Communication device and communication method

Abstract

The present invention is provided with: a reception unit for receiving, from a base station, resource information of a signal relating to a random access procedure of a device having a lower complexity than a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) device; and a control unit that monitors a signal related to a random access procedure of the device on the basis of the resource information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to communication devices and communication methods. Background Technology

[0002] In NR (New Radio) (also known as "5G"), which is the successor system to LTE (Long Term Evolution), technologies that meet requirements such as high-capacity systems, high-speed data transmission, low latency, simultaneous connection of multiple terminals, low cost, and power saving are being researched (e.g., Non-Patent Literature 1).

[0003] Furthermore, in 3GPP (registered trademark) version 18, Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) is being researched (e.g., non-patent document 2). In Ambient Internet of Things, the target is a device with a structure that is extremely simple and designed for low-end IoT applications that operate with minimal power consumption.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Non-patent literature

[0006] Non-patent document 1: 3GPP TS 38.300 V17.3.0 (2022-12)

[0007] Non-patent literature 2: "New SID: Study on Ambient IoT", RP-222685, 3GPP TSG RANMeeting #97-e, September 2022

[0008] Non-patent document 3: 3GPP TR 38.848 V0.1.0 (2023-03)

[0009] Non-patent document 4: 3GPP TS 36.211 V16.7.0 (2021-09)

[0010] Non-patent document 5: 3GPP TS 38.211 V17.5.0 (2023-06) Summary of the Invention

[0011] However, research on the initial access processing in environmental IoT is insufficient, and further research is needed.

[0012] One aspect of this disclosure provides a communication device and a communication method capable of appropriately handling initial access.

[0013] Methods for solving problems

[0014] One aspect of the communication apparatus disclosed herein includes: a receiving unit that receives from a base station resource information relating to signals related to the random access process of a device with a complexity lower than that of a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) device; and a control unit that monitors signals related to the random access process of the device based on the resource information.

[0015] One aspect of the communication method disclosed herein includes the following steps: receiving from a base station resource information related to signals associated with the random access process of a device with a complexity lower than that of a Narrow Band-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) device; and monitoring signals associated with the random access process of the device based on the resource information. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating Topology 1.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating topology 2.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating topology 3 in DL-assisted programming.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating topology 3 in UL-assisted programming.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating topology 4.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating backscattering.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the 4-step RACH.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the 2-step RACH.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating Proposal 2 and Proposal 3.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating Proposal 2 and Proposal 3.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating Proposal 2 and Proposal 3.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating Proposal 2 and Proposal 3.

[0029] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating Proposal 4.

[0030] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating Proposal 4.

[0031] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating Proposal 4.

[0032] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating Proposal 4.

[0033] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating an operational example of Proposal 4: Option 2.

[0034] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating an operational example of Proposal 4: Option 3.

[0035] Figure 20 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a base station according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 21 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the device involved in the embodiment.

[0037] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the base station and device involved in the implementation method.

[0038] Figure 23 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiment described below is an example, and the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0040] In the operation of the wireless communication system according to the embodiments of this disclosure, existing technologies are appropriately used. These existing technologies include, for example, existing LTE, but are not limited to, existing LTE. Furthermore, the term "LTE" as used in this specification is assumed to have a broad meaning, encompassing LTE-Advanced and subsequent modes (e.g., NR), unless otherwise specified.

[0041] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this disclosure described below, terms used in existing LTE systems, such as SS (Synchronization signal), PSS (Primary SS), SSS (Secondary SS), PBCH (Physical broadcast channel), PRACH (Physical random access channel), PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel), PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel), PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel), and PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel), are used for ease of description. The same signals, functions, etc., can also be referred to by other names. Additionally, the above terms in NR correspond to NR-SS, NR-PSS, NR-SSS, NR-PBCH, NR-PRACH, etc. However, even signals used in NR are not necessarily explicitly labeled as "NR-".

[0042] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the duplex mode can be either TDD (Time Division Duplex) mode, FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) mode, or other modes (e.g., Flexible Duplex).

[0043] Furthermore, in embodiments of this disclosure, the term "configure" for wireless parameters can refer to either specific values ​​being pre-configured or wireless parameters being set by notification from a base station or a terminal containing the device.

[0044] <System Architecture>

[0045] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the wireless communication system includes a base station 10 and a device 20. Figure 1In this example, one base station 10 and one device 20 are shown, but this is just one example; there could be multiple devices. Device 20 could also be an environmental IoT device.

[0046] Base station 10 is a communication device that provides one or more cells and communicates wirelessly with device 20. The physical resources of the wireless signal are defined in the time domain and frequency domain. The time domain can also be defined by the number of OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) symbols. The frequency domain can also be defined by the number of subcarriers or resource blocks.

[0047] Base station 10 sends synchronization signals and system information to device 20. Base station 10 sends control signals and data to device 20 via DL (Downlink). Base station 10 receives control signals and data from device 20 via UL (Uplink).

[0048] Although described later, wireless communication systems may also include intermediate nodes and / or assisting nodes (see <Device Types and Topologies> below). Hereinafter, "and / or" will sometimes be simply referred to as " / ".

[0049] <Environmental IoT>

[0050] In Rel-18 (Release-18), a study on environmental IoT that is lower than existing Narrow Band IoT (NB-IoT: e.g., see paragraph 10 of Non-Patent Document 4) is permitted (e.g., see Non-Patent Document 2). In environmental IoT, the goal is to target ultra-low power consumption and ultra-low complexity devices.

[0051] In environmental IoT, for example, for associated use cases, the following import scenarios and characteristics can be studied.

[0052] Indoor or outdoor environment

[0053] • Base station type, for example, configuration based on macro / micro / pecimen cells

[0054] • The connectivity involved, such as whether any node among base stations, user terminals (UEs), relay stations, and repeaters communicates with environmental IoT devices.

[0055] • Is the duplex mode TDD or FDD? Is the frequency band licensed or unlicensed?

[0056] • Coexistence with UEs and network equipment in frequency bands oriented towards existing 3GPP technologies

[0057] • Concept of services originating from / incoming from the device

[0058] Based on the aforementioned import scenarios and characteristics, for example, the following RAN design goals can be planned and formulated.

[0059] Power consumption

[0060] Complexity

[0061] • Coverage

[0062] Data rate

[0063] • Positioning accuracy

[0064] Based on the import scenarios suitable for the associated use cases, compare and evaluate the feasibility of achieving the design goals, and determine the supported functions.

[0065] <Device Type and Topology>

[0066] Based on the results of the study item, TR 38.848 (Non-Patent Document 3) is licensed. TR 38.848 studies environmental IoT devices in the following categories.

[0067] Device A: Device A does not have a power storage device, nor does it have independent signal generation or signal amplification functions. Device A performs backscattering transmission.

[0068] Device B: Device B has a power storage device but does not have independent signal generation capabilities. Device B performs backscatter transmission. Device B uses the stored power to amplify the reflected signal.

[0069] Device C: Device C has a power storage device and an independent signal generation function. That is, Device C has an active radio frequency (RF) component for transmission.

[0070] In addition, regarding the complexity of device A, consider the level of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).

[0071] In TR 38.848, in the context of the IoT network, the following topologies 1-4 are defined.

[0072] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating Topology 1. For example... Figure 2 As shown, Topology 1 is the structure for communication between the base station (BS) and environmental IoT devices. The environmental IoT devices directly perform bidirectional communication with the base station.

[0073] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating Topology 2. For example... Figure 3 As shown, Topology 2 is a structure in which the base station and the environmental IoT device communicate via an intermediate node. The environmental IoT device performs bidirectional communication with the intermediate node configured between the base station and the environmental IoT device. The intermediate node can be, for example, a relay station, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a UE, or a repeater.

[0074] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating topology 3 in DL-assisted programming. For example... Figure 4 As shown, Topology 3 is a structure that includes communication between the base station and the assistant node, communication between the assistant node and the environmental IoT device, and communication between the environmental IoT device and the base station.

[0075] The auxiliary node supports deep communication. For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the auxiliary node receives the DL signal from the base station and sends it to the environmental IoT device. In the UL signal, the environmental IoT device sends it directly to the base station.

[0076] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating topology 3 in UL-assisted implementation. For example... Figure 5 As shown, Topology 3 is a structure that includes communication between the base station and auxiliary nodes, communication between auxiliary nodes and environmental IoT devices, and communication between environmental IoT devices and the base station.

[0077] The auxiliary node supports UL communication. For example, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the auxiliary node receives the UL signal from the environmental IoT device and sends it to the base station. In the DL signal, the environmental IoT device receives it directly from the base station.

[0078] Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The auxiliary node shown can also send out a carrier wave to enable environmental IoT devices to generate backscattered signals. The auxiliary node can be, for example, a relay station, an IAB node, a UE, or a repeater.

[0079] Figure 6This diagram illustrates Topology 4. Topology 4 is the structure for communication between the UE and the environmental IoT devices. The environmental IoT devices and the UE perform bidirectional communication. Topology 4 can also be understood as side-link (SL) communication.

[0080] In addition, in the topologies 1 to 4 described above, environmental IoT devices can also be provided with carriers from other nodes inside or outside the topology (section 4.2.1 of Non-Patent Document 3).

[0081] <Backscatter transmission>

[0082] Base stations, intermediate nodes, auxiliary nodes, and other nodes send RF signals to environmental IoT devices. The environmental IoT devices are activated and receive power from the RF operating field of the base stations, intermediate nodes, auxiliary nodes, and other nodes via inductive coupling.

[0083] Environmental IoT devices use the reflection coefficient of their own antennas to perform backscatter modulation on RF signals received from base stations, intermediate nodes, auxiliary nodes, and other nodes, and then transmit the information to the base stations, intermediate nodes, auxiliary nodes, and other nodes.

[0084] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating backscattering. In Figure 7 The image shows an example of an environmental IoT device performing ON-OFF keying and sending information. Figure 7 The area shown by the dashed line can also represent the OFF interval, or it can correspond to the information (bit) "0". A sine wave signal can also correspond to the information "1".

[0085] Random Access in NR

[0086] To obtain initial access to the network, the terminal executes the RA (Random Access Procedure). In NR, two types of RA procedures are supported: a 4-step RA type involving Msg (Message) 1-4 and a 2-step RA type involving Msg A and B.

[0087] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a 4-step RACH. Step 1: The terminal (UE) sends the RA preamble (Msg1) to the base station (gNB). The Msg1 of the 4-step RA type is composed of the preamble on the PRACH.

[0088] Step 2: After sending Msg1, the terminal monitors the network for responses (the PDCCH of the scheduled RAR and the RAR (PDSCH)) within the set window. If the terminal's RAR (Msg2) in Step 2 contains a preamble index that matches the preamble index sent in Step 1, the RAR is considered successfully received. Note that RAR is an abbreviation for RA response.

