Physical downlink shared channel inner interference measurement resource for multi-user multiple-input multiple-output pairing and modulation and coding scheme determination

Abstract

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for multi-user (MU)-multiple input multiple output (MIMO) pairing and modulation and coding scheme (MCS) determination. A method generally includes receiving downlink control information that: schedules a first downlink communication, the first downlink communication including a first zero-power channel state information interference measurement (ZP CSI-IM) resource associated with a candidate co-scheduled user equipment (UE) and contained within a first plurality of resources allocated for a first downlink data channel, and triggers an interference measurement for the first ZP CSI-IM resource; receiving the first downlink communication; performing the interference measurement based at least in part on the first ZP CSI-IM resource; and transmitting a multi-user (MU) channel quality indicator (CQI) based at least in part on the interference measurement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various aspects of this disclosure relate to wireless communication, and more specifically to techniques for multi-user (MU) - multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) pairing and modulation and decoding scheme (MCS) determination. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunications services, such as telephone, video, data, messaging, broadcasting, or other similar services. These wireless communication systems may employ multiple access technologies that enable communication with several users by sharing available wireless communication system resources.

[0003] Despite significant technological advancements in wireless communication systems over the years, challenges remain. For example, complex and dynamic environments can still attenuate or block signals between wireless transmitters and receivers. Therefore, there is a continuous expectation for improving the technical performance of wireless communication systems, including, for example: improving communication speed and data carrying capacity; improving the efficiency of shared communication media; reducing the power used by transmitters and receivers during communication; improving the reliability of wireless communication; avoiding redundant transmission and / or reception and related processing; improving the coverage area of ​​wireless communication; increasing the number and types of devices that can access the wireless communication system; increasing the ability of different types of devices to communicate with each other; and increasing the number and types of available wireless communication media. Therefore, there is a need for further improvements to wireless communication systems to overcome the aforementioned technical challenges and other obstacles. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect provides a method for wireless communication by an apparatus. The method includes: receiving downlink control information, the downlink control information: scheduling a first downlink communication including a first zero-power channel state information interference measurement (ZP CSI-IM) resource associated with a candidate co-scheduled user equipment (UE) and contained within a first plurality of resources allocated for a first downlink data channel; and triggering an interference measurement against the first ZP CSI-IM resource; receiving the first downlink communication; performing the interference measurement at least in part based on the first ZP CSI-IM resource; and transmitting a multi-user (MU) channel quality indicator (CQI) at least in part based on the interference measurement.

[0005] Another aspect provides a method for wireless communication by a device. The method includes: transmitting a DCI, the DCI: scheduling a first downlink communication for a UE, the first downlink communication including a first ZP CSI-IM resource associated with a candidate co-scheduled UE and contained within a first plurality of resources allocated for a first downlink data channel, and triggering an interference measurement for the first ZP CSI-IM resource; transmitting the first downlink communication; and receiving a MU CQI at least in part based on the first downlink communication.

[0006] Other aspects provide: one or more means capable of operating to, configured to, or otherwise adapted to perform any portion of any method described herein (e.g., such that performance can be implemented by only one means or in a distributed manner across multiple means); one or more non-transitory computer-readable media comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of the one or more means, cause the one or more means to perform any portion of any method described herein (e.g., such that instructions can be included in only one computer-readable medium or in a distributed manner across multiple computer-readable media, such that instructions can be executed by only one processor or by multiple processors in a distributed manner, such that in the one or more means...). Each device may include one or more processors, and / or enable execution to be performed by only one device or in a distributed manner across multiple devices; one or more computer program products embodied on one or more computer-readable storage media including code for performing any part of any method described herein (e.g., enabling the code to be stored in only one computer-readable medium or in a distributed manner across computer-readable media); and / or one or more devices including one or more components for performing any part of any method described herein (e.g., enabling execution to be performed by only one device or by multiple devices in a distributed manner). By way of example, a device may include a processing system, a device having a processing system, or a processing system cooperating via one or more networks. A device may include: one or more memories; and one or more processors configured to enable the device to perform any part of any method described herein. In some examples, one or more processors may be pre-configured to perform the various functions or operations described herein without being configured by software.

[0007] For illustrative purposes, the following description and figures illustrate certain features. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The accompanying drawings depict certain features of the various aspects described herein and should not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 1 An example wireless communication network is depicted.

[0010] Figure 2 An example decomposed base station architecture is described.

[0011] Figure 3 Various aspects of the example base station and example user equipment are described.

[0012] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D Various example aspects of data structures used in wireless communication networks are described.

[0013] Figure 5A An example single-user multiple-input multiple-output scheme is described.

[0014] Figure 5B An example multi-user, multi-input, multi-output scheme is described.

[0015] Figures 6A to 6B An example of the use of a non-zero power channel state information reference signal for interference measurement is depicted.

[0016] Figure 6C This paper describes an example use of zero-power channel state information interference measurement resources for interference measurement.

[0017] Figure 7 An example use of zero-power channel state information interference measurement resources for channel state information reporting is described.

[0018] Figure 8 The process flow for communicating downlink data transmission in a network between network entities and user equipment is described. This downlink data transmission has self-sufficient zero-power channel state information interference measurement resources for evaluating candidate multi-user MU pairings for multi-user multiple-input multiple-output communication.

[0019] Figure 9 An example downlink data transmission with self-sufficient zero-power channel state information interference measurement resources corresponding to multiple candidate co-scheduled UEs is described.

[0020] Figure 10 A method for wireless communication is described.

[0021] Figure 11 Another method for wireless communication is described.

[0022] Figure 12Various aspects of the example communication device are described.

[0023] Figure 13 Various aspects of the example communication device are described. Detailed Implementation

[0024] This disclosure provides apparatus, methods, processing systems, and computer-readable media for introducing zero-power (ZP) channel state information interference measurement (CSI-IM) resources in downlink data transmission for (1) evaluating candidate MU pairings for multi-user (MU) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication, and / or (2) determining modulation and decoding schemes (MCS).

[0025] MIMO is an antenna technology used in wireless communication that employs multiple antennas at both the transmitter and receiver ends of the communication system. By utilizing multiple antennas, MIMO can deliver multiple data streams simultaneously, thereby effectively improving reliability through increased signal redundancy. MIMO technology can also help increase network capacity. For example, the simultaneous transmission and reception of multiple data streams allows more data to be transmitted at once, thus contributing to increased network capacity.

[0026] There are two main types of MIMO: single-user (SU)-MIMO and multi-user (MU)-MIMO. In SU-MIMO, all data streams transmitted can be intended for a single user. Alternatively, in MU-MIMO, two or more data streams can be transmitted to at least two different users. For example, a network entity may use different spatial pre-decoders to transmit multiple data streams to at least two user equipments (UEs) on the same time-frequency resources.

[0027] Network entities are typically responsible for determining MU pairings for MU-MIMO communication. As used herein, an MU pairing may include two or more UEs that the network entity can utilize to communicate simultaneously on the same or overlapping time-frequency resources. For example, the network entity may attempt to determine MU pairings that achieve maximum system capacity and minimum channel interference. Specifically, co-channel interference (also known as “MU interference”) can occur when multiple users are sharing the same time-frequency resources for MU-MIMO communication.

[0028] CSI reports (e.g., including channel state feedback based on channel and interference measurements at the UE) can be used to assist network entities in performing MU pairing for MU-MIMO communication. For example, a network entity can determine the initial MU pairing of UEs based on the SU CSI reported by each UE, where the SU CSI reported by each UE provides information about the communication channel between the network entity and the corresponding UE under the assumption of no interference.

[0029] To determine the multiple MCSs to be used for communication with paired UEs (e.g., UEs co-scheduled for MIMO communication on the same or overlapping time-frequency resources) using the MU, the network entity may send a pre-decoded non-zero power (NZP) channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) that triggers interference measurements for one or more of the UEs. The interference measurements can be used to determine channel quality based on co-channel interference, which can be reported to the network entity as multiple MU channel quality indicators (multiple MU CQIs). Based on the reported multiple MU CQIs (e.g., as part of the MU CSI report), the network entity can determine the multiple MCSs to be used for downlink communication with paired UEs using the MU.

[0030] For example, MU pairing based on SU CSI reports may include three UEs, such that the three UEs are co-scheduled for MIMO communication. To determine the MCS to be used for downlink communication with the first UE of the three UEs, the network entity may send multiple NZP CSI-RS pre-decoded using a pre-decoder determined for the first UE. The second and third UEs may measure interference from the first UE on the pre-decoded NZP CSI-RS. The second and third UEs may each determine MU CQIs based on the measured interference and report these MU CQIs to the network entity as part of the MU CSI report. The same process can be repeated to determine and report MU CQIs based on multiple NZP CSI-RS pre-decoded using a pre-decoder determined for the second UE and a pre-decoder determined for the third UE. Therefore, based on some methods used for MU pairing and MCS determination, the network entity may send multiple pre-decoded NZP CSI-RS corresponding to different MU pair UEs, and the MU pair UEs may report multiple MUCQIs.

[0031] The technical challenges associated with these methods for MU pairing and MCS determination involve determining MU pairings based solely on SU CSI reports. For example, the channel quality information included in the SU CSI report may not account for interference caused by other UEs in the MU-MIMO system. Therefore, MU pairings determined by network entities based solely on this information may not be the “optimal” MU pairings for MIMO communication, achieving maximum network capacity and communication reliability while minimizing co-channel interference. Furthermore, because UEs may report MU CSIs only to co-scheduled UEs, interference from other UEs that could be candidates for MU pairing may be unknown. Understanding the interference caused by each candidate UE can be effectively used to minimize interference when determining MU pairings for MU-MIMO communication.

[0032] Another technical problem associated with some methods used for MU pairing and MCS determination involves the transmission of SU CSI information and MUCSI information. For example, sending and receiving SU CSI information for the initial MU pairing and sending and receiving MU CSI information for each MU pair UE for MCS determination can incur significant network overhead, latency, and / or power usage. Furthermore, in some cases, the reported MU CSI information can indicate interference between MU pair UEs, causing network entities to determine to change MU pairings (e.g., removing one or more MU pair UEs from an existing MU pairing and / or adding one or more other UEs to an existing MU pairing). Changing existing pairings can cause (or require) network entities to receive MUCSI information again for the updated MU pairings, further increasing network resource usage, latency, and / or power usage.

[0033] To overcome the aforementioned technical problems associated with methods used for MU pairing and MCS determination and to improve upon existing technologies, the aspects described herein provide techniques for utilizing ZP CSI-IM resources in downlink data transmission. For example, resources allocated for transmitting downlink data to a UE may include one or more ZP CSI-IM resources (e.g., self-contained ZP CSI-IM resources included within a plurality of resources allocated for transmitting downlink data). The ZP CSI-IM resources may be associated with one or more UEs (also referred to herein as “candidate co-scheduled UEs”) that can be paired with the UE (e.g., a UE receiving downlink data with self-contained CSI-IM resources) for MU-MIMO communication. Including ZP CSI-IM resources in downlink data transmission from a network entity may trigger the UE receiving the transmission to perform one or more interference measurements to estimate interference from the candidate co-scheduled UEs that may potentially co-schedule with the UE during MU-MIMO communication. The UE may report multiple CQIs to the network entity based on multiple interference measurements, and the network entity may use the reported multiple CQIs to perform MU pairing, MU pairing handover, and / or MCS determination.

[0034] Therefore, introducing ZP CSI-IM resources in downlink data transmission advantageously enables network entities to determine MU pairings for MU-MIMO communication that achieve sufficient network capacity and / or communication reliability while also reducing interference. For example, network entities can assess interference that can be caused by various candidate MU pairings, each involving at least one UE receiving downlink data transmissions; and determine the “best” MU pairing for MU-MIMO communication based on this interference assessment. Identifying MU pairings based on interference measurements estimated for UEs co-scheduled with different candidates, rather than on SU CSI reports without any interference information, allows network entities to identify better pairings (e.g., MU pairings that at least reduce interference) for such communication. Furthermore, identifying MU pairings that result in reduced interference and thus sufficient network capacity and / or communication reliability at the outset (e.g., when the first MU pairing is determined) reduces the need for further MU pairing handovers (e.g., to obtain better MU pairings). Any change to UE pairing may cause (or require) the exchange of CSI updates for MU-MIMO communication, thereby incurring additional network overhead, latency, and / or power consumption (e.g., when network entities and UEs use to send and receive such information). Therefore, by efficiently identifying the “optimal” MU pairing, network overhead and power consumption can be reduced, and in some cases, the benefits of MU-MIMO communication can be realized more quickly.

