Method and procedure for narrowband LTE operation

Abstract

Disclosed are methods and processes for narrowband (NB) LTE operation, in particular systems, methods, and tools for narrowband (NB) LTE operation. The WTRU may receive a first downlink data transmission, e.g., via a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). In response to receiving the first downlink data transmission, the WTRU may determine to transmit a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgement (ACK). The WTRU may transmit a first uplink reference signal. The WTRU may indicate the HARQ-ACK using a first cyclic shift index applied to the first uplink reference signal. The WTRU may determine to transmit a HARQ negative ACK (HARQ NACK), for example, in a case where the second downlink data transmission is not correctly received. The WTRU may transmit a second uplink reference signal. The WTRU may indicate the HARQ-NACK using a second cyclic shift applied to a second uplink reference signal.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 202210143831.9, titled "Methods and Procedures for Narrowband LTE Operation", with a filing date of November 4, 2016, and this application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201680063776.5, titled "Methods and Procedures for Narrowband LTE Operation", filed on November 4, 2016, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Cross - reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of the following applications: U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 250,798, filed on November 4, 2015; U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 272,835, filed on December 30, 2015; U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 290,630, filed on February 3, 2016; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 307,856, filed on March 14, 2016; the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background of the Invention

[0004] As wireless communication systems such as Long - Term Evolution (LTE) systems mature and their network deployments evolve, network operators want to reduce the costs of communication networks and communication network maintenance. By reducing the channel bandwidth and / or data rate used to communicate with one or more devices, the cost of the communication network can be reduced. For example, a device in the network and / or the network itself may only support a portion of the channel bandwidth rather than the entire channel bandwidth when communicating with such devices. A wireless communication system (e.g., LTE) can consider reducing the bandwidth for some devices, such as Machine - Type Communication (MTC) devices, to a certain level (e.g., 1.4 MHz). The considered bandwidth reduction level can have higher compatibility with legacy systems, and / or can reduce the time and / or cost of new designs (as an example, because LTE cells can already support operation using a 1.4 MHz system bandwidth). Further bandwidth reduction is desirable for some devices (such as smartwatches and alarm clocks), thereby reducing costs even further. Further bandwidth reduction (e.g., down to approximately 200 kHz) is achievable. However, attempting to support bandwidth - reduced operations can create complications, such as issues related to compatibility with legacy system operations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Disclosed are systems, methods, and tools for narrowband (NB) LTE operation. NB operation is available for devices that support operation using a portion of the cell / system bandwidth. For example, an NB device may be configured to operate in a cell with a transmission bandwidth greater than the first bandwidth (e.g., 1.4 MHz, 200 kHz, etc.) using a first bandwidth (e.g., 10 MHz, 20 MHz, etc.).

[0006] A WTRU may receive a first downlink data transmission, e.g., via a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). In response to receiving the first downlink data transmission, the WTRU may determine to send a Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) ACKnowledgment (ACK). The WTRU may transmit a first uplink signal (e.g., an uplink reference signal). The WTRU may use (e.g., apply) a first cyclic shift index of a first sequence of the first uplink signal to indicate the HARQ-ACK. The first cyclic shift index may be applied to multiple reference signals spanning multiple uplink Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) symbols. The first downlink data transmission may be received in a first subframe. The first uplink signal may be transmitted in a second subframe. The first uplink signal may be an uplink reference signal corresponding to a Demodulation Reference Signal (DM-RS) or a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS). The first uplink reference signal may be transmitted via a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

[0007] The WTRU may determine to send a HARQ Negative ACK (HARQ NACK), e.g., in the case where a second downlink data transmission is not correctly received. The WTRU may transmit a second uplink signal (e.g., a second uplink reference signal). The WTRU may use (e.g., apply) a second cyclic shift of a second sequence of the second uplink signal to indicate the HARQ-NACK. The first sequence and the second sequence may use the same basic sequence. The basic sequence may be a Zadoff-Chu sequence. The first cyclic shift index may be different from the second cyclic shift index. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1A is a system diagram of an example communication system in which one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be implemented.

[0009] Figure 1B is within Figure 1A shown is a system diagram of an example Wireless Transmit / Receive Unit (WTRU) that may be used within the communication system shown.

[0010] Figure 1C is within Figure 1ASystem diagram of an example radio access network and an example core network used inside the shown communication system.

[0011] Figure 1D is one that can be used inside Figure 1A System diagram of another example radio access network and an example core network used inside the shown communication system.

[0012] Figure 1E is one that can be used inside Figure 1A System diagram of another example radio access network and an example core network used inside the shown communication system.

[0013] Figure 2 Diagram of an example mapping to physical resource blocks for PUCCH.

[0014] Figure 3 Diagram of an example UCI and UL-SCH multiplexing in PUSCH.

[0015] Figure 4 Diagram of an example mapping to physical resource blocks for PUCCH.

[0016] Figure 5 Diagram of an example extended subframe (E-subframe).

[0017] Figure 6 Diagram of an example E-subframe.

[0018] Figure 7 Diagram of an example E-subframe where each frame has four available DL subframes.

[0019] Figure 8 Diagram of an example symbol extension.

[0020] Figure 9 Diagram of an example sub-block transmission of a narrowband master information block (NB-MIB).

[0021] Figure 10 Diagram of an example of multiple permutation sequences for sub-blocks.

[0022] Figure 11 Diagram of an example time extension of UCI on PUSCH when Msub = Nsub.

[0023] Figure 12 Diagram of an example time extension of UCI on PUSCH when Msub < Nsub.

[0024] Figure 13 Diagram of an example time extension of UCI on PUSCH when Msym < Nsub.

[0025] Figure 14 It is an illustration of an example HARQ-ACK transmission in an uplink pilot time slot (UpPTS).

[0026] Figure 15 It is an illustration of example modulation symbols for HARQ-ACK transmission.

[0027] Figure 16 It is an illustration of an example HARQ-ACK channel in an UpPTS with two symbols.

[0028] Figure 17 It is an illustration of an example HARQ-ACK channel in an UpPTS with one symbol.

[0029] Figure 18 It is an illustration of the multiplexing of example HARQ-ACK information and RS in a symbol. Detailed implementation manners

[0030] The detailed implementation manners of the illustrative embodiments will now be described with reference to different drawings. Although this specification provides detailed examples of possible implementation manners, it should be noted that these details should be exemplary and should not limit the scope of the present application.

[0031] Figure 1A It is an illustration of an example communication system 100 in which one or more disclosed embodiments can be implemented. The communication system 100 can be a multi-access system that provides voice, data, video, messaging, broadcasting, and other content for multiple wireless users. The communication system 100 allows multiple wireless users to access such content by sharing system resources including wireless bandwidth. As an example, the communication system 100 can use one or more channel access methods, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), single carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), and so on.

[0032] As Figure 1AAs shown, the communication system 100 may include wireless transmit / receive units (WTRUs) 102a, 102b, 102c, and / or 102d (collectively generally referred to as WTRU 102), radio access networks (RANs) 103 / 104 / 105, core networks 106 / 107 / 109, public switched telephone network (PSTN) 108, Internet 110, and other networks 112. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments contemplate any number of WTRUs, base stations, networks, and / or network components. Each of WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may be any type of device configured to operate and / or communicate in a wireless environment. For example, WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may be configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals and may include user equipment (UE), mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, pager, cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), smart phone, laptop computer, netbook, personal computer, wireless sensor, consumer electronic device, and so on.

[0033] The communication system 100 may also include base stations 114a and 114b. Each of base stations 114a, 114b may be any type of device configured to facilitate access to one or more communication networks by wirelessly interfacing with at least one of WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, and the networks may be core networks 106 / 107 / 109, Internet 110, and / or network 112. By way of example, base stations 114a, 114b may be base transceiver stations (BTSs), Node Bs, eNode Bs, home Node Bs, home eNode Bs, site controllers, access points (APs), wireless routers, and so on. Although each base station 114a, 114b is described as a single component, it should be understood that base stations 114a, 114b may include any number of interconnected base stations and / or network components.

[0034] Base station 114a may be part of RAN 103 / 104 / 105, and the RAN may also include other base stations and / or network components (not shown), such as base station controllers (BSCs), radio network controllers (RNCs), relay nodes, and so on. Base station 114a and / or base station 114b may be configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals within a particular geographic area known as a cell (not shown). The cell may be further divided into cell sectors. For example, the cell associated with base station 114a may be divided into three sectors. Thus, in one embodiment, base station 114a may include three transceivers, that is, each transceiver corresponds to one sector of the cell. In another embodiment, base station 114a may use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology, whereby multiple transceivers may be used for each sector of the cell.

[0035] Base stations 114a, 114b can communicate with one or more of WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d via air interfaces 115 / 116 / 117, which can be any suitable wireless communication link (e.g., radio frequency (RF), microwave, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), visible light, etc.). The air interfaces 115 / 116 / 117 can be established using any suitable radio access technology (RAT).

[0036] More specifically, as described above, the communication system 100 can be a multiple access system and can use one or more channel access schemes such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA, etc. For example, the base station 114a in RANs 103 / 104 / 105 can implement a radio technology such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) with the air interfaces 115 / 116 / 117 established using Wideband CDMA (WCDMA). WCDMA can include communication protocols such as High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) and / or Evolved HSPA (HSPA+). HSPA can include High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) and / or High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA).

[0037] In another embodiment, the base station 114a can implement a radio technology such as Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) with the air interfaces 115 / 116 / 117 established using Long Term Evolution (LTE) and / or Advanced LTE (LTE-A).

[0038] In other embodiments, the base station 114a can implement radio access technologies such as IEEE 802.16 (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)), CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1X, CDMA2000 EV-DO, Interim Standard 2000 (IS-2000), Interim Standard 95 (IS-95), Interim Standard 856 (IS-856), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE (GERAN), etc.

[0039] As an example, Figure 1AThe base station 114b therein can be a wireless router, a home Node B, a home eNode B, or an access point, and can use any suitable RAT to facilitate wireless connections in a local area, such as a business premise, a residence, a vehicle, a campus, etc. In one embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d can establish a wireless local area network (WLAN) by implementing a radio technology such as IEEE 802.11. In another embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d can establish a wireless personal area network (WPAN) by implementing a radio technology such as IEEE 802.15. In yet another embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d can establish a pico cell or a femto cell by using a cellular-based RAT (such as WCDMA, CDMA2000, GSM, LTE, LTE-A, etc.). As Figure 1A shown, the base station 114b can be directly connected to the Internet 110. Thus, the base station 114b does not necessarily need to access the Internet 110 via the core network 106 / 107 / 109.

[0040] The RANs 103 / 104 / 105 can communicate with the core network 106 / 107 / 109, which can be any type of network configured to provide voice, data, applications, and / or voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services to one or more of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d. For example, the core network 106 / 107 / 109 can provide call control, accounting services, location-based services, prepaid calling, Internet connectivity, video distribution, etc., and / or perform advanced security functions such as user authentication. Although not shown in Figure 1A the figure, it should be understood that the RANs 103 / 104 / 105 and / or the core network 106 / 107 / 109 can communicate directly or indirectly with other RANs that use the same or different RATs as the RANs 103 / 104 / 105. For example, in addition to connecting to the RANs 103 / 104 / 105 that use the E-UTRA radio technology, the core network 106 / 107 / 109 can also communicate with another RAN (not shown) that uses the GSM radio technology.

[0041] The core networks 106 / 107 / 109 may also act as gateways for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to access the PSTN 108, the Internet 110, and / or other networks 112. The PSTN 108 may include a circuit-switched telephone network that provides plain old telephone service (POTS). The Internet 110 may include a global system of interconnected computer networks and devices that use common communication protocols, which may be the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), the User Datagram Protocol (UDP), and the Internet Protocol (IP) in the TCP / IP Internet protocol suite. The network 112 may include a wired or wireless communication network owned and / or operated by other service providers. For example, the network 112 may include another core network connected to one or more RANs, and the one or more RANs may use the same RAT or a different RAT as the RANs 103 / 104 / 105.

[0042] Some or all of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d in the communication system 100 may include multi-mode capabilities. For example, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may include multiple transceivers for communicating with different wireless networks on different wireless links. For example, Figure 1A the illustrated WTRU 102c may be configured to communicate with a base station 114a that uses a cellular-based radio technology, and with a base station 114b that may use IEEE 802 radio technology.

[0043] Figure 1B is a system diagram of an example WTRU 102. As Figure 1B shown, the WTRU 102 may include a processor 118, a transceiver 120, a transmit / receive component 122, a speaker / microphone 124, a keyboard 126, a display / touchpad 128, a non-removable memory 130, a removable memory 132, a power supply 134, a Global Positioning System (GPS) chipset 136, and other peripheral devices 138. It should be understood that while remaining compliant with the embodiments, the WTRU 102 may also include any sub-combination of the foregoing components. The embodiments herein also contemplate that the base stations 114a and 114b, and / or the nodes represented by the base stations 114a and 114b, may include some or all of the components depicted in Figure 1B and described herein. In particular, the nodes represented by the base stations 114a and 114b may be a Base Transceiver Station (BTS), a Node B, a Site Controller, an Access Point (AP), a Home Node B, an evolved Home Node B (eNode B), a Home evolved Node B (HeNB), a Home evolved Node B Gateway, and a Proxy Node, but are not limited thereto.

[0044] The processor 118 can be a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) circuit, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, etc. The processor 118 can perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, and / or any other functions that enable the WTRU 102 to operate in a wireless environment. The processor 118 can be coupled to the transceiver 120, and the transceiver 120 can be coupled to the transmit / receive component 122. Although Figure 1B the processor 118 and the transceiver 120 are described as separate components, it should be understood that the processor 118 and the transceiver 120 can be integrated in an electronic component or chip.

[0045] The transmit / receive component 122 can be configured to transmit signals to a base station (such as base station 114a) or receive signals from a base station via the air interface 115 / 116 / 117. For example, in one embodiment, the transmit / receive component 122 can be an antenna configured to transmit and / or receive RF signals. In another embodiment, by way of example, the transmit / receive component 122 can be a transmitter / detector configured to transmit and / or receive IR, UV, or visible light signals. In yet another embodiment, the transmit / receive component 122 can be configured to transmit and receive RF and optical signals. It should be understood that the transmit / receive component 122 can be configured to transmit and / or receive any combination of wireless signals.

[0046] In addition, although in Figure 1B the transmit / receive component 122 is described as a single component, the WTRU 102 can include any number of transmit / receive components 122. More specifically, the WTRU 102 can utilize MIMO technology. Thus, in one embodiment, the WTRU 102 can include two or more transmit / receive components 122 (such as multiple antennas) that transmit and receive radio signals via the air interface 115 / 116 / 117.

[0047] The transceiver 120 can be configured to modulate the signals to be transmitted by the transmit / receive component 122 and demodulate the signals received by the transmit / receive component 122. As described above, the WTRU 102 can have multi-mode capabilities. Thus, the transceiver 120 can include multiple transceivers that allow the WTRU 102 to communicate using multiple RATs such as UTRA and IEEE 802.11.

[0048] The processor 118 of the WTRU 102 may be coupled to the speaker / microphone 124, the keyboard 126, and / or the display / touchpad 128 (such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) display unit or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display unit), and may receive user input data from these components. The processor 118 may also output user data to the speaker / microphone 124, the keyboard 126, and / or the display / touchpad 128. In addition, the processor 118 may access information from any suitable memory, such as the non-removable memory 106 and / or the removable memory 132, and store information in these memories. The non-removable memory 130 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, or any other type of memory storage device. The removable memory 132 may include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, a secure digital (SD) memory card, and so on. In other embodiments, the processor 118 may access information from memories that are not physically located in the WTRU 102 and store data in these memories, where, for example, the memories may be located in a server or a home computer (not shown).

[0049] The processor 118 may receive power from the power supply 134 and may be configured to distribute and / or control the power for other components in the WTRU 102. The power supply 134 may be any suitable device for powering the WTRU 102. For example, the power supply 134 may include one or more dry battery packs (such as nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel-zinc (Ni-Zn), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), etc.), solar cells, fuel cells, and so on.

[0050] The processor 118 may also be coupled to the GPS chipset 136, which may be configured to provide location information (such as longitude and latitude) related to the current location of the WTRU 102. As a supplement or replacement for the information from the GPS chipset 136, the WTRU 102 may receive location information from a base station (such as base stations 114a, 114b) via the air interface 116, and / or determine its location based on the signal timing received from two or more nearby base stations. It should be understood that, while remaining in compliance with the embodiments, the WTRU 102 may obtain location information by means of any suitable positioning method.

[0051] The processor 118 may also be coupled to other peripheral devices 138, which may include one or more software and / or hardware modules that provide additional features, functions, and / or wired or wireless connections. For example, the peripheral devices 138 may include an accelerometer, an electronic compass, a satellite transceiver, a digital camera (for photos and videos), a universal serial bus (USB) port, a vibration device, a television transceiver, a hands-free headset, Modules, FM radio units, digital music players, media players, video game console modules, Internet browsers, and so on.

[0052] Figure 1C Is a system diagram of the RAN 103 and the core network 106 according to one embodiment. As described above, the RAN 103 can use E-UTRA radio technology and communicate with the WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c via the air interface 115. And the RAN 103 can also communicate with the core network 106. As Figure 1C Shown, the RAN 103 can include Node Bs 140a, 140b, 140c, each of which can include one or more transceivers for communicating with the WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c via the air interface 115. Each of the Node Bs 140a, 140b, 140c can be associated with a specific cell (not shown) within the RAN 103. The RAN 103 can also include RNCs 142a, 142b. It should be understood that while remaining consistent with the embodiment, the RAN 103 can include any number of Node Bs and RNCs.