[0089] Step 3: Based on the UL-permitted scheduling included in the response of Step 2, the terminal sends Msg3 (PUSCH) and monitors contention resolution (Contention Resolution: scheduling Msg4's PDCCH and Msg4 (PDSCH)). Msg3 includes a C-RNTI MAC CE or CCCH SDU containing the UE identity (UE ID). C-RNTI is an abbreviation for Cell-Radio Network Temporary Identifier. MACCE is an abbreviation for Media Access Control Address Control Element. CCCH is an abbreviation for Common Control Channel. SDU is an abbreviation for Service Data Unit.

[0090] Step 4: The terminal sends a C-RNTI MAC CE in Msg3. If a PDCCH destined for C-RNTI is received, the contention resolution is considered successful. Alternatively, the terminal sends a CCCH SDU in Msg3. If the UE contention resolution ID (UE contention resolution identity) that matches the sent CCCH SDU is included in Msg4, the contention resolution is considered successful. Then, the terminal considers the RA procedure to have ended normally.

[0091] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a 2-step RACH. Step 1: The terminal sends MsgA. MsgA includes the preamble on PRACH and the payload on PUSCH. MsgA includes a C-RNTI MAC CE or CCCH SDU containing the UE ID. MsgA can also be understood as a combination of Msg1 and Msg3 in a 4-step RACH.

[0092] Step 2: After sending MsgA, the terminal monitors the network's response (scheduling MsgB's PDCCH and MsgB's (PDSCH)) within the set window. The terminal sends a C-RNTI MAC CE in MsgA; if it receives a PDCCH destined for C-RNTI, the RA procedure is considered to have ended normally. Otherwise, the terminal sends a CCCH SDU in MsgA; if the UE contention resolution ID consistent with the sent CCCH SDU is included in MsgB, the terminal considers the RA procedure to have ended normally.

[0093] Random Access in NB-IoT

[0094] The RA process for NB-IoT is the same as the 4-step RACH process for NR. Step 1: The NB-IoT terminal (UE) sends the RA preamble (Msg1) to the base station (gNB). Msg1 is composed of the preamble on the NPRACH. NPRACH is an abbreviation for Narrowband PRACH.

[0095] Step 2: After sending Msg1, the terminal monitors the network for responses (the NPDCCH of the scheduled RAR and the RAR (NPDSCH)) within a preambled window. If the terminal's RAR (Msg2) in Step 2 contains a preamble index consistent with the one sent in Step 1, the RAR reception is considered successful. Additionally, NPDCCH is an abbreviation for Narrowband PDCCH, and NPDSCH is an abbreviation for Narrowband PDSCH.

[0096] Step 3: Based on the UL-granted scheduling contained in the response of Step 2, the terminal sends Msg3 (NPUSCH) and monitors contention resolution (Contention Resolution: scheduling Msg4's NPDCCH and Msg4 (NPDSCH)). Msg3 includes a C-RNTI MAC CE or CCCH SDU containing the UE ID. NPUSCH is an abbreviation for Narrowband PUSCH. C-RNTI is an abbreviation for Cell-RadioNetwork Temporary Identifier. MAC CE is an abbreviation for Media Access Control Address Control Element. CCCH is an abbreviation for Common Control Channel. SDU is an abbreviation for Service Data Unit.

[0097] Step 4: The terminal sends a C-RNTI MAC CE in Msg3. If an NPDCCH destined for C-RNTI is received, the contention resolution is considered successful. Alternatively, the terminal sends a CCCH SDU in Msg3. If the UE contention resolution ID (UE contention resolution identity) that matches the sent CCCH SDU is included in Msg4, the contention resolution is considered successful. Then, the terminal considers the RA procedure to have ended normally.

[0098] <Preamble Transmission in NR>

[0099] For the preamble transmission in NR, the preamble signal is generated as follows (refer to Non-Patent Document 5). Equation (1) is a cyclically shifted Zadoff-Chu sequence.

[0100] [Mathematical Expression 1]

[0101]

[0102] Equation (2) represents the frequency domain representation of the preamble. The x contained on the right side of Equation (2) is represented by Equation (1) above.

[0103] [Mathematical Expression 2]

[0104]

[0105] Equation (3) represents the preamble sequence mapped to the frequency domain resource. The y contained on the right side of Equation (3) is represented by Equation (2) above.

[0106] [Mathematical Expression 3]

[0107]

[0108] OFDM is used in baseband signal generation. The time-continuous signal of PRACH is represented by the following equation (4). The "a" contained on the right side of equation (4) is represented by the above equation (3).

[0109] [Mathematical Expression 4]

[0110]

[0111] <Preamble Transmission in NB-IoT>

[0112] The preamble transmission in NB-IoT differs from that in NR (see Non-Patent Document 4). NB-IoT preamble transmission is based on single-subcarrier frequency-hopping symbol groups.

[0113] The baseband signal is generated based on a single subcarrier. The time-continuous signal of symbol group "i" is represented by the following equation (5).

[0114] [Mathematical Expression 5]

[0115]

[0116] The "e" on the right side of equation (5) j2π The first term within the parentheses on the right side of “” is represented by the following formula (6-1)-(6-3).

[0117] [Mathematical Expression 6]

[0118]

[0119] The "n" in the first term on the right side of equation (6-1) start "This is represented by equation (6-2). The first term on the right-hand side of equation (6-2) represents the offset of the frequency position of the preamble. The second term on the right-hand side of equation (6-2) contains "n" init "" indicates the subcarrier selected by the terminal through the MAC layer.

[0120] In NB-IoT, the subcarrier index is treated as the preamble index in the RACH process of a standard UE (e.g., an existing UE other than A-IoT). Frequency hopping is performed across symbol groups. The second term on the right-hand side of equation (6-1) is represented by equation (6-3). Equation (6-3) represents frequency hopping, specifically an example of a symbol group with P=4.

[0121] <NPRACH Settings>

[0122] The NPRACH configuration for NB-IoT preamble transmission is provided by higher layers.

[0123] Time-domain resources

[0124] NPRACH resources are periodic. The periodicity is provided by higher layers. Additionally, the NPRACH starting time is provided by higher layers.

[0125] Frequency domain resources

[0126] The number of candidate subcarriers for NPRACH is provided by higher layers. The location of the first candidate subcarrier is provided by higher layers.

[0127] <Analysis>

[0128] Regarding environmental IoT, the goal is to develop IoT technologies that rely on ultra-low power consumption and ultra-low complexity devices for very low-end IoT applications (applications).

[0129] Therefore, compared to NB-IoT, anticipated environmental IoT devices have lower complexity, lower power consumption, and lower data rates. Furthermore, like NB-IoT, anticipated environmental IoT relies on narrowband transmission.

[0130] For the environmental IoT devices described above, there has been no specific research on how to handle initial access such as RA (Range Access). Therefore, the environmental IoT devices cannot properly initiate communication.

[0131] Therefore, in this disclosure, the following proposal is provided regarding the processing of initial access such as RA in environmental IoT.

[0132] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the following proposal is provided regarding the technology of RA for adapting to the above-mentioned characteristics of IoT in the environment.

[0133] Furthermore, the following proposals can be applied to environmental A-IoT devices of specific device types (Device A / B / C) or to all device types. Additionally, different solutions can be applied to different device types. Hereinafter, environmental IoT will sometimes be referred to as A-IoT.

[0134] <Proposal 1>

[0135] Proposal 1 addresses the RA process in A-IoT. For initial access to A-IoT, a 4-step RA process, a 2-step RA process, or a combination of both can be used.

[0136] <Proposal 1: Importing New Parameters>

[0137] To enable RACH settings for A-IoT, new parameters are introduced. In A-IoT, due to its ultra-low complexity and narrow bandwidth (e.g., bandwidth is a number of subcarriers, which may be smaller than a Physical Resource Block (PRB)), some PRACH / NPRACH settings used in NR or NB-IoT may not be supported.

[0138] A subset of the parameters for the NR PRACH settings or the NB-IoT NPRACH settings can also be provided to A-IoT. Furthermore, a subset of the PRACH setting index in the NR PRACH settings can also be provided to A-IoT. The A-IoT PRACH settings are explained in Proposal 2 and Proposal 3.

[0139] <Proposal 1: 4-Step RA Process>

[0140] Step 1 (Msg1): The A-IoT device sends a preamble. The preamble (Msg1) can also be composed of a preamble on a newly imported PRACH (e.g., Proposal 2 and Proposal 3).

[0141] Step 2 (Msg2): The A-IoT device monitors for responses from network nodes within the time window. The A-IoT device receives the response, and if the received response contains a preamble index consistent with the preamble sent in Step 1, the response is considered successfully received. For transmission in Step 3, the response may also additionally include the time / frequency resources used by the A-IoT device.

[0142] Step 3 (Msg3): The A-IoT device sends its identity (ID). The A-IoT device ID can also be a C-RNTI MAC CE or CCCH SDU that includes the device ID (A-IoT ID).

[0143] Step 4 (Msg4): The A-IoT device monitors contention resolution information from network nodes within the time window. If the contention resolution information points to an ID, or if the contention resolution information contains the ID sent by the A-IoT device in step 3 (Msg3), the A-IoT device considers the contention resolution successful and the RA process successful.

[0144] <Proposal 1: 2-Step RA Process>

[0145] Step A (MsgA): The A-IoT device sends a preamble and the A-IoT device ID. The preamble can also be composed of a preamble on a newly imported PRACH (e.g., Proposal 2 and Proposal 3).

[0146] Step B (MsgB): The A-IoT device monitors contention resolution information from network nodes within the time window. If the contention resolution information points to an ID, or if the contention resolution information contains the ID sent by the A-IoT device in step 1 (MsgA), the A-IoT device considers the contention resolution successful and the RA process successful.

[0147] <Proposal 1: 2-Step RA Process: Rollback Instruction>

[0148] The A-IoT device can also receive a fallback instruction from the network node in step B. For example, if the received response (MsgB) contains a preamble index that is consistent with the preamble sent in step A, the A-IoT device can also be considered to have received the response normally and perform steps 3 and 4 of the 4-step RA process.

[0149] <Proposal 1: Time Window>

[0150] The duration of the time window in Msg2 / Msg4 / MsgB of the RA procedure can be provided (set) in the DL information from the network node or fixed in the specification. DL information can be, for example, Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB), Downlink Control Information (DCI), MAC CE, or higher-level signaling information such as RRC. Fixed information can also be rewritten as a specification or definition.

[0151] <Proposal 1: Network Nodes>

[0152] Unless otherwise stated, network nodes in Proposal 1 and the following proposals may also be base stations, intermediate nodes, auxiliary nodes, relay stations, and terminals (UEs of Topology 4) (e.g., see <Environmental IoT> and <Device Types and Topologies>).

