Apparatus and method for allocating radio resources for sidechain communications in sub-network of wireless communication network

Abstract

An apparatus and method for allocating radio resources for sidechain communications in a sub-network of a wireless communication network. Apparatus and method for allocating radio resources for side-chain communications in a sub-network (106) of a wireless communication network (100), where the method comprises:-receiving a message (3) comprising information about radio resources allocated to the sub-network (106) and an indication that the radio resources are allocated for the sub-network (106); -detecting said indication, allocating radio resources to at least one user equipment (104) in the sub-network (106); and-transmitting a message (4), said message (4) comprising radio resources allocated to at least one user equipment (104).

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present application relates to an apparatus and a method for allocating radio resources for sidelink communication in a subnetwork of a wireless communication network.

[0002] In a wireless communication network of connected apparatuses, e.g. devices for communication, radio resources of the wireless communication network are allocated by a network entity to the devices. An example of a device is a user equipment (UE). An example of a network entity is a base station, e.g. a next generation node B (gNB).

[0003] A subnetwork enables direct communication between devices in the subnetwork via wireless communication interfaces of the devices. A subnetwork should have (partial) autonomy with respect to its parent network in order to survive in case of loss of connectivity with the parent network. There are exemplary use cases of subnetworks, such as a subnetwork of vehicles, wherein sensors, controllers, and also passengers can communicate using the local connectivity provided by the subnetwork.

[0004] Direct communication between devices in a subnetwork is enabled by sidelink. An example of sidelink is disclosed by 3GPP TS 38.214 Release 16.2.0 Release 16.

[0005] Sidelink radio resources can be allocated in two sidelink modes: Mode 1 : The gNB allocates resources using dynamic grant of downlink assignment type 1 or downlink assignment type 2 or configured grant of downlink assignment type 1 or downlink assignment type 2.

[0006] Mode 2: The gNB configures one or multiple resource pools for the UE and the UE performs radio resource allocation autonomously by a sensing procedure.

[0007] For sidelink mode 1 radio resource allocation, the UE informs the gNB about traffic needs of the UE, for example.

[0008] The UE informs the gNB, for example, using UE assistance information. The UE assistance information is transmitted by the UE to the gNB, for example, for use by the gNB for radio resource allocation. The UE assistance information transmission is configured, for example, by radio resource control (RRC) layer signaling.

[0009] For sidelink mode 1 radio resource allocation, the UE informs the gNB, for example, using a scheduling request. The scheduling request is a request for a new radio resource allocation and is transmitted from the UE to the gNB.

[0010] In a radio resource allocation decision, the gNB allocates time and frequency resources of a subchannel for use by the UE for sidelink communication.

[0011] After the radio resource allocation decision in the gNB, the following steps occur: In sidelink mode 1 dynamic grant, the gNB sends radio resource scheduling information to the UE in a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) in a downlink control information format 3_0 (DCI 3_0) message.

[0012] In sidelink mode 1 configured grant of downlink assignment type 1 or downlink assignment type 2, the radio resources are informed to the UE using RRC layer signaling.

[0013] In downlink assignment type 1, the radio resources can be used immediately.

[0014] In downlink assignment type 2, the radio resources should be (de)activated by DCI.

[0015] For data transmission by the UE in sidelink communication, after receiving the DCI or RRC signaling, the UE sends a 1st stage sidelink control information (SCI) in a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) and a 2nd stage SCI in a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) at the same time slot, and user plane traffic on the allocated sub-channels. SUMMARY

[0016] The devices and methods according to the independent claims provide messages to extend, for example, to reduce the load and the delay related to sidelink radio resource allocation in a wireless communication network.

[0017] In a first entity of a wireless communication network, in particular in a subnetwork management entity, a first method for allocating radio resources for sidelink communication in a subnetwork of the wireless communication network comprises receiving a message, in particular a downlink control information, wherein the received message comprises information about radio resources allocated to the subnetwork, and wherein the received message comprises an indication that the radio resource allocation is for the subnetwork, in particular an identifier or a flag of the subnetwork, wherein the method comprises detecting the indication, allocating radio resources to at least one user equipment in the subnetwork, and sending a message, in particular a sidelink control information, comprising the radio resources allocated to the at least one user equipment. The message can comprise a field, wherein the field indicates that the message is sent for sidelink communication purposes, and / or wherein the field identifies the subnetwork, in particular with an identifier of the subnetwork, and / or wherein the field comprises an address of the user equipment within the subnetwork, and / or wherein the field comprises a flag indicating that the radio resources are for the user equipment and / or are not used by the entity, and / or wherein the field comprises a flag indicating a sidelink mode.

