can be activated within a transmission pattern of a synchronization signal block (SSB) or control resource set (CORESET) #0; the at least one relayed link can be activated within a transmission pattern of a system information block (SIB) #1; the at least one relayed link can be activated within a transmission pattern of a group common physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); or the at least one relayed link can be activated within a transmission pattern of a physical random access channel (PRACH).

[0014] In some implementations, the on / off configuration can be associated with a discontinuous reception mode. In some implementations, the state indication information can indicate a pattern of discontinuous activation of signal relaying. In some cases, at least one of: a duration of a periodicity of the pattern of discontinuous activation of signal relaying, or a duration of an on state or an off state of signal relaying can be configurable. In some implementations, the pattern of discontinuous activation of signal relaying can be associated with a discontinuous reception mode.

[0015] In various implementations, the network node can receive a 1 -bit indication when the network node is operating in the pattern of discontinuous activation of signal relaying. The network node can determine to exit the pattern of discontinuous activation of signal relaying based on the 1 -bit indication. In some aspects, at least one of: if the network node is supporting signal relaying when the 1 -bit indication is received, the network node can continue to support signal relaying at least until a next 1 -bit indication is received, or if the network node is not supporting signal relaying when the 1 -bit indication is received, the network node can activate signal relaying at least until a next 1 -bit indication is received.

[0016] In some implementations, the network node can receive a 1-bit indication and a duration when the network node is operating in a signal forwarding discontinuous activation mode. The network node can determine to exit the signal forwarding discontinuous activation mode for the duration according to the 1-bit indication and resume the signal forwarding discontinuous activation when the duration ends. In various implementations, at least one of: if the network node is supporting signal forwarding when the 1-bit indication is received, the network node can continue to support signal forwarding for the duration and resume the signal forwarding discontinuous activation when the duration ends, or if the network node is not supporting signal forwarding when the 1-bit indication is received, the network node can activate signal forwarding for the duration and resume the signal forwarding discontinuous activation when the duration ends.

[0017] At least one aspect is directed to a system, method, apparatus, or computer- readable medium. A wireless communication node can determine an on / off configuration of a network node to support signal forwarding of one or more signals between the wireless communication node and a wireless communication device according to a condition of the network node.

[0018] In some implementations, the condition of the network node can include at least one of: the network node being in a state prior to entering a radio resource control (RRC) connected state, the network node being in an RRC idle or RRC inactive state, no qualified synchronization signal block (SSB), random access failure, listen before talk failure, radio link failure, beam failure, or a number of retransmissions exceeding a defined threshold.

[0019] At least one aspect is directed to a system, method, apparatus, or computer- readable medium. A wireless communication node can transmit state indication information to a network node to cause the network node to determine an on / off configuration of the network node to support signal forwarding of one or more signals between the wireless communication node and a wireless communication device according to the state indication information.

[0020] The systems and methods presented herein include a novel approach for on / off state control of a network node. Specifically, the systems and methods presented herein discuss novel solutions to improve coverage of a network using a network node (e.g., SN) through various implementations of on / off indication(s). The on / off indication can mitigate / minimize / decrease interference when / during communication between a wireless communication node (e.g., BS) and a wireless communication device (e.g., UE) and improve / enhance / increase energy efficiency, such as when there is no (e.g., scheduled) communication between the wireless communication node and the wireless communication device.

[0021] For example, a wireless communication node can transmit / send / provide / broadcast an on / off status indication to at least one network node. The status of the network node can be determined according to the indication. The status of the network node can be changed based on or according to a time of epoch (e.g., sometimes labeled as “t”) after the network node receives the on / off indication. The on / off indication can comprise at least one of the following: a 1-bit explicit indication, an implicit indication by re-interpreting existing DCI fields, a duration, a periodicity, a percentage, an explicit on / off pattern, and / or an implicit on / off pattern, and other types of indications. Different / varying combinations of these on / off indications, and associated or corresponding methods or implementations for providing the indication(s), can comprise at least the following options or operations:

[0022] Option 1 : 1 -bit explicit indication;

[0023] Option 2: implicit indication by re-interpreting existing DCI fields;

[0024] Option 3: 1 -bit explicit indication and duration;

[0025] Option 4: implicit indication and duration;

[0026] Option 5: periodicity and duration;

[0027] Option 6: periodicity and percentage;

[0028] Option 7: explicit on / off pattern indication;

[0029] Option 8: implicit on / off pattern indication;

[0030] Option 9: discontinuous forwarding (DF) mode; and / or

[0031] Option 10: on / off status determined by the status of the SN. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] Various example embodiments of the present solution are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings. The drawings are for illustration only and are not drawn to scale. They should not be taken to limit the generality, scope, or applicability of the present solution. It should be noted that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale for the sake of clarity and ease of illustration.

[0033] Figure 1 An example cellular communications network in which the technology disclosed herein can be implemented according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown;

[0034] Figure 2 Block diagrams of example base station and user equipment devices according to some embodiments of the disclosure are shown;

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing an example network is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing transmission links between BS to SN and SN to UE is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0037] Figure 5 A tree diagram showing various options for on / off state indication is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0038] Figure 6 An example showing certain options for dynamic indication is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0039] Figure 7 An example showing certain other options for dynamic indication is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0040] Figure 8 An example showing certain options for static indication is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0041] Figure 9 An example showing certain options for pattern-based indication is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0042] Figure 10 An example showing another option for pattern-based indication is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0043] Figure 11 An example showing a combination of options 1 and 9 for on / off indication is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0044] Figure 12 An example showing a combination of options 3 and 9 for on / off indication is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0045] Figure 13 A flow diagram showing an example method for on / off state control of a network node is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] 1. Mobile communication technology and environment

[0047] Figure 1An example wireless communication network and / or system 100 in which the techniques disclosed herein can be implemented is shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following discussion, the wireless communication network 100 can be any wireless network, such as a cellular network or a Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network, and is referred to herein as the “network 100.” Such an example network 100 includes base stations 102 (hereinafter “BSs 102”; also referred to as wireless communication nodes) and user equipment devices 104 (hereinafter “UEs 104”; also referred to as wireless communication devices) that can communicate with each other via communication links 110 (e.g., wireless communication channels), as well as cell clusters 126, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 that cover a geographic area 101. In Figure 1 The BSs 102 and UEs 104 are contained within respective geographic boundaries of the cell 126. Each of the other cells 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 can include at least one base station operating at its assigned bandwidth to provide adequate radio coverage for its target users.

[0048] For example, the BS 102 can operate at an assigned channel transmission bandwidth to provide adequate coverage for the UEs 104. The BS 102 and UEs 104 can communicate via downlink radio frames 118 and uplink radio frames 124, respectively. Each radio frame 118 / 124 can also be divided into subframes 120 / 127, which can include data symbols 122 / 128. In the present disclosure, the BS 102 and UEs 104 are described herein as non-limiting examples of “communication nodes,” which, in general, can practice the methods disclosed herein. According to various embodiments of the present solution, these communication nodes are capable of wireless and / or wired communication.

[0049] Figure 2 A block diagram of an example wireless communication system 200 for transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals (e.g., OFDM / OFDMA signals) is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present solution. The system 200 can include components and elements configured to support known or conventional operational functionality that need not be described in detail herein. In one example embodiment, the system 200 can be used to communicate (e.g., transmit and receive) data symbols in a wireless communication environment, such as the wireless communication environment 100 described above. Figure 1

[0050] ​The system 200 generally includes a base station 202 (hereinafter "BS 202") and a user equipment device 204 (hereinafter "UE 204"). The BS 202 includes a BS (base station) transceiver module 210, a BS antenna 212, a BS processor module 214, a BS memory module 216, and a network communication module 218, each of which is coupled and interconnected to each other as necessary via a data communication bus 220. The UE 204 includes a UE (user equipment) transceiver module 230, a UE antenna 232, a UE memory module 234, and a UE processor module 236, each of which is coupled and interconnected to each other as necessary via a data communication bus 240. The BS 202 communicates with the UE 204 via a communication channel 250, which can be any wireless channel, or other medium suitable for transferring data as described herein.