[0153] <Proposal 1: Summary>

[0154] Based on the structure described above, A-IoT devices can perform communication appropriately. Furthermore, a RA process is provided to adapt to the characteristics of A-IoT, such as ultra-low power consumption and ultra-low complexity.

[0155] <Proposal 2>

[0156] Proposal 2 addresses the transmission of the preamble for A-IoT. A new channel, AIoT-PRACH, is defined for the transmission of the preamble for A-IoT.

[0157] The A-IoT preamble transmission in step 1 / step A as described in Proposal 1 uses single subcarrier-based signal generation.

[0158] Regarding the frequency domain resources used for preamble transmission in A-IoT, the following options 1-4 are provided.

[0159] <Proposal 2: Option 1>

[0160] The subcarriers used for preamble transmission are selected from multiple candidate subcarriers.

[0161] The bandwidth allocated for AIoT-PRACH can be either the entire UL bandwidth or a portion of the UL bandwidth. The bandwidth can also be predefined / set.

[0162] The subcarrier used for preamble transmission is, for example, represented by “N_offset + N_selected”.

[0163] "N_offset" represents, for example, the starting position of the candidate subcarrier, starting from the reference subcarrier such as index 0. In other words, "N_offset" represents the initial position of the candidate subcarrier.

[0164] For example, Figure 10 The “candidate frequency resource” shown represents a candidate subcarrier. Figure 10 The subcarrier indicated by arrow A10a (in) Figure 10 The frequency domain resource unit (C) represents the initial position of the candidate subcarrier.

[0165] For example, Figure 12 The “candidate frequency resource” shown represents a candidate subcarrier. Figure 12 The subcarrier indicated by arrow A12a (in) Figure 12 The frequency domain resource unit (C) represents the initial position of the candidate subcarrier.

[0166] Import a new parameter to provide "N_offset". The parameter can also be provided via DL information, for example. To reduce DL information, the parameter can also be fixed in the specification.

[0167] "N_selected" represents the position of the subcarrier used for preamble transmission, starting from the initial position of the candidate subcarriers. Regarding "N_selected," it can be selected by the A-IoT device, for example, within a range of candidate subcarrier numbers. The A-IoT device can also randomly select "N_selected."

[0168] For example, Figure 10 The number of candidate subcarriers (candidate frequency resources) shown is 6. A-IoT devices, for example, select a value for "N_selected" from a range of 0 to 5 (or 1 to 6) of candidate subcarriers. Figure 10 In the example, the A-IoT device selects "2" (or "3") as N_selected, and the subcarrier used for preamble transmission becomes Figure 10 The subcarrier is indicated by arrow A10b.

[0169] For example, Figure 12 The number of candidate subcarriers (candidate frequency resources) shown is 6. A-IoT devices, for example, select a value for "N_selected" from a range of 0 to 5 (or 1 to 6) of candidate subcarriers. Figure 12 In the example, the A-IoT device selects "2" (or "3") as N_selected, and the subcarrier used for preamble transmission becomes Figure 12 The subcarrier is indicated by arrow A12b.

[0170] Regarding the number of candidate subcarriers, the following Alt.1-Alt.3 are provided.

[0171] <Proposal 2: Option 1: Alt.1>

[0172] Import a new parameter to indicate the number of candidate subcarriers. This new parameter can also be provided via DL information.

[0173] <Proposal 2: Option 1: Alt.2>

[0174] The number of candidate subcarriers is fixed in the specification. Having a fixed number in the specification reduces DL information and thus reduces power consumption of A-IoT devices.

[0175] <Proposal 2: Option 1: Alt.3>

[0176] The number of candidate subcarriers is set to be less than that of NB-IoT subcarriers. Furthermore, the number of subcarriers for NB-IoT is 12, 24, 36, or 48.

[0177] <Proposal 2: Option 2>

[0178] For A-IoT preamble transmission, a subcarrier is allocated. For example, such as Figure 11 As shown by arrow A11a, a subcarrier is allocated ( Figure 11 (The middle part is a frequency domain resource unit). For example, such as... Figure 13 As shown by arrow A13a, a subcarrier is allocated ( Figure 13 (The middle part is the frequency domain resource unit).

[0179] To provide the frequency location for preamble transmission, new parameters are imported. These new parameters are provided to the A-IoT device from the network node via DL information.

[0180] Narrowband is envisioned in A-IoT. For A-IoT preamble transmission, a subcarrier is allocated, thereby adapting to the characteristics of A-IoT.

[0181] <Proposal 2: Option 3>

[0182] Frequency hopping is supported for A-IoT preamble transmission. That is, the A-IoT preamble is transmitted in multiple time units. Different subcarriers are used in different time units, determined by frequency hopping rules. The time unit can be, for example, a symbol, a time slot, a subframe, or a radio frame.

[0183] The number of frequency hopping is set to be less than that of NB-IoT. For example, in the preamble transmission of A-IoT, a maximum of two frequency hoppings can also be supported. In addition, in NB-IoT, the number of frequency hopping is 4 or 6.

[0184] Import a new parameter indicating whether frequency hopping is valid. Additionally, import a new parameter indicating the number of frequency hopping cycles. These new parameters are provided to the A-IoT device from the network node via DL information.

[0185] <Proposal 2: Option 4>

[0186] Frequency hopping is not supported in A-IoT. That is, A-IoT devices do not perform frequency hopping when transmitting preambles. In this case, the complexity of A-IoT devices can be reduced.

[0187] <Proposal 2: Summary>

[0188] Based on the structure described above, A-IoT devices can perform communication appropriately. Furthermore, preamble transmission is provided, offering characteristics of A-IoT such as ultra-low power consumption and ultra-low complexity.

[0189] <Proposal 3>

[0190] Proposal 3 addresses time-domain resources in A-IoT preamble transmission. Regarding time-domain resources in A-IoT preamble transmission, the following options 1-2 are provided.

[0191] <Proposal 3: Option 1>

[0192] The time-domain resources used for preamble transmission in A-IoT are periodic. For example, such as Figure 10 As indicated by arrow A10c, the time-domain resources used for preamble transmission in A-IoT are periodic. For example, as... Figure 11 As indicated by arrow A11b, the time-domain resources used for preamble transmission in A-IoT are periodic.

[0193] The following Alt.1-Alt.3 are provided for time-domain resources used for preamble transmission in A-IoT.

[0194] <Proposal 3: Option 1: Alt.1>

[0195] To provide the periodicity and start time of A-IoT preamble transmission, new parameters are introduced. These new parameters can also be provided via DL information.

[0196] <Proposal 3: Option 1: Alt.2>

[0197] The periodicity and start time of A-IoT preamble transmission are fixed in the specification. This fixed specification reduces DL (deep learning) information and thus reduces the power consumption of A-IoT devices.

[0198] As a baseline option, there is one candidate time domain resource for preamble transmission within a cycle. After the RA process is triggered, the A-IoT device determines the next available time domain resource for preamble transmission. Several functional enhancements are investigated in Proposal 4 below.

[0199] <Proposal 3: Option 2>

[0200] The time-domain resources used for preamble transmission in A-IoT are single-trigger. For example, such as Figure 12 As indicated by arrow A12c, the time-domain resources for preamble transmission in A-IoT are single-trigger. For example, as... Figure 13 As indicated by arrow A13b, the time-domain resource for preamble transmission in A-IoT is single-trigger.

[0201] If we consider that A-IoT devices do not have several use cases involving UE-initiated data transmission, then A-IoT devices may not require periodic resources for preamble transmission. In particular, in the case of device type A / B, A-IoT devices cannot perform UL transmission without DL triggering. That is, in the case where UL transmission is triggered by DL, it is assumed that the temporal resources used for A-IoT preamble transmission are effective even with a single trigger.

[0202] <Proposal 3: Option 3>

[0203] A-IoT determines the timing resources for preamble transmission based on the offset from the DL signal received from the network node. In other words, A-IoT determines the preamble transmission timing based on the offset time since the DL signal was received. The offset can also be specified by symbol / time slot / subframe / radio frame. The following Alt.1-Alt.3 are provided regarding the offset and the DL signal.

[0204] <Proposal 3: Option 3: Alt.1>

[0205] To provide the offset, import the new parameters. New parameters can also be provided via DL information.

[0206] <Proposal 3: Option 3: Alt.2>

[0207] The offset is fixed in the specification. With the offset fixed in the specification, the amount of DL information can be reduced, which can reduce the power consumption of A-IoT devices.

[0208] <Proposal 3: Option 3: Alt.3>

[0209] DL signals can also be signals carrying essential information for A-IoT preamble transmission. For example, a DL signal carrying essential information could be a MIB or SIB.

[0210] The DL signal can also be the signal that triggers the transmission of the preamble for A-IoT. The trigger signal can be, for example, PDCCH or PDSCH. PDCCH or PDSCH can also be newly defined channels for A-IoT such as APDCCH or APDSCH.

[0211] DL signals may not be UE-specific (A-IoT device-specific) but cell-specific.

[0212] <Proposal 3: Summary>

[0213] Based on the structure described above, A-IoT devices can perform communication appropriately. Furthermore, preamble transmission is provided, offering characteristics of A-IoT such as ultra-low power consumption and ultra-low complexity.

[0214] <Proposal 4>

[0215] For example, considering several use cases of A-IoT such as inventory information collection, there is a possibility that a large number of A-IoT devices could simultaneously use RACH, triggering a conflict. Proposal 4 addresses reducing the possibility of initial access conflicts such as RA. Regarding the reduction of RA conflicts, the following options 1-4 are provided.

[0216] <Proposal 4: Option 1>

[0217] For preamble transmission, A-IoT devices are provided with multiple candidate time resources for randomly selecting one time resource. In other words, for preamble transmission, the A-IoT device randomly selects one time resource from multiple candidate time resources.

[0218] When the time resource (time domain resource) is periodic, the following sub-options 1-1 to 1-5 are provided.

[0219] <Proposal 4: Option 1: Sub-option 1-1>

[0220] When time-domain resources are periodic, multiple time-domain resource candidates exist within a single period. In other words, multiple time-domain resource candidates exist periodically. After the RA process is triggered, the A-IoT device randomly selects a time-domain resource from the next available period.

[0221] For example, such as Figure 14 As shown, the three time-domain resource candidates exist periodically. After the RA process (Initial Access Process) is triggered, as shown in box 14a, the A-IoT device randomly selects one time-domain resource from the candidates of multiple time-domain resources (the three time-domain resource candidates) in the next available period.

[0222] <Proposal 4: Option 1: Sub-options 1-2>

[0223] When time-domain resources are periodic, there is a candidate time-domain resource within a period, and the A-IoT device selects a time-domain resource from multiple periods. In other words, a candidate time-domain resource exists periodically, and after the RA process is triggered, the A-IoT device randomly selects one of a (specific number) number of time-domain resource candidates that continue from the next available period.

