Method and apparatus for overlay attestation

Abstract

Systems and techniques for wireless communication are disclosed. For example, a process may include receiving configuration information for wireless coverage verification, receiving a neutral host token, receiving a broadcast message from a neutral host node, measuring at least the broadcast message from the neutral host node to obtain radio information, generating a coverage report based on the radio information, and transmitting the coverage report to a wireless network. And outputting the coverage report and the neutral host token to a network function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates in general to wireless communications. For example, aspects of this disclosure relate to systems and techniques for selecting and configuring user equipment (UE) for proof of coverage (POC) and policies for POC. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless communication systems are deployed to provide a variety of telecommunications and data services, including telephone, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. Broadband wireless communication systems have evolved through several generations, including first-generation analog wireless telephone service (1G), second-generation (2G) digital wireless telephone service (including the transitional 2.5G networks), third-generation (3G) high-speed data wireless devices with internet capabilities, and fourth-generation (4G) services (e.g., LTE, WiMax). Examples of wireless communication systems include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, and the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) system. Other wireless communication technologies include 802.11 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.

[0003] The fifth-generation (5G) mobile standard demands higher data transfer speeds, a greater number of connections, better coverage, and other improvements. According to the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance, the 5G standard (also known as "New Radio" or "NR") is designed to provide tens of megabits per second of data rate to each of tens of thousands of users, and 1 gigabits per second to dozens of employees on an office floor. To support large-scale sensor deployments, it should support hundreds of thousands of simultaneous connections.

[0004] Despite significant technological advancements in wireless communication systems over the years, challenges remain. For example, complex and dynamic environments can still attenuate or block signals between wireless transmitters and receivers, thus compromising coverage areas. In such areas, wireless devices may be unable to access the wireless network. In some cases, these areas may be difficult for traditional wireless network providers to access in order to provide additional coverage. To help improve and / or expand wireless networks, allowing individuals to obtain and establish small wireless networks accessible to wireless devices can be useful. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following is a simplified summary of the invention relating to one or more aspects disclosed herein. Therefore, this summary should not be considered an exhaustive overview relating to all conceived aspects, nor should it be considered to identify key or decisive elements relating to all conceived aspects or to depict the scope associated with any particular aspect. Accordingly, the following summary presents certain concepts in a simplified form relating to one or more aspects of the mechanisms disclosed herein, preceding the detailed description presented below.

[0006] Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for performing wireless communication are disclosed. In one exemplary example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor (e.g., implemented in a circuit) coupled to the at least one memory. The at least one processor is configured to: receive configuration information for wireless coverage verification; receive a neutral host token; receive broadcast messages from a neutral host node; at least measure the broadcast messages from the neutral host node to obtain radio information; generate a coverage report based on the radio information; and output the coverage report and the neutral host token to a network function.

[0007] As another example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided. The apparatus includes: at least one memory including instructions; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to: receive a verification code and sidelink configuration information from a network function; receive a sidelink transmission from an active user equipment (UE) including a verification code; measure the sidelink transmission to obtain sidelink radio information measurements; generate a coverage report including the sidelink radio information measurements and the verification code; and output the coverage report to a network function.

[0008] In another example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided. The apparatus includes: at least one memory including instructions; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to: enter a connection mode with a neutral host node; receive a verification code generated by a network entity; receive sidelink configuration information; and send a sidelink message based on the sidelink configuration information, the sidelink message including the verification code.

[0009] As another example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided. The apparatus includes: at least one memory including instructions; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to: receive a neutral host token from a network function; and send a broadcast message including the neutral host token.

[0010] In another example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided. The apparatus includes: at least one memory including instructions; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to: receive a neutral host token and a set of valid user equipment (UE) tokens from a network function; transmit a broadcast message; receive a first radio access channel (RACH) message from the UE in response to the broadcast message, the first RACH message including a UE token; authenticate the UE based on a comparison of the UE token with the set of valid UE tokens; transmit a second RACH message including a neutral host token based on the authenticated UE; receive a coverage report from the UE; and output the coverage report to the network function.

[0011] As another example, a method for wireless communication is provided. The method includes: receiving configuration information for wireless coverage verification; receiving a neutral host token; receiving a broadcast message from a neutral host node; measuring at least the broadcast message from the neutral host node to obtain radio information; generating a coverage report based on the radio information; and outputting the coverage report and the neutral host token to a network function.

[0012] In another example, a method for wireless communication is provided. The method includes receiving a verification code and sidelink configuration information from a network function; receiving a sidelink transmission from an active user equipment (UE) including the verification code; measuring the sidelink transmission to obtain sidelink radio information measurements; generating a coverage report including the sidelink radio information measurements and the verification code; and outputting the coverage report to the network function.

[0013] As another example, a method for wireless communication is provided. The method includes entering a connection mode with a neutral host node; receiving a verification code generated by a network entity; receiving sidelink configuration information; and sending a sidelink message based on the sidelink configuration information, the sidelink message including the verification code.

[0014] In another example, a method for wireless communication is provided. The method includes receiving a neutral host token from a network function and sending a broadcast message that includes the neutral host token.

[0015] As another example, a method for wireless communication is provided. The method includes receiving a neutral host token and a set of valid user equipment (UE) tokens from a network function; sending a broadcast message; receiving a first radio access channel (RACH) message from the UE in response to the broadcast message, the first RACH message including the UE token; authenticating the UE based on a comparison of the UE token with the set of valid UE tokens; sending a second RACH message including the neutral host token based on the authenticated UE; receiving a coverage report from the UE; and outputting the coverage report to the network function.

[0016] In another example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided on which instructions are stored. When executed by one or more processors, these instructions cause one or more processors to receive configuration information for wireless coverage verification; receive a neutral host token; receive a broadcast message from a neutral host node; measure at least the broadcast message from the neutral host node to obtain radio information; generate a coverage report based on the radio information; and output the coverage report and the neutral host token to a network function.

[0017] As another example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon is provided. When executed by one or more processors, the instructions cause one or more processors to receive a verification code and sidelink configuration information from a network function; receive a sidelink transmission from an active user equipment (UE) including a verification code; measure the sidelink transmission to obtain sidelink radio information measurements; generate a coverage report including the sidelink radio information measurements and the verification code; and output the coverage report to the network function.

[0018] In another example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided on which instructions are stored. When executed by one or more processors, these instructions cause one or more processors to enter a connection mode with a neutral host node; receive a verification code generated by a network entity; receive sidelink configuration information; and send a sidelink message based on the sidelink configuration information, the sidelink message including the verification code.

[0019] As another example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided on which instructions are stored. When executed by one or more processors, these instructions cause one or more processors to receive a neutral host token from a network function; and to send a broadcast message including the neutral host token.

[0020] In another example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon is provided. When executed by one or more processors, the instructions cause one or more processors to receive a set of neutral host tokens and valid user equipment (UE) tokens from a network function; send a broadcast message; receive a first radio access channel (RACH) message from the UE in response to the broadcast message, the first RACH message including the UE token; authenticate the UE based on a comparison of the UE token with the set of valid UE tokens; send a second RACH message including the neutral host token based on the authenticated UE; receive a coverage report from the UE; and output the coverage report to the network function.

[0021] As another example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided. The apparatus includes components for receiving configuration information for wireless coverage verification; components for receiving a neutral host token; components for receiving broadcast messages from a neutral host node; components for measuring at least the broadcast messages from the neutral host node to obtain radio information; components for generating a coverage report based on the radio information; and components for outputting the coverage report and the neutral host token to network functions.

[0022] In another example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided. The apparatus includes components for receiving a verification code and sidelink configuration information from a network function; components for receiving a sidelink transmission from an active user equipment (UE) including a verification code; components for measuring the sidelink transmission to obtain sidelink radio information measurements; components for generating a coverage report including the sidelink radio information measurements and the verification code; and components for outputting the coverage report to a network function.

[0023] As another example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided. The apparatus includes components for entering a connection mode with a neutral host node; components for receiving a verification code generated by a network entity; components for receiving sidelink configuration information; and components for sending a sidelink message based on the sidelink configuration information, the sidelink message including the verification code.

[0024] In another example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided. The apparatus includes components for receiving a neutral host token from a network function; and components for sending a broadcast message including the neutral host token.

[0025] As another example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided. The apparatus includes components for receiving a neutral host token and a set of valid user equipment (UE) tokens from a network function; components for transmitting a broadcast message; components for receiving a first radio access channel (RACH) message from the UE in response to the broadcast message, the first RACH message including the UE token; components for authenticating the UE based on a comparison of the UE token with the set of valid UE tokens; components for transmitting a second RACH message including the neutral host token based on the authenticated UE; components for receiving a coverage report from the UE; and components for outputting the coverage report to the network function.

[0026] In some aspects, one or more of the devices described herein are, are a part of, or include the following: mobile devices (e.g., mobile phones or so-called "smartphones," tablet computers, or other types of mobile devices), wearable devices, extended reality devices (e.g., virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, or mixed reality (MR) devices), personal computers, laptop computers, video servers, television sets (e.g., network-connected television sets), vehicles (or computing devices or systems of vehicles), or other devices. In some aspects, the device includes at least one camera for capturing one or more images or video frames. For example, the device may include one camera (e.g., an RGB camera) or multiple cameras for capturing one or more images and / or one or more videos including video frames. In some aspects, the device includes a display for displaying one or more images, videos, notifications, or other displayable data. In some aspects, the device includes a transmitter configured to transmit one or more video frames and / or syntax data to at least one device via a transmission medium. In some aspects, the processor includes a neural processing unit (NPU), a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or other processing devices or components.

[0027] The features and technical advantages of the examples according to this disclosure have been summarized rather extensively above in order to provide a better understanding of the detailed description that follows. Additional features and advantages will be described below. The disclosed concepts and specific examples can be readily used as the basis for modifying or designing other structures for achieving the same purpose as this disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. The characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein, in both their organization and manner of operation, and the associated advantages, will be better understood by considering the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Each of the drawings provided is for illustrative and descriptive purposes and not as a definition of limitation of the claims.

[0028] While aspects are described herein by way of example, those skilled in the art will understand that such aspects can be implemented in many different arrangements and scenarios. The techniques described herein can be implemented using different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and / or package arrangements. For example, some aspects can be implemented via integrated chip implementations or other devices based on non-modular components (e.g., end-user equipment, vehicles, communication equipment, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail / shopping devices, medical devices, and / or artificial intelligence devices). Aspects can be implemented in chip-level components, modular components, non-modular components, non-chip-level components, device-level components, and / or system-level components. Devices incorporating the described aspects and features may include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described aspects. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals may include one or more components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antennas, radio frequency (RF) chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders, and / or summers). The aspects described herein are intended to be practiced in a wide variety of devices, components, systems, distributed arrangements, and / or end-user equipment of various sizes, shapes, and configurations.

[0029] Based on the accompanying drawings and detailed description, other objects and advantages associated with the aspects disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Examples of specific implementations are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication network based on some examples;

[0032] Figure 2 These are illustrations of base station and user equipment (UE) designs based on some examples, which enable the transmission and processing of signals exchanged between the UE and the base station;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a decomposed base station based on some examples;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the components of a user device based on some examples;

[0035] Figures 5A to 5D Various example aspects of data structures for wireless communication networks are described based on some examples;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a conceptual network diagram illustrating examples of small cellular networks and wholesale providers according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7 This is an architecture diagram illustrating an example of a PoC-supporting wireless network according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a sequence diagram illustrating example layer-one witness operations according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a sequence diagram illustrating example layer-two witness operations according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating an example side-link (SL) assisted witness operation according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of direct connectivity-assisted witnessing operation based on various aspects of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 12 It is a flowchart of a process for verifying coverage in a wireless system according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 13 It is a flowchart of a process for verifying coverage in a wireless system according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 14 It is a flowchart of a process for verifying coverage in a wireless system according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 15 It is a flowchart of a process for verifying coverage in a wireless system according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 16 It is a flowchart of a process for verifying coverage in a wireless system according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 17 These are illustrations of examples of computing systems based on various aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Certain aspects and embodiments of this disclosure are provided below. Some of these aspects and embodiments may be applied independently, and some may be combined, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Specific details are set forth in the following description for purposes of explanation in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments of this application. However, it will be apparent, however, that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. The accompanying drawings and descriptions are not intended to be limiting.

[0049] The following description provides only exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure. Rather, the subsequent description of exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with enabling descriptions for implementing the exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of this application as set forth in the appended claims.

[0050] Large mobile network operators (MNOs) are increasingly investing in cellular infrastructure, such as small cells, to improve cellular coverage. For example, certain large neighborhoods may prohibit the construction of infrastructure, such as cell towers, within the neighborhood, and therefore, cellular coverage within that neighborhood may be relatively poor. To help improve and / or expand cellular coverage, allowing individuals to acquire and establish small cellular networks can be useful. However, managing cellular networks can be more difficult than most individuals want and / or are able to perform, and allowing small cellular networks to be managed by a central authority can be useful. In some cases, large MNOs may not be built to work with individuals to provide management for numerous small cellular networks. Instead, wholesale providers can work with individuals to build, configure, and / or manage small cellular networks. In some cases, ensuring that individuals have established and are operating small cellular networks can be useful.

[0051] This document describes systems, apparatus, electronic devices, methods (also referred to as processes), and computer-readable media (collectively, “Systems and Technologies”) for providing proof of coverage (PoC) for small cellular networks. In some cases, PoC can be used to ensure that a neutral host network (such as a neutral host network established by an individual) operates correctly at its intended location. In some cases, PoC can be separate from proof of use. In some cases, PoC can be provided by one or more witness UEs (W-UEs). In some cases, W-UEs can be configured by PoC network functions to verify the PoC of a neutral host node. A neutral host node can be a small cell device, such as a small cell base station, femtocell, picocell, etc., which may be owned and / or established by a party separate from the radio network operator (e.g., the party operating the core network). A W-UE can receive a neutral host token associated with the neutral host node. A neutral host token can be a digital token (e.g., a set of unique values) that can be used to determine whether a neutral host network is providing radio coverage available to a UE of the radio network operator. A W-UE can also receive broadcast messages, such as SIBs, from the neutral host node. In some cases, an SIB may include a neutral host token. In other cases, the W-UE may respond to the SIB and receive a neutral host token in response. The W-UE can generate a PoC report by monitoring transmissions from the neutral host. The PoC report may include the neutral host token. The W-UE can then send the PoC report to the neutral host.

[0052] Additional aspects of this disclosure are described in more detail below.

[0053] Wireless networks are deployed to provide various communication services, such as voice, video, packet data, message sending and receiving, and broadcasting. Wireless networks can support two types of access links for communication between wireless devices. An access link can refer to any communication link between a client device (e.g., a User Equipment (UE), Station (STA), or other client device) and a base station (e.g., a 3GPP gNodeB (gNB) for 5G / NR, a 3GPP eNodeB (eNB) for LTE, a Wi-Fi access point (AP), or other base station), or any communication link between the client device and components of a distributed base station (e.g., a central unit, distributed unit, and / or radio unit). In one example, the access link between the UE and the 3GPP gNB can be via the Uu interface. In some cases, the access link can support uplink signaling, downlink signaling, connection procedures, etc.