[0018] The first method in the first entity can comprise receiving a message, in particular a scheduling request or a user equipment assistance information or a dedicated message, in a physical downlink control channel of the wireless communication network or by radio resource control signaling, and / or transmitting a message in a physical sidelink control channel of the wireless communication network. The use of existing control channels reduces the delay.

[0019] In a second entity of the wireless communication network, in particular in a base station, a second method for allocating radio resources for a sidelink communication in a subnetwork of the wireless communication network comprises receiving a message, in particular a scheduling request or a user equipment assistance information or a dedicated message, wherein the received message comprises a request for a radio resource allocation for a sidelink communication in a subnetwork, and wherein the received message comprises an indication that a radio resource allocation is requested for a subnetwork, in particular an identifier of the subnetwork, wherein the method comprises detecting the indication, allocating radio resources to the subnetwork, and transmitting a message, in particular a downlink control information, comprising information about the radio resources allocated to the subnetwork, and an indication that radio resources are allocated to the subnetwork, in particular an identifier or a flag of the subnetwork. The additional indication in the respective message enables a reduction of signaling.

[0020] The second method in the second entity can comprise receiving a message, in particular a scheduling request, in a physical uplink control channel of the wireless communication network. The use of existing control channels reduces the delay.

[0021] The second method in the second entity can comprise transmitting a message, in particular a downlink control information, in a physical downlink control channel of the wireless communication network or by radio resource control signaling. The use of existing control channels reduces the delay.

[0022] In a third entity of the wireless communication network, in particular in a user equipment or a subnetwork management entity, a third method for allocating radio resources for a sidelink communication in a subnetwork of the wireless communication network comprises transmitting a message, in particular a scheduling request or a user equipment assistance information or a dedicated message, wherein the message comprises a request for a radio resource allocation for a sidelink communication in a subnetwork, and wherein the message comprises an indication that a radio resource allocation is requested for a subnetwork, in particular an identifier of the subnetwork. The additional indication enables a reduction of signaling.

[0023] The third method in the third entity can comprise transmitting a message, in particular a scheduling request, in a physical uplink control channel of the wireless communication network or via transmitting a message, in particular a user equipment assistance information, by radio resource control signaling. The use of existing control channels reduces the delay.

[0024] According to the third method in the third entity, the message can comprise information about an internal state of the subnetwork or at least one user equipment in the subnetwork. The additional information enables a reduction of signaling.

[0025] A third method in a third entity, in particular in a user equipment, for allocating radio resources for a sidelink communication in a subnetwork of a wireless communication network can comprise receiving a message, in particular a sidelink control information, comprising radio resources allocated to at least one user equipment, and configuring the entity for a sidelink communication in accordance with the received message. The message can comprise a field, wherein the field indicates that the message is transmitted for sidelink communication purposes, and / or wherein the field identifies the subnetwork, in particular with an identifier of the subnetwork, and / or wherein the field comprises an address of the user equipment within the subnetwork, and / or wherein the field comprises a flag indicating that the radio resources are for the user equipment and / or are not used by the entity, and / or wherein the field comprises a flag indicating a sidelink mode. The additional field enables to reduce signaling.

[0026] The indication can be an identifier of the subnetwork, e.g. a subnetwork ID, wherein the identifier is preferably self-assigned by the subnetwork management entity or assigned by one of the following entities of the wireless communication network: a base station, another subnetwork management entity, an application provided in the wireless communication network, a core network component of the wireless communication network.

[0027] A first device, in particular a subnetwork management entity, configured to perform the steps of the first method.

[0028] A second device, in particular a base station, configured to perform the steps of the second method.

[0029] A third device, in particular a user equipment, configured to perform the steps of the third method.

[0030] A communication system is provided comprising at least one first device and / or at least one second device and / or at least one third device.

[0031] A computer program is provided comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the first method, the second method and / or the third method.