[0224] For example, such as Figure 15 As shown, a candidate time-domain resource exists periodically. After the RA process is triggered, as shown in box 15a, the A-IoT device randomly selects one of the three candidates of time-domain resources that will continue from the next available period.

[0225] <Proposal 4: Option 1: Sub-options 1-3>

[0226] Sub-option 1-3 is a combination of sub-option 1-1 and sub-option 1-2.

[0227] When time-domain resources are periodic, there are multiple candidate time-domain resources within a single period. The A-IoT device selects a time-domain resource from these multiple periods. In other words, multiple candidate time-domain resources exist periodically. After the RA process is triggered, the A-IoT device randomly selects one of the candidate time-domain resources from multiple (N) periods that continue from the next available period.

[0228] For example, such as Figure 16 As shown, multiple time-domain resource candidates exist periodically. After the RA process is triggered, as shown in box 16a, the A-IoT device randomly selects one of the nine time-domain resource candidates from three cycles continuing from the next available cycle.

[0229] <Proposal 4: Option 1: Sub-options 1-4>

[0230] When time-domain resources are not periodic, and multiple time-domain resource candidates exist within a period (interval), the A-IoT device selects a time-domain resource from the non-periodic period. In other words, the A-IoT device selects a time-domain resource from multiple time-domain resources triggered by a single event.

[0231] For example, such as Figure 17 As shown, multiple temporal resource candidates exist within a non-periodic period. After the RA process is triggered, as shown in box 17a, the A-IoT device randomly selects one of the three temporal resource candidates from the next available period. In the case where UL transmission is triggered via DL, it is assumed that even multiple candidate temporal resources for a single trigger are valid.

[0232] <Proposal 4: Option 1: Sub-options 1-5>

[0233] The periods described in sub-options 1-1 to 1-3 above can be provided through DL information or fixed in the specification. The number of multiple time-domain resources in a period can be provided through DL information or fixed in the specification.

[0234] The start position of time-domain resources in each cycle can be provided through DL information or fixed in the specification. The start position can also be specified by symbol / time slot / subframe / radio frame.

[0235] The intervals between multiple time-domain resources in each cycle can be provided through DL information or fixed in the specification. The intervals can also be specified by symbol / time slot / subframe / radio frame.

[0236] <Proposal 4: Option 2>

[0237] When an A-IoT device triggers the RA (Rapid Access) process, it generates a random number as the initial value for a counter. After the counter value equals 0, the A-IoT device sends a preamble. Following this, the A-IoT device determines the next available time resource. The range of the random number can be provided through deep learning (DL) information from network nodes or fixed in the specification.

[0238] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating an operational example of Proposal 4: Option 2. The A-IoT device is triggered by the RA procedure (Initial Access Procedure) (S1). The A-IoT device sets a random number in the counter (S2). The A-IoT device determines whether the value of the counter has become 0 (S3).

[0239] When the value of the counter is 0 (S3 "Yes"), the A-IoT device sends a preamble (S4).

[0240] If the value of the counter is not 0 ("No" in S3), the A-IoT device waits for a certain period of time (S5).

[0241] The A-IoT device determines whether the value of the counter has become 0 (S6).

[0242] If the value of the counter is not 0 ("No" in S6), the A-IoT device will transfer the processing to S5 and wait for a certain period of time (S4).

[0243] When the A-IoT device has a counter value of 0 (S6 "Yes"), the processing is transferred to S4, and a preamble is sent (S4).

[0244] In addition, A-IoT devices can also start counting the value of the counter from 0 and send a preamble when it becomes the generated random number.

[0245] Furthermore, A-IoT devices can also synchronize the value of the counter with the transmission of the preamble. For example, A-IoT devices can also... Figures 14-17 The timing of the shaded rectangle shown causes the counter value to decrease or increase.

[0246] <Proposal 4: Option 3>

[0247] When an A-IoT device is triggered in the RA (Rapid Access) process, it generates a timer with a random period. After the timer expires, the A-IoT device sends a preamble. Upon the timer's expiration, the A-IoT device determines the next available time resources. The range of the random period of the timer can be provided through deep learning (DL) information from network nodes or fixed in the specification.

[0248] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating an operational example of Proposal 4: Option 3. The A-IoT device is triggered by the RA procedure (Initial Access Procedure) (S11). The A-IoT device starts a timer with a random period (S12). The A-IoT device determines whether the timer has expired (S13).

[0249] When the timer expires (S13 "Yes"), the A-IoT device sends a preamble (S14).

[0250] If the A-IoT device has not expired ("No" in S13), it waits for a certain period of time (S15).

[0251] The A-IoT device determines whether the timer has expired (S16).

[0252] If the A-IoT device does not expire before the timer expires ("No" in S16), the processing will be transferred to S15, and the device will wait for a certain period of time (S15).

[0253] When the timer expires (S16 "Yes"), the A-IoT device transfers the processing to S14 and sends a preamble (S14).

[0254] Additionally, A-IoT devices can also start the timer value from 0 and send a preamble during the random period.

[0255] Furthermore, A-IoT devices can also synchronize the timer value to decrease or increase in sync with the preamble transmission opportunity. For example, A-IoT devices can also... Figures 14-17The shaded rectangle shown in the diagram causes the timer value to decrease or increase.

[0256] <Proposal 4: Option 4>

[0257] For collision handling, the A-IoT device carries a sequence in the preamble transmission to enable the identification of RA collisions in step 2 or step B of the RA process. In other words, the A-IoT device transmits the sequence in step 1 or step A of the RA process. Regarding the transmission of the sequence, the following sub-options 4-1 and 4-2 are provided.

[0258] <Proposal 4: Option 4: Sub-option 4-1>

[0259] A-IoT devices randomly select sequences from a set of candidate sequences. The set of sequences can be provided through DL information or fixed in the specification.

[0260] <Proposal 4: Option 4: Sub-option 4-2>

[0261] A-IoT devices generate a sequence based on the A-IoT device's ID or a portion thereof.

[0262] <Proposal 4: Summary>

[0263] Based on the structure described above, A-IoT devices can perform communication appropriately. Furthermore, preamble transmission is provided, offering characteristics of A-IoT such as ultra-low power consumption and ultra-low complexity.

[0264] <Proposal 5>

[0265] Proposal 5 addresses the preamble format for A-IoT. The A-IoT preamble format can also be defined using the following parameters or a subset of the following parameters.

[0266] Sequence length

[0267] ·CP length

[0268] ·SCS

[0269] • Length of time-domain resources used in preamble transmission

[0270] The preamble format of NB-IoT, or a portion of the preamble format of NB-IoT, can also be reused for A-IoT.

[0271] Regarding the preamble format for A-IoT, the following options 1 and 2 are provided.

[0272] <Proposal 5: Option 1>

[0273] For A-IoT preamble transmission, multiple preamble formats are defined. The preamble format used for A-IoT transmission is provided through the DL information from the network node to A-IoT.

[0274] <Proposal 5: Option 2>

[0275] For A-IoT preamble transmission, a preamble format is supported and is fixed in the specification.

[0276] <Proposal 5: Summary>

[0277] Based on the structure described above, A-IoT devices can perform communication appropriately. Furthermore, preamble transmission is provided, offering characteristics of A-IoT such as ultra-low power consumption and ultra-low complexity.

[0278] <Proposal 6>

[0279] Depending on the various solutions to the aforementioned proposals related to preamble transmission, the information contained in step 2 or step B of the RA process may differ. Proposal 6 addresses the information contained in step 2 or step B of the RA process. In Proposal 6, the following options 1-3 are provided.

[0280] <Proposal 6: Option 1>

[0281] The "preamble index" in step 2 refers to the "subcarrier index". If the "subcarrier index" in the response (DL information) received in step 2 is consistent with the subcarrier index selected by the A-IoT device in step 1 for preamble transmission, the A-IoT device considers the response to be received normally.

[0282] The "preamble index" in step B refers to the "subcarrier index". If the "subcarrier index" in the response (DL information) received in step B is consistent with the subcarrier index selected by the A-IoT device in step A for preamble transmission, the A-IoT device considers the response to be received normally.

[0283] <Proposal 6: Option 2>

[0284] The "preamble index" in step 2 refers to either the "time-frequency resource index" or the "subcarrier index and time-domain resource index". If the "time-frequency resource index" or "subcarrier index and time-domain resource index" in the response received in step 2 is consistent with the subcarrier index and time-domain resource index selected by the A-IoT device in step 1 in accordance with Proposal 4 for preamble transmission, the A-IoT device considers the response to have been received normally.

[0285] The "preamble index" in step B refers to either the "time-frequency resource index" or the "subcarrier index and time-domain resource index." If the "time-frequency resource index" or "subcarrier index and time-domain resource index" in the response received in step B is consistent with the subcarrier index and time-domain resource index selected by the A-IoT device in step A in accordance with Proposal 4 for preamble transmission, the A-IoT device considers the response to have been received normally.

[0286] <Proposal 6: Option 3>

[0287] The "preamble index" in step 2 refers to the "sequence index". If the "sequence index" in the response received in step 2 matches the sequence selected by the A-IoT device in step 1 in accordance with proposal 4 for preamble transmission, the A-IoT device considers the response to have been received normally.

[0288] The "preamble index" in step B refers to the "sequence index". If the "sequence index" in the response received in step B matches the sequence selected by the A-IoT device in step A in accordance with Proposal 4 for preamble transmission, the A-IoT device considers the response to have been received normally.

[0289] <Proposal 6: Summary>

[0290] Based on the structure described above, A-IoT devices can perform communication appropriately. Furthermore, preamble transmission is provided, offering characteristics of A-IoT such as ultra-low power consumption and ultra-low complexity.

[0291] <Proposal 7>

[0292] Proposal 7 addresses the coexistence of A-IoT and standard UEs. Regarding the coexistence of A-IoT and standard UEs, the following options 1 and 2 are provided.

[0293] <Proposal 7: Option 1>

[0294] A-IoT devices and standard UEs expect that the time / frequency resources for A-IoT's Msg1 / Msg2 / Msg3 / Msg4 / MsgA / MsgB transmissions do not overlap with the signal transmission and reception of standard UEs. In other words, A-IoT devices and standard UEs expect that the signals involved in RA in A-IoT do not overlap with existing signals.

[0295] <Proposal 7: Option 2>

[0296] The time / frequency resources used for transmitting Msg1 / Msg2 / Msg3 / Msg4 / MsgA / MsgB are notified to the standard UE via higher-layer signaling such as MIB, SIB, or RRC. In other words, information about the time / frequency resources of the signals involved in the RA in A-IoT is notified to the standard UE. The standard UE does not transmit or receive signals using the notified time / frequency resources (it does not use the notified time / frequency resources for signal transmission and reception).