[0054] In some aspects, wireless communication networks can be implemented using one or more modulation schemes. For example, wireless communication networks can be implemented using quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) schemes such as 16QAM, 32QAM, 64QAM, etc.

[0055] As used herein, the terms “User Equipment” (UE) and “Network Entity” are not intended to be specific to or otherwise limited to any particular Radio Access Technology (RAT) unless otherwise specified. In general, a UE can be any wireless communication device (e.g., mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, and / or tracking device, etc.), wearable device (e.g., smartwatch, smart glasses, wearable ring, and / or extended reality (XR) device (such as virtual reality (VR) headsets, augmented reality (AR) headsets or glasses, or mixed reality (MR) headsets)), vehicle (e.g., car, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.), and / or Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc., for use by a user to communicate over a wireless communication network. A UE can be mobile or can (e.g., at certain times) be stationary and can communicate with a Radio Access Network (RAN). As used herein, the term "UE" can be interchangeably referred to as "access terminal" or "AT," "client device," "wireless device," "subscriber device," "subscriber terminal," "subscriber station," "user terminal," or "UT," "mobile device," "mobile terminal," "mobile station," or variations thereof. Generally, a UE can communicate with the core network via the RAN, and through the core network, the UE can connect to external networks such as the Internet and other UEs. Of course, other mechanisms for connecting to the core network and / or the Internet are also possible for the UE, such as through wired access networks, wireless local area network (WLAN) networks (e.g., based on the IEEE 802.11 communication standard), etc.

[0056] Network entities can be implemented in a converged or monolithic base station architecture, or alternatively, in a decomposed base station architecture, and may include one or more of a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a radio unit (RU), a near real-time (near RT) RAN intelligent controller (RIC), or a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC. A base station (e.g., with a converged / monolithic or decomposed base station architecture) may operate according to one of several RATs communicating with the UE (depending on the network in which it is deployed) and may alternatively be referred to as an access point (AP), network node, NodeB (NB), evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), new radio (NR) NodeB (also referred to as gNB or gNodeB), etc. The base station may primarily be used to support the UE's radio access, including supporting data, voice, and / or signaling connections for the supported UE. In some systems, the base station may provide edge node signaling functions, while in other systems, the base station may provide additional control and / or network management functions. The communication link through which a UE transmits signals to a base station is called an uplink (UL) channel (e.g., reverse traffic channel, reverse control channel, access channel, etc.). The communication link through which a base station transmits signals to a UE is called a downlink (DL) or forward link channel (e.g., paging channel, control channel, broadcast channel, or forward traffic channel, etc.). As used herein, the term traffic channel (TCH) can refer to uplink, reverse or downlink, and / or forward traffic channel.

[0057] The terms "network entity" or "base station" (e.g., having a converged / monolithic base station architecture or a decomposed base station architecture) can refer to a single physical transmit / receive point (TRP) or multiple physical TRPs that may be co-located or non-co-located. For example, when the term "network entity" or "base station" refers to a single physical TRP, the physical TRP may be a base station antenna corresponding to a cell (or several cell sectors) of the base station. When the term "network entity" or "base station" refers to multiple co-located physical TRPs, these physical TRPs may be an antenna array of the base station (e.g., as in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system or where the base station employs beamforming). When the term "base station" refers to multiple non-co-located physical TRPs, the physical TRPs may be a distributed antenna system (DAS) (a network of spatially separated antennas connected via a transmission medium to a common source) or a remote radio headend (RRH) (a remote base station connected to a serving base station). Alternatively, a non-co-located physical TRP may be a serving base station receiving measurement reports from a UE and a neighboring base station where the UE is measuring its reference radio frequency (RF) signal (or simply "reference signal"). As used in this article, a TRP is the point by which a base station transmits and receives wireless signals, so any mention of transmitting from or receiving at a base station should be understood as referring to a specific TRP of the base station.

[0058] In some specific implementations supporting UE positioning, network entities or base stations may not support the UE's radio access (e.g., may not support data, voice, and / or signaling connections regarding the UE), but may instead transmit reference signals to the UE for measurement, and / or receive and measure signals transmitted by the UE. Such base stations may be referred to as positioning beacons (e.g., in the case of transmitting signals to the UE) and / or as location measurement units (e.g., in the case of receiving and measuring signals from the UE).

[0059] RF signals comprise electromagnetic waves of a given frequency that transmit information across the space between a transmitter and a receiver. As used herein, a transmitter may send a single “RF signal” or multiple “RF signals” to a receiver. However, due to the propagation characteristics of RF signals through multipath channels, a receiver may receive multiple “RF signals” corresponding to each transmitted RF signal. The same transmitted RF signal on different paths between the transmitter and receiver can be referred to as a “multipath” RF signal. As used herein, where the context clearly indicates that the term “signal” refers to a wireless signal or RF signal, an RF signal may also be referred to as a “wireless signal” or simply a “signal.”

[0060] Various aspects of the systems and technologies described herein will be discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings. According to these aspects, Figure 1An example of a wireless communication system 100 is illustrated. The wireless communication system 100 (which may also be referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) may include various base stations 102 and various UEs 104. In some aspects, base station 102 may also be referred to as a “network entity” or a “network node.” One or more base stations in base station 102 may be implemented in an aggregated or monolithic base station architecture. Additionally or alternatively, one or more base stations in base station 102 may be implemented in a decomposed base station architecture and may include one or more of a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a radio unit (RU), a near real-time (near RT) RAN intelligent controller (RIC), or a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC. Base station 102 may include macro cell base stations (high-power cellular base stations) and / or small cell base stations (low-power cellular base stations). In one aspect, macro cell base stations may include eNBs and / or ng-eNBs (where wireless communication system 100 corresponds to a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network), or gNBs (where wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an NR network), or a combination of both, and small cell base stations may include femtocells, picocells, microcells, etc.

[0061] Base station 102 can collectively form a RAN and interface with core network 170 (e.g., evolved packet core (EPC) or 5G core (5GC)) via backhaul link 122, and interface with one or more location servers 172 (which may be part of core network 170 or external to core network 170) via core network 170. Among other functions, base station 102 can perform functions related to one or more of the following: delivering user data, radio channel encryption and decryption, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection establishment and release, load balancing, distribution of non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, RAN sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment tracking, RAN information management (RIM), paging, location, and delivery of warning messages. Base station 102 can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via EPC or 5GC) via backhaul link 134 (which may be wired and / or wireless).

[0062] Base station 102 can wirelessly communicate with UE 104. Each base station in base station 102 can provide communication coverage for a corresponding geographical coverage area 110. In one aspect, base station 102 in each coverage area 110 can support one or more cells. A “cell” is a logical communication entity used to communicate with a base station (e.g., on a frequency resource, referred to as a carrier frequency, component carrier, carrier, frequency band, etc.) and can be associated with an identifier (e.g., Physical Cell Identifier (PCI), Virtual Cell Identifier (VCI), Cell Global Identifier (CGI)) to distinguish cells operating via the same or different carrier frequencies. In some cases, different cells can be configured according to different protocol types that can provide access for different types of UEs (e.g., Machine Type Communication (MTC), Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), or other protocol types). Because a cell is supported by a specific base station, the term “cell” can refer to either or both of the logical communication entity and the base station supporting the logical communication entity, depending on the context. Furthermore, since the TRP is typically the physical transmission point of the cell, the terms “cell” and “TRP” can be used interchangeably. In some cases, the term "cell" may also refer to the geographic coverage area (e.g., sector) of a base station, provided that a carrier frequency can be detected within a portion of the geographic coverage area 110 and that carrier frequency is used for communication within that portion.

[0063] While the geographic coverage areas 110 of adjacent macro cell base stations 102 may partially overlap (e.g., in a handover area), some areas within geographic coverage areas 110 may substantially overlap with larger geographic coverage areas 110. For example, a small cell base station 102' may have a coverage area 110' that substantially overlaps with the coverage areas 110 of one or more macro cell base stations 102. A network that includes both small cell base stations and macro cell base stations can be referred to as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include a home eNB (HeNB) that can provide service to a restricted group referred to as a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG).

[0064] The communication link 120 between base station 102 and UE 104 may include uplink (also referred to as the reverse link) transmission from UE 104 to base station 102 and / or downlink (also referred to as the forward link) transmission from base station 102 to UE 104. The communication link 120 may use MIMO antenna techniques, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication link 120 may use one or more carrier frequencies. Carrier allocation may be asymmetric for the downlink and uplink (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated to the downlink compared to the uplink).

[0065] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a WLAN AP 150 communicating with a WLAN station (STA) 152 via a communication link 154 in unlicensed spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz). When communicating in unlicensed spectrum, the WLAN STA 152 and / or WLAN AP 150 may perform a Free Channel Assessment (CCA) or Listen-After-Talk (LBT) process before communication to determine if the channel is available. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may include devices (e.g., UEs, etc.) that communicate with one or more UEs 104, base stations 102, APs 150, etc., using ultra-wideband (UWB) spectrum. The UWB spectrum may range from 3.1 GHz to 10.5 GHz.

[0066] Small cell base station 102' can operate in licensed and / or unlicensed spectrum. When operating in unlicensed spectrum, small cell base station 102' can employ LTE or NR technologies and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum as WLAN AP 150. Small cell base station 102' employing LTE and / or 5G in unlicensed spectrum can enhance coverage of the access network and / or increase the capacity of the access network. NR in unlicensed spectrum can be referred to as NR-U. LTE in unlicensed spectrum can be referred to as LTE-U, Licensed Assisted Access (LAA), or MulteFire.

[0067] The wireless communication system 100 may also include a millimeter-wave (mmW) base station 180, which can operate at mmW and / or near-mmW frequencies to communicate with the UE 182. The mmW base station 180 may be implemented in a converged or monolithic base station architecture, or alternatively, in a decomposed base station architecture (e.g., including one or more of a CU, DU, RU, near-RT RIC, or non-RT RIC). Extremely high frequency (EHF) is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that contains radio frequency (RF). EHF has a range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz, with wavelengths between 1 mm and 10 mm. Radio waves in this band may be referred to as millimeter waves. Near-mmW extends down to frequencies of 3 GHz with wavelengths of 100 mm. Ultra-high frequency (SHF) bands extend between 3 GHz and 30 GHz, and are also referred to as centimeter waves. Communication using mmW and / or near-mmW radio bands has high path loss and relatively short range. mmW base station 180 and UE 182 can utilize beamforming (transmit and / or receive) on mmW communication link 184 to compensate for extremely high path loss and short range. Furthermore, it should be understood that in alternative configurations, one or more base stations 102 may also use mmW or near-mmW and beamforming for transmission. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing illustrations are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the various aspects disclosed herein.

[0068] In some aspects related to 5G, the spectrum operated by wireless network nodes or entities (e.g., base station 102 / 180, UE 104 / 182) is divided into multiple frequency ranges: FR1 (from 450 MHz to 6000 MHz), FR2 (from 24250 MHz to 52600 MHz), FR3 (above 52600 MHz), and FR4 (between FR1 and FR2). In multi-carrier systems such as 5G, one of the carrier frequencies is referred to as the "primary carrier," "anchor carrier," "primary serving cell," or "PCell," and the remaining carrier frequencies are referred to as "secondary carriers," "secondary serving cells," or "SCell." In carrier aggregation, the anchor carrier is the carrier operating on the primary frequency (e.g., FR1) used by UE 104 / 182 and the cell, where UE 104 / 182 performs an initial radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment procedure or initiates an RRC connection re-establishment procedure in that cell. The primary carrier carries all common control channels as well as UE-specific control channels and can be a carrier on a licensed frequency (however, this is not always the case). The secondary carrier is a carrier operating on a second frequency (e.g., FR2) that can be configured and used to provide additional radio resources once an RRC connection is established between UE 104 and the anchor carrier. In some cases, the secondary carrier can be a carrier on an unlicensed frequency. The secondary carrier may contain only the necessary signaling information and signals; for example, since the primary uplink and primary downlink carriers are typically UE-specific, those UE-specific signaling information and signals may not be present on the secondary carrier. This means that different UEs 104 / 182 within a cell can have different downlink primary carriers. The same applies to the uplink primary carrier. The network can change the primary carrier of any UE 104 / 182 at any time. This is done, for example, to balance the load on different carriers. Because a “serving cell” (whether PCell or SCell) corresponds to the carrier frequency and / or component carriers through which some base stations are communicating, the terms “cell,” “serving cell,” “component carrier,” “carrier frequency,” etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0069] For example, still refer to Figure 1One of the frequencies used by macro cell base station 102 may be an anchor carrier (or "PCell"), and the other frequencies used by macro cell base station 102 and / or mmW base station 180 may be secondary carriers ("SCell"). In carrier aggregation, each carrier of base station 102 and / or UE 104 may use a spectrum with a bandwidth of up to Y MHz (e.g., 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, 20 MHz, 100 MHz), with up to a total of Yx MHz (x component carriers) for transmission in each direction. Component carriers may or may not be adjacent to each other in the spectrum. Carrier allocation may be asymmetric with respect to downlink and uplink (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated to downlink compared to uplink). Simultaneous transmission and / or reception on multiple carriers enables UE 104 / 182 to significantly increase its data transmission and / or reception rates. For example, two aggregated 20 MHz carriers in a multi-carrier system would theoretically result in a doubling of the data rate (i.e., 40 MHz) compared to the data rate obtained by a single 20 MHz carrier.

[0070] To operate on multiple carrier frequencies, base station 102 and / or UE 104 may be equipped with multiple receivers and / or transmitters. For example, UE 104 may have two receivers, namely "Receiver 1" and "Receiver 2", where "Receiver 1" is a multi-band receiver that can be tuned to band "X" or band "Y", and "Receiver 2" is a single-band receiver that can be tuned to only band "Z". In this example, if UE 104 is being served in band "X", then band "X" will be referred to as PCell or active carrier frequency, and "Receiver 1" will need to tune from band "X" to band "Y" (SCell) to measure band "Y" (and vice versa). In contrast, regardless of whether UE 104 is being served in band "X" or band "Y", due to the separate "Receiver 2", UE 104 can measure band "Z" without interrupting service on band "X" or band "Y".

[0071] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a UE 164, which can communicate with the macro cell base station 102 on the communication link 120 and / or with the mmW base station 180 on the mmW communication link 184. For example, the macro cell base station 102 may support PCells and one or more SCells for the UE 164, and the mmW base station 180 may support one or more SCells for the UE 164.

[0072] The wireless communication system 100 may also include one or more UEs, such as UE 190, which are indirectly connected to one or more communication networks via one or more device-to-device (D2D) peer-to-peer (P2P) links (referred to as "side links"). Figure 1 In the example, UE 190 has a D2D P2P link 192 with one of UEs 104 connected to one of the base stations in base station 102 (e.g., UE 190 can indirectly obtain cellular connectivity through this D2D P2P link), and has a D2D P2P link 194 with a WLAN STA 152 connected to WLANAP 150 (UE 190 can indirectly obtain WLAN-based Internet connectivity through this D2D P2P link). In the example, D2D P2P links 192 and 194 can use any known D2D RAT (such as 5G Direct, LTE Direct (LTE-D), Wi-Fi Direct (Wi-Fi-D), Bluetooth). ® (etc.) to support.