[0053] As Figure 1C Shown, the Node Bs 140a, 140b can communicate with the RNC 142a. In addition, the Node B 140c can also communicate with the RNC 142b. The Node Bs 140a, 140b, 140c can communicate with the corresponding RNCs 142a, 142b via the Iub interface. The RNCs 142a, 142b can communicate with each other via the Iur interface. Each of the RNCs 142a, 142b can be configured to control the corresponding Node Bs 140a, 140b, 140c connected thereto. Additionally, each of the RNCs 142a, 142b can be configured to perform or support other functions, such as outer loop power control, load control, admission control, packet scheduling, handover control, macro diversity, security functions, data encryption, and so on.

[0054] Figure 1C The core network 106 shown can include a Media Gateway (MGW) 144, a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 146, a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) 148, and / or a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) 150. Although each of the foregoing components is described as part of the core network 106, it should be understood that other entities outside of the core network operator can also own and / or operate any one of these components.

[0055] The RNC 142a in the RAN 103 can be connected to the MSC 146 in the core network 106 via the IuCS interface. The MSC 146 can then be connected to the MGW 144. The MSC 146 and the MGW 144 can provide access for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c to a circuit-switched network such as the PSTN 108 in order to facilitate communication between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and traditional landline communication devices.

[0056] The RNC 142a in the RAN 103 can also be connected to the SGSN 148 in the core network 106 via the IuPS interface. The SGSN 148 can then be connected to the GGSN 150. The SGSN 148 and the GGSN 150 can provide access for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c to a packet-switched network such as the Internet 110 in order to facilitate communication between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and IP-enabled devices.

[0057] As described above, the core network 106 can also be connected to the network 112, which can include other wired or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers.

[0058] Figure 1D It is a system diagram of the RAN 104 and the core network 107 according to an embodiment. As described above, the RAN 104 can use the E-UTRA radio technology and communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c via the air interface 116. In addition, the RAN 104 can also communicate with the core network 107.

[0059] The RAN 104 can include eNode Bs 160a, 160b, 160c, but it should be understood that while remaining consistent with the embodiment, the RAN 104 can include any number of eNode Bs. Each eNode B 160a, 160b, 160c can include one or more transceivers in order to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c via the air interface 116. In one embodiment, the eNode Bs 160a, 160b, 160c can implement MIMO technology. Thus, for example, the eNode B 160a can use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals to the WTRU 102a and receive wireless signals from the WTRU 102a.

[0060] Each of the eNode Bs 160a, 160b, 160c can be associated with a specific cell (not shown) and can be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover decisions, user scheduling in the uplink and / or downlink, and so on. As Figure 1DAs shown, eNodeBs 160a, 160b, and 160c can communicate with each other over the X2 interface.

[0061] Figure 1D The core network 107 shown can include a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 162, a Serving Gateway 164, and a Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway 166. Although each of the above components is described as part of the core network 107, it should be understood that other entities outside of the core network operator can also own and / or operate any of these components.

[0062] The MME 162 can be connected to each of the eNodeBs 160a, 160b, and 160c in the RAN 104 via the S1 interface and can act as a control node. For example, the MME 162 can be responsible for authenticating users of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c, activating / deactivating bearers, selecting a specific Serving Gateway during the initial attachment process of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c, etc. The MME 162 can also provide control plane functions to perform handovers between the RAN 104 and other RANs (not shown) that use other radio technologies such as GSM or WCDMA.

[0063] The Serving Gateway 164 can be connected to each of the eNodeBs 160a, 160b, and 160c in the RAN 104 via the S1 interface. The Serving Gateway 164 can typically route and forward user data packets to / from the WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c. In addition, the Serving Gateway 164 can also perform other functions such as anchoring the user plane during handovers between eNodeBs, triggering paging when downlink data is available for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c, managing and storing the context of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c, etc.

[0064] The Serving Gateway 164 can also be connected to the PDN Gateway 166, which can provide access for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c to a packet-switched network such as the Internet 110 to facilitate communication between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c and IP-enabled devices.

[0065] The core network 107 can facilitate communication with other networks. For example, the core network 107 can provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to a circuit-switched network such as the PSTN 108 to facilitate communication between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and traditional landline communication devices. As an example, the core network 107 can include or communicate with an IP gateway (e.g., an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) server), where the IP gateway serves as an interface between the core network 106 and the PSTN 108. In addition, the core network 107 can also provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to the network 112, which can include other wired or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers.

[0066] Figure 1E FIG. is a system diagram of a RAN 105 and a core network 109 according to one embodiment. The RAN 105 can be an access service network (ASN) that communicates with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 117 by using IEEE 802.16 radio technology. As further discussed below, communication links between different functional entities of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, the RAN 104, and the core network 109 can be defined as reference points.

[0067] As Figure 1E shown, the RAN 105 can include base stations 180a, 180b, 180c and an ASN gateway 182, but it should be understood that the RAN 105 can include any number of base stations and ASN gateways while remaining consistent with the embodiment. Each base station 180a, 180b, 180c can be associated with a specific cell (not shown) in the RAN 105, and each base station can include one or more transceivers to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c via the air interface 117. In one embodiment, the base stations 180a, 180b, 180c can implement MIMO technology. Thus, for example, the base station 180a can use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals to the WTRU 102a and receive wireless signals from the WTRU 102a. The base stations 180a, 180b, 180c can also provide mobility management functions such as handover triggering, tunnel establishment, radio resource management, traffic classification, quality of service (QoS) policy enforcement, and so on. The ASN gateway 182 can act as a traffic aggregation point and can be responsible for implementing paging, subscriber profile caching, routing to the core network 106, and so on.

[0068] The air interface 117 between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and the RAN 105 may be defined as an R1 reference point implementing the IEEE 802.16 standard. Additionally, each of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may establish a logical interface (not shown) with the core network 109. The logical interface between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and the core network 109 may be defined as an R2 reference point, which may be used for authentication, authorization, IP host configuration management, and / or mobility management.

[0069] The communication link between each of the base stations 180a, 180b, 180c may be defined as an R8 reference point, which includes a protocol for facilitating WTRU handover and data transfer between the base stations. The communication link between the base stations 180a, 180b, 180c and the ASN gateway 182 may be defined as an R6 reference point. The R6 reference point may include a protocol for facilitating mobility management based on mobility events associated with each of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 180c.

[0070] As Figure 1E shown, the RAN 105 may be connected to the core network 109. The communication link between the RAN 105 and the core network 109 may be defined as an R3 reference point, which, by way of example, includes a protocol for facilitating data transfer and mobility management capabilities. The core network 109 may include a Mobile IP Home Agent (MIP-HA) 184, an Authentication Authorization Accounting (AAA) server 186, and a gateway 188. Although each of the foregoing components has been described as part of the core network 109, it should be understood that entities other than the core network operator may own and / or operate any one of these components.

[0071] The MIP-HA may be responsible for implementing IP address management and may allow the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c to roam between different ASNs and / or different core networks. The MIP-HA 184 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to a packet switched network such as the Internet 110 to facilitate communication between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and IP-enabled devices. The AAA server 186 may be responsible for implementing user authentication and supporting user services. The gateway 188 may facilitate interworking with other networks. For example, the gateway 188 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to a circuit switched network such as the PSTN 108 to facilitate communication between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and traditional landline communication devices. Additionally, the gateway 188 may also provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to the network 112, which may include other wired or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers.

[0072] Although not shown in Figure 1E it should be understood that the RAN 105 may be connected to other ASNs and the core network 109 may be connected to other core networks. The communication link between the RAN 105 and other ASNs may be defined as the R4 reference point, which may include a protocol for coordinating the movement of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c between the RAN 105 and other ASNs. The communication link between the core network 109 and other core networks may be defined as the R5 reference point, which may include a protocol for facilitating interworking between the home core network and the visited core network.

[0073] The LTE system may operate carriers and / or cells with a predetermined system bandwidth (BW) (e.g., 1.4 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 20 MHz, etc.) in the uplink (UL) and / or downlink (DL). The subcarrier spacing may be 15 kHz. One time slot may contain 0.5 ms. One subframe may contain 2 time slots and / or 1 ms in time. One frame may contain one or more subframes (e.g., 10). The DL may be based on orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA). The UL may be based on single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA). One subframe may include one or more symbols (e.g., 14 symbols in a subframe for a normal cyclic prefix (CP)). The first 0, 1, 2, or 3 symbols in the DL may be used for and / or reserved for the physical DL control channel (PDCCH) or other purposes.

[0074] The allocation in UL and / or DL can be based on resource blocks (RBs) and / or RB pairs. One RB can include 1 time slot × 12 sub - carriers (e.g., 1 time slot × 180 kHz). As an example, at least some channels (e.g., Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), PUSCH) can use a minimum allocation. For example, the minimum allocation can be an RB pair. An RB pair can contain 2 time slots (e.g., 1 sub - frame). One RB can contain one Physical RB (PRB). RB and PRB can be used interchangeably. An RB can represent a single RB, an RB pair, and / or a PRB pair.

[0075] The system and / or system components (e.g., WTRU / UE, device or e - Node B) can use, operate and / or allocate resources. The system and / or system components can use, operate and / or allocate resources in a bandwidth that is different (e.g., relatively smaller) from at least one other communication system bandwidth, such as the LTE bandwidth. As an example, a device can be configured to use an LTE bandwidth such as 1.4 MHz bandwidth, and use a second bandwidth that may be smaller than the LTE system bandwidth. The different (e.g., smaller or reduced) bandwidth can be 200 kHz or 180 kHz (e.g., with a total BW of 200 kHz and an available or transmission BW of 180 kHz). The term Narrow - Band LTE (NB - LTE) can be used to refer to or represent the system and / or system components when the device is configured to operate using a part (e.g., subset) of the LTE system bandwidth. Examples of NB - LTE operation can include a device that operates using a total bandwidth of 200 kHz (e.g., with an available bandwidth of 180 kHz) while resident and / or connected to an LTE cell, where the LTE cell uses a cell bandwidth of 1.4 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz or 20 MHz. LTE is used as a non - limiting example of a type of communication system. Other types of communication systems can replace LTE and still be in compliance with this disclosure.

[0076] A WTRU configured to operate in a bandwidth that is relatively smaller compared to the LTE bandwidth can be referred to as an NB - LTE WTRU. WTRU, bandwidth - limited WTRU, NB - LTE WTRU, NB - IoT WTRU, IoT WTRU, low - cost WTRU, low - complexity WTRU, bandwidth - reduced WTRU, and capability - limited WTRU can be used interchangeably here. Here, the terms coverage - limited WTRU and bandwidth - reduced WTRU can be used interchangeably.

[0077] Here, the terms cell and eNB can be used interchangeably.

[0078] While some examples may be described with respect to the PDCCH, these examples may equally apply to signaling using other types of control channels, such as enhanced PDCCH (EPDCCH), machine type communication (MTC) PDCCH (M-PDCCH), narrowband PDCCH (NB-PDCCH), and / or other DL control channels, and still be in compliance with the present disclosure. Herein, the terms component carrier (CC) and serving cell may be used interchangeably. The terms WTRU, WTRU media access control (MAC) entity, and MAC entity may be used interchangeably herein.

[0079] Examples of uplink control information (UCI) transmission are provided herein. LTE UCI may include UL feedback information. The UL feedback information may include hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information corresponding to DL transmission (e.g., acknowledgement (ACK) and / or negative ACK (NACK)), rank indicator (RI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), and / or channel quality information (CQI). The CQI may indicate a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) level (e.g., a preferred MCS level). The PMI may indicate a precoding matrix for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) operation (e.g., a preferred precoding matrix). The RI may indicate the number of layers (e.g., a preferred number).

[0080] The supported UCI transmission formats may be two or more. The two or more UCI transmission formats may include UCI transmission based on physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), UCI transmission based on physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), and the like.

[0081] PUCCH-based UCI transmission may include dedicated channels for UCI transmission. The dedicated channels for UCI transmission may be located at the UL system bandwidth boundary (e.g., the PUCCH region).

[0082] Figure 2 An example mapping 200 to physical resource blocks for the PUCCH is described. The LTE PUCCH control structure may use frequency domain code multiplexing. The frequency domain code multiplexing may include cyclic time shifts of a basic sequence. The LTE PUCCH control structure may use time domain code multiplexing. The time domain code multiplexing may include different orthogonal block spreading codes. The LTE PUCCH control structure may enable an efficient orthogonal control channel to support small payloads (e.g., up to 22 coded bits) from two or more WTRUs (e.g., simultaneously). The LTE PUCCH control structure may improve the operating ability at low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

[0083] Figure 3Example multiplexing 300 of UCI and UL-SCH in PUSCH is described. UCI transmission can be sent via PUSCH (e.g., UCI on PUSCH). One or more resource elements (REs) for CQI / PMI, ACK / NACK, and / or RI can be based on the MCS assigned for PUSCH. One or more offset parameters can be configured (e.g., semi-statically configured) by means of higher layer signaling.

[0084] The physical resources for PUCCH can depend on one or more parameters (e.g., two parameters). The one or more parameters can be provided by one or more higher layers. For example, the physical resources for PUCCH can be based on those provided by the higher layer and / or variables can indicate the bandwidth based on the number of available resource blocks (e.g., for PUCCH format 2 / 2a / 2b transmission in each time slot). Variable can indicate the cyclic shift number for PUCCH format 1 / 1a / 1b in the resource blocks for the mixture of formats 1 / 1a / 1b and 2 / 2a / 2b. The value of can include integer multiples of (e.g., in the range {0, 1,..., 7}). and The value of

[0085] complex-valued symbol blocks can be multiplied by an amplitude scaling factor β PUCCH (e.g., to comply with the specified transmission power P PUCCH ). The complex-valued symbol blocks can start from and go in order to resource elements. PUCCH can use the resource blocks of each of the two time slots of a subframe. Inside the physical resource blocks for transmission, the mapping to the resource element (k, l) on antenna port p (as an example and not for transmitting reference signals) can be in increasing order (e.g., starting from k, then l and finally the time slot number). The mapping of can start from the first time slot in the subframe. The relationship between the index

[0086] Table 1: Examples of Antenna Ports for Different Physical Channels and Signals

[0087]

[0088] For time slot n s the physical resource blocks for PUCCH transmission therein can be determined based on the following formula

[0089]

[0090] where the variable m can depend on the PUCCH format. For example, when the PUCCH is formatted as 1, 1a, and / or 1b, the variable m can be expressed as:

[0091]

[0092] when the PUCCH is formatted as 2, 2a, and / or 2b, the variable m can be expressed as:

[0093]

[0094] when the PUCCH is formatted as 3, the variable m can be expressed as:

[0095]

[0096] Figure 4 Describes an example mapping 400 of modulation symbols to physical resource blocks for a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). When transmitting a sounding reference signal using PUCCH format 1, 1a, 1b, and / or 3 and one serving cell is configured, a shortened PUCCH format can be used at this time. For example, the last single-carrier frequency-division multiple access (SC-FDMA) symbol in the second time slot of a subframe can be left blank / blanked, and then the last SC-FDMA symbol can be available for one or more WTRUs to transmit SRS in the serving cell (e.g., in accordance with WTRU configuration and / or network trigger). PUCCH format 1a / 1b can support HARQ-ACK transmission on one or more (e.g., two) antenna ports (p ∈ [p0, p1]).

[0097] For FDD and one configured serving cell, the WTRU can use the PUCCH resource and transmit HARQ-ACK in subframe n mapped to antenna port p for PUCCH format 1a / 1b. For PDSCH transmission indicated by detecting the corresponding PDCCH in subframe n - 4 and / or for the PDCCH indicating the release of the downlink SPS in subframe n - 4, the WTRU can use for antenna port p0 where n CCE may represent the number of the first CCE used to transmit the corresponding downlink control information (DCI) assignment (e.g., the lowest CCE index used to construct the PDCCH). may be configured by one or more higher layers. For dual-antenna port transmission, the PUCCH resource for antenna port p1 can be used represented.

[0098] For frequency division duplex (FDD) and one configured serving cell, the WTRU may use the PUCCH resource to transmit HARQ-ACK in subframe n that is mapped to antenna port p for PUCCH format 1a / 1b. For PDSCH transmission on the primary cell, if the corresponding PDCCH is not detected in subframe n-4, then the value of can be determined according to the higher layer configuration. For a WTRU configured for one or more (e.g., two) antenna port transmissions, the PUCCH resource value can be mapped to one or more (e.g., two) PUCCH resources. The first PUCCH resource among the one or more PUCCH resources may represent the first antenna port p0. The second PUCCH resource among the one or more PUCCH resources may represent the second antenna port p1. The PUCCH resource value can be mapped to a single PUCCH resource for the first antenna port p0

[0099] In one example, different transmissions may use different transmission timings. For example, different transmissions may be associated with different bandwidths, and different bandwidth transmissions may use different transmission timings. As an example, for some transmissions, the allocation and / or transmission of a set of N PRBs may be spread or extended in the time domain of N subframes, e.g., each subframe has one PRB.

[0100] For example, the transmission bandwidth (BW) of a 1.4 MHz system (e.g., the available transmission BW) may correspond to 6 PRBs and / or PRB pairs. When operating with a reduced transmission BW (e.g., an available BW of 180 kHz), 6 PRBs may be allocated for transmission, and / or 6 subframes may be used for transmission.

[0101] For example purposes, the value 6 is used for N here. Other numbers of PRBs and / or different extensions are equally usable and still compliant with the present disclosure. For example, N (e.g., 6) PRBs can be extended over X (e.g., 3) subframes, where each subframe has Y (e.g., 2) PRBs. Y can be equal to N / X. If N / X is not an integer, then each subframe can have as many as Y PRBs, where Y can be equal to the ceiling of (N / X).