[0297] <Proposal 7: Change>

[0298] The options in Proposal 7 can also be applied to specific types of signals in a standard UE. For example, the options mentioned above can also be applied to synchronization signals such as PSS and SSS of NR, reference signals such as DMRS and CSI-RS (Channel State Information Reference Signal) of NR, and PRACH transmission signals of NR.

[0299] <Proposal 7: Summary>

[0300] Based on the structure described above, A-IoT devices can perform communication appropriately. Furthermore, preamble transmission is provided, offering characteristics of A-IoT such as ultra-low power consumption and ultra-low complexity.

[0301] <Proposal 8>

[0302] Proposal 8 addresses the operation of intermediate nodes / auxiliary nodes / UEs in topologies 2 / 3 / 4.

[0303] <Proposal 8: Candidate Time / Frequency Resources>

[0304] In topologies 2 / 3 / 4, candidate time / frequency resources for A-IoT preamble transmission are provided to intermediate nodes / auxiliary nodes / UEs. These candidate time / frequency resources can be provided to intermediate nodes / auxiliary nodes / UEs either through DL information from the base station or fixed in the specification.

[0305] Intermediate nodes / auxiliary nodes / UEs monitor preamble transmissions from A-IoT devices on candidate time / frequency resources.

[0306] When the target A-IoT device is device type A / B, the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE transmits a carrier for backscattering transmission of the preamble of the A-IoT device on the candidate time / frequency resources.

[0307] <Proposal 8: After successful Msg1 detection>

[0308] Regarding the operation of intermediate nodes / auxiliary nodes / UEs after successful Msg1 detection, the following options 1 and 2 are proposed.

[0309] <Proposal 8: After successful Msg1 detection: Option 1>

[0310] After a successful detection of Msg1 from the A-IoT device, the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE forwards the "preamble index" contained in Msg1 to the base station. The base station generates Msg2 for response and sends it to the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE. The intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE then forwards Msg2 from the base station to the A-IoT device.

[0311] After detecting Msg1 from an A-IoT device, the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE forwards the detected preamble index to the base station within a certain time duration. This time duration can be provided to the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE via DL information or fixed in the specification.

[0312] <Proposal 8: After Msg1 detection is successful: Option 2>

[0313] The intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE generates Msg2 for response. The intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE sends the generated Msg2 to the A-IoT device.

[0314] After detecting Msg1 from an A-IoT device, the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE sends Msg2 as a response within a certain time. This certain time can be provided to the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE via DL information or fixed in the specification.

[0315] <Proposal 8: After a successful Msg3 test>

[0316] Regarding the operation of intermediate nodes / auxiliary nodes / UEs after successful Msg3 detection, the following options 1 and 2 are proposed.

[0317] <Proposal 8: After successful Msg3 detection: Option 1>

[0318] After successful detection of Msg3 from the A-IoT device, the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE forwards the A-IoT device ID contained in Msg3 to the base station. The base station generates Msg4 for contention resolution and sends it to the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE. The intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE then forwards Msg4 from the base station to the A-IoT device.

[0319] After detecting Msg3 from an A-IoT device, the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE forwards the detected ID to the base station within a certain timeframe. This timeframe can be provided to the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE via DL information or fixed in the specifications.

[0320] <Proposal 8: After successful Msg3 detection: Option 2>

[0321] The intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE generates Msg4 for contention resolution. The intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE then sends the generated Msg4 to the A-IoT device.

[0322] After detecting Msg3 from an A-IoT device, the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE sends Msg4 for contention resolution within a certain time. This time can be provided to the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE via DL information or fixed in the specification.

[0323] <Proposal 8: After a successful MsgA test>

[0324] Regarding the operation of intermediate nodes / auxiliary nodes / UEs after successful MsgA detection, the following options 1 and 2 are proposed.

[0325] <Proposal 8: After a successful MsgA test: Option 1>

[0326] After successful detection of the MsgA from the A-IoT device, the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE forwards the A-IoT device's preamble index / ID contained in the MsgA to the base station. The base station generates a MsgB for response and contention resolution and sends it to the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE. The intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE then forwards the MsgB from the base station to the A-IoT device.

[0327] After detecting MsgA from an A-IoT device, the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE forwards the detected preamble index / ID to the base station within a certain timeframe. This timeframe can be provided to the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE via DL information or fixed in the specifications.

[0328] <Proposal 8: After a successful MsgA test: Option 2>

[0329] The intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE generates a MsgB for response and contention resolution. The intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE then sends the generated MsgB to the A-IoT device.

[0330] After detecting MsgA from an A-IoT device, the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE sends MsgB for response and contention resolution within a certain time. This time can be provided to the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE via DL information or fixed in the specification.

[0331] <Proposal 8: Summary>

[0332] Based on the structure described above, A-IoT devices can perform communication appropriately. Furthermore, preamble transmission is provided, offering characteristics of A-IoT such as ultra-low power consumption and ultra-low complexity.

[0333] <Proposal 9>

[0334] Proposal 9 addresses the coexistence of signals between intermediate nodes / auxiliary nodes / UEs (UEs in Topology 4) and the base station, or between intermediate nodes / auxiliary nodes / UEs and standard UEs, and Msg1 / Msg2 / Msg3 / Msg4 / MsgA / MsgB. Proposal 9 provides the following options 1-3.

[0335] <Proposal 9: Option 1>

[0336] The time / frequency resources used by the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE to transmit Msg1 / Msg2 / Msg3 / Msg4 / MsgA / MsgB of the A-IoT device do not overlap with the signal (time / frequency resources) between the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE and the base station. The signal between the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE and the base station can also be DL / UL.

[0337] The time / frequency resources used by the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE to transmit Msg1 / Msg2 / Msg3 / Msg4 / MsgA / MsgB of the A-IoT device do not overlap with the signal (time / frequency resources) between the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE and the standard UE. The signal between the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE and the standard UE can also be DL / UL.

[0338] <Proposal 9: Option 2>

[0339] When intermediate nodes / auxiliary nodes / UEs have overlapping time / frequency resources for transmitting Msg1 / Msg2 / Msg3 / Msg4 / MsgA / MsgB for A-IoT devices with signals between intermediate nodes / auxiliary nodes / UEs and base stations, they prioritize the transmission of Msg1 / Msg2 / Msg3 / Msg4 / MsgA / MsgB by A-IoT devices.

[0340] When intermediate nodes / auxiliary nodes / UEs have overlapping time / frequency resources for transmitting Msg1 / Msg2 / Msg3 / Msg4 / MsgA / MsgB for A-IoT devices with signals between intermediate nodes / auxiliary nodes / UEs and standard UEs, they prioritize the transmission of Msg1 / Msg2 / Msg3 / Msg4 / MsgA / MsgB by A-IoT devices.

[0341] <Proposal 9: Option 3>

[0342] When the time / frequency resources transmitted by the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE for A-IoT devices Msg1 / Msg2 / Msg3 / Msg4 / MsgA / MsgB overlap with the signals between the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE and the base station, the signal between the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE and the base station shall be prioritized.

[0343] In cases where the time / frequency resources transmitted by the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE for A-IoT devices Msg1 / Msg2 / Msg3 / Msg4 / MsgA / MsgB overlap with the signals between the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE and the standard UE, the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE prioritizes the signals between the intermediate node / auxiliary node / UE and the standard UE.

[0344] <Proposal 9: Change>

[0345] The options in Proposal 9 can also be applied to specific types of signals from intermediate nodes / auxiliary nodes / UEs. For example, the options mentioned above can also be applied to synchronization signals such as PSS and SSS of NR, reference signals such as DMRS and CSI-RS (Channel State Information Reference Signal) of NR, and PRACH transmission signals of NR.

[0346] <Proposal 9: Summary>

[0347] Based on the structure described above, A-IoT devices can perform communication appropriately. Furthermore, preamble transmission is provided, offering characteristics of A-IoT such as ultra-low power consumption and ultra-low complexity.

[0348] <Abilities>

[0349] A-IoT devices can also report the following capability information (A-IoT capability) to base stations, intermediate nodes, auxiliary nodes, and terminals.

[0350] A-IoT device types

[0351] Intermediate nodes, auxiliary nodes, and terminals can also report the following capability information to base stations and A-IoT devices.

[0352] • Information on whether communication with A-IoT devices is supported

[0353] Supported A-IoT device types

[0354] The aforementioned proposals and options can also be applied if the A-IoT device, intermediate node, and auxiliary node indicate that they support the corresponding proposals and options, or if they are enabled through higher-level signaling.

[0355] <Other>

[0356] Regarding frequency domain resource units, new terms can also be defined for A-IoT. For example, regarding the term "subcarrier," other terms can also be defined for A-IoT.

[0357] Regarding time-domain resource units, new terms can also be defined for A-IoT. For example, other terms can be defined for A-IoT, such as "symbol," "slot," "subframe," and "frame."

[0358] A-IoT devices can also be referred to as A-IoT UEs, A-IoT terminals, A-IoT nodes, terminals, or communication devices. Furthermore, A-IoT devices can also be simply referred to as A-IoT.

[0359] A-IoT devices can also be understood as devices with lower complexity than NB-IoT devices. Complexity can be understood, for example, as the structural / construction complexity associated with the device's supported minimum / maximum transmit / receive bandwidth, and / or, the device's supported maximum DL / UL data rate, and / or, the device's supported maximum DL / UL TB size, and / or, the layer 2 buffer size. The aforementioned structure / construction can also be rewritten as hardware. TB is an abbreviation for Transport Block.

[0360] Base stations, intermediate nodes, auxiliary nodes, and terminals (UEs in Topology 4) can also be referred to as A-IoT base stations, A-IoT parent nodes, A-IoT NBs, base stations, or communication devices. The identifiers can also be rewritten as identifiers.

[0361] The so-called initial access can also include, for example, cell search, time / frequency synchronization, and MIB acquisition.

[0362] <Base station structure>

[0363] Figure 20This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a base station 10 according to an embodiment. Base station 10 includes, for example, a transmitting unit 101, a receiving unit 102, and a control unit 103. Base station 10 communicates wirelessly with device 20 (see reference 103). Figure 21 The base station 10 can also be an intermediate node, an auxiliary node, or a terminal (the terminal of the SL that communicates with the device 20).

[0364] Transmitting unit 101 transmits a downlink (DL) signal to device 20. For example, transmitting unit 101 transmits a DL signal under the control of control unit 103.

[0365] The DL signal may also include, for example, downlink data signals and control information (e.g., Downlink Control Information (DCI)). Furthermore, the DL signal may also include scheduling information related to signal transmission of device 20 (e.g., UL authorization). Additionally, the DL signal may also include higher-layer control information (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC) control information). Furthermore, the DL signal may also include reference signals.

[0366] The channels used in transmitting DL signals may include, for example, data channels and control channels. For instance, the data channel may include a PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel), and the control channel may include a PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel). For example, base station 10 and device 20 use the PDCCH to transmit control information and the PDSCH to transmit downlink data signals.

