Method, apparatus and system for reducing blind test during initial access

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods, apparatus, devices, and systems for detecting or identifying a control channel for transmitting scheduling information during initial access to conserve resources, avoid unnecessary redundant signals, and reduce power consumption. An apparatus may send, to a device, information indicating a resource group for receiving signaling from the device. The apparatus may transmit scheduling information for data transmission between the apparatus and the apparatus to the apparatus over a control channel. The control channel is one of one or more control channel candidates indicated by the resource group. The device may perform detection on the one or more control channel candidates to identify the control channel.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This disclosure claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 519,055, filed August 11, 2023, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communications, and more particularly to methods, apparatuses, devices, and systems for detecting or identifying control channels used for transmitting scheduling information in wireless networks, which can reduce blind detection. Background Technology

[0004] One type of control signaling message in a wireless network is the scheduling message. The scheduling message may include DL control information (DCI) for (dynamically) scheduling or granting time-frequency resources for downlink (DL) and / or uplink (UL) transmissions, as well as other transmission-related parameters in the DL control channel, such as the physical DL control channel (PDCCH). The PDCCH can be transmitted in a time-frequency resource area to carry the scheduling message. The time-frequency resource area used for the PDCCH can be predefined (e.g., using fixed rules or list-based rules), determined based on system information (SI), broadcast, cell group configured, or UE-specific configured (e.g., through radio resource control (RRC)).

[0005] The time-frequency resource area can also be called the (PDCCH) search space. The search space is an area within the downlink resource grid where one or more CCCs (i.e., PDCCH candidates) can be configured. Each PDCCH has a configured time-frequency location, and at each PDCCH timing (which the UE needs to monitor), at least one PDCCH can be used to execute control signaling. For the UE to decode a PDCCH (or more generally, a DCI), the UE must calculate the exact value of the PDCCH location (e.g., the index of one or more control channel elements (CCEs)). The UE does not know in advance which PDCCH carries a signaling message at a given PDCCH timing, and in most cases, the PDCCH carrying the signaling message can change dynamically. The UE may need to attempt to determine the PDCCH by detecting signals at one or more locations (i.e., configured time-frequency resources) of the PDCCH within a predefined area that includes one or more PDCCH candidates, based on trial and error (i.e., by trying different PDCCH candidates until successful detection). This decoding method can be called blind detection.

[0006] A PDCCH can be one of the PDCCH candidates defined in a time-frequency resource region. This set of PDCCH candidates is called the control resource set (CORESET). For a user equipment (UE) or a group of UEs, there is typically more than one PDCCH candidate in the CORESET. Due to UE mobility and the constantly changing radio channel environment, a UE or a group of UEs may be located in different geographical locations within the cell; therefore, each PDCCH candidate can be used to provide different encoded or redundant transmission versions to support the UE or group of UEs. Thus, a UE or group of UEs may need to monitor scheduling messages received from the network and detect incoming PDCCHs through blind detection. A UE-specific Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) or a group of RNTIs (e.g., semi-statically configured before communication) can be used to scramble the cyclic redundancy check (CRC) of the payload (e.g., DCI) of the incoming PDCCH.

[0007] In new radio (NR) networks, including 5G networks, a CORESET can consist of one, two, or three symbols and one or more resource blocks (RBs) in the frequency domain. For example, there can be 24, 48, or 96 RBs for the initial access procedure and up to 275 RBs for UE-specific transmissions.

[0008] Depending on the application scenario and function, PDCCH is divided into three categories: public PDCCH, group public PDCCH, and UE-specific PDCCH. Public PDCCH is used to transmit common messages (e.g., remaining minimum system information (RMSI) or other system information (OSI)) and scheduling data (e.g., 4-step random access channel (RACH) Msg2 / Msg4) before establishing an RRC connection with the UE. Group public PDCCH is used to schedule a group of UEs, for example, to schedule a group of UEs' slot format indicator (SFI). UE-specific PDCCH is used to schedule UE-specific data and power control information.

[0009] Since the PDCCH can carry scheduling and control messages, which are critical communication messages in DL and / or UL transmissions, the PDCCH must be reliable enough to guarantee reception at the receiving end (e.g., the UE side). Encoded or redundant transmission versions can include schemes called aggregation levels (ALs). For example, in an NR network, the aggregation level of a PDCCH candidate can be any of aggregation level 1 (AL1), AL2, AL4, AL8, and AL16. A PDCCH candidate with AL1 can use one Control Channel Element (CCE) (consisting of six physical resource blocks (PRBs)) as a time-frequency resource or a PDCCH channel resource. A PDCCH candidate with ALx (x≥1) can use x CCEs as time-frequency resources or PDCCH channel resources for transmitting DCI. ALx≥1 can refer to an AL greater than or equal to aggregation level 1. “x” is an integer that can indicate the aggregation level or the number of CCEs allocated to the PDCCH. In other words, one CCE can be allocated as time-frequency resource for a PDCCH with AL1, two CCEs for a PDCCH with AL2, four CCEs for a PDCCH with AL4, eight CCEs for a PDCCH with AL8, and 16 CCEs for a PDCCH with AL16. A common PDCCH or group common PDCCH can be predefined, broadcast, cell group configured, or UE-specific configured to have, for example, AL4, AL8, or AL16, while a UE-specific PDCCH can be configured to have, for example, AL1, AL2, AL4, AL8, or AL16. A PDCCH with a higher aggregation level can use more resources to perform stronger channel coding, thus resulting in more reliable DCI transmission. For example, AL16 can use 16 times more resources than AL1, therefore a PDCCH with AL16 can have more robust channel coding, resulting in more reliable transmission than a PDCCH with AL1.

[0010] One or more PDCCH candidates can be configured for each AL. For example, if up to eight PDCCH candidates are configured for each AL, one or more UEs may need to monitor and blindly detect up to 40 PDCCH candidates for each DCI to be received. Blindly detecting the PDCCH to be received for each scheduling opportunity can consume significant time and resources. Furthermore, if the network does not know the channel conditions or the exact location of the UE, it may transmit unnecessary redundant signals in a conservative manner to ensure reliable transmission of critical control messages, which can lead to increased power consumption.

[0011] Therefore, it is necessary to find ways to reduce the need for blind inspection of PDCCH and save resources and power. Summary of the Invention

[0012] This disclosure provides methods, apparatus, devices, and systems for overcoming the aforementioned deficiencies, as well as specific methods, apparatus, devices, and systems for detecting or identifying control channels used for transmitting scheduling information in wireless networks.

[0013] In some embodiments, the information indicating the resource group includes at least one of the following: a preamble for establishing a connection between the device and the equipment; information indicating the quality of signals used for communication between the device and the equipment; or an indication of the resource group.

[0014] In some embodiments, during the initial access process, the information indicating the resource group is included in at least one message from the device to the device.

[0015] In some embodiments, during initial access, the information indicating the resource group includes a preamble included in the preamble transmission, the preamble coming from a preamble group comprising one or more preambles associated with at least one of: the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment; or the resource group. The preamble group may be all or a subset of the preambles used to establish the connection between the device and the equipment.

[0016] In some embodiments, during the initial access process, when the information indicating the resource group is included in the scheduled data transmission message, the information indicating the resource group includes at least one of the following: the information indicating the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment; or the indication of the resource group.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving configuration information from the device for determining the information indicating the resource group, the configuration information including at least one of: information indicating a first association, the first association being an association between the resource group and the quality of a signal used for communication between the device and the device; information indicating a second association, the second association being an association between a preamble group and the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the device; or information indicating a third association, the third association being an association between the resource group and the preamble group. The preamble group may be all or a subset of the preambles used to establish the connection between the device and the device.

[0018] In some embodiments, the configuration information is received via system information or Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0019] In some embodiments, when the configuration information used to determine the information indicating the resource group is predetermined, the configuration information includes at least one of the following: information indicating a first association, the first association being an association between the resource group and the quality of a signal used for communication between the device and the equipment; information indicating a second association, the second association being an association between a preamble group and the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment; or information indicating a third association, the third association being an association between the resource group and the preamble group. The preamble group may be all or a subset of the preambles used to establish the connection between the device and the equipment.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least one of the first association, the second association, or the third association is a one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one, or many-to-many association.

[0021] In some embodiments, the information indicating the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment includes channel state information (CSI) reports.

[0022] In some embodiments, the CSI report includes at least one of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP); reference signal received quality (RSRQ); signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR); synchronization signal block (SSB) RSRP; SSB RSRQ; or SSB SINR.

[0023] In some embodiments, the quality of the signal used for communication between the apparatus and the device is determined based on channel measurements of the downlink (DL) reference signal (DLRS).

[0024] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving from the device data in transmission resources associated with the scheduling information received via the control channel, wherein the data includes at least one of a random access response message and a contention resolution message.

[0025] In some embodiments, the scheduling information includes downlink control information (DCI).

[0026] In some embodiments, the control channel is a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0027] In some embodiments, the resource group includes an aggregation level group for receiving signaling from the device.

[0028] In some embodiments, the aggregation level group includes one or more aggregation levels.

[0029] In some embodiments, each of the one or more aggregation levels includes one or more control channel elements (CCEs).

[0030] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided that includes components for performing any of the methods mentioned in this disclosure. Specifically, the apparatus includes a processor coupled to a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium is used to store computer-executable instructions, and the processor is used to execute the computer-executable instructions to cause the apparatus to perform methods consistent with the embodiments described above and herein. A non-limiting example of the apparatus is a user equipment (UE). In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a chip, such as an integrated circuit (IC) chip. In some embodiments, the apparatus performs the method without the processor executing instructions; for example, the apparatus may include circuitry for performing the method, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). More generally, the apparatus may include modules, units, or components for performing the method.

[0031] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus in a wireless network is provided. The apparatus includes a transmitting unit configured to transmit to a device information indicating a resource group for receiving signaling from the device, the resource group indicating one or more control channel candidates, wherein at least one of the one or more control channel candidates will be used by the device to transmit scheduling information for data transmission between the device and the device in the wireless network. The apparatus further includes a receiving unit configured to perform detection on the one or more control channel candidates to identify a control channel used by the device to transmit the scheduling information.

[0032] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method for use by a device in a wireless network is provided, comprising: receiving from the device information indicating a resource group for sending signaling to the device, the resource group indicating one or more control channel candidates. The method may further comprise: sending scheduling information for data transmission between the device and the device via a control channel in the wireless network, wherein the control channel is one of the one or more control channel candidates.

[0033] In some embodiments, the information indicating the resource group includes at least one of the following: a preamble for establishing a connection between the device and the equipment; information indicating the quality of signals used for communication between the device and the equipment; or an indication of the resource group.

[0034] In some embodiments, during initial access, the information indicating the resource group is included in at least one message from the device to the device.

[0035] In some embodiments, during the initial access process, the information indicating the resource group includes a preamble, which is included in at least one message from the device to the equipment.

[0036] In some embodiments, the preamble is associated with at least one of the following: the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment; or the resource group.

[0037] In some embodiments, during the initial access process, when the information indicating the resource group is included in the scheduled data transmission message, the information indicating the resource group includes at least one of the following: information indicating the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment; or the indication of the resource group.

[0038] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending configuration information to the device for determining the information indicating the resource group, the configuration information including at least one of: information indicating a first association, the first association being an association between the resource group and the quality of a signal used for communication between the device and the equipment; information indicating a second association, the second association being an association between a preamble group and the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment; or information indicating a third association, the third association being an association between the resource group and the preamble group. The preamble group may be all or a subset of the preambles used to establish the connection between the device and the equipment.

[0039] In some embodiments, the configuration information is sent via system information or Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0040] In some embodiments, when the configuration information used to determine the information indicating the resource group is predetermined, the configuration information includes at least one of the following: information indicating a first association, the first association being an association between the resource group and the quality of a signal used for communication between the device and the equipment; information indicating a second association, the second association being an association between a preamble group and the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment; or information indicating a third association, the third association being an association between the resource group and the preamble group. The preamble group may be all or a subset of the preambles used to establish the connection between the device and the equipment.

[0041] In some embodiments, at least one of the first association, the second association, or the third association is a one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one, or many-to-many association.

[0042] In some embodiments, the information indicating the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment includes a channel state information (CSI) report.

[0043] In some embodiments, the CSI report includes at least one of the following: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP); Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ); Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR); Synchronization Block (SSB) RSRP; SSB RSRQ; or SSB SINR.

[0044] In some embodiments, the quality of the signal used for communication between the apparatus and the device is determined based on channel measurements of the downlink (DL) reference signal (DLRS).

[0045] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending data in transmission resources associated with the scheduling information transmitted via the control channel to the apparatus, wherein the data includes at least one of a random access response message and a contention resolution message.

[0046] In some embodiments, the scheduling information includes downlink control information (DCI).

[0047] In some embodiments, the control channel is a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0048] In some embodiments, the resource group includes an aggregation level group for sending signaling to the device.

[0049] In some embodiments, the aggregation level group includes one or more aggregation levels.

[0050] In some embodiments, each of the one or more aggregation levels includes one or more control channel elements (CCEs).