[0051] As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the system 200 can include any number of modules in addition to those shown in FIG. 1. Figure 2 Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative blocks, modules, circuits, and processing logic described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in hardware, computer-readable software, firmware, or any practical combination thereof. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software depends on the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled persons can implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] According to some embodiments, the UE transceiver 230 can be referred to herein as an "uplink" transceiver 230, which includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and an RF receiver, each of which includes circuitry coupled to an antenna 232. A duplexing switch (not shown) can alternate the uplink transmitter or receiver to be coupled to the uplink antenna in a time duplexed manner. Similarly, according to some embodiments, the BS transceiver 210 can be referred to herein as a "downlink" transceiver 210, which includes an RF transmitter and an RF receiver, each of which includes circuitry coupled to an antenna 212. A downlink duplexing switch can alternate the downlink transmitter or receiver to be coupled to the downlink antenna 212 in a time duplexed manner. The operation of the two transceiver modules 210 and 230 can be coordinated in time such that while the downlink transmitter is coupled to the downlink antenna 212, the uplink receiver circuitry is coupled to the uplink antenna 232 for receiving transmissions over the wireless transmission link 250. Conversely, the operation of the two transceivers 210 and 230 can be coordinated in time such that while the uplink transmitter is coupled to the uplink antenna 232, the downlink receiver is coupled to the downlink antenna 212 for receiving transmissions over the wireless transmission link 250. In some embodiments, there is close timing synchronization between changes in duplex direction, with minimal guard time.

[0053] The UE transceiver 230 and the base station transceiver 210 are configured to communicate via the wireless data communication link 250, and in cooperation with appropriately configured RF antenna arrangements 212 / 232 capable of supporting a particular wireless communication protocol and modulation scheme. In some illustrative embodiments, the UE transceiver 210 and the base station transceiver 210 are configured to support industry standards such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G standards, among others. However, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to application to a particular standard and associated protocols. Rather, the UE transceiver 230 and the base station transceiver 210 can be configured to support alternative or additional wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variants thereof.

[0054] According to various embodiments, the BS 202 can be an evolved Node B (eNB), a serving eNB, a target eNB, a femto base station, or a pico base station, for example. In some embodiments, the UE 204 can be implemented as various types of user equipment such as a mobile telephone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a wearable computing device, etc. The processor modules 214 and 236 can be implemented or realized with a general purpose processor, a content addressable memory, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein. In this manner, the processor can be implemented with microprocessors, controllers, microcontrollers, state machines, or with any other suitable computing device. The processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.

[0055] Furthermore, the steps of the methods or algorithms described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in firmware, in a software module executed by the processor modules 214 and 236, or in any practical combination thereof. The memory modules 216 and 234 can be implemented as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this regard, the memory modules 216 and 234 can be coupled to the processor modules 210 and 230, respectively, such that the processor modules 210 and 230 can respectively read information from, and write information to, the memory modules 216 and 234. The memory modules 216 and 234 can also be integrated into their respective processor modules 210 and 230. In some embodiments, the memory modules 216 and 234 can include a cache memory for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by the processor modules 210 and 230, respectively. The memory modules 216 and 234 can also include a non-volatile storage, respectively, for storing instructions to be executed by the processor modules 210 and 230, respectively.

[0056] The network communications module 218 generally represents the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic and / or other components of the base station 202 that enable two-way communications between the base station transceiver 210 and other network components, as well as communication nodes configured to communicate with the base station 202. For example, the network communications module 218 can be configured to support Internet or WiMAX traffic. In a typical deployment, the network communications module 218 provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface, enabling the base station transceiver 210 to communicate with a conventional Ethernet-based computer network without restriction. In this manner, the network communications module 218 can include a physical interface for connection to a computer network (e.g., a mobile switching center (MSC)). The term "configured to," "arranged to," and variations thereof as used herein with respect to a particular operation or function refers to a device, component, circuit, structure, machine, signal, etc. that is physically constructed, programmed, formatted, and / or arranged to perform the particular operation or function.

[0057] The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model (referred to herein as the "open systems interconnection model") is a conceptual and logical layout that defines network communications used by systems (e.g., wireless communication devices, wireless communication nodes) that are open to interconnection and communication with other systems. The model is divided into seven subcomponents (or layers), each representing a conceptual collection of services provided to the layer above and the layer below. The OSI model also defines a logical network and effectively describes computer packet transmission by using different layer protocols. The OSI model can also be referred to as the seven-layer OSI model or seven-layer model. In some embodiments, the first layer can be a physical layer. In some embodiments, the second layer can be a medium access control (MAC) layer. In some embodiments, the third layer can be a radio link control (RLC) layer. In some embodiments, the fourth layer can be a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. In some embodiments, the fifth layer can be a radio resource control (RRC) layer. In some embodiments, the sixth layer can be a non-access stratum (NAS) layer or an internet protocol (IP) layer, and the seventh layer is other layers.

[0058] Various example embodiments of the present solution will be described with reference to the drawings to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present solution. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that, after reading the present disclosure, various changes or modifications can be made to the examples described herein without departing from the scope of the present solution. Thus, the present solution is not limited to the example embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. Moreover, the particular order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein are merely examples. The particular order or hierarchy of steps disclosed can be rearranged, or other steps can be added, without departing from the scope of the present solution. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the methods disclosed herein are presented by way of example and that the steps or operations can be rearranged, or other steps can be added, without departing from the scope of the present solution.

[0059] 2. System and method for on / off state control of network nodes

[0060] In certain systems (e.g., 5G New Radio (NR), Next Generation (NG) systems, 3GPP systems, and / or other systems), network-controlled repeaters can be introduced as an enhancement to traditional RF repeaters, which have the ability to receive and / or process side control information from the network. The side control information can allow the network-controlled repeaters to conduct / perform / operate their amplify-and-forward operations in a more efficient manner. Certain benefits can include, at least, reduction of unnecessary noise amplification, transmission and reception with better spatial directivity, and / or simplified network integration.

[0061] The network-controlled repeaters can be seen as a stepping stone to Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) nodes, which can adjust the phase and amplitude of received signals to improve / enhance coverage (e.g., network communication coverage). As discussed herein, for simplicity, network nodes (including, but not limited to, network-controlled repeaters, intelligent repeaters, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS), Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) can be referred to, referred to, or provided as a Smart Node (SN) (e.g., network node). For example, the SN can include, correspond to, or refer to a type of network node to assist the BS 102 to improve coverage (e.g., avoid / avoid blockages / obstructions, increase transmission range, etc.). However, since the SNs are not able to sense other SNs, the UEs 104 can be interfered by other SNs, such as for cell-edge UEs.

[0062] To mitigate / minimize / reduce (e.g., unexpected) interference from other SNs, the systems and methods of the technical solutions discussed herein can introduce / provide / utilize on / off control state. With on / off state control, a network (e.g., BS 102) can explicitly or implicitly indicate / provide an on / off state / indication of one or more SNs, thereby mitigating, by one or more SNs (e.g., network nodes), potential impact of interference during communications between BS 102 and UE 104.

[0063] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an example network 300 is shown. As Figure 3 shown, one or more BSs 102A-B (e.g., BS 102) can serve one or more UEs 104A-B (e.g., UE 104) in their cells via respective one or more SNs 306A-B (e.g., sometimes labeled SN(s) 306), such as when there is blocking between BS(s) 102 and UE(s) 104. However, in some cases, signals from SN 306 can interfere with communications of neighboring cells. For example, signals from SN 306A can interfere with communications of a cell associated with UE 104B, and / or signals from SN 306B can interfere with communications of a cell associated with UE 104A. Accordingly, the systems and methods discussed herein can utilize on / off state control of SNs to at least minimize interference of signals of SN 306 between different cells.

[0064] Figure 4 A schematic diagram 400 of transmission links between BS 102 to SN 306 and SN 306 to UE 104 is shown. SN can include or consist of at least two functional parts / components, such as a communication unit (CU) (e.g., SN CU) and a forwarding unit (FU) (e.g., SN FU). For example, SN CU functions / performs similarly to or includes similar features as UE 104 to receive and decode side control information from BS 102. SN CU can be a control unit, a controller, a mobile termination (MT), a part of a UE, a third-party loT device, etc. SN FU can perform intelligent amplify-and-forward operation using the side control information received by SN CU. SN FU can be a radio unit (RU), a RIS, etc.

[0065] As Figure 4 shown, transmission links between BS 102 to SN 306 and SN 306 to UE 104 can define / describe / provide as follows:

[0066] C1: Communication link from SN CU to BS;

[0067] C2: communication link from BS to SN CU;

[0068] F1: forwarding link from SN FU to BS;

[0069] F2: forwarding link from BS to SN FU;

[0070] F3: forwarding link from UE to SN FU; and

[0071] F4: forwarding link from SN FU to UE.

[0072] A communication link can mean or imply that a signal from one party will be detected and decoded by the other party, such that information transmitted in the communication link can be used to control the state of the forwarding link. A forwarding link can imply that a signal from the BS 102 or UE 104 is unknown to the SN FU. In this case, the SN FU can amplify and forward the signal without decoding it. For example, the F1 and F3 links can correspond to or be associated with a full uplink (UL) forwarding link from the UE 104 to the BS 102, where F1 is the SN FU UL forwarding link. Further, the F2 and F4 links can correspond to or be associated with a full DL forwarding link from the BS 102 to the UE 104, where F4 is the SN FU DL forwarding link.