[0102] In the embodiments and examples described herein, an extension of 1 PRB per subframe can be used as a non-limiting example. Other extensions (e.g., 2 PRBs per subframe) are equally usable and compliant with the embodiments and examples described herein.

[0103] Figure 5 An example allocation and / or transmission 500 of the spreading or extension of 6 PRBs over 6 subframes (e.g., legacy subframes = 6 ms) is described. One or more (e.g., all) of the following can be the same as in the legacy system: subcarrier spacing and / or base OFDM symbol duration, slot duration, slot format, and subframe duration. The extended subframe (E-subframe) 504 (e.g., new subframe) can include 6 ms. The extended frame (E-frame) 502 (e.g., new frame) can include 60 ms. As an example, the E-frame 502 can include one or more (e.g., 10) E-subframes 504A, 504B, 504C. The E-subframe 504 can include one or more (e.g., six) subframes 506A, 506B, 506C, 506D, 506E, 506F. Each subframe 506 can be 1 ms. Each subframe 506 can include one or more (e.g., two) time slots 508A, 508B. Each time slot 508 can include one or more (e.g., seven) symbols 510A, 510B, 510C, 510D, 510E, 510F, 510G. Each symbol 510 can include a cyclic prefix 512 and a signal 514.

[0104] The terms subframe, legacy subframe, and / or regular subframe can be used to refer to or represent the current, regular, legacy, and / or unextended subframe, e.g., a subframe of length 1 ms. The terms frame, legacy frame, and / or regular frame can be used to refer to or represent the current, regular, legacy, and / or unextended frame, e.g., a frame of length 10 ms (e.g., 10 subframes).

[0105] The E-subframe 506 can include a set of one or more subframes 506A, 506B, 506C, 506D, 506E, 506F (e.g., legacy subframes). The E-frame 502 can include a set of one or more frames (e.g., legacy frames).

[0106] The subcarrier spacing can be reduced and / or the symbol duration can be increased proportionally. For example, the subcarrier spacing can be reduced by a factor of 6 (e.g., 15 kHz / 6 = 2.5 kHz). As an example, reducing the subcarrier spacing may result in allocating 12 subcarriers (e.g., 2.5 kHz × 12 = 30 kHz) and / or result in generating 6 PRBs corresponding to 6 × 30 kHz = 180 kHz. The symbol duration can increase proportionally as the subcarrier spacing is reduced. For example, the symbol duration can be increased by a factor of 6. As an example, since the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) may have used different subcarrier spacings, the symbol duration can increase proportionally as the subcarrier spacing for UL transmission is reduced.

[0107] If one or more subframes cannot be used for one or more reasons, then complex situations will occur in the WTRU and / or system operation. As an example, such complex situations may be particularly severe when the device attempts to operate in accordance with the in-band NB-LTE principle within the legacy LTE system.

[0108] For example, the narrowband system described here can use N (e.g., 6) consecutive subframes to transmit N PRBs. If one or more of the N consecutive subframes are not available in the same direction (e.g., due to, for example, Time Division Duplex (TDD) deployment), then it may be necessary and / or one or more alternative transmission schemes may be used.

[0109] For example, one or more (e.g., a group of) subframes in one or more frames may not be available for DL transmission. As another example, one or more (e.g., a group of) subframes in one or more frames may not be available for UL transmission. These gaps can be handled by providing one or more of E-subframes, fixed extensions, variable extensions, control channel extensions, and / or data channel extensions.

[0110] In one example, one or more subframes used, designated, and / or reserved for Multimedia Broadcast / Multicast Service (MBMS) may not be available for other transmissions (e.g., in DL, such as NB-LTE transmissions). The one or more subframes may be referred to as Multicast Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) subframes. MBSFN subframes may include DL subframes. MBSFN subframes may be applicable to FDD systems and / or TDD systems. For example, in an LTE system, one or more MBSFN subframes (e.g., the pattern of MBSFN subframes) may be configured for one or more subframes over a certain period (e.g., 1 or 4 frames). The MBSFN subframe pattern may be repeatable. For example, the MBSFN subframe pattern may repeat every allocation period (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 frames). The start of the MBSFN subframe pattern may be offset from the start of the frame. The configured one or more MBSFN subframes are not available for other DL transmissions. One or more subframes (e.g., one or more of subframes 0, 4, 5, 9) are not configured as MBSFN subframes (e.g., for FDD). One or more subframes (e.g., one or more of subframes 0, 1, 5, and 6) are not configured as MBSFN subframes (e.g., for TDD). As an example, in a cell, the configured one or more MBSFN subframes may be configured and / or identified by an indication, such as a broadcasted higher layer or Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. As an example, the configured one or more MBSFN subframes may be configured, signaled, and / or identified in system information. The system information may then be broadcast.

[0111] In another example, one or more TDD subframes may be configured for DL transmission (e.g., designated for DL transmission, used for DL transmission, etc.). One or more TDD subframes configured for DL transmission may not be available for UL transmission (e.g., NB-LTE UL transmission). One or more TDD subframes may be configured for UL transmission (e.g., designated for UL transmission, used for UL transmission, etc.). One or more TDD subframes configured for UL transmission may not be available for DL transmission (e.g., NB-LTE DL transmission). One or more TDD subframes may be configured as one or more special subframes (e.g., designated for the special subframe, used for the special subframe, etc.), and the subframes may not be available (e.g., not entirely available) for UL and / or DL transmission (e.g., NB-LTE UL and / or DL transmission). The TDD UL / DL configuration used in a cell may be configured and / or indicated by one or more of system information, broadcast signaling, dedicated signaling, higher layer (e.g., RRC) signaling, and / or physical layer signaling. The direction (e.g., current direction) of one or more subframes (e.g., TDD subframes) may be configured and / or indicated by one or more of system information, broadcast signaling, dedicated signaling, higher layer (e.g., RRC) signaling, and / or physical layer signaling. A set of TDD UL / DL configurations may be provided or configured here, and the configurations may be used in or for a cell. Table 2 provides an example set of TDD UL / DL configurations. D may indicate a DL subframe. U may indicate a UL subframe. S may indicate a special subframe. The special subframe may include one or more of a DL portion, a guard interval, and / or a UL portion. The special subframe (e.g., the guard period within the special subframe) may enable the transition from DL to UL.

[0112] Table 2: Example TDD UL / DL Configurations

[0113]

[0114] For example, to allow for flexible transmission timing, an E-subframe structure design may be used. The E-subframe structure design may include one or more of time expansion, subframe expansion, and / or symbol expansion. Time and / or subframe expansion may also be provided and / or used.

[0115] An E-subframe may include N subframes. The N may be an integer. N may be fixed. N may be semi-statically and / or dynamically configured. N may be based on the number of subframes available for transmission in the transmission direction. N may be based on the DL and / or UL per frame or other time period.

[0116] For transmission in, for example, a frame or other time period, one or more subframes, such as S subframes, may be used. The S subframes may be fixed. And the S subframes may be semi-statically and / or dynamically configured.

[0117] For transmission (e.g., for use) in E-subframes, one or more subframes, such as M subframes, may be used. The M may be an integer. And the M may be less than or equal to N.

[0118] In a DL subframe, one or more symbols may be used for and / or reserved for the DL control channel, such as the DL control region. In a DL subframe, one or more symbols may be used for and / or available for PDSCH transmission, such as the data region of the DL subframe. The DL control region may not be used for NB transmission. For example, NB transmission may skip the DL control region and / or may (e.g., only) use the data region of the DL subframe. NB transmission may include the corresponding DL control channel, such as NB-PDCCH, in (e.g., only in) the data region of the DL subframe. NB transmission may include the corresponding DL data channel, such as NB-PDSCH, in (e.g., only in) the data region of the DL subframe.

[0119] NB transmission may include P PRBs. The P PRBs may be transmitted as 1 PRB in each of the P subframes. The P PRBs may include NB-PDCCH, such as including it in one or more symbols of the NB transmission. And the P PRBs may include NB-PDSCH in one or more (e.g., all) of the remaining symbols. The PRBs transmitted in a subframe (e.g., each PRB) may consist of one or more NB-PDCCH symbols and / or one or more NB-PDSCH symbols. One or more symbols intended for NB-PDCCH may not be used for NB-PDSCH (e.g., in a subframe without NB-PDCCH). M may be equal to P.

[0120] Figure 6The exemplary E-subframes 602, 604 are described. The E-subframes 602, 604 may include 15 subframes (e.g., N = 15). The E-subframes 602, 604 may be 15 ms (as an example, if each subframe is 1 ms). A frame may include one or more (e.g., 10) subframes and / or one or more (e.g., 4) available DL subframes (e.g., S = 4). The E-subframes 602, 604 may include one or more (e.g., 6) subframes available for DL transmission (e.g., M = 6). For example, 6 PRB DL transmissions (e.g., P = 6) may be transmitted as 6 individual PRBs in the E-subframes 602, 604. One or more of the following subframe groups' available subframes (e.g., 0, 4, 5, 9) may be used for transmission on 3 consecutive frames: The first group of 1.5 frames: 0, 4, 5, 9, 0, 4; The second group of 1.5 frames: 5, 9, 0, 4, 5, 9. A subframe may include a PRB 606. The PRB 606 may include a PDCCH region 608. The PRB 606 may include an NB-PDCCH region 610. And the PRB 606 may include an NB-PDSCH region 612.

[0121] An NB transmission may include P1 PRBs. For example, an NB transmission may be transmitted as 1 PRB in each of the P1 subframes. The P1 PRBs may include an NB-PDCCH, e.g., included in one or more symbols (e.g., all symbols) of the NB transmission. Each of the P1 PRBs may be transmitted in a subframe. An NB transmission may include P2 PRBs. As an example, an NB transmission may be transmitted as 1 PRB in each of the P2 subframes. The P2 PRBs may include an NB-PDSCH, e.g., included in one or more symbols (e.g., all symbols) of the NB transmission. Each of the P2 PRBs may be transmitted in a subframe. The transmission of the P1 PRBs for the NB-PDCCH may precede the transmission of the P2 PRBs for the NB-PDSCH. M may be equal to P1 + P2.

[0122] In one example, one or more (e.g., 2) PRBs may be used for NB-PDCCH transmission, and / or one or more (e.g., 4) PRBs may be used for NB-PDSCH transmission (e.g., a total of 6 PRBs).

[0123] Figure 7The exemplary E-subframes 702, 704 are described. The exemplary E-subframes 702, 704 may include 15 subframes (e.g., N = 15). One frame may contain one or more (e.g., 10) subframes and / or one or more (e.g., 4) available DL subframes (e.g., S = 4). An E-subframe may include one or more (e.g., 6) subframes available for DL transmission (e.g., M = 6). For example, one or more (e.g., 2) PRBs 706 may be used for NB-PDCCH, and / or one or more (e.g., 4) PRBs 708 may be used for NB-PDSCH. As an example, in the E-subframes 702, 704, the first PRBs 706A, 706C on the first DL subframe and / or the second PRBs 706B, 706D on the second DL subframe may be used for NB-PDCCH. One or more (e.g., four) PRBs 708A, 708B, 708C, 708D, 708E, 708F, 708G, 708E PRBs on one or more downlink subframes in the E-subframes 702, 704 may be used for NB-PDSCH. For example, if NB-PDCCH is used to provide UL grant, then NB-PDCCH may be transmitted instead of NB-PDSCH.

[0124] NB-PUSCH may be granted by NB-PDCCH. One NB UL transmission may contain P PRBs. As an example, an NB UL transmission may be transmitted as 1 PRB in each of the P subframes. NB-PUSCH may use one or more symbols in the UL subframe, such as all symbols. In one or more subframes, the last symbol may be punctured. By puncturing the last symbol, conflicts with one or more SRS transmissions, such as SRS transmissions from one or more other WTRUs, can be avoided.

[0125] The timing of the E-subframe may follow that of a regular subframe. One or more available subframes may include one or more starting subframes for transmitting and / or monitoring NB-PDCCH. One NB-PDCCH may be configured with one or more starting subframes.

[0126] The E-subframe structure design may include an extension regarding one or more symbols. The subcarrier spacing may be reduced, and / or the symbol duration may be increased, e.g., proportionally increased. As an example, the subcarrier spacing may be reduced by a factor of 6, and / or the symbol duration may be increased by a factor of 6. The E-subframe may include a set of extended symbols. The extended symbols may be referred to as E-symbols.

[0127] When increasing the symbol duration, one or more E - symbols may overlap with at least a portion of a subframe that is not available for transmission in the direction of the E - symbol. Such overlap can be handled and / or avoided.

[0128] For example, for E - symbols that overlap at least partially with an unavailable subframe, puncturing and / or rate matching can be performed around them. Puncturing and / or rate matching around an unavailable subframe may lead to performance degradation. If the total amount of puncturing or rate matching (e.g., the absolute total or the amount relative to the transmission size) is below a threshold, then the puncturing and / or rate matching process can be performed around the overlap with the unavailable subframe. The threshold can be known or configured. The puncturing or rate matching process can be used and / or performed by a transmitter and / or a receiver. For example, in DL, the eNB can be the transmitter and / or the WTRU can be the receiver. As another example, in UL, the WTRU can be the transmitter and / or the eNB can be the receiver.

[0129] Overlap with an unavailable subframe can be avoided by transmitting E - symbols. The E - symbols may overlap with the unavailable subframe in another available subframe, e.g., the next available subframe. As an example, if the symbol duration is approximately 1 ms / 14 symbols = 71.4 us, then an E - symbol with an extension of size 6 is approximately 0.43 ms. In this example, one or more (e.g., 2) E - symbols can be transmitted in a subframe. In an available subframe, two or more E - symbols can be transmitted in groups, e.g., in a group of size 2.

[0130] Figure 8 An example symbol extension 800 is described. The example symbol extension can use one or more available subframes (e.g., according to an example TDD UL / DL configuration).

[0131] A symbol may be unavailable (e.g., for SRS symbols). For an E - symbol that may overlap with an unavailable symbol, the E - symbol can be punctured and / or moved to another available (e.g., the next available) subframe or transmitted in that other available subframe.

[0132] An E - subframe such as a UL E - subframe can include at least one or more E - symbols of an NB transmission.

[0133] For the transmissions described herein, the transmission timing and / or allocation can be replaced.

[0134] Symbol extension can be performed in an E - subframe.

[0135] Timing in symbol extension can follow regular subframes. One or more available subframes in symbol extension can include starting subframes for transmission and / or reception of NB-PUSCH. The starting subframe for NB-PUSCH can be based on the timing of the M-PDCCH that grants resources for NB-PUSCH.

[0136] Time extension, subframes, and / or symbol extension can be fixed and / or configured.

[0137] For example, the size of an E-frame in terms of subframes and / or time can be fixed and / or configured. The size of an E-subframe can be based on one or more available subframes and / or one or more configuration values. The one or more configuration values can be associated with (e.g., include) one or more available subframes. Time extension can apply to DL and / or UL.

[0138] Extension in time, time extension, and / or transmission time interval (TTI) (e.g., TTI size) extension can be mutually and / or replaceable with the E-subframes described herein. As described herein, subframes can replace time and vice versa.

[0139] An E-subframe can correspond to the time (e.g., for its transmission) required and / or used by at least P (e.g., 6) PRBs. The time required and / or used by the at least P PRBs can start from the beginning of the first PRB (e.g., the beginning of the subframe containing the first PRB). The time required and / or used by the at least P PRBs ends at the end of the last PRB (e.g., the end of the subframe containing the last PRB). The time required and / or used by the at least P PRBs can be the time span that includes the time from the beginning of the first PRB to the end of the last PRB and / or at least as long as that time. An E-subframe can include a fixed starting subframe. An E-subframe can also include a variable starting subframe.

[0140] Extension can include transmitting and / or receiving a portion of one or more (e.g., P) PRBs in each subframe of a group of subframes. In each subframe of the subframe group, the portion of the one or more PRBs can be either the same or different. The portion of the one or more PRBs can include an integer number of PRBs, e.g., for time extension. Also, the portion of the one or more PRBs can include multiple (e.g., integer number of) symbols of one or more of the P PRBs.

[0141] One or more available subframes may be configured in a specified direction (e.g., configured by the eNB via signaling). The WTRU may determine (e.g., learn) the one or more available subframes. One or more available subframes in the DL may be (e.g., may be used to) determine the TTI and / or time expansion of the DL and / or UL.

[0142] An E-frame may include a set of E-subframes. An E-frame may include 10 E-subframes, e.g., in order to be consistent with the existing relationship of 1 frame = 10 subframes.

[0143] Each frame may correspond to a system frame number (SFN). An extended frame number (E-SFN) may correspond to one or more (e.g., each) E-frame. EFN and E-SFN may be used interchangeably. An E-SFN period may include multiple (e.g., 1024) E-frames. The E-SFN period may correspond to multiple E-frames (e.g., the minimum number of E-frames). The number of the E-frames may include an integer multiple of the SFN period.

[0144] The WTRU may need to know the SFN and / or E-SFN (as an example, in order to know which subframes in the frame and / or E-frame are used to perform transmission and / or reception). The E-SFN may coincide with the SFN. For example, E-SFN 0 may coincide with SFN 0, e.g., periodically. The E-SFN period may include the period when SFN 0 coincides with E-SFN 0. The E-SFN period may include a multiple of the period when SFN 0 coincides with E-SFN0.

[0145] The E-SFN period for determining the available subframes may start from E-SFN 0. The E-SFN period for determining one or more available subframes may start when E-SFN0 coincides with SFN0.