[0051] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided that includes components for performing any of the methods mentioned in this disclosure. Specifically, the apparatus includes a processor coupled to a computer-readable medium. Computer-executable instructions are stored on the computer-readable medium, which, when executed, cause the apparatus to perform methods consistent with those described above. A non-limiting example of the apparatus is a base station (BS). In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a chip, such as an IC chip. In some embodiments, the apparatus performs the method without the processor executing instructions; for example, the apparatus may include circuitry for performing the method, such as an FPGA, GPU, or ASIC. More generally, the apparatus may include modules, units, or components for performing the method.

[0052] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a device in a wireless network is provided. The device includes a receiving unit configured to receive information from a device indicating a resource group for transmitting signaling to the device, the resource group indicating one or more control channel candidates. The device further includes a transmitting unit configured to transmit scheduling information for data transmission between the device and the device via a control channel in the wireless network, wherein the control channel is one of the one or more control channel candidates.

[0053] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform any of the methods described above. The computer-readable storage medium may be non-transitory.

[0054] In some aspects of this disclosure, an apparatus / chipset system is provided, the apparatus / chipset system including components (e.g., at least one processor) for implementing any method implemented by a UE of this disclosure (or at a UE of this disclosure). The apparatus / chipset system may be a UE (i.e., a terminal device) or a module / component within a UE. Specifically, the at least one processor may execute instructions stored in a computer-readable medium to implement any method.

[0055] In some aspects of this disclosure, an apparatus / chipset system is provided, the apparatus / chipset system including components (e.g., at least one processor) for implementing the methods implemented by a network device (e.g., a base station) (or at a network device of this disclosure). The apparatus / chipset system may be a network device or a module / component within a network device. Specifically, at least one processor may execute instructions stored in a computer-readable medium to implement the methods.

[0056] In some aspects of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided for performing a method according to any of the methods mentioned in this disclosure.

[0057] In some aspects of this disclosure, a processor is provided that executes instructions to cause a device to perform any of the methods mentioned in this disclosure.

[0058] In some aspects of this disclosure, an integrated circuit is provided for performing the methods described according to any of the methods mentioned in this disclosure.

[0059] In some aspects of this disclosure, a system is provided that includes at least one of means in (or at) a UE of this disclosure or in (or at) a network device of this disclosure.

[0060] In some aspects of this disclosure, a method is provided performed by a system comprising at least one of means in (or at) a UE of this disclosure or in (or at) a network device of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0061] To gain a more complete understanding of the embodiments and advantages of this disclosure, the following description, taken by way of example and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is provided:

[0062] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system that can be implemented according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Figure 2 This is another schematic diagram of a communication system that can be implemented according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0064] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating units or modules in a device in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0065] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating units or modules in a device in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0066] Figure 5 An example arrangement of control channel candidates at different aggregation levels (AL) according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the time-frequency resources carrying the control channel candidates may overlap.

[0067] Figure 6 An example mapping between channel measurements and groups of one or more ALs used for Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) transmission according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0068] Figure 7 An example mapping between a preamble group (or a subset of preambles) and a channel measurement range is shown according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0069] Figure 8 An example mapping between a preamble group (or a subset of preambles) and a group of one or more ALs used for PDCCH transmission is shown according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0070] Figure 9 An example of a signal flow graph of a 4-step Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure with Channel State Information (CSI) reports or one or more ALs, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0071] Figure 10 An example of a signal flow graph of a two-step RACH process with indications of a CSI report or one or more ALs provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0072] Figure 11 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating an example method for detecting or identifying control channels used to transmit scheduling information in a wireless network, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0073] For illustrative purposes, specific exemplary embodiments will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] The embodiments described herein illustrate information sufficient to practice the claimed subject matter and explain methods for practicing such subject matter. Those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the claimed subject matter upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will recognize that the application of these concepts is not specifically mentioned herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims.

[0075] Furthermore, it should be understood that any module, component, or device disclosing executable instructions herein may include or otherwise access one or more non-transitory computer / processor-readable storage media for storing information, such as computer / processor-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and / or other data. A non-exhaustive list of examples of non-transitory computer / processor-readable storage media includes magnetic tape cassettes, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital video disc or digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray Disc™ and other optical storage devices, volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies. Any of these non-transitory computer / processor-readable storage media may be part of a device or may be accessed by or connected to that device. Computer / processor-readable / executable instructions used to implement the applications or modules described herein may be stored by such non-transitory computer / processor-readable storage media or otherwise preserved.

[0076] This disclosure provides methods, apparatuses, devices, and systems for overcoming the aforementioned deficiencies, as well as specific methods, apparatuses, devices, and systems for, for example, detecting or identifying control channels (e.g., Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH)), wherein the control channel can be used to transmit scheduling information during initial access in a wireless network. The methods, apparatuses, devices, and systems proposed in this disclosure can save resources, avoid unnecessary redundant signals, reduce the number of blind detections of the control channel, and / or reduce power consumption. According to some embodiments of this disclosure, an apparatus (e.g., a User Equipment (UE)) can send information to a device (e.g., a base station) indicating a resource group for receiving signaling from that device. The resource group can indicate one or more control channel candidates that can be used to transmit scheduling information. For example, the resource group may include an aggregation level (AL) group for receiving signaling from the device. An AL group may include one or more ALs. The device can send scheduling information for data transmission between the device and the device via the control channel. The control channel used by the device to send the scheduling information can be one of the control channel candidates indicated by the resource group (e.g., the AL group). The apparatus can perform detection on the control channel candidates to identify the control channel used by the device to send the scheduling information.

[0077] This application can be applied to 6G or future generation communication systems. An exemplary 6G system is shown below.

[0078] Figure 1 An example communication system in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown.

[0079] refer to Figure 1 A simplified schematic diagram of a communication system is provided as an illustrative example and not a limitation. Communication system 100 includes a radio access network 120. Radio access network 120 may be a next-generation (e.g., sixth-generation, 6G or later) radio access network, or a traditional (e.g., 5G, 4G, 3G, or 2G) radio access network. One or more electric devices (EDs) 110a to 120j (collectively referred to as 110) may be interconnected with each other or connected to one or more network nodes (170a, 170b, collectively referred to as 170) within radio access network 120. Core network 130 may be part of the communication system and may depend on or be independent of the radio access technology used in communication system 100. Furthermore, communication system 100 includes a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160.

[0080] In this application, the base station is an example of network node 170, and the user equipment (UE) is an example of ED 110.

[0081] Figure 2 An example communication system 100 is illustrated. Generally, communication system 100 enables multiple wireless or wired components to transmit data and other content. The purpose of communication system 100 may be to provide content such as voice, data, video, and / or text via broadcast, multicast, and unicast. Communication system 100 can operate by sharing resources such as carrier spectrum bandwidth among its constituent components. Communication system 100 may include terrestrial communication systems and / or non-terrestrial communication systems. Communication system 100 can provide a wide range of communication services and applications (e.g., earth monitoring, remote sensing, passive sensing and positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery, and mobility). Communication system 100 can provide high availability and robustness through the joint operation of terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication systems. For example, the result of integrating a non-terrestrial communication system (or components thereof) into a terrestrial communication system can be viewed as a multi-layered heterogeneous network. Compared to traditional communication networks, heterogeneous networks can achieve better overall performance through efficient multi-link joint operation, more flexible function sharing, and faster physical layer link switching between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.

[0082] Terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication systems can be considered as subsystems of a communication system. In the example shown, communication system 100 includes electronic devices (EDs) 110a to 110d (collectively referred to as ED 110), radio access networks (RANs) 120a and 120b, a non-terrestrial communication network 120c, a core network 130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. RANs 120a and RAN 120b include corresponding base stations (BSs) 170a and 170b, which are generally referred to as terrestrial transmit and receive points (T-TRPs) 170a and 170b. The non-terrestrial communication network 120c includes access nodes 120c, which are generally referred to as non-terrestrial transmit and receive points (NT-TRPs) 172.

[0083] Alternatively or additionally, any ED 110 can be used to connect to, access, or communicate with any other T-TRP 170a, T-TRP 170b, and NT-TRP 172, the Internet 150, the core network 130, the PSTN 140, other networks 160, or any combination thereof. In some examples, ED 110a can communicate with T-TRP 170a via interface 190a for uplink and / or downlink transmissions. In some examples, ED 110a, 110b, and 110d can also communicate directly with each other via one or more sidelink air interfaces 190b. In some examples, ED 110d can communicate with NT-TRP 172 via interface 190c for uplink and / or downlink transmissions.

[0084] Air interfaces 190a and 190b can use similar communication technologies, such as any suitable wireless access technology. For example, communication system 100 can implement one or more channel access methods in air interfaces 190a and 190b, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), or single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA). Air interfaces 190a and 190b can utilize other higher-dimensional signal spaces, which may involve combinations of orthogonal and / or non-orthogonal dimensions.

[0085] The 190c air interface enables communication between an ED 110d and one or more NT-TRP172s via a wireless link (or simply a link). For some examples, a link is a dedicated connection for unicast transmission, a connection for broadcast transmission, or a connection for multicast transmission between a group of EDs and one or more NT-TRPs.

[0086] RAN 120a and RAN 120b communicate with core network 130 to provide various services, such as voice, data, and other services, to ED 110a, ED 110b, and ED 110c. RAN 120a and RAN 120b and / or core network 130 may communicate directly or indirectly with one or more other RANs (not shown), which may or may not be directly served by core network 130, and may or may not use the same radio access technology as RAN 120a and / or RAN 120b. Core network 130 may also serve as a gateway access between (i) RAN 120a and RAN 120b and / or ED 110a, ED 110b, and ED 110c and (ii) other networks (e.g., PSTN 140, Internet 150, and other networks 160). Additionally, some or all of ED110a, ED 110b, and ED 110c may include the ability to communicate with different wireless networks via different wireless links using different wireless technologies and / or protocols. Instead of wireless communication (or in addition to wireless communication), ED110a, ED 110b, and ED 110c may (or may also) communicate with service providers or exchanges (not shown) via wired communication channels and with the Internet 150. PSTN 140 may include a circuit-switched telephone network for providing plain old telephone service (POTS). The Internet 150 may include computer networks and / or subnets (internal networks) and may incorporate protocols such as Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP). ED110a, ED 110b, and ED 110c may be multimode devices capable of operating according to multiple wireless access technologies and may include multiple transceivers required to support these technologies.

[0087] Figure 3Another example of an ED 110 and base stations 170a, 170b, and / or 170c is shown. The ED 110 is used to connect people, objects, machines, etc. The ED 110 can be widely used in various scenarios, such as cellular communication, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), peer-to-peer (P2P), machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-type communications (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery, and mobility.

[0088] Each ED 110 represents any suitable end-user equipment used for wireless operation and may include (or be referred to as) devices such as: user equipment / device (UE), wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, cellular phone, station (STA), machine-type communication (MTC) equipment, personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, laptop, computer, tablet, wireless sensor, consumer electronics, smartbook, vehicle, automobile, truck, bus, train, or IoT device, industrial equipment, or devices within the aforementioned equipment (e.g., communication modules, modems, or chips). Future generations of ED 110 may be referred to using other terms. Base stations 170a and 170b are T-TRPs, hereinafter referred to as T-TRP 170. Also in Figure 3 As shown, NT-TRP is referred to below as NT-TRP 172. Each ED 110 connected to T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172 can be dynamically or semi-statically started (i.e., established, activated, or enabled), shut down (i.e., released, deactivated, or disabled), and / or configured in response to one or more of connectivity availability and connectivity necessity.

[0089] ED 110 includes a transmitter 201 and a receiver 203 coupled to one or more antennas 204. Only one antenna 204 is shown. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the antennas may be panels. The transmitter 201 and receiver 203 may, for example, be integrated as a transceiver. The transceiver is used to modulate data or other content for transmission by at least one antenna 204 or via a network interface controller (NIC). The transceiver is also used to demodulate data or other content received by at least one antenna 204. Each transceiver includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission and / or for processing signals received wirelessly or wiredly. Each antenna 204 includes any suitable structure for transmitting and / or receiving wireless or wired signals.

[0090] ED 110 includes at least one memory 208. Memory 208 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by ED 110. For example, memory 208 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functions and / or implementations described herein and executed by one or more processing units 210. Each memory 208 includes any suitable one or more volatile and / or non-volatile storage and retrieval devices. Any suitable type of memory can be used, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, optical disk, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, secure digital (SD) memory card, or on-processor cache.

[0091] ED 110 may also include one or more input / output devices (not shown) or interfaces (e.g., Figure 1 (A wired interface connecting to the Internet 150). Input / output devices support interaction with users or other devices on the network. Each input / output device includes any suitable structure for providing or receiving information from the user, such as a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display, or touchscreen, including network interface communication.

[0092] ED 110 also includes a processor 210 for performing various operations, including operations related to preparing for uplink transmissions to NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170, operations related to processing downlink transmissions received from NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170, and operations related to processing sidelink transmissions to and from another ED 110. Processing operations related to preparing for uplink transmissions may include operations such as encoding, modulation, transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing downlink transmissions may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulation, and decoding of received symbols. Depending on the implementation, the downlink transmission may be received by receiver 203 possibly using receive beamforming, and processor 210 may extract signaling from the downlink transmission (e.g., by detecting and / or decoding signaling). Examples of signaling may be reference signals transmitted by NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170. In some implementations, processor 276 performs transmit beamforming and / or receive beamforming based on beam direction indications received from T-TRP 170, such as beam angle information (BAI). In some implementations, processor 210 can perform operations related to network access (e.g., initial access) and / or downlink synchronization, such as operations related to detecting synchronization sequences, decoding, and acquiring system information. In some implementations, processor 210 can perform channel estimation, for example, using reference signals received from NT-TRP 172 and / or from T-TRP 170.