[0073] The on / off operation or indication from the BS 102 can include / have different granularity, such as including at least one of the following cases:

[0074] 1. per SN:

[0075] In some implementations, the BS 102 can indicate on / off signaling (e.g., signaling to the SN 306) to turn on / off one or more SNs 306 (e.g., forwarding functions). In some cases, the BS 102 can indicate on / off signaling to turn on / off one or more groups of SNs 306.

[0076] 2. per link or combination(s) of links (e.g., can be based on the definition of the link):

[0077] In various implementations, the on / off status can correspond to or be indicated for UL forwarding link(s), such as Fl and / or F3. For example, when the UL forwarding link Fl is “off,” the SN FU can only disable the transmission operation, but the SN FU can receive and process received signals (e.g., signals from the UE 104). In some cases, when the UL forwarding links Fl and F3 (e.g., Fl + F3) are “off,” the SN FU can disable both the transmission and reception operations (e.g., UL transmissions from the UE 104 to the SN FU and from the SN FU to the BS 102 can be disabled).

[0078] In some implementations, the on / off status can correspond to downlink DL forwarding link(s) F4 or F2 + F4. For example, when the DL forwarding link F4 is “off,” the SN FU can only disable the transmission operation, but the SN FU can receive and process signals received from the BS 102. Further, when the DL forwarding links F2 and F4 are “off,” the SN FU can disable both the transmission and reception operations.

[0079] In some aspects, the on / off status can correspond to UL and DL forwarding links, such as Fl + F4 or Fl + F2 + F3 + F4. For example, when the forwarding link Fl + F4 is “off,” the SN FU can only disable the transmission operation, but it can receive and process received signals, such as signals from at least one of the BS 102 or the UE 104. Additionally or alternatively, when the DL forwarding link Fl + F2 + F3 + F4 is “off,” the SN FU can disable both the transmission and reception operations of all forwarding links shown in FIG. 3. Other combinations of enabling or disabling (e.g., on / off status of individual links) can be indicated by the BS 102. Figure 4

[0080] 3. As a part of the link:

[0081] In various implementations, the on / off status corresponds to an antenna port. For example, the SN FU can have several antenna ports, and the status information can indicate a status of at least one of the antenna ports. In some cases, the on / off status can correspond to a beam index. For example, the SN FU can include or be associated with several beams. The status information can indicate a status of at least one of the beams, including disabling a partial beam (e.g., such functionality can be obtained according to reconfiguration of beam / TCI information).

[0082] In some aspects, the on / off status corresponds to a sector. For example, similar to a BS sector (e.g., a gNB sector), the SN 306 can serve the UE 104 from different sectors. Each sector can cover a range of the service area.​

[0083] 4. Per FU component:

[0084] In some implementations, the on / off state can be related to a circuit or hardware design of the SN FU. The state information can indicate a state of at least one of these FU components (e.g., circuit or hardware). For example, if the SN 306 is a RIS, the FU component of the SN 306 can be a RIS component, a RIS panel, an amplitude, a phase, etc.

[0085] 5. Per function or combination(s) of functions:

[0086] In various implementations, the signal forwarding can be considered, referred to, or interpreted as a forwarding link and / or a forwarding function. The on / off state can apply to a function of the SN 306. For example, the on / off state can apply to at least one of a communication function and / or a forwarding function. Similar to the granularity per link or combination of links, the functions can be divided / separated as follows:

[0087] Cf1: a communication function from the SN CU to the BS 102;

[0088] Cf2: a communication function from the BS 102 to the SN CU;

[0089] Ff1: a forwarding function from the SN FU to the BS 102;

[0090] Ff2: a forwarding function from the BS 102 to the SN FU;

[0091] Ff3: a forwarding function from the UE 104 to the SN FU; and / or

[0092] Ff4: a forwarding function from the SN FU to the UE 104.

[0093] Similar to per link and / or combination of link(s), in various implementations, the on / off state can correspond to or be indicated for UL forwarding function(s), such as Ff1 and / or Ff3. For example, when the UL forwarding function Ff1 is “off’ / deactivated, the SN FU can only disable the transmit operation, but the SN FU can receive and process received signals (e.g., signals from the UE 104). In some cases, when the UL forwarding functions Ff1 and Ff3 (e.g., Ff1 + Ff3) are “off’, the SN FU is able to disable both transmit and receive operations (e.g., UL transmissions from the UE 104 to the SN FU and from the SN FU to the BS 102 can be disabled), for example.

[0094] In some implementations, the on / off state can correspond to the DL forwarding link(s) Ff4 or Ff2+Ff4. For example, when the DL forwarding link Ff4 is “off,” the SN FU can only disable the transmission operation, but the SN FU can receive and process received signals from the BS 102. Additionally, when the DL forwarding links Ff2 and Ff4 are “off,” the SN FU can disable both the transmission and reception operations.

[0095] In some aspects, the on / off state can correspond to UL and DL forwarding links, such as Ff1+Ff4 and / or Ff1+Ff2+Ff3+Ff4. For example, when the forwarding link Ff1+Ff4 is “off,” the SN FU can only disable the transmission operation, but it can receive and process received signals, such as signals received from at least one of the BS 102 or the UE 104. Additionally or alternatively, when the DL forwarding link Ff1+Ff2+Ff3+Ff4 is “off,” the SN FU can disable both the transmission and reception operations for all forwarding links. Other combinations of enabling or disabling (e.g., on / off states for individual links) can be indicated by the BS 102.

[0096] Example implementation: BS sends state indication (e.g., on / off) to SN, and state (e.g., on / off) of SN Determination according to indication

[0097] Reference Figure 5 depicts a schematic diagram 500 of an example network. As shown, the BS 102 can transmit state indications (e.g., on / off and / or power control values) to one or more SNs 306. The state of the SN 306 can be determined according to the indications from the BS 102. For example, the SN 306 can receive / obtain / acquire the on / off indications (e.g., signaling) from the BS 102. After the SN 306 receives the on / off indications, the SN 306 can determine a pattern of the on / off state(s) for at least one link (e.g., a forwarding link) used to forward signals between the BS 102 and the UE 104. Accordingly, the state of the SN 306 can change in response to or based on a time of an epoch. The time of the epoch can include, but is not limited to, at least one of:

[0098] a start time of a next subframe;

[0099] an end of a subframe in which the SN 306 receives the state indication information (e.g., on / off indications);

[0100] a start time of a next frame;

[0101] an end of a frame in which the SN 306 receives the state indication information;

[0102] a start time of a subframe indicated by a system frame number (SFN) signaled with the state indication information;

[0103] a start time of a frame indicated by the SFN signaled together with the state indication information;

[0104] an end of a system information (SI) window;

[0105] a fixed duration between the SN 306 receiving the state indication information and / or the epoch time (or a time point at a defined duration after the SN 306 receiving the state indication information) which can be at least one of a symbol level, a slot level, or a millisecond level;

[0106] a duration based on a capability of the SN 306 between the SN 306 receiving the state indication information and / or the epoch time (e.g., a time point at a first duration after the SN 306 receiving the state indication information); and / or

[0107] a duration between the SN 306 receiving the state indication information and / or the epoch time (e.g., a time point at a second duration after the SN 306 receiving the state indication information) which is configured by the BS 102 through / at least one signaling from the BS 102, such as operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) signaling, radio resource control (RRC), medium access control control element (MAC CE), and / or downlink control information (DCI).

[0108] As discussed herein, indicating the relationship between the reception time and the epoch time can not be explicitly illustrated, and the arrow pointer can indicate the exact time (e.g., the epoch time) at which the SN 306 changes its state. For example, the epoch time can indicate or represent the time point(s) at which the state of the SN 306 changes from on to off or from off to on.

[0109] The on / off indication (e.g., the state indication information) can include at least one of a 1-bit explicit indication, an implicit indication by re-interpreting an existing DCI field, a duration, a periodicity, a percentage, an explicit on / off pattern, and / or an implicit on / off pattern, etc. As Figure 5 shown, different combinations of the on / off indication and corresponding operations can be provided or implemented based on one or more options. For example, options 1-4 can be associated with dynamic indication, options 5-6 can be associated with static indication, options 7-9 can be associated with pattern-based indication, and option 10 (e.g., and other options) can be associated with certain special conditions, such as discussed herein. In some cases, options of the on / off control or indication operation can be used jointly.

[0110] Example options for dynamic indication

[0111] Referring to Figure 6 FIG. 6 depicts an example 600 of certain options for dynamic indication. For example, Option 1 for dynamic indication can include or correspond to a 1-bit explicit indication. The BS 102 can transmit / send / provide / indicate / signal state indication information (e.g., on / off indication) to the SN 306 (e.g., SN CU), including a 1-bit explicit indication. The 1-bit indication can be provided via at least one of DCI, MAC CE, and / or RRC. The 1-bit indication can have or include a first value (e.g., on indication) indicating activation of signal forwarding, or a second value (e.g., off indication) indicating deactivation of signal forwarding. For example, bit 1 can indicate “on” (e.g., provided at time point 602), and bit 0 can indicate “off” (e.g., provided at time point 604), or vice versa. In this case, the on / off state (e.g., activation or deactivation state of signal forwarding) can remain unchanged or be maintained by the SN 306 until the next 1-bit indication of a different state is received. In some cases, if the signal is provided via DCI, a new DCI field can be defined or configured, such as an on / off state field.