[0032] A computer-readable storage medium is provided comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the first method, the second method and / or the third method.

[0033] A data carrier signal carrying and / or embodying a computer program is provided, the computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the first method, the second method and / or the third method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] Further examples are derived from the following description and the attached drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1A wireless communication network is schematically depicted. Figure 2 A sequence diagram depicts a method for allocating radio resources for sidechain communication in a subnetwork of a wireless communication network.

[0035] Figure 1 A wireless communication network 100 is schematically depicted.

[0036] The wireless communication network 100 includes a next-generation node B (gNB) 102.

[0037] The wireless communication network 100 includes at least one user equipment (UE) 104.

[0038] The wireless communication network 100 is configured for sidechain communication between UEs 104 in sub-network 106 of the wireless communication network 100.

[0039] The wireless communication network 100 includes a subnetwork management entity (SME) 108. The SME 108 is located within the subnetwork 106.

[0040] In many use cases, the internal components 104 of the (sub)system need to be connected to exchange data. In such cases, a local network 106, referred to as subnetwork 106 or subnet 106, can be established for such connection requirements within the system (e.g., wireless communication network 10). Each component 104 of the system or network 10 can communicate directly with other components 104, for example via sidechain communication, under the control of the subnetwork management entity 108.

[0041] SME 108 can be configured to configure and manage subnetwork 106. SME 108 itself is under the control of a parent network (such as a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN)). The PLMN is configured to allocate resources to subnetwork 106 in batches. SME 108 is configured to allocate resources to each member device 104 or component 104 in subnetwork 106.

[0042] Figure 2 A sequence diagram depicts a method for allocating radio resources for sidechain communication in subnetwork 106.

[0043] The method is described for Example 1: sidechain mode 1 resource allocation in a subnetwork by SME 108, and Example 2: sidechain mode 2 resource allocation in a subnetwork.

[0044] Example 1: According to this method, user equipment 104 sends first message 1 to SME 108.

[0045] The first message 1 includes a request for radio resource allocation for sidechain communications in subnetwork 106.

[0046] The first message 1 includes an instruction to request radio resource allocation for subnetwork 106.

[0047] This indication is, for example, the identifier of subnet 106, such as the subnet ID.

[0048] The identifier of a subnetwork may be assigned by the SME 108 itself, or by one of the following entities of the wireless communication network 100: gNB 102, another SME, an application provided in the wireless communication network 100, or a core network component of the wireless communication network 100.

[0049] The first message 1 includes information about the internal state of at least one user equipment 104 in the subnetwork 106.

[0050] First message 1 is, for example, a scheduling request (SR). First message 1 is, for example, user equipment auxiliary information (UE auxiliary information). First message 1 is, for example, a dedicated message.

[0051] The first message 1 is transmitted, for example, via sidechain control or a shared channel.

[0052] Upon receiving the first message 1, SME 108 sends the second message 2 to gNB 102.

[0053] The second message 2 includes a request for radio resource allocation for sidechain communications in subnetwork 106.

[0054] The second message 2 includes an instruction to request radio resource allocation for subnetwork 106.

[0055] This instruction includes, for example, the identifier of subnet 106.

[0056] The second message 2 may include information about the internal state of subnetwork 106 or at least one user equipment 104 in subnetwork 106.

[0057] The second message 2 is, for example, a scheduling request (SR). The second message 2 is, for example, user equipment assistance information (UE assistance information). The second message 2 is, for example, a dedicated message.

[0058] The second message 2 is transmitted, for example, in the physical uplink control channel of the wireless communication network 100. The second message 2 is also transmitted, for example, in the radio resource control signaling of the wireless communication network 100.

[0059] Upon receiving the second message 2, gNB 102 detects the instruction and allocates radio resources to subnetwork 106.

[0060] Instead of sending first message 1 and second message 2, a single message including the content of second message 2 can be sent from UE 104 to gNB 102.

[0061] gNB 102 sends a third message 3 to SME 108.

[0062] The third message 3 includes information about the radio resources allocated to subnetwork 106.

[0063] The third message 3 includes an indication that radio resources have been allocated to subnetwork 106.

[0064] This instruction includes, for example, an identifier or flag for subnetwork 106.