[0093] Although not shown in the figures, processor 210 may be part of transmitter 201 and / or receiver 203. Although not shown in the figures, memory 208 may be part of processor 210.

[0094] The processing components of processor 210, transmitter 201, and receiver 203 may be implemented by the same or different processors, which execute instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 208). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of processor 210, transmitter 201, and receiver 203 may be implemented using special-purpose circuitry such as a programmable field-programmable gate array (FPGA), graphics processing unit (GPU), or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0095] In some implementations, T-TRP 170 may be referred to by other names, such as base station, basetransceiver station (BTS), wireless base station, network node, network device, network-side device, transmit / receive node, Node B, evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), home eNodeB, next-generation Node B (gNB), transmission point (TP), site controller, access point (AP), or wireless router, relay station, remote radio head, ground node, ground network device, or ground base station, base band unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), location node, etc. T-TRP 170 can be a macro BS, pico BS, relay node, donor node, or a combination thereof. T-TRP 170 may refer to the aforementioned device or a component within the aforementioned device (e.g., a communication module, modem, or chip).

[0096] In some implementations, the various parts of T-TRP 170 can be distributed. For example, some modules of T-TRP 170 can be located remotely from the device housing the antenna of T-TRP 170 and can be coupled to the device housing the antenna via a communication link sometimes referred to as the fronthaul (not shown), such as the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI). Therefore, in some implementations, the term T-TRP 170 can also refer to modules on the network side that perform processing operations such as determining the location of ED 110, resource allocation (scheduling), message generation, and encoding / decoding; these modules are not necessarily part of the device housing the antenna of T-TRP 170. These modules can also be coupled to other T-TRPs. In some implementations, T-TRP 170 can actually be, for example, multiple T-TRPs operating together to serve ED 110 through cooperative multicast transmission.

[0097] T-TRP 170 includes at least one transmitter 252 and at least one receiver 254 coupled to one or more antennas 256. Only one antenna 256 is shown. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the antennas may also be panels. The transmitter 252 and receiver 254 may be integrated as a transceiver. T-TRP 170 also includes a processor 260 for performing operations including: preparing a transmission for downlink transmission to ED 110, processing an uplink transmission received from ED 110, preparing a transmission for backhaul transmission to NT-TRP 172, and processing a transmission received from NT-TRP 172 via backhaul. Processing operations related to preparing a transmission for downlink or backhaul transmission may include operations such as encoding, modulation, precoding (e.g., MIMO precoding), transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing a transmission received in the uplink or via backhaul may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulation, and decoding of received symbols. Processor 260 can also perform operations related to network access (e.g., initial access) and / or downlink synchronization, such as generating the contents of a synchronization signal block (SSB), generating system information, etc. In some implementations, processor 260 also generates beam direction indications, such as BAI, which can be scheduled for transmission by scheduler 253. Processor 260 performs other network-side processing operations described herein, such as determining the location of ED 110 and determining the deployment location of NT-TRP 172. In some implementations, processor 260 can generate signaling, for example, for configuring one or more parameters of ED 110 and / or one or more parameters of NT-TRP 172. Any signaling generated by processor 260 is transmitted by transmitter 252. It should be noted that, alternatively, the term "signaling" as used herein may be referred to as control signaling. Dynamic signaling can be sent in control channels such as the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), while static or semi-static higher-layer signaling can be included in messages sent in data channels such as the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).

[0098] Scheduler 253 may be coupled to processor 260. Scheduler 253 may be included in or operate separately from T-TRP 170. Scheduler 253 may schedule uplink, downlink, and / or backlink transmissions, including issuing scheduling grants and / or configuring unscheduled (“configured grants”) resources. T-TRP 170 also includes memory 258 for storing information and data. Memory 258 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by T-TRP 170. For example, memory 258 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functions and / or implementations described herein and executed by processor 260.

[0099] Although not shown in the figures, processor 260 may be part of transmitter 252 and / or receiver 254. Similarly, although not shown in the figures, processor 260 may implement scheduler 253. Although not shown in the figures, memory 258 may be part of processor 260.

[0100] The processing components of processor 260, scheduler 253, transmitter 252, and receiver 254 may be implemented by the same or different processors, which execute instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 258). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of processor 260, scheduler 253, transmitter 252, and receiver 254 may be implemented using dedicated circuitry such as FPGA, GPU, or ASIC.

[0101] Although the NT-TRP 172 is shown as an example of a drone only, the NT-TRP 172 can be implemented in any suitable non-terrestrial form. Furthermore, the NT-TRP 172 may be referred to by other names in some implementations, such as a non-terrestrial node, a non-terrestrial network device, or a non-terrestrial base station. The NT-TRP 172 includes a transmitter 272 and a receiver 274 coupled to one or more antennas 280. Only one antenna 280 is shown. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the antennas may be panels. The transmitter 272 and receiver 274 may be integrated as a transceiver. The NT-TRP 172 also includes a processor 276 for performing various operations, including operations related to: preparing transmissions for downlink transmissions to ED 110, processing uplink transmissions received from ED 110, preparing transmissions for backhaul transmissions to T-TRP 170, and processing transmissions received from T-TRP 170 via backhaul. Processing operations related to preparing a transmission for downlink or backhaul transmission may include operations such as encoding, modulation, precoding (e.g., MIMO precoding), transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing a transmission received in the uplink or via backhaul may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulation, and decoding of received symbols. In some implementations, processor 276 performs transmit beamforming and / or receive beamforming based on beam direction information (e.g., BAI) received from T-TRP 170. In some implementations, processor 276 may generate signaling, for example, for configuring one or more parameters of ED 110. In some implementations, NT-TRP 172 implements physical layer processing but not higher-layer functions such as medium access control (MAC) or radio link control (RLC) layer functions. Since this is only one example, more generally, NT-TRP 172 may implement higher-layer functions in addition to physical layer processing.

[0102] The NT-TRP 172 also includes a memory 278 for storing information and data. Although not shown in the figures, a processor 276 may be part of the transmitter 272 and / or receiver 274. Although not shown in the figures, the memory 278 may be part of the processor 276.

[0103] The processing components of processor 276, transmitter 272, and receiver 274 can be implemented by the same or different processors, which execute instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 278). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of processor 276, transmitter 272, and receiver 274 can be implemented using dedicated circuitry such as a programmable FPGA, GPU, or ASIC. In some implementations, NT-TRP 172 can actually be, for example, multiple NT-TRPs operating together to serve ED 110 via cooperative multipoint transmission.

[0104] T-TRP 170, NT-TRP 172 and / or ED 110 may include other components, but for clarity these components are omitted.

[0105] One or more steps of the implementation method provided in this article can be derived from... Figure 4 The corresponding unit or module provided will be executed. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates units or modules in devices such as ED 110, T-TRP 170, or NT-TRP 172. For example, signals can be transmitted by a transmitting unit or transmitting module. Signals can be received by a receiving unit or receiving module. Signals can be processed by a processing unit or processing module. Other steps can be performed by artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) modules. The corresponding units or modules can be implemented using hardware, one or more components or devices executing software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of these units or modules can be integrated circuits, such as programmable FPGAs, GPUs, or ASICs. It should be understood that if these modules are implemented using software executed by, for example, a processor, then these modules can be retrieved by the processor, wholly or partially, individually or together, as needed for processing, or in the form of one or more instances, and these modules themselves can include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0106] Further details regarding ED 110, T-TRP 170, and NT-TRP 172 are known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, these details are omitted herein.

[0107] An air interface typically includes numerous components and associated parameters that collectively specify how transmissions are sent and / or received over a wireless communication link between two or more communication devices. For example, an air interface may include one or more components that define one or more waveforms, one or more frame structures, one or more multiple access schemes, one or more protocols, one or more coding schemes, and / or one or more modulation schemes for transmitting information (e.g., data) over a wireless communication link. Wireless communication links may support links between a radio access network and user equipment (e.g., a "Uu" link), and / or wireless communication links may support links between devices, such as links between two user equipments (e.g., a "sidelink"), and / or wireless communication links may support links between a non-terrestrial (NT) communication network and a user equipment (UE). Below are some examples of the components described above:

[0108] • The waveform component can specify the shape and form of the signal being transmitted. Waveform options can include orthogonal multiple access (OFDM) and non-orthogonal multiple access (NOA) waveforms. Non-limiting examples of such waveform options include Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Filtered OFDM (f-OFDM), Time-Domain Windowed OFDM, Filter Bank Multicarrier (FBMC), Universal Filtered Multicarrier (UFMC), Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing (GFDM), Wavelet Packet Modulation (WPM), Faster Than Nyquist (FTN) waveforms, and Low Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR) waveforms (WF).

[0109] • The frame structure component can specify the configuration of a frame or frame group. The frame structure component can indicate one or more of the following parameters: time, frequency, pilot signature, code, or other parameters for a frame or frame group. Further details about the frame structure will be discussed below.

[0110] • The multiple access scheme component can specify multiple access technology options, including technologies that define how communication devices share the common physical channel, such as: Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), Low Density Signature Multicarrier Code Division Multiple Access (LDS-MC-CDMA), Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA), Pattern Division Multiple Access (PDMA), Lattice Partition Multiple Access (LPMA), Resource Spread Multiple Access (RSMA), and Sparse Code Multiple Access (SCMA). In addition, multiple access technology options may include: scheduled access and unscheduled access, also known as unlicensed access; non-orthogonal multiple access and orthogonal multiple access, such as via dedicated channel resources (e.g., not shared among multiple communication devices); contention-based shared channel resources and non-contention-based shared channel resources; and cognitive radio-based access.

[0111] • The Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) protocol component can specify how transmissions and / or retransmissions are performed. Non-limiting examples of transmission and / or retransmission mechanism options include mechanisms for specifying the size of the scheduled data pipeline, signaling mechanisms for transmissions and / or retransmissions, and retransmission mechanisms.

[0112] • Encoding and modulation components specify how the information being transmitted is encoded / decoded and modulated / demodulated for transmission / reception purposes. Encoding can refer to methods of error detection and forward error correction. Non-limiting examples of encoding options include turbo trellis codes, turbo product codes, fountain codes, low-density parity-check codes, and polar codes. Modulation can simply refer to constellations (e.g., including modulation techniques and orders), or more specifically to various types of advanced modulation methods, such as layered modulation and low PAPR modulation.

[0113] In some implementations, the air interface may be a "one-size-fits-all" concept. For example, once the air interface is defined, the components within it cannot be changed or adjusted. In some implementations, only a limited number of parameters or modes of the air interface can be configured, such as cyclic prefix (CP) length or multiple input multiple output (MIMO) mode. In some implementations, the air interface design can provide a unified or flexible framework to support licensed and unlicensed access in frequency bands below 6 GHz and above 6 GHz (e.g., millimeter wave). For example, the flexibility of a configurable air interface provided by a scalable parameter set (numerology) and symbol duration can enable optimization of transmission parameters for different spectrum bands and different services / devices. Furthermore, a unified air interface can be self-contained in the frequency domain; a self-contained frequency domain design can support more flexible radio access network (RAN) slicing through channel resource sharing in frequency and time between different services.

[0114] Frame structure

[0115] The frame structure is a feature of the physical layer of wireless communication, defining the time-domain signal transmission structure, such as timing references and timing alignment used to implement basic time-domain transmission units. Wireless communication between communication devices can take place on time-frequency resources controlled by the frame structure. Alternatively, the frame structure can sometimes be referred to as the wireless frame structure.

[0116] Depending on the frame structure and / or the frame configuration within the frame structure, it is possible to implement frequency division duplex (FDD) communication and / or time division duplex (TDD) communication and / or full duplex (FD) communication. FDD communication refers to transmissions in different directions (e.g., uplink and downlink) occurring in different frequency bands. TDD communication refers to transmissions in different directions (e.g., uplink and downlink) occurring for different durations. FD communication refers to transmission and reception occurring on the same time-frequency resources; that is, the device can simultaneously transmit and receive on the same frequency resources in time.

[0117] An example of a frame structure is the one specified in Long-Term Evolution (LTE): each frame lasts for 10 ms; each frame has 10 subframes, each lasting for 1 ms; each subframe includes two time slots, each lasting for 0.5 ms; each time slot is used to transmit 7 OFDM symbols (assuming a conventional CP); each OFDM symbol has a symbol duration and a specific bandwidth (or partial bandwidth or bandwidth partition) associated with the number of subcarriers and subcarrier spacing; the frame structure is based on OFDM waveform parameters such as subcarrier spacing and CP length (where the CP has a fixed length or finite length option); the handover gap between uplink and downlink in TDD must be an integer multiple of the OFDM symbol duration.