[0146] The WTRU may perform transmission in the UL and / or reception in the DL in one or more subframes corresponding to the E-subframes. The WTRU may perform transmission in the UL and / or reception in the DL in one or more available subframes of the E-subframes. The WTRU may receive the DL control channel in one or more PRBs extending over at least a part of the E-subframes. The DL control channel may provide UL grant and / or DL grant for the NB-PUSCH and / or NB-PDSCH. The NB-PUSCH and / or NB-PDSCH may start k subframes after the last subframe of the E-subframe for carrying the DL control channel and / or start k subframes after the last subframe of the DL control channel. The WTRU may receive the NB-PDSCH and / or transmit the NB-PUSCH based on the UL grant and / or DL grant.

[0147] The NB-PDSCH can start at the beginning of the next DL E-subframe (e.g., for DL reception). The NB-PDSCH can start at the beginning of the first available DL subframe (e.g., for DL reception). The first available DL subframe can be within the next DL E-subframe. The NB-PUSCH can start at the beginning of the next UL E-subframe (e.g., for UL reception). The NB-PUSCH can start at the beginning of the first available UL subframe. The first available UL subframe can be within the next UL E-subframe. The next UL E-subframe can be at least k subframes after the last subframe (e.g., of the E-subframe) used to carry the DL control channel. The value of k can be 0 or 1 (e.g., for DL) or 4 (e.g., for UL).

[0148] An available subframe can be a subframe available for transmission and / or reception in that direction (e.g., for the transmission and / or reception direction).

[0149] Repetition can be used in UL and / or DL (e.g., in the coverage enhancement (CE) mode). One or more repetitions can be performed in one or more available subframes and / or E-subframes.

[0150] The E-subframe can include frequency hopping between one or more subframes (e.g., available subframes) within the E-subframe. The WTRU can receive DL transmissions (e.g., DL control channel and / or NB-PDSCH) in the frequency-hopped E-subframes (e.g., according to the frequency hopping pattern and / or rules). The WTRU can perform transmissions in UL in the E-subframe (e.g., according to the frequency hopping pattern and / or rules). The frequency hopping pattern and / or rules can be configured by higher layer signaling and / or physical layer signaling (e.g., in the DCI format grant and / or allocation for NB-PDSCH and / or NB-PUSCH).

[0151] One or more of time expansion, symbol expansion, TTI size, and / or E-subframe size can be variable. The variable expansion can be according to one or more subframes and / or time units (e.g., milliseconds).

[0152] The expansion type can correspond to the total amount and / or level of expansion in time and / or frequency. For example, the expansion type can correspond to 1 PRB per subframe out of 6 subframes, 1 PRB per subframe out of 3 subframes, 2 PRBs per subframe out of 3 subframes, etc. The expansion time can correspond to one or more symbols and / or subframes. The expansion frequency can correspond to one or more subcarriers and / or subcarrier groups (e.g., PRBs), e.g., one or more subcarriers and / or subcarrier groups within a subframe.

[0153] The variable extension may include one or more transmission parameters. The one or more transmission parameters may include one or more of the following: transport block size (TBS), modulation and coding scheme (MCS), one or more coded bits for transmission, one or more coded bits for reception, subcarrier spacing, one or more allocated and / or licensed physical resource blocks (PRBs), one or more PRBs transmitted in a subframe, one or more subframes for extension and / or extension type.

[0154] The transmission parameters may be determined from one or more parameters. The transmission parameters and / or the one or more parameters used to determine the transmission parameters may be signaled by the eNB to the WTRU. The transmission parameters and / or the one or more parameters used to determine the transmission parameters may be signaled on a DL control channel and / or in a DCI format. The DCI format may correspond to UL and / or DL allocation and / or grant. The transmission parameters and / or the one or more parameters used to determine the transmission parameters may be signaled in a semi-static manner (e.g., in dedicated signaling such as RRC signaling or in broadcast signaling such as system information that may be broadcast).

[0155] The transport block size (TBS) and / or one or more other parameters may be determined according to one or more available subframes (e.g., E-subframes) in a certain period. For example, if there are relatively few subframes available for extension, a smaller TBS may be used.

[0156] The TBS and / or one or more other transmission parameters may be determined by the eNB and / or the WTRU. The eNB may signal to the WTRU the parameters determined by the eNB and / or one or more other parameters available for the WTRU to determine the parameters determined by the eNB. The eNB may signal the parameters determined by the eNB by means of the NB-PDCCH and / or DCI format.

[0157] As an example, for TBS and / or one or more PRBs, a period and / or TTI (e.g., for transmission) can be determined here to provide a sufficient number of available subframes. The increased TTI can be used below a predetermined threshold (e.g., minimum) number of available subframes. For a nominal TTI and / or an E-subframe size of N (e.g., 6) subframes, if the number of available subframes is below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 3 subframes), then the TTI and / or the size of the E-subframe can be increased. The size of the TTI and / or the E-subframe can be increased to at least contain the threshold number of available subframes. A TBS and / or PRB allocation corresponding to the increased TTI and / or the threshold number of available subframes can be selected here. The selected TBS and / or PRB allocation can correspond to an extension on the available subframes in the nominal TTI (e.g., when the available subframes in the nominal TTI are at or above the threshold). The TTI and / or the E-subframe size can be determined by the eNB.

[0158] (e.g., in a Coverage Enhancement (CE) mode) Repetition processing can be used in the UL and / or DL. Repetition processing can include repeated transmission. One or more repetitions can be performed in one or more available subframes and / or E-subframes. The repeated transmission can include an extension contained in the initial transmission. The extension contained in the repeated transmission can include one or more (e.g., all) of time, frequency, and / or symbols.

[0159] Control channel and data channel extensions can also be used. The extension for the control channel can be separated from (e.g., be different from) the extension for the data channel.

[0160] The DL control channel (e.g., NB-PDCCH) can be transmitted separately from the DL data channel (e.g., NB-PDSCH). The NB-PDCCH and / or the DCI carried by the NB-PDCCH can include and / or indicate time and / or time extension information for at least one of the NB-PDSCH and / or NB-PUSCH.

[0161] The DL control channel (e.g., Q-PDCCH) and the DCI can be used interchangeably. The Q in the Q-PDCCH can be a (e.g., any) prefix (e.g., E, M, NB, and / or no prefix). The DCI and the DCI format can be used interchangeably.

[0162] The DCI can provide grants and / or allocations for UL and / or DL resources. The WTRU can transmit in the granted or allocated UL resources, e.g., NB-PUSCH. The WTRU can also receive in the granted or allocated DL resources, e.g., NB-PDSCH.

[0163] The eNB may transmit in an extended manner and / or the WTRU may monitor the NB-PDCCH in an extended manner. An NB-PDCCH may be extended over X subframes, where X may represent one or more PRBs configured for and / or used for the NB-PDCCH. As an example, X may be 2 or 4.

[0164] The NB-PDCCH may be transmitted in one or more subframes available for (e.g., always available or always at least partially available) DL transmission. For example, in FDD, a set of subframes (e.g., {0, 4, 5, 9}) may be (e.g., may always be) available for DL transmission. The NB-PDCCH may (e.g., only) be transmitted in this set of subframes. One or more subframes available for DL and / or NB-PDCCH transmission may be known, or may be configured and / or identified. For example, one or more subframes available for DL and / or NB-PDCCH transmission may be determined using an indication received via signaling (e.g., broadcast signaling in system information and / or PBCH). The WTRU may then receive this indication. The WTRU may determine in which subframes to monitor the NB-PDCCH.

[0165] One or more subframes available for NB-PDCCH transmission may be known, or may be configured and / or identified. For example, by using an indication received via signaling (e.g., broadcast signaling in system information and / or PBCH), one or more subframes available for NB-PDCCH transmission may be determined. The WTRU may receive this indication. The WTRU may determine in which subframes to monitor the NB-PDCCH.

[0166] One or more subframes may be used for NB-PDCCH transmission and / or the starting subframe of the extension. The one or more subframes may be configurable and / or determinable. For example, the one or more subframes may be determined based on one or more available DL subframes (e.g., for NB-PDCCH) and / or one or more PRBs configured and / or used for NB-PDCCH. As an example, if the available subframes for DL transmission or for NB-PDCCH are a set of subframes in each frame, such as {0, 4, 5, 9}, and one or more PRBs configured and / or used for NB-PDCCH are X (e.g., 2), then the NB-PDCCH may start from one of the subframes in the set (e.g., any subframe). The NB-PDCCH may be restricted to start from one or more specific subframes in the set (e.g., {0, 5}). When the NB-PDCCH is restricted to start from one or more specific subframes in the set, the 2-PRB NB-PDCCH may be transmitted as 1 PRB for each of the subframes 0 and 4. The 2-PRB NB-PDCCH may be transmitted as 1 PRB for each of the subframes 5 and 9. If the NB-PDCCH is not restricted to start from one or more specific subframes in the set, then the 2-PRB NB-PDCCH may be transmitted as 1 PRB for each of the subframes {0, 4}, {4, 5}, {5, 9}, and / or {9, 0}.

[0167] The WTRU may monitor one or more sets of X subframes (e.g., every possible set) (as an example, in order to receive the NB-PDCCH). The WTRU in CE mode may combine one or more repetitions of a set (as an example, in order to successfully receive the NB-PDCCH).

[0168] One or more available subframes may be configured over a period of time (e.g., 1 or 4 subframes).

[0169] The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include frequency allocation and / or grant for NB (e.g., NB-PDSCH and / or NB-PUSCH) transmission and / or reception. The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include time and / or symbol allocation and / or grant for NB (e.g., NB-PDSCH and / or NB-PUSCH) transmission and / or reception.

[0170] The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include (e.g., identify) at least one of a time position, a time extension, and / or a symbol extension for NB transmission and / or reception. The identification of the time position, the time extension, and / or the symbol extension may be explicit. The time position, the time extension, and / or the symbol extension are determinable (e.g., determined using one or more parameters and / or values included in the NB-PDCCH and / or DCI).

[0171] For example, the NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may indicate one or more subsequent subframes (e.g., subframes following the subframe containing the NB-PDCCH), where the subsequent subframes may include at least a portion of the allocated and / or permitted NB-PDSCH and / or NB-PUSCH. The time allocation may be relative to the NB-PDCCH and / or relative to the current and / or next E-subframe and / or E-frame.

[0172] The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include at least one of the following. The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include a starting subframe for NB transmission (e.g., as an available subframe starting from the last subframe extended from the NB-PDCCH and / or an increment in the subframes). The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include multiple subframes for extension (e.g., available subframes). The NB-PDCCH may include the number of PRBs and / or subcarriers to be transmitted in a subframe. The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include an indication of whether symbol extension and / or subframe extension is used. The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include one or more specific subframes for extension (e.g., relative to the starting subframe for extension). Bit mapping may be used to identify one or more specific subframes. The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include one or more available subframes (e.g., in the UL and / or DL directions) for the current and / or future time periods (e.g., the current and / or next frame and / or E-frame). The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include a transport block size (TBS) and / or one or more parameters for determining the TBS. The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include a modulation and coding scheme (MCS). The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include a subcarrier spacing. The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include the number of allocated and / or permitted PRBs. The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include the number of PRBs transmitted in a subframe. The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include the position of the PRBs and / or starting PRBs in each subframe of the extension (e.g., a single position used in each subframe, or a position used in combination with a frequency hopping pattern in each subframe).

[0173] The starting subframe for NB transmission may be included in the NB-PDCCH and / or DCI. The starting subframe for NB transmission may be determined relative to the NB-PDCCH. For example, the starting subframe for NB transmission may be the next available subframe in the direction of the transmission, i.e., at least k subframes starting from the last subframe of the NB-PDCCH extension and / or the last repetition of the NB-PDCCH extension (e.g., when using coverage enhancement operations). For NB-PDSCH, the value of k may be 0 or 1. For NB-PUSCH, the value of k may be 4. For TDD, the value of k may depend on the TDD UL / DL configuration.

[0174] The number of subframes for extension may be equal to the number of PRBs that have been allocated and / or licensed. The WTRU may determine the number of allocated PRBs from the content of the DCI format. The WTRU may use the number of allocated PRBs as the number of subframes for extension (e.g., for DL reception and / or UL transmission).

[0175] The extension of P subframes may correspond to one PRB per subframe (e.g., for each of the P subframes). The first subframe of the P subframes may be the determined starting subframe. The remaining P - 1 subframes may be the next P - 1 available subframes and / or designated subframes (e.g., according to the DCI).

[0176] The WTRU may determine one or more parameters for extension based on one or more rules and / or received parameters. The WTRU may perform transmission and / or reception according to the determination.

[0177] Attempted reception may replace the reception described herein.

[0178] Reception may replace the transmission described herein.

[0179] The NB-PDCCH may include a physical HARQ indicator channel (PHICH) channel (e.g., NB-PHICH).

[0180] For control channels (e.g., NB-PDCCH) and data channels (e.g., NB-PDSCH and / or NB-PUSCH), TDD special subframes can be processed in different ways. One or more special subframes can be used for one or more of NB-PDCCH, NB-PDSCH, and / or NB-PUSCH (e.g., based on meeting a threshold criterion). The threshold criterion can be different for one or more different channels. Special subframes are not (e.g., never) used for one or more of NB-PDCCH, NB-PDSCH, and / or NB-PUSCH. As an example, if the DL portion meets the threshold criterion, e.g., the time of the DL portion exceeds the threshold, then one or more special subframes can be used for NB-PDCCH. By using the same or different thresholds, it can be determined whether special subframes can be used for NB-PDSCH and / or cannot be used for NB-PDSCH. Special subframes are not available for NB-PUSCH.

[0181] Frequency hopping can be used between one or more subframes (e.g., subframes that can be used in the NB extension). For example, two or more frequencies can hop from a first subframe of the extension to a second subframe of the extension. The frequency hopping can include configured and / or known patterns and / or rules. For NB-PDSCH and / or NB-PUSCH, the frequency hopping pattern and / or rule can be configured via higher layer signaling and / or physical layer signaling (e.g., the allocation and / or grant in the DCI format for NB-PDSCH and / or NB-PUSCH). The WTRU can receive DL transmissions (e.g., DL control channels and / or NB-PDSCH) in a frequency hopping manner (e.g., in accordance with the frequency hopping pattern and / or rule). In the UL, the WTRU can use the frequency hopping pattern and / or rule for transmission.

[0182] The NB-PDCCH and NB-PDSCH can be transmitted in a subframe. The NB-PDCCH and NB-PDSCH can be extended over P subframes (e.g., P available subframes). The WTRU can receive data for P subframes. The WTRU can determine how to decode the NB-PDSCH portion of the data (e.g., using the NB-PDCCH portion of the data). The WTRU can use one frequency location for DL data reception. The frequency location for DL data reception can be in accordance with the WTRU ID and / or the broadcast configuration. P can be a fixed value.

[0183] Extensions in time can be performed in a similar manner to the way in which a repetitive process for channel estimation (CE) is carried out. For CE, the repetition can be with respect to the entire channel and / or transport block (TB). For CE, the repetition can be performed in subframes that can be configured and / or identified as available. The receiver can soft combine the repetitions (as an example, in order to improve performance and / or successful reception of the channel and / or TB).

[0184] For time extension, the channel and / or TB can be partitioned into a set of subframes (e.g., available subframes). For time extension, the receiver can reconstruct the channel and / or TB from one or more parts. The one or more parts can represent individual coded bits. The one or more parts cannot be soft combined. The partitioning of the channel and / or TB can be in frequency (e.g., PRB) and / or time (e.g., symbol). The time-extended channel and / or TB can be repeated (e.g., for coverage enhancement). The repetition can be soft combined.

[0185] The extended processing can be used for paging. For example, a paging frame (PF) and / or a paging occasion (PO) can be determined (e.g., determined for or by a WTRU). The PF and / or the PO can be determined based on a rule (e.g., a legacy rule). The PO can be determined based on one or more of a DRX cycle and / or a WTRU-ID (e.g., the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) of the WTRU). The determined PO subframe (e.g., for paging an NB-LTE WTRU) can be the starting subframe for the extension of the NB-PDCCH (as an example, this subframe can carry the paging DCI format of the WTRU). The extension of the NB-PDCCH can start from the starting subframe, and / or the extension can be on P subframes available for DL and / or the NB-PDCCH (e.g., the next P1 - 1 additional subframes). The PO subframe can correspond to a subframe, where this subframe can (e.g., always can) be a DL subframe. The WTRU can monitor paging on the NB-PDCCH that starts in the determined PO and / or extends on P1 subframes, as an example, where each subframe has Y1 physical resource blocks (PRBs). Y1 can be 1. P1 can be a fixed and / or configured value. The NB-PDCCH for paging can include a downlink control information (DCI), where this DCI can have a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) scrambled with a paging radio network temporary identifier (e.g., P-RNTI). The WTRU can reconstruct the NB-PDCCH from one or more transmissions in the P1 subframes. The extended NB-PDCCH can be repeated on one or more (e.g., subsequent) available subframes (e.g., in the case of using control element (CE)). The WTRU can combine one or more repetitions of the NB-PDCCH (the extended and / or reconstructed NB-PDCCH). The WTRU can use one or more repetitions of the NB-PDCCH to receive (e.g., successfully receive) the NB-PDCCH. The one or more repetitions can be combined before and / or after reconstruction.

[0186] The NB-PDCCH and / or the DCI carried by the NB-PDCCH may provide frequency and / or time resource allocation information regarding the NB-PDSCH (which, by way of example, may carry one or more paging records). The time information may include information available to the WTRU to determine the extension of the NB-PDSCH. The NB-PDSCH may be extended in the same set of subframes as the NB-PDCCH or in another set of subframes such as a later set of subframes. The WTRU may receive and / or store the NB-PDSCH while receiving the NB-PDCCH (e.g., in the case where the NB-PDSCH and the NB-PDCCH are extended in the same set of subframes). The later set of subframes may be the set of available subframes for DL and / or the NB-PDSCH (e.g., in the case where the NB-PDSCH is extended in a later set of subframes). The NB-PDSCH may be extended over P2 subframes, where each subframe has Y2 PRBs. Y2 may be 1. P1 and P2 may be the same or different. P2 may be included in the NB-PDCCH DCI. The P2 may represent the number of PRBs allocated for the NB-PDSCH.