[0035] Additionally, by including (multiple) ZP CSI-IM resources in downlink data transmission, network entities may be able to “test” the pairing (e.g., spatial multiplexing) of candidate co-scheduled UEs with UEs receiving downlink data transmissions for MU-MIMO communication before establishing MU pairing. This differs from some of the methods described above, in which MU pairing is created based on SU CSI reports and then used to understand the interference generated by the created MU pairing. The ability to “test” the pairing of candidate co-scheduled UEs before creating MU pairing helps (1) reduce signaling overhead from SU CSI and MU CSI reports used to evaluate each expected MU pairing, and (2) reduce power consumption by network entities and UEs for transmitting such CSIs. Furthermore, more efficient MU pairing can be achieved, and thus reduced latency in determining the “optimal” MU pairing for MU-MIMO communication.

[0036] The CQI(s) reported by the UE to the network entity as part of the MU CSI not only allows the network entity to determine the “best” MU pairing, but also enables the network entity to determine the MCS to be used for downlink communication with each UE in the determined MU pairing. Therefore, the additional signaling overhead that is usually incurred in determining the MCS can be saved. An introduction to wireless communication networks

[0037] The techniques and methods described herein can be used in a variety of wireless communication networks. Although aspects herein may be described using terms commonly associated with 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, and / or other generations of wireless technologies, aspects of this disclosure are equally applicable to other communication systems and standards not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0038] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication network 100 in which the aspects described herein can be implemented is depicted.

[0039] Generally, wireless communication network 100 includes various network entities (alternatively, network elements or network nodes). Network entities are typically communication devices and / or communication functions performed by communication devices (e.g., user equipment (UE), base station (BS), components of the BS, servers, etc.). Since such communication devices are part of wireless communication network 100 and facilitate wireless communication, they may be referred to as wireless communication devices. For example, various functions of the network and various devices associated with and interacting with the network may be considered network entities. Furthermore, wireless communication network 100 includes terrestrial and non-terrestrial aspects (also referred to herein as non-terrestrial network entities). Terrestrial aspects include terrestrial network entities such as terrestrial network entities (e.g., BS 102), and non-terrestrial aspects include satellite 140 and / or airborne or spaceborne platforms, which may include onboard network entities (e.g., one or more BSs) capable of communicating with other network elements (e.g., terrestrial BSs) and UEs.

[0040] In the depicted example, wireless communication network 100 includes BS 102, UE 104 and one or more core networks (such as Evolved Packet Core (EPC) 160 and 5G Core (5GC) network 190) that interoperate to provide communication services over various communication links, including wired and wireless links.

[0041] Figure 1Various example UE 104s are described, which may more generally include: cellular phones, smartphones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), satellite radios, GPS devices, multimedia devices, video devices, digital audio players, cameras, game consoles, tablet computers, smart devices, wearable devices, vehicles, electricity meters, air pumps, large or small kitchen appliances, healthcare devices, implants, sensors / actuators, displays, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, always-on (AON) devices, edge processing devices, data centers, or other similar devices. UE 104 may also be more generally referred to as mobile devices, wireless devices, stations, mobile stations, subscriber stations, mobile subscriber stations, mobile units, subscriber units, wireless units, remote units, remote devices, access terminals, mobile terminals, wireless terminals, remote terminals, mobile phones, and others.

[0042] BS 102 communicates wirelessly with UE 104 via communication link 120 (e.g., sending or receiving signals to or from UE 104). Communication link 120 between BS 102 and UE 104 may include uplink (UL) transmission (also referred to as reverse link) from UE 104 to BS 102 and / or downlink (DL) transmission (also referred to as forward link) transmission from BS 102 to UE 104. In various aspects, communication link 120 may utilize multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technologies, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity.

[0043] BS 102 may typically include: Node B, Enhanced Node B (eNB), Next Generation Enhanced Node B (ng-eNB), Next Generation Node B (gNB or gNodeB), access point, transceiver base station, radio base station, radio transceiver, transceiver functionality, transmit / receive point, and / or others. Each of BS 102 provides communication coverage for a corresponding coverage area 110, which may sometimes be referred to as a cell, and in some cases may overlap (e.g., a small cell 102' may have a coverage area 110' that overlaps with the coverage area 110 of a macro cell). For example, BS may provide communication coverage for macro cells (covering a relatively large geographic area), pico cells (covering a relatively small geographic area, such as a stadium), femtocells (covering a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a home)), and / or other types of cells.

[0044] Generally, a cell can refer to a portion, partition, or segment of wireless communication coverage served by network entities within a wireless communication network. A cell can have geographical characteristics (such as a geographical coverage area) and radio frequency characteristics (such as time and / or frequency resources dedicated to the cell). For example, multiple cells employing different frequency resources (e.g., bandwidth portions) and / or different time resources can cover a specific geographical coverage area. As another example, a single cell can cover a specific geographical coverage area. In some contexts (e.g., carrier aggregation scenarios and / or multi-connectivity scenarios), the terms "cell" or "serving cell" can refer to or correspond to a specific carrier frequency (e.g., component carrier) used for wireless communication, and "cell group" can refer to or correspond to multiple carriers used for wireless communication. As an example, in a carrier aggregation scenario, a UE can communicate on multiple component carriers corresponding to multiple (serving) cells in the same cell group, and in a multi-connectivity (e.g., dual-connectivity) scenario, a UE can communicate on multiple component carriers corresponding to multiple cell groups.

[0045] Although BS 102 is described as a single communication device in various aspects, it can be implemented in a variety of configurations. For example, to give a few examples, one or more components of the base station can be decomposed, including a central unit (CU), one or more distributed units (DU), one or more radio units (RU), a near real-time (near RT) RAN intelligent controller (RIC), or a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC. In another example, various aspects of the base station can be virtualized. More generally, a base station (e.g., BS 102) can include components located at a single physical location or components located at various physical locations. In examples where the base station includes components located at various physical locations, the various components can each perform functions, such that the various components collectively achieve functionality similar to a base station located at a single physical location. In some aspects, a base station including components located at various physical locations can be referred to as a decomposed radio access network architecture (such as an open RAN (O-RAN) or virtualized RAN (VRAN) architecture). Figure 2 An example decomposed base station architecture is depicted and described.

[0046] Different BSs 102 within the wireless communication network 100 can also be configured to support different radio access technologies (such as 3G, 4G, and / or 5G). For example, a BS 102 configured for 4G LTE (collectively referred to as Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)) can interface with EPC 160 via a first backhaul link 132 (e.g., S1 interface). A BS 102 configured for 5G (e.g., 5G NR or Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN)) can interface with 5GC 190 via a second backhaul link 184. BSs 102 can communicate directly or indirectly (e.g., via EPC 160 or 5GC 190) on a third backhaul link 134 (e.g., X2 interface), which can be wired or wireless.

[0047] Wireless communication network 100 can subdivide the electromagnetic spectrum into various categories, bands, channels, or other characteristics. In some aspects, subdivision is provided based on wavelength and frequency, where frequency may also be referred to as carrier, subcarrier, channel, tone, or subband. For example, 3GPP currently defines frequency range 1 (FR1) as including 410MHz to 7125MHz, which is often (interchangeably) referred to as “sub-6GHz”. Similarly, 3GPP currently defines frequency range 2 (FR2) as including 24,250MHz to 71,000MHz, which is sometimes (interchangeably) referred to as “millimeter wave” (“mmW” or “mmWave”). In some cases, FR2 can be further defined according to subranges (such as a first subrange FR2-1 including 24,250MHz to 52,600MHz and a second subrange FR2-2 including 52,600MHz to 71,000MHz). Base stations configured to communicate using mmWave / near mmWave radio bands (e.g., mmWave base stations such as BS 180) can utilize beamforming (e.g., 182) with UEs (e.g., 104) to improve path loss and range.

[0048] The communication link 120 between BS 102 and, for example, UE 104 can be via one or more carriers, which may have different bandwidths (e.g., 5MHz, 10MHz, 15MHz, 20MHz, 100MHz, 400MHz and / or other MHz) and may be aggregated in various ways. The carriers may be adjacent to each other or may not be adjacent to each other. The allocation of carriers may be asymmetric for DL ​​and UL (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated to DL compared to UL).

[0049] Compared to lower-frequency communication, communication using higher frequency bands may have higher path loss and shorter range. Therefore, some base stations (e.g., Figure 1 The beamforming 182 of the BS 180 (180) with the UE 104 can be used to improve path loss and range. For example, the BS 180 and UE 104 may each include multiple antennas, such as antenna elements, antenna panels, and / or antenna arrays, to facilitate beamforming. In some cases, the BS 180 may transmit beamformed signals to the UE 104 in one or more transmit directions 182''. The UE 104 may receive beamformed signals from the BS 180 in one or more receive directions 182''. The UE 104 may also transmit beamformed signals to the BS 180 in one or more transmit directions 182''. The BS 180 may also receive beamformed signals from the UE 104 in one or more receive directions 182''. The BS 180 and UE 104 may then perform beamforming training to determine the optimal receive and transmit directions for each of the BS 180 and UE 104. It is worth noting that the transmit and receive directions of the BS 180 may be the same or different. Similarly, the sending and receiving directions of UE 104 can be the same or different.

[0050] The wireless communication network 100 further includes a Wi-Fi AP 150 that communicates with a Wi-Fi station (STA) 152 via a communication link 154 in, for example, unlicensed spectrum in 2.4 GHz and / or 5 GHz.

[0051] Some UEs 104 may use device-to-device (D2D) communication link 158 to communicate with each other. The D2D communication link 158 may use one or more sidelink channels, such as physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH), physical sidelink discovery channel (PSDCH), physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), and / or physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH).

[0052] EPC 160 may include various functional components, including: Mobility Management Entity (MME) 162, other MMEs 164, Serving Gateway 166, Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) Gateway 168, Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BM-SC) 170, and / or Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway 172, as in the illustrated example. MME 162 may communicate with Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 174. MME 162 is the control node that handles signaling between UE 104 and EPC 160. Generally, MME 162 provides bearer and connectivity management.

[0053] Generally, user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are transmitted through Serving Gateway 166, which is itself connected to PDN Gateway 172. PDN Gateway 172 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. PDN Gateway 172 and BM-SC 170 are connected to IP services 176, which may include, for example, the Internet, intranets, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), packet-switched (PS) streaming services, and / or other IP services.

[0054] The BM-SC 170 provides functionality for MBMS user service dispatch and delivery. The BM-SC 170 can serve as an entry point for content provider MBMS transmissions, authorize and initiate MBMS bearer services within a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), and / or schedule MBMS transmissions. The MBMS Gateway 168 can distribute MBMS services to BS 102 within a Broadcast-Specific Service Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) area, and / or be responsible for session management (start / stop) and collecting eMBMS-related billing information.

[0055] 5GC 190 may include various functional components, including: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 192, other AMFs 193, Session Management Function (SMF) 194, and User Plane Function (UPF) 195. AMF 192 may communicate with Unified Data Management (UDM) 196.

[0056] AMF 192 is the control node that handles signaling between UE 104 and 5GC 190. AMF 192 provides services such as Quality of Service (QoS) flow and session management.

[0057] Internet Protocol (IP) packets are transmitted via UPF 195, which connects to IP service 197 and provides UE IP address allocation and other functions for 5GC 190. IP service 197 may include, for example, the Internet, intranet, IMS, PS streaming service, and / or other IP services.

[0058] In various aspects, to give a few examples, network entities or network nodes can be implemented as aggregated base stations, decomposed base stations, components of base stations, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, relay nodes, and sidelink nodes.