[0118] Another example of a frame structure is the one in New Radio (NR) with the following specifications: support for multiple subcarrier intervals, each corresponding to a specific parameter set; the frame structure depends on the parameter set, but in any case, the frame length is set to 10 ms, consisting of 10 subframes, each 1 ms long; and time slots are defined as 14 OFDM symbols, with the slot length depending on the parameter set. For example, the NR frame structure for a standard CP 15 kHz subcarrier interval (“Parameter Set 1”) differs from the NR frame structure for a standard CP 30 kHz subcarrier interval (“Parameter Set 2”). For the 15 kHz subcarrier interval, the slot length is 1 ms; for the 30 kHz subcarrier interval, the slot length is 0.5 ms. NR frame structures can offer greater flexibility than LTE frame structures.

[0119] Another example of a frame structure is the example flexible frame structure, such as that used in 6G networks or later. In a flexible frame structure, a symbol block can be defined as the minimum duration that can be scheduled within the flexible frame structure. A symbol block can be a transmission unit with optional redundant portions (e.g., CP portions) and information portions (e.g., data portions). An OFDM symbol is an example of a symbol block. Alternatively, a symbol block can be referred to as a symbol. Implementations of flexible frame structures include various configurable parameters, such as frame length, subframe length, symbol block length, etc. In some implementations of flexible frame structures, a non-exhaustive list of possible configurable parameters includes the following:

[0120] (1) Frame: The frame length is not limited to 10 ms; it can be configurable and vary over time. In some implementations, each frame includes one or more downlink synchronization channels and / or one or more downlink broadcast channels, each of which can be transmitted in different directions using different beamforming. The frame length can have more than one possible value and can be configured based on the application scenario. For example, autonomous vehicles may require relatively fast initial access; in this case, the frame length could be set to 5 ms for autonomous vehicle applications. As another example, home smart meters may not require fast initial access; in this case, the frame length could be set to 20 ms for smart meter applications.

[0121] (2) Subframe Duration: Subframes may or may not be defined within a flexible frame structure, depending on the implementation. For example, a frame may be defined to include time slots but not subframes. In frames where subframes are defined, such as for temporal alignment, the duration of the subframes can be configurable. For example, the subframe length can be configured to 0.1 ms, 0.2 ms, 0.5 ms, 1 ms, 2 ms, or 5 ms, etc. In some implementations, if subframes are not needed in a specific scenario, the subframe length can be defined to be the same as the frame length or left undefined.

[0122] (3) Time Slot Configuration: Time slots may or may not be defined in a flexible frame structure, depending on the implementation. In frames where time slots are defined, the definition of the time slots (e.g., in terms of duration and / or the number of symbol blocks) can be configurable. In one implementation, the time slot configuration is common to all UEs or a group of UEs. In this case, the time slot configuration information can be sent to the UEs on a broadcast channel or one or more common control channels. In other implementations, the time slot configuration can be UE-specific, in which case the time slot configuration information can be sent on a UE-specific control channel. In some implementations, time slot configuration signaling can be sent together with frame configuration signaling and / or subframe configuration signaling. In other implementations, time slot configuration can be sent independently of frame configuration signaling and / or subframe configuration signaling. Typically, time slot configuration can be system-common, base station-common, UE group-common, or UE-specific.

[0123] (4) Subcarrier spacing (SCS): SCS is a parameter in a scalable parameter set, allowing the SCS to range from 15 kHz to 480 kHz. The SCS may vary with the frequency of the spectrum and / or the maximum UE speed to minimize the effects of Doppler shift and phase noise. In some examples, there may be separate transmit and receive frames, and the SCS of symbols in the receive frame structure can be configured independently of the SCS of symbols in the transmit frame structure. The SCS in the receive frame may differ from the SCS in the transmit frame. In some examples, the SCS of each transmit frame may be half the SCS of each receive frame. If the SCS differs between the receive and transmit frames, this difference does not necessarily have to be scaled by a factor of 2, for example, by using the inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) instead of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) to achieve more flexible symbol durations. Other examples of frame structures can be used with different SCS.

[0124] (5) Flexible transmission duration of the basic transmission unit: The basic transmission unit can be a symbol block (or alternatively a symbol), typically comprising a redundant portion (called CP) and an information portion (e.g., data). However, in some implementations, the CP can be omitted from the symbol block. The CP length can be flexible and configurable. The CP length can be fixed within a frame or can vary flexibly within a frame, and the CP length may change with frame changes, with frame group changes, with subframe changes, with time slot changes, or dynamically with scheduling changes. The information portion (e.g., data) can be flexible and configurable. Another possible parameter associated with the definable symbol block is the ratio of the CP duration to the information (e.g., data) duration. In some implementations, the symbol block length can be adjusted based on channel conditions (e.g., multipath delay, Doppler) and / or delay requirements and / or available duration. For example, the symbol block length can be adjusted to accommodate the available duration within a frame.

[0125] (6) Flexible handover gap: A frame may include a downlink portion for downlink transmission from the base station and an uplink portion for uplink transmission from the UE. A gap may exist between each uplink and downlink portion, which is called a handover gap. The handover gap length (duration) can be configurable. The handover gap duration can be fixed within the frame or can be flexibly varied within the frame, and the handover gap duration may change with frame changes, with frame group changes, with subframe changes, with time slot changes, or dynamically with scheduling changes.

[0126] Cell / Carrier / Bandwidth Part (BWP) / Occupied Bandwidth

[0127] Base stations and other equipment can provide cell coverage. Wireless communication with the equipment can take place on one or more carrier frequencies. These carrier frequencies will be referred to as carriers. Alternatively, a carrier can be called a component carrier (CC). A carrier can be characterized by its bandwidth and reference frequency (e.g., the center frequency, minimum frequency, or maximum frequency of the carrier). Carriers can be in licensed or unlicensed spectrum. Wireless communication with the equipment can also, or alternatively, take place on one or more bandwidth parts (BWPs). For example, a carrier can have one or more BWPs. Generally, wireless communication with the equipment can take place on a spectrum. The spectrum can include one or more carriers and / or one or more BWPs.

[0128] A cell may include one or more downlink resources and optionally one or more uplink resources, or a cell may include one or more uplink resources and optionally one or more downlink resources, or a cell may include both one or more downlink resources and one or more uplink resources. For example, a cell may include only one downlink carrier / BWP, or only one uplink carrier / BWP, or multiple downlink carriers / BWP, or multiple uplink carriers / BWP, or one downlink carrier / BWP and one uplink carrier / BWP, or one downlink carrier / BWP and multiple uplink carriers / BWP, or multiple downlink carriers / BWP and one uplink carrier / BWP, or multiple downlink carriers / BWP and multiple uplink carriers / BWP. In some implementations, the cell may alternatively or additionally include one or more sidelink resources, including sidelink transmit and receive resources.

[0129] BWP is a set of continuous or non-continuous frequency subcarriers on a carrier, or a set of continuous or non-continuous frequency subcarriers on multiple carriers, or a set of non-continuous or continuous frequency subcarriers, wherein the set of non-continuous or continuous frequency subcarriers may involve one or more carriers.

[0130] In some implementations, a carrier may have one or more BWPs. For example, a carrier may have a bandwidth of 20 MHz and consist of one BWP, or a carrier may have a bandwidth of 80 MHz and consist of two adjacent consecutive BWPs. In other implementations, a BWP may have one or more carriers. For example, a BWP may have a bandwidth of 40 MHz and consist of two adjacent consecutive carriers, each with a bandwidth of 20 MHz. In some implementations, a BWP may include discontinuous spectrum resources consisting of multiple discontinuous carriers, where the first carrier of the discontinuous multiple carriers may be in the mmW band, the second carrier may be in a low-frequency band (e.g., the 2 GHz band), the third carrier (if present) may be in the THz band, and the fourth carrier (if present) may be in the visible light band. Resources within a carrier belonging to a BWP may be contiguous or discontinuous. In some implementations, a BWP has discontinuous spectrum resources on a single carrier.

[0131] Wireless communication can be performed on occupied bandwidth. Occupied bandwidth can be defined as the width of the frequency band such that the average transmitted power below the lower frequency limit and above the upper frequency limit is equal to a specified percentage β / 2 of the total average transmitted power, for example, β / 2 is 0.5%.

[0132] The carrier, BWP, or occupied bandwidth can be dynamically indicated by network devices (e.g., base stations) in physical layer control signaling such as downlink control information (DCI), or semi-statically indicated in radio resource control (RRC) signaling or in the medium access control (MAC) layer, or predefined based on the application scenario; or determined by the UE as a function of other parameters known to the UE, or fixed, for example, by standards.

[0133] Although the phrase “initial access” is used above and below, it should be understood that “initial access” can be replaced by “contention-based random access” or “contention-free random access”.

[0134] In this disclosure, the terms "apparatus" and "equipment" are used merely to distinguish entities. A non-limiting example of an apparatus is a user equipment (UE) or any other terminal device or component therein. A non-limiting example of an equipment is a base station or any other network-side device or component therein.

[0135] Traditional networks (e.g., NR networks) can have a common search space (CSS) including AL4, AL8, and AL16, where each AL can have up to eight configurable PDCCH candidates. Therefore, for these three ALs configured with CSS, there can be a total of up to 24 PDCCH candidates. Such networks can also have a UE-specific search space (USS) including AL1, AL2, AL4, AL8, and AL16, where each AL can have up to eight configurable PDCCH candidates. Therefore, for these five ALs configured with USS, there can be a total of up to 40 PDCCH candidates. Among multiple PDCCH candidates configured with CSS or USS, only one PDCCH candidate can be used per DCI transmission.

[0136] CSS and USS are the search spaces for PDCCH candidates based on cell-based configuration (e.g., a group of UEs in a cell) and UE-specific configuration, respectively. The search space is defined by using a CORESET as a unit area to define multiple PDCCH candidates, the duration of PDCCH detection (e.g., how many slots or frames), the number of PDCCHs per slot, and which symbols(s) in the slot are used for PDCCH transmission, etc.

[0137] For example, for a UE configuration with 96 physical resource blocks for frequency resources, 2 symbols for time resources, and an aggregation configuration including AL1(4) / AL2(4) / AL4(4) / AL8(4) / AL16(2) (where ALx(y) represents the aggregation level x with y PDCCH candidates), there are a total of 18 PDCCH candidates. From the UE's receiving perspective, the UE must perform blind checks on the 18 PDCCH candidates for (dynamic) scheduling (i.e., DCI signaling) timing or PDCCH monitoring timing, but only one PDCCH can be used to carry out the actual transmission of scheduling (i.e., DCI signaling), such as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0138] Figure 5 Example arrangements of control channel candidates under different ALs are shown, where the time-frequency resources carrying the control channel candidates may overlap. Specifically, Figure 5 An example of a PDCCH candidate with five aggregation levels is shown, where each PDCCH candidate can be carried in a time-frequency resource represented by one or more Control Channel Elements (CCEs) (each CCE can be identified by a predefined or configured CCE index), and at least one PDCCH candidate can be used as a (DL) control channel to carry DCI or scheduling information during scheduling. However, it should be noted that... Figure 5 The example shown can also be applied to other types of control channels. As mentioned above, in Figure 5 In this context, ALx(y) represents the aggregation level "x" with "y" control channel candidates (e.g., PDCCH candidates) configured.

[0139] refer to Figure 5 PDCCH area 500 (i.e., time-frequency resources used for transmission) is represented by multiple CCEs (e.g., CCE 505). CCEs can be used to transmit scheduling information from a device (e.g., a base station) to an apparatus (e.g., a UE). The scheduling information can be DCI or other types of scheduling information. An apparatus (e.g., a UE) receiving a control channel can search for the time-frequency resources of the control channel represented by one or more CCEs, and one or more CCEs can be used to transmit scheduling information through the control channel.

[0140] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 The numbers 0, 2, 4, ..., 30 shown at the top represent Control Channel Element (CCE) indices. CCEs can be formed by dividing CORESET time-frequency resources or CORESET resource regions into non-overlapping resource units, and each CCE can be identified by an index (specified, predefined, or configured). For example... Figure 5 As shown, there are CCEs with CCE indices from 0 to 31 in PDCCH area 500. The CCE index indicates the CCE number, which is used to represent a resource unit in which a control channel (e.g., PDCCH) can be allocated for transmission. Figure 5 Multiple PDCCH candidates and multiple (indexed) CCEs are shown. One or more of these (indexed) CCEs can be allocated as channel time-frequency resources to each of the multiple PDCCH candidates, and the number of CCEs allocated to each PDCCH channel candidate can indicate the corresponding aggregation level (AL). Therefore, the time-frequency resources allocated to different PDCCH candidates (on one or more CCEs) may have (partial) overlap.

[0141] like Figure 5 As shown, there are a total of 18 PDCCH candidates with different aggregation levels. Specifically, there are 4 PDCCH candidates with AL1, 4 PDCCH candidates with AL2, 4 PDCCH candidates with AL4, 4 PDCCH candidates with AL8, and 2 PDCCH candidates with AL16.

[0142] The various aggregation levels, such as AL1 and AL2, represent different ways to allocate a subset of the 32 CCEs to the PDCCH candidates as transmission resources.

[0143] For a set of 32 CCEs, using AL1, in this configuration, PDCCH candidates 511, 512, 513, and 514, consisting of a single CCE, are allocated within each group of 8 CCEs out of the total 32 CCEs. In other words, each PDCCH candidate among PDCCH candidates 511, 512, 513, and 514 uses a single (indexed) CCE as its time-frequency resource. Figure 5 In the PDCCH candidate 511 with AL1, it may include CCE with index 7; PDCCH candidate 512 with AL1, it may include CCE with index 15; PDCCH candidate 513 with AL1, it may include CCE with index 23; and PDCCH candidate 514 with AL1, it may include CCE with index 31.