[0187] The time relationship between the NB-PDCCH (e.g., the start or end of the NB-PDCCH extension) and the NB-PDSCH (e.g., the start of the NB-PDSCH extension) may be either known or configured and / or included in the DCI (e.g., the paging DCI).

[0188] If the WTRU successfully receives a paging DCI (e.g., a paging DCI with a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) scrambled with a P-RNTI), then the WTRU may receive and / or decode the associated extended NB-PDSCH (e.g., in the case where the DCI indicates the possible presence of an NB-PDSCH). The WTRU may reconstruct the NB-PDSCH. The WTRU may reconstruct the NB-PDSCH from one or more transmissions in P1 subframes (e.g., for the NB-PDCCH and the NB-PDSCH in the same subframe) and / or P2 subframes (e.g., for the NB-PDSCH that is different from or later than the NB-PDCCH). The extended NB-PDSCH may be repeated on one or more subsequent available subframes (e.g., in the case of using CE).

[0189] The WTRU may combine two or more repetitions of the NB-PDSCH (e.g., the extended and / or reconstituted NB-PDSCH) in order to successfully receive the NB-PDSCH. The two or more repetitions may be combined before and / or after reconstitution. The WTRU may receive the content of the NB-PDSCH. The WTRU may determine whether there is paging for the WTRU based on the content of the NB-PDSCH, e.g., determine whether it is possible that its IMSI or temporary mobile subscriber identity (TMSI) or shortened TMSI (s-TMSI) is included in one of the paging records. As an example, the WTRU may determine the existence of paging for the WTRU based on the content of the NB-PDSCH, e.g., based on the presence of the IMSI and / or s-TMSI included in one of the paging records.

[0190] Paging NB-PDCCH and / or NB-PDSCH may indicate a system information update. If the WTRU receives a system information update indication from the paging NB-PDCCH and / or NB-PDSCH, then the WTRU may re-acquire the system information (e.g., one or more SIBs).

[0191] As an example, one or more subframes available for UL and / or DL transmission may be provided and / or configured by means of signaling and / or system information that can be broadcast. Higher layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling and / or system information block (SIB)) and / or physical layer signaling (e.g., MIB and / or PBCH) may include an indication of one or more subframes available for UL and / or DL transmission. The configuration and / or signaling may be provided by the eNB. And the configuration and / or signaling may be received by one or more WTRUs. The one or more available frames may be identified for a certain period of time, e.g., one or more frames (e.g., one or four frames). One or more available subframes in a certain direction may be identified for one or more specific purposes (e.g., all purposes). For example, one or more subframes identified as available for DL are available for NB-PDCCH and / or NB-PDSCH. In another example, one or more subframes may be identified as available for NB-PDCCH and NB-PDSCH separately.

[0192] One or more available subframes may be explicitly identified here. The one or more available subframes may be determined from other information. For example, one or more available DL subframes may be determined from at least the MBSFN configuration and / or one or more TDD UL / DL configurations. One or more available UL subframes may be determined from at least one or more TDD UL / DL configurations. For a special subframe format configured for a cell, it may be configured and / or determined whether the TDD special subframe can be considered available for one or more UL and / or DL channels.

[0193] One or more available subframes may be modified by system information updates.

[0194] The primary synchronization channel and / or the secondary synchronization channel for narrowband operation may be transmitted within the NB-IoT bandwidth (e.g., 200 kHz). The narrowband primary synchronization signal (NB-PSS) and / or the narrowband secondary synchronization signal (NB-SSS) may respectively comprise and / or be extended into six consecutive OFDM symbols.

[0195] For example, the NB primary synchronization signal (NB-PSS) and the NB secondary synchronization signal (NB-SSS) may be located among the MBSFN subframe candidates (e.g., subframes 1 / 2 / 3 / 6 / 7 / 8 in a radio frame for FDD and / or subframes 3 / 4 / 7 / 8 / 9 in a radio frame for TDD). For example, the first symbol may be used for and / or reserved for legacy WTRUs, and the remaining 12 OFDM symbols may be used for NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS transmission (e.g., in the subframe carrying the NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS). The first six OFDM symbols of the remaining 12 OFDM symbols may be used for NB-SSS and / or NB-PSS, and the last six OFDM symbols of the remaining 12 OFDM symbols may be used for NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS. The NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS may be referred to as NB-sync.

[0196] In the subframe carrying NB-sync, the WTRU may determine that no CRS is transmitted in the OFDM symbols (e.g., except for the first two OFDM symbols).

[0197] In another example, the PSS and / or SSS may be located among the non-MSBFN subframe candidates (e.g., subframes 0 / 4 / 5 / 9 in a radio frame for FDD, subframes 0 / 1 / 2 / 5 / 6 in a radio frame for TDD). For example, the first symbol may be used for and / or reserved for legacy WTRUs, and the remaining 12 OFDM symbols may be used for NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS transmission (e.g., in the subframe carrying the NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS). The first six OFDM symbols of the remaining 12 OFDM symbols may be used for NB-SSS and / or NB-PSS, and the last six OFDM symbols of the remaining 12 OFDM symbols may be used for NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS.

[0198] In the subframe carrying NB-sync, the WTRU may determine that no cell-specific reference signal (CRS) is transmitted in the OFDM symbols (e.g., except for the first two OFDM symbols).

[0199] NB-sync can be transmitted every NSYNC milliseconds and / or every NSYNC radio frames. If the NB-IoT WTRU receives NB-Sync, then the NB-IoT WTRU can obtain at least one of the following: physical cell ID, time and frequency synchronization, subframe boundary, frame boundary, and / or CP length.

[0200] For example, if N SYNC = 4, then NB-sync can be sent every 40 milliseconds.

[0201] N SYNC can be a predefined quantity.

[0202] N SYNC can be determined based on the operation mode. For example, the NB-IoT WTRU can use one or more (e.g., three) operation modes.

[0203] The first operation mode can include the stand-alone operation mode. The second operation mode can include the guard band operation mode. The third operation mode can include the in-band operation mode.

[0204] The N for the third operation mode SYNC can be longer than the first and / or second operation modes, and vice versa.

[0205] N SYNC can be determined based on one or more cell-specific parameters (e.g., physical cell ID, system bandwidth, etc.).

[0206] NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS can be transmitted in a way that repeats within a radio frame. As an example, if no repetition processing is used, then NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS can be transmitted in a subframe within the radio frame. If repetition processing is used, then NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS can be transmitted in two or more subframes within the radio frame.

[0207] The number of repetitions can be determined based on the operation mode. For example, the first and / or second operation modes may not use repetition processing, and the third operation mode may use repetition processing, and vice versa. In another example, the second and third operation modes may use repetition processing (e.g., to mitigate interference), and the stand-alone operation mode may not use repetition processing.

[0208] The number of repetitions can be determined based on one or more cell-specific parameters (e.g., physical cell ID, system bandwidth, etc.).

[0209] NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS can be transmitted with different duty cycles. For example, NB-PSS can use NSYNC,PSS to send, and / or the NB-SSS can use N SYNC,SSS to send. N SYNC,PSS and / or N SYNC,SSS can be an integer (e.g., 10, 20, or 30). The NB-PSS can be transmitted with a shorter duty cycle (e.g., N SYNC,PSS <N SYNC,SSS ). The operating mode of the narrowband cell can be based on N SYNC,PSS and N SYNC,SSS to determine.

[0210] The NB-PSS can be transmitted with a certain duty cycle (e.g., N SYNC，PSS [ms]) in a set of (E) subframes and / or (E) frames. The NB-SSS can be transmitted in a subset of the set of (E) subframes and / or (E) frames used for the NB-PSS. The subset can be determined based on the operating mode. For example, the WTRU can determine the operating mode by detecting (e.g., blind detecting) the subset used by the NB-SSS. The first subset can be used to indicate the stand-alone operating mode and / or the guard band operating mode. The second subset can be used to indicate the in-band operating mode.

[0211] Here, the physical broadcast channel for narrowband operation can be transmitted. The physical broadcast channel for narrowband operation can be referred to as the narrowband physical broadcast channel (NB-PBCH). One or more of the following can be applied.

[0212] The master information block (MIB) for narrowband operation can be used for the NB-PBCH. The MIB can include information (e.g., basic information) available for the narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) WTRU to perform initial access. The MIB can be referred to as the narrowband MIB (NB-MIB).

[0213] The NB-MIB can be channel-coded. One or more coded bits can be scrambled with a scrambling sequence. The scrambling sequence can be determined based on at least one of cell-specific parameters (e.g., physical cell ID), operating mode (for example, the operating mode of the WTRU can be implicitly indicated from the scrambling sequence), etc. The scrambling sequence can be determined based on the duplex mode. For example, TDD and / or FDD can be indicated based on the scrambling sequence used. The first scrambling sequence can be used for FDD. The second scrambling sequence can be used for TDD. The content of the NB-MIB can be determined based on the scrambling sequence used. For example, if the first scrambling sequence is used, then the first set of system parameters can be sent by means of the NB-MIB. If the second scrambling sequence is used, then the second set of system parameters can be sent by means of the NB-MIB. The first set of system parameters and the second set of system parameters may partially overlap.

[0214] One or more coded bits of the NB-MIB may be divided into Nsub sub-blocks and / or modulated. As an example, Nsub may be 4. As another example, Nsub may be 8. Each of the Nsub sub-blocks may be transmitted in one or more sub-frames of a radio frame. As an example, one or more non-MBSFN sub-frames may be used within the radio frame. Each of the Nsub sub-blocks may be transmitted in different radio frames. One NB-PBCH period may include Nsub sub-blocks. For example, a WTRU may receive the NB-PBCH in each NB-PBCH period. The Nsub sub-blocks may be evenly distributed in time within the NB-PBCH period.

[0215] Figure 9 An example sub-block transmission 900 of the NB-MIB 902 is described. The NB-MIB 902 may include a plurality of sub-blocks. The plurality of sub-blocks may be transmitted in a time window. For example, (e.g., each) sub-block may be transmitted in a predetermined time period.

[0216] Each of the Nsub sub-blocks may be repeatedly transmitted. The number of repetitions may be determined based on the number of repetitions of the NB-ysnc. The number of repetitions may be determined based on the operating mode.

[0217] The time and / or frequency position of the NB-PBCH may be determined (e.g., based on the time / frequency position of the NB-sync). For example, the same frequency position of the NB-sync may be used for the NB-PBCH, and / or the time position of the NB-PBCH may be determined using an offset from the time position of the NB-sync (e.g., defined or configured with respect thereto).

[0218] The offset between the NB-sync and the NB-PBCH may be determined based on the physical cell ID. The physical cell ID may be detected from the NB-sync. By using the offset, NB-PBCH conflicts between one or more neighboring cells may be avoided.

[0219] The offset may be determined based on the operating mode.

[0220] The offset may be determined based on the system bandwidth. The system bandwidth may include the NB-IoT bandwidth. The NB-IoT bandwidth may be considered for independent and / or guard band operation.

[0221] One or more Nsub sub - blocks may be transmitted in a predetermined sequence. The predetermined sequence may indicate one or more system parameters. For example, one or more coded bits of the NB - MIB may be split into Nsub sub - blocks. The sub - blocks may be decodable. When aggregating one or more (e.g., all) Nsub sub - blocks, the NB - MIB may be decoded. The WTRU may determine one or more system parameters. The WTRU may determine one or more system parameters based on the transmission sequence of one or more Nsub sub - blocks (e.g., within a transmission window).

[0222] The transmission sequence of one or more Nsub sub - blocks may be based on one or more permutation sequences. The one or more permutation sequences may have a length of Nsub.

[0223] For example, a first permutation sequence (e.g., [1 2 3...Nsub]) and / or a second permutation sequence (e.g., [Nsub Nsub - 1...3 2 1]) may be used as transmission sequence candidates. Bit system parameters may be indicated based on the permutation sequence used. The first permutation sequence may indicate a first operation mode. The first operation mode may include in - band operation. The second permutation sequence may indicate a second operation mode. The second operation mode may include stand - alone operation and / or guard - band operation.

[0224] In another example, Np permutation sequences may be used as transmission sequence candidates. One or more bit system parameters (e.g., ) may be indicated based on the Np permutation sequences. The operation mode (e.g., in - band, guard - band, or stand - alone) may be indicated based on the transmission sequence used. The duplex mode (e.g., TDD or FDD) may be indicated based on the transmission sequence used. The system bandwidth (e.g., 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 MHz) may be indicated based on the transmission sequence used. The full or partial system frame number (SFN) may be indicated based on the transmission sequence used. The number of antenna ports may be indicated based on the transmission sequence used. The number of narrow - bands may be indicated based on the transmission sequence used. The scheduling information for NB - SIB1 transmission may be indicated based on the transmission sequence used.

[0225] In another example, Nsub sub-blocks may be transmitted in a predetermined sequence. The Nsub sub-blocks may indicate one or more NB-MIB contents. For example, system parameters included in the NB-MIB may be determined based on the transmission sequence used by the Nsub sub-blocks. If a first permutation sequence is used, a first set of system parameters may be included in the NB-MIB. If a second permutation sequence is used, a second set of system parameters may be included in the NB-MIB. The first set of system parameters and the second set of system parameters may overlap (e.g., partially overlap). The first set of system parameters may be associated with a first operation mode. The first operation mode may be an in-band operation mode. The second set of system parameters may be associated with a second operation mode. The second operation mode may be an independent operation mode and / or a guard band operation mode. The number of antenna ports may be a system parameter indicated in both the first and second sets of system parameters. The first set of system parameters may include a system bandwidth.

[0226] Figure 10 Examples of multiple permutation sequences 1000 for sub-blocks are described. As an example, the multiple permutation sequences for the Nsub sub-blocks may indicate one or more system parameters and / or NB-MIB contents.

[0227] Narrowband operation may use one or more downlink control channels. The downlink control channel type may be determined based on the type of reference signal used for demodulation (e.g., CRS, demodulation reference signal (DM-RS), and / or antenna ports). The downlink control channel type may be determined based on the resource location within a subframe and / or an E-subframe. The resource location may include one or more resource elements used in the PDCCH (e.g., legacy PDCCH) region and / or one or more resource elements used in the PDSCH (e.g., legacy PDSCH) region. The downlink control channel type may be determined based on the resource element group (REG) type. The REG type may include REG type-1 and / or REG type-2. The REG type-1 may include N1 REs. The REG type 2 may include N2 REs. The downlink control channel type may be determined based on the type of control channel element (CCE) used.

[0228] Narrowband operation may use one or more E-subframe types. As an example, a local E-subframe type and / or a distributed E-subframe type may be used. The local E-subframe type may be an E-subframe in which one or more subframes associated with (e.g., belonging to or corresponding to) the E-subframe may be at the same frequency location (e.g., the same PRB index). The distributed E-subframe type may be an E-subframe in which one or more associated subframes may be at different frequency locations (e.g., different PRB indexes).

[0229] The E-subframe type can be determined based on the operation mode. For example, one or more (e.g., three) operation modes can be used here. The one or more operation modes can include a first operation mode, a second operation mode, and / or a third operation mode. The one or more operation modes can be received (e.g., indicated therein) from at least one of a synchronization channel, a broadcast channel (e.g., MIB and / or SIB), RRC signaling, and / or a downlink control channel (e.g., DCI).

[0230] The first operation mode can include an independent operation mode. The second operation mode can include a guard band operation mode. The third operation mode can include an in-band operation mode.

[0231] The E-subframe type for NB-PDSCH can be determined. The E-subframe type for NB-PDSCH can be determined based on the indication in the associated DCI. For example, NB-PDSCH can be scheduled by the associated NB-PDCCH and / or NB-EPDCCH. The E-subframe type of NB-PDSCH can be received from the associated downlink control channel. NB-PDCCH and / or NB-EPDCCH can be used interchangeably with NB-(E)PDCCH.

[0232] The E-subframe of NB-(E)PDCCH and the E-subframe for the associated NB-PDSCH can be different.

[0233] The E-subframe type can be determined based on the information (e.g., information type) transmitted in the E-subframe. For example, an E-subframe carrying unicast traffic can be determined to be a local E-subframe type. An E-subframe carrying broadcast traffic can be determined to be a distributed E-subframe type.

[0234] The frequency position (e.g., PRB index) of one or more subframes in the distributed E-subframe type can be determined based on at least one system parameter (e.g., physical cell ID, system bandwidth, subframe number, SFN number, E-subframe number, and / or E-frame number).

[0235] NB-PDCCH can use one or more of the first N PDCCH symbols in each subframe. For example, NB-PDCCH can use one or more of the first N PDCCH symbols in each subframe within the E-subframe. One or more of the following can be applied.

[0236] One or more of the first N PDCCH symbols in each subframe can all include NB-PDCCH resources. NPDCCH may include a predefined number for use by one or more (e.g., all) subframes. N PDCCH may be configured by higher layer signaling. The N PDCCH may be signaled according to traffic type. For example, one or more Ns here may be signaled (e.g., signaled separately) regarding unicast traffic, paging, reauthorization request (RAR), and / or system information update PDCCH values. N PDCCH may be configured according to search space (e.g., configured separately). As an example, a common search space may use N PDCCH fixed and / or predefined values. N PDCCH The configured value of N may be used for the WTRU-specific search space.