[0112] In another example, Option 2 can include an implicit indication determined by a power control value or a value related to transmit power control of the SN 306 (e.g., TCP command, etc.). The power control value(s) can correspond to at least one of an absolute power control value (e.g., the value can be the exact power used by the SN FU) and / or a bias of power control value (e.g., the bias value can be added to the current power of the SN FU, the accumulated value can be the transmit power of the SN FU). The power control value can include at least one of a DCI field value, an RRC parameter, and / or a MAC CE. The DCI field can re-interpret a TPC command field or define a new DCI field for power control value of the SN 306. For example, if the power control value (e.g., value of DCI field) or accumulated power control value (e.g., value of DCI field added by current power of SN FU) is greater than or equal to a pre-defined / pre-determined value X, the power control value or accumulated power control value can indicate activation of signal forwarding. Otherwise, the power control value or accumulated power control value can indicate deactivation of signal forwarding. The pre-defined value X can be pre-defined / configured / pre-set by / via RRC or OAM signaling.

[0113] In some cases, the predefined value X can be provided / fixed in the specification. In some cases, the predefined value X can be 0, and the power control value or the accumulated power control value can indicate a deactivation of the signal forwarding if the power control value (e.g., the value of the DCI field) or the accumulated power control value (e.g., the value of the DCI field added by the current power of the SN FU) is 0. Otherwise, the power control value or the accumulated power control value can indicate an activation of the signal forwarding. The activation or deactivation status of the forwarding signal can be maintained until the SN 306 receives the next indication indicating a different status.

[0114] Figure 7 An example 700 is shown for certain other options for dynamic indication. Referring to Option 3, the BS 102 can provide a 1-bit explicit indication and a time duration to the SN 306, such as to enable or disable forwarding signals in response to receiving the indication and to revert to the previous status after the time duration. For example, the BS 102 can provide the 1-bit indication via DCI, MAC CE, and / or RRC. Bit 1 can indicate an on / enable / activate status, and bit 0 can indicate an off / disable / deactivate status. In response to receiving / acquiring the indication (e.g., at 702A or 702B), the SN 306 can change its status (or remain the same status) based on the provided 1-bit indication. In addition, the SN 306 can receive a predetermined / defined time duration “t” via DCI, MAC CE, RRC, and / or OAM signaling. The SN 306 can receive the time duration t before, at the same time, or after the 1-bit indication. Thus, after remaining the status (e.g., the activate status) based on the indication, the on / off status of the SN 306 can revert / change / transition to the other status (e.g., the deactivate status) before the 1-bit indication after the time duration t. In some cases, the SN 306 can receive the 1-bit indication for deactivation. Thus, the SN 306 can re-activate after the time duration t. The time duration t can correspond to at least one of a symbol level, a slot level, and / or a millisecond level, etc.

[0115] Referring to Option 4, the BS 102 can provide an implicit indication (e.g., implicit status indication information) and a time duration to the SN 306. The implicit indication can be similar to the implicit indication in Option 2.

[0116] For example, the implicit indication can be determined by a power control value or a value related to the transmit power control of the SN 306 (e.g., TCP command, etc.). The power control value(s) can correspond to at least one of an absolute power control value (e.g., the value can be the exact power used by the SN FU) and / or a bias of the power control value (e.g., the bias value can be added to the current power of the SN FU, the accumulated value can be the transmit power of the SN FU). The power control value can comprise at least one of a DCI field value, an RRC parameter, and / or a MAC CE. The DCI field can re-interpret the TPC command field or define a new DCI field for the power control value of the SN 306. For example, if the power control value (e.g., the value of the DCI field) or the accumulated power control value (e.g., the value of the DCI field added by the current power of the SN FU) is greater than or equal to a pre-defined / pre-determined value X, the power control value or the accumulated power control value can indicate the activation of the signal forwarding. Otherwise, the power control value or the accumulated power control value can indicate the deactivation of the signal forwarding. The pre-defined value X can be pre-defined / configured / pre-set by / via RRC or OAM signaling.

[0117] In some cases, the pre-defined value X can be provided / fixed in the specification. In some cases, the pre-defined value X can be 0, and if the power control value (e.g., the value of the DCI field) or the accumulated power control value (e.g., the value of the DCI field added by the current power of the SN FU) is 0, the power control value or the accumulated power control value can indicate the deactivation of the signal forwarding. Otherwise, the power control value or the accumulated power control value can indicate the activation of the signal forwarding. The activation or deactivation status of the forwarded signal can be maintained until the SN 306 receives the next indication indicating a different status.

[0118] Further, the SN 306 can change the on / off status to the previous status before the implicit indication after a time duration t. The time duration t can be configured by at least one of RRC, OAM, MAC CE, and / or DCI. The time duration t can correspond to at least one of a symbol level, a slot level, and / or a millisecond level, etc.

[0119] Example options for static indication

[0120] Figure 8Examples 800 illustrating certain options for static indication are shown. With reference to Option 5, the BS 102 can provide the status indication information to the SN 306 including at least one of a period and / or a duration. For example, the BS 102 can configure the period and / or the duration via RRC, OAM, MAC CE, and / or DCI. The period can include multiple parts, such as a status “on” pattern / part and a status “off’ pattern. The on / off pattern can repeat until the SN 306 receives the next status indication information (e.g., with a different pattern). The on / off pattern can be allowed per period, e.g., on then off or off then on.

[0121] In a further example, the BS 102 can provide the SN 306 with a duration indicating a first duration of activation of signal forwarding or deactivation of signal forwarding. The BS 102 can provide the SN with a period indicating an alternation between the first duration (e.g., on or off) and a second duration over time, the activation or deactivation status of signal forwarding for the second duration being opposite to the activation or deactivation status of signal forwarding for the first duration. In this case, if the first duration indicates an “on” status, the second duration can indicate a deactivation status or an “off’ status, and vice versa.

[0122] The start time of the periodic on / off pattern can correspond to a defined epoch time, as Figure 5 indicated, or a (e.g., fixed / predefined / configured) reference time, e.g., SFN0 (e.g., system frame number 0), etc. For example, the period of the pattern can be activated at the reference time or at the time point according to the at least one epoch time. The duration can be defined as a duration or period of maintaining the “on” status or the “off’ status. The duration t can correspond to at least one of a symbol level, a slot level, and / or a millisecond level.

[0123] With reference to Option 6, the BS 102 can provide the SN 306 with status indication information including at least a period and a percentage. The BS 102 can configure the period and the percentage via at least one of RRC, OAM signaling, MAC CE, and / or DCI. The period can include, indicate, or be associated with an on / off pattern (e.g., a status “on” part and a status “off’ part). The on / off pattern can repeat until the SN 306 receives the next status indication information (e.g., a different on / off indication or pattern). For example, the repetition can be initiated at the end of the period. The on / off pattern can be allowed per period, such as on then off or off then on. The start time of the periodic on / off pattern can correspond to an epoch time (e.g., a type of epoch time), or a fixed reference time, such as SFN0, etc.

[0124] In various implementations, the state indication information can include a ratio or percentage that indicates a percentage (e.g., a duration) of an“on” state or an“off’ state. For example, if the ratio is 1 / 3“on,” the SN 306 can activate for 1 / 3 of the total time in each cycle and deactivate for 2 / 3 of the total time in each cycle. As such, the cycle can indicate an alternating between an activation duration and a deactivation duration. Any activation or deactivation pattern can be used to turn on or off the SN 306 according to the ratio. For example, as shown in Figure 8 some cases, the SN 306 can turn on at the beginning of the cycle or at 2 / 3 of the duration within the cycle. In some cases, the SN 306 can turn on and off multiple times at any point within the cycle based on the ratio / percentage. For example, the SN 306 can turn on at a first duration, turn off at a second duration, turn on at a third duration, and turn off at a fourth duration. The first and third durations can correspond to the 1 / 3 ratio and the second and fourth durations can correspond to the 2 / 3 ratio.

[0125] Example options for pattern-based indication

[0126] Figure 9 An example 900 is shown for certain options based on pattern-based indication. With reference to Option 7, the BS 102 can provide an explicit on / off pattern (e.g., a transmission pattern included in the state indication information) indication to the SN 306. In this case, the BS 102 can determine / identify the transmission pattern (e.g., the on / off pattern). Once determined, the BS 102 can transmit / send / provide / signal the pattern directly to the SN 306. Subsequently, the SN 306 can determine the on / off configuration for signal forwarding based on the pattern. For example, the BS 102 can determine the explicit on / off pattern based on at least one of a common channel pattern, traffic serving UEs, inter-cell interference level, and / or a time duplexing (TDD) UL / DL pattern, etc.