[0059] Figure 2An example decomposed base station 200 architecture is depicted. The decomposed base station 200 architecture may include one or more central units (CUs) 210, which may communicate directly with the core network 220 via a backhaul link, or indirectly with the core network 220 through one or more decomposed base station units, such as a near real-time (near-RT) RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) 225 via an E2 link, or a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC 215 associated with a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) framework 205, or both. CUs 210 may communicate with one or more distributed units (DUs) 230 via corresponding midhaul links (such as F1 interfaces). DUs 230 may communicate with one or more radio units (RUs) 240 via corresponding fronthaul links. RUs 240 may communicate with corresponding UEs 104 via one or more radio frequency (RF) access links. In some specific implementations, UE 104 may be served simultaneously by multiple RUs 240.

[0060] Each unit in a cell (e.g., CU 210, DU 230, RU 240, and near-RT RIC 225, non-RT RIC 215, and SMO frame 205) may include or be coupled to one or more interfaces configured to receive or transmit signals, data, or information (collectively, signals) via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Each of the cells, or an associated processor or controller that provides instructions to the cell's communication interface, may be configured to communicate with one or more other cells via the transmission medium. For example, these cells may include a wired interface configured to receive signals or transmit signals to one or more other cells via a wired transmission medium. Additionally or alternatively, a cell may include a wireless interface that may include a receiver, transmitter, or transceiver (such as a radio frequency (RF) transceiver) configured to receive signals on a wireless transmission medium or transmit signals to one or more other cells, or both.

[0061] In some aspects, the CU 210 can host one or more higher-level control functions. Such control functions may include Radio Resource Control (RRC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), Serving Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), etc. Each control function can be implemented using an interface configured to signal to other control functions hosted by the CU 210. The CU 210 can be configured to handle user plane functions (e.g., Central Unit-User Plane (CU-UP)), control plane functions (e.g., Central Unit-Control Plane (CU-CP)), or combinations thereof. In some implementations, the CU 210 can be logically divided into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. When implemented in an O-RAN configuration, the CU-UP units can communicate bidirectionally with the CU-CP units via an interface such as an E1 interface. The CU 210 can be implemented to communicate with the DU 230 for network control and signaling, as needed.

[0062] DU 230 may correspond to a logical unit that includes one or more base station functions for controlling the operation of one or more RU 240s. In some aspects, DU 230 may at least partially host one or more of the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, and one or more high physical (PHY) layers (such as modules for forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, etc.) according to functional splits (such as those defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In some aspects, DU 230 may further host one or more low PHY layers. Each layer (or module) may be implemented using an interface configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by DU 230 or with control functions hosted by CU 210.

[0063] Lower-layer functionality can be implemented by one or more RU 240s. In some deployments, the RU240 controlled by the DU 230 may correspond to a logical node that hosts RF processing functions or low-PHY layer functions (such as performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse FFT (iFFT), digital beamforming, Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, or both, based at least in part on functional decomposition (such as lower-layer functional decomposition). In such architectures, the RU 240 may be implemented to handle over-the-air (OTA) communications with one or more UE 104s. In some specific implementations, the real-time and non-real-time aspects of control plane and user plane communications with the RU 240 may be controlled by the corresponding DU 230. In some scenarios, this configuration allows the DU 230 and CU 210 to be implemented in a cloud-based RAN architecture (such as a vRAN architecture).

[0064] SMO framework 205 can be configured to support RAN deployment and provisioning of both non-virtualized and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, SMO framework 205 can be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements, which can be managed via operation and maintenance interfaces such as the O1 interface. For virtualized network elements, SMO framework 205 can be configured to interact with cloud computing platforms such as Open Cloud (O-Cloud) 290 to perform network element lifecycle management (such as instantiating virtualized network elements) via cloud computing platform interfaces such as the O2 interface. Such virtualized network elements may include, but are not limited to, CU 210, DU 230, RU 240, and near-RT RIC 225. In some specific implementations, SMO framework 205 may communicate with hardware aspects of the 4G RAN, such as Open eNB (O-eNB) 211, via the O1 interface. Additionally, in some implementations, the SMO framework 205 may communicate directly with one or more DU 230s and / or one or more RU 240s via the O1 interface. The SMO framework 205 may also include a non-RT RIC 215 configured to support the functionality of the SMO framework 205.

[0065] The non-RT RIC 215 can be configured to include logical functions that enable non-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, including artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) workflows for model training and updates, or policy-based guidance for applications / features in the near-RT RIC 225. The non-RT RIC 215 can be coupled to or communicate with the near-RT RIC 225, such as via an A1 interface. The near-RT RIC 225 can be configured to include logical functions that enable near real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources via an interface, such as via an E2 interface, through data collection and actions, connecting one or more CU 210s, one or more DU 230s, or both, and O-eNBs to the near-RT RIC 225.

[0066] In some implementations, to generate AI / ML models to be deployed in the near-RT RIC 225, the non-RT RIC 215 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from an external server. This information can be utilized by the near-RT RIC 225 and can be received from non-network data sources or network functions at the SMO framework 205 or the non-RT RIC 215. In some examples, the non-RT RIC 215 or the near-RT RIC 225 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the non-RT RIC 215 may monitor long-term trends and patterns in performance and use AI / ML models to perform corrective actions via the SMO framework 205 (such as reconfiguration via O1) or by creating RAN management policies (such as A1 policies).

[0067] Figure 3 Various aspects of examples BS 102 and UE 104 are described.

[0068] Generally, BS 102 includes various processors (e.g., 318, 320, 330, 338, and 340), antennas 334a to 334t (collectively referred to as 334), transceivers 332a to 332t (collectively referred to as 332) including modulators and demodulators, and other aspects that enable the wireless transmission of data (e.g., data source 312) and the wireless reception of data (e.g., data sink 314). For example, BS 102 can transmit and receive data between BS 102 and UE 104. BS 102 includes a controller / processor 340 that can be configured to implement the various functions described herein related to wireless communication. It should be noted that BS 102 may have the features described herein. Figure 2 The decomposed architecture described.

[0069] Generally, UE 104 includes various processors (e.g., 358, 364, 366, 370, and 380), antennas 352a to 352r (collectively referred to as 352), transceivers 354a to 354r (collectively referred to as 354) including modulators and demodulators, and other aspects that enable the wireless transmission of data (e.g., retrieval from data source 362) and the wireless reception of data (e.g., provision to data sink 360). UE 104 includes a controller / processor 380 that can be configured to implement the various functions described herein related to wireless communication.

[0070] Regarding example downlink transmission, BS 102 includes a transmission processor 320 that can receive data from data source 312 and control information from controller / processor 340. This control information may be for a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH), Physical Control Format Indicator Channel (PCFICH), Physical Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) Indicator Channel (PHICH), Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), Group Common PDCCH (GC PDCCH), and / or others. In some examples, this data may be for a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).

[0071] The transmitter processor 320 can process data and control information (e.g., encoding and symbol mapping) to obtain data symbols and control symbols, respectively. The transmitter processor 320 can also generate reference symbols (such as those for the primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), PBCH demodulation reference signal (DMRS), and channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS)).

[0072] The transmit (TX) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processor 330 can perform spatial processing (e.g., pre-decoding) on ​​data symbols, control symbols, and / or reference symbols where applicable, and can provide the output symbol stream to the modulators (MODs) in transceivers 332a to 332t. Each modulator in transceivers 332a to 332t can process the corresponding output symbol stream to obtain an output sample stream. Each modulator can further process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and up-convert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink signal. The downlink signal from the modulators in transceivers 332a to 332t can be transmitted via antennas 334a to 334t, respectively.

[0073] To receive downlink transmissions, UE 104 includes antennas 352a to 352r that receive downlink signals from BS 102 and provide the received signals to demodulators (DEMODs) in transceivers 354a to 354r, respectively. Each demodulator in transceivers 354a to 354r can adjust (e.g., filter, amplify, down-convert, and digitize) the corresponding received signal to obtain an input sample. Each demodulator can further process the input sample to obtain the received symbols.

[0074] The RX MIMO detector 356 acquires received symbols from all demodulators in transceivers 354a to 354r, performs MIMO detection on the received symbols where applicable, and provides the detected symbols. The receive processor 358 processes the detected symbols (e.g., demodulation, deinterleaving, and decoding), provides the decoded data of UE 104 to data sink 360, and provides the decoded control information to controller / processor 380.

[0075] Regarding the example uplink transmission, UE 104 further includes a transmission processor 364 that receives and processes data from data source 362 (e.g., for PUSCH) and control information from controller / processor 380 (e.g., for Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH)). Transmission processor 364 can also generate reference symbols for reference signals (e.g., for Sounding Reference Signal (SRS)). Symbols from transmission processor 364 may be pre-decoded by TX MIMO processor 366, where applicable, further processed by modulators in transceivers 354a to 354r (e.g., for SC-FDM), and transmitted to BS 102.

[0076] At BS 102, uplink signals from UE 104 can be received by antennas 334a to 334t, processed by demodulators in transceivers 332a to 332t, detected where applicable by RX MIMO detector 336, and further processed by receiver processor 338 to obtain decoded data and control information transmitted by UE 104. Receiver processor 338 can provide the decoded data to data sink 314 and the decoded control information to controller / processor 340.

[0077] Memory 342 and memory 382 can store data and program code for BS 102 and UE 104, respectively.

[0078] Scheduler 344 can schedule UE to send data on the downlink and / or uplink.

[0079] In various respects, BS 102 can be described as transmitting and receiving various types of data associated with the methods described herein. In these contexts, “transmitting” can refer to various mechanisms that output data, such as from data source 312, scheduler 344, memory 342, transmit processor 320, controller / processor 340, TX MIMO processor 330, transceivers 332a to 332t, antennas 334a to 334t, and / or other aspects described herein. Similarly, “receiving” can refer to various mechanisms that acquire data, such as from antennas 334a to 334t, transceivers 332a to 332t, RX MIMO detector 336, controller / processor 340, receive processor 338, scheduler 344, memory 342, and / or other aspects described herein.

[0080] In various respects, UE 104 can also be described as transmitting and receiving various types of data associated with the methods described herein. In these contexts, “transmitting” can refer to various mechanisms that output data, such as from data source 362, memory 382, ​​transmit processor 364, controller / processor 380, TX MIMO processor 366, transceivers 354a to 354t, antennas 352a to 352t, and / or other aspects described herein. Similarly, “receiving” can refer to various mechanisms that acquire data, such as from antennas 352a to 352t, transceivers 354a to 354t, RX MIMO detector 356, controller / processor 380, receive processor 358, memory 382, ​​and / or other aspects described herein.

[0081] In some respects, the processor can be configured to perform various operations (such as those associated with the methods described herein) and to send (output) data to or receive data from another interface configured to send or receive data, respectively.

[0082] In various aspects, artificial intelligence (AI) processors 318 and 370 may perform AI processing for BS 102 and / or UE 104, respectively. AI processor 318 may include AI accelerator hardware or circuitry, such as one or more neural processing units (NPUs), one or more neural network processors, one or more tensor processors, one or more deep learning processors, etc. AI processor 370 may similarly include AI accelerator hardware or circuitry. As examples, AI processor 370 may perform AI-based beam management, AI-based channel state feedback (CSF), AI-based antenna tuning, and / or AI-based localization (e.g., non-line-of-sight localization prediction). In some cases, AI processor 318 may use hardware-accelerated AI inference and / or AI training to process feedback (e.g., CSF) from UE 104. AI processor 318 may, for example, use hardware-accelerated AI inference associated with CSF to decode compressed CSF from UE 104. In some cases, AI processor 318 may perform certain RAN-based functions, including, for example, network planning, network performance management, energy-efficient network operation, etc.

[0083] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D Describes the use of wireless communication networks (such as Figure 1 All aspects of the data structure of the wireless communication network 100.

[0084] Specifically, Figure 4A Figure 400 is an example of the first subframe within a 5G (e.g., 5G NR) frame structure. Figure 4B Figure 430 illustrates an example of a DL channel within a 5G subframe. Figure 4C Figure 450 illustrates an example of the second subframe within a 5G frame structure, and Figure 4D Figure 480 illustrates an example of a UL channel within a 5G subframe.