[0144] For the same set of 32 CCEs, using AL2, in this configuration, PDCCH candidates 521, 522, 523, and 524, consisting of two CCEs, are allocated in each group of 8 CCEs out of the total 32 CCEs. In other words, each PDCCH candidate in PDCCH candidates 521, 522, 523, and 524 uses two (indexed) CCEs as its time-frequency resource. Figure 5 In the PDCCH candidate 521 with AL2, CCEs with indices 6 and 7 may be included; PDCCH candidate 522 with AL2 may include CCEs with indices 14 and 15; PDCCH candidate 523 with AL2 may include CCEs with indices 22 and 23; and PDCCH candidate 524 with AL2 may include CCEs with indices 30 and 31.

[0145] For the same set of 32 CCEs, using AL4, in this configuration, PDCCH candidates 531, 532, 533, and 534, consisting of four CCEs, are allocated in each group of eight CCEs out of the total 32 CCEs. In other words, each PDCCH candidate among PDCCH candidates 531, 532, 533, and 534 uses four (indexed) CCEs as its time-frequency resource. Figure 5 In the PDCCH candidate 531 with AL4, CCEs with indices 4 to 7 may be included; PDCCH candidate 532 with AL4 may include CCEs with indices 12 to 15; PDCCH candidate 533 with AL4 may include CCEs with indices 20 to 23; and PDCCH candidate 534 with AL4 may include CCEs with indices 28 to 31.

[0146] For the same set of 32 CCEs, using AL8, in this configuration, PDCCH candidates 541, 542, 543, and 544, consisting of eight CCEs, are allocated in each group of eight CCEs out of the total 32 CCEs. In other words, each PDCCH candidate among PDCCH candidates 541, 542, 543, and 544 uses eight (indexed) CCEs as its time-frequency resource. Figure 5 In the PDCCH candidate 541 with AL8, CCEs with indices 1 to 7 may be included; PDCCH candidate 542 with AL8 may include CCEs with indices 8 to 15; PDCCH candidate 543 with AL8 may include CCEs with indices 20 to 23; and PDCCH candidate 544 with AL8 may include CCEs with indices 24 to 31.

[0147] For the same set of 32 CCEs, using AL16, in this configuration, PDCCH candidates 551 and 552, consisting of 16 CCEs each, are allocated from two groups of 8 CCEs out of the total 32 CCEs. In other words, each PDCCH candidate in PDCCH candidates 551 and 552 uses the allocated 16 (indexed) CCEs as its time-frequency resource. Figure 5 In the PDCCH candidate 551 with AL16, CCEs with indices 0 to 15 may be included, and PDCCH candidate 552 with AL16 may include CCEs with indices 16 to 31.

[0148] Among multiple PDCCH candidates, at least one PDCCH can be used for the transmission of scheduling information for the device. Figure 5 In this context, the DCI 535 used for scheduling data transmission between the device and the equipment can be carried on the PDCCH candidate 533 that occupies CCEs with indices 20 to 24. In other words, the equipment (e.g., a base station) can send the DCI 535 to the device (e.g., a UE) via the PDCCH 533 that includes CCEs with indices 20 to 24.

[0149] If the device is notified that the DCI is being transmitted on a PDCCH candidate using at least AL4, the device may be able to monitor PDCCH candidates 531, 532, 533, 534, 541, 542, 543, 544, 551, and 552 (e.g., perform blind detection) instead of monitoring all possible PDCCH candidates, thus saving resources and potentially finding the DCI more promptly due to the reduced amount of monitoring involved. The timing of finding the DCI will vary depending on how the UE performs the blind detection. For example, if the UE... Figure 5Blindly detecting all AL4 PDCCH candidates from left to right, for example, in the order of 531, 532, 533, 534, will result in a DCI being found in the third detection attempt, and the UE can avoid detecting PDCCH candidates 534, 541, 542, 543, 544, 551, and 552. However, when using a different blind detection order for PDCCH candidates, for example, starting from AL16, more blind detection attempts may be performed before a DCI is found in AL4 533. However, in either case, not all PDCCH candidates need to be blindly detected; only a sufficient number need to be detected to find a DCI in AL4, AL8, and A16.

[0150] Current networks (e.g., NR networks) may use blind detection on all configured PDCCH candidates for each DCI reception or each PDCCH monitoring opportunity to be performed, but this is not necessary in all cases. The power consumption and other resource consumption in current blind detection methods for PDCCH may be too high, which is unacceptable in energy-efficient wireless networks such as 6G networks.

[0151] This disclosure proposes a scheme to avoid or reduce the need for (multiple) blind detections of the PDCCH. Such a scheme can correspond to a method performed by a device such as a UE. For example, during initial network access, the minimum aggregation level is currently 4 (AL4), meaning that the UE initially accessing the network must attempt to detect PDCCH candidates associated with AL4, AL8, and AL16. This may not be the case when the UE is very close to the serving base station, in which case, for example, a PDCCH with AL1 is sufficient. When the UE is close to the serving base station, the perceived signal from the base station is stronger, so the DCI does not need to be encoded in a more robust manner (such as in longer PDCCH candidates such as AL8 and AL16). Therefore, in this specific scenario where the UE is close to the base station, the condition of "at least AL4" for carrying the DCI on the PDCCH during initial access can be replaced with "AL1 only". The preferred (or recommended) AL for a specific scenario can be determined by measurement and reporting by the UE during initial access. By determining the preferred (or recommended) AL, or a subset of two or more ALs, the amount of blind detection can be reduced.

[0152] PDCCH blind detection reduces initial access

[0153] The initial access procedure is the process followed by a device (e.g., a UE) and a network or network component (e.g., a base station) when the device initially accesses the network, i.e., upon first access or after a period of inactivity. An example of an initial access procedure includes a 4-step Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure, which may include the following messages.

[0154] • Step 1: Preamble Transmission (Message 1) (UE→BS). The system can configure multiple random access opportunities or timings for the UE to perform initial network access. A random access timing may include random access time-frequency resources (i.e., random access channels), a set of preambles for the UE to select a preamble for random access, etc. The UE can first select a preamble from the preamble set during the random access timing and send the preamble to the base station (BS) or network.

[0155] • Step 2: Random Access Response (Message 2) (BS→UE). In response to the reception of Message 1 and to allocate UL transmission resources for the transmission of Message 3, the BS may send a random access response (RAR) message to the UE in the DL data channel. The UE must monitor the PDCCH carrying scheduling information (i.e., DCI) to decode and acquire the time-frequency resources of the DL data channel. In other words, the UE may monitor the PDCCH carrying scheduling information (e.g., DCI) to receive either Message 2 or the RAR message. Therefore, generally, after sending Message 1, Message 2 or the RAR message can be received in the transmission resources associated with the scheduling information received via the control channel (e.g., PDCCH). The PDCCH may be one of multiple PDCCH candidates configured for the initial random access procedure to the BS; therefore, as mentioned above, the UE must perform blind detection on each of the multiple PDCCH candidates (e.g., 12 PDCCH candidates in the NR with AL4, AL8, and AL16, each AL having 4 PDCCH candidates). After decoding the DCI, the UE is able to receive and decode Message 2 or RAR messages in the DL data channel.

[0156] • Step 3: Schedule data transmission (Message 3) (UE→BS). The time-frequency resources used to send Message 3, as well as other parameters such as timing advance information, can be found in the RAR message (i.e., Message 2) in the DL data channel. Then, the UE can send Message 3 based on the allocated time-frequency resources and other parameters for UL data transmission, where the UE can provide a UE identifier for contention resolution.

[0157] • Step 4: Contention Resolution Message (Message 4) (BS→UE). The BS may send a contention resolution message to the UE in the DL data channel to complete the initial access procedure. The BS's contention resolution is based on information including the UE identifier received from the UE in Message 3. To receive the contention message, the UE must again detect the PDCCH by attempting to decode multiple PDCCH candidates to obtain scheduling information / DCI, which includes time-frequency resources for the DL data channel. Therefore, generally, after sending Message 3, the contention resolution message can be received in the transmission resources associated with the scheduling information received via the control channel (e.g., PDCCH). Thus, information about channel quality (e.g., signal quality for device-to-device communication) or appropriate resources for DL ​​control information can help reduce the number of blind detections of the PDCCH, which can be reported or fed back from the UE before transmitting Message 4, where the PDCCH may carry scheduling signaling (i.e., DCI) for receiving Message 4.

[0158] During the above process, the UE must perform at least two blind checks during initial access to determine the appropriate PDCCH from multiple PDCCH candidates. When initially accessing the network, system information such as the master information block (MIB), synchronization signal block (SSB), and / or system information block (SIB1 or SIB2) can be used to configure the PDCCH candidates.

[0159] Another example of the initial access procedure is the 2-step RACH procedure. In this procedure, the UE sends a single message (Message A) to the BS, which includes a preamble transmission (similar to Message 1 in a 4-step RACH) and scheduling data transmission (similar to Message 3 in a 4-step RACH). Similarly, the BS sends a single message (Message B) to the UE, which includes a random access response (RAR) message (similar to Message 2 in a 4-step RACH) and a contention resolution message (similar to Message 4 in a 4-step RACH). The UE can receive Message B in transport resources associated with scheduling information received via a control channel (e.g., PDCCH).

[0160] SSB is the first signal that a UE can detect during initial access to a base station (cell) to obtain DL synchronization. It is also a very basic system information (main information bit (MIB)) that allows the UE to continue receiving more information from the network.

[0161] Since the BS lacks information about downlink (DL) channel conditions or UE location, it may need to use a very conservative aggregation level to transmit DCI. In New Radio (NR) networks, the system configures PDCCH candidates with an aggregation level of at least AL4 in the cell-based common search space (CSS). Therefore, PDCCH candidates used for random access do not include PDCCH candidates with levels AL1 and AL2, and blind detection at the UE end is performed on PDCCH candidates with levels AL4, AL8, and AL16.

[0162] If the UE is located close to the BS during initial access, a PDCCH with AL2 or even AL1 may be able to carry the DCI to the UE with sufficient reliability. Therefore, excluding AL1 and AL2 during random access may not be necessary. The appropriateness of AL can be based on information about channel conditions and the distance from the UE to the BS. In some examples of this application, PDCCH candidates may include AL1 and AL2, which is suitable for UEs with good channel conditions or close proximity to the access BS. Good channel conditions may have channel condition parameters greater than or equal to a specific threshold. When the UE performs initial network access based on DL reference signals (e.g., SSB) from one or more base stations, channel conditions or the distance to the BS can be measured. Typically, channel measurements at the receiver use information from the transmitter, such as known transmission power and known reference signals.

[0163] Because the UL transmission power (level) from the UE may be uncertain or variable, UL measurements of one or more UE preamble signals received by the BS may be unreliable. For example, during initial access, the UL transmission power may adapt to the channel; that is, if the UE does not receive a response from the BS for a certain period, the UL transmission power may increase from the initial UL transmission power by a power offset. Therefore, the UL transmission power may be uncertain for the BS. However, DL measurements of the DL reference signal by the UE may be more reliable and / or more accurate because information about the BS's transmission power is available or known to the UE through predefined settings or configuration in the system information. Furthermore, DL measurements performed by the UE can be used to assess channel conditions and distance to the BS to help determine which PDCCH(s) can reliably carry the DCI to the UE based on one or more types (or subsets) of ALs in the configured AL set.

[0164] One or more channel measurements transmitted by the UE to one or more DL reference signals can allow for a more accurate determination of the aggregation level that can be used to reliably carry scheduling information or DCI on the PDCCH. Therefore, the AL used in the PDCCH during transmission is not limited to AL4, AL8, and AL16 currently used in the NR; any aggregation level from AL1, AL2 all the way to AL16 (or any other AL) can be used, depending on, for example, the channel measurements performed and / or reported by the UE. In some implementations, channel measurements may be based on metrics including at least one of the following: Reference Signal Received Power (RSPR), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), or Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR).

[0165] RSRP stands for Reference Signal Received Power, which is the average power received from a single reference signal, typically ranging from approximately –44 dBm (good) to –140 dBm (poor). RSRQ stands for Reference Signal Received Quality, indicating the quality of the received signal, typically ranging from approximately –19.5 dB (poor) to –3 dB (good). SINR stands for Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio, which is the signal-to-noise ratio of a given signal.

[0166] When a UE performs initial network access, it may need to search for and synchronize with one or more base stations based on one or more SSBs from each base station. The UE can determine channel conditions and quality based at least on measurements from one or more SSBs received from that base station. For example, measurements in an SSB may include at least measurements such as SSB RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), SSB RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality), and SSB SINR (Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio). In other words, the UE can determine channel conditions and quality based on at least one of SSB RSRP, SSB RSRQ, or SSB SINR.