[0127] For example, the common channel pattern can include at least one of a synchronization signal block (SSB), control resource set (CORESET) #0, a physical random access channel (PRACH), a system information block (SIB) 1, and / or a group common physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Within the SSB and / or CORESET #0 pattern (e.g., DL transmission), at least one of the forwarding links F2 and / or F4 can be activated. Within the SIB1 transmission pattern, at least one of the forwarding links F2 and / or F4 can be activated. Within the group common PDCCH transmission pattern, at least one of the forwarding links F2 and / or F4 can be activated. Within the PRACH pattern, at least one of the forwarding links F1 and / or F3 can be activated.

[0128] In another example, the serving UE can refer to at least one of the UL transmission and / or DL reception signals of the UE can be amplified and forwarded by the SN 306. The pattern can be affected, based on, or according to the specific traffic of the UE 104.

[0129] In a further example, the inter-cell interference level can be measured by the SN 306 (or other SN) within the cell edge or the neighboring cell(s). After the association between the SN 306 and the BS 102 or between the SN 306 and another SN, the BS 102 can analyze the inter-cell interference level and adjust the on / off pattern of the SN 306 accordingly.

[0130] In various examples, the explicit on / off pattern can be based on the TDD UL / DL pattern. For UL / DL symbols and / or slots, the SN 306 can follow the conventional repeater behavior. For example, in UL symbols and / or slots, the forwarding links F1 and F3 can be turned off and the forwarding links F2 and F4 can be turned on. In DL symbols and / or slots, the forwarding links F2 and F4 can be turned off and the forwarding links F1 and F3 can be turned on.

[0131] Further, for flexible symbols, the explicit on / off pattern can depend on or be based on whether the SN 306 supports dynamic TDD. For example, if dynamic TDD is not supported, in flexible symbols or slots, the forwarding links F1-F4 can always be on or off. Otherwise, if dynamic TDD is supported, the on / off status of the SN 306 can be determined by the slot format indication (SFI) in the DCI.

[0132] With reference to Option 8, the BS 102 can provide an implicit on / off pattern indication to the SN 306. In this case, the BS 102 can not transmit a dedicated pattern for the SN 306. Instead, the state indication information (e.g., on / off pattern) can be implicitly determined by a common channel pattern including at least one of SSB, CORESET#0, PRACH, SIB1, group common PDCCH, etc. For example, and similar to the previous example, within the SSB and / or CORESET#0 pattern (e.g., DL transmission), at least one of the forwarding links F2 and / or F4 can be activated. Within the SIB1 transmission pattern, at least one of the forwarding links F2 and / or F4 can be activated. Within the group common PDCCH transmission pattern, at least one of the forwarding links F2 and / or F4 can be activated. Within the PRACH pattern, at least one of the forwarding links Fl and / or F3 can be activated.

[0133] Figure 10 An example is shown for another option for pattern-based indication. With reference to Figure 9 , the BS 102 can define or configure a discontinuous forwarding (DF) mode / operation / configuration for the SN FU. The DF mode can be similar to a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode (e.g., extended-DRX (e-DRX) mode, power saving mode (PSM), etc.) for a legacy UE. In this DF mode, the BS 102 can discontinuously enable the forwarding function of the SN 306, such as for reducing energy consumption and / or mitigating interference. The BS 102 can configure the DF mode configuration via at least one of RRC, OAM signaling, MAC CE, and / or DCI.

[0134] Similar to the DF operation for the legacy UE 104, the DF operation / mode can be controlled by configuring at least one or more of the following parameters (e.g., the parameters can be specified or configured in a legacy DRX operation):

[0135] df-onDurationTimer: duration at the start of the DF period;

[0136] df-SlotOffset: delay before starting the df-onDurationTimer;

[0137] df-InactivityTimer: duration after the PDCCH occasion in which a PDCCH indicates a new UL and / or DL transmission for the MAC entity;

[0138] df-RetransmissionTimerDL (e.g., per DL hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process except for broadcast procedures): maximum duration until a DL retransmission is received;

[0139] df-RetransmissionTimerUL (e.g., per UL HARQ process): the maximum duration until a grant or confirmation for UL retransmission is received;

[0140] df-LongCycleStartOffset: a long DF cycle and df-StartOffset that define the subframe in which the long and / or short DF cycle starts;

[0141] df-ShortCycle: a short DF cycle,

[0142] df-ShortCycleTimer: the duration for which the UE shall follow the short DF cycle;

[0143] df-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL (e.g., per DL HARQ process except for broadcast procedures): the minimum duration before a DL assignment for a HARQ retransmission is expected by the MAC entity;

[0144] df-HARQ-RTT-TimerUL (e.g., per UL HARQ process): the minimum duration before a UL HARQ retransmission grant or confirmation is expected by the MAC entity;

[0145] ps-Wakeup: a configuration to start an associated df-onDurationTimer in case a DCI (DCP) scrambled by a power saving radio network temporary identity (PS-RNTI) with cyclic redundancy check (CRC) is monitored but not detected;

[0146] ps-TransmitOtherPeriodicCSI: a configuration to report periodic CSI of non-layer 1 (L1) reference signal received power (RSRP) on PUCCH for a duration indicated by a df-onDurationTimer in case a DCP is configured but the associated df-onDurationTimer is not started; and / or

[0147] ps-TransmitPeriodicL1-RSRP: a configuration to transmit periodic channel state information (CSI) as L1-RSRP on PUCCH for a duration indicated by a df-onDurationTimer in case a DCP is configured but the associated df-onDurationTimer is not started.

[0148] Furthermore, the DF pattern can be determined by at least one of the following operations / methods:

[0149] 1. The DF pattern can be determined / configured by the BS 102 based on at least one of a common channel pattern, traffic serving the UE 104, inter-cell interference level, and / or TDD UL / DL pattern.

[0150] 1A. The common channel pattern can include at least one of SSB, CORESET#0, PRACH, SIB1, and / or group common PDCCH. For example, within the SSB and CORESET#0 pattern, the forwarding links F2 and F4 can be turned on. Within the SIB1 transmission pattern, the forwarding links F2 and F4 can be turned on. Within the group common PDCCH transmission pattern, the forwarding links F2 and F4 can be turned on. Within the PRACH pattern, the forwarding links F1 and F3 can be turned on.

[0151] 1B. Serving the UE can refer to at least one of the UE’s 104 UL transmission and / or DL reception signal that is amplified and forwarded by the SN 306. Subsequently, the pattern can be affected by the UE-specific traffic.

[0152] 1C. After the association of the SN 306 with the BS 102 or the SN 306 with another SN 306, the SN 306 (or other SN) in the cell edge or neighboring cell can measure the inter-cell interference level. In this case, the BS 102 can analyze / process the inter-cell interference level and adjust the ON / OFF pattern (e.g., status indication information) of the SN 306.

[0153] 1D. The DF pattern can be determined based on the TDD UL / DL pattern. For UL / DL symbols and / or slots, the SN 306 can follow the legacy repeater behavior. For example, in the UL symbols and / or slots, the forwarding links F1 and F3 can be turned off and the forwarding links F2 and F4 can be turned on. In the DL symbols and / or slots, the forwarding links F2 and F4 can be turned off and the forwarding links F1 and F3 can be turned on. For flexible symbols, the explicit ON / OFF pattern can depend on or be based on whether the SN 306 supports dynamic TDD. For example, if dynamic TDD is not supported, then in the flexible symbols or slots, the forwarding links F1-F4 can always be in ON or OFF (e.g., remain in the active state or deactive state). Otherwise, if dynamic TDD is supported, the ON / OFF status of the SN 306 can be determined by the SFI indication in the DCI.

[0154] 2. Different DF periods can be defined in the DF mode, such as a long DF period and / or a short DF period. As Figure 10As shown, the short DF period can be associated with FIG. 1002, and the long DF period can be associated with FIG. 1004. For example, the long DF period can include a larger (e.g., longer, longer, or more extensive) forwarding on duration (e.g., a duration of an active state or a gap until activation of the SN 306) compared to the short DF period. In this case, the forwarding on duration can refer to a duration between active states (e.g., a duration of maintaining an off state). The duration of the period and the forwarding on duration of the period can be configured by the BS 102 to determine different DF periods.

[0155] 3. The DF mode of the forwarding unit (e.g., discontinuous activation of signal forwarding) can be associated with the DRX mode (or e-DRX mode or PSM) of the communication unit. For example, the SN FU can be configured with the DF mode at the same time when the SN CU is in the DRX mode (or e-DRX mode or PSM). Thus, the forwarding state can be activated / turned on / enabled for the SN FU within the active time of the DRX mode of the SN CU. Otherwise, the forwarding state can be turned off / deactivated / disabled, such as outside the active time of the DRX mode of the SN CU.