[0085] Wireless communication systems can utilize Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) with a cyclic prefix (CP) on both the uplink and downlink. Such systems can also support half-duplex operation using Time Division Duplex (TDD). OFDM and Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiplexing (SC-FDM) will (e.g., as...) Figure 4B and Figure 4D The system bandwidth (as depicted in the text) is divided into multiple orthogonal subcarriers. Each subcarrier can be modulated with data. Modulation symbols can be transmitted in the frequency domain using OFDM and / or in the time domain using SC-FDM.

[0086] Wireless communication frame structures can be frequency division duplex (FDD), where for a specific set of subcarriers, subframes within that set are dedicated to either deep (DL) or ultra-low (UL). Wireless communication frame structures can also be time division duplex (TDD), where for a specific set of subcarriers, subframes within that set are dedicated to both DL and UL.

[0087] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4C In this example, the wireless communication frame structure is TDD, where D stands for DL, U for UL, and X is flexibly used between DL and UL. The UE can configure the time slot format using the received Time Slot Format Indicator (SFI) (dynamically via DL Control Information (DCI) or semi-statically / statically via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling). In the depicted example, a 10ms frame is divided into 10 equal-sized 1ms subframes. Each subframe may include one or more time slots. In some examples, each time slot may include 12 or 14 symbols, depending on the Cyclic Prefix (CP) type (e.g., 12 symbols per time slot for extended CP, or 14 symbols per time slot for regular CP). Subframes may also include micro-time slots, which typically have fewer symbols than the entire time slot. Other wireless communication technologies may have different frame structures and / or different channels.

[0088] In some respects, the number of time slots within a subframe (e.g., the time slot duration within a subframe) is based on a parameter set that defines the frequency-domain subcarrier spacing and symbol duration, as further described herein. In some respects, given a parameter set μ, each subframe has 2 μ The number of time slots is 1. Therefore, parameter sets (µ) 0 through 6 allow for 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 time slots per subframe, respectively. In some cases, extended CP (e.g., 12 symbols per time slot) can be used with specific parameter sets; for example, parameter set 2 allows for 4 time slots per subframe. Subcarrier spacing and symbol length / duration are functions of the parameter set. The subcarrier spacing can be equal to... kHz, where μ is the parameter set from 0 to 6. As an example, the parameter set... Corresponding to a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz, and the parameter set This corresponds to a subcarrier spacing of 960 kHz. Symbol length / duration is negatively correlated with subcarrier spacing. Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D It provides a slot format with 14 symbols per slot (e.g., regular CP) and a parameter set with 4 slots per subframe. Example. In this case, the slot duration is 0.25 ms, the subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz, and the symbol duration is approximately 16.67 μs.

[0089] like Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D As depicted, the resource grid can be used to represent the frame structure. Each time slot includes a resource block (RB) (also known as a physical RB (PRB)) extending for, for example, 12 consecutive subcarriers. The resource grid is divided into multiple resource elements (REs). The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme, including, for example, quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).

[0090] like Figure 4A As illustrated in the example, some REs in the RE carry information for the UE (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 3 The reference (pilot) signal (RS) for the UE (104) may include a demodulation RS (DMRS) and / or a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) for channel estimation at the UE. The RS may also include a beam measurement RS (BRS), a beam refinement RS (BRRS), and / or a phase tracking RS (PT-RS).

[0091] Figure 4B Examples of various DL channels within a subframe of a frame are illustrated. The Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) carries the DCI within one or more Control Channel Elements (CCEs), each CCE comprising, for example, nine RE groups (REGs), each REG comprising, for example, four consecutive REs in an OFDM symbol.

[0092] The Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) can be located within symbol 2 of a specific subframe of the frame. The PSS is generated by the UE (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 3 104) is used to determine subframe / symbol timing and physical layer identifier.

[0093] The Supplemental Synchronization Signal (SSS) can be located in symbol 4 of a specific subframe of the frame. The SSS is used by the UE to determine the physical layer cell identifier group number and radio frame timing.

[0094] Based on the Physical Layer Identifier and Physical Layer Cell Identifier Group Number, the UE can determine the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI). Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the location of the aforementioned DMRS. The Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) carrying the Master Information Block (MIB) can be logically combined with the PSS and SSS to form a Synchronization Signal (SS) / PBCH Block (SSB), and in some cases, it is referred to as the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB). The MIB provides the System Frame Number (SFN) and the number of RBs in the system bandwidth. The Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information (such as System Information Block (SIB)) not transmitted via the PBCH, and / or paging messages.

[0095] like Figure 4C As illustrated, some REs in the REs carry DMRS for channel estimation at the base station (indicated as R for a particular configuration, but other DMRS configurations are possible). The UE can transmit DMRS for PUCCH and DMRS for PUSCH. PUSCH DMRS can be transmitted, for example, in the first or second symbol before the PUSCH. PUCCH DMRS can be transmitted in different configurations depending on whether a short or long PUCCH is being transmitted and depending on the specific PUCCH format used. UE104 can transmit a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS). SRS can be transmitted, for example, in the last symbol of a subframe. SRS can have a comb structure, and the UE can transmit SRS on one of the comb teeth. SRS can be used by the base station for channel quality estimation to enable frequency-dependent scheduling of the UL.

[0096] Figure 4D Examples of various UL channels within a subframe of a frame are illustrated. The PUCCH can be located as indicated in one configuration. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as scheduling requests, channel quality indicators (CQI), pre-decoding matrix indicators (PMI), rank indicators (RI), and HARQ ACK / NACK feedback. The PUSCH carries data and may additionally be used to carry buffer status reports (BSR), power clearance reports (PHR), and / or UCI. All aspects related to MIMO

[0097] In multi-antenna wireless communication systems, spatial multiplexing can be used to improve spectral efficiency (e.g., a measure of the bit rate transmitted in a given communication channel). Spatial multiplexing refers to transmitting multiple streams (e.g., independently coded data) along different beams. A beam is defined by scaling the amplitude and phase corresponding to each antenna. Antenna-specific weightings of amplitude and phase are applied to the different data streams, and these data streams are mapped to different antennas. If a signal is transmitted on all antennas using scaling corresponding to each antenna, the signal is said to be transmitted along a beam. Spatial multiplexing schemes target a single user (e.g., such as regarding...) all transmitted streams. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The UE 104 described and illustrated is referred to as a SU-MIMO scheme, and as a MU-MIMO scheme when two or more streams are transmitted and at least two of the streams are for two different users.

[0098] Figure 5A An example SU-MIMO scheme 500a is described. For example... Figure 5A As shown, network entity 502 (e.g., such as regarding Figure 1 and Figure 3 The BS 102 depicted and described, or about Figure 2 The decomposed base station described and illustrated can utilize SU-MIMO to simultaneously send signals to UE 504(1) (e.g., such as regarding...). Figure 1 and Figure 3 The UE 104(1) depicted and described transmits data streams 506 and 508. Different beams may be used to transmit data streams 506 and 508 to the UE 504(1).

[0099] The beam, number of data streams (also referred to as “layers”), and / or pre-decoding (e.g., signal processing techniques for manipulating the transmitted signal before transmission to optimize the received signal at the receiver) used for downlink communication with UE 504(1) to achieve reliable and efficient communication may depend on the channel implementation of UE 504(1). However, this channel knowledge may not be available at network entity 502. When channel knowledge is unavailable at network entity 502, network entity 502 may rely on some form of feedback from UE 504(1). Therefore, as Figure 5A As shown, UE 504(1) can transmit CSI feedback 510 to network entity 502.

[0100] For example, for SU-MIMO, UE 504(1) may transmit a CSI report to network entity 502 including one or more CSI parameters such as the rank index (RI), pre-decoding matrix indicator (PMI), and / or channel quality indicator (CQI). The RI may represent the rank, or the number of data streams requested for downlink transmission. The maximum rank indicated (and supported) may be equal to the number of transmit antennas at network entity 502. N t The number of receiving antennas at UE 504(1) N r The minimum value in. For example, in Figure 5A In this context, the maximum rank can be equal to two. In some implementations, the PMI can instruct the UE to send preferred pre-decoding for the downlink. The CQI can be an indicator of channel quality at UE 504(1), and more specifically, an indicator of the average channel conditions and / or interference level at UE 504(1).

[0101] A set of codebooks can be defined, containing several distinct pre-decoded matrices corresponding to each rank. For each rank... r The pre-decoding matrix is ​​usually N t × r A matrix, where each column of the pre-decoding matrix corresponds to a beam. In one example, UE 504(1) uses a reference signal (e.g., CSI-RS) sent by network entity 502 to measure the channel on the downlink. UE 504(1) then searches through all combinations of rank-sum pre-decoding matrices to find the rank-sum pre-decoding matrix predicted to have the best performance. The best combination of rank-sum pre-decoding matrices may be the rank-sum pre-decoding matrix that provides the best data rate on all streams and on the configured reporting bandwidth. This rank-sum pre-decoding matrix may be reported to network entity 502 as RI and PMI in the CSI report, respectively. Network entity 502 may use this information to send downlink data transmissions to UE 504(1).

[0102] Figure 5B An example MU-MIMO scheme 500b is described. For example... Figure 5B As shown, network entity 502 can use the same antenna element to simultaneously transmit data stream 536 to UE 504(1) and data stream 538 to another UE (e.g., UE 504(2)). For example, the network entity can use different spatial pre-decoders to transmit data stream 536 to UE 504(1) and data stream 538 to UE 504(2) on the same time-frequency resources. UE 504(1) and UE 504(2) (e.g., co-scheduled UEs) can use different orthogonal DMRS ports in the same or different code division multiplexing (CDM) groups.

[0103] Similar to SU-MIMO, channel state feedback can be provided to network entity 502 by the scheduled UE 504. For example, UE 504(1) can transmit CSI feedback 546 to network entity 502, wherein CSI feedback 546 includes one or more CSI parameters, such as RI, PMI, and / or CQI. Similarly, UE 504(2) can transmit CSI feedback 548 to network entity 502, wherein CSI feedback 548 includes one or more CSI parameters, such as RI, PMI, and / or CQI. Network entity 502 can simultaneously send downlink data transmissions to both UE 504(1) and UE 504(2) based on the reported CSI parameters. Example interference measurement method for CSI feedback

[0104] As described herein, CSI feedback provided by the UE may include CQI, which is a metric representing the quality of a given channel. Accurate interference and channel measurements can be used to calculate the CQI.

[0105] Interference occurs when wireless communication signals in a wireless communication network are interrupted or weakened, which can lead to reduced quality of service and reduced network capacity. Interference can include, for example, (1) inter-cell interference and (2) intra-cell interference. Inter-cell interference typically refers to a signal from one cell interfering with a signal from another cell. On the other hand, intra-cell interference typically refers to interference caused by wireless signals within the same cell and associated with different entities within that cell (e.g., UEs and / or network entities). Various methods can be used to obtain interference measurements.

[0106] For example, a first method of interference measurement may rely on NZP CSI-RS (a type of RS used to obtain channel measurements) to obtain residual interference measurements based on channel measurements. The term "non-zero power" in NZP-CSI-RS indicates that the RS is transmitted at a power level greater than zero. A second method of interference measurement may be based on Zero Power CSI Interference Measurement (ZP CSI-IM) (also simply "CSI-IM") resource elements that allow direct interference measurement. The first method of interference measurement using NZP CSI-RS is typically used to measure intra-cell interference, while the second method of interference measurement using CSI-IM resource elements is typically used to measure inter-cell interference.

[0107] Figures 6A to 6B An example use of NZP CSI-RS for interference measurement is depicted. For example... Figure 6AAs shown, two NZPCSI-RS are allocated for the UE on the fourth OFDM symbol in the scheduled subframe 602 of the serving network entity (e.g., the serving BS). These two NZPCSI-RS may conflict with the NZPCSI-RS resource elements in subframes 604 and 606 associated with the first and second interfering network entities (e.g., the network entity scheduling the interfering signals), respectively (e.g., where NZPCSI-RS are also allocated on the fourth OFDM symbol in each subframe 604 and 606). Interference can be measured by the UE based on these interfering signals from the interfering network entities. In this case, the measured interference may correspond to non-pre-decoded interference.