[0237] N PDCCH may be determined based on the E-subframe type. For example, Ns for local E-subframe type and distributed E-subframe type PDCCH may be configured and / or predefined (e.g., configured and / or predefined in a separate manner). In another example, if the determined N is for a local E-subframe PDCCH then an offset may be used based on the N of the distributed E-subframe PDCCH (e.g., N PDCCH + offset). The offset may include a frequency retuning time. The N PDCCH may be determined based on the subframe number within the E-subframe. In addition, the N PDCCH may be determined based on the available number of REs within the NB-PDCCH resource.

[0238] NB-EPDCCH and / or NB-PDCCH may use N START symbols from N EPDCCH symbols per subframe. N START may be considered as the starting OFDM symbol of N EPDCCH symbols in the subframe. N symbols starting from N START symbols in each subframe may include the NB-EPDCCH resource. N EPDCCH symbols. N EPDCCH may be determined based on the value of N START and vice versa. N START may be a predetermined number for one or more (e.g., all) subframes. N START may be configured by higher layer signaling. N START may be signaled according to traffic type. For example, one or more Ns here may be signaled (e.g., signaled separately) regarding unicast traffic, paging, RAR, and / or system information updateSTART Value. N START can be configured according to the search space (e.g., configured separately). For example, the common search space can use a fixed and / or predefined N START value. The configured N START value can be used for the UE-specific search space. N STAR T can be determined based on the E-subframe type. For example, N can be configured and / or predefined here for the local E-subframe type and / or the distributed E-subframe type (e.g., separately) PDCCH . N START can be determined based on the subframe number within the E-subframe. The N START can also be determined based on the available number of REs within the NB-EPDCCH resource.

[0239] One or more associated antenna ports (e.g., reference signals) for NB-(E)PDCCH can be determined based on the operating mode. For example, in a first (e.g., stand-alone) operating mode, the associated reference signal for NB-EPDCCH can include DM-RS (e.g., antenna ports 7-10). The associated reference signal for NB-PDCCH can include CRS (e.g., antenna ports 0-3). In a third operating mode (e.g., in-band operation), the associated reference signal for NB-EPDCCH can include DM-RS and CRS.

[0240] A WTRU adopting the first operating mode can use the associated DM-RS (e.g., only use the associated DM-RS) to receive (e.g., attempt to decode) NB-EPDCCH, even if the CRS can be in the same PRB.

[0241] A WTRU adopting the third operating mode can use the associated DM-RS and / or CRS (as an example, which can be in the same PRB) to receive NB-EPDCCH. The number of antenna ports for DM-RS and / or CRS can be the same. If the number of DM-RS ports associated with NB-EPDCCH is Np, then at least Np CRS ports can be configured (e.g., determined or used) in the same PRB. The number of CRS ports for the PRB used by NB-IoT WTRUs and the number of CRS ports for the PRB used by LTE (e.g., legacy LTE) WTRUs can be different.

[0242] The WTRU may determine to use one precoder for a first DM-RS port and / or a first CRS port (e.g., within at least the same PRB). For example, one or more associated DM-RS ports for NB-EPDCCH may include antenna port 7 and / or 9, and the CRS in the same PRB may include antenna port 0 and / or 1. The WTRU may determine that antenna port 7 and / or antenna port 0 may be the same, and / or may determine that antenna port 9 and / or antenna port 1 may be the same.

[0243] The WTRU operating in a second operating mode may operate in the same manner as the WTRU operating in a first operating mode.

[0244] One or more associated antenna ports may be received from higher layer signaling (e.g., indicated therein). For example, one or more DM-RS ports may be associated with NB-EPDCCH (e.g., by default). The higher layer signaling may indicate that one or more CRS ports within the same PRB may be used for NB-EPDCCH demodulation.

[0245] The higher layer signaling may include a broadcast channel containing NB-EPDCCH configuration information.

[0246] One or more DM-RS ports may be associated with NB-EPDCCH. Here, the DM-RS port may be used interchangeably with the reference signal for NB-EPDCCH, the RS for narrowband operation, the RS for NB-IoT, and / or the NB-RS.

[0247] The UCI transmission may include HARQ-ACK information (e.g., HARQ-ACK and / or HARQ-NACK). If the UCI transmission on PUSCH is used for HARQ-ACK information (e.g., to replace a dedicated uplink control channel such as PUCCH), then (E)PDCCH may be used to grant the UL resources for each HARQ-ACK information transmission. By granting the UL resources for each HARQ-ACK information transmission, it may lead to inefficient use of UL resources. The UCI transmission on PUSCH may use one PRB pair as the minimum allocation for the WTRU. If one PRB pair is used to transmit 1-bit HARQ-ACK information, then it may greatly waste UL resources because one PRB pair can carry significantly more than 1-bit of information. Different (e.g., more efficient) UCI transmission schemes may be used here, such as for NB-IoT systems.

[0248] For example, HARQ-ACK information corresponding to downlink data transmission (e.g., PDSCH) can be transmitted using an uplink reference signal or sequence. As an example, a reference signal such as an uplink reference signal can be a sequence. For instance, an eNodeB can transmit a first downlink data transmission to a WTRU. The WTRU can then receive the first downlink data transmission, e.g., via PDSCH. The WTRU can send HARQ-ACK in response to receiving the downlink data transmission, e.g., send HARQ-ACK to the eNodeB. As an example, the eNodeB can transmit a second downlink data transmission to the WTRU. It is possible that the WTRU does not correctly receive the second downlink data transmission. If the second downlink data transmission is not correctly received, then the WTRU can determine to send HARQ-NACK. The WTRU can transmit an uplink reference signal and / or sequence. HARQ-ACK and / or HARQ-NACK can be indicated by means of the uplink reference signal and / or sequence. For example, HARQ-ACK in response to receiving the first downlink data transmission can be indicated by a first uplink reference signal and / or a first sequence of the first uplink reference signal. HARQ-NACK can be indicated by a second uplink reference signal (or second sequence). The WTRU can receive downlink data transmission in a first subframe (e.g., E-subframe). The WTRU can send an uplink reference signal and / or a first sequence in a second subframe (e.g., E-subframe). The second subframe can be later than the first subframe. For example, if the WTRU receives PDSCH in a subframe (e.g., E-subframe), then the corresponding HARQ-ACK information can be sent using an uplink reference signal in a later subframe (e.g., a later E-subframe). If PUSCH is not scheduled for the subframe carrying the corresponding HARQ-ACK information, then the uplink reference signal can be transmitted without PUSCH. The uplink reference signal can include one or more of demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) and / or sounding reference signal (SRS). Here, the terms uplink reference signal (UL RS), uplink DM-RS, DM-RS, and / or SRS can be used interchangeably, and the examples described for one type of reference signal can equally apply to other types of reference signals. One or more sequences of the uplink reference signal can be associated with HARQ-ACK information such as ACK and / or NACK. For example, a first sequence of the uplink signal (e.g., uplink reference signal) can be associated with ACK, and a second sequence of the uplink signal can be associated with NACK. Thus, ACK or NACK can be announced using the corresponding uplink signal sequence.HARQ-ACK and ACK can be used interchangeably, and HARQ-NACK and NACK can be used interchangeably herein.

[0249] Herein, uplink reference signals, uplink signals, sequences, uplink signal sequences, uplink reference signal sequences, reference signal sequences, Zadoff-Chu sequences, uplink HARQ-ACK sequences, and / or uplink HARQ-ACK information sequences can be used interchangeably. One or more sequences can use the same basic sequence. One or more sequences can be distinguished by cyclic shifts (e.g., cyclic shift indices). For example, a first sequence and a second sequence can use the same basic sequence with different cyclic shifts and / or cyclic shift indices.

[0250] The WTRU can use the cyclic shift index of a sequence (e.g., a basic sequence) to indicate HARQ-ACK information. The sequence can be a Zadoff-Chu sequence. As an example, one or more cyclic shift indices can be indicated by an uplink reference signal and / or a sequence, and the indices can be used to convey or indicate HARQ-ACK information (e.g., ACK or NACK). As an example, an uplink reference signal sequence can be conveyed with a first cyclic shift index to indicate ACK. Additionally, an uplink reference signal sequence can be conveyed with a second cyclic shift index to indicate NACK. Herein, cyclic shift and cyclic shift index can be used interchangeably.

[0251] In one or more physical resource blocks (PRBs), the transmission of an uplink reference signal using a cyclic shift, such as a cyclic shift derived from a set of one or more cyclic shifts, can be associated with a downlink transmission. A wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) can select a cyclic shift index from the one or more cyclic shift indices. The specified cyclic shift index can indicate an ACK or NACK for a corresponding downlink transmission. An evolved Node B (eNode B) can determine one or more cyclic shift indices to be used for hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information. The eNode B can indicate to the WTRU the one or more cyclic shift indices that can be used for HARQ-ACK information. The eNode B can indicate the one or more cyclic shift indices by means of downlink control information (DCI), for example using one or more bits. As an example, the eNode B can indicate to the WTRU a first cyclic shift index to be used for HARQ-ACK. The eNode B can indicate to the WTRU a second cyclic shift index to be used for HARQ-NACK. The WTRU can receive DCI for indicating the first cyclic shift index to be used for HARQ-ACK and / or the second cyclic shift index to be used for HARQ-NACK. As an example, the cyclic shift can be applied to one or more reference signals spanning one or more uplink symbols to indicate HARQ-ACK information, where the uplink symbols can be single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) symbols. For example, the WTRU can use a cyclic shift (e.g., the same or a different cyclic shift) to transmit one or more uplink reference signals to indicate an ACK or NACK for an associated physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). The one or more uplink reference signals can be transmitted in one or more uplink symbols.

[0252] One or more cyclic shift indices of the uplink reference signal can include a cyclic shift index (α) for a Zadoff-Chu sequence having a code group u and a basic sequence v .

[0253] The WTRU may transmit an uplink reference signal for HARQ-ACK information transmission on one or more uplink symbols (e.g., SC-FDMA symbols). As an example, the number of uplink symbols for HARQ-ACK information transmission may be determined by the WTRU based on the number of HARQ-ACK information bits. For example, one HARQ-ACK information bit may be transmitted in one uplink symbol, and two HARQ-ACK information bits may be transmitted in two uplink symbols (e.g., each uplink symbol has one HARQ-ACK information bit). If multiple uplink symbols are used, then two or more consecutive uplink symbols may be used. The WTRU may determine the number of uplink symbols to be used for HARQ-ACK information transmission, e.g., based on higher layer signaling. The number of uplink symbols for HARQ-ACK information transmission may be determined based on an indicator in the associated downlink control channel. The number of uplink symbols for HARQ-ACK information transmission may be determined based on the number of codewords (or as an example, transport blocks) of the associated PDSCH transmission. A sequence with a cyclic shift index may be transmitted on one or more uplink symbols. The length of the orthogonal cover code (OCC) may be determined based on the number of uplink symbols used.

[0254] The set of cyclic shift indices may be determined based on the number of HARQ-ACK information bits. For example, if a single HARQ-ACK information bit is transmitted, then two cyclic shift indices may be associated with the downlink transmission. As another example, when two HARQ-ACK information bits are transmitted, four cyclic shift indices may be associated with the downlink transmission.

[0255] The set of cyclic shift indices may be determined based on the number of codewords transmitted for the PDSCH. For example, if a single codeword is transmitted for the PDSCH, then one of two cyclic shift indices may be used to signal the associated HARQ-ACK information transmission. As another example, when two or more codewords are transmitted for the PDSCH, then one of four or more cyclic shift indices may be used to signal the associated HARQ-ACK information transmission.

[0256] The set of cyclic shift indices can be determined based on the number of antenna ports used at the transmitter. The transmitter can include a WTRU that performs transmissions. For example, if two antenna ports are used for HARQ-ACK information transmission, then two sets of two cyclic shift indices can be used. The first set of two cyclic shift indices can be used to indicate ACK. And the second set of two cyclic shift indices can be used to indicate NACK. Each cyclic shift index in the determined set can be associated with each antenna port.

[0257] HARQ-ACK information transmission can use an offset of two or more cyclic shift indices. For example, the offset between a first cyclic shift index and a second cyclic shift index can determine HARQ-ACK information (e.g., ACK and / or NACK). HARQ-ACK information transmission can use two sets of cyclic shift indices. The first of the two sets of cyclic shift indices can be used to indicate ACK. The second of the two sets of cyclic shift indices can be used to indicate NACK. For ACK or NACK, the first cyclic shift index can be the same. The second cyclic shift can be determined based on HARQ-ACK information (e.g., ACK and / or NACK). The first cyclic shift index can be transmitted via a first antenna port. The second cyclic shift index can be sent via a second antenna port.

[0258] HARQ-ACK information transmission for a single antenna port transmission can use a cyclic shift index. HARQ-ACK transmission for multiple antenna ports can use a set of cyclic shift indices. For example, if a single antenna port is used, then a cyclic shift index can be used to indicate HARQ-ACK information (e.g., ACK or NACK). If two or more antenna ports are used, then a set of cyclic shift indices can be used to indicate HARQ-ACK information (e.g., ACK and / or NACK).

[0259] Here, cyclic shift indices, HARQ-ACK resources, short PUCCH resources, and / or orthogonal resources can be used interchangeably.

[0260] Ncyc can represent the number of cyclic shift indices for uplink reference signals that can be used in a specified PRB. A subset of the Ncyc cyclic shift indices can be used for HARQ-ACK information indication. For the subset used for HARQ-ACK information indication, e.g., the cyclic shift subset, the subset can be provided and / or received in the DCI for PDSCH transmission.

[0261] A cyclic shift subset can be indicated by one or more numerical values, bits, and / or parameters. For example, a first cyclic shift index in the cyclic shift subset can be indicated, and the remaining cyclic shifts in the cyclic shift subset can be determined based on an offset from the first cyclic shift index, such as a predefined offset, or can also be determined based on a function of the first cyclic shift index. Each cyclic shift subset can be associated with a subset index, and the subset index can be indicated. What can be indicated are the cyclic shift indices for HARQ-ACK and HARQ-NACK.

[0262] For example, Ncyc = 8 can be used for HARQ-ACK information indication. This cyclic shift subset can be indicated in the DCI associated with the PDSCH transmission. Ncyc = 8 and the ceiling of (log2(Ncyc)) bits can indicate the cyclic shift index (α) and / or the starting cyclic shift index for the HARQ-ACK information transmission corresponding to the PDSCH transmission.

[0263] The cyclic shift index can be a cyclic shift group index or a cyclic shift subset index. The cyclic shift group index can be associated with a set of cyclic shift indices (such as for HARQ-ACK information transmission). As an example, the cyclic shift group index can be associated with two cyclic shift indices within the Ncyc cyclic shift indices. The WTRU can send an uplink reference signal in a time / frequency resource with a first cyclic shift index to indicate ACK. The WTRU can send an uplink reference signal in a time / frequency resource with a second cyclic shift index to indicate NACK. Tables 3 and 4 show examples of HARQ-ACK transmissions using cyclic shift groups with and without orthogonal cover codes (OCC). For example, if the WTRU receives the signaling bits "00" in the DCI associated with the PDSCH transmission, then the WTRU can use cyclic shift 0 to indicate ACK and can use cyclic shift 5 to indicate NACK. The WTRU can use OCC for the two uplink reference signals available for HARQ-ACK information transmission. The WTRU can determine which OCC to use based on an indication in the DCI (such as the DCI for the associated PDSCH transmission). For example, if the WTRU receives the signaling bits "00" in the DCI associated with the PDSCH transmission, then the WTRU can use OCC[1 1].

[0264] Table 3 - Example Cyclic Shift Groups for HARQ-ACK Transmission with OCC

[0265]

[0266] Table 4 – Example Cyclic Shift Groups for HARQ-ACK Transmission without OCC

[0267]

[0268] As an example, the cyclic shift index can be the starting cyclic shift index in the set of cyclic shift indices for HARQ information indication. For example, subsequent cyclic shift indices within the set of cyclic shift indices can be determined according to the starting cyclic shift index. The subsequent cyclic shift index can be determined using an offset from the starting cyclic shift index. For example, if the starting cyclic shift index α = 0 and it can be the first cyclic shift index, then the second cyclic shift index can be α + n or α + n mod Ncyc. The value of 'n' can be predefined (e.g., n = 4). The value of 'n' can be configured and / or indicated (e.g., in a dynamic manner). Here, the terms cyclic shift index, cyclic shift group index, and / or starting cyclic shift index can be used interchangeably, and the examples described with reference to the cyclic shift index can equally apply to the cyclic shift group index and / or starting cyclic shift index (and vice versa).

[0269] The cyclic shift index of the uplink reference signal can be indicated in the associated DCI for the PDSCH (e.g., carried on the PDCCH or other downlink control channel). The HARQ-ACK information corresponding to the PDSCH can be indicated by one or more orthogonal cover codes (OCCs). Table 5 shows examples of cyclic shifts used to indicate the OCCs when indicating HARQ-ACK information.

[0270] Table 5 - Examples of OCC Groups for HARQ-ACK Transmission

[0271]

[0272] The associated DCI of the PDSCH can indicate the cyclic shift index for the uplink reference signal. The HARQ-ACK information corresponding to the PDSCH can be indicated by transmitting the uplink reference signal in a subset of the uplink reference signal (e.g., DM-RS) symbols.

[0273] For example, if two symbols (e.g., SC-FDMA symbols) are used to perform uplink reference signal transmission (e.g., DM-RS transmission), then the WTRU can use the cyclic shift index in the first symbol to transmit the uplink reference signal. In one example, if the first symbol is used for ACK / NACK indication, then the WTRU does not transmit the uplink reference signal in the second symbol.