[0065] The third message, for example, is downlink control information (DCI).

[0066] For example, the third message 3 is in DCI format 3_0 or a new dedicated DCI format.

[0067] The third message 3 is transmitted, for example, in the physical downlink control channel of the wireless communication network 100.

[0068] The third message 3 is transmitted, for example, in the radio resource control signaling of the wireless communication network 100.

[0069] SME 108 is configured for sidechain mode 1.

[0070] For sidechain mode 1, SME 108 detects the indication upon receiving the third message 3 and allocates radio resources to at least one user equipment 104 in subnetwork 106.

[0071] SME 108 sends the fourth message 4 to UE 104.

[0072] The fourth message, for example, is a sidechain control information (SCI) phase 1 or phase 2.

[0073] The fourth message 4 is transmitted, for example, in the physical sidechain control channel or sidechain shared channel of the wireless communication network 100.

[0074] The fourth message 4 includes radio resources and fields assigned to at least one user equipment 104.

[0075] This field, for example, indicates that message 4 is sent for sidechain communication purposes. This means that the field indicates the resource allocation included in message 4 is for sidechain communication purposes.

[0076] This field, for example, identifies subnet 106. This field includes, for example, the identifier of subnet 106.

[0077] This field, for example, includes the address of user equipment 104 within subnet 106.

[0078] This field, for example, includes a flag indicating that the radio resources included in the fourth message 4 are for user equipment.

[0079] This field includes, for example, a flag indicating that the radio resources included in Message 4 are not used by SME 108 and can be used by the UE indicated in Message 4.

[0080] This field may include, for example, a flag indicating a sidechain mode. For instance, the flag indicates sidechain mode 1. This means that the flag indicates that the radio resources included in the fourth message 4 will be used in sidechain mode 1.

[0081] Upon receiving the fourth message 4, UE 104 is configured for sidechain communication based on the radio resources associated with UE 104 and the content of the fields in the fourth message 4.

[0082] For example, UE 104 detects that the fourth message 4 was sent for the purpose of sidechain communication based on the field indicating that the fourth message 4 was sent for the purpose of sidechain communication.

[0083] For example, UE 104 is configured to perform sidelink communication in subnetwork 106, which is identified by a field that identifies subnetwork 106. UE 104 is configured for sidelink communication in subnetwork 106, which is identified by an identifier for subnetwork 106.

[0084] For example, UE 104 is configured to perform sidechain communication using the address included in the field that includes the address of the user equipment 104 within subnetwork 106.

[0085] For example, based on the flag indicating that the radio resources included in the fourth message 4 are for user equipment, UE 104 detects that UE 104 can be configured to use the radio resources provided in the fourth message 4 for sidechain communication.

[0086] For example, based on the flag indicating that the radio resources included in the fourth message 4 are not used by SME 108, UE 104 detects that UE 104 can be configured to use the radio resources provided in the fourth message 4 for sidechain communication.

[0087] For example, based on a field including a flag indicating sidechain mode 1, UE 104 detects the sidechain mode used by UE 104 to configure sidechain communication. For example, if the flag indicates sidechain mode 1, UE 104 detects that UE 104 should use sidechain mode 1. UE 104 uses sidechain mode 1, for example, when it detects that the flag indicates sidechain mode 1.

[0088] Example 2: In Embodiment 2, the same messages as in Embodiment 1 can be used. Contrary to Embodiment 1, according to Embodiment 2, SME 108 indicates in its fourth message 4 a set or pool of resources for UE 104 or for UEs in existing Phase 1 or 2 SCI formats or their extensions or newer versions, for Mode 2 resource allocation. In this case, UE 104 or the UE should consider the resources indicated in the Phase 1 or 2 SCI for their sensing and resource selection processes. This means that the radio resources in the fourth message 4 according to Embodiment 2 are a resource pool.

[0089] The resource indicated by SME 108 in the SCI may be a supplement to a resource pool pre-configured by gNB 102 for sidechain mode 2 resource allocation in UE 104 or UE, or may be replaced by one or more pre-configured resource pools, or may extend an existing mode 2 resource pool in UE 104 or UE.

[0090] The flag indicating sidechain mode 1 in the fourth message 4 of embodiment 1 can be used as a flag indicating sidechain mode 2 in embodiment 2.