[0108] Alternative locations, such as Figure 6B As shown, the NZP CSI-RS allocated on the fourth OFDM symbol in the scheduled subframe 608 of the serving network entity may overlap with user data from the first interfering network entity (e.g., shown at 611 in the fourth OFDM symbol of subframe 610) and user data from the second interfering network entity (e.g., shown at 613 in the fourth OFDM symbol of subframe 612). The interference can be measured by the UE based on these interference signals from the interfering network entities. In this case, the estimated interference may depend on the user-specific pre-decoding used in the cell corresponding to the first and second interfering network entities.

[0109] although Figure 6A and Figure 6B The illustrated example depicts example interference based on signals from two network entities, but in some other examples, the estimated interference may be based on signals from only a single network entity or from more than two network entities.

[0110] In the second method of interference measurement using CSI-IM resources, a set of resource elements in a subframe can be configured, on which interference can be directly measured by the UE. CSI-IM resources may include zero-power resource elements. However, it should be noted that CSI-IM and ZP CSI-RS may have different functionalities. For example, CSI-IM may define a set of resource elements on which interference can be measured, while ZP CSI-RS may define a set of resource elements in which downlink data channels (e.g., PDSCH) are not mapped and the UE cannot make any assumptions about the content of such resources. Figure 6C An example use of CSI-IM resources for interference measurement is depicted.

[0111] like Figure 6CAs shown, the network entity serving the UE (e.g., the serving BS) may reserve (e.g., schedule) two resource elements in subframe 620 for NZP CSI-RS for channel estimation at the UE, and four resource elements in subframe 620 for CSI-IM for interference measurement by the UE. The serving network entity may not transmit any data on the resource elements that transmit CSI-IM. The first and second interfering network entities may transmit data on the same resource elements scheduled for CSI-IM in their respective subframes 622 and 624. Therefore, the UE can measure interference from other interfering network entities (e.g., associated with neighboring cells of the UE's serving cell).

[0112] CSI-IM can be configured for periodic, semi-persistent, or aperiodic transmission. In the case of periodic CSI-IM transmission, the UE can assume that every [number] [time period]... N The configured CSI-IM transmission occurs in each time slot. In the case of non-periodic CSI-IM transmission, periodicity may not be configured. Instead, each scheduled CSI-IM resource can be explicitly notified (“triggered”) to the UE via signaling in the DCI.

[0113] For example, multiple aperiodic CSI-IM resource sets can be configured in a single CSI reporting setting at the UE. Each CSI-IM resource set may include... K ≥1 (or more) CSI-IM resources. Each CSI-IM resource set can be associated with a “triggering state”, and network entities can use the CSI request field in the uplink granted DCI to select (e.g., activate) an aperiodic CSI-IM resource set for CSI reporting.

[0114] Figure 7 This describes an example of the use of CSI-IM resources for CSI reporting, including CQI. For example... Figure 7 As shown, different time-frequency patterns for CSI-IM resources can be configured at the UE. For example, CSI-IM resources can be configured via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. CSI-IM resources can have a first time-frequency pattern shown at 722 or a second time-frequency pattern shown at 724. The RRC signaling used to configure CSI-IM resources may include (1) subcarrierLocation-p0 or subcarrierLocation-p1 The parameters are for those set to "pattern0" or "pattern1" respectively. csi-IM-ResourceElementPattern Define the subcarrier occupancy (or location) of CSI-IM resources within the time slot, and (2) symbolLocation-p0 or symbolLocation-p1 They are respectively for those set to "pattern0" or "pattern1". csi-IM-ResourceElementPatternDefine the OFDM symbol location of CSI-IM resources within the time slot. Additionally, the RRC signaling used to configure CSI-IM resources may include... freqBand Parameters, including those for configuring frequency occupancy of CSI-IM resources. The UE may assume that CSI-IM exists in the region defined by f. reqBand In each of the configured PRBs.

[0115] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, network entity 702 may schedule and transmit CSI-RS and CSI-IM resources at 712 to perform channel measurements and interference measurements at UE 704, respectively. UE 704 may use CSI-RS to measure the quality of the downlink channel and CSI-IM resources to measure interference, and report this information to network entity 702 via a CSI report at 714. For example, as described herein, the CSI report may include one or more CSI parameters, such as RI, PMI, and / or CQI. CQI may be a metric representing the channel quality for the downlink channel and may be based on both the channel measurements and interference measurements obtained by UE 704. Network entity 702 may use the information included in the CSI report at 716 for downlink transmission (e.g., via PDSCH). For example, network entity 702 may at least determine the optimal MCS to be used for transmitting downlink data to UE 704. The MCS may determine how the data is modulated and encoded for transmission over the air interface between network entity 702 and UE 704. Various aspects related to MU pairing for MU-MIMO

[0116] In some respects, CSI reports (e.g., including channel state feedback based on channel and interference measurements at the UE) can be used in MU-MIMO scenarios (e.g., such as regarding...). Figure 5B The MU-MIMO scheme 500b described and illustrated is used to assist network entities in MU pairing.

[0117] For example, MU pairing can attempt to increase system capacity while improving communication reliability and minimizing potential channel interference by allocating channels to different subgroups of UEs. Network entities are responsible for determining the optimal MU pairing for MU-MIMO communication. For instance, the optimal MU pairing for MU-MIMO communication could be one that achieves maximum system capacity and communication reliability while minimizing channel interference. In addition to determining which UEs can be paired for MIMO communication, network entities can also determine the MCS to be used for downlink communication with each UE in the UE pairing.

[0118] Conventional methods for MU pairing and MCS determination may include multiple iterative steps. For example, to determine the initial pairing for MU-MIMO communication, multiple UEs may report SU CSI to the network entity. The SU CSI reported by each UE may assume that there is no intra-cell interference and that full power is allocated for transmission with each corresponding UE.

[0119] Based on the SU CSI reported by each UE, the network entity can determine MU pairings. For example, the network entity can select a subset of UEs (e.g., UEs that can be co-scheduled) for MU-MIMO communication based on the CQI reported by each UE (e.g., included in the CSI report from each UE). The network entity can select a subset of UEs that achieves maximum network capacity and communication reliability.

[0120] The network entity can also use the SU CSI reported by each of the selected UEs to calculate a pre-decoder that can be used for downlink communication with each UE. For example, for an MU pairing that includes a first UE and a second UE, the network entity can calculate a first pre-decoder to be used for downlink communication with the first UE and a second pre-decoder to be used for downlink communication with the second UE.

[0121] The network entity can then use the computed pre-decoder to determine the MCS to be used for communication with the co-scheduled UE. Specifically, for example MU pairing, the network entity can send an NZP CSI-RS pre-decoded using the pre-decoder determined for the second UE. The first UE can measure the interference from the second UE on the pre-decoded NZP CSI-RS. The first UE can determine the MU CQI based on the measured interference and report this MU CQI to the network entity (e.g., the MU CQI can be reported for MU CSI). The network entity can update the MCS for downlink communication with the first UE based on the reported MU CQI. Similar steps can also be used to update the MCS for downlink communication with the second UE (e.g., based on the MU CQI reported from the second UE).

[0122] MU pairing determined by a network entity based solely on SU CSI reports from multiple UEs may not always yield the “optimal” MU pairing decision. Therefore, maximum network capacity and communication reliability, except for minimal interference, may not be achieved, even when MU-CSI reports from co-scheduled UEs are used to update the MCS(s) used for downlink communication. Specifically, a UE identified in a network entity-determined MU pairing as being paired with other UEs (e.g., co-scheduled) may only report MU CSI for the pre-determined MU pairing. For example, a UE may only report interference from other UEs that the network entity has determined to include in the MU pairing. However, in some cases, the interference experienced by a UE from other UEs not included in the MU pairing may be less than the interference experienced by the UE based on UEs included in the MU pairing. However, given that a UE may not report MU CSI for other UEs not co-scheduled with it, the UE and the network entity may not be aware of this reduced interference. Therefore, in some cases, maximum network capacity, maximum communication reliability, and / or minimal interference may not be achieved.

[0123] In some respects, the MU CQI information reported by the MU paired with the UE (e.g., included in the MU CSI report sent to the network entity) can be used by the network entity to verify whether the MU pairing is an "optimal" (or "good") MU pairing for MIMO communication that achieves maximum (or sufficient) system network capacity and communication reliability, as well as minimal co-channel interference (or co-channel interference below the maximum tolerable co-channel interference). Where the MU CQI information indicates that the MU pairing is not an "optimal" MU pairing and / or not a "good" MU pairing in some respects, the network entity may change the MU pairing. For example, another UE may be added to the current MU pairing (e.g., increasing the number of UEs) and / or a currently co-scheduled UE may be removed from the currently determined MU pairing (e.g., reducing the number of UEs). Any change to the UE pairing may cause or require the repetition of the foregoing steps to receive an updated CSI for MU-MIMO communication, thereby incurring additional amounts of network overhead, latency, and / or power usage (e.g., for sending and receiving MU CSI information).

[0124] For example, the initial MU pairing may include a first UE and a second UE. The network entity may subsequently change the MU pairing to include a third UE, such that the three UEs are co-scheduled for MU-MIMO operation (e.g., three MU-paired UEs). The network entity may make this change based on updated SU CSI reported by at least three UEs.

[0125] Updated CSI reports from the UE can be used to determine the MCS to be used for downlink communication with each of the three UEs. For example, as described above, in the first iteration, the network entity may send an NZP CSI-RS pre-decoded using a pre-decoder determined for the first UE. The second and third UEs may measure the interference from the first UE on the pre-decoded NZP CSI-RS. The second and third UEs may each determine MU CQIs based on the measured interference and report these MU CQIs to the network entity.

[0126] In the second iteration, the network entity may send NZP CSI-RS pre-decoded using a pre-decoder determined for the second UE. The first and third UEs may measure interference from the second UE on the pre-decoded NZP CSI-RS. Each of the first and third UEs may determine MU CQIs based on the measured interference and report these MU CQIs to the network entity.

[0127] In the third iteration, the network entity may send NZP CSI-RS pre-decoded using a pre-decoder determined for the third UE. The first and second UEs may measure the interference from the third UE on the pre-decoded NZP CSI-RS. The first and second UEs may each determine the MU CQI based on the measured interference and report these MU CQIs to the network entity.

[0128] Network entities can update their MCS (Multi-Card Stability) for a first network entity, a second network entity, and a third network entity based on the reported MU CQI. Therefore, for entities including... N MU pairing for each UE can use a minimum N-1 The next iteration determines the MCS to be used for MU-MIMO transmission.

[0129] However, in this scenario, since the updated MU pairing is based solely on SU CSI, the updated MU pairing is not the “best” MU pairing that achieves maximum network capacity and communication reliability other than minimal interference (and / or is not the “good” MU pairing that achieves at least sufficient network capacity and communication reliability other than interference below the tolerance level).

[0130] Therefore, this paper describes an improved technique for MU pairing and MCS determination to provide a technical solution to the aforementioned technical problems associated with conventional MU pairing techniques. Various aspects related to PDSCH internal interference measurement resources for MU-MIMO pairing and MCS determination

[0131] To overcome the technical problems associated with conventional methods for MU pairing and MCS determination for MU-MIMO communication, the aspects described herein provide techniques for utilizing ZP CSI-IM resources in downlink data transmission. For example, resources allocated for transmitting downlink data to a UE may include one or more ZP CSI-IM resources (e.g., self-contained CSI-IM resources). These ZP CSI-IM resources may be associated with one or more UEs (e.g., "candidate co-scheduled UEs") that may potentially be paired with that UE (e.g., a UE receiving downlink data with self-contained CSI-IM resources) for MU-MIMO communication. Including ZP CSI-IM resources in downlink data transmission from a network entity may trigger the UE receiving the transmission to perform one or more interference measurements to estimate interference from the candidate co-scheduled UEs that may potentially co-schedule with that UE during MU-MIMO communication. The UE may report multiple MU CQIs to the network entity based on multiple interference measurements, and the network entity may use the reported multiple MU CQIs to perform MU pairing, MU pairing handover, and / or MCS determination.

[0132] For example, based on the reported MU CQI(s), a network entity can determine to create a MU pair for MU-MIMO communication (e.g., assuming the network entity is currently using SU-MIMO to communicate with a UE(s) that reported the CQI(s)). The MU pair may include the UE(s) that reported the MU CQI(s) and one or more candidate co-scheduled UEs. For example, the network entity may select candidate co-scheduled UE(s) for the MU pair, where the reported MU CQI(s) indicate low interference for that candidate co-scheduled UE(s).