[0073] Figure 2 A block diagram of a base station 102 and a UE 104 designed according to some aspects of this disclosure is shown, which enables the transmission and processing of signals exchanged between the UE and the base station. Design 200 includes components of base station 102 and UE 104, which may be... Figure 1 The base station 102 is a base station and the UE 104 is a UE. The base station 102 may be equipped with T antennas 234a to 234t, and the UE 104 may be equipped with R antennas 252a to 252r, wherein typically T≥1 and R≥1.

[0074] At base station 102, transmitting processor 220 can receive data for one or more UEs from data source 212, select one or more modulation and decoding schemes (MCS) for each UE based at least in part on the Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) received from each UE, process (e.g., encode and modulate) the data for each UE based at least in part on the MCS selected for each UE, and provide data symbols for all UEs. Transmitting processor 220 can also process system information (e.g., semi-static resource allocation information (SRPI), etc.) and control information (e.g., CQI requests, grants, upper-layer signaling, etc.), and provide overhead symbols and control symbols. Transmitting processor 220 can also generate reference symbols for reference signals (e.g., cell-specific reference signals (CRS)) and synchronization signals (e.g., primary synchronization signal (PSS) and secondary synchronization signal (SSS)). The transmit (TX) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processor 230 can perform spatial processing (e.g., pre-decoding) on ​​data symbols, control symbols, overhead symbols, and / or reference symbols, where applicable, and can provide T output symbol streams to T modulators (MODs) 232a to 232t. Modulators 232a to 232t are shown as combined modulator-demodulator (MOD-DEMOD). In some cases, the modulator and demodulator can be separate components. Each modulator in modulators 232a to 232t can process a corresponding output symbol stream (e.g., for an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) scheme, etc.) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modulator in modulators 232a to 232t can further process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and up-convert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink signal. The T downlink signals can be transmitted from modulators 232a to 232t via T antennas 234a to 234t, respectively. Based on some aspects described in more detail below, position coding can be used to generate synchronization signals to transmit additional information.

[0075] At UE 104, antennas 252a to 252r can receive downlink signals from base station 102 and / or other base stations, and can provide the received signals to demodulators (DEMODs) 254a to 254r respectively. Demodulators 254a to 254r are shown as combined modulator-demodulators (MOD-DEMODs). In some cases, the modulator and demodulator can be separate components. Each demodulator in demodulators 254a to 254r can adjust (e.g., filter, amplify, down-convert, and digitize) the received signal to obtain an input sample. Each demodulator in demodulators 254a to 254r can further process the input sample (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain the received symbols. MIMO detector 256 can obtain the received symbols from all R demodulators 254a to 254r, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols (where applicable), and provide the detected symbols. The receiver processor 258 can process (e.g., demodulate and decode) the detected symbols, provide the decoded data for UE 104 to the data sink 260, and provide the decoded control information and system information to the controller / processor 280. The channel processor can determine the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), and / or Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), etc.

[0076] On the uplink, at UE 104, the transmitting processor 264 can receive and process data from data source 262 and control information from controller / processor 280 (e.g., for reports including RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, CQI, etc.). The transmitting processor 264 can also generate reference symbols for one or more reference signals (e.g., based at least in part on β values ​​or sets of β values ​​associated with one or more reference signals). The symbols from the transmitting processor 264 can be pre-decoded by the TX MIMO processor 266 where applicable, further processed by modulators 254a to 254r (e.g., for DFT-s-OFDM, CP-OFDM, etc.), and transmitted to base station 102. At base station 102, uplink signals from UE 104 and other UEs can be received by antennas 234a to 234t, processed by demodulators 232a to 232t, detected by MIMO detector 236 where applicable, and further processed by receiver processor 238 to obtain decoded data and control information transmitted by UE 104. Receiver processor 238 can provide the decoded data to data sink 239 and the decoded control information to controller (processor) 240. Base station 102 may include communication unit 244 and communicates with network controller 231 via communication unit 244. Network controller 231 may include communication unit 294, controller / processor 290, and memory 292.

[0077] In some respects, one or more components of UE 104 may be included in the housing. These include the controller 240 of base station 102, the controller / processor 280 of UE 104, and / or Figure 2 Any other component may perform one or more techniques associated with the implicit UCI β value determination for NR.

[0078] Memory 242 and 282 may store data and program code for base station 102 and UE 104, respectively. Scheduler 246 may schedule UE for data transmission on downlink, uplink and / or sidelink.

[0079] In some respects, the deployment of communication systems (such as 5G New Radio (NR) systems) can involve a variety of components or constituent parts. In a 5G NR system or network, network nodes, network entities, network mobility elements, radio access network (RAN) nodes, core network nodes, network elements or network equipment (such as base stations (BS)), or one or more units (or components) performing base station functionality can be implemented in aggregated or decomposed architectures. For example, BSs (such as Node B (NB), evolved NB (eNB), NR BS, 5G NB, access point (AP), transmit / receive point (TRP), or cell, etc.) can be implemented as aggregated base stations (also known as standalone BS or monolithic BS) or decomposed base stations.

[0080] Aggregated base stations can be configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single RAN node. Decentralized base stations can be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed across two or more units, such as one or more central or centralized units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs), or one or more radio units (RUs). In some respects, the CU may be implemented within a RAN node, and one or more DUs may co-located with the CU, or alternatively, may be geographically or virtually distributed across one or more other RAN nodes. DUs may be implemented to communicate with one or more RUs. Each of the CUs, DUs, and RUs may also be implemented as a virtual unit, namely a virtual central unit (VCU), a virtual distributed unit (VDU), or a virtual radio unit (VRU).

[0081] Base station type operation or network design can take into account the aggregation characteristics of base station functionality. For example, decomposed base stations can be utilized in Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) networks, Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN (such as network configurations initiated by the O-RAN Alliance)), or Virtualized Radio Access Networks (vRAN, also known as Cloud Radio Access Networks (C-RAN)). Decomposition can include distributing functionality across two or more units in various physical locations, as well as virtually distributing the functionality of at least one unit, which enables flexibility in network design. Individual units in a decomposed base station or decomposed RAN architecture can be configured to communicate wirelessly with at least one other unit.

[0082] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating an example of a decomposed base station 300 architecture is shown. The decomposed base station 300 architecture may include one or more central units (CUs) 310, which may communicate directly with the core network 320 via a backhaul link, or indirectly with the core network 320 via one or more decomposed base station units, such as a near real-time (near-RT) RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) 325 via an E2 link, or a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC 315 associated with a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) framework 305, or both. CUs 310 may communicate with one or more distributed units (DUs) 330 via corresponding midhaul links (such as F1 interfaces). DUs 330 may communicate with one or more radio units (RUs) 340 via corresponding fronthaul links. RUs 340 may communicate with a corresponding UE 104 via one or more radio frequency (RF) access links. In some implementations, UE 104 may be served simultaneously by multiple RUs 340.

[0083] Each of the units (e.g., CU 310, DU 330, RU 340, and near-RT RIC 325, non-RT RIC 315, and SMO frame 305) may include or be coupled to one or more interfaces configured to receive or transmit signals, data, or information (collectively, signals) via wired or wireless transmission media. Each of these units, or an associated processor or controller providing instructions to the communication interfaces of these units, may be configured to communicate with one or more other units via transmission media. For example, these units may include wired interfaces configured to receive signals or transmit signals to one or more other units via wired transmission media. Additionally, these units may include wireless interfaces that may include receivers, transmitters, or transceivers (such as radio frequency (RF) transceivers) configured to receive signals via wireless transmission media or transmit signals to one or more other units, or both.

[0084] In some aspects, the CU 310 can host one or more higher-level control functions. Such control functions may include Radio Resource Control (RRC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), or Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), etc. Each control function can be implemented using an interface configured to signal to other control functions hosted by the CU 310. The CU 310 can be configured to handle user plane functionality (i.e., Central Unit-User Plane (CU-UP)), control plane functionality (i.e., Central Unit-Control Plane (CU-CP)), or a combination thereof. In some specific implementations, the CU 310 can be logically divided into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. When implemented in an O-RAN configuration, the CU-UP units can communicate bidirectionally with the CU-CP units via an interface such as an E1 interface. The CU 310 can be implemented to communicate with the DU 330 for network control and signaling purposes, as needed.

[0085] DU 330 may correspond to a logical unit including one or more base station functions for controlling the operation of one or more RU 340s. In some aspects, DU 330 may at least partially host one or more of the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, and one or more high physical (PHY) layers (such as modules for forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, etc.) according to functional splits (such as those defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In some aspects, DU 330 may also host one or more low PHY layers. Each layer (or module) may be implemented using an interface configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by DU 330 or with control functions hosted by CU 310.

[0086] Lower-layer functionality can be implemented by one or more RU 340s. In some deployments, an RU340 controlled by a DU 330 may correspond to a logical node that hosts RF processing functions or low-PHY layer functions (such as performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse FFT (iFFT), digital beamforming, Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, or both, based at least in part on functional decomposition (such as lower-layer functional decomposition). In such architectures, the RU 340 may be implemented to handle over-the-air (OTA) communications with one or more UE 104s. In some specific implementations, the real-time and non-real-time aspects of control plane and user plane communications with the RU 340 may be controlled by the corresponding DU 330. In some scenarios, this configuration enables the implementation of the DU 330 and CU 310 in cloud-based RAN architectures (such as vRAN architectures).

[0087] SMO framework 305 can be configured to support RAN deployment and provisioning of both non-virtualized and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, SMO framework 305 can be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements, which can be managed via operation and maintenance interfaces such as the O1 interface. For virtualized network elements, SMO framework 305 can be configured to interact with a cloud computing platform such as Open Cloud (O-Cloud) 390 to perform network element lifecycle management (such as instantiating virtualized network elements) via a cloud computing platform interface such as the O2 interface. Such virtualized network elements may include, but are not limited to, CU 310, DU 330, RU 340, and near-RT RIC 325. In some implementations, SMO framework 305 can communicate with the hardware aspects of the 4G RAN (such as Open eNB (O-eNB) 311) via the O1 interface. Additionally, in some implementations, SMO framework 305 can communicate directly with one or more RU 340s via the O1 interface. SMO framework 305 may also include a non-RT RIC 315 configured to support the functionality of SMO framework 305.

[0088] The non-RT RIC 315 can be configured to include logical functions enabling non-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, including AI / ML workflows for model training and updates, or policy-based guidance for applications / features in the near-RT RIC 325. The non-RT RIC 315 can be coupled to or communicate with the near-RT RIC 325, such as via an A1 interface. The near-RT RIC 325 can be configured to include logical functions enabling near real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources via an interface, such as an E2 interface, connecting one or more CU 310s, one or more DU 330s, or both, and O-eNBs to the near-RT RIC 325.

[0089] In some implementations, to generate AI / ML models to be deployed in the near-RT RIC 325, the non-RT RIC 315 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from an external server. This information can be utilized by the near-RT RIC 325 and can be received from non-network data sources or from network functions at the SMO framework 305 or the non-RT RIC 315. In some examples, the non-RT RIC 315 or near-RT RIC 325 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the non-RT RIC 315 may monitor long-term trends and patterns of performance and employ AI / ML models to perform corrective actions via the SMO framework 305 (such as reconfiguration via O1) or by creating RAN management policies (such as A1 policies). Network functions can be standalone services hosted on a network (such as the core network 320) that provide functionality to the network. Examples of network functions may include Access and Mobility Function (AMF) which provides an entry point for UE connections, Authentication Server Function (AUSF) which provides authentication services for authenticated UEs, and User Plane Function (UPF) which provides support for IP services.

[0090] Figure 4 An example of a computing system 470 with wireless device 407 is illustrated. Wireless device 407 may include client devices such as UEs (e.g., UE 104, STA 152, UE 190) or other types of devices that can be used by end users (e.g., stations (STAs) configured to communicate using a Wi-Fi interface). For example, wireless device 407 may include mobile phones, routers, tablet computers, laptop computers, tracking devices, wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, glasses, extended reality (XR) devices such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), or mixed reality (MR) devices), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, access points, and / or another device configured to communicate via a wireless communication network. Computing system 470 includes software and hardware components that can be electrically coupled or communicatively coupled (or otherwise communicated, as applicable) via bus 489. For example, computing system 470 includes one or more processors 484. One or more processors 484 may include one or more CPUs, ASICs, FPGAs, APs, GPUs, VPUs, NSPs, microcontrollers, special-purpose hardware, any combination thereof, and / or other processing devices or systems. One or more processors 484 may use bus 489 to communicate between cores and / or with one or more memory devices 486.

[0091] The computing system 470 may also include one or more memory devices 486, one or more digital signal processors (DSPs) 482, one or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs) 474, one or more modems 476, one or more wireless transceivers 478, one or more antennas 487, one or more input devices 472 (e.g., camera, mouse, keyboard, touchscreen, touchpad, keypad, microphone and / or the like) and one or more output devices 480 (e.g., display, speaker, printer and / or the like).

[0092] In some aspects, computing system 470 may include one or more RF interfaces configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency (RF) signals. In some examples, the RF interface may include components such as modem 476, wireless transceiver 478, and / or antenna 487. One or more wireless transceivers 478 may transmit and receive wireless signals (e.g., signal 488) from one or more other devices via antenna 487, such as other wireless devices, network devices (e.g., base stations such as eNBs and / or gNBs, Wi-Fi access points (APs) such as routers or range extenders, etc.), and / or cloud networks, etc. In some examples, computing system 470 may include multiple antennas or antenna arrays that facilitate simultaneous transmission and reception functionality. Antenna 487 may be an omnidirectional antenna, such that radio frequency (RF) signals can be received from and transmitted in all directions. Wireless signal 488 may be transmitted via a wireless network. The wireless network may be any wireless network, such as cellular or telecommunications networks (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.), wireless local area networks (e.g., WiFi networks), Bluetooth™ networks, and / or other networks.

[0093] In some examples, wireless signal 488 can be transmitted directly to other wireless devices using sidelink communication (e.g., using a PC5 interface, using a DSRC interface, etc.). Wireless transceiver 478 can be configured to transmit RF signals via antenna 487 for performing sidelink communication according to one or more transmit power parameters that can be associated with one or more regulated modes. Wireless transceiver 478 can also be configured to receive sidelink communication signals with different signal parameters from other wireless devices.

[0094] In some examples, one or more wireless transceivers 478 may include an RF front end, which includes one or more components such as amplifiers, mixers (also known as signal multipliers) for down-converting signals, frequency synthesizers (also known as oscillators) that supply signals to the mixers, baseband filters, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), one or more power amplifiers, and other components. The RF front end typically handles the selection of wireless signals 488 and the conversion of wireless signals to baseband frequencies or intermediate frequencies, and can convert RF signals to the digital domain.

[0095] In some cases, computing system 470 may include a decoder-decoder (or CODEC) configured to encode and / or decode data transmitted and / or received using one or more wireless transceivers 478. In some cases, computing system 470 may include an encryption-decryption device or component configured (e.g., according to AES and / or DES standards) to encrypt and / or decrypt data transmitted and / or received by one or more wireless transceivers 478.