[0367] The reference signals included in the DL signal may include, for example, at least one of the following: Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS), Phase Tracking Reference Signal (PTRS), Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS), Sounding Reference Signal (SRS), and Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) for location information. For example, reference signals such as DMRS and PTRS are used for demodulation of downlink data signals and are transmitted using PDSCH.

[0368] The receiving unit 102 receives uplink (UL) signals transmitted from the device 20. For example, the receiving unit 102 receives UL signals under the control of the control unit 103.

[0369] The control unit 103 controls the communication operation of the base station 10, which includes the transmission processing of the transmission unit 101 and the reception processing of the reception unit 102.

[0370] For example, control unit 103 obtains data and control information from higher layers and outputs it to transmitting unit 101. Furthermore, control unit 103 outputs data and control information received from receiving unit 102 to higher layers.

[0371] For example, the control unit 103 allocates resources (or channels) used in the transmission and reception of DL signals and / or UL signals based on signals received from the device 20 (e.g., data and control information) and / or data and control information obtained from higher layers. Information related to the allocated resources may also be included in the control information sent to the device 20.

[0372] Control unit 103 sets PUCCH resources as an example of resource allocation used in the transmission and reception of UL signals. Information related to PUCCH settings, such as PUCCH cell timing mode (PUCCH setting information), can also be notified to device 20 via RRC.

[0373] When the base station 10 is an intermediate node, an auxiliary node, or a terminal (SL terminal), the transmitting unit 101, the receiving unit 102, and the control unit 103 may also operate as follows (for the sake of simplicity, the base station 10 is set as an intermediate node below).

[0374] The receiving unit 102 can also receive resource information about signals related to the RA process of the device 20 from the base station (the base station for intermediate nodes). Signals related to the RA process can be, for example, Msg1 / Msg2 / Msg3 / Msg4 / MsgA / MsgB. The control unit 103 can also monitor signals related to the RA process of the device 20 based on the resource information.

[0375] The transmitting unit 101 may also transmit (forward) information contained in the signal to the base station if the detection of the signal related to the RA process of device 20 is successful. The information may be, for example, a preamble index or the ID of device 20.

[0376] The control unit 103 may also envision signals related to the RA process of the device 20 not overlapping with signals between intermediate nodes and base stations, or it may envision signals related to the RA process of the device 20 not overlapping with signals between intermediate nodes and standard UEs.

[0377] The control unit 103 may also prioritize the signals related to the RA process of the device 20 when the signals related to the RA process of the device 20 overlap with the signals between the intermediate node and the base station, or when the signals related to the RA process of the device 20 overlap with the signals between the intermediate node and the standard UE.

[0378] In cases where signals related to the RA process of device 20 overlap with signals between intermediate nodes and base stations, or in cases where signals related to the RA process of device 20 overlap with signals between intermediate nodes and standard UE, control unit 103 prioritizes signals between intermediate nodes and base stations, or prioritizes signals between intermediate nodes and standard UE.

[0379] <Equipment Structure>

[0380] Figure 21 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the device 20 according to an embodiment. The device 20 includes, for example, a receiving unit 201, a transmitting unit 202, and a control unit 203. The receiving unit 201 and the transmitting unit 202 can also be understood as communication units. The device 20 communicates with the base station 10 wirelessly, for example. The device 20 can also be a device with lower complexity than an NB-IoT device. For example, the device 20 can also be an A-IoT device.

[0381] The receiving unit 201 receives the DL signal transmitted from the base station 10. For example, the receiving unit 201 receives the DL signal under the control of the control unit 203.

[0382] The transmitting unit 202 transmits a UL signal to the base station 10. For example, the transmitting unit 202 transmits the UL signal under the control of the control unit 203.

[0383] The UL signal may also include, for example, uplink data signals and control information (e.g., UCI). For example, it may also include information related to the processing capabilities of device 20 (e.g., UE capability). In addition, the UL signal may also include reference signals.

[0384] The channels used in transmitting UL signals include, for example, data channels and control channels. For instance, the data channel includes PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel), and the control channel includes PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel). For example, device 20, in relation to base station 10, uses PUCCH to receive control information and uses PUSCH to transmit uplink data signals.

[0385] The reference signals included in the UL signal may include at least one of DMRS, PTRS, CSI-RS, SRS, and PRS. For example, reference signals such as DMRS and PTRS are used for demodulation of uplink data signals and are transmitted using an uplink channel (e.g., PUSCH).

[0386] The control unit 203 controls the communication operation of the device 20, which includes the receiving processing in the receiving unit 201 and the transmitting processing in the transmitting unit 202.

[0387] For example, control unit 203 obtains data and control information from higher layers and outputs it to transmitting unit 202. Furthermore, control unit 203 may output data and control information received from receiving unit 201 to higher layers, for example.

[0388] For example, control unit 203 controls the transmission of information fed back to base station 10. The information fed back to base station 10 may include, for example, HARQ-ACK, Channel State Information (CSI), and Scheduling Request (SR). The information fed back to base station 10 may also be included in UCI. UCI is transmitted within the resources of PUCCH.

[0389] The control unit 203 configures the PUCCH resources based on the configuration information received from the base station 10 (e.g., PUCCH cell timing mode configuration information notified via RRC and / or DCI). The control unit 203 determines the PUCCH resources to be used in transmitting information fed back to the base station 10. The transmitting unit 202, under the control of the control unit 203, transmits the information fed back to the base station 10 using the PUCCH resources determined by the control unit 203.

[0390] Furthermore, the channels used in transmitting DL signals and UL signals are not limited to the examples described above. For instance, the channels used in transmitting DL signals and UL signals may also include RACH (Random Access Channel) and PBCH (Physical Broadcast Channel). RACH can also be used, for example, to transmit downlink control information (DCI) containing the Random Access Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RA-RNTI).

[0391] Control unit 203 may, for example, determine the execution of the RA process based on triggering or non-triggering from base station 10. Receiving unit 201 may also use fewer subcarriers than the number of subcarriers associated with the RA process of the NB-IoT device to receive signals related to the RA process of device 20. Transmitting unit 202 may also use fewer subcarriers than the number of subcarriers associated with the RA process of the NB-IoT device to transmit signals related to the RA process of device 20.

[0392] The receiving unit 201 and the transmitting unit 202 may also select a subcarrier from multiple subcarrier candidates to receive and transmit signals related to the RA process of device 20. The receiving unit 201 and the transmitting unit 202 may also use a single subcarrier to receive and transmit signals related to the RA process of device 20. The receiving unit 201 and the transmitting unit 202 may also randomly select a time-domain resource from multiple time-domain resource candidates for signals related to the RA process of device 20. The transmitting unit 202 may also transmit a subcarrier index, a time-frequency resource index, a subcarrier index and a time-domain resource index, or a timing index in step 2 or step B of the RA process of device 20.

[0393] The above provides an explanation of this disclosure. Furthermore, the distinctions between items mentioned above are not essential in this disclosure; items described in two or more items may be combined as needed, and items described in one item may be applied to items described in other items (as long as they do not contradict each other).

[0394] <Hardware structure, etc.>

[0395] The block diagrams used in the description of the above embodiments illustrate functional units. These functional blocks (structural units) are implemented through any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the implementation method of each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block can be implemented using a single device that is physically or logically combined, or it can be implemented by directly or indirectly (e.g., using wired, wireless, etc.) connecting two or more physically or logically separate devices. A functional block can also be implemented by combining one or more of the aforementioned devices with software.

[0396] The functions include judgment, decision, determination, calculation, calculation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, receiving, sending, output, access, resolution, selection, choosing, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, regard as, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, and assigning, but are not limited to these. For example, the functional block (structural unit) that implements the sending function is called a transmitting unit or a transmitter. Both are as described above, and the implementation method is not particularly limited.

[0397] For example, the base station, device, etc. in one embodiment of this disclosure can also function as a computer for processing the wireless communication method of this disclosure. Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the base station and device involved in the embodiment. The base station 10 and device 20 described above can also be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage device 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

[0398] Additionally, in the following description, the term "device" can be replaced with circuit, device, unit, etc. The hardware structure of base station 10 and device 20 can be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or it can be configured not to include some of the devices.

[0399] Regarding the various functions in base station 10 and device 20, specific software (programs) are read into hardware such as processor 1001 and memory 1002, so that processor 1001 performs calculations and controls communication based on communication device 1004, or controls at least one of reading out and writing data in memory 1002 and storage device 1003, thereby achieving the following:

[0400] The processor 1001, for example, enables the operating system to operate and control the computer as a whole. The processor 1001 may also be composed of a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, control devices, arithmetic devices, registers, etc. For example, the control unit 103 and control unit 203 described above may also be implemented by the processor 1001.

[0401] Furthermore, the processor 1001 reads programs (program code), software modules, data, etc., from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002, and performs various processes accordingly. As a program, a program that causes the computer to perform at least a portion of the operations described in the above embodiments can be used. For example, the control unit 203 of the device 20 can also be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and operated by the processor 1001; similarly, other functional blocks can be implemented. The various processes described above are executed by one processor 1001, but they can also be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 can also be implemented by one or more chips. Additionally, the program can be transmitted from a network via an electrical communication line.

[0402] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be composed of at least one of the following: ROM (Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 1002 may also be referred to as a register, cache, main memory (main storage device), etc. The memory 1002 can store executable programs (program code), software modules, etc., for implementing the wireless communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0403] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be comprised of at least one of the following: CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM) or other optical discs; hard disk drives; flexible discs; optical discs (e.g., compact discs, digital multifunction discs, Blu-ray discs); smart cards; flash memory (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives); floppy disks; magnetic stripes; etc. Storage 1003 may also be referred to as an auxiliary storage device. The aforementioned storage medium may also be, for example, a database, server, or other suitable medium that includes at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0404] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmitting and receiving device) used for communication between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network. It is also referred to as a network device, network controller, network interface card (NIC), communication module, etc. To implement at least one of, for example, Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD), the communication device 1004 may also be configured to include a high-frequency switch, a duplexer, a filter, a frequency synthesizer, etc. For example, the aforementioned transmitting unit 101, receiving unit 102, receiving unit 201, and transmitting unit 202 may also be implemented by the communication device 1004.

[0405] Input device 1005 is an input device that accepts input from external sources (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, etc.). Output device 1006 is an output device that performs output to external sources (e.g., display, speaker, LED light, etc.). Alternatively, input device 1005 and output device 1006 can also be an integrated structure (e.g., touch panel).

[0406] Furthermore, the processor 1001, memory 1002, and other devices are connected via a bus 1007 for communication of information. The bus 1007 can be configured as a single bus or as different buses between the devices.

[0407] Furthermore, the base station 10 and the device 20 can also be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and can also use this hardware to implement part or all of the functional blocks. For example, the processor 1001 can also be implemented using at least one of these hardware components.