[0133] As another example, based on the reported MU CQI(s), a network entity may determine to update the current MU pairing of the UE(s) that reported the MU CQI(s) (e.g., assuming the network entity is currently using MU-MIMO to communicate with the UE(s) that reported the MU CQI(s) and one or more other UEs). Updating the MU pairing may include adding one or more candidate co-scheduled UEs to the current MU pairing, removing one or more UEs from the current MU pairing, and / or switching one or more UEs in the current MU pairing to one or more candidate co-scheduled UEs among the candidate co-scheduled UEs.

[0134] As another example, based on the reported MU CQI(s), a network entity can determine the MCS(s) to be used for a candidate MU pairing, which involves at least one candidate co-scheduled UE and the UE(s) that reported the MU CQI(s). As used herein, a candidate MU pairing can be a pairing of at least two UEs that are not currently paired together for MU-MIMO communication. Example operations of entities in a communication network

[0135] Figure 8 A process flow 800 for communication in a network between network entity 802 and UE 804 is described. In some aspects, network entity 802 may be related to... Figure 1 and Figure 3 The BS 102 depicted and described or related to Figure 2 Examples of decomposed base stations depicted and described. Similarly, UE 804 could be about... Figure 1 and Figure 3 Examples of UE 104 depicted and described herein. However, in other respects, UE 804 may be another type of wireless communication device, and network entity 802 may be another type of network entity or network node, such as those described herein.

[0136] Process flow 800 can be used to communicate downlink data transmission (e.g., PDSCH) with self-contained ZP CSI-IM resources for evaluating candidate MU pairings for MU-MIMO communication. For example, self-contained ZP CSI-IM resources can be associated with candidate co-scheduled UEs that are not currently paired with UE 804 for MU-MIMO communication, but can be paired with UE 804 for MU-MIMO communication.

[0137] For example, process flow 800 begins at 812, where UE 804 receives configuration of one or more ZPCSI-IM resources for interference measurement. Specifically, the configuration may indicate the time-frequency resources in which UE 804 may measure interference (e.g., due to transmissions between network entities and one or more other UEs). One or more ZPCSI-IM resources may be configured for aperiodic transmission. Aperiodic transmission implies that UE 804 may not periodically measure and report interference, but may do so irregularly only when needed (e.g., such as via a DCI that triggers interference measurement).

[0138] The ZP CSI-IM resource configured at 812 is a resource that can be injected into the resources allocated for downlink data transmission to UE 804 (e.g., a self-contained ZP CSI-IM resource). For example, the ZP CSI-IM resource can be a resource confined within the scheduled PDSCH (e.g., a ZP CSI-IM resource piggybacked in the PDSCH).

[0139] In some respects, the configuration indication received by UE 804 at 812 is similar to those configuration parameters in the legacy ZP CSI-IM resource configuration (e.g., as described above). For example, the configuration may include (1) subcarrierLocation-p0 or subcarrierLocation-p1 The parameters are for those set to "pattern0" or "pattern1" respectively. csi-IM-ResourceElementPattern Define the subcarrier occupancy (or location) of CSI-IM resources within the time slot, and / or (2) symbolLocation-p0 or symbolLocation-p1 They are respectively for those set to "pattern0" or "pattern1". csi-IM-ResourceElementPattern Define the OFDM symbol location of the CSI-IM resource within the time slot. In other words, the ZP CSI-IM resource element pattern (e.g., Figure 7 The example of "pattern0" (2,2) in section 722 and Figure 7 The pattern 1 (1,4) illustrated at position 724 can be reused for self-sufficient ZP CSI-IM resource configurations. However, the OFDM symbol position for each configured self-sufficient ZP CSI-IM resource may differ from that specified by parameters in the configuration. symbolLocation-p0 or symbolLocation-p1 The indicated OFDM symbol location. Specifically, the symbol location parameter of the self-contained ZP CSI-IM resource can be reinterpreted as the location of the first OFDM symbol relative to the scheduled downlink data transmission (e.g., PDSCH) that includes the self-contained ZP CSI-IM resource. This is because PDSCH can have flexible time-domain resource allocation (TDRA). Therefore, if the absolute OFDM symbol location indicated by the configuration is used, the ZP CSI-IM resource is not limited to the time-frequency resources allocated for PDSCH.

[0140] Additionally, in some respects, the configuration can indicate the frequency occupancy of the configured ZP CSI-IM resources. freqBandThis parameter (also referred to herein as the "frequency domain occupancy parameter") may be included in the configuration received by UE 804 at 812, but UE 804 may not require measurement interference for this ZP CSI-IM resource outside of scheduled downlink data transmissions (e.g., PDSCH containing (multiple) ZP CSI-IM resources). For example, if a portion of the frequency occupied by the ZP CSI-IM resource contained in the PDSCH falls outside the frequency occupied by the PDSCH, the UE receiving the PDSCH may not require measurement interference for the frequency occupied by the ZP CSI-IM resource outside the frequency occupied by the PDSCH.

[0141] Alternatively, in some other respects, the configuration may not indicate the frequency occupancy of the ZP CSI-IM resources. freqBand Parameters (e.g., "frequency domain occupancy parameters"). Conversely, the frequency used for interference measurements can be determined based on the frequency of downlink data transmissions that include (multiple) ZP CSI-IM resources used for interference measurements.

[0142] Process flow 800 occurs at 814, where UE 804 receives a DCI from network entity 802, which schedules downlink data transmissions (e.g., PDSCH) and triggers the activation of one or more ZP CSI-IM resources configured at UE 804 for interference measurements. In some aspects, the DCI may indicate to UE 804 that the scheduled PDSCH includes self-contained ZP CSI-IM resources for interference measurements performed by UE 804. For example, the PDSCH may perform rate matching around the activated ZP CSI-IM resources to leave gaps for ZP CSI-IM resource transmissions within the scheduled downlink data transmissions.

[0143] In some respects, the DCI may further instruct the UE 804 to measure interference and calculate the CQI individually for each activated ZP CSI-IM resource. Therefore, in some respects, the UE 804 may report the calculated CQI individually for each ZP CSI-IM resource. Furthermore, in some respects, the UE 804 may report the calculated CQI only for a subset of ZP CSI-IM resources (e.g., one or more ZP CSI-IM resources) measured under interference below a threshold level (e.g., at a low interference level). Reporting CQI only for a subset of activated ZP CSI-IM resources reduces signaling overhead. Furthermore, reporting CQI only for a subset of activated ZP CSI-IM resources with low interference reduces noise in the information reported to network entity 802, allowing only those ZP CSI-IM resources with low interference and associated with one or more UEs to be considered for MU pairing.

[0144] Alternatively, in some respects, the DCI may further instruct the UE 804 to measure the total interference in the activated ZP CSI-IM resources and calculate the CQI based on the measured total interference. In this case, the UE 804 may be instructed to report a single CQI.

[0145] Process flow 800 is performed at 816, where UE 804 receives downlink data transmissions from network entity 802. The downlink data transmissions can be a PDSCH with one or more ZP CSI-IM resources (e.g., a PDSCH with rate matching around (multiple) ZP CSI-IM resources). The (multiple) ZP CSI-IM resources can be contained within multiple resources allocated for the PDSCH.

[0146] In some respects, the ZP CSI-IM resource included in downlink data transmission may overlap with at least one DMRS or Tracking Reference Signal (TRS) resource also included in resources allocated for downlink data channels. Given this overlap between the ZP CSI-IM resource and the DMRS or TRS resource, UE 804 may assume that this ZP CSI-IM resource is unavailable for interference measurement and reporting. Therefore, UE 804 can avoid performing interference measurements based on the ZP CSI-IM resource.

[0147] In some respects, multiple ZP CSI-IM resources are included in the downlink data transmission received by UE 804. Each ZP CSI-IM resource may correspond to a candidate co-scheduled UE. More specifically, each ZP CSI-IM resource, when measured, may represent interference caused by all layers of the candidate co-scheduled UE associated with the corresponding ZP CSI-IM resource.

[0148] Based on the received downlink data transmission, process flow 800 is performed at 818, where UE 804 performs one or more interference measurements based on (multiple) ZP CSI-IM resources included in the downlink data transmission. Furthermore, at 820, UE 804 may calculate one or more MU CQIs based on (multiple) interference measurements.

[0149] As described herein, in some aspects, UE 804 may measure interference individually and calculate the MU CQI for each ZPCSI-IM resource included in downlink data transmission. In some aspects, UE 804 may measure interference for each ZP CSI-IM and calculate the MU CQI based on a subset of the interference measurements. In some aspects, UE 804 may measure interference for each ZP CSI-IM and calculate the MU CQI based on all interference measurements (e.g., the MU CQI provides a summary of the measured interference).

[0150] In some respects, UE 804 can measure interference and determine multiple MU CQIs associated with multiple subbands based on (multiple) ZP CSI-IM resources included in downlink data transmission. For example, UE 804 can determine the MU CQI for the maximum carrier bandwidth, or for each subband with the maximum carrier bandwidth.

[0151] In some respects, (e.g., sent to UE 804 at 816) downlink data transmission may also include one or more DMRS resources. For example, DMRS resources may be contained within multiple resources allocated for downlink data transmission. In this case, the MU CQI(s) determined by UE 804 at 820 may be based on one or more DMRS resources.

[0152] In some respects, multiple MU CQIs determined by UE 804 at 820 can be determined for the same rank as the downlink data channel.

[0153] In some respects, the interference measurements performed by UE 804 at 818 may be based solely on the ZP CSI-IM resources contained within the downlink data channel, without taking into account interference on other DMRS ports used by other co-scheduled UEs (e.g., in the case where UE 804 is co-scheduled with another UE for current MU-MIMO communication from network entity 802).

[0154] Process flow 800 is performed at 822, where multiple MU CQIs are transmitted to network entity 802. The multiple MU CQIs reported by UE 804 can be valid across resource blocks of scheduled downlink data transmission.

[0155] In some respects, UE 804 transmits multiple MU CQIs to network entity 802 in uplink communications that include Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) acknowledgment (ACK) or negative ACK (NACK) feedback for downlink data transmission (e.g., transmitting multiple MU CQIs along with ACK / NACK feedback). In some respects, UE 804 transmits multiple CQIs to network entity 802 via PUCCH or PUSCH.

[0156] In some respects, the (multiple) MU CQIs are determined by UE 804 at 820. For example, the (multiple) MU CQIs may include MU CQIs determined for each ZP CSI-IM resource included in downlink data transmission, or MU CQIs determined for multiple ZP CSI-IM resources (e.g., a subset or all of the ZP CSI-IM resources included in downlink data transmission).

[0157] In some respects, the multiple MU CQIs reported by UE 804 include the MU CQI determined for the maximum carrier bandwidth. In some respects, the multiple MU CQIs reported by UE 804 include the MU CQI determined for one or more subbands of the maximum carrier bandwidth.

[0158] In some respects, the multiple MU CQIs reported by UE 804 include an indication of the difference between the calculated MU CQI and the CQI associated with the current MCS corresponding to the downlink data transmission (e.g., multiple incremental MU CQIs relative to the current MCS).

[0159] In some respects, when (multiple) MU CQIs are transmitted to network entity 802 via PUCCH or PUSCH, additional information may be included in the PUCCH or PUSCH.

[0160] For example, in some respects, UE 804 may report an indication of the selection of ZP CSI-IM resources included in downlink data transmission. In some cases, the reported ZP CSI-IM resource may be a resource with measured low interference. UE 804 may report this selection of ZP CSI-IM resources to assist network entity 802 in determining MU pairing for MU-MIMO communication.

[0161] As another example, in some respects, UE 804 may report multiple MU CQIs, where each MU CQI corresponds to a different candidate MU pairing. For example, downlink data transmission received by UE 804 at 816 may include three ZP CSI-IM resources, each ZP CSI-IM resource corresponding to a different candidate co-scheduled UE (e.g., three UEs that may be paired with UE 804 for MU-MIMO communication).