[0096] One or more SIMs 474 may each securely store an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number and associated key assigned to a user of a wireless device 407. The IMSI and key can be used to identify and authenticate the subscriber when accessing a network provided by a network service provider or operator associated with one or more SIMs 474. One or more modems 476 may modulate one or more signals to encode information to be transmitted using one or more wireless transceivers 478. One or more modems 476 may also demodulate signals received by one or more wireless transceivers 478 to decode the transmitted information. In some examples, one or more modems 476 may include a Wi-Fi modem, a 4G (or LTE) modem, a 5G (or NR) modem, and / or other types of modems. One or more modems 476 and one or more wireless transceivers 478 may be used to transmit data from one or more SIMs 474.

[0097] The computing system 470 may also include one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media or storage devices (e.g., one or more memory devices 486) (and / or communicate with them), which may include, but are not limited to, local and / or network-accessible storage devices, disk drives, drive arrays, optical storage devices, solid-state storage devices (such as RAM and / or ROM), which may be programmable and / or flash-updatable, etc. Such storage devices may be configured to implement any suitable data storage, including but not limited to various file systems and / or database structures, etc.

[0098] In various embodiments, functionality may be stored as one or more computer program products (e.g., instructions or code) in memory device 486 and executed by one or more processors 484 and / or one or more DSPs 482. Computing system 470 may also include software elements (e.g., residing within one or more memory devices 486) including, for example, operating systems, device drivers, executable libraries, and / or other code, such as one or more application programs, which may include computer programs implementing the functionality provided by the various embodiments and / or may be designed to implement methods and / or configure systems as described herein.

[0099] Figures 5A to 5D Describes the use of wireless communication systems (such as, Figure 1 Examples of various aspects of the data structure of the wireless communication system 100. Figures 5A to 5D Describes the use of wireless communication networks (such as Figure 1 The data structure of the wireless communication network 100) in various aspects. Specifically, Figure 5A Figure 500 illustrates an example of the first subframe within a 5G (e.g., 5G NR) frame structure. Figure 5B Figure 530 illustrates an example of a DL channel within a 5G subframe. Figure 5C Figure 550 illustrates an example of the second subframe within a 5G frame structure, and Figure 5D Figure 580 illustrates an example of a UL channel within a 5G subframe.

[0100] In various aspects, the 5G frame structure can be Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), where for a specific set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within that set are dedicated to either DL (Deep Flow) or UL (Ultra-Low Flow). The 5G frame structure can also be Time Division Duplex (TDD), where for a specific set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within that set are dedicated to both DL and UL. Figure 5A and Figure 5CIn the provided example, assuming the 5G frame structure is TDD, subframe 4 is configured with slot format 28 (mostly DL), where D is DL, U is UL, and X is flexibly used between DL / UL, and subframe 3 is configured with slot format 34 (mostly UL). Although subframes 3 and 4 are shown as having slot formats 34 and 28 respectively, any particular subframe can be configured with any of the various available slot formats 0-61. Slot formats 0 and 1 are full DL and full UL, respectively. Other slot formats 2-61 include a mixture of DL, UL, and flexible symbols. The UE is configured using the slot format via the received Slot Format Indicator (SFI) (dynamically configured via DL Control Information (DCI) or semi-statically / statically configured via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling). Note that the following description also applies to 5G frame structures for TDD.

[0101] Other wireless communication technologies may have different frame structures and / or different channels. A frame (10 ms) can be divided into 10 equal-sized subframes (1 ms). Each subframe may include one or more time slots. Subframes may also include micro-time slots, which may include 7, 4, or 2 symbols. In some examples, each time slot may include 7 or 14 symbols, depending on the time slot configuration.

[0102] For example, for slot configuration 0, each slot may include 14 symbols, while for slot configuration 1, each slot may include 7 symbols. Symbols on the DL can be Cyclic Prefix (CP) OFDM (CP-OFDM) symbols. Symbols on the UL can be CP-OFDM symbols (for high-throughput scenarios) or Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbols (also known as Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) symbols) (for power-constrained scenarios; limited to single-stream transmission).

[0103] The number of time slots within a subframe is based on the time slot configuration and parameter set (numerology). For time slot configuration 0, different parameter sets (µ) 0 to 5 allow for 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 time slots per subframe, respectively. For time slot configuration 1, different parameter sets 0 to 2 allow for 2, 4, and 8 time slots per subframe, respectively. Therefore, for time slot configuration 0 and parameter set µ, there are 14 symbols / time slots and 2µ time slots / subframe. The subcarrier spacing and symbol length / duration are functions of the parameter set. The subcarrier spacing can be equal to... kHz, where μ is the parameter set from 0 to 5. Therefore, the parameter set... It has a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz and a parameter set It has a subcarrier spacing of 480 kHz. The symbol length / duration is negatively correlated with the subcarrier spacing. Figures 5A to 5DIt provides a time slot configuration of 0 with 14 symbols per time slot and a parameter set with 4 time slots per subframe. Example: The time slot duration is 0.25 ms, the subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz, and the symbol duration is approximately 16.67 μs.

[0104] A resource grid can be used to represent the frame structure. Each time slot consists of a resource block (RB) extending for 12 consecutive subcarriers (also known as a physical RB (PRB)). The resource grid is divided into multiple resource elements (REs). The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0105] like Figure 5A As illustrated, some REs carry reference (pilot) signals (RS) for the UE (e.g., UE 104, STA 152, UE 190). RSs may include demodulation RS (DM-RS) (denoted as Rx for a particular configuration, where 100x is the port number, but other DM-RS configurations are possible) and channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) for channel estimation at the UE. RSs may also include beam measurement RS (BRS), beam refinement RS (BRRS), and phase tracking RS (PT-RS).

[0106] Figure 5B Examples of various DL channels within a subframe of a frame are illustrated. The Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) carries the DCI within one or more Control Channel Elements (CCEs), each CCE comprising nine RE groups (REGs), each REG comprising four consecutive REs in an OFDM symbol.

[0107] The primary synchronization signal (PSS) can be located within symbol 2 of a specific subframe of a frame. The PSS is used by the UE (e.g., UE 104, STA 152, UE 190) to determine subframe / symbol timing and physical layer identification.

[0108] The secondary synchronization signal (SSS) can be located in symbol 4 of a specific subframe of the frame. The SSS is used by the UE to determine the physical layer cell identifier group number and radio frame timing.

[0109] Based on the Physical Layer Identifier and Physical Layer Cell Identifier Group Number, the UE can determine the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI). Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the location of the aforementioned DM-RS. The Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH), carrying the Master Information Block (MIB), can be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form a Synchronization Signal (SS) / PBCH block. The MIB provides the System Frame Number (SFN) and the number of Restricted Frames (RBs) in the system bandwidth. The Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information not transmitted via the PBCH (such as System Information Blocks (SIBs)), and paging messages.

[0110] like Figure 5C As illustrated, some REs in the REs carry DM-RS (indicated as R for one particular configuration, but other DM-RS configurations are possible) for channel estimation at the base station. The UE can transmit DM-RS for the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) and DM-RS for the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). The PUSCH DM-RS can be transmitted in the first or second symbol of the PUSCH. Depending on whether a short or long PUCCH is transmitted and depending on the specific PUCCH format used, the PUCCH DM-RS can be transmitted in different configurations. The UE can transmit a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS). The SRS can be transmitted in the last symbol of a subframe. The SRS can have a comb structure, and the UE can transmit the SRS on one of the comb structures within that comb structure. The SRS can be used by the base station for channel quality estimation to enable frequency-dependent scheduling of the UL.

[0111] Figure 5D Examples of various UL channels within a subframe of a frame are illustrated. The PUCCH can be located as indicated in one configuration. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as scheduling requests, channel quality indicators (CQI), pre-decoding matrix indicators (PMI), rank indicators (RI), and HARQ ACK / NACK feedback. The PUSCH carries data and may additionally be used to carry buffer status reports (BSR), power clearance reports (PHR), and / or UCI.

[0112] In some situations, the UE may be unable to connect to the wireless network (e.g., when there is no NAS signaling connection between the UE and the wireless network). For example, the UE may have just powered on, exited airplane mode, entered a new service area, undergone RRC reconfiguration, or been handed over. The disconnected UE may be in an idle state and may be listening to the wireless network. After the UE identifies the wireless network, it may attempt to connect to it. In some cases, the UE may attempt to connect to the wireless network via a wireless node to establish an RRC connection.

[0113] Figure 6This is a conceptual network diagram illustrating example 600 of a small cell network and wholesale provider according to various aspects of this disclosure. In example 600, UE 602 can connect to a neutral host network 604, which can be a wireless network provided by a neutral host (such as an individual). For example, an individual can purchase and establish small cell equipment as neutral host network 604. Neutral host network 604 can comply with applicable standards and spectrum regulations, and the individual can be a small cell network provider. In some cases, neutral host network 604 can provide access to Internet 608, and UE 602 can be able to access Internet 608 via the Internet connection available to neutral host network 604. Neutral host network 604 can also be coupled to one or more MNO core networks 610, through which MNO services such as voice calls, messaging services, etc., can be accessed via data network 612.

[0114] Individuals can work with wholesale provider 606, rather than directly with an MNO. Wholesale provider 606 may have roaming agreements with one or more MNOs, and wholesale provider 606 can provide infrastructure support for neutral host network 604. This infrastructure support may include assisting individuals in establishing, configuring, and / or managing neutral host network 604.

[0115] In some cases, wholesale provider 606 may also provide ledger, data credit management, and / or settlement services. For example, UE 602 may have a service plan with an MNO that provides the MNO with access to a neutral host network (such as neutral host network 604) that works with the MNO via wholesale provider 606. Wholesaler 606 can then charge the MNO for coverage extension and data offloading (e.g., roaming) services provided by neutral host network 604. As another example, UE 602 may have a subscription to wholesale provider 606, and wholesale provider 606 may reward (e.g., credit) neutral host network 604 based on coverage extension provided by neutral host network 604 and / or based on UE 602's usage. In some cases, a trusted system for tracking coverage provided by neutral host network 604 may be used to ensure that neutral host network 604 provides service and coverage extension in the intended area to allow UE 602 to obtain cellular coverage and service from the MNO in the intended area. For example, having some mechanism to detect and / or neutralize fraudulent situations where the neutral host network 604 is set up to provide services only to the controlled UE 602 could be useful. In some cases, a proof of coverage (PoC) can be used to ensure that the neutral host network 604 operates correctly in its intended location. In some cases, the PoC can be separate from the proof of use.

[0116] Figure 7 This is an architectural diagram illustrating an example of a PoC-supporting wireless network 700 according to various aspects of this disclosure. In the wireless network 700, the active UE (A-UE) 702 may be a UE residing on a Neutral Host Radio Access Network (NH-RAN) 704B (e.g., in a connected mode, where the UE may connect to the wireless network and perform activities such as monitoring the paging of the wireless network, monitoring the control channel, performing cell measurements, etc.) and served by the Neutral Host Radio Access Network. In some cases, the A-UE may be any wireless communication device (e.g., mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, and / or tracking device, etc.) that can be used by a user to communicate through a wireless communication network such as a Neutral Host Network like NH-RAN 704B, wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart glasses, wearable rings, and / or extended reality (XR) devices (such as virtual reality (VR) headsets, augmented reality (AR) headsets or glasses, or mixed reality (MR) headsets)), vehicles (e.g., cars, motorcycles, bicycles, etc.), and / or Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc. NH-RAN 704A and 704B (collectively referred to as NH-RAN 704) are essentially similar to Figure 6 The neutral host network 604. In some cases, NH-RAN 704 can function in a manner similar to a small cell, and A-UE 702 can connect to and access NH-RAN 704B in a manner substantially similar to a small cell. In some cases, NH-RAN 704 can support PoC operations at the Access Layer (AS) layer. As an example of PoC operations, NH-RAN 704 can perform one or more procedures to collect PoC data from witness UEs (W-UEs) 708A, 708B (collectively referred to as W-UE 708). NH-RAN 704 can also report the collected PoC data to the PoC Network Function (NF) 706.

[0117] In some cases, W-UE 708 can be a dedicated UE for performing witness operations, or any UE. In some cases, W-UE 708 may not need to register with an MNO supported by NH-RAN 704. Instead, W-UE 708 can register with other MNOs. In some cases, W-UE 708 may need to join (e.g., register, enroll, subscribe, etc.) a wholesale provider associated with NH-RAN 704 to perform witness operations for that wholesale provider. In some cases, A-UEs (such as A-UE702) can be used as W-UE 708.

[0118] When W-UE 708 can be any UE, W-UE 708 can perform witness operations while in idle mode on different serving MNOs. In some cases, when in idle mode on a serving MNO and performing witness operations on NH-RAN 704, W-UE 708 can be used as needed to receive paging messages from the serving MNO. For example, W-UE can perform an idle mode autonomous disengagement procedure in a manner similar to that performed for a multi-subscriber identity module (SIM) scenario to read the System Information Block (SIB1) broadcast by NH-RAN 704, thereby obtaining information for witness operations. Based on the information received from NH-RAN 704 (such as SIB1), W-UE 708 can generate PoC data. For example, W-UE 708B can receive and transmit from NH-RAN 704B and generate PoC data about NH-RAN 704B. After generating the PoC data, W-UE 708 can transmit the PoC data to PoC NF 706. The PoC NF 706 can collect PoC data from the W-UE 708 and / or from the NH-RAN 704. In some cases, PoC operations (e.g., generating and transmitting PoC data) can be performed at the AS layer of the UE. In some cases, PoC data can be transmitted to the PoC NF 706 via the serving MNO or through the NH-RAN 704. In some cases, the PoC NF 706 can be hosted by a wholesale provider (such as...). Figure 6 The PoC NF 706 can also configure PoC-related information to the NH-RAN 704 and / or W-UE 708. In some cases, the W-UE 708 can receive rewards for performing witness operations.

[0119] Figure 8This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example Layer 1 witness operation 800 according to various aspects of this disclosure. Witness operation 800 can be a Layer 1 (e.g., physical layer) solution, as witnessing can be performed based on physical layer operations, such as by monitoring SIB broadcasts. In witness operation 800, W-UE 802 can perform a PoC witness operation on NH-RAN 804 (e.g., an NH-RAN node) and report to PoC NF 806. W-UE 802 can register with PoC NF 806 to provide PoC witness services. PoC NF 806 can select and configure W-UE 802 to perform PoC witnessing against NH-RAN 804 based on the location of W-UE 802 and the location of NH-RAN 804. For example, PoC NF 806 can select W-UE 802 to perform PoC witnessing because W-UE 802 is near NH-RAN 804. At step 808, PoC NF 806 may send to W-UE 802 an indication that W-UE 802 has been selected to perform PoC witnessing, as well as configuration information for PoC witnessing (e.g., configuration information for radio coverage verification). The configuration information may include information about the radio frequency to be monitored, the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID, the cell ID, the maximum allowed time window for PoC reporting, the offset time for subsequent PoC reporting, and any combination thereof, and / or other information.