[0274] The first cyclic shift index indicated in the DCI for PUSCH may cover the second cyclic shift index in the associated DCI of the PDSCH that is used to indicate the cyclic shift to be used for HARQ-ACK information transmission. For example, if the PUSCH transmission is scheduled in the same subframe as the subframe used for HARQ-ACK information transmission corresponding to the PDSCH, then the cyclic shift indicated by the PUSCH DCI may cover the cyclic shift indicated for the HARQ-ACK information in the PDSCH DCI. The first cyclic shift index may be used to determine a subset of cyclic shifts used to indicate HARQ-ACK information. The second cyclic shift index may cover and / or replace the first cyclic shift index.

[0275] The cyclic shift index, cyclic shift group index, and / or starting cyclic shift index used to indicate ACK / NACK may be determined implicitly based on one or more factors. For example, the cyclic shift index, cyclic shift group index, and / or starting cyclic shift index may be determined implicitly based on the PRB index and / or starting PRB index within the E-subframe used for PDSCH transmission corresponding to the ACK / NACK. The cyclic shift index, cyclic shift group index, and / or starting cyclic shift index may be determined implicitly based on the (E)CCE index, starting (E)CCE index, and / or (E)CCE aggregation level of the associated (E)PDCCH used for PDSCH transmission. The cyclic shift index, cyclic shift group index, and / or starting cyclic shift index may be determined implicitly based on the WTRU-ID (e.g., C-RNTI, IMSI, s-TMSI).

[0276] HARQ-ACK information transmission may be based on UCI on the PUSCH. Sub-RB resource allocation (as an example, where the number of subcarriers (Msub) allocated to the WTRU may be equal to or less than Nsub, Msub ≤ Nsub) may be used for NB-IoT WTRUs. Nsub may be equal to 12 (e.g., one RB). Here, the terms sub-RB, sub-PRB, single subcarrier, and / or single tone may be used interchangeably, and examples described with reference to one of these terms may equally apply to one or more of the other terms. Legacy LTE uplink resource allocation may include RB-based resource allocation. In RB-based resource allocation, the uplink resource allocation granularity may be based on Nsub subcarriers.

[0277] RB-based UCI on PUSCH can be extended in the time domain (e.g., with or without UL-SCH). In the time domain, RB-based UCI on PUSCH can be extended based on the number of subcarriers (e.g., Msub) used for UCI transmission. Channel mapping on the RE level of UCI on PUSCH can be extended based on the number of subcarriers (e.g., Msub) allocated, determined, configured, and / or used for sub-RB resource allocation of NB-PUSCH. For example, UCI on PUSCH can be extended over Ksub subframes. Ksub can be determined according to Msub and Nsub (e.g., Ksub = Nsub / Msub). The channel coding and multiplexing processes used can be the same as those of legacy systems.

[0278] Figure 11 An example UCI transmission 1100 on PUSCH is described when Msub = Nsub and Nsym = Msym (e.g., UCI transmitted in a single PRB pair within a single subframe). The PRB pair can include subcarriers in the frequency domain and / or SC-FDMA symbols in the time domain.

[0279] Figure 12 An example time extension 1200 of UCI on PUSCH when Msub < Nsub is described. The PRB pair (e.g., the PRB pair shown) can be divided into two or more segments in the frequency domain. For example, the PRB pair can be split into six segments in the frequency domain. The two or more segments in the frequency domain can be transmitted over two or more subframes. For example, the six segments in the frequency domain can be transmitted over six subframes. Figure 11 If two subcarriers (e.g., Msub = 2) are allocated for a WTRU from the associated NB-PDCCH, then an RB (e.g., a single RB) can be split into Ksub and / or two or more subcarriers, each of which contains UCI for transmission. For example, in the example shown, two subcarriers are used for UCI transmission over 6 subframes to transmit approximately the same amount of UCI as transmitted in a single subframe in

[0280] (e.g., Msub = 2, Nsub = 12, Ksub = 6). Figure 12 shown, to transmit approximately the same amount of UCI as transmitted in a single subframe in Figure 11 (e.g., Msub = 2, Nsub = 12, Ksub = 6).

[0281] RB-based UCI on PUSCH (e.g., with or without UL-SCH) can be extended in the time domain. The time-domain extension of RB-based UCI on PUSCH can be based on the number of symbols (Msym) used in the subframe for UCI transmission. The channel mapping at the RE level of UCI on PUSCH can be extended based on the number of symbols allocated, determined, configured, or used for NB-PUSCH. For example, UCI on PUSCH can be extended over Ksub subframes. The Ksub can be determined according to Msym and / or Nsym (e.g., Ksub = Nsym / Msym). Nsym can be a predefined, configured, and / or variable number based on the number of symbols used in the subframe. Nsym can represent the number of symbols in each subframe. For example, the value of Nsym can depend on whether an extended cyclic prefix (e.g., Nsym = 12) or a normal cyclic prefix (e.g., Nsym = 14) is used. As an example, in Figure 13 the example shown, two symbols are used on each subframe for UCI transmission over 12 subcarriers to convey UCI similar to the amount of UCI transmitted in a single subframe in Figure 11 . In Figure 13 the example shown, the time-domain extension can be performed over 7 subframes (e.g., Msym = 2, Nsym = 14, Ksub = 7). Figure 13 An example time extension 1300 of UCI on PUSCH when Msym < Nsym is described.

[0282] HARQ-ACK information can be transmitted in the uplink pilot time slot (UpPTS). HARQ-ACK information can be transmitted in the UpPTS of a TDD special subframe. For an NB-PDSCH transmission that can be completed in subframe n, the UpPTS in the first special subframe after subframe n + k can be used for HARQ-ACK information transmission. The variable 'k' can be a predefined number.

[0283] The UpPTS can be used for SRS transmission and / or shortened RACH transmission. The shortened RACH transmission can be applicable to (e.g., only applicable to) small cells. The shortened RACH transmission may not be used for the NB-IoT system. If the HARQ-ACK information transmission on the UpPTS conflicts with the SRS transmission, then the HARQ-ACK information transmission can be prioritized, and / or the SRS transmission can be discarded.

[0284] One or more downlink E-subframes may be associated with the UpPTS. For example, one or more HARQ-ACK information bits from two or more E-subframes may be multiplexed within the UpPTS. The one or more HARQ-ACK information bits may be multiplexed in a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) manner and / or a code division multiplexing (CDM) manner. One or more HARQ-ACK information bits may be bundled in the UpPTS resources. If two or more special subframes are used as E-subframes, then one or more HARQ-ACK information bits may be multiplexed on two or more UpPTSs of the E-subframe, and / or two or more UpPTSs in the E-subframe may be used for HARQ-ACK information transmission, and / or the remaining UpPTSs of the two or more UpPTSs may be used for legacy WTRUs (such as SRS and / or shortened RACH).

[0285] Figure 14 Example HARQ-ACK information transmission 1400 in the UpPTS is described. The downlink E-subframe may include one or more (e.g., 6) downlink subframes. The one or more downlink subframes may include special subframes (e.g., in the case of assuming TDD configuration 1).

[0286] Figure 15 Example modulation symbols 1500 for HARQ-ACK information transmission are described. BPSK and / or QPSK may be used to carry ACK, NACK, and / or DTX information. BPSK may be used for a single HARQ-ACK information. QPSK may be used for multiple HARQ-ACK information. One or more E-subframes may be associated with one modulation symbol. If two E-subframes are associated with one modulation symbol, then the first E-subframe may be associated with the imaginary part of the modulation symbol, and / or the second E-subframe may be associated with the real part of the modulation symbol.

[0287] Figure 16 Example HARQ-ACK channel 1600 in the UpPTS with two symbols is described. One or more (e.g., one or two) symbols may be available for UCI in the UpPTS. If two symbols are available, then one or more HARQ-ACK information may be multiplexed with the cyclic shift index as Figure 16 shown. The first symbol may be used for the reference signal. The second symbol may be used for HARQ-ACK information. If two symbols are not available within the UpPTS and / or the first E-subframe, then adjacent UpPTSs in the special subframe of the second E-subframe may be combined (e.g., for constructing the HARQ-ACK channel).

[0288] As Figure 16As shown, d0 can be a symbol indicating HARQ-ACK information (e.g., Figure 15 the modulation symbol in can represent a Zadoff-Chu sequence with code group u and basic sequence v, can represent the cyclic shift of

[0289] Figure 17 An example HARQ-ACK channel 1700 in UpPTS with one symbol is described. If there are symbols (e.g., a single symbol) available for HARQ-ACK in UpPTS, then the HARQ-ACK channel can be generated (e.g., constructed). The HARQ-ACK channel can use a Zadoff-Chu based sequence with length 6.

[0290] Figure 18 An example of multiplexing 1800 HARQ-ACK information with RS in one symbol is described. The HARQ-ACK channel can be determined and / or used by multiplexing HARQ-ACK information and / or reference signals within one symbol, where α1 and α2 are the same as in Figure 16 and / or Figure 17 can be the same.

[0291] Here, single-tone based HARQ-ACK information transmission can be used. The used HARQ-ACK information transmission can have one or more types (e.g., in uplink transmission). The first HARQ-ACK information transmission can be based on single subcarrier transmission. The second HARQ-ACK information transmission can be based on multi-subcarrier transmission. Single subcarrier transmission can use one of the multiple subcarriers in uplink transmission. Here, subcarrier and / or tone can be used interchangeably.

[0292] The HARQ-ACK information transmission type can be determined based on the used PRACH resources. For example, one or more PRACH resources can be configured. One PRACH resource among the one or more PRACH resources can be associated with the capabilities of the WTRU for single-tone and / or multi-tone based transmission. A WTRU with single-tone based transmission capabilities can determine the PRACH resource associated with single-tone based transmission. A WTRU with multi-tone based transmission capabilities can determine the PRACH resource associated with multi-tone based transmission. The PRACH resource associated with single-tone based transmission can be single-tone based transmission. The PRACH resource associated with multi-tone based transmission can be multi-tone based transmission. The PRACH resource associated with multi-tone based transmission can be single-tone based transmission.

[0293] The type of HARQ-ACK information transmission can be determined based on the operating mode used. For example, single-tone based HARQ-ACK information transmission can be used for a first operating mode. Multi-tone based HARQ-ACK information transmission can be used for a second operating mode. The operating mode can correspond to one or more of an in-band mode, a guard band mode, and / or a stand-alone mode. The operating mode can be based on a coverage level. For example, one or more coverage levels can be used or defined here. Each of the one or more coverage levels can be associated with an operating mode. The first operating mode can be a normal coverage operating mode. The second operating mode can be a coverage enhanced operating mode. The operating mode can be indicated in a downlink control channel (e.g., PDSCH) associated with a downlink transmission.

[0294] Single-tone based uplink HARQ-ACK information transmission can include tone index selection. For example, one or more tone indexes can be determined for single-tone based HARQ-ACK information transmission. The one or more tone indexes can be determined based on the allocated downlink resources. For example, one or more (e.g., two) tone indexes associated with single-tone based HARQ-ACK information transmission can be determined based on the first CCE index used by the NB-PDCCH to schedule the NB-PDSCH. One or more tone indexes associated with single-tone based HARQ-ACK information transmission can be determined based on the SFN index and / or the first subframe used by the NB-PDCCH to schedule the NB-PDSCH. One or more tone indexes associated with single-tone based HARQ-ACK information transmission can be determined based on the WTRU-ID (e.g., C-RNTI, s-TMSI, etc.). One or more tone indexes associated with single-tone based HARQ-ACK information transmission can be determined based on the SFN index and / or the first subframe used for the NB-PDSCH.

[0295] When two or more indexes are associated with single-tone based HARQ-ACK information transmission, the WTRU can determine which tone to use for HARQ-ACK information transmission. The WTRU can determine which tone to use for HARQ-ACK information transmission based on ACK and / or NACK. For example, the first tone can be used to indicate ACK for the associated NB-PDSCH transmission. The second tone can be used to indicate NACK for the associated NB-PDSCH transmission. Here, tone and tone sequence can be used interchangeably.

[0296] One or more tone indices for HARQ-ACK information transmission may be indicated by the relevant NB-PDCCH used to schedule the NB-PDSCH.

[0297] NB-IoT may use one or more narrowbands. The one or more narrowbands may correspond to a single PRB. The operation mode of the one or more narrowbands may be determined, configured, and / or used. The operation mode regarding the one or more narrowbands may be determined based on one or more narrowband frequency positions.

[0298] The operation mode of each narrowband may be determined (e.g., configured).

[0299] A WTRU may receive, monitor, and / or attempt to decode one or more NB-Sync signals in one or more narrowband positions. The WTRU may determine (e.g., per) the operation mode of a narrowband based on the NB-Sync channel received in the narrowband.

[0300] One or more narrowbands may be associated with a WTRU. The WTRU may determine a primary NB from the one or more detected, configured, and / or determined narrowbands. The primary NB may be determined based on a predetermined operation mode.

[0301] If one or more narrowbands are associated with more than one operation mode, then one of the one or more narrowbands may be determined and / or used as the primary NB. For example, a narrowband associated with an in-band operation mode (as an example, either standalone or guard band) may be determined and / or used as the primary NB.

[0302] The primary NB may be determined based on the NB on which a physical random access channel (PRACH) preamble was transmitted. The primary NB may be determined based on the received random access response (RAR).

[0303] The WTRU may receive, monitor, and / or attempt to decode the NB-Sync signal of the primary narrowband.

[0304] One or more secondary narrowbands may be configured here (e.g., by means of the primary narrowband).

[0305] Broadcast channels (e.g., MIB and / or SIB) and / or higher layer signaling may include configuration information of one or more secondary narrowbands. The configuration information may include complete or partial configuration information.

[0306] The system bandwidth received in the broadcast channel may determine (e.g., implicitly determine) one or more secondary narrowbands.

[0307] Here, the operation mode of (e.g., each) secondary narrowband in one or more secondary narrowbands may be indicated (e.g., by the configuration information).

[0308] The one or more secondary narrowbands can be determined (e.g., assumed) to be operating modes associated with the primary narrowband.

[0309] The primary narrowband(s) used can be one or more. For an operating mode, the primary narrowband among the one or more narrowbands can be used, configured, and / or determined. For example, if two or more narrowbands with different operating modes are used, then the two or more narrowbands can be determined as the primary narrowband.

[0310] For an operating mode, one or more primary narrowbands can be used, determined, and / or configured.

[0311] One or more secondary narrowbands for a certain operating mode can be configured by one or more primary narrowbands with the same operating mode.

[0312] A WTRU can use a single operating mode. The WTRU can select one narrowband among two or more narrowbands based on the higher signal strength of one or more NB-Sync channels (for example, if the WTRU receives, detects, and / or determines two or more narrowbands with different operating modes). The WTRU can select a narrowband (e.g., from two or more narrowbands) based on the higher received signal strength of the downlink reference signal (for example, if the WTRU receives, detects, and / or determines two or more narrowbands with different operating modes).

[0313] The WTRU can select a narrowband (e.g., from two or more narrowbands) based on the priority rules of the operating mode. For example, the WTRU can detect two or more narrowbands. The first narrowband can be based on a first operating mode. The second narrowband can be based on a second operating mode. The WTRU can select the first narrowband and / or the second narrowband based on the priority rules. The in-band operating mode can have a higher priority than the guard-band operating mode. If the difference in the signal strength associated with the NB-Sync channels of two or more narrowbands is within a predefined range (e.g., a predetermined threshold), then the priority rules can be applied.

[0314] Frequency hopping can be applied between two or more narrowbands. One or more narrowbands can be used for UL and / or DL transmissions of the WTRU. The one or more narrowbands can use the same operating mode and / or different operating modes.

[0315] The WTRU can be configured with one or more narrowbands. The configured one or more narrowbands can be used during UL and / or DL transmission times.

[0316] The narrowband position and / or index may change over time. The narrowband position and / or index may be determined based on downlink control information for scheduling. The narrowband position and / or index may be determined based on a predefined frequency hopping pattern. Additionally, the narrowband position and / or index may be determined based on a frequency hopping indication.

[0317] Intra-mode narrowband hopping may include narrowband hopping of narrowbands having the same operating mode. Inter-mode narrowband hopping may include narrowband hopping across narrowbands having different operating modes. Here, narrowband hopping and frequency hopping may be used interchangeably.

[0318] The eNB and / or the WTRU may indicate the inter-mode narrowband hopping capability. For example, the eNB may indicate support for inter-mode narrowband hopping and / or for an inter-mode narrowband hopping configuration (e.g., by means of higher layer signaling). The WTRU may indicate the inter-mode narrowband hopping capability.

[0319] The time and / or frequency synchronization between two or more narrowbands having different operating modes may be determined based on an indication. The indication may include a configuration regarding support for inter-mode narrowband hopping. The WTRU may determine (e.g., assume) that the time and / or frequency is synchronized within the narrowbands being used (e.g., if intra-frame mode narrowband hopping is supported). The WTRU may determine (e.g., assume) that the time and / or frequency is not synchronized within the configured narrowbands.

[0320] Intra-mode narrowband hopping and / or inter-mode narrowband hopping may be used for the WTRU.

[0321] Narrowband hopping can use different retuning times. The different retuning times can be determined in accordance with in-band narrowband hopping and / or inter-band narrowband hopping. For example, when the narrowband position changes from a first narrowband to a second narrowband, if the first and second narrowbands can have the same operating mode, a first retuning time (T_re1) can be used. If the first and second narrowbands can have different operating modes, a second retuning time (T_re2) can be used. The first retuning time (T_re1) and the second retuning time (T_re2) can be different. The retuning time can be a predefined value. The retuning time can be configured by means of higher layer signaling. In addition, the retuning time can also be determined based on the capability indication of the WTRU. If frequency hopping is used between two or more narrowbands with the same operating mode (e.g., all two narrowbands are in-band operating modes), the retuning time T_re1 can be used. If frequency hopping is used between two or more narrowbands with different operating modes (for example, the first narrowband is in-band operating mode and the second narrowband is guard band operating mode), the retuning time T_re2 can be used. The retuning time can include a gap (e.g., the time gap between narrowband hops). The retuning time can be used by skipping the first UL and / or DL transmission. And the retuning time can be used by skipping the end of one or more UL and / or DL transmissions.