[0162] At 818, UE 804 may perform a first interference measurement for a first ZP CSI-IM associated with a first candidate co-scheduled UE, a second interference measurement for a second ZP CSI-IM associated with a second candidate co-scheduled UE, and a third interference measurement for a third ZP CSI-IM associated with a third candidate co-scheduled UE.

[0163] At 820, UE 804 may determine a first MU CQI based on a first interference measurement and a second interference measurement, a second MU CQI based on the second interference measurement and a third interference measurement, and a third MU CQI based on the first interference measurement and the third interference measurement. The first MU CQI may represent the channel quality for a candidate MU pair including UE 804, a first candidate co-scheduled UE, and a third candidate co-scheduled UE. The second MU CQI may represent the channel quality for a candidate MU pair including UE 804, a second candidate co-scheduled UE, and a third candidate co-scheduled UE. The third MU CQI may represent the channel quality for a candidate MU pair including UE 804, a first candidate co-scheduled UE, and a third candidate co-scheduled UE. UE 804 may report the first MU CQI, the second MU CQI, and the third MU CQI to network entity 802 at 822.

[0164] Process flow 800 is performed at 824, where network entity 802 performs one or more actions, including determining the MU pairing to be used for MU-MIMO communication, switching the current MU pairing, and / or determining (multiple) MCSs for downlink communication.

[0165] For example, the MU CQI(s) received by network entity 802 may include incremental MU CQI(s) relative to the current MCS used for downlink communication. Network entity 802 may use incremental MU CQI(s) paired with previously reported RI / PMI / CQI(s) to send updated MCS(s) for future MU-MIMO.

[0166] When multiple reported MU CQIs include certain aspects of the MU CQI on each subband, network entity 802 can use the reported MU CQIs to further refine frequency domain scheduling for MU-MIMO communication. For example, network entity 802 can assign frequency domain resources with low interference levels to UEs paired with MUs for MU-MIMO communication. As another example, network entity 802 can pair UEs paired with MUs with different UEs in the frequency domain.

[0167] like Figure 8As illustrated, the introduction of ZP CSI-IM resources in the downlink data transmission to UE 804 at 814 advantageously enables network entity 802 to assess interference that may be caused by one or more candidate co-scheduled UEs, in order to evaluate various candidate MU pairs, including at least UE 804, for MU-MIMO communication. Therefore, network entity 802 may be able to determine MU pairs for MU-MIMO that achieve sufficient network capacity and / or communication reliability while also reducing interference from MU-paired UEs. Furthermore, network entity 802 may be able to determine, for each candidate MU pair evaluated by network entity 802, multiple MCSs to be used for downlink communication with MU-paired UEs.

[0168] Figure 9 An example downlink data transmission (e.g., PDSCH) with self-sufficient ZP CSI-IM resources corresponding to multiple candidate co-scheduled UEs is depicted. Figure 9 As shown, network entity 902 may currently be using SU-MIMO to communicate with the first UE 904 (1). To determine the MU pairing including the first UE 904 (1) for MU-MIMO communication, network entity 902 may transmit downlink communication to the first UE 904 (1) at 912, which includes ZP CSI-IM resources contained in resources allocated for PDSCH. In this example, ZP CSI-IM resources may be associated with the second UE 904 (2) and the third UE 904 (3). For example, ZP CSI-IM resources included in the first OFDM symbol of the PDSCH may be associated with the second UE 904 (2), and ZP CSI-IM resources included in the third OFDM symbol of the PDSCH may be associated with the third UE 904 (3).

[0169] The first UE 904(1) may perform interference measurements based on one or more ZP CSI-IM resources included in the PDSCH to determine one or more MU CQIs. In some aspects, the number of interference measurements(s) and / or the number of MU CQIs determined by the first UE 904(1) may be configured at the first UE 904(1). In some aspects, the network entity 902 may transmit to the first UE 904(1) an indication of the number of interference measurements(s) to be performed by the first UE 904(1) and / or the number of MU CQIs to be reported by the first UE 904(1). In some aspects, the first UE 904(1) may determine the number of interference measurements(s) to be performed and / or the number of MU CQIs to be reported independently.

[0170] The first UE 904(1) may report one or more of the identified MU CQIs to the network entity 902 at 914. In some respects, the reported MU CQI(s) are MU CQI(s) associated with interference measurements(s) below the interference measurement threshold. In some respects, the MU CQI(s) may be included in uplink communication that includes HARQACK / NACK feedback for PDSCH. The network entity 902 may use this information to determine the MU pairing to be used for MU-MIMO communication (such as the first UE 904(1) and the second UE 904(2), or the first UE 904(1) and the third UE 904(3)), and / or the MCS to be used for downlink communication if an MU pairing is established for MU-MIMO communication. Example Operation

[0171] Figure 10 It shows a device (such as) Figure 1 and Figure 3 Method 1000 for wireless communication of UE 104.

[0172] Method 1000 begins at block 1005, wherein downlink control information is received, the downlink control information: scheduling a first downlink communication, the first downlink communication including a first zero-power channel state information interference measurement (ZP CSI-IM) resource associated with a candidate co-scheduled user equipment (UE) and contained within a first plurality of resources allocated for a first downlink data channel, and triggering an interference measurement for the first ZP CSI-IM resource.

[0173] Method 1000 is then performed at box 1010, where the first downlink communication is received.

[0174] Method 1000 then proceeds to block 1015, wherein interference measurements are performed at least in part based on the first ZP CSI-IM resource.

[0175] Method 1000 then proceeds to block 1020, wherein a multi-user (MU) channel quality indicator (CQI) is transmitted based at least in part on interference measurements.

[0176] In some respects, method 1000 further includes: receiving second downlink communications on a second plurality of resources used to simultaneously communicate third downlink communications to candidate co-scheduled UEs, based at least in part on MU CQI.

[0177] In some respects, method 1000 also includes receiving the configuration of the first ZP CSI-IM resource.

[0178] In some respects, the configuration includes an indication of frequency occupancy of the first ZP CSI-IM resource within the frequencies associated with the first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel.

[0179] In some aspects, the configuration includes an indication of the start symbol (e.g., symbol position) of the first ZP CSI-IM resource within a time slot, and method 1000 further includes performing interference measurements based at least in part on the first symbol of a first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel, rather than the start symbol indicated in the configuration. For example, the start symbol of the first ZP CSI-IM resource used for interference measurements may be reinterpreted as the position of the first OFDM symbol of the scheduled first downlink data channel including the first ZP CSI-IM resource.

[0180] In some respects, DCI also includes an indication that the first ZP CSI-IM resource is scheduled in the first downlink communication.

[0181] In some aspects, method 1000 further includes: receiving a second downlink communication comprising a second ZP CSI-IM resource associated with at least a candidate co-scheduled UE and at least one DMRS resource or TRS resource contained within a second plurality of resources allocated for a second downlink data channel, wherein the second ZP CSI-IM resource overlaps with the DMRS resource or TRS resource.

[0182] In some respects, method 1000 further includes: avoiding performing a second interference measurement based at least in part on the overlap between the second ZP CSI-IM resource and the DMRS resource or TRS resource.

[0183] In some respects, the first downlink communication includes multiple first ZPCSI-IM resources associated with multiple candidate co-scheduled UEs.

[0184] In some aspects, block 1010 includes: for each of a plurality of candidate co-scheduled UEs, performing a UE-specific interference measurement to determine a UE-specific CQI based at least in part on at least one of a plurality of first ZP CSI-IM resources associated with the respective candidate co-scheduled UE; and block 1020 includes transmitting: the UE-specific CQI determined for one or more of the plurality of candidate co-scheduled UEs; or a first summary of the UE-specific CQI determined for one or more candidate co-scheduled UEs.

[0185] In some aspects, method 1000 further includes: transmitting a UE-specific CQI determined for one or more of the candidate co-scheduled UEs, wherein a UE-specific interference measurement associated with each of the one or more UE-specific CQIs is below an interference measurement threshold.

[0186] In some respects, box 1020 includes transmitting MU CQI in uplink communications that include HARQ ACK or NACK feedback for the first downlink communications.

[0187] In some respects, the first downlink communication also includes at least one DMRS resource contained within a first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel; and MU CQI is at least partially based on the DMRS resource.

[0188] In some respects, MU CQI is determined with respect to the rank of the first downlink data channel.

[0189] In some respects, the MU CQI includes an indication of the difference between the MU CQI and the CQI associated with the current modulation and decoding scheme corresponding to the first downlink communication.

[0190] In some respects, box 1020 includes transmitting MU CQI via PUCCH or PUSCH.

[0191] In some aspects, the first downlink communication includes multiple first ZP CSI-IM resources associated with multiple candidate co-scheduled UEs and contained within a first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel, and the method 1000 further includes: transmitting an indication of a subset of the plurality of first ZP CSI-IM resources associated with a subset of the multiple candidate co-scheduled UEs for pairing for MU multiple input multiple output operation.

[0192] In some respects, MU CQI is associated with the maximum carrier bandwidth or the subband of the maximum carrier bandwidth.

[0193] In some respects, method 1000 or any aspect thereof may be made by means of a device (such as...) Figure 12 The communication device 1200 performs the operation, and the device includes various components that are operable to, configured to, or adapted to perform the method 1000. The communication device 1200 is described in further detail below.

[0194] It should be noted that Figure 10 This is merely one example of a method, and other methods that include fewer, additional, or alternative operations may also be consistent with this disclosure.

[0195] Figure 11It shows a device (such as) Figure 1 and Figure 3 BS 102 or about Figure 2 The method 1100 for wireless communication using the decomposed base station discussed.

[0196] Method 1100 begins at block 1105, wherein a DCI is transmitted that: schedules a first downlink communication for a UE, the first downlink communication including a first zero-power channel state information interference measurement (ZP CSI-IM) resource associated with a candidate co-scheduled UE and contained within a first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel, and triggers an interference measurement for the first ZP CSI-IM resource.

[0197] Method 1100 then proceeds to block 1110, where the first downlink communication is transmitted.

[0198] Method 1100 then proceeds to block 1115, wherein the MUCQI is received at least in part based on the first downlink communication.

[0199] In some respects, method 1100 also includes: determining MU MIMO pairings, including the UE and candidate co-scheduled UEs, based at least in part on MU CQI.

[0200] In some respects, method 1100 also includes: determining a first modulation and decoding scheme (MCS) for subsequent downlink multiple-input multiple-output communication with the UE, based at least in part on MU CQI.

[0201] In some respects, method 1100 further includes: using a first MCS to transmit the second downlink communication to the UE on a second plurality of resources used to simultaneously communicate the third downlink communication to the UE candidate for co-scheduling.

[0202] In some respects, method 1100 also includes: determining a second MCS for subsequent downlink multiple-input multiple-output communication with the candidate co-scheduled UE, based at least in part on MU CQI.

[0203] In some respects, method 1100 also includes: transmitting the configuration of the first ZP CSI-IM resource.

[0204] In some respects, the configuration includes an indication of frequency occupancy of the first ZP CSI-IM resource within the frequencies associated with the first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel.

[0205] In some respects, the configuration includes an indication of the starting symbol for the first ZP CSI-IM resource within a time slot.

[0206] In some respects, DCI also includes an indication that the first ZP CSI-IM resource is scheduled in the first downlink communication.

[0207] In some aspects, method 1100 further includes: transmitting a second downlink communication comprising a second ZP CSI-IM resource associated with at least a candidate co-scheduled UE and at least one DMRS resource or TRS resource contained within a second plurality of resources allocated for a second downlink data channel, wherein the second ZP CSI-IM resource overlaps with the DMRS resource or TRS resource.

[0208] In some respects, the first downlink communication includes multiple first ZPCSI-IM resources associated with multiple candidate co-scheduled UEs.

[0209] In some respects, box 1115 includes receiving: a UE-specific CQI determined for one or more of a plurality of candidate co-scheduled UEs; or a first summary of the UE-specific CQI determined for one or more candidate co-scheduled UEs.

[0210] In some respects, box 1115 includes receiving MU CQI in uplink communication that includes HARQ ACK or NACK feedback for the first downlink communication.

[0211] In some respects, the first downlink communication also includes at least one DMRS resource contained within a first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel; and MU CQI is at least partially based on the DMRS resource.