[0167] The DL measurement metrics used by the UE include channel conditions and / or distance indicators from the UE to the BS, which can be used to limit the number of PDCCH candidates, as discussed above. For example, a typical range for (average) RSRP could be, for instance, –40 dBm to -140 dBm, where –40 dBm indicates excellent channel conditions under which a PDCCH with AL1 can reliably transmit DCI to the UE, and –140 dBm indicates poor channel conditions under which a PDCCH with AL16 can reliably transmit DCI to the UE. RSRQ indicates the quality of the received signal, ranging, for example, from –20 dB to 0 dB, where 0 dB indicates excellent channel conditions under which a PDCCH with AL1 can reliably transmit DCI to the UE, and –20 dB indicates poor channel conditions under which a PDCCH with AL16 can reliably transmit DCI to the UE. Therefore, a set of classified measurement channel conditions based on one or more measurement metrics can be associated with different AL groups, which can be used in the PDCCH to transmit DL control information (DCI) with the desired reliability. Each group can include one or more ALs. Measurement metrics can include at least one of RSPR, RSRQ, SINR, SSB RSRP, SSB RSRQ, or SSB SINR.

[0168] The list-based configuration of the above content may include a set of categorized measurement channel conditions based on one or more measurement metrics, wherein a categorized channel condition (or channel condition range) corresponds to a group of one or more ALs, and a measurement metric may include at least one of RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR. Measurement metrics may also include at least one of SSB RSRP, SSB RSRQ, or SSB SINR.

[0169] Figure 6 An exemplary mapping is shown between a channel measurement or an index value associated with a channel measurement and a group of one or more ALs used for PDCCH transmission or an index value associated with a group of one or more ALs.

[0170] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, RSRP values ​​are categorized into K groups, where each category k of RSRP is configured with a range of values: RSRP k0 To RSRP k1k = 0, 1, …, K–1, and the measured RSRP can belong to one of the K classified groups. More generally, K can be an integer greater than 1. Indicator Table 610 describes examples of how each RSRP value can be indexed (e.g., each RSRP range is associated with one of the classification indices 0 to K–1, as shown in Indicator Table 610). Aggregation levels AL1, AL2, AL4, AL8, and AL16 are classified into five AL groups, where a group can include at least one AL. In other words, {AL x} can represent that the AL group to which {AL x} belongs includes at least ALx, where “x” represents the aggregation level, such as 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16. For example, {AL 1} belonging to AL group 0 can include AL1 and optionally AL2 and / or other ALs; {AL 2} belonging to AL group 1 can include AL2 and optionally AL3 and / or other ALs; …; {AL 16} belonging to AL group 4 can include AL16 and optionally AL8 and / or other ALs. AL Table 620 describes examples of how each AL group can be indexed (e.g., each AL group is associated with an AL group index, as shown in AL Table 620). Elements in one table (e.g., an index table) can be mapped to elements in another table (e.g., an AL table) according to one of the following relationships: one-to-one mapping, many-to-one mapping, one-to-many mapping, and many-to-many mapping. The index table and the AL table can be index table 610 and AL table 620, respectively. Mapping relationships can be represented by element indexes; for example, a category index 0 or 1 can be mapped to an AL group index 0 (in this case, it is a many-to-one mapping). It should be noted that in this disclosure, the terms "mapping," "mapping," or "mapping relationship" can be used interchangeably with "association," "association," "association relationship," or other similar expressions. For example, a mapping between the first element in the index table and the second element in the AL table can also be understood as an association between the first element in the index table and the second element in the AL table. In another example, a one-to-one mapping can also be understood as a one-to-one association.

[0171] Each classification table or grouping table can be predefined or preconfigured. The mapping between an element with a classification index in the index table and an element with an AL group index in the AL group table can be predefined, preconfigured, and / or configured via broadcast (e.g., system information, SSB, etc.), cell common signaling, or UE-specific signaling (e.g., RRC). Using these two tables and the associated mapping, the UE can recommend or request a group of one or more ALs configured for one or more PDCCH candidates in the search space based on DL channel measurements. A PDCCH can be selected from one or more PDCCH candidates and used to transmit DCI.

[0172] During initial network access, the UE may perform a random access procedure. The first UL transmission from the UE to the base station may include a preamble transmission, wherein the preamble included in this transmission is selected from a set of preambles configured by the base station for the random access procedure. To more quickly notify or provide feedback to the base station on DL channel conditions or quality, a subset of the preamble set (or preamble group) can be used to indicate a certain level of channel conditions or quality, and multiple subsets of the preamble set can be used to indicate different levels of channel conditions or quality.

[0173] It should be noted that a network can have multiple base stations, and each base station can have its own set of preambles, which can be different from the preambles of neighboring base stations. The preambles in the preamble set must be orthogonal in terms of sequence correlation or cross-correlation properties to avoid or reduce mutual interference.

[0174] For example, the set of preambles configured for a random access procedure in a base station can be divided (grouped) into two or more subsets, each subset including one or more preambles. Each subset of the one or more preambles can be associated with or mapped to a classification index of a measurement metric (e.g., RSRP). The mapping can be one-to-one, many-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many. This mapping relationship can be represented by element indices; for example, preamble group index 0 can be mapped to classification index 0 or 1 in the measurement metric (in which case it is a one-to-many mapping). Figure 7 An exemplary mapping is shown, where the number of preamble subsets is M>1 and the number of index categories is K>1, where the positive integers M and K can be the same or different. M can be an integer greater than 1.

[0175] Figure 7 An exemplary mapping between a preamble group (or a subset of preambles) and the channel measurement range is shown (M and K can be the same or different). Figure 7In this table, the set of preambles that can be configured for a random access procedure is divided into M groups, as shown in Preamble Group Table 710. More generally, M can be an integer greater than 1. Each preamble group can be indexed as shown in Preamble Group Table 710 (e.g., each preamble group can be associated with one of the preamble group indices 0 to M–1, as shown in Preamble Group Table 710). Each preamble group can be all or a subset of preambles that can be used to establish a connection between a device (e.g., a UE) and a equipment (e.g., a base station). For example, a preamble group with preamble group index 0 can correspond to {preamble subset 0}, where {preamble subset 0} can include all or a subset of preambles that can be used to establish a connection between a device and a device. A preamble group with preamble group index 1 can correspond to {preamble subset 1}, where {preamble subset 1} can include all or a subset of preambles that can be used to establish a connection between a device and a device. A preamble group with preamble group index m can correspond to {preamble subset m}, where {preamble subset m} can include all or a subset of preambles that can be used to establish a connection between a device and a device, where m is an integer between 0 and M–1.

[0176] Elements in the preamble group table 710 can be mapped to elements in the classified channel measurement index table (e.g., index table 610) according to one of the following relationships: one-to-one mapping, many-to-one mapping, one-to-many mapping, and many-to-many mapping. Figure 7 The indicators shown in Table 610 and Figure 6 It is the same as the indicator table 610 described above. It should be noted that other channel measurement indicator tables that are different from indicator table 610 can be mapped to preamble group table 710 in a similar way.

[0177] Use such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 One advantage of the mapping scheme shown is that the UE can communicate with the base station regarding DL channel conditions or quality, thereby reducing the number of PDCCH candidates (e.g., AL4, AL8, or AL16) configured for a group of UEs (in NR). This can reduce the amount of blind detection used by the UE. For example, through Figure 6 and Figure 7The predefined tables and mappings shown allow the UE to indicate channel conditions or quality levels to the base station. These channel conditions or quality levels may correspond to one or a limited number of ALs available for association with PDCCH candidates. Therefore, the UE may only need to attempt to detect one or more PDCCH candidates with one or more ALs, where one or more ALs are implicitly or explicitly indicated by channel state information (CSI) reported based on DL measurements of one or more RSs, for example, via a 4-step RACH or 2-step RACH process transmitted by the UE preamble or / or by DL measurements of one or more RSs. CSI reporting may include measurement metrics, at least including measurements such as SSB RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), SSB RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality), and SSB SINR (Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio). CSI reporting may alternatively or additionally include measurement information such as RSRP, RSRQ, and / or SINR.

[0178] Additionally, during initial network access, a PDCCH candidate with AL1 or AL2 can be used instead of the higher minimum AL. According to current initial access schemes, the network must transmit a PDCCH with AL4, AL8, or AL16, which may not be necessary in the method proposed in this disclosure if channel conditions are sufficiently good or the UE is very close to the BS. In this case, it is proposed to also transmit the PDCCH and one or more UE measurement indications to the BS using AL1 and AL2 (resources) during the UE's initial network access. Here, "this case" refers to this disclosure. This allows for the use of fewer time-frequency resources to transmit the PDCCH, while reducing the amount of blind detection required to determine the PDCCH (e.g., the UE instructs the BS to use AL1, and the BS can determine to use AL1).

[0179] One or more implicit indications applicable to AL

[0180] The UE can use packet preambles, UL data transmissions, or a combination thereof to indicate channel conditions or quality to the base station, and based on, for example... Figure 6 and / or Figure 7 The mapping shown implicitly establishes consensus between the UE and the base station on which ALs are used for PDCCH transmission.

[0181] For example, in Figure 7 In this process, a preamble is selected from a subset of preambles and associated with the classification index of the measurement metric (e.g., RSRP). The subset of preambles can be one of {preamble subset 0}, {preamble subset 1}, ..., {preamble subset m} included in the preamble set table 710. Each preamble subset in the preamble set table 710 can be associated with... Figure 6 and Figure 7At least one element in the channel measurement index table 610 shown is associated with it. For illustrative purposes, it is assumed here that the subset of preambles to which the selected preamble belongs is associated with a classification index of the channel measurement index table 610. The classification index of the measurement index further corresponds to Figure 6 The AL group table contains elements with AL group indexes. For illustrative purposes, it is assumed here that the categorical index associated with the subset of preambles to which the selected preamble belongs is... Figure 6 It is associated with an AL group index in table 620 of the AL group. Therefore, based on Figure 7 In the configuration, the UE can transmit a preamble from a preamble group corresponding to a classification index in an indicator (e.g., an RSRP level) based on its channel measurements; this could mean indicating... Figure 6 The AL group index (i.e., one or more ALs in the elements) can be used by the base station to transmit the PDCCH. Specifically, in an example with a specific value, the preamble can be selected from the {preamble subset m} in the preamble group table 710. The preamble group index m can be associated with a classification index k, which corresponds to RSRP. k0 To RSRP k1 The RSRP range. The classification index k of the channel measurement index table 610 can be associated with AL group index 1, which in turn is associated with AL group {AL 2}. Accordingly, the preamble selected from the {preamble subset m} can implicitly indicate that AL group {AL 2} can be used to transmit scheduling information (e.g., DCI) via PDCCH. It should be noted that the selected preamble can be sent from the device (e.g., UE) to the equipment (e.g., base station) via Message 1 (in a 4-step RACH process) or Message A (in a 2-step RACH process).

[0182] For example, the UE can use UL data transmission sent to the base station to indicate Figure 6 The table shows classification indices for measurement metrics (e.g., RSRP), where the selection of a classification index is based on the actual channel conditions or quality measured according to a DL reference signal (e.g., SSB). For example, UL data transmission may include the transmission of information indicating the quality of the DL reference signal (DL RS). The quality of the DL RS may be based on, for example, SSB RSRP, SSB RSRQ, and / or SSB SINR. The UE can identify a classification index from classification indices 0 to K–1 in metric table 610 that corresponds to the measured quality of the DL RS. The UE can send the classification index or information indicating the classification index to the base station using Message 3 (during a 4-step RACH process) or Message A (during a 2-step RACH process).

[0183] Alternatively, the UE can use UL data transmission to directly report CSI reporting data with actual indicator values ​​(i.e., actual measurements of the DL reference signal), without referencing, for example, Figure 6 or Figure 7 The mapping is shown below. In some embodiments, the UE may send any information or CSI report indicating the quality of the DL RS, which may include at least one of RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, SSBRSRP, SSB RSRQ, or SSB SINR. In this alternative, the UL data channel used for UL data transmission (for indicating or sending CSI reports) during initial access may be, for example, MsgA for a 2-step RACH or Message 3 for a 4-step RACH. MsgA may also be referred to as Message A. After the UL transmission, the base station may identify a classification index in classification indices 0 to K–1 in index table 610 that corresponds to the received information indicating the quality of the DL RS. Details may be provided in the embodiments below. It should be noted that in this scenario, it is not necessary to indicate channel conditions or quality using a preamble, which means that conventional preamble transmission can be performed during initial network access.

[0184] As described above, the UE can use packet preambles or UL data transmissions to indicate channel conditions or quality to the base station, in order to, for example, Figure 6 and / or Figure 7 An implicit consensus can be reached between the UE and the base station regarding which ALs are used for PDCCH transmission. Another option is to combine these two indication schemes, using both packet preambles and UL data transmissions to inform the base station of channel conditions or quality. This can reduce the amount of blind detection used by the UE.

[0185] During initial network access, the UE can send an indication to the BS of one or more aggregation levels that may be applicable to the PDCCH candidate, and expect the BS to use one or more indicated ALs in the PDCCH to carry the DCI. This scheme can reduce the blind detection used by the UE to find the PDCCH carrying the DCI. There are several ways to indicate ALs or AL association information to the BS, including those described below. Indicating ALs or AL association information to the BS can refer to explicitly indicating one or more applicable ALs, which are discussed below. Figure 8 This will be described. Figure 8 An exemplary mapping is shown between a preamble group (or a subset of preambles) or an index value associated with a preamble group and a group of one or more ALs used for PDCCH transmission or an index value associated with a group of one or more ALs.