[0120] In some cases, the selection of W-UE 802 by PoC NF 806 can help prevent fraudulent W-UE 802 cultivation operations. In some situations, W-UEs near the intended location of NH-RAN 804 can be selected to perform PoC witnessing by selecting W-UEs at, for example, the city or block level and configuring them to perform PoC witnessing, or by configuring a large number of W-UEs and configuring them to perform PoC witnessing. To prevent scenarios where fraudulent users maintain a large number of potential W-UEs near a specific NH-RAN 804 in an attempt to select those potential W-UEs to perform PoC witnessing, PoC NF 806 can maintain a list of typically selected W-UEs, classify W-UEs performing PoC witnessing, determine whether a W-UE is suspicious or untrustworthy, maintain a list of untrustworthy or trustworthy W-UEs, and then select W-UEs based on the list / classification / determination, etc.

[0121] In some cases, PoC NF 806 may assign an NH-RAN PoC token to NH-RAN 804 at step 810. The NH-RAN PoC token may include a unique value assigned to NH-RAN 804 for PoC witness operations. In some cases, when NH-RAN 804 is ready for use, an initial NH-RAN PoC token may be assigned to NH-RAN 804 during its registration, loading, and / or configuration process. In some cases, PoC NF may periodically (e.g., periodically, after a partially random period of time, etc.) assign refreshed / updated NH-RAN PoC token values ​​to NH-RAN 804 at step 810. Refreshing / updating NH-RAN PoC token values ​​helps prevent NH-RAN PoC tokens from being copied and used elsewhere.

[0122] During operation, NH-RAN 804 may send an SIB broadcast including the NH-RAN PoC token at step 812. In some cases, the SIB may be sent periodically by NH-RAN 804. In other cases, NH-RAN 804 may send the SIB on demand (e.g., in response to a request from a UE, such as W-UE 802). In some cases, the SIB may be based on an existing SIB message format. In other cases, for example, if the NH-RAN PoC token exceeds the existing SIB or Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) size limit, a new SIB message format and / or a new DL broadcast channel may be used.

[0123] After W-UE 802 receives the transmitted SIB, W-UE 802 can determine at step 814 whether the SIB includes an NH-RAN PoC token. If the SIB includes an NH-RAN PoC token, W-UE 802 can determine to perform radio information measurements for PoC witnessing operations. At step 816, W-UE 802 can measure the radio information of NH-RAN 804. In some cases, the radio information may include information such as the RSRP, SSB information, cell ID, PLMN ID, etc. of NH-RAN 804. In some cases, the measurement may be based on the information in the SIB, or it may be a measurement of other transmissions from NH-RAN 804. Based on the measurement, W-UE 802 can generate a PoC report (e.g., a coverage report) about NH-RAN 804. In some cases, the PoC report may include the measured RSRP, SSB information, cell ID, PLMN ID, NH-RAN PoC token, etc., as well as the timestamp and location of W-UE 802. The location of W-UE 802 can be based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) information or other location information, such as cellular location or information about nearby radio stations (such as BS, AP, etc.). At step 820, a PoC report (which may include an NH-RAN PoC token) can be sent to PoC NF 806. In some cases, the PoC report can be sent via a secure IP connection between W-UE 802 and PoC NF 806. This secure connection can be a separate IP connection from NH-RAN 804, such as a Wi-Fi connection, a separate serving cell, and / or another radio access technology. In some cases, W-UE 802 can use a user plane protocol (e.g., via an application programming interface, HTTP, etc.) to pass the PoC report to PoC NF 806 via a separate IP connection. In operation 800, W-UE 802 may not have a user plane connection to PoC NF 806 via NH-RAN 804. If W-UE 802 is connected to NH-RAN 804, then W-UE 802 will be the active UE on NH-RAN 804, not W-UE 802.

[0124] In some cases, W-UE 802 can be configured (e.g., at step 808) to have a maximum allowed time window for PoC reporting. This maximum allowed time window (e.g., time delay) can be the maximum amount of time after performing the PoC witness operation (or after generating the PoC report) when W-UE 802 can send the PoC report to PoC NF 806. If W-UE 802 sends the PoC report to PoC NF 806 after the maximum time window, the verification of the PoC witness operation may fail. In some cases, the time reference can be based on an SIB (such as SIB9) broadcast by NH-RAN 804, which may include information related to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) time and / or Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). W-UE 802 can receive SIB9 from NH-RAN 804 to obtain the time reference for sending the PoC report to PoC NF 806. Once the PoC NF 806 receives a PoC report, it can verify that the report was received within the maximum time window based on the time reference in the report. In some cases, PoC reports received outside the maximum time window may be discarded because they may be potentially unreliable and / or no longer relevant.

[0125] In some cases, a verification code can be used to verify whether W-UE 802 is reporting within the maximum time window. In some cases, a verification code can be generated using a root value and the current time. PoC NF 806 can transmit the root value to NH-RAN 804, and NH-RAN 804 can generate a verification code. NH-RAN 804 can send the verification code and an NH-RAN PoC token to W-UE 802 (e.g., via SIB). NH-RAN can then include the verification code in the PoC report. The verification code can change periodically, and PoC NF 806 can use the verification code to verify whether the PoC report has been received within the maximum time window.

[0126] In some cases, W-UE 802 can be configured (e.g., at step 808) to have an offset time for subsequent PoC reports. In some cases, W-UE 802 can remain near NH-RAN 804 for a relatively long period of time. In such cases, it may be useful to limit the number of times W-UE 802 performs PoC witnessing of NH-RAN 804, for example, to avoid possible PoC report farming. After sending a PoC report about NH-RAN 804, W-UE 802 may wait for an amount of time based on the offset time before sending another PoC report on the same NH-RAN 804.

[0127] In some cases, NH-RAN PoC tokens can be specific to NH-RAN 804 nodes. PoC NF 806 can assign NH-RAN PoC tokens to a specific NH-RAN 804 node, and PoC NF 806 can periodically refresh the NH-RAN PoC tokens. In some cases, PoC reporting time may be limited for PoC data reliability, and concurrency (e.g., reports from multiple W-UEs for NH-RAN 804) can increase data reliability.

[0128] In some cases, the NH-RAN PoC token can be specific to one or more specific W-UEs 802. In some cases, PoC NF 806 can assign the NH-RAN PoC token for monitoring by a specific W-UE 802. The NH-RAN PoC token can be any random number generated by PoC NF 806. When an NH-RAN PoC token is assigned for a specific W-UE 802, only PoC reports from that specific W-UE 802 can be valid and eligible for rewards. When an NH-RAN PoC token is specific to a group of W-UEs, the NH-RAN PoC token can be encrypted. A key can be supplied to the group of W-UEs (e.g., during step 808) to decrypt the encrypted NH-RAN PoC token. In some cases, the NH-RAN PoC token may include the identifier of the group of W-UEs. The decrypted NH-RAN PoC token can be included in the PoC report.

[0129] Figure 9 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example Layer 2 witness operation 900 according to various aspects of this disclosure. Witness operation 900 can be a Layer 2 (e.g., Media Access Control (MAC) layer) solution, as witnessing can be performed based on MAC layer operations, such as by using messages for initial access to the wireless network (e.g., initial access messages), such as RACH messages. In witness operation 900, W-UE 902 can perform a PoC witness operation on NH-RAN 904 (e.g., an NH-RAN node) and report to PoCNF 906. W-UE 902 can register with PoC NF 906 to provide PoC witness services. In witness operation 900, W-UE 902 can access resources of NH-RAN 904 to report to PoC NF 906. In some cases, W-UE 902 can use a W-UE PoC token to access NH-RAN 904. The W-UE PoC token can include unique values ​​that can be used by the W-UE to access NH-RAN 904 and for PoC witnessing.

[0130] In some cases, PoC NF 906 can assign an NH-RAN PoC token and a range of W-UE tokens to NH-RAN 904 at step 908. The W-UE tokens can be digital tokens (e.g., UE tokens) that a UE can use to access the network (such as NH-RAN 904). This range of W-UE tokens can indicate a valid set of W-UE tokens to NH-RAN 904. This is similar to the above description relative to... Figure 8 In the manner discussed, the initial NH-RAN PoC token and the initial range of W-UE tokens can be allocated during the registration process and refreshed from time to time.

[0131] In some cases, since the PoC report can be forwarded by NH-RAN 904 using NH-RAN 904's resources, and W-UE 902 does not have a subscription / account / access with connectivity via NH-RAN 904, the W-UE PoC token can be used to allow NH-RAN 904 to authenticate / verify W-UE 902. In some cases, PoC NF 906 can provide information to NH-RAN 904 to verify the W-UE PoC token by providing an indication of a valid set of W-UE tokens. In some cases, the indication of a valid set of W-UE tokens can be a list of valid W-UE token values ​​or one or more ranges of valid W-UE token values. In some cases, the W-UE token can be a one-time use token and can be a random number. In other cases, if the W-UE token can be reused, the token can be calculated based on the key provided by PoC NF 906 (e.g., at W-UE 902 and NH-RAN 904). In some cases, the token may include a plaintext token ID, a count, and a hash of the token ID, count, and / or other input parameters. In some cases, the W-UE PoC token may be UE-specific. In some cases, the NH-RAN PoC token used for Layer 2 PoC witness operations may be substantially similar to the above relative to... Figure 8 The NH-RAN PoC tokens used for Layer 1 PoC witness operations are discussed.

[0132] PoC NF 906 can be equipped with W-UE 902 in contrast to the above. Figure 8The discussed approach is essentially similar for performing PoC witnessing for NH-RAN 904. At step 910, PoC NF 806 can send an indication to W-UE 902 that W-UE 902 has been selected to perform PoC witnessing, along with configuration information for PoC witnessing and a W-UE PoC token. PoC NF 806 can also send security materials to W-UE, such as encryption keys, to protect the PoC report. As discussed above, the configuration information may include information about the radio frequency to be monitored, the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID, the cell ID, the maximum allowed time window for PoC reporting, the offset time for subsequent PoC reports, etc.

[0133] In some cases, NH-RAN 904 may send an SIB broadcast at step 912. In some cases, the SIB broadcast may include information indicating that NH-RAN 904 is NH-RAN and / or identifying NH-RAN 904. In some cases, the SIB may be sent periodically by NH-RAN 804. In other cases, NH-RAN 804 may send the SIB on demand (e.g., in response to a request from a UE, such as W-UE 802). At step 914, W-UE 902 may determine to access NH-RAN 904 for PoC witnessing operations. In some cases, W-UE 902 may determine to access NH-RAN 904 based on a comparison between the transmissions from NH-RAN 904 (such as the SIB broadcast at step 912) and configuration information. In some cases, W-UE 902 may determine to access NH-RAN 904 based on information indicating that NH-RAN 904 is NH-RAN and / or identifying NH-RAN 904.

[0134] Based on the determination of access to NH-RAN 904, W-UE 902 can send RACH msg1, including the W-UE PoC token, to NH-RAN 904 at step 916. Then, at step 918, NH-RAN 904 can check whether W-UE 902 is authorized to perform PoC operations (e.g., PoC witnessing operations and sending PoC reports via NH-RAN 904). For example, NH-RAN 904 can check whether W-UE 902 is authorized to perform PoC operations based on a comparison between the W-UE PoC token included in RACH msg1 transmitted to NH-RAN 904 at step 916 and the range of W-UE tokens indicated by PoC NF 906 in step 908. If the W-UE PoC token is verified, NH-RAN 904 can send RACH msg2 to W-UE 902 at step 920. RACH msg2 may include NH-RAN PoC tokens and UL resource grants for PoC reporting.

[0135] At step 922, W-UE 902 can be relative to Figure 8 The discussed method generates a PoC report for NH-RAN 904 in a substantially similar manner. The PoC report may include an NH-RAN PoC token and / or a W-UE PoC token. In some cases, W-UE 902 may encrypt the PoC report based on, for example, security material received from PoC NF 906 at step 910. At step 924, W-UE 902 may send a RACH msg3 with the PoC report to NH-RAN 904. Granted UL resources may be used to send the RACH msg3.

[0136] At step 926, NH-RAN 904 can send a PoC report to PoC NF 906. In some cases, RAN904 can also send an NH-RAN PoC report to PoC NF 906. The NH-RAN PoC report may include an NH-RAN PoC token and a W-UE PoC token. In some cases, the PoC report may be sent via IP connected between NH-RAN 904 and PoC NF 906. In some cases, a protocol for sending messages between NH-RAN 904 and PoC NF 906 can be defined. In some cases, the protocol may be a service-based interface, and PoC NF 906 may expose an API for sending PoC reports to PoC NF 906. In some cases, PoC NF 906 can authenticate PoC reports from W-UE 902 and NH-RAN PoC reports. In some cases, PoC NF 906 can verify that the W-UE PoC token and the NH-RAN PoC token are valid, and that the tokens match reports from W-UE 902 and NH-RAN 904, respectively.

[0137] After sending the PoC report, at step 928, the NH-RAN may send a RACH msg4 to W-UE 902 indicating that the PoC report was successfully transmitted to PoC NF 906. In some cases, since W-UE 902 may not be authorized to connect to (e.g., camped or in RRC connected state or connected mode) NH-RAN 904, RACH msg4 may also include a release of W-UE 902, thereby releasing W-UE 902. In some cases, W-UE 902 may be an active UE. If W-UE 902 is an active UE, RACH msg4 may not include a release. In some cases, when the PoC report is transmitted to PoC NF 906 and NH-RAN 904 during the RACH process, a maximum allowed time window may not be required because RACH messages (e.g., RACH msg1-msg4) should be completed within a relatively short time period.

[0138] In some cases, if W-UE 902 transmits a PoC report for an NH-RAN different from the current NH-RAN 904, PoC NF 906 can record the PoC report as invalid and invalidate W-UE 902 to prevent PoC witnessing operations performed by W-UE 902. In some cases, PoC NF 906 can, relative to the above... Figure 8 The methods discussed are essentially similar in that they configure the offset time for W-UE.

[0139] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating an example side-link (SL) assisted witness operation 1000 according to various aspects of this disclosure. The SL assisted witness operation 1000 can be an upper-layer (e.g., Layer 4+) solution. In some cases, any type of P2P or D2D link can be used to perform the SL assisted witness operation 1000. In some cases, the SL link can be cellular-based. In other cases, the SL link can be based on other radio access technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. In this example SL assisted witness operation 1000, three W-UEs 1002A, 1002B, and 1002C (collectively referred to as W-UE 1002) can perform a PoC witness operation on NH-RAN 1004 (e.g., an NG-RAN node) and report to PoC NF 1006. If PoC NF 1006 has detected A-UE 1008 residing on NH-RAN 1004 (e.g., in RRC connected state), PoC NF 1006 can determine to perform an SL auxiliary witness operation. In some cases, when A-UE (such as A-UE 1008) is residing on NH-RAN 1004, NH-RAN 1004 can report 1020 to PoC NF 1006. In some cases, this report 1020 may include information about A-UE 1008, such as the Layer 2 identifier associated with A-UE 1008. PoC NF 1006 can detect A-UE 1008 residing on NH-RAN 1004 based on this report 1020. PoC NF 1006 can use SL auxiliary witness operation 1000 to verify the report 1020.