[0408] <Information notification and signaling>

[0409] The notification of information is not limited to the implementation methods described in this disclosure, and can also be performed by other methods. For example, the notification of information can also be implemented through physical layer signaling (e.g., DCI (Downlink Control Information), UCI (Uplink Control Information)), higher layer signaling (e.g., RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling, MAC (Medium Access Control) signaling, broadcast information (MIB (Master Information Block)), SIB (System Information Block)), other signals, or combinations thereof. In addition, RRC signaling can also be referred to as RRC message, for example, it can also be an RRC Connection Setup message, an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message, etc.

[0410] <Application Systems>

[0411] The implementations described in this disclosure can also be applied to LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), xth generation mobile communication system (xG) (xG (x is, for example, an integer or a decimal)), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (New Radio), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-Wideband), Bluetooth (registered trademark), systems utilizing other suitable systems, and next-generation systems derived from or extended by these systems, modifications, fabrications, or specifications. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE and at least one of LTE-A with 5G, etc.) for application.

[0412] <Processing procedures, etc.>

[0413] The processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc., of the various methods / implementations described in this disclosure may be rearranged as long as they do not contradict each other. For example, for the methods described in this disclosure, an exemplary order is used to indicate the elements of various steps, but the order in which they are indicated is not limited.

[0414] <Base Station Operation>

[0415] In this disclosure, specific operations are posited as being performed by a base station, and sometimes, depending on the circumstances, by its upper node. Clearly, in a network consisting of one or more network nodes having a base station, various operations performed for communication with a terminal can also be performed by at least one of the base station and other network nodes besides the base station (e.g., consider MME or S-GW, but not limited to these). The above example illustrates a case where there is only one other network node besides the base station; it could also be a combination of multiple other network nodes (e.g., MME and S-GW).

[0416] <Direction of input / output>

[0417] Information (see items under <Information, Signals>) can also be output from higher (or lower) layers to lower (or higher) layers. It can also be input and output via multiple network nodes.

[0418] <Processing of input and output information, etc.>

[0419] Input and output information can be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or managed using a management table. Input and output information can be overwritten, updated, or appended. Output information can also be deleted. Input information can also be sent to other devices.

[0420] <Judgment Method>

[0421] The determination can be made by a value represented by a single bit (0 or 1), by a true or false value (Boolean: true or false), or by a numerical comparison (e.g., a comparison with a specific value).

[0422] <Changes in methods, etc.>

[0423] The various methods / implementations described in this disclosure can be used individually or in combination, and can be switched as needed during execution. Furthermore, notification of specific information (e.g., a "It is X" notification) is not limited to explicit notification, but can also be done implicitly (e.g., without notifying the recipient of that specific information).

[0424] The present disclosure has been described in detail above, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as determined by the claims. Therefore, the description in this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be restrictive in any way.

[0425] <Software>

[0426] Whether software is called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or any other name, it should be broadly interpreted to refer to instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc.

[0427] Furthermore, software, instructions, and information can also be sent and received via a transmission medium. For example, when software is sent from a website, server, or other remote source using at least one of wired technologies (coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), etc.) and wireless technologies (infrared, microwave, etc.), at least one of these wired and wireless technologies is included within the definition of a transmission medium.

[0428] <Information, Signals>

[0429] The information, signals, etc., described in this disclosure can also be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc., which may be mentioned throughout the above description, can also be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0430] Furthermore, the terms described in this disclosure, as well as those necessary for understanding this disclosure, may be replaced with terms that have the same or similar meanings. For example, at least one of the channel and the symbol may also be a signal (signaling). Additionally, a signal may also be a message. Furthermore, a component carrier (CC) may also be referred to as a carrier frequency, cell, frequency carrier, etc.

[0431] <Systems, Networks>

[0432] The terms “system” and “network” are used interchangeably in this disclosure.

[0433] <Parameters, Channel Name>

[0434] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc., described in this disclosure can be represented by absolute values, relative values ​​with respect to a specific value, or other corresponding information. For example, wireless resources can also be indicated by an index.

[0435] The names used for the parameters described above are not limiting names in any respect. Furthermore, the mathematical formulas used for these parameters sometimes differ from those explicitly disclosed in this disclosure. Various channels (e.g., PUCCH, PDCCH, etc.) and information elements can be identified by any suitable name; therefore, the various names assigned to these various channels and information elements are not limiting names in any respect.

[0436] <Base Station>

[0437] In this disclosure, the terms "base station (BS)," "wireless base station," "fixed station," "NodeB," "eNodeB (eNB)," "gNodeB (gNB)," "access point," "transmission point," "reception point," "transmission / reception point," "cell," "sector," "cell group," "carrier," and "component carrier" are used interchangeably. There are also instances where terms such as macro cell, small cell, femtocell, and picocell are used to refer to base stations.

[0438] A base station can accommodate one or more (e.g., three) cells. When a base station accommodates multiple cells, its overall coverage area can be divided into several smaller areas, each of which can also provide communication services through a base station subsystem (e.g., a small indoor base station (Remote Radio Head (RRH))). Terms such as "cell" or "sector" refer to a portion or all of the coverage area of ​​at least one of the base station and base station subsystem providing communication services within that coverage area.

[0439] In this disclosure, the sending of information from the base station to the terminal can also be rewritten as the base station instructing the terminal to perform information-based control and operation.

[0440] <Mobile Station>

[0441] In this disclosure, the terms “Mobile Station (MS),” “user terminal,” “user equipment (UE),” and “terminal” are used interchangeably.

[0442] There are also cases where a mobile station is referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, hand set, user agent, mobile client, client, or several other appropriate terms.

[0443] <Base station / Mobile station>

[0444] At least one of the base station and the mobile station can also be referred to as a transmitting device, a receiving device, a communication device, etc. Furthermore, at least one of the base station and the mobile station can also be equipment mounted on a mobile body, the mobile body itself, etc. The mobile body refers to a movable object whose speed of movement is arbitrary. In addition, it naturally includes situations where the mobile body is stationary. The mobile body includes, for example, vehicles, transport vehicles, automobiles, autonomous two-wheelers, bicycles, connected cars, excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, dump trucks, forklifts, trains, buses, trailers, rickshaws, ships (boats and other watercraft), airplanes, rockets, artificial satellites, drones (registered trademark), multi-rotor aircraft, quadcopter aircraft, balloons, and objects mounted on them, and is not limited to these. Furthermore, the mobile body can also be a mobile body that moves autonomously based on operating commands. It can be a means of transportation (e.g., vehicles, airplanes, etc.), a mobile body that moves unmanned (e.g., drones, autonomous vehicles, etc.), or a robot (humanized or unmanned). In addition, at least one of the base station and the mobile station also includes a device that is not necessarily mobile during the communication operation. For example, at least one of the base station and the mobile station can also be an Internet of Things (IoT) device such as a sensor.

[0445] Furthermore, the base station in this disclosure can also be rewritten as a terminal. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between the base station and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., also referred to as D2D (Device-to-Device), V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything), etc.). In this case, it can also be configured such that device 20 has the functions of the base station 10 described above. In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be rewritten as terms corresponding to inter-device communication (e.g., "side"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can also be rewritten as side channel.

[0446] Similarly, the terminal in this disclosure can also be rewritten as a base station. In this case, it can also be configured such that the base station 10 has the functions of the device 20 described above.

[0447] Figure 23 An example of the structure of vehicle 2001 is shown. For example... Figure 23 As shown, the vehicle 2001 includes a drive unit 2002, a steering control unit 2003, an accelerator pedal 2004, a brake pedal 2005, a gear shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, an axle 2009, an electronic control unit 2010, various sensors 2021-2029, an information service unit 2012, and a communication module 2013. The various methods / implementations described in this disclosure can also be applied to communication devices mounted on the vehicle 2001, for example, to the communication module 2013.

[0448] The drive unit 2002 is configured, for example, as an engine, a motor, or a combination of an engine and a motor. The steering unit 2003 is configured to include at least a steering wheel (also called a handlebar) and to perform directional control on at least one of the front and rear wheels based on the operation of the steering wheel by the user.

[0449] The electronic control unit 2010 consists of a microprocessor 2031, a memory (ROM, RAM) 2032, and a communication port (IO port) 2033. Signals from various sensors 2021-2029 of the vehicle 2001 are input into the electronic control unit 2010. The electronic control unit 2010 can also be referred to as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0450] The signals from various sensors 2021 to 2029 include current signals from current sensor 2021 that senses the current of the motor, speed signals of the front and rear wheels obtained by speed sensor 2022, air pressure signals of the front and rear wheels obtained by air pressure sensor 2023, vehicle speed signals obtained by vehicle speed sensor 2024, acceleration signals obtained by acceleration sensor 2025, accelerator pedal depress amount signals obtained by accelerator pedal sensor 2029, brake pedal depress amount signals obtained by brake pedal sensor 2026, shift lever operation signals obtained by shift lever sensor 2027, and detection signals obtained by object detection sensor 2028 for detecting obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, etc.

[0451] The information service unit 2012 consists of various devices such as a car navigation system, audio system, speakers, television, and radio, used to provide (output) various information such as driving information, traffic information, and entertainment information, and one or more ECUs that control these devices. The information service unit 2012 uses information obtained from external devices via the communication module 2013, etc., to provide various multimedia information and multimedia services to the occupants of the vehicle 2001.

[0452] The information service unit 2012 may include input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, touch panel, etc.) that accept input from the outside, and output devices (e.g., display, speaker, LED light, touch panel, etc.) that implement output to the outside.

[0453] The driver assistance system unit 2030 comprises various devices used to provide functions for preventing accidents or reducing the driver's workload, such as millimeter-wave radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), cameras, locators (e.g., GNSS), map information (e.g., high-definition (HD) mapping, autonomous vehicle (AV) mapping), gyroscope systems (e.g., IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), INS (Inertial Navigation System)), AI (Artificial Intelligence) chips, and AI processors, and one or more ECUs that control these devices. Furthermore, the driver assistance system unit 2030 sends and receives various information via a communication module 2013 and implements driver assistance or autonomous driving functions.

[0454] The communication module 2013 can communicate with the microprocessor 2031 and the constituent elements of the vehicle 2001 via the communication port. For example, the communication module 2013 sends and receives data between the drive unit 2002, steering control unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, gear shift lever 2006, front wheel 2007, rear wheel 2008, axle 2009, microprocessor 2031 in the electronic control unit 2010, and memory (ROM, RAM) 2032 and sensors 2021-29 in the vehicle 2001 via the communication port 2033.

[0455] The communication module 2013, controlled by the microprocessor 2031 of the electronic control unit 2010, is a communication device capable of communicating with external devices. For example, it enables the transmission and reception of various information between external devices via wireless communication. The communication module 2013 can be located either inside or outside the electronic control unit 2010. External devices can be, for example, base stations, mobile stations, etc.