[0186] • Regarding preamble indications for one or more ALs: The set of preambles configured in the base station for random access timing can be divided (grouped) into two or more subsets, each subset including one or more preambles, and subsets of one or more preambles can be combined with, for example: Figure 7 The classification index of the measurement metric (e.g., RSRP) is associated with or mapped to that classification index. For a direct indication of one or more ALs, a subset of one or more preambles can be associated with or mapped to a group of one or more ALs, and used to populate, for example, Figure 8 The table shown can contain mappings that can be one-to-one, many-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many. These mappings can be represented using indexes; for example, an index on a subset of the preamble can be mapped to an AL group index.

[0187] • For example, the UE can select a preamble from a subset of preambles based on measurements from the SSB (e.g., channel conditions and quality) and then send that preamble to the BS. The BS can then select a preamble based on a mapping (e.g., Figure 8 The mapping shown determines one or more ALs indicated by a preamble, which also indicates the channel conditions and quality observed by the UE. Therefore, the BS can use a PDCCH with one or more indicated ALs as the PDCCH for carrying the DCI to the UE. The UE expects one or more PDCCHs to use one or more ALs indicated by the UE to the BS. In this way, since there is no need to consider PDCCH candidates with other ALs (i.e., ALs not explicitly indicated by the preamble), the UE can reduce the amount of blind detection used. For example, if the channel is very ideal based on the UE's channel measurements of the SSB, the UE can use a preamble from preamble subset 0 to indicate to the BS that AL1 can be used. When the BS receives this preamble, the BS... Figure 8 The configuration knows that the preamble comes from preamble subset 0, so the BS can determine to use AL1 to send the PDCCH (this is indicated by the UE using the preamble, and the UE expects to detect the PDCCH (allocation) with AL1).

[0188] In other words, when using Figure 8 In the example of a specific value in the preamble group table 710 and AL group table 620 shown, the UE can select the preamble to use from the preamble group {preamble subset 0}. Figure 8 Preamble group table 710 and AL group table 620 in the above text can be used in conjunction with the above text and Figure 6 and Figure 7 The tables described in [the original text] are the same. The preamble set {preamble subset 0} can correspond to category index 0, which corresponds to RSRP. 00 To RSRP 01The RSRP range includes the RSRP measured for DL ​​RS. The selected preamble can be sent from the UE to the base station via Message 1 (during a 4-step RACH process) or Message A (during a 2-step RACH process). The base station can identify AL group index 1 based on the received preamble, preamble group table 710, AL group table 620, and / or the mapping between preamble group table 710 and AL group table 620. The base station can then send scheduling information (e.g., DCI) to the UE using one of the candidate PDCCHs with {AL 1} (i.e., an AL group that includes at least AL1) corresponding to AL group index 1. For illustrative purposes, it is assumed here that {AL 1} only includes AL1. The UE can monitor only PDCCH candidates with AL1.

[0189] • UL Data Indication for ALs: Instead of using a preamble to indicate one or more expected ALs as described above, the AL group index can be sent via the UL data channel during initial access to the base station, for example, using MsgA in a 2-step RACH or Message 3 in a 4-step RACH. MsgA can refer to Message A, more details of which are provided below. This approach reduces the amount of blind detection used by the UE to determine the PDCCH carrying the DCI.

[0190] Figure 6 , Figure 7 or Figure 8 The mappings between the components of the various tables can be predefined, preconfigured, or semi-statically configured via, for example, RRC or Medium Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE). More generally, the configuration information used to determine the information indicating AL groups (e.g., the mappings between elements in Tables 610, 620, and 710) can be predetermined or received via system information or RRC signaling. The mappings can be indexed, where the mapping indexes can be dynamically indicated, for example, via DCI.

[0191] CSI reporting or AL instruction in 4-step RACH

[0192] Figure 9 An example of a 4-step RACH signal flow graph with CSI reports and / or one or more AL indications between base station 901 and UE 902 is shown.

[0193] exist Figure 9In Example 900 shown, during initial access using a 4-step RACH, UE 902 may provide a CSI report and / or an indication of one or more ALs in Message 1 and / or Message 3. In this case, BS 901 may select a PDCCH with appropriate ALs, which can be derived from the CSI report (i.e., implicitly) or obtained from the indication of one or more ALs in Message 1 or / and Message 3 (i.e., explicitly).

[0194] BS 901 can transmit (910) SSB in the beam direction (wherein the transmitted signal is transmitted in the direction with a narrow beamwidth), which carries system information including the configuration of classification measurement indicators, preamble subsets and / or AL groups, and mapping relationships (e.g., Figure 6 , Figure 7 or Figure 8 (The parameter configurations shown). These configurations can be system information, RRC, or predefined ones. Figure 9 Step 910 illustrates the transmission of the SSB.

[0195] In one example, UE 902 may select (915) a preamble from a subset of preambles corresponding to channel conditions or quality (e.g., RSRP, channel quality indicator (CQI)) measured on one or more DL reference signals (e.g., SSB). Figure 9 Step 915 in the diagram illustrates the selection of the preamble by UE 902.

[0196] UE 902 can perform (920) random access by using Message 1, which uses a preamble that can indicate the channel condition level or one or more ALs. Figure 9 Step 920 illustrates random access performed using Message 1 with a preamble.

[0197] Based on the received preamble, which may include an indication of a CSI report or one or more ALs, BS 901 can send (925) DCI via a PDCCH with one or more ALs having (implicit or explicit) indications, and later in step 935, send a RAR message including UL time-frequency resources for Message 3 (in the DL data channel). Figure 9 Step 925 in the diagram illustrates the transmission of DCI via PDCCH.

[0198] UE 902 can begin searching for (930) PDCCH from PDCCH candidates that have one or more expected ALs corresponding to the selected preamble (subset) used in Message 1. Figure 9 Step 930 illustrates a PDCCH search, which can also be considered as monitoring and / or detecting the PDCCH. UE 902 can detect the PDCCH carrying the DCI and decode the DCI.

[0199] After decoding the DCI, UE 902 can receive RAR messages in the (935) DL data channel from BS 901, for example, based on the scheduling information included in the DCI. Figure 9 Step 935 illustrates the transmission of the RAR message. UE 902 can decode the RAR message in the DL data channel and obtain its UL time-frequency resources for the transmission of Message 3.

[0200] When transmitting Message 3, UE 902 may (optionally) send an instruction for (940) CSI reporting or AL to BS 901. Figure 9 The optional step 940 illustrates the transmission of CSI reporting or AL instructions.

[0201] Based on the information in Message 3 and / or preamble, which may include an indication of CSI or one or more ALs, BS 901 can transmit (945) DCI via PDCCH with one or more ALs having (implicit or explicit) indications, as well as time-frequency resources for transmitting Message 4 for contention resolution (in the DL data channel). Figure 9 Step 945 in the diagram illustrates the transmission of DCI via PDCCH.

[0202] UE 902 can use the information sent to limit the number of PDCCH candidates to the number of PDCCH candidates that use the indicated AL to send and receive subsequent messages (e.g., Message 4). Specifically, UE 902 can start searching for (950) PDCCH from PDCCH candidates that have one or more expected ALs corresponding to the selected preamble (subset) used in Message 1. Figure 9 The step 950 illustrates the PDCCH search, which can also be considered as monitoring and / or detecting the PDCCH. UE902 can detect the PDCCH carrying the DCI and decode the DCI.

[0203] Receiving Message 4 may also involve PDCCH monitoring and detection performed by UE 902. As mentioned above, Figure 9Step 950 illustrates the PDCCH monitoring and detection performed by UE 902. The PDCCH can use ALs that can be derived from CSI reports or obtained from indications of one or more ALs in Message 1 and / or Message 3. UE 902 can reduce the detection workload of determining the PDCCH used to schedule the transmission of Message 4 in the same way that UE 902 determines the PDCCH used to schedule the transmission of Message 2 when it receives the PDCCH used to schedule the transmission of Message 2.

[0204] After detecting a PDCCH carrying a DCI, UE 902 can, for example, receive Message 4 from the (955)DL data channel from BS901 based on the scheduling information included in the DCI. Figure 9 Step 955 illustrates BS 901 sending Message 4 and UE 902 receiving Message 4.

[0205] CSI reporting or AL indication in 2-step RACH

[0206] Figure 10 An example of a 2-step RACH signal flow graph with CSI reports and / or one or more AL indications between base station 1001 and UE 1002 is shown.

[0207] exist Figure 10 In Example 1000, during initial access using a 2-step RACH, UE 1002 may provide an indication of a CSI report and / or one or more ALs in MsgA. MsgA refers to Message A in the 2-step RACH process. The MsgA transmitted by UE 1002 includes a preamble and UL data (in the UL data channel). In this case, the UL data can be used to transmit the indication of a CSI report and / or one or more ALs, while the preamble transmission follows the normal preamble usage. Therefore, BS1001 can use a PDCCH with appropriate ALs, which can be derived from the CSI report (i.e., implicitly) or obtained from the indication of one or more ALs in the MsgA (i.e., explicitly).

[0208] The BS 1001 can transmit an SSB in the beam direction, containing system information including the configuration of classified measurement parameters, preamble subsets and / or AL groups, and mapping relationships (e.g., Figure 6 , Figure 7 or Figure 8The parameter configurations shown are as follows. These configurations can be broadcast (e.g., system information, SSB, etc.), cell common signaling, UE-specific signaling (e.g., RRC), or predefined. SSB transmission can include... Figure 10 In step 1010 shown.

[0209] UE 1002 can select a preamble from a subset of preambles corresponding to channel conditions or quality (e.g., RSRP, Channel Quality Indication (CQI)) that can be measured on one or more DL reference signals. An example of a DL reference signal could be an SSB. The selection of the preamble by UE 1002 is optional. Figure 10 Step 1015 is shown in the middle.

[0210] UE 1002 may perform (1020) random access using MsgA, which includes channel measurement results indicating the channel condition level and / or information about one or more ALs based on the measured channel condition level. It should be noted that the transmission of preamble and initial UL data can be referred to as the transmission of MsgA. At least one of the preamble or initial UL data may indicate or include information about the channel measurement results and / or information about one or more ALs based on the measured channel condition level. The channel measurement results may be a CSI report, which may include at least one of RSRO, RSRP, SINR, SSB RSRP, SSBRSRQ, or SSB SINR. Figure 10 Step 1020 in the example illustrates random access using MsgA.

[0211] Based on the received CSI report or the indication of one or more ALs, the BS 1001 can transmit (1025) DCI via a PDCCH with one or more ALs having a MsgA (implicit or explicit) indication, and transmit MsgB (in the DL data channel) including parameters for subsequent UL transmissions, such as timing advance / adjustment information and contention resolution indication. Figure 10 Step 1025 in the Chinese version illustrates the transmission of DCI via PDCCH.

[0212] UE 1002 can start monitoring and detecting (1030) PDCCH from a PDCCH candidate with one or more expected ALs obtained implicitly or explicitly from MsgA. Figure 10 Step 1030 illustrates PDCCH monitoring and detection. UE 1002 can detect PDCCH carrying DCI and decode the DCI.

[0213] UE 1002 can decode MsgB in the DL data channel. MsgB refers to Message B. UE 1002 can receive MsgB in the DL data channel from BS 1001 (1035) for example, based on scheduling information included in the DCI. Figure 10 Step 1035 shows the reception of MsgB, including other parameters such as contention resolution messages and timing advance information.

[0214] Methods for detecting or identifying control channels

[0215] Figure 11 This is a signal flow graph of an exemplary method for detecting or identifying a control channel for transmitting scheduling information in a wireless network, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0216] Example process 1100 includes steps 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, 1150, and 1160. Some of these steps may be optional. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the order of one or more steps 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, 1150, and 1160 may be changed.

[0217] In step 1110, device 1101 may send configuration information to device 1102. This configuration information is used to determine information indicating a resource group, which can be used by device 1102 to receive signaling from device 1101. In some embodiments, the configuration information may be sent from device 1101 to device 1102 via system information or Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. In some embodiments, the configuration information may not be sent from device 1101 to device 1102, but may be predetermined, or may be a combination of predetermined configuration information and configuration information notified by signaling.

[0218] The configuration information may include at least one of the following: information indicating a first association, information indicating a second association, or information indicating a third association. The first, second, and third associations are discussed below.

[0219] The first association may be (i) an association between a resource set (used by device 1102) for receiving signaling from device 1101 and (ii) the quality of the signal used for communication between device 1102 and device 1101. In some embodiments, the resource set may include an aggregation level set for receiving signaling from device 1101. The aggregation level set may include one or more aggregation levels, and each of the one or more aggregation levels may include one or more control channel elements (CCEs). In some embodiments, the quality of the signal used for communication between device 1102 and device 1101 may be determined based on channel measurements of a downlink (DL) reference signal (DLRS).

[0220] The second association may be an association between a preamble group and the quality of the signal used for communication between device 1102 and equipment 1101. A preamble group may be all or a subset of the preambles used to establish a connection between device 1102 and equipment 1101. A preamble group may include one or more preambles. One or more preambles in a preamble group may be associated with at least one of: (i) the quality of the signal used for communication between device 1102 and equipment 1101, or (ii) a resource group (to be used by device 1102) for receiving signaling from equipment 1101.

[0221] The third association can be the association between the resource group and the preamble group. The resource group and the preamble group are those resource groups and preamble groups discussed above in conjunction with the first and second associations.