[0156] Example options for exceptional cases

[0157] In some implementations, such as for Option 10, the status indication information (e.g., on / off status) can be determined by the conditions / parameters / criteria of the SN 306. For example, when the SN CU encounters / identifies / determines / observes poor link quality or is unable to forward data, the forwarding link(s) can be turned off / deactivated / disabled to mitigate potential interference. In addition, the SN FU can be deactivated at the link layer or SN layer when the SN CU is in one or more of at least the following conditions:

[0158] 1) Before the SN 306 enters / handovers to the RRC CONNECTED state (e.g., the SN 306 is in a state such as RRC idle or RRC inactive before entering the RRC connected state): the BS 102 can not send sidelink control information to the SN 306 so that the forwarding link(s) can be deactivated.

[0159] 2) No qualified SSB: During SSB measurement, the RSRP of all SSBs can be below a threshold (e.g., the number of retransmissions exceeds a defined threshold).

[0160] 3) Random access failure: After a random access procedure fails N times (e.g., configurable), the random access procedure can be considered / thought / determined as a random access failure.

[0161] 4) Listen Before Talk (LBT) failure: SN 306 can consider an LBT procedure / operation as an LBT failure after performing LBT (e.g., detecting whether there is a signal in a communication channel or link) but fails N times.

[0162] 5) Radio link failure: A radio link can be considered as a radio link failure when it is judged / determined that the radio link condition is poor.

[0163] 6) Beam failure: SN 306 can detect / determine / identify a beam failure according to RSRP measurement of a reference signal (such as SSB, CSI-RS, etc.) when it is in a beam failure detection (BFD) / beam failure recovery procedure.

[0164] 7) Number of retransmissions exceeds N: It can be for PUSCH / PUCCH.

[0165] Example options for one state indication

[0166] Referring to option 11, BS 102 can provide a status indication to SN 306. BS 102 can configure an on / off or activated / deactivated status of SN FU with a status (“on” or “off” status). BS 102 can provide a status indication via RRC. In this case, the status will not change until RRC reconfiguration or SN 306 receives other dynamic signaling. For example, the status of SN FU can be configured with an “on” status via RRC. SN FU can not change from the “on” status (e.g., remain in the activated state) until RRC reconfiguration or receiving other dynamic on / off indication.

[0167] Referring to option 12, BS 102 can provide a status indication with a time domain index. In this case, the on / off status (e.g., one of activated or deactivated status) of SN FU can be a default status (e.g., a default status of SN FU). BS 102 can configure other status of SN FU via RRC signaling together with a time domain index. For example, the status of SN FU can be defaulted to an “off” status, while an “on” status can be configured via RRC together with a time domain index (e.g., at least one of a frame index, a subframe index, a slot index, a symbol index, and / or an absolute time index (e.g., seconds, milliseconds, etc.)). SN FU can remain or maintain the activated status for the configured time domain duration. Otherwise, such as outside the time domain duration, SN FU can be deactivated or transition back to the default status (e.g., the off status in this example).

[0168] Example options for beam indication association

[0169] In some implementations, referring to Option 13, the BS 102 can send / transmit a beam indication to the SN 306 indicating an implicit determination. When the SN FU is in a first state (e.g., a deactivated state) and the SN CU receives the beam indication (with or without a duration), the beam indication can imply or indicate that the SN FU should switch to a second state opposite the first state (e.g., an activated state). Subsequently, based on the implicit determination, the SN FU can enter the second state.

[0170] For example, when the SN FU is“off’ or deactivated and the SN CU receives a beam indication with a duration from the BS 102, the beam indication can implicitly indicate that the SN FU should be activated or turned on. Subsequently, the SN FU can turn on or be on for the specified duration and change or revert to the“off’ or deactivated state after the duration.

[0171] In another example, when the SN FU is“off’ and the SN CU receives a beam indication with a duration, the beam indication can imply that the SN FU should turn on. Subsequently, the SN FU can remain in an activated state for the duration in response to receiving the indication to be activated and revert to a deactivated state after the duration (e.g., the duration expires).

[0172] In a further example, when the SN FU is deactivated and the SN CU receives a beam indication without a duration, the beam indication can imply that the SN FU should turn on. Subsequently, the SN FU can be activated and remain in an“on’ state for at least a predetermined duration, such as 1 time slot, 1 subframe, 1 frame, or 1 symbol.

[0173] Examples of (one or more) combinations of options

[0174] Example 1

[0175] Figure 11 An example 1100 is shown for a combination of Options 1 and 9 for on / off indication. As discussed herein, one or more options can be used in conjunction (e.g., jointly configured) for configuring an activated or deactivated state of the SN 306, such as a combination of Options 1 and 9.

[0176] For example, as Figure 11As shown, if the SN FU is in the DF mode and the SN CU receives a 1-bit explicit indication (e.g., Option 1), e.g., 1-bit “on”, the SN FU can change from the DF mode to the non-DF mode. Subsequently, if the SN FU is activated upon receiving the indication (e.g., activation indication), the SN FU can remain in the “on” state until the SN 306 receives another (e.g., different) on / off state changing indication. Otherwise, if the SN FU is off upon receiving the indication (e.g., activation indication), the SN FU can be activated. The SN FU can remain on (e.g., remain in the activated state) until the SN 306 receives another on / off state changing indication.

[0177] Example 2

[0178] Figure 12 An example 1200 is shown for a combination of Options 3 and 9 for on / off indication. In various implementations, the combination of Options 3 and 9 can be used for joint configuration. For example, once the SN 306 receives a 1-bit explicit indication and a duration (e.g., Option 3), e.g., 1-bit “on”, the SN FU can change from the DF mode to the non-DF mode for / during the duration provided by the BS 102, when the SN FU is in the DF mode. After the duration ends, the SN FU can change back from the non-DF mode to the DF mode (e.g., vice versa, depending on the configuration). In this case, if the SN FU is activated upon receiving the indication, the SN FU can remain in the activated state for the specified duration. After the duration, the state of the SN FU can be determined by the DF mode pattern. Otherwise, if the SN FU is deactivated upon receiving the indication, the SN FU can be activated. The SN FU can remain in the activated state for the duration. After the duration (e.g., the duration expires), the state of the SN FU can be determined by the DF mode pattern.

[0179] The joint configuration using Options 1 and 9 and Options 3 and 9 are provided for example purposes. Other combinations using the options discussed herein (among other options) can be used for joint configuration to configure the on / off indication of the SN 306. For example, based on Options 8 and 9, when the SN 306 is in the DF mode and the BS 102 configures the implicit determination of the common channel, two patterns (e.g., patterns from Options 8 and 9) can be combined, and the common channel pattern can include a higher priority. For example, the SN 306 can remain / maintain for the duration of the common channel.

[0180] Example 3

[0181] In some implementations, a combination of options 1 and 11 can be used for on / off state configuration. For example, the state of the SN FU can be configured to an active state via RRC by the BS 102. When the SN 306 receives a 1-bit explicit indication (e.g., an “off’ state) via at least one of DCI and / or MAC CE, the state of the SN FU can be changed to a deactivated state until RRC signaling is reconfigured / modified (e.g., retransmitted to the SN 306) or until the SN 306 receives another (e.g., opposite to the deactivated state) dynamic on / off indication. In another example, the state of the SN FU can be configured to an “off’ state by RRC. In this case, when the SN 306 receives a 1-bit explicit indication (e.g., an “on’ state indication) from the BS 102 via at least one of DCI and / or MAC CE, the state of the SN FU can be modified to an active state. The SN FU can remain in the active state until RRC is reconfigured or the SN 306 receives another (e.g., opposite to the active state) dynamic on / off indication.

[0182] Example 4

[0183] In some cases, options 1 and 12 can be combined for on / off configuration. For example, the state of the SN FU can be defaulted to “off’ and an “on’ state can be configured via RRC along with a time domain index (e.g., at least one of a frame index, a subframe index, a slot index, and / or a symbol index). Within the configured time domain index / duration, the SN FU can be in an active state. Otherwise, in this case, the SN FU can remain in the default state or a deactivated state. During the period when the SN FU is in the “off’ state, the state can be changed via a 1-bit explicit on / off indication (e.g., an “on’ state) via at least one of DCI and / or MAC CE.

[0184] Example 5

[0185] In some aspects, options 2 and 12 can be combined for on / off configuration. For example, the state of the SN FU can be defaulted to “off’ and an “on’ state can be configured via RRC along with a time domain index (e.g., a frame index, a subframe index, a slot index, a symbol index, and / or an absolute time index (e.g., seconds, milliseconds, etc.)). During the configured time domain duration / index, the SN FU can be in an active state. Otherwise, the SN FU can be in a deactivated state or a default state. During the “off’ period or when the SN FU is in the deactivated state, the state can be changed via a 1-bit implicit indication (e.g., “on”) configured via DCI, for example.