[0322] The transmission power for uplink transmission (e.g., different maximum transmission powers) can be used in a manner associated with the narrowband index. A first Pmax (e.g., Pmax,1) can include the maximum uplink transmission power in a narrowband having a first operating mode. A second Pmax (e.g., Pmax,2) can include the maximum uplink transmission power in a narrowband having a second operating mode. Pmax can include a value predefined and / or configured for one or more (e.g., each) operating modes. Pmax can be indicated in the relevant DCI for uplink transmission.

[0323] The uplink (e.g., separate uplink) power control loop can be used in accordance with the narrowband index and / or operating mode of the narrowband. A first power control loop can be used for one or more narrowbands having a first operating mode. A second power control loop can be used for one or more narrowbands having a second operating mode.

[0324] The associated reference signal type can be determined (e.g., based on the narrowband index and / or operating mode of the narrowband). The antenna port number can also be determined (e.g., based on the narrowband index and / or operating mode of the narrowband).

[0325] The timing advance value for uplink transmission can be determined (e.g., based on the narrowband index of the narrowband and / or the operating mode).

[0326] The WTRU can perform the RACH procedure for one or more (e.g., each) configured operating modes. The timing advance value for the one or more (e.g., each) operating modes can be determined, configured, and / or indicated.

[0327] A measurement reference signal (as an example, or a resource) may not be defined here for the NB-IoT WTRU. For example, one or more subframes containing synchronization signals (e.g., NB-Sync signals) do not include reference signals available for the NB-IoT WTRU.

[0328] The NB-Sync signal can include one or more of the narrowband primary synchronization signal (NB-PSS) and / or the narrowband secondary synchronization signal (NB-SSS).

[0329] The WTRU can determine (e.g., measure and / or estimate) channel quality information (e.g., information associated with the channel quality) based on one or more received reference resources. The one or more reference resources can include a reference signal for narrowband operation (e.g., NB-RS), a reference signal for legacy WTRU transmission and / or non-narrowband operation (e.g., CRS, DM-RS, CSI-RS), and / or one or more of the synchronization signals for narrowband operation (e.g., NB-Sync).

[0330] The determined channel quality information can be sent (e.g., reported or transmitted) in a periodic and / or aperiodic manner on the uplink.

[0331] The determined channel quality information can include the reference signal received power (RSRP). The determined channel quality information can include the reference signal received quality (RSRQ). The determined channel quality information can include the received signal strength indicator (RSSI). The determined channel quality information can include the channel quality indicator (CQI). The determined channel quality information can include the rank indicator (RI). The determined channel quality information can include the precoding matrix indicator (PMI).

[0332] For example, a WTRU may determine channel quality information (e.g., information associated with channel quality) based on one or more reference signals and / or resources received or transmitted within a narrowband. A first reference signal and / or resource may be received or transmitted within the narrowband. The first reference signal and / or resource may be referred to as an NB-RS. A plurality of NB-RS ports (e.g., 1 or 2) may be determined and / or indicated in a broadcast channel (e.g., an NB-MIB) associated with narrowband operation. The number of NB-RS ports may be dynamically indicated by an associated downlink control channel (e.g., an NB-PDCCH). A second reference signal and / or resource may be transmitted or received in a bandwidth that is relatively wide compared to the narrowband. The second reference signal may be referred to as a legacy reference signal (e.g., a CRS). The CRS within the narrowband may be used as (e.g., only as) the second reference signal. One or more parameters regarding the CRS may be transmitted to the WTRU. The one or more parameters may include information on the narrowband position of the CRS (e.g., relative to a central PRB index). One or more parameters regarding the CRS may include scrambling sequence related information, which includes a cell ID for scrambling sequence initialization. The second reference signal may use the same number of antenna ports as the first reference signal (e.g., based on an indication).

[0333] The first reference resource may be used for channel quality information measurement (e.g., if the first reference resource is available in a measurement resource).

[0334] If the number of antenna ports of the first reference resource is the same as the number of antenna ports of the second reference resource, then the second reference resource may be used (e.g., in combination with the first reference resource) to perform channel quality information measurement. If a first cell ID used for scrambling sequence initialization of the first reference resource is the same as a second cell ID used for scrambling sequence initialization of the second reference resource, then the second reference resource may be used (e.g., in combination with the first reference resource).

[0335] An indicator may be signaled in a broadcast channel. For example, the indicator may be an identical physical cell ID (PCI) indicator. The indicator may indicate whether the same cell ID is used for the first reference resource and / or the second reference resource. If the indicator is set to TRUE, then the cell IDs used for scrambling sequence initialization of one or more reference resources are the same. If the indicator is set to TRUE, then the number of antenna ports used for one or more reference resources will be the same. If the indicator is set to TRUE, then the same transmission power may be assumed for one or more reference resources. As an example, the transmission power of each corresponding antenna port may be assumed (e.g., the transmission power of the first antenna port of the first reference resource and the second reference resource may be the same).

[0336] The WTRU may determine (e.g., assume) that for channel quality information measurement, the first antenna port of the first reference resource and the second antenna port of the second reference resource may be the same.

[0337] The WTRU may indicate the ability to use one or more additional reference resources for demodulation and / or measurement. For example, the WTRU may indicate the ability to support CRS-based channel estimation as the second reference resource.

[0338] The WTRU may use the first reference resource and / or the second reference resource for demodulation. The WTRU may use only the second reference resource and / or the first reference resource for measurement.

[0339] The second reference resource may be used (e.g., only used) in a subset of operating modes. For example, the second reference resource may be used for demodulation and / or measurement in the in-band operating mode. In one or more other operating modes (e.g., guard band and stand-alone operating mode), the second reference resource will be unavailable.

[0340] A first indicator (e.g., same PCI indicator) may be used to indicate whether the second reference resource can be used for demodulation, and a second indicator may be used to indicate whether the second reference resource can be used for measurement. If the first indicator is set to TRUE and the transmit indicator is set to FALSE, then the second reference resource can be used for demodulation and the WTRU may determine that the second reference resource will not be used for other purposes (e.g., channel quality measurement) other than demodulation. If the first indicator is set to FALSE and the second indicator is set to TRUE, then the second reference resource can be used for measurement. As an example, if the first indicator is set to FALSE and the second indicator is set to TRUE, then the second reference resource can be used for measurement but cannot be used for other purposes, such as demodulation. If both the first indicator and the second indicator are set to TRUE, then the second reference resource can be used for demodulation and / or measurement. The first indicator and the second indicator may be the same indicator. The first indicator may be indicated via a broadcast channel (e.g., NB-MIB). The second indicator may be indicated via higher layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling).

[0341] Here, NB-RS port, NB-RS, NB reference signal, narrowband reference signal, and / or NB-RS antenna port can be used interchangeably. In addition, CRS port, CRS, and / or CRS antenna port can also be used interchangeably here.

[0342] A WTRU may use one or more reference resources based on the availability of one or more reference resources in time and / or frequency resources (e.g., measurement resources) to measure channel quality information. For example, a measurement resource (e.g., a certain time / frequency resource) may be pre-determined. The WTRU may perform channel quality information measurements based on the availability of one or more reference resources within the measurement resource. The measurement resource may be pre-determined to be a certain subframe within a configured narrowband.

[0343] If the NB-PDSCH is scheduled, then the first reference resource (e.g., NB-RS) will be available. If an NB-PDCCH search space is configured within the measurement resource, then the first reference resource will be available. The availability of the first reference resource may be determined based on NB-PDSCH scheduling and / or NB-PDCCH search space configuration.

[0344] If NB-Sync is transmitted within the measurement resource, then the second reference resource (e.g., NB-Sync) will be available. The availability of the second reference resource may be determined based on NB-Sync configuration.

[0345] Based on the operating mode, a third reference resource (e.g., legacy reference signal CRS) may be available within the measurement resource.

[0346] If the first reference resource is not available in the measurement resource, then the second reference resource may be used to measure channel quality information. If the second reference resource is a legacy reference signal (e.g., CRS), then the legacy reference signal (e.g., the first N symbols within the subframe) in the PDCCH region may be available in the first subset of subframes (e.g., potential MBSFN subframes). If the second reference resource is a legacy reference signal, then the legacy reference signal of the subframe may be available in the second subset of subframes (e.g., non-MBSFN subframes). The first set of subframes (e.g., potential MBSFN subframes) may include subframes {1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8} in the first frame structure (e.g., FDD) and / or subframes {3, 4, 7, 8, 9} in the second frame structure (e.g., TDD). The second subset of subframes (e.g., non-MBSFN subframes) may be those subframes that are not potential MBSFN subframes.

[0347] The availability of one or more reference resources in the measurement resource may be indicated in a dynamic manner. For example, if a measurement report is triggered by the eNB, then the presence of NB-RS in the measurement resource may be indicated in the trigger information.

[0348] Although specific combinations of features and elements have been described above, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that each feature can be used alone or in any combination with other features and elements. Additionally, the methods described herein can be implemented in a computer program, software, or firmware that is introduced into a computer-readable medium for execution by a computer or a processor. Examples of computer-readable media include electrical signals (transmitted via wired or wireless connections) and computer-readable storage media. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), registers, buffer memories, semiconductor storage devices, magnetic media such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical media, and optical media such as CD-ROM discs and digital versatile discs (DVDs). A processor associated with the software can be used to implement a radio frequency transceiver used in a WTRU, UE, terminal, base station, RNC, or any computer host.

Claims

1. A wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) comprising a processor configured to: Receive downlink control information (DCI) via a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), wherein the DCI includes an indication of a grant for physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission, and the DCI indicates whether the transport block is to be sent in a single time unit or in multiple time units in the PUSCH transmission; Based on the DCI, determine that the transport block is to be sent in the PUSCH transmission over the multiple time units; And Use the multiple time units to send the transport block via the PUSCH transmission, wherein each of the multiple parts of the transport block is sent in a respective one of the multiple time units.

2. The WTRU according to claim 1, wherein the DCI includes an indication of a frequency allocation for the PUSCH transmission and an indication of one or more symbols allocated for the PUSCH transmission in each of the multiple time units.

3. The WTRU according to claim 2, wherein the transport block is sent using the frequency allocation and the one or more symbols allocated for the PUSCH transmission.

4. The WTRU according to claim 2, wherein the frequency allocation indicates the location of each of a plurality of resource blocks and a starting resource block of the plurality of resource blocks.

5. The WTRU according to claim 2, wherein the transport block is sent using frequency hopping, wherein the frequency hops between respective time units of the multiple time units.

6. The WTRU according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to determine a subcarrier spacing to be used for the PUSCH transmission based on a field included in the DCI.

7. The WTRU according to claim 1, wherein the multiple time units include a plurality of subframes.

8. The multiple time units of the WTRU according to claim 1 have a length of 1 millisecond (ms).

9. The WTRU according to claim 1, wherein the multiple time units span a plurality of time slots.

10. The WTRU according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to receive search space information for attempting to decode the PDCCH transmission, wherein the search space information indicates a starting symbol associated with the search space and a number of symbols associated with the search space.

11. A method performed by a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), the method comprising: Receive downlink control information (DCI) via a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), wherein the DCI includes an indication of a grant for physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission, and the DCI indicates whether the transport block is to be sent in a single time unit or in multiple time units in the PUSCH transmission; Based on the DCI, determine that the transport block will be transmitted in the PUSCH transmission over the plurality of time units; and Transmit the transport block via the PUSCH transmission using the plurality of time units, wherein each of the plurality of parts of the transport block is transmitted in a corresponding one of the plurality of time units.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The DCI includes an indication of the frequency allocation for the PUSCH transmission and an indication of one or more symbols allocated for the PUSCH transmission in each of the plurality of time units.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The transport block is transmitted using the frequency allocation and the one or more symbols allocated for the PUSCH transmission.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The frequency allocation indicates the position of each of the plurality of resource blocks and the starting resource block of the plurality of resource blocks.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein The transport block is transmitted using frequency hopping, and wherein the frequency hops between each of the plurality of time units.

16. The method according to claim 11, the method further comprising: Based on a field included in the DCI, determine the subcarrier spacing to be used for the PUSCH transmission.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein The plurality of time units includes a plurality of subframes.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, Each of the plurality of subframes is transmitted in a single time slot.

19. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: Receive search space information for attempting to decode the PDCCH transmission, wherein the search space information indicates a starting symbol associated with the search space and a number of symbols associated with the search space.

20. A base station including a processor, the processor configured to: Transmit downlink control information (DCI) to a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) via a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission, wherein the DCI includes an indication of a grant for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission, and the DCI indicates whether the transport block will be transmitted in the PUSCH transmission in a single time unit or in a plurality of time units; and Receive the transport block via the PUSCH transmission using the plurality of time units, wherein each of the plurality of parts of the transport block is transmitted in a corresponding one of the plurality of time units.

21. A wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) comprising: A processor configured to: Receive first configuration information associated with a first search space, wherein the first configuration information indicates a first starting symbol associated with the first search space and a first number of symbols associated with the first search space; Receive second configuration information associated with a second search space, wherein the second configuration information indicates a second starting symbol associated with the second search space and a second number of symbols associated with the second search space; Receiving downlink control information (DCI) via a physical downlink control channel in the first search space or the second search space, where the DCI includes an indication of a frequency allocation for physical downlink shared channel transmission and an indication of one or more symbols allocated for the physical downlink shared channel transmission, and where the physical downlink shared channel transmission is included in a portion of the system bandwidth; Determining a subcarrier spacing to be used for the physical downlink shared channel transmission based on a field included in the DCI; And Receiving the physical downlink shared channel transmission in the portion of the system bandwidth according to the subcarrier spacing determined from the DCI.

22. The WTRU according to claim 21, wherein the processor is further configured to monitor the physical downlink control channel transmission in at least one of the first search space or the second search space.

23. The WTRU according to claim 22, wherein being configured to monitor the physical downlink control channel transmission comprises: Configured to monitor the first search space starting from the first starting symbol for a duration of the first number of symbols, or to monitor the second search space starting from the second starting symbol for a duration of the second number of symbols.

24. The WTRU according to claim 21, wherein the first starting symbol includes a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbol, and the second starting symbol includes a second orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbol.

25. The WTRU according to claim 21, wherein the first search space is associated with a common search space, and the second search space is associated with a WTRU-specific search space.

26. The WTRU according to claim 21, wherein the physical downlink shared channel transmission starts at a starting time determined based on the DCI.

27. The WTRU according to claim 21, wherein the length of the physical downlink shared channel transmission is determined based on the DCI.

28. The WTRU according to claim 21, wherein the processor is further configured to determine, based on the DCI, the time at which the physical downlink shared channel transmission starts.

29. The WTRU according to claim 21, wherein the first search space is associated with a first traffic type, and the second search space is associated with a second traffic type.

30. The WTRU according to claim 21, wherein the one or more symbols allocated for the physical downlink shared channel transmission include one or more orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbols.

31. A method performed by a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), the method comprising: Receiving first configuration information associated with a first search space, where the first configuration information indicates a first starting symbol associated with the first search space and a first number of symbols associated with the first search space; Receiving second configuration information associated with a second search space, where the second configuration information indicates a second starting symbol associated with the second search space and a second number of symbols associated with the second search space; Receive downlink control information (DCI) via a physical downlink control channel transmission in the first search space or the second search space, wherein the DCI includes an indication of a frequency allocation for a physical downlink shared channel transmission and an indication of one or more symbols allocated for the physical downlink shared channel transmission, wherein the physical downlink shared channel transmission is included in a portion of the system bandwidth; Determine a subcarrier spacing to be used for the physical downlink shared channel transmission based on a field included in the DCI; And Receive the physical downlink shared channel transmission in the portion of the system bandwidth according to the subcarrier spacing determined from the DCI.

32. The method according to claim 31, further comprising: Monitor the physical downlink control channel transmission in at least one of the first search space or the second search space.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein Monitoring the physical downlink control channel transmission includes: monitoring the first search space starting from the first starting symbol for a duration of the first number of symbols, or monitoring the second search space starting from the second starting symbol for a duration of the second number of symbols.

34. The method according to claim 31, wherein, The first starting symbol includes a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbol, and the second starting symbol includes a second orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbol.

35. The method according to claim 31, wherein the first search space is associated with a common search space, and the second search space is associated with a WTRU-specific search space.

36. The method according to claim 31, wherein The physical downlink shared channel transmission starts at a start time determined based on the DCI.

37. The method according to claim 31, wherein, The length of the physical downlink shared channel transmission is determined based on the DCI.

38. The method according to claim 31, further comprising: Based on the DCI, determine the time at which the physical downlink shared channel transmission starts.

39. The method according to claim 31, wherein, The first search space is associated with a first service type, and the second search space is associated with a second service type.

40. The method according to claim 31, wherein, The one or more symbols allocated for the physical downlink shared channel transmission include one or more orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbols.

41. A wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) comprising: A processor configured to: Receive a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmission; Receive hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information, wherein the HARQ information is associated with the transmission of HARQ acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK) information or HARQ negative acknowledgment (HARQ-NACK) information; In response to the PDSCH transmission, determine whether to transmit the HARQ-ACK information or the HARQ-NACK information; Based on determining to transmit the HARQ-ACK information, transmit a first signal using a first sequence, wherein the first signal is transmitted based on the received HARQ information, and wherein the first signal indicates the HARQ-ACK information; and Based on determining to transmit the HARQ-NACK information, a second signal is transmitted using a second sequence, wherein the second signal is transmitted based on the received HARQ information, and wherein the second signal indicates the HARQ-NACK information.

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