[0456] The communication module 2013 can also wirelessly transmit to an external device at least one of the signals input to the electronic control unit 2010 from the various sensors 2021-2029 described above, information obtained based on these signals, and information based on input from an external source (user) obtained via the information service unit 2012. The electronic control unit 2010, the various sensors 2021-2029, and the information service unit 2012 can also be referred to as input units that receive input. For example, the PUSCH transmitted via the communication module 2013 can also contain information based on the aforementioned inputs.

[0457] The communication module 2013 receives various information (traffic information, signal information, vehicle-to-vehicle information, etc.) sent from external devices and displays it to the information service unit 2012 of the vehicle 2001. The information service unit 2012 can also be referred to as an output unit that outputs information (for example, outputs information to devices such as displays and speakers based on the PDSCH received through the communication module 2013 (or data / information decoded from the PDSCH).

[0458] Furthermore, the communication module 2013 stores various information received from external devices in a memory 2032 that can be utilized by the microprocessor 2031. The microprocessor 2031 can also control the drive unit 2002, steering unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, gear shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, axles 2009, sensors 2021-2029, etc., of the vehicle 2001 based on the information stored in the memory 2032.

[0459] <Meaning and Explanation of Terms>

[0460] The terms "determining" and "determining" as used in this disclosure encompass a wide variety of actions. For example, "determining" or "determining" can include actions such as judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, searching (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), and ascertaining. Furthermore, "determining" or "determining" can include actions such as receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), inputting, outputting, and accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory). Additionally, "determining" or "determining" can include actions such as resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and comparing. That is, "judgment" and "decision" can include situations where certain actions are regarded as having been "judged" or "decided". In addition, "judgment (decision)" can also be rewritten as "assuming", "expecting", "considering", etc.

[0461] The terms “connected,” “coupled,” or all variations thereof, refer to all direct or indirect connections or combinations between two or more elements, and can include cases where there is one or more intermediate elements between two mutually “connected” or “coupled” elements. The connection or combination between elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, “connected” can also be rewritten as “access.” In the context of this disclosure, it is possible to consider two elements being mutually “connected” or “coupled” using at least one or more wires, cables, or printed electrical connections, and as several non-limiting and non-exclusive examples, using electromagnetic energy with wavelengths in the wireless frequency domain, microwave region, and light (both visible and invisible) region.

[0462] <Reference Signal>

[0463] The reference signal can also be simply referred to as RS (Reference Signal), and may also be called a pilot depending on the standard applied.

[0464] <The meaning of "based on">

[0465] As used in this disclosure, the term "based on" does not mean "based on only" unless otherwise specified. In other words, the term "based on" means both "based on only" and "based on at least".

[0466] <"First", "Second">

[0467] Any reference to elements using the designations "first," "second," etc., as used in this disclosure does not comprehensively limit the quantity or order of these elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Therefore, references to the first and second elements do not imply that only two elements may be used, or that the first element must take precedence over the second element in some form.

[0468] <Unit>

[0469] Alternatively, the term "unit" in the structure of the above devices can be replaced with "section", "circuit", "equipment", etc.

[0470] <Open format>

[0471] In this disclosure, the terms “include,” “including,” and variations thereof, as well as the term “comprising,” refer to inclusion. Furthermore, the term “or” as used in this disclosure does not mean XOR.

[0472] <Time units such as TTI, frequency units such as RB, and radio frame structure>

[0473] A wireless frame can also consist of one or more frames in the time domain. These frames can also be referred to as subframes in the time domain. Furthermore, a subframe can also consist of one or more time slots in the time domain. A subframe can also be a fixed time length (e.g., 1 ms) independent of the parameter set (numerology).

[0474] A parameter set can also be a set of communication parameters applied in at least one of the transmission and reception of a signal or channel. For example, a parameter set can also represent at least one of the following: subcarrier spacing (SCS), bandwidth, symbol length, cyclic prefix length, transmission time interval (TTI), number of symbols per TTI, radio frame structure, specific filtering processing performed by the transmitter and receiver in the frequency domain, and specific windowing processing performed by the transmitter and receiver in the time domain.

[0475] In the time domain, a time slot can also be composed of one or more symbols (OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) symbols, SC-FDMA (Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access) symbols, etc.). A time slot can also be a time unit based on a set of parameters.

[0476] A time slot can also contain multiple mini-time slots. Each mini-time slot can also consist of one or more symbols in the time domain. Furthermore, a mini-time slot can also be called a sub-time slot. A mini-time slot can also consist of fewer symbols than a time slot. A PDSCH (or PUSCH) transmitted in a time unit larger than a mini-time slot can also be called PDSCH (or PUSCH) mapping type A. A PDSCH (or PUSCH) transmitted using mini-time slots can also be called PDSCH (or PUSCH) mapping type B.

[0477] Radio frames, subframes, time slots, mini-time slots, and symbols all represent time units for transmitting signals. Radio frames, subframes, time slots, mini-time slots, and symbols can also be referred to by their respective other names.

[0478] For example, a subframe can also be called a Transmission Time Interval (TTI), multiple consecutive subframes can also be called a TTI, and a time slot or a mini-time slot can also be called a TTI. That is, at least one of a subframe and a TTI can be a subframe in existing LTE (1ms), a period shorter than 1ms (e.g., 1-13 symbols), or a period longer than 1ms. In addition, the unit representing TTI may not be called a subframe, but a time slot, mini-time slot, etc.

[0479] Here, TTI refers, for example, to the smallest unit of time for scheduling in wireless communication. For instance, in an LTE system, the base station schedules radio resources (frequency bandwidth, transmit power, etc., available to each user terminal) in TTI units. However, the definition of TTI is not limited to this.

[0480] TTI can also be a unit of time for transmitting channel-coded data packets (transmission blocks), code blocks, codewords, etc., and can also be a unit of processing such as scheduling and link adaptation. In addition, when a TTI is given, the actual time interval (e.g., the number of symbols) mapped to transmission blocks, code blocks, codewords, etc. can be shorter than the TTI.

[0481] Additionally, where a time slot or a mini-time slot is referred to as a TTI, more than one TTI (i.e., more than one time slot or more than one mini-time slot) can also serve as the minimum time unit for scheduling. Furthermore, the number of time slots (mini-time slots) constituting the minimum time unit of the schedule can also be controlled.

[0482] A TTI with a duration of 1ms can also be referred to as a normal TTI (TTI in LTE Rel.8-12), standard TTI, long TTI, normal subframe, standard subframe, long subframe, time slot, etc. A TTI shorter than a normal TTI can also be referred to as a shortened TTI, short TTI, partial TTI (partial or fractional TTI), shortened subframe, short subframe, mini time slot, sub-time slot, time slot, etc.

[0483] In addition, a long TTI (e.g., a normal TTI, a subframe, etc.) can also be rewritten as a TTI with a duration of more than 1 ms, and a short TTI (e.g., a shortened TTI, etc.) can also be rewritten as a TTI with a duration of less than a long TTI but more than 1 ms.

[0484] A resource block (RB) is a unit of resource allocation in both the time and frequency domains. In the frequency domain, it can also contain one or more consecutive subcarriers. The number of subcarriers in an RB can be the same regardless of the parameter set, for example, it can be 12. The number of subcarriers in an RB can also be determined based on the parameter set.

[0485] Furthermore, the time domain of an RB can also contain one or more symbols, or it can be the length of a time slot, a mini-time slot, a subframe, or a TTI. A TTI, a subframe, etc., can also be composed of one or more resource blocks.

[0486] In addition, one or more RBs can also be referred to as Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs), Sub-Carrier Groups (SCGs), Resource Element Groups (REGs), PRB pairs, RB pairs, etc.

[0487] Furthermore, a resource block can also consist of one or more resource elements (REs). For example, an RE can also be a radio resource area consisting of a subcarrier and a symbol.

[0488] The Bandwidth Part (BWP) (also known as partial bandwidth, etc.) can also represent a subset of consecutive common resource blocks (RBs) used for a certain parameter set in a certain carrier. Here, common RBs can also be determined by the index of RBs based on the common reference point of that carrier. PRBs can also be defined in a BWP and appended with numbers within that BWP.

[0489] A BWP can also include a UL BWP and a DL BWP. For a UE, one or more BWPs can also be set within a single carrier.

[0490] At least one of the configured BWPs can be active, and the UE may not intend to transmit or receive specific signals / channels outside of the active BWPs. Furthermore, the terms "cell," "carrier," etc., in this disclosure can be rewritten as "BWP."

[0491] The structures described above, such as radio frames, subframes, time slots, mini-time slots, and symbols, are merely illustrative. For example, the number of subframes contained in a radio frame, the number of time slots in each subframe or radio frame, the number of mini-time slots contained within a time slot, the number of symbols and RBs contained in a time slot or mini-time slot, the number of subcarriers contained in an RB, and the number of symbols in a TTI, symbol length, and cyclic prefix (CP) length can be varied in many ways.

[0492] <Maximum Transmit Power>

[0493] The term "maximum transmit power" as used in this disclosure may refer to the maximum value of the transmit power, the nominal maximum transmit power (the nominal UE maximum transmit power), or the rated maximum transmit power (the rated UE maximum transmit power).

[0494] <Article>

[0495] In this disclosure, for example, in cases where articles are added through translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may also include cases where the noun following these articles is in a plural form.

[0496] <"Differences">

[0497] In this disclosure, the term "A is different from B" can also mean "A and B are different from each other." Additionally, the term can also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combined" can also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0498] Industrial availability

[0499] One aspect of this disclosure is useful for wireless communication systems.

[0500] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0501] 10 base stations

[0502] 20 devices

[0503] Transmitting Units 101 and 202

[0504] Receiver units 102 and 201

[0505] 103, 203 Control Units.

Claims

1. A communication device, comprising: The receiving unit receives resource information from the base station related to signals from devices with lower complexity than narrowband IoT devices, i.e., NB-IoT devices; and The control unit monitors signals related to the random access process of the device based on the resource information.

2. The communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The communication device further includes a transmitting unit that, upon successful detection of a signal related to the random access procedure of the device, transmits information contained in the signal to the base station.

3. The communication device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The transmitting unit sends to the base station a preamble index or the device identifier contained in a signal related to the random access procedure of the device.

4. The communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control unit assumes that the signals related to the random access procedure of the device and the signals between the communication device and the base station do not overlap, or assumes that the signals related to the random access procedure of the device and the signals between the communication device and the terminal do not overlap.

5. The communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control unit prioritizes signals related to the random access procedure of the device when signals related to the random access procedure of the device overlap with signals between the communication device and the base station, or when signals related to the random access procedure of the device overlap with signals between the communication device and the terminal.

6. A communication method comprising the following steps: Resource information related to the random access process of devices with lower complexity than narrowband IoT devices, i.e., NB-IoT devices, received from the base station; and Based on the resource information, monitor signals related to the random access process of the device.

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