[0186] Example 6

[0187] In various implementations, options 3 and 12 can be combined for on / off configuration. For example, the state of the SN FU can default to an “off’ state and the “on” state can be configured via RRC along with a time domain index (e.g., at least one of a frame index, a subframe index, a slot index, a symbol index, and / or an absolute time index (e.g., seconds, milliseconds, etc.)). Within the configured time domain duration / index, the SN FU can be in an active state. Otherwise, the SN FU can be in a deactivated state outside the time domain duration. During the “off’ or deactivated period, the state can be changed to “on” for a duration via at least one of DCI and / or MAC CE with a 1-bit explicit on / off indication (e.g., “on”). The duration can be configured via RRC, OAM signaling, MAC CE, and / or DCI.

[0188] Example 7

[0189] In some embodiments, options 1 and 7 can be combined for on / off configuration / indication. For example, when the SN FU is configured with a pattern, the pattern can not be applied to the SN FU if the SN CU receives a 1-bit explicit indication, such as a 1-bit “on.” In some cases, if the SN FU is in an active state at the time of receiving the indication, the SN FU can remain in the active state until the SN 306 receives an indication to change the on / off state (e.g., an indication of a state opposite to the previous state). Otherwise, if the SN FU is in a deactivated state at the time of receiving the indication, the SN FU can be activated. The SN FU can remain or stay in the active state until the SN 306 receives another indication to change the on / off state.

[0190] Example 8

[0191] In various aspects, options 3 and 7 can be combined for on / off configuration. For example, when the SN FU is configured with a pattern, the pattern can not be applied to the SN FU for a (e.g., predetermined / specified) duration if the SN CU receives a 1-bit explicit indication, such as a 1-bit “on” indication. The SN FU can reuse the pattern after the duration expires or ends. In some cases, if the SN FU is in an on state at the time of receiving the indication, the SN FU can remain in the active state for the duration. After the duration, the state of the SN FU can be determined based on the configured pattern. In some other cases, if the SN FU is in an off state at the time of receiving the indication, the SN FU can be activated. The SN FU can remain in the active state for the duration. After the duration, the state of the SN FU can be determined based on the configured pattern.

[0192] Reference is now made to Figure 13 , Figure 13 A flow diagram illustrating a method 1300 of on / off state control for a network node is shown. The method 1300 can be implemented using any of the components and devices detailed herein in connection with Figures 1 to 12 , in general, the method 1300 can include transmitting state indication information (1302). The method 1300 can include receiving state indication information (1304). The method 1300 can include determining an on / off configuration (1306).

[0193] Reference is now made to operation (1302), and in some implementations, a wireless communication node (e.g., a BS or gNB) can transmit / provide / status indication information (e.g., an on / off indication) to a network node (e.g., a SN). By transmitting the state indication information, the BS 102 can cause the network node to determine an on / off configuration of the network node (e.g., corresponding to a forwarding link and / or a forwarding function) to support signal forwarding of one or more signals between the wireless communication node and a wireless communication device (e.g., a UE).

[0194] Reference is now made to operation (1304), and in some implementations, the network node can receive the state indication information from the wireless communication node. For example, the network node can receive the state indication information from the wireless communication node via signaling including at least one of: downlink control information (DCI) or medium access control control element (MAC CE) signaling, radio resource control (RRC), and / or operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) signaling.

[0195] In some implementations, in response to receiving the state indication information, the network node can transmit / transmit / respond to the wireless communication node. For example, in response to receiving the state indication information, the network node can transmit a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) feedback message. The feedback behavior of the network node can correspond to a function controlled by the wireless communication node (e.g., a feedback function configured by the wireless communication node). The function can be based on a network node capability report. For example, the state indication information can be carried in a MAC CE and / or RRC via a PDSCH, and the corresponding feedback can be a HARQ-ACK message via a PUCCH / PUSCH. In another example, the state indication information can be carried in a DCI via a PDCCH, and the corresponding feedback can be a HARQ-ACK message via a PUCCH. In another example, the state indication information can be carried in a DCI via a PDCCH, and the corresponding feedback can be a HARQ-ACK message carried via a PUSCH.

[0196] Referring now to operation (1306), and in some implementations, the network node can determine an on / off configuration of the network node to support signal forwarding of one or more signals between the wireless communication node and the wireless communication device according to the status indication information.

[0197] In some implementations, the on / off configuration can include at least one of: an on / off configuration of the network node; an on / off configuration of a group of network nodes; an on / off configuration of one or more antenna ports of the network node; an on / off configuration of one or more beam indices of the network node; an on / off configuration of one or more serving sectors of the network node; and / or an on / off configuration of one or more components of the network node. In various implementations, the on / off configuration can include an on / off configuration of at least one of the following links: a first communication link (e.g., a C2 link) from the wireless communication node to the network node; a second communication link (e.g., a Cl link) from the network node to the wireless communication node; a first forwarding link (e.g., a F2 link) from the wireless communication node to the network node; a second forwarding link (e.g., a Fl link) from the network node to the wireless communication node; a third forwarding link (e.g., a F4 link) from the network node to the wireless communication device; and / or a fourth forwarding link (e.g., a F3 link) from the wireless communication device to the network node.

[0198] In some cases, the on / off configuration of the network node becomes active at a point in time (e.g., a time epoch). The point in time can include at least one of: a start time of a next subframe; an end of a subframe in which the network node receives the status indication information; a start time of a next frame; an end of a frame in which the network node receives the status indication information; a start time of a subframe indicated by a system frame number (SFN) signaled with the status indication information; a start time of a frame indicated by a SFN signaled with the status indication information; an end of a system information (SI) window; a point in time at a defined duration (e.g., defined in a standard, in units of symbols, slots, or milliseconds) after the network node receives the status indication information; a point in time at a first duration after the network node receives the status indication information, where the first duration is based on a capability of the network node; or a point in time at a second duration after the network node receives the status indication information, where the second duration is configured via signaling (e.g., at least one of OAM signaling, RRC, MAC CE, and / or DCI) from the wireless communication node.

[0199] In some implementations, the status indication information can include a 1-bit indication (e.g., Option 1 and / or 3). The 1-bit indication can include / have a first value (e.g., bit 1) indicating activation of signal forwarding, or a second value (e.g., bit 0) indicating deactivation of signal forwarding. In some cases, the status of activation or deactivation of signal forwarding can be maintained until the next 1-bit indication indicates a different status (e.g., a status different from the status of activation or deactivation). In certain aspects, at least one of the following: the status of activation or deactivation of signal forwarding can be configured to become the previous status after a defined time elapses, or a defined duration (e.g., in symbols, slots, or milliseconds) can be configured via DCI, MAC CE, radio resource control (RRC), or operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) signaling.

[0200] In certain implementations, at least one of the following: the status indication information can include a value related to transmit power control of the network node, the value can indicate activation of signal forwarding if the value is at least one of: equal to or greater than a defined value, or the value can indicate deactivation of signal forwarding, and / or the value or a cumulative value related to transmit power control of the network node by applying the value in the status indication information can indicate activation of signal forwarding if the value or the cumulative value is at least one of: equal to or greater than a defined value, or the value or the cumulative value can indicate deactivation of signal forwarding (e.g., Option 2). In some cases, the defined value can be configured via radio resource control (RRC), MAC CE, or operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) signaling. In some aspects, the value can be indicated by a transmit power control (TPC) field in a downlink control information (DCI) field.

[0201] In some implementations, the status of activation or deactivation of signal forwarding can be configured to become the previous status after a defined time (e.g., a predetermined duration) elapses, and / or a defined duration (e.g., in symbols, slots, or milliseconds) is configured via downlink control information (DCI), media access control control element (MAC CE), RRC, or OAM signaling (e.g., Option 4).

[0202] In some implementations, the status indication information can include at least one of: a duration indicating a first duration of activation of signal forwarding or deactivation of signal forwarding, and / or a periodicity indicating alternating between the first duration and a second duration over time (e.g., Option 5), the status of activation or deactivation of signal forwarding for the second duration being opposite to the status of activation or deactivation of signal forwarding for the first duration. In some implementations, the status indication information can include at least one of: a ratio or percentage indicating a first duration of activation of signal forwarding to a second duration of deactivation of signal forwarding, and / or a periodicity indicating alternating between the first duration and the second duration over time (e.g., Option 6). The periodicity can be activated at a reference time, or at least one specific time point (e.g., epoch time).