[0140] In some cases, PoC NF 1006 can send a 1010 verification code and a timer to NH-RAN 1004. NH-RAN 1004 can forward a 1012 verification code to A-UE 1008. NH-RAN 1004 can also utilize sidelink resources (such as power, time, and / or frequency resources) to configure A-UE 1008 (e.g., providing sidelink configuration information) to send verification codes to W-UE 1002. In some cases, PoC NF 1006 can also select multiple W-UE 1002 to perform SL-assisted witness operations. Multiple W-UE 1002 can be used to determine the location of NH-RAN 1004. For example, three W-UE 1002 can be used to triangulate the location of NH-RAN 1004 based on the locations of W-UE 1002. In some cases, multiple W-UE 1002 can be used in a manner consistent with the above. Figure 8The methods discussed are essentially similar, selected based on the location of W-UE 1002. PoC NF1006 can configure the selected W-UE 1002 using sidelink resources (such as power, time, and / or frequency resources) that can be monitored for transmissions from A-UE 1008. In some cases, sidelink resources can be sidelink resource blocks or frequency bands in which sidelinks can be performed. In some cases, when a frequency band is configured for sidelink resources, the sidelink resource block can be configured within the frequency band by NH-RAN 1004.

[0141] A-UE 1008 can use the configured sidelink resources to send SL message 1016. In some cases, SL message 1016 can be broadcast by A-UE 1008. SL message 1016 may include a verification code and a Layer 2 ID code associated with A-UE 1008. After receiving SL message 1016, W-UE 1002 can generate a PoC verification report. The PoC verification report may include a verification code from A-UE 1008, as well as a timestamp, sidelink radio information measurements, and location information indicating the location of W-UE 1002. W-UE 1002 can send PoC verification report 1018 to PoC NF 1006. In some cases, W-UE 1002 can send a PoC verification report relative to... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The discussed method is essentially similar in that it sends the 1018 PoC verification report to PoC NF 1006. In some cases, W-UE 1002 may be another A-UE relative to NH-RAN 1004. PoCNF 1006 can then associate the PoC verification report received from W-UE 1002 with the report 1020 received from NH-RAN 1004, for example, using a Layer 2 authentication identifier and authentication code. PoC NF 1006 can also verify the location of NH-RAN 1004 based on location information from W-UE 1002. In some cases, sidelink radio information measurements can provide an indication of how far W-UE 1002 is from A-UE 1008. Examples of sidelink radio information measurements may include RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, channel quality indicator, SSB, sidelink control information, location information (such as area identifiers or GNSS information), or any combination thereof. In some cases, PoC NF 1006 can estimate the distance between A-UE 1008 and W-UE 1002 based on sidelink radio information measurements. In other cases, PoC NF 1006 can assess the credibility of W-UE 1002 based on sidelink radio information measurements.

[0142] Figure 11This is a block diagram illustrating an example direct connectivity auxiliary witness operation 1100 according to various aspects of this disclosure. The direct connectivity auxiliary witness operation 1100 can be an upper-layer (e.g., Layer 4+) solution. In this example direct connectivity auxiliary witness operation 1100, three W-UEs 1102A, 1102B, and 1102C (collectively referred to as W-UE 1102) can perform a PoC witness operation on NH-RAN 1104 (e.g., an NH-RAN node) and report to PoC NF 1106. In some cases, the direct connectivity auxiliary witness operation 1100 can be performed if a direct connection from PoC NF 1106 to A-UE 1008 exists. This direct connection can be via a separate RAT, compared to a RAT used to connect NH-RAN 1104 to A-UE 1108. For example, A-UE 1108 can connect to and reside on NH-RAN 1104 using a cellular-based RAT (such as 5G, LTE, etc.). A-UE 1108 can also be communicatively coupled to PoC NF 1106 via another RAT (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0143] In some cases, if PoF NF 1106 has detected that A-UE 1108 is camped on NH-RAN 1122 (e.g., in an RRC connected state) on NH-RAN 1104, PoC NF 1106 can determine to perform a direct connectivity auxiliary witness operation. In some cases, when A-UE (such as A-UE 1108) is camped on NH-RAN 1104 on NH-RAN 1122, NH-RAN 1104 can report 1120 to PoC NF 1106. In some cases, this report 1120 may include information about A-UE 1108, such as the Layer 2 identifier associated with A-UE 1102. PoF NF 1106 can detect A-UE 1108 camped on NH-RAN 1104 based on this report 1120. PoC NF 1106 can use direct connectivity auxiliary witness operation 1100 to verify the report 1120.

[0144] In some cases, PoC NF 1106 can send the 1110 verification code to NH-RAN 1104 via a direct connection. In some cases, the verification code can be a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID). In some cases, PoC NF 1106 can also utilize sidelink resources (such as transmit power, validity time, and / or RAT type) to configure A-UE 1108 (e.g., providing sidelink configuration information) for transmission to W-UE 1102. In some cases, PoC NF 1106 can also select multiple W-UE 1102 to perform SL-assisted witness operations. Multiple W-UE 1102 can be used to determine the location of NH-RAN 1104. For example, three W-UE 1102 can be used to triangulate the location of NH-RAN 1104 based on the location of W-UE 1102. In some cases, multiple W-UE 1102 can be used in a manner consistent with the above. Figure 8 The methods discussed are essentially similar, selected based on the location of W-UE 1102. PoC NF 1006 can configure the selected W-UE 1102 using the UUID of A-UE 1108 and sidelink resources such as authentication time, sidelink radio information measurements to be performed, and / or the type of RAT that can be monitored for transmissions from A-UE 1108.

[0145] A-UE 1108 can use the configured sidelink resources to send SL message 1116 as a sidelink transmission. In some cases, SL message 1016 can be broadcast by A-UE 1108. SL message 1116 may include a verification code and a Layer 2 ID code associated with A-UE 1108. Other UEs (such as W-UE 1102) can listen for and receive sidelink transmissions made by other UEs (such as A-UE 1108), for example, based on configuration information from PoC NF 1006. After receiving SL message 1116, W-UE 1102 can generate a PoC verification report (e.g., a coverage report). The PoC verification report may include a verification code from A-UE 1108, as well as a timestamp, sidelink radio information measurements, and location information indicating the location of W-UE 1102. W-UE 1102 can send PoC verification report 1118 to PoC NF 1106. In some cases, W-UE 1102 can send a PoC verification report relative to... Figure 8 and Figure 9The discussed method is essentially similar in that it sends the 1118 PoC verification report to PoC NF 1006. In some cases, W-UE 1102 may be another A-UE relative to NH-RAN 1104. PoC NF 1106 can then associate the PoC verification report received from W-UE 1102 with the report 1120 received from NH-RAN 1104, for example, using a Layer 2 authentication identifier and a verification code. PoC NF 1106 can also verify the location of NH-RAN 1104 based on location information from W-UE 1102. In some cases, sidelink radio information measurements can provide an indication of how far W-UE 1102 is from A-UE 1108. In some cases, PoC NF 1106 can estimate the distance between A-UE 1108 and W-UE 1102 based on sidelink radio information measurements. In some cases, PoC NF 1106 can assess the credibility of W-UE 1102 based on sidelink radio information measurements.

[0146] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a process 1200 for verifying coverage in a wireless system according to various aspects of this disclosure. Process 1200 may be performed by a computing device (or apparatus) or a component of a computing device (e.g., chipset, codec, etc.). The computing device may be a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone), a UE (e.g., a mobile device), or a UE (e.g., a mobile UE). Figure 1 UE 104 Figure 4 Wireless devices 407 Figure 6 UE 602, Figure 7 W-UE 708 Figure 8 W-UE 802 and / or Figure 9 W-UE 902), network-connected wearable devices such as watches, extended reality (XR) devices such as virtual reality (VR) devices or augmented reality (AR) devices, vehicles or components or systems of vehicles, or other types of computing devices. The operation of process 1200 can be implemented in one or more processors (e.g., W-UE 902), network-connected wearable devices such as watches, extended reality (XR) devices such as virtual reality (VR) devices or augmented reality (AR) devices, vehicles or components or systems of vehicles, or other types of computing devices. Figure 2 Controller / processor 280 Figure 4 Processor 484 and / or Figure 17 Software components that execute and run on the processor 1710. In some cases, the operation of process 1200 can be performed by a software component with a processor 1710. Figure 17 The architecture of the computing system is implemented using the 1700 system.

[0147] At box 1202, the computing device (or a component thereof) may receive configuration information for wireless coverage verification. In some cases, the configuration information is received from network functions. In some cases, the configuration information includes indications of at least one of the following: time and / or frequency information, Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID, or cell ID.

[0148] At box 1204, the computing device (or a component thereof) may receive a neutral host token. In some cases, broadcast messages include neutral host tokens.

[0149] At box 1206, the computing device (or its components) may receive broadcast messages from a neutral host node. In some cases, the broadcast message includes a System Information Block (SIB) message. In some examples, the computing device (or its components) may monitor the SIB message based on received configuration information. In some examples, the computing device (or its components) may receive a User Equipment (UE) token from a network function. In some cases, the computing device (or its components) may determine access to the neutral host node based on the SIB message. In some examples, the computing device (or its components) may send a first initial access message to the neutral host node, which includes a UE token. In some cases, the computing device (or its components) may receive a second initial access message from the neutral host node, which includes a neutral host token.

[0150] At box 1208, the computing device (or a component thereof) may at least measure broadcast messages from neutral host nodes to obtain radio information. In some cases, the radio information includes at least one of the following: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Channel Quality Indicator, Synchronization Block (SSB) information, Cell ID, or Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID.

[0151] At box 1210, a computing device (or a component thereof) may generate a coverage report based on radio information.

[0152] At box 1212, the computing device (or a component thereof) may output a coverage report and a neutral host token to the network function. In some examples, to output the coverage report, the computing device (or a component thereof) may send the coverage report and the neutral host token to the neutral host node in a third initial access message. In some cases, the computing device (or a component thereof) may receive a fourth initial access message indicating that the coverage report has been transmitted to the network function. In some cases, the fourth initial access message includes a release indication. In some examples, the computing device (or a component thereof) may release the connection to the neutral host node based on the release indication.

[0153] In some examples, the processes described herein (e.g., process 1200 and / or other processes herein) may be performed by a computing device or apparatus (e.g., a UE or a base station). In another example, process 1200 may be performed by a UE (such as...) Figure 1 UE104, Figure 4 Wireless devices 407 Figure 6 UE 602, Figure 7 W-UE 708 Figure 8 W-UE 802 and / or Figure 9 (W-UE902) is executed. In another example, process 1200 can be executed by having Figure 17 The computing device of the computing system 1700 shown is executed.

[0154] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a process 1300 for verifying coverage in a wireless system according to various aspects of this disclosure. Process 1300 may be performed by a computing device (or apparatus) or a component of a computing device (e.g., chipset, codec, etc.). The computing device may be a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone), a UE (e.g., a UE), or a mobile device (e.g., a UE). Figure 1 UE 104 Figure 4 Wireless devices 407 Figure 6 UE 602, Figure 7 W-UE 708 Figure 10 W-UE 1002 and / or Figure 11 W-UE 1102), network-connected wearable devices such as watches, extended reality (XR) devices such as virtual reality (VR) devices or augmented reality (AR) devices, vehicles or components or systems of vehicles, or other types of computing devices. The operation of process 1300 can be implemented in one or more processors (e.g., W-UE 1102), network-connected wearable devices such as watches, extended reality (XR) devices such as virtual reality (VR) devices or augmented reality (AR) devices, vehicles or components or systems of vehicles, or other types of computing devices. Figure 2 Controller / processor 280 Figure 4 Processor 484 and / or Figure 17 Software components that execute and run on the processor 1710. In some cases, the operation of process 1300 can be performed by a software component with a processor 1710. Figure 17 The architecture of the computing system is implemented using the 1700 system.

[0155] At box 1302, the computing device (or a component thereof) can receive verification codes and sidelink configuration information from network functions. In some cases, the computing device (or a component thereof) can receive sidelink configuration information from network functions. In some cases, the computing device (or a component thereof) can listen for sidelink transmissions based on the sidelink configuration information.

[0156] At box 1304, the computing device (or a component thereof) may receive a sidelink transmission from an active user equipment (UE), which includes a verification code. In some cases, the sidelink transmission includes an identifier for the active UE. In some cases, the coverage report includes an identifier for the active UE. In some cases, the sidelink transmission is performed using at least one of 5G Direct mode, LTE Direct (LTE-D), Wi-Fi Direct (Wi-Fi-D), and Bluetooth.

[0157] At box 1306, a computing device (or a component thereof) may measure sidelink transmissions to obtain sidelink radio information measurements. In some cases, sidelink radio information measurements include at least one of the following: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Channel Quality Indicator, Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) information, Cell ID, and Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID.

[0158] At box 1308, the computing device (or a component thereof) can generate a coverage report, which includes sidelink radio information measurements and verification codes. At box 1310, the computing device (or a component thereof) can output the coverage report to network functions.

[0159] In some examples, the processes described herein (e.g., process 1300 and / or other processes herein) may be performed by a computing device or apparatus (e.g., a UE or a base station). In another example, process 1300 may be performed by a UE (such as...) Figure 1 UE104, Figure 4 Wireless devices 407 Figure 6 UE 602, Figure 7 W-UE 708 Figure 10 W-UE 1002 and / or Figure 11 (W-UE1102) is executed. In another example, process 1300 can be executed by having Figure 17 The computing device of the computing system 1700 shown is executed.

[0160] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a process 1400 for verifying coverage in a wireless system according to various aspects of this disclosure. Process 1400 may be performed by a computing device (or apparatus) or a component of a computing device (e.g., chipset, codec, etc.). The computing device may be a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone), a UE (e.g., a mobile device), or a UE (e.g., a mobile UE). Figure 1 UE 104 Figure 4 Wireless devices 407 Figure 6 UE 602, Figure 7 W-UE 708 Figure 10A-UE 1008 and / or Figure 11 The operation of process 1400 can be implemented in one or more processors (e.g., A-UE 1108), network-connected wearable devices such as watches, extended reality (XR) devices such as virtual reality (VR) devices or augmented reality (AR) devices, vehicles or components or systems of vehicles, or other types of computing devices. Figure 2 Controller / processor 280 Figure 4 Processor 484 and / or Figure 17 Software components that execute and run on the processor 1710. In some cases, the operation of process 1400 can be performed by a software component with a processor 1710. Figure 17 The architecture of the computing system is implemented using the 1700 system.

[0161] At box 1402, the computing device (or a component thereof) can enter a connection mode with a neutral host node.

[0162] At box 1404, the computing device (or a component thereof) may receive a verification code generated by a network entity. In some cases, the verification code is received from a neutral host node. In some cases, the verification code is received directly from the network entity. In some cases, the verification code is a universally unique identifier (UUID).

[0163] At box 1406, the computing device (or a component thereof) may receive sidelink configuration information. In some cases, the sidelink configuration information includes at least power, time, frequency resources, and the type of radio access technology.

[0164] At box 1408, the computing device (or a component thereof) may send a sidelink message based on sidelink configuration information, which includes a verification code. In some cases, the sidelink message also includes an identifier for the device. In some cases, the sidelink message is sent using at least one of 5G Direct mode, LTE Direct (LTE-D), Wi-Fi Direct (Wi-Fi-D), and Bluetooth.