[0222] In some embodiments, at least one of the first association, the second association, or the third association can be a one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one, or many-to-many association.

[0223] In some embodiments, device 1102 may select a preamble from a preamble group in step 1120. The selected preamble may be (in fact,) a preamble used to establish a connection between device 1102 and device 1101. In some embodiments, step 1120 may be performed when (i) device 1102 sends information indicating a resource group in Message 1, Message 3, or Message A in step 1130, and (ii) the information indicating a resource group includes the (selected) preamble.

[0224] In step 1130, device 1102 may send information indicating a resource group to device 1101. The resource group may indicate one or more control channel candidates. At least one of the one or more control channel candidates may be used by device 1101 to transmit scheduling information for data transmission between device 1102 and device 1101 in a wireless network.

[0225] In some embodiments, the information indicating the resource group includes at least one of the following: (i) a preamble for establishing a connection between device 1102 and device 1101, (ii) information indicating the quality of the signal used for communication between device 1102 and device 1101, or (iii) an indication of the resource group (which may be used to receive signaling from device 1101).

[0226] In some embodiments, during initial access, information indicating the resource group may be included in at least one of Message 1, Message 3, or Message A.

[0227] In some embodiments where the information indicating the resource group is included in Message 1, Message 3, or Message A, the information indicating the resource group may include (selected) a preamble.

[0228] In some embodiments where the information indicating the resource group is included in Message 1, Message 3, or Message A, the information indicating the resource group may include at least one of the following: (i) information indicating the quality of the signal used for communication between device 1102 and device 1101, or (ii) an indication of the resource group (which may be used to receive signaling from device 1101). In some embodiments, the information indicating the quality of the signal used for communication between device 1102 and device 1101 may include a Channel State Information (CSI) report. The CSI report may include at least one of the following: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) RSRP, SSB RSRQ, or SSB SINR.

[0229] In step 1140, device 1101 may send scheduling information to device 1102 via a control channel. The control channel may be one or more control channels that a resource group can indicate. In some embodiments, the control channel may be a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). In some embodiments, the scheduling information may include Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0230] In step 1150, device 1102 may perform detection on one or more control channel candidates to identify the control channel used by device 1101 to transmit scheduling information. This detection may be blind detection.

[0231] In step 1160, device 1102 may receive data from device 1101 associated with the scheduling information received via the control channel, representing data in transmission resources. In other words, data transmission is performed according to the received scheduling information. In some embodiments, the data may include at least one of Message 2, Message 4, or Message B.

[0232] Examples of apparatus and / or devices (e.g., ED or UE and BS or network devices) for performing the various methods described herein are also disclosed.

[0233] For example, the device may include memory for storing processor-executable instructions and a processor for executing the processor-executable instructions. When the processor executes the processor-executable instructions, the processor may execute, for example, the instructions described herein. Figure 11Method steps for describing one or more apparatuses and / or devices. For example, a processor may enable the apparatuses and / or devices to communicate over an air interface in an operating mode by implementing operations that match the operating mode, such as performing necessary measurements and generating content configured for the operating mode based on these measurements, preparing uplink transmissions and processing downlink transmissions, such as encoding, decoding, etc., and configuring and / or instructing transmission / reception on one or more RF chains and one or more antennas.

[0234] This disclosure includes various examples, not only method examples, but also apparatus examples and other examples related to non-transitory computer-readable storage media. Examples may individually or in combination contain the features disclosed herein.

[0235] Although this disclosure references illustrative examples, it is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative examples, as well as other examples of this disclosure, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to this specification.

[0236] Features disclosed herein in the context of any particular example may be implemented alternatively or alternatively in other examples. Method examples may be implemented alternatively or alternatively in apparatus, systems, and / or computer program products, for example. Furthermore, although the examples are described primarily in the context of methods and apparatuses, other implementations are contemplated, for example, as instructions stored in one or more non-transitory computer-readable media. These media may store programs or instructions to perform any of the various methods consistent with this disclosure.

[0237] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent cases including "A exists alone," "A and B exist simultaneously," and "B exists alone," where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" can represent a, b, c, "a and b," "a and c," "b and c," or "a, b, and c," where a, b, and c can be singular or plural.

[0238] In this disclosure, when used in conjunction with the term "comprising" in the claims and / or specification, the word "a" may mean "one," but it also has the same meaning as "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more," unless otherwise expressly stated. Similarly, the word "another" may mean at least a second or more, unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0239] In this disclosure, when used before the same term (e.g., ED or operational step), the words “first,” “second,” etc., do not imply an order or sequence of the terms. For example, without specific indication, “first ED” and “second ED” refer to two different EDs; similarly, without specific indication, “first step” and “second step” refer to two different operational steps, but this does not mean that the first step must occur before the second step. The actual order depends on the logic of the two steps.

[0240] The terms “coupling” or “connection” as used herein can have several different meanings depending on the context in which they are used. For example, as used herein, the terms “coupling” or “connection” can mean that two elements or devices are directly connected to each other or connected to each other via mechanical elements through one or more intermediate elements or devices, depending on the specific context.

[0241] The terms “receive,” “detect,” and “decode” used in this document can have several different meanings depending on the context in which they are used. For example, without specific context, the term “receive” can mean that information (e.g., DCI or MAC-CE, RRC signaling, or TB) has been successfully received by the receiving node, indicating that the receiving side correctly detected and decoded the information. In this scenario, “receive” can encompass both “detect” and “decode,” or it can mean the same thing; for example, “receive paging” means that the paging was correctly decoded and successfully retrieved, and correspondingly, “received paging not received” means that the receiving side did not detect and / or decode the paging. “Not received paging” means that the receiving side attempted to detect and / or decode the paging but failed to retrieve it. The term “receive” can sometimes mean that a signal has arrived at the receiving side, but this does not necessarily mean that the information in the signal has been correctly detected and decoded. In this case, the receiving side needs to detect and decode the signal to obtain the information carried in it. In this scenario, “receive,” “detect,” and “decode” can represent different processes by which the receiving side obtains information. In some scenarios, if the apparatus implementing the methods described herein is an integrated circuit, the term "receive" may refer to "input" or "acquisition", and the term "transmit" may refer to "output".

[0242] It should be understood that one or more steps in the methods of the embodiments provided herein can be performed by corresponding units or modules. For example, a signal can be transmitted by a transmitting unit or transmitting module. A signal can be received by a receiving unit or receiving module. A signal can be processed by a processing unit or processing module. The corresponding units / modules can be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of these units / modules can be integrated circuits, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). It should be understood that if these modules are software, then these modules can be retrieved by a processor, in whole or in part, individually or together, as needed, or as single or multiple instances as needed, and these modules themselves can include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0243] While combinations of features are shown in the illustrated embodiments, it is not necessary to combine all features to achieve the advantages of the various embodiments of this disclosure. In other words, a system or method designed according to embodiments of this disclosure does not necessarily include any of the features shown in the drawings or in all portions schematically illustrated in the drawings. Furthermore, selected features of one exemplary embodiment may be combined with selected features of other exemplary embodiments.

[0244] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this specification is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of this disclosure, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to this specification. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover any such modifications or embodiments.

Claims

1. A method used by a device in a wireless network, characterized in that, include: Send information to the device indicating a resource group for receiving signaling from the device, the resource group indicating one or more control channel candidates, wherein at least one of the one or more control channel candidates will be used by the device to send scheduling information for data transmission between the device and the device in the wireless network; Detection is performed on the one or more control channel candidates to identify the control channel used by the device to transmit the scheduling information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information indicating the resource group includes at least one of the following: Preamble used to establish a connection between the device and the equipment; Information indicating the quality of the signals used for communication between the device and the equipment; or Instructions for the resource group.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, During the initial access process, the information indicating the resource group is included in at least one message from the device to the equipment.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, During the initial access process, the information indicating the resource group includes a preamble included in the preamble transmission, the preamble coming from a preamble group comprising one or more preambles, the one or more preambles being associated with at least one of the following: The quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment; or The resource group; The preamble group is all or a subset of the preambles used to establish the connection between the device and the equipment.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, During the initial access process, when the information indicating the resource group is included in the scheduled data transmission message, the information indicating the resource group includes at least one of the following: The information indicating the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment; or Instructions for the resource group.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The device receives configuration information for determining the information indicating the resource group, the configuration information including at least one of the following: Information indicating a first association, wherein the first association is an association between the resource group and the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment. Information indicating a second association, wherein the second association is an association between the preamble group and the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment, or Information indicating a third association, wherein the third association is an association between the resource group and the preamble group; The preamble group is all or a subset of the preambles used to establish the connection between the device and the equipment.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The configuration information is received via system information or Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the configuration information used to determine the information indicating the resource group is predetermined, the configuration information includes at least one of the following: Information indicating a first association, wherein the first association is an association between the resource group and the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment. Information indicating a second association, wherein the second association is an association between the preamble group and the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment, or Information indicating a third association, wherein the third association is an association between the resource group and the preamble group; The preamble group is all or a subset of the preambles used to establish the connection between the device and the equipment.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, At least one of the first association, the second association, or the third association is a one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one, or many-to-many association.

10. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The information indicating the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment includes a Channel State Information (CSI) report.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The CSI report includes at least one of the following: Reference signal received power (RSRP); Reference signal reception quality (RSRQ); Signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR); Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) RSRP; SSB RSRQ; or SSB SINR.

12. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that, The quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment is determined based on channel measurements of the downlink (DL) reference signal (DLRS).

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, Also includes: The device receives data from transmission resources associated with the scheduling information received via the control channel, wherein the data includes at least one of a random access response message and a contention resolution message.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The scheduling information includes downlink control information (DCI).

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The control channel is the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH).

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, The resource group includes an aggregation level group for receiving signaling from the device.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The aggregation level group includes one or more aggregation levels.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, Each of the one or more aggregation levels includes one or more control channel elements (CCEs).

19. An apparatus in a wireless network, characterized in that, include: processor; A computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions, which, when executed, cause the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A method used by a device in a wireless network, characterized in that, include: The device receives information indicating a resource group for sending signaling to the device, the resource group indicating one or more control channel candidates; In the wireless network, scheduling information for data transmission between the device and the equipment is sent to the device via a control channel, wherein the control channel is one of the one or more control channel candidates.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The information indicating the resource group includes at least one of the following: Preamble used to establish a connection between the device and the equipment; Information indicating the quality of the signals used for communication between the device and the equipment; or Instructions for the resource group.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, During the initial access process, the information indicating the resource group is included in at least one message from the device to the equipment.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that, During the initial access process, the information indicating the resource group includes a preamble, which is included in at least one message from the device to the equipment.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The preamble is associated with at least one of the following: The quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment; or The resource group.

25. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that, During the initial access process, when the information indicating the resource group is included in the scheduled data transmission message, the information indicating the resource group includes at least one of the following: The information indicating the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment; or Instructions for the resource group.

26. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, Also includes: Send configuration information to the device for determining the information indicating the resource group, the configuration information including at least one of the following: Information indicating a first association, wherein the first association is an association between the resource group and the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment. Information indicating a second association, wherein the second association is an association between the preamble group and the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment, or Information indicating a third association, wherein the third association is an association between the resource group and the preamble group; The preamble group is all or a subset of the preambles used to establish the connection between the device and the equipment.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The configuration information is sent via system information or Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

28. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, When the configuration information used to determine the information indicating the resource group is predetermined, the configuration information includes at least one of the following: Information indicating a first association, wherein the first association is an association between the resource group and the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment. Information indicating a second association, wherein the second association is an association between the preamble group and the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment, or Information indicating a third association, wherein the third association is an association between the resource group and the preamble group; The preamble group is all or a subset of the preambles used to establish the connection between the device and the equipment.

29. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that, At least one of the first association, the second association, or the third association is a one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one, or many-to-many association.

30. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that, The information indicating the quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment includes a Channel State Information (CSI) report.

31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that, The CSI report includes at least one of the following: Reference signal received power (RSRP); Reference signal reception quality (RSRQ); Signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR); Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) RSRP; SSB RSRQ; or SSB SINR.

32. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 31, characterized in that, The quality of the signal used for communication between the device and the equipment is determined based on channel measurements of the downlink (DL) reference signal (DLRS).

33. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 32, characterized in that, Also includes: Data in transmission resources associated with the scheduling information transmitted via the control channel is sent to the device, wherein the data includes at least one of a random access response message and a contention resolution message.

34. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 33, characterized in that, The scheduling information includes downlink control information (DCI).

35. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 34, characterized in that, The control channel is the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH).

36. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 35, characterized in that, The resource group includes an aggregation level group for sending signaling to the device.

37. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that, The aggregation level group includes one or more aggregation levels.

38. The method according to claim 37, characterized in that, Each of the one or more aggregation levels includes one or more control channel elements (CCEs).

39. A device in a wireless network, characterized in that, include: processor; A computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 20 to 38.

40. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor of the device, cause the device to perform any one of claims 1 to 18 and 20 to 38.

41. A device, characterized in that, Used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or the method according to any one of claims 20 to 38.

42. A processor, characterized in that, Used to execute instructions to cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or the method according to any one of claims 20 to 38.

43. An integrated circuit, characterized in that, Used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or the method according to any one of claims 20 to 38.

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