[0203] In some cases, the status indication information can include a transmission pattern (e.g., Option 7). For example, the network node can receive / obtain / identify a transmission pattern from the wireless communication node. The pattern can be determined based on a common channel configurable by the wireless communication node. Further, the pattern can also be based on at least one of a service traffic of a wireless communication device (e.g., UE), an inter-cell interference level, and the like.

[0204] In certain aspects, the on / off configuration can be implicitly determined by a transmission pattern of at least one of a common signal or a common channel (e.g., Option 8). For example, the wireless communication node can transmit / provide / send the common channel or signal to the network node. Subsequently, the network node can determine the on / off pattern based on the common channel. The status indication can be an enabler of the implicit determination. In some embodiments, the implicit determination can be included in the status indication information, or directly specified in the specification. In some cases, the status indication information can include the implicit determination.

[0205] In some implementations, in connection with the implicit determination of the on / off configuration, at least one of: at least one forwarding link can be activated within a transmission pattern of a synchronization signal block (SSB) or control resource set (CORESET) #0; at least one forwarding link can be activated within a transmission pattern of a system information block (SIB) #1; at least one forwarding link can be activated within a transmission pattern of a group common physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); and / or at least one forwarding link can be activated within a transmission pattern of a physical random access channel (PRACH). In certain cases, the on / off configuration can be associated with a discontinuous reception mode.

[0206] In various implementations, the status indication information can indicate a mode of discontinuous activation of signal forwarding (e.g., discontinuous forwarding (DF)). At least one of the following can be configurable (e.g., by the wireless communication node): a duration of a period of the mode of discontinuous activation of signal forwarding, or a duration of an on state or an off state of signal forwarding. In some cases, the mode of discontinuous activation of signal forwarding (e.g., DF) can be associated with a discontinuous reception mode.

[0207] In some implementations, the network node can receive a 1-bit indication when the network node is operating in the mode of discontinuous activation of signal forwarding (e.g., DF). The network node can determine to exit the mode of discontinuous activation of signal forwarding (e.g., DF) based on the 1-bit indication. In some cases, at least one of the following: if the network node is supporting signal forwarding when the 1-bit indication is received, the network node can continue to support signal forwarding at least until a next 1-bit indication is received, and / or if the network node is not supporting signal forwarding when the 1-bit indication is received, the network node can activate / enable signal forwarding at least until a next 1-bit indication (e.g., a combination of options 1 and 9) is received.

[0208] In some embodiments, the network node can receive a 1-bit indication and a duration when the network node is operating in the mode of discontinuous activation of signal forwarding (e.g., DF). In this case, the network node can determine to exit the mode of discontinuous activation of signal forwarding for the duration based on the 1-bit indication. Further, the network node can resume discontinuous activation of signal forwarding (e.g., DF) when the duration ends. In certain aspects, at least one of the following: if the network node is supporting signal forwarding when the 1-bit indication is received, the network node can continue to support signal forwarding for the duration and resume the mode of discontinuous activation of signal forwarding (e.g., DF) when the duration ends, and / or if the network node is not supporting signal forwarding when the 1-bit indication is received, the network node can activate signal forwarding for the duration and resume the mode of discontinuous activation of signal forwarding (e.g., DF) when the duration ends.

[0209] In various implementations, the wireless communication node determines an on / off configuration of the network node (e.g., corresponding to a forwarding link and / or a forwarding function) in accordance with a condition of the network node to support signal forwarding of one or more signals between the wireless communication node and the wireless communication device. In certain implementations, the condition of the network node includes at least one of: the network node being in a state prior to entering a radio resource control (RRC) connected state, the network node being in an RRC idle or RRC inactive state, no qualified synchronization signal block (SSB), random access failure, listen before talk failure, radio link failure, beam failure, and / or a number of retransmissions exceeding a defined threshold.

[0210] While various embodiments of the present solution have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not in limitation. Likewise, while various diagrams can have been used to describe example architectures or configurations, these diagrams are provided as examples only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present solution. It should be understood that the present solution can be implemented in various forms of hardware, software, or combinations thereof, and that the examples described above have been chosen for the convenience of description. Further, one or more features of one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment. Also, it should be understood that the present solution is not limited to the example architectures or configurations described above, but can use various alternative architectures and configurations. Furthermore, it should be understood that the various features described above can be combined in any combination, while maintaining the novelty and utility of the present solution.

[0211] It should also be understood that any reference to an element herein using a designation such as "first," "second," and so forth does not limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations can be used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to first and second elements does not mean that only two elements can be employed, or that the first element must precede the second element.

[0212] In addition, it should be understood that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols that can be referenced throughout the above description can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0213] Those of skill would further appreciate that any of the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, processors, means, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware (e.g., a digital implementation, an analog implementation, or a combination of the two), firmware, various forms of program or design code incorporating instructions (which can be referred to herein, for convenience, as "software" or a "software module"), or any combination of these. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware or software, or any combination thereof, depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans can implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0214] In addition, those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithms described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans can implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0215] If implemented in software, the functions can be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Therefore, the steps of a method or algorithm disclosed herein can be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program or code from one place to another. Storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, functional computer- readable media that stores program code in a modulated data signal, such as carrier waves or other transport mechanism, can be utilized to

[0216] In this document, the terms "module" as used herein, refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination thereof, for

[0217] Further, memory or other storage devices and communication components can be used in embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that, for clarity, the above description has described embodiments of the present solution with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, processing logic elements or domains can be used without detracting from the present disclosure. For example, functionality illustrated to be performed by separate processing logic elements or controllers can be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Hence, references to specific functional units are only to be seen as references to suitable means for providing the described functionality, rather than indicative of a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0218] Various modifications to the embodiments described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein and made apparent to others skilled in the art by the teachings herein.

Claims

1. A method of communication, comprising: receiving, by a smart node communication unit (SN CU) from a base station (BS), a beam indication for one or more beams with a duration, wherein receiving the beam indication indicates to activate a SN forwarding unit (SN FU) of the SN to an on state to at least support signal transmission to or reception from a user equipment (UE) within the duration; and in response to receiving the beam indication, activating, by the SN CU, the SN FU to maintain the SN FU in the on state for the duration.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising: deactivating the SN FU to an off state outside the duration.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The duration corresponds to a symbol level.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The beam indication with the duration is received from the BS via at least one of radio resource control (RRC) signaling or downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein, Deactivating the SN FU to the off state outside the duration includes disabling transmission and reception operations of the SN FU outside the duration.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, Maintaining the SN FU in the on state for the duration includes enabling signal forwarding of the SN FU until the SN FU is deactivated to an off state.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, Deactivating the SN FU to an off state in response to the SN being in a radio resource control (RRC) idle state.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, The SN includes a network controlled repeater and the SN CU is a mobile terminal (MT).

9. A smart node communication unit (SN CU), comprising: at least one processor configured to: receive, via a receiver of the SN CU from a base station (BS), a beam indication for one or more beams with a duration, wherein receiving the beam indication indicates to activate a SN forwarding unit (SN FU) of the SN to an on state to at least support signal transmission to or reception from a user equipment (UE) within the duration; and in response to receiving the beam indication, activate the SN FU to maintain the SN FU in the on state for the duration.

10. The SN CU of claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: deactivate the SN FU to an off state outside the duration.

11. The SN CU of claim 9, wherein, The duration corresponds to a symbol level.

12. The SN CU of claim 9, wherein, The beam indication with the duration is received from the BS via at least one of radio resource control (RRC) signaling or downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

13. The SN CU of claim 10, wherein, To deactivate the SN FU to the off state outside the duration, the at least one processor is configured to disable transmission and reception operations of the SN FU outside the duration.

14. The SN CU of claim 9, wherein, To maintain the SN FU in the on state for the duration, the at least one processor is configured to enable signal forwarding of the SN FU until the SN FU is deactivated to an off state.

15. The SN CU of claim 9, wherein, in response to the SN comprising the SN CU being in a radio resource control, RRC, idle state, deactivating the SN forwarding unit, SN FU, to an off state.

16. The SN CU of claim 9, wherein, The SN comprising the SN CU comprises a network-controlled relay, and the SN CU is a mobile terminal, MT.

17. A base station comprising: at least one processor configured to: transmit, via a transmitter, a beam indication for one or more beams with a time duration to a smart node communication unit, SN CU, wherein transmitting the beam indication indicates to activate a SN forwarding unit, SN FU, of the SN to an on state to at least support signal transmission to or reception from a user equipment, UE, during the time duration; and wherein in response to receiving the beam indication, the SN CU activates the SN FU to maintain the SN FU in the on state for the time duration.

18. The base station of claim 17, wherein the SN FU is deactivated to an off state outside the time duration.

19. The base station of claim 17, wherein, The time duration corresponds to a symbol level.

20. The base station of claim 17, wherein, The SN comprising the SN CU comprises a network-controlled relay, and the SN CU is a mobile terminal, MT.

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