[0165] In some examples, the processes described herein (e.g., process 1400 and / or other processes herein) may be performed by a computing device or apparatus (e.g., a UE or a base station). In another example, process 1400 may be performed by a UE (such as...) Figure 1 UE104, Figure 4 Wireless devices 407 Figure 6 UE 602, Figure 7 W-UE 708 Figure 10 A-UE 1008 and / or Figure 11 (A-UE1108) is executed. In another example, process 1400 may be executed by having Figure 17The computing device of the computing system 1700 shown is executed.

[0166] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a process 1500 for verifying coverage in a wireless system according to various aspects of this disclosure. Process 1500 may be performed by a computing device (or apparatus) or a component of a computing device (e.g., chipset, codec, etc.). The computing device may be a network entity (e.g., Figure 2 BS 102 Figure 1 mmW BS 180, Figure 6 Neutral host network 604 Figure 7 NH-RAN 704 and / or Figure 8 (NH-RAN 804) or other types of computing devices. The operation of process 1500 can be implemented in one or more processors (e.g., NH-RAN 804) or other types of computing devices. Figure 2 Controller / processor 280 Figure 4 Processor 484 and / or Figure 17 Software components that execute and run on the processor 1710. In some cases, the operation of process 1400 can be performed by a software component with a processor 1710. Figure 17 The architecture of the computing system is implemented using the 1700 system.

[0167] At box 1502, the computing device (or a component thereof) may receive a neutral host token from the network function.

[0168] At box 1504, a computing device (or a component thereof) may send a broadcast message that includes a neutral host token. In some cases, the broadcast message includes a System Information Block (SIB) message.

[0169] In some examples, the processes described herein (e.g., process 1500 and / or other processes herein) may be performed by a computing device or apparatus (e.g., a UE or a base station). In another example, process 1500 may be performed by a network entity (such as...) Figure 2 BS 102 Figure 1 mmW BS 180, Figure 6 Neutral host network 604 Figure 7 NH-RAN 704 and / or Figure 8 The process is executed by (NH-RAN804). In another example, process 1500 can be performed by a device with... Figure 17 The computing device of the computing system 1700 shown is executed.

[0170] Figure 16This is a flowchart illustrating a process 1600 for verifying coverage in a wireless system according to various aspects of this disclosure. Process 1600 may be performed by a computing device (or apparatus) or a component of a computing device (e.g., chipset, codec, etc.). The computing device may be a network entity (e.g., Figure 2 BS 102 Figure 1 mmW BS 180, Figure 6 Neutral host network 604 Figure 7 NH-RAN 704 and / or Figure 9 (NH-RAN 904) or other types of computing devices. The operation of process 1600 can be implemented on one or more processors (e.g., NH-RAN 904) or other types of computing devices. Figure 2 Controller / processor 280 Figure 4 Processor 484 and / or Figure 17 Software components that execute and run on the processor 1710. In some cases, the operation of process 1600 can be performed by a software component with a processor 1710. Figure 17 The architecture of the computing system is implemented using the 1700 system.

[0171] At box 1602, the computing device (or a component thereof) can receive a set of neutral host tokens and valid user equipment (UE) tokens from the network function.

[0172] At box 1604, the computing device (or a component thereof) may send a broadcast message.

[0173] At box 1606, a computing device (or a component thereof) may receive a first radio access channel (RACH) message from a UE in response to a broadcast message, the first RACH message including a UE token.

[0174] At box 1608, the computing device (or a component thereof) may authenticate the UE based on a comparison of the UE token with a set of valid UE tokens.

[0175] At box 1610, the computing device (or a component thereof) may send a second RACH message, including a neutral host token, based on the authenticated UE.

[0176] At box 1612, the computing device (or its components) can receive coverage reports from the UE. In some cases, in order to receive coverage reports, the computing device (or its components) can receive third RACH messages from the UE.

[0177] At box 1614, the computing device (or a component thereof) may output a coverage report to the network function. In some cases, the computing device (or a component thereof) may send a message to the UE instructing that the coverage report be transmitted to the network function. In some cases, the coverage report includes a neutral host token, and the coverage report is encrypted.

[0178] In some examples, the processes described herein (e.g., process 1600 and / or other processes herein) may be performed by a computing device or apparatus (e.g., a UE or a base station). In another example, process 1600 may be performed by a network entity (such as...) Figure 2 BS 102 Figure 1 mmW BS 180, Figure 6 Neutral host network 604 Figure 7 NH-RAN 704 and / or Figure 9 (NH-RAN904) is used for execution. In another example, process 1600 can be performed by a device with... Figure 17 The computing device of the computing system 1700 shown is executed.

[0179] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system used to implement certain aspects of this technology. Specifically, Figure 17 An example of computing system 1700 is illustrated. This computing system can be any computing device, such as constituting an internal computing system, a remote computing system, a camera, or any component thereof, wherein the components of the system communicate with each other using connection 1705. Connection 1705 can be a physical connection using a bus, or a direct connection to processor 1710, such as in a chipset architecture. Connection 1705 can also be a virtual connection, a networking connection, or a logical connection.

[0180] In some embodiments, computing system 1700 is a distributed system, wherein the functions described herein may be distributed across a data center, multiple data centers, a peer-to-peer network, etc. In some embodiments, one or more system components described represent a plurality of such components that each perform some or all of the functions described for which the component is used. In some embodiments, the components may be physical devices or virtual devices.

[0181] Example system 1700 includes at least one processing unit (CPU or processor) 1710 and a connection 1705 that communicatively couples various system components, including system memories 1715 such as read-only memory (ROM) 1720 and random access memory (RAM) 1725, to processor 1710. Computing system 1700 may include a cache 1712 of high-speed memory that is directly connected to, closely proximates, or integrated into processor 1710.

[0182] Processor 1710 may include any general-purpose processor and hardware or software services (such as services 1732, 1734, and 1736 stored in storage device 1730 and configured to control processor 1710), as well as dedicated processors in which software instructions are incorporated into the actual processor design. Processor 1710 may be a substantially completely independent computing system containing multiple cores or processors, buses, memory controllers, caches, etc. Multi-core processors may be symmetric or asymmetric.

[0183] To enable user interaction, the computing system 1700 includes an input device 1745 that can represent any number of input mechanisms, such as a microphone for voice, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture or graphic input, a keyboard, a mouse, motion input, voice input, etc. The computing system 1700 may also include an output device 1735 that can be one or more of a plurality of output mechanisms. In some instances, a multi-mode system allows a user to provide multiple types of input / output to communicate with the computing system 1700.

[0184] The computing system 1700 may include a communication interface 1740, which typically controls and manages user input and system output. The communication interface may perform or facilitate the receiving and / or transmitting of wired or wireless communications using wired and / or wireless transceivers, including utilizing audio jacks / plugs, microphone jacks / plugs, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports / plugs, Apple... ™ Lightning ™ Ports / plugs, Ethernet ports / plugs, fiber optic ports / plugs, dedicated wired ports / plugs, 3G, 4G, 5G and / or other cellular data network wireless signal transmission, Bluetooth ™ Wireless signal transmission, Bluetooth ™ Low-power (BLE) wireless signal transmission, IBEACON ™Wireless signal transmission, including radio frequency identification (RFID) wireless signal transmission, near field communication (NFC) wireless signal transmission, dedicated short range communication (DSRC) wireless signal transmission, 802.11 Wi-Fi wireless signal transmission, wireless local area network (WLAN) signal transmission, visible light communication (VLC), global microwave access interoperability (WiMAX), infrared (IR) wireless signal transmission, public switched telephone network (PSTN) signal transmission, integrated services digital network (ISDN) signal transmission, ad hoc network signal transmission, radio wave signal transmission, microwave signal transmission, infrared signal transmission, visible light signal transmission, ultraviolet light signal transmission, wireless signal transmission along the electromagnetic spectrum, or some combination thereof. The communication interface 1740 may also include one or more Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers or transceivers for determining the location of the computing system 1700 based on one or more signals received from one or more satellites associated with one or more GNSS systems. GNSS systems include, but are not limited to, the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS), Russia's Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), and Europe's Galileo GNSS. There are no limitations on operation on any particular hardware configuration, and therefore the underlying features here can be easily replaced to obtain improved hardware or firmware configurations as they are developed.

[0185] Storage device 1730 may be a non-volatile and / or non-transitory and / or computer-readable storage device, and may be a hard disk or other type of computer-readable medium capable of storing data accessible by a computer, such as magnetic tape, flash memory cards, solid-state storage devices, digital versatile discs, cartridges, floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magnetic stripes, any other magnetic storage media, flash memory, memristor memory, any other solid-state storage, CD-ROM, rewritable CD, digital video disc (DVD), Blu-ray Disc (BDD), holographic disc, another optical medium, secure digital (SD) cards, micro-secure digital (microSD) cards, Memory Stick. ®Cards, smart card chips, EMV chips, Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, mini / micro / nano / micro SIM cards, another integrated circuit (IC) chip / card, random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash EPROM, cache memory (e.g., layer 1 (L1) cache, layer 2 (L2) cache, layer 3 (L3) cache, layer 4 (L4) cache, layer 5 (L5) cache, or other (L#) cache), resistive random access memory (RRAM / ReRAM), phase change memory (PCM), spin-transfer torque RAM (STT-RAM), another memory chip or cassette and / or combinations thereof.

[0186] Storage device 1730 may include software services, servers, services, etc., which enable the system to perform functions when the code defining such software is executed by processor 1710. In some embodiments, hardware services performing specific functions may include software components for performing functions stored in a computer-readable medium connected to necessary hardware components such as processor 1710, connection 1705, output device 1735, etc. The term "computer-readable medium" includes, but is not limited to, portable or non-portable storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other media capable of storing, containing, or carrying instructions and / or data. Computer-readable media may include non-transitory media in which data can be stored and which does not include carrier waves and / or transient electronic signals propagated wirelessly or via a wired connection. Examples of non-transitory media may include, but are not limited to, magnetic disks or magnetic tapes, optical storage media (such as compact discs (CDs) or digital versatile discs (DVDs)), flash memory, memory, or memory devices. Computer-readable media may store code and / or machine-executable instructions thereon, which may represent procedures, functions, subroutines, programs, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. Code segments may be coupled to other code segments or hardware circuitry by passing and / or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc., may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means, including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

[0187] Specific details have been provided in the foregoing description to offer a thorough understanding of the various embodiments and examples presented herein, but those skilled in the art will recognize that this application is not limited thereto. Therefore, although exemplary embodiments of this application have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concept can be embodied and adopted in a variety of other ways, and the appended claims are intended to be construed as including such variations, unless limited by prior art. Various features and aspects of the applications described above may be used individually or in combination. Furthermore, without departing from the broader scope of this specification, the embodiments can be used in any number of environments and applications beyond those described herein. Therefore, the specification and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. For illustrative purposes, the methods are described in a particular order. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the methods may be performed in a different order than described.

[0188] For clarity, in some instances, this technology may be presented as comprising individual functional blocks, which include devices, device components, steps, or routines embodied in a method, either in software or a combination of hardware and software. Additional components may be used in addition to those shown in the figures and / or described herein. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form to avoid obscuring these embodiments with unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without necessary detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0189] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability between hardware and software, various exemplary components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above in general terms of their functionality. Whether this functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in different ways for each specific application; however, such specific implementation decisions should not be construed as departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0190] Individual implementations may be described above as processes or methods depicted as flowcharts, flow diagrams, data flow diagrams, structure diagrams, or block diagrams. Although flowcharts may describe operations as sequential processes, many operations within an operation may be executed in parallel or concurrently. Furthermore, the order of operations may be rearranged. A process terminates when its operations are completed, but a process may have additional steps not included in the accompanying drawings. A process may correspond to a method, function, procedure, subroutine, subroutine, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, the termination of the process may correspond to the function returning to the calling function or the main function.

[0191] The processes and methods described in the examples above can be implemented using stored computer-executable instructions or computer-executable instructions otherwise available from a computer-readable medium. Such instructions may include, for example, instructions and data that configure, or otherwise configure, a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or processing device to perform a function or group of functions. The portion may be accessible via a network of the computer resources used. The computer-executable instructions may be, for example, binary, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, firmware, or source code. Examples of computer-readable media that can be used to store the instructions, the information used, and / or information created during the methods according to the described examples include disks or optical discs, flash memory, USB devices with non-volatile memory, networked storage devices, etc.

[0192] In some implementations, computer-readable storage devices, media, and memories may include cables or wireless signals containing bit streams, etc. However, when referred to, non-transitory computer-readable storage media explicitly excludes media such as power consumption, carrier signals, electromagnetic waves, and the signals themselves.

[0193] Those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and methods. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout the above description may, in some cases, be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or light particles, or any combination thereof, depending in part on the specific application, in part on the desired design, in part on the corresponding technology, etc.

[0194] The various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented or executed using hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof, and can take any form factor of various form factors. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, program code or code segments (e.g., computer program products) for performing necessary tasks can be stored in a computer-readable or machine-readable medium. A processor can perform the necessary tasks. Examples of form factors include: laptop computers, smartphones, mobile phones, tablet devices, or other small form factor personal computers, personal digital assistants, rack-mounted devices, self-contained devices, etc. The functionality described herein can also be embodied in peripheral devices or interlocking cards. By further example, such functionality can also be implemented on circuit boards in different chips or different processes running on a single device.

[0195] Instructions, media for delivering such instructions, computing resources for executing them, and other structures for supporting such computing resources are example components for providing the functionality described in this disclosure.

[0196] The techniques described herein can also be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, firmware, or any combination thereof. Such techniques can be implemented in any of a variety of devices, such as general-purpose computers, wireless communication devices (mobile phones), or integrated circuit devices with multiple uses, including applications in wireless communication devices (mobile phones) and other devices. Any feature described as a module or component can be implemented together in an integrated logic device or separately as discrete but interoperable logic devices. If implemented in software, the techniques can be implemented at least in part by a computer-readable data storage medium comprising program code including instructions that, when executed, perform one or more of the methods, algorithms, and / or operations described above. The computer-readable data storage medium can form part of a computer program product, which may include packaging material. The computer-readable medium may include memory or data storage media, such as random access memory (RAM) (such as synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM)), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage media, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the technology may be implemented at least in part by a computer-readable communication medium that carries or conveys program code in the form of instructions or data structures that can be accessed, read and / or executed by a computer, such as propagated signals or waves.

[0197] The program code can be executed by a processor, which may include one or more processors, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general-purpose microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuits. Such processors can be configured to perform any of the techniques described in this disclosure. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor; however, in alternatives, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Therefore, as used herein, the term "processor" may refer to any of the foregoing structures, any combination of the foregoing structures, or any other structure or means suitable for implementing the techniques described herein.

[0198] Those skilled in the art will understand that, without departing from the scope of this description, the less than (“<”) and greater than (“>”) symbols or terms used herein may be represented by less than or equal to (“>”) respectively. The sign "") and greater than or equal to (" The symbol ) is used instead.

[0199] When a component is described as being “configured” to perform certain operations, such configuration can be achieved, for example, by designing electronic circuits or other hardware to perform the operations, by programming programmable electronic circuits (e.g., microprocessors or other suitable electronic circuits) to perform the operations, or any combination thereof.