[0091] For example, if the flag indicates sidechain mode 2, UE 104 detects that UE 104 should use sidechain mode 2. UE 104 uses sidechain mode 2, for example, when the flag indicates sidechain mode 2 is detected.

[0092] The method can be executed in a communication system, which includes at least one means configured to execute the method.

[0093] Base station 102 is an example of an apparatus configured to perform the steps performed by base station 102 in the method.

[0094] UE 104 is an example of a device configured to perform the steps that the UE performs in the method.

[0095] Sub-network management entity 108 is an example of an apparatus configured to perform the steps executed by sub-network management entity 108 in the method.

Claims

1. A method in an entity of a wireless communication network (100), in particular in a subnetwork management entity (108), for allocating radio resources for a sidelink communication in a subnetwork (106) of the wireless communication network (100), characterized in that - a message (3) is received, the message (3) comprising information about radio resources allocated to the subnetwork (106) and an indication that radio resources are allocated for the subnetwork (106), - the indication is detected, - radio resources are allocated to at least one user equipment (104) in the subnetwork (106), and - a message (4) is sent, the message (4) comprising radio resources allocated to the at least one user equipment (104).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that - the message (3) is received in a physical downlink control channel of the wireless communication network (100) or by radio resource control signaling, and / or - the message (4) is sent in a physical sidelink control channel of the wireless communication network (100).

3. A method in an entity of a wireless communication network (100), in particular in a base station (102), for allocating radio resources for a sidelink communication in a subnetwork (106) of the wireless communication network (100), characterized in that - a message (2) is received, the message (2) comprising a request for a radio resource allocation for a sidelink communication in the subnetwork (106) and an indication that a radio resource allocation is requested for the subnetwork (106), - the indication is detected, - radio resources are allocated to the subnetwork (106), and - a message (3) is sent, the message (3) comprising information about radio resources allocated to the subnetwork (106) and an indication that radio resources are allocated to the subnetwork (106). The message (2) is received in a physical uplink control channel of the wireless communication network (100). The message (3) is sent in a physical downlink control channel of the wireless communication network (100) or by radio resource control signaling. The messages (1, 2) are sent, the messages (1, 2) comprising a request for a radio resource allocation for a sidelink communication in the subnetwork (106) and an indication that a radio resource allocation is requested for the subnetwork (106). The message (2) is sent in a physical uplink control channel of the wireless communication network (100) or by radio resource control signaling. The message (2) comprises information about an internal state of the subnetwork (106) or of at least one user equipment (104) in the subnetwork (106).

9. The method according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that - a message (4) is received, the message (4) comprising radio resources allocated to the at least one user equipment (104), or - a message (4) is received, the message (4) comprising radio resources allocated to the subnetwork (106), - and the entity is configured for the sidelink communication in accordance with the received message (4).

10. A computer program with a program code for performing a method according to one of claims 1 to 9, when the program code is executed on a computer. ​ ​ ​ 4. The method of claim 3, wherein ​ 5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that ​ 6. A method in an entity of a wireless communication network (100), in particular in a user equipment (104) or a subnetwork management entity (108), for allocating radio resources for a sidelink communication in a subnetwork (106) of the wireless communication network (100), characterized in that ​ 7. The method of claim 6, wherein, ​ 8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The indication is an identifier of the subnetwork (106), e.g. a subnetwork ID, wherein the identifier is preferably self-assigned by the subnetwork management entity (108) or assigned by one of the following entities of the wireless communication network (100): a base station (102), another subnetwork management entity, an application provided in the wireless communication network (100), a core network component of the wireless communication network (100).

11. An apparatus, in particular a subnetwork management entity (108), characterized by The apparatus is configured to perform the steps of the method according to one of claims 1, 2 or 10.

12. An apparatus, in particular a base station (102), characterized by The apparatus is configured to perform the steps of the method according to one of claims 3 to 5 or 10.

13. An apparatus, in particular a user equipment (104), characterized in that The apparatus is configured to perform the steps of the method according to one of claims 6 to 10.

14. A communication system comprising at least one apparatus (102, 104, 108) according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

15. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 10.

16. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 10.

17. A data carrier signal carrying and / or embodying a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 10.

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