[0200] The phrase “coupled to” or “communicatively coupled to” means that any component is physically connected directly or indirectly to another component, and / or that any component is in communication with another component directly or indirectly (e.g., connected to that other component via a wired or wireless connection and / or other suitable communication interface).

[0201] The claim language or other language that states "at least one of" and / or "one or more of" in a set indicates that one member of the set or multiple members of the set (in any combination) satisfy the claim. For example, the claim language that states "at least one of A and B" or "at least one of A or B" means A, B, or A and B. In another example, the claim language that states "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" means A, B, C, or A and B, or A and C, or B and C, A and B and C, or any repetition is information or data (e.g., A and A, B and B, C and C, A and A and B, etc.), or any other ordering, repetition, or combination of A, B, and C. The language "at least one of" and / or "one or more of" in a set does not limit the set to the items listed in the set. For example, the language of a claim that expresses “at least one of A and B” or “at least one of A or B” may mean A, B or A and B, and may additionally include items not listed in the set of A and B.

[0202] The exemplary aspects of this disclosure include:

[0203] Aspect 1. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory including instructions; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to: receive configuration information for wireless coverage verification; receive a neutral host token; receive a broadcast message from a neutral host node; at least measure the broadcast message from the neutral host node to obtain radio information; generate a coverage report based on the radio information; and output the coverage report and the neutral host token to a network function.

[0204] Aspect 2. The apparatus according to aspect 1, wherein the broadcast message includes the neutral host token.

[0205] Aspect 3. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 2, wherein the radio information includes at least one of the following: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Channel Quality Indicator, Synchronization Block (SSB) information, Cell ID, and Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID.

[0206] Aspect 4. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the configuration information is received from the network function.

[0207] Aspect 5. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the configuration information includes an indication of at least one of the following: time and / or frequency information, Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID, and Cell ID.

[0208] Aspect 6. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the broadcast message includes a System Information Block (SIB) message.

[0209] Aspect 7. The apparatus according to aspect 6, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to monitor the SIB message based on received configuration information.

[0210] Aspect 8. The apparatus according to aspect 6, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receive a User Equipment (UE) token from the network function; determine access to the neutral host node based on the SIB message; and send a first initial access message to the neutral host node, the first initial access message including the UE token.

[0211] Aspect 9. The apparatus according to aspect 8, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive a second initial access message from the neutral host node, the second initial access message including the neutral host token.

[0212] Aspect 10. The apparatus according to aspect 8, wherein, in order to output the coverage report, the at least one processor is further configured to send the coverage report and the neutral host token to the neutral host node in a third initial access message.

[0213] Aspect 11. The apparatus according to aspect 10, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive a fourth initial access message instructing the coverage report to be transmitted to the network function.

[0214] Aspect 12. The apparatus according to aspect 11, wherein the fourth initial access message includes a release indication, and wherein the at least one processor is further configured to release the connection to the neutral host node.

[0215] Aspect 13. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory including instructions; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to: receive a verification code and sidelink configuration information from a network function; receive a sidelink transmission from an active user equipment (UE) including the verification code; measure the sidelink transmission to obtain sidelink radio information measurements; generate a coverage report including the sidelink radio information measurements and the verification code; and output the coverage report to the network function.

[0216] Aspect 14. The apparatus according to aspect 13, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receive sidelink configuration information from the network function; and listen for sidelink transmissions based on the sidelink configuration information.

[0217] Aspect 15. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 13 to 14, wherein the side link transmission includes an identifier of the active UE, and wherein the coverage report includes the identifier of the active UE.

[0218] Aspect 16. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 13 to 15, wherein the side link transmission is performed using at least one of 5G Direct mode, LTE Direct (LTE-D), Wi-Fi Direct (Wi-Fi-D), and Bluetooth.

[0219] Aspect 17. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 13 to 16, wherein the sidelink radio information measurement includes at least one of the following: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Channel Quality Indicator, Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) information, Cell ID, and Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID.

[0220] Aspect 18. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory including instructions; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to: enter a connection mode with a neutral host node; receive a verification code generated by a network entity; receive sidelink configuration information; and send a sidelink message based on the sidelink configuration information, the sidelink message including the verification code.

[0221] Aspect 19. The apparatus according to aspect 18, wherein the verification code is received from the neutral host node.

[0222] Aspect 20. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 18 to 19, wherein the verification code is received directly from the network entity.

[0223] Aspect 21. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 18 to 20, wherein the side link message further includes an identifier of the apparatus.

[0224] Aspect 22. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 18 to 21, wherein the sidelink configuration information includes at least power, time, frequency resources and type of radio access technology.

[0225] Aspect 23. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 18 to 22, wherein the verification code is a universally unique identifier (UUID).

[0226] Aspect 24. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 18 to 23, wherein the sidelink message is transmitted using at least one of 5G Direct mode, LTE Direct (LTE-D), Wi-Fi Direct (Wi-Fi-D), and Bluetooth.

[0227] Aspect 25. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory including instructions; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to: receive a neutral host token from a network function; and transmit a broadcast message including the neutral host token.

[0228] Aspect 26. The apparatus according to aspect 25, wherein the broadcast message includes a System Information Block (SIB) message.

[0229] Aspect 27. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory including instructions; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to: receive a neutral host token and a set of valid user equipment (UE) tokens from a network function; transmit a broadcast message; receive a first radio access channel (RACH) message from a UE in response to the broadcast message, the first RACH message including a UE token; authenticate the UE based on a comparison of the UE token with the set of valid UE tokens; transmit a second RACH message including the neutral host token based on the authentication of the UE; receive a coverage report from the UE; and output the coverage report to the network function.

[0230] Aspect 28. The apparatus according to aspect 27, wherein, in order to receive the coverage report, the at least one processor is configured to receive a third RACH message from the UE.

[0231] Aspect 29. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 27 to 28, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to send a message to the UE indicating that the coverage report is transmitted to the network function.

[0232] Aspect 30. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 27 to 29, wherein the coverage report includes the neutral host token, and wherein the coverage report is encrypted.

[0233] Aspect 31. A method for wireless communication, the method comprising: receiving configuration information for wireless coverage verification; receiving a neutral host token; receiving a broadcast message from a neutral host node; measuring at least the broadcast message from the neutral host node to obtain radio information; generating a coverage report based on the radio information; and outputting the coverage report and the neutral host token to a network function.

[0234] Aspect 32. The method according to aspect 31, wherein the broadcast message includes the neutral host token.

[0235] Aspect 33. The method according to any one of Aspects 31 to 32, wherein the radio information includes at least one of the following: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Channel Quality Indicator, Synchronization Block (SSB) information, Cell ID, and Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID.

[0236] Aspect 34. The method according to any one of Aspects 31 to 33, wherein the configuration information is received from the network function.

[0237] Aspect 35. The method according to any one of Aspects 31 to 34, wherein the configuration information includes an indication of at least one of the following: time and / or frequency information, Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID, and Cell ID.

[0238] Aspect 36. The method according to any one of Aspects 31 to 35, wherein the broadcast message includes a System Information Block (SIB) message.

[0239] Aspect 37. The method according to aspect 36 further includes monitoring the SIB message based on the received configuration information.

[0240] Aspect 38. The method according to aspect 36 further includes: receiving a user equipment (UE) token from the network function; determining access to the neutral host node based on the SIB message; and sending a first initial access message to the neutral host node, the first initial access message including the UE token.

[0241] Aspect 39. The method according to aspect 38 further includes receiving a second initial access message from the neutral host node, the second initial access message including the neutral host token.

[0242] Aspect 40. The method according to aspect 38, wherein outputting the coverage report includes sending the coverage report and the neutral host token to the neutral host node in a third initial access message.

[0243] Aspect 41. The method according to aspect 40 further includes receiving a fourth initial access message instructing the coverage report to be transmitted to the network function.

[0244] Aspect 42. The method according to aspect 41, wherein the fourth initial access message includes a release indication, and the method further includes releasing the connection to the neutral host node.

[0245] Aspect 43. A method for wireless communication, the method comprising: receiving a verification code and sidelink configuration information from a network function; receiving a sidelink transmission from an active user equipment (UE) including the verification code; measuring the sidelink transmission to obtain sidelink radio information measurements; generating a coverage report including the sidelink radio information measurements and the verification code; and outputting the coverage report to the network function.

[0246] Aspect 44. The method according to aspect 43 further includes: receiving sidelink configuration information from the network function; and listening to the sidelink transmission based on the sidelink configuration information.

[0247] Aspect 45. The method according to any one of Aspects 43 to 44, wherein the sidelink transmission includes an identifier of the active UE, and wherein the coverage report includes the identifier of the active UE.

[0248] Aspect 46. The method according to any one of Aspects 43 to 45, wherein the sidelink transmission is performed using at least one of 5G Direct mode, LTE Direct (LTE-D), Wi-Fi Direct (Wi-Fi-D), and Bluetooth.

[0249] Aspect 47. The method according to any one of Aspects 43 to 46, wherein the sidelink radio information measurement includes at least one of the following: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Channel Quality Indicator, Synchronization Block (SSB) information, Cell ID, and Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID.

[0250] Aspect 48. A method for wireless communication, the method comprising: entering a connection mode with a neutral host node; receiving a verification code generated by a network entity; receiving sidelink configuration information; and sending a sidelink message based on the sidelink configuration information, the sidelink message including the verification code.

[0251] Aspect 49. The method according to aspect 48, wherein the verification code is received from the neutral host node.

[0252] Aspect 50. The method according to any one of Aspects 48 to 49, wherein the verification code is received directly from the network entity.

[0253] Aspect 51. The method according to any one of Aspects 48 to 50, wherein the side link message further includes an identifier of the device.

[0254] Aspect 52. The method according to any one of Aspects 48 to 51, wherein the sidelink configuration information includes at least power, time, frequency resources and type of radio access technology.

[0255] Aspect 53. The method according to any one of Aspects 48 to 52, wherein the verification code is a universally unique identifier (UUID).

[0256] Aspect 54. The method according to any one of Aspects 48 to 54, wherein the sidelink message is transmitted using at least one of 5G Direct mode, LTE Direct (LTE-D), Wi-Fi Direct (Wi-Fi-D), and Bluetooth.

[0257] Aspect 55. A method for wireless communication, the method comprising: receiving a neutral host token from a network function; and sending a broadcast message including the neutral host token.

[0258] Aspect 56. The method according to aspect 55, wherein the broadcast message includes a System Information Block (SIB) message.

[0259] Aspect 57. A method for wireless communication, the method comprising: receiving a neutral host token and a set of valid user equipment (UE) tokens from a network function; transmitting a broadcast message; receiving a first radio access channel (RACH) message from the UE in response to the broadcast message, the first RACH message including the UE token; authenticating the UE based on a comparison of the UE token with the set of valid UE tokens; transmitting a second RACH message including the neutral host token based on the authentication of the UE; receiving a coverage report from the UE; and outputting the coverage report to the network function.

[0260] Aspect 58. The method according to aspect 57, wherein receiving the coverage report includes receiving a third RACH message from the UE.

[0261] Aspect 59. The method according to any one of Aspects 57 to 58 further includes sending a message to the UE indicating that the coverage report is transmitted to the network function.

[0262] Aspect 60. The method according to any one of Aspects 57 to 59, wherein the coverage report includes the neutral host token, and wherein the coverage report is encrypted.

[0263] Aspect 61. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, the instructions causing the one or more processors, when executed by the processors, to perform any one of aspects 31 to 60.

[0264] Aspect 62. An apparatus comprising components for performing the method according to any one of aspects 31 to 60.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: At least one memory, said at least one memory comprising instructions; and At least one processor, the at least one processor being coupled to the at least one memory and being configured to: Receive configuration information for wireless coverage verification; Receive neutral host token; Receive broadcast messages from neutral host nodes; At least the broadcast messages from the neutral host node are measured to obtain radio information; A coverage report is generated based on the radio information; as well as Output the coverage report and the neutral host token to the network function.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the broadcast message includes the neutral host token.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the radio information includes at least one of the following: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Channel Quality Indicator, Synchronization Block (SSB) information, Cell ID, and Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the configuration information is received from the network function.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the configuration information includes an indication of at least one of the following: time and / or frequency information, Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID, and Cell ID.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the broadcast message includes a System Information Block (SIB) message.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to monitor the SIB message based on received configuration information.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Receive user equipment (UE) tokens from the network function; Based on the SIB message, access to the neutral host node is determined; and A first initial access message is sent to the neutral host node, the first initial access message including the UE token.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive a second initial access message from the neutral host node, the second initial access message including the neutral host token.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, In order to output the coverage report, the at least one processor is further configured to send the coverage report and the neutral host token to the neutral host node in a third initial access message.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive a fourth initial access message instructing the coverage report to be transmitted to the network function.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the fourth initial access message includes a release indication, and wherein the at least one processor is further configured to release the connection to the neutral host node.

13. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: At least one memory, said at least one memory comprising instructions; and At least one processor, the at least one processor being coupled to the at least one memory and being configured to: Receive verification codes and sidelink configuration information from network functions; Receive sidelink transmission, the sidelink transmission originating from active user equipment (UE), the sidelink transmission including the verification code; Measure the sidelink transmission to obtain sidelink radio information measurements; Generate a coverage report, which includes the sidelink radio information measurements and verification codes; and Output the coverage report to the network function.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Receive sidelink configuration information from the network function; and Listen for sidelink transmissions based on the sidelink configuration information.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the sidelink transmission includes an identifier of the active UE, and wherein the coverage report includes the identifier of the active UE.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the sidelink transmission is performed using at least one of 5G Direct mode, LTE Direct (LTE-D), Wi-Fi Direct (Wi-Fi-D), and Bluetooth.

17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the sidelink radio information measurement includes at least one of the following: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Channel Quality Indicator, Synchronization Block (SSB) information, Cell ID, and Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID.

18. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: At least one memory, said at least one memory comprising instructions; and At least one processor, the at least one processor being coupled to the at least one memory and being configured to: Enter connection mode with neutral host nodes; Receive a verification code, which is generated by a network entity; Receive side link configuration information; as well as A sidelink message is sent based on the sidelink configuration information, and the sidelink message includes the verification code.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the verification code is received from the neutral host node.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the verification code is received directly from the network entity.

21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the sidelink message further includes an identifier of the apparatus.

22. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the sidelink configuration information includes at least power, time, frequency resources, and type of radio access technology.

23. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the verification code is a universally unique identifier (UUID).

24. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the sidelink message is transmitted using at least one of 5G Direct, LTE Direct (LTE-D), Wi-Fi Direct (Wi-Fi-D), and Bluetooth.

25. A method for wireless communication, the method comprising: Receive configuration information for wireless coverage verification; Receive neutral host token; Receive broadcast messages from neutral host nodes; At least the broadcast messages from the neutral host node are measured to obtain radio information; A coverage report is generated based on the radio information; as well as Output the coverage report and the neutral host token to the network function.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the broadcast message includes the neutral host token.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the radio information includes at least one of the following: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Channel Quality Indicator, Synchronization Block (SSB) information, Cell ID, and Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein the configuration information is received from the network function.

29. The method of claim 25, wherein the configuration information includes an indication of at least one of the following: time and / or frequency information, Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID, and Cell ID.

30. The method of claim 25, wherein the broadcast message includes a System Information Block (SIB) message.

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