[0212] In some respects, MU CQI is determined with respect to the rank of the first downlink data channel.

[0213] In some respects, the MU CQI includes an indication of the difference between the MU CQI and the CQI associated with the current modulation and decoding scheme corresponding to the first downlink communication.

[0214] In some respects, box 1115 includes receiving MU CQI via PUCCH or PUSCH.

[0215] In some aspects, the first downlink communication includes multiple first ZP CSI-IM resources associated with multiple candidate co-scheduled UEs and contained within a first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel, and method 1100 further includes: receiving an indication of a subset of the plurality of first ZP CSI-IM resources associated with a subset of the multiple candidate co-scheduled UEs for pairing for MU multiple input multiple output pairing.

[0216] In some respects, MU CQI is associated with the maximum carrier bandwidth or the subband of the maximum carrier bandwidth.

[0217] In some respects, method 1100 or any aspect thereof may be made by means of a device (such as...) Figure 13 The communication device 1300 performs the method, which includes various components capable of operating, being configured, or adapted to perform the method 1100. The communication device 1300 is described in further detail below.

[0218] It should be noted that Figure 11 This is merely one example of a method, and other methods that include fewer, additional, or alternative operations may also be consistent with this disclosure. Example communication device

[0219] Figure 12 Various aspects of the example communication device 1200 are described. In some aspects, the communication device 1200 is user equipment, such as those described above relative to... Figure 1 and Figure 3 The UE 104 described.

[0220] Communication device 1200 includes a processing system 1205 coupled to a transceiver 1265 (e.g., a transmitter and / or receiver). Transceiver 1265 is configured to transmit and receive signals (such as various signals as described herein) for communication device 1200 via antenna 1270. Processing system 1205 may be configured to perform processing functions for communication device 1200, including processing signals received by and / or to be transmitted by communication device 1200.

[0221] Processing system 1205 includes one or more processors 1210. In various aspects, the one or more processors 1210 may represent one or more of a receive processor 358, a transmit processor 364, a TX MIMO processor 366, and / or a controller / processor 380, as relative to... Figure 3 As described. One or more processors 1210 are coupled to a computer-readable medium / memory 1235 via a bus 1260. In some aspects, the computer-readable medium / memory 1235 is configured to store instructions (e.g., computer-executable code) that, when executed by one or more processors 1210, enable one or more processors 1210 to execute and cause the one or more processors to perform relative to... Figure 10 The described method 1000 or any aspect thereof, including regarding Figure 10 Any operation described. Note that references to processors performing the functions of communication device 1200 may include one or more processors, such as performing the functions of communication device 1200 in a distributed manner.

[0222] In the depicted example, computer-readable medium / memory 1235 stores code 1240 for receiving, code 1245 for executing, code 1250 for transmitting, and code 1255 for avoiding. Processing of codes 1240 to 1255 enables communication device 1200 to execute and causes the communication device to perform relative to... Figure 10 The method 1000 described or any aspect thereof.

[0223] One or more processors 1210 include circuitry configured to implement (e.g., execute) code stored in a computer-readable medium / memory 1235, including circuitry 1215 for receiving, circuitry 1220 for executing, circuitry 1225 for transmitting, and circuitry 1230 for avoiding. Processing using circuitry 1215 to 1230 enables communication device 1200 to execute and causes the communication device to perform relative to... Figure 10 The method 1000 described or any aspect thereof.

[0224] More generally, components used for communication, sending, transmitting, or outputting for transmission may include Figure 3 The UE104 illustrated includes a transceiver 354, (multiple) antennas 352, a transmit processor 364, a TX MIMO processor 366, an AI processor 370, and / or a controller / processor 380. Figure 12 The transceiver 1265 and / or antenna 1270 of the communication device 1200 Figure 12 One or more processors 1210 of the communication device 1200. Components for communicating, receiving, or acquiring may include... Figure 3 The UE104 illustrated includes a transceiver 354, (multiple) antennas 352, a receiver processor 358, an AI processor 370, and / or a controller / processor 380. Figure 12 The transceiver 1265 and / or antenna 1270 of the communication device 1200 Figure 12 One or more processors 1210 of the communication device 1200.

[0225] Figure 13 Various aspects of the example communication device 1300 are described. In some aspects, the communication device 1300 is a network entity, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 3 BS 102 or as about Figure 2 The decomposed base station under discussion.

[0226] Communication device 1300 includes a processing system 1305 coupled to a transceiver 1355 (e.g., a transmitter and / or receiver) and / or a network interface 1365. The transceiver 1355 is configured to transmit and receive signals (such as various signals as described herein) for communication device 1300 via an antenna 1360. The network interface 1365 is configured to transmit and receive signals (such as various signals as described herein) via a communication link (such as...). Figure 2 The described backhaul link, midhaul link, and / or fronthaul link receive and transmit signals for communication device 1300. Processing system 1305 can be configured to perform processing functions for communication device 1300, including processing signals received by communication device 1300 and / or to be transmitted by the communication device.

[0227] Processing system 1305 includes one or more processors 1310. In various aspects, the one or more processors 1310 may represent one or more of a receive processor 338, a transmit processor 320, a TX MIMO processor 330, and / or a controller / processor 340, as relative to... Figure 3 As described. One or more processors 1310 are coupled to a computer-readable medium / memory 1330 via a bus 1350. In some aspects, the computer-readable medium / memory 1330 is configured to store instructions (e.g., computer-executable code) that, when executed by one or more processors 1310, enable one or more processors 1310 to execute and cause the one or more processors to perform relative to... Figure 11 The described method 1100 or any aspect thereof, including regarding Figure 11 Any operation described. Note that references to the processor of the communication device 1300 performing the function may include one or more processors of the communication device 1300, such as performing the function in a distributed manner.

[0228] In the depicted example, computer-readable medium / memory 1330 stores code 1335 for transmission, code 1340 for reception, and code 1345 for determination. Processing of codes 1335 to 1345 enables communication device 1300 to execute and causes the communication device to perform relative to... Figure 11 The method 1100 described or any aspect thereof.

[0229] One or more processors 1310 include circuitry configured to implement (e.g., execute) code stored in computer-readable medium / memory 1330, the circuitry including circuitry 1315 for transmission, circuitry 1320 for reception, and circuitry 1325 for determination. Processing using circuitry 1315 to 1325 enables communication device 1300 to perform and cause the communication device to perform relative to Figure 11The method 1100 described or any aspect thereof.

[0230] More generally, components used for communication, sending, transmitting, or outputting for transmission may include Figure 3 The BS102 illustrated includes a transceiver 332, (multiple) antennas 334, a transmit processor 320, a TX MIMO processor 330, an AI processor 318, and / or a controller / processor 340. Figure 13 The transceiver 1355, antenna 1360, and / or network interface 1365 of the communication device 1300 in the middle. Figure 13 One or more processors 1310 of the communication device 1300. Components for communicating, receiving, or acquiring may include... Figure 3 The BS 102 illustrated includes a transceiver 332, (multiple) antennas 334, a receiver processor 338, an AI processor 318, and / or a controller / processor 340. Figure 13 The transceiver 1355, antenna 1360, and / or network interface 1365 of the communication device 1300 in the middle. Figure 13 One or more processors 1310 of the communication device 1300 in the middle. Example Terms

[0231] Specific implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0232] Clause 1: A method for wireless communication by an apparatus, the method comprising: receiving downlink control information (DCI), the downlink control information (DCI) scheduling a first downlink communication, the first downlink communication including a first zero-power channel state information interference measurement (ZP CSI-IM) resource associated with a candidate co-scheduled user equipment (UE) and contained within a first plurality of resources allocated for a first downlink data channel, and triggering an interference measurement against the first ZP CSI-IM resource; receiving the first downlink communication; performing the interference measurement at least in part based on the first ZP CSI-IM resource; and transmitting a multi-user (MU) channel quality indicator (CQI) at least in part based on the interference measurement.

[0233] Clause 2: The method according to Clause 1 further includes: receiving second downlink communication on a second plurality of resources for simultaneously conveying third downlink communication to the candidate co-scheduled UEs, based at least in part on the MU CQI.

[0234] Clause 3: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2 further includes: receiving the configuration of the first ZPCSI-IM resource.

[0235] Clause 4: The method according to Clause 3, wherein: the configuration includes an indication of frequency occupancy of the first ZP CSI-IM resource within the frequencies associated with the first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel.

[0236] Clause 5: The method according to any one of Clauses 3 to 4, wherein: the configuration includes an indication of the start symbol of the first ZP CSI-IM resource within the time slot, and the method further includes: performing the interference measurement based at least in part on the first symbol of the first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel rather than the start symbol.

[0237] Clause 6: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the DCI further includes an indication that the first ZP CSI-IM resource is scheduled in the first downlink communication.

[0238] Clause 7: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, the method further comprising: receiving a second downlink communication, the second downlink communication including a second ZP CSI-IM resource associated with at least the candidate co-scheduled UE and at least one DMRS resource or TRS resource included in a second plurality of resources allocated for a second downlink data channel, wherein the second ZP CSI-IM resource overlaps with the DMRS resource or the TRS resource; and avoiding performing a second interference measurement based at least in part on the overlap between the second ZP CSI-IM resource and the DMRS resource or the TRS resource.

[0239] Clause 8: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the first downlink communication includes a plurality of first ZP CSI-IM resources associated with a plurality of candidate co-scheduled UEs.

[0240] Clause 9: The method according to Clause 8, wherein: performing the interference measurement at least in part based on the first ZP CSI-IM resource comprises: for each of the plurality of candidate co-scheduled UEs, performing a UE-specific interference measurement at least in part based on at least one of the plurality of first ZP CSI-IM resources associated with the corresponding candidate co-scheduled UE to determine a UE-specific CQI; and transmitting the CQI comprises transmitting: the UE-specific CQI determined for one or more of the plurality of candidate co-scheduled UEs; or a first summary of the UE-specific CQI determined for the one or more candidate co-scheduled UEs.

[0241] Clause 10: The method according to Clause 9 further comprises: transmitting the UE-specific CQI determined for one or more of the plurality of candidate co-scheduled UEs, wherein the UE-specific interference measurement associated with each of the one or more UE-specific CQIs is below an interference measurement threshold.

[0242] Clause 11: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, the method further comprising: transmitting the MUCQI in an uplink communication including HARQ ACK or NACK feedback for the first downlink communication.

[0243] Clause 12: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein: the first downlink communication further includes at least one DMRS resource contained within the first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel; and the MU CQI is at least partially based on the DMRS resource.

[0244] Clause 13: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12, wherein the MU CQI is determined with respect to the rank of the first downlink data channel.

[0245] Clause 14: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein the MU CQI includes an indication of the difference between the MU CQI and the CQI associated with the current modulation and decoding scheme corresponding to the first downlink communication.

[0246] Clause 15: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14 further includes: transmitting the MU CQI via PUCCH or PUSCH.

[0247] Clause 16: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 15, wherein: the first downlink communication includes a plurality of first ZP CSI-IM resources associated with a plurality of candidate co-scheduled UEs and contained within a plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel, and the method further includes: transmitting an indication of a subset of the plurality of first ZP CSI-IM resources associated with a subset of the plurality of candidate co-scheduled UEs for pairing for MU multiple input multiple output operation.

[0248] Clause 17: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 16, wherein the MU CQI is associated with the maximum carrier bandwidth or a subband of the maximum carrier bandwidth.

[0249] Clause 18: A method for wireless communication by a device, the method comprising: transmitting a DCI, the DCI: scheduling a first downlink communication for a UE, the first downlink communication including a first zero-power channel state information interference measurement (ZP CSI-IM) resource associated with a candidate co-scheduled UE and contained within a first plurality of resources allocated for a first downlink data channel; and triggering an interference measurement for the first ZP CSI-IM resource; transmitting the first downlink communication; and receiving a MU CQI at least in part based on the first downlink communication.

[0250] Clause 19: The method according to Clause 18 further comprises: determining, at least in part based on the MU CQI, a MU multiple-input multiple-output pairing including the UE and the candidate co-scheduled UE; and a first modulation and decoding scheme (MCS) for subsequent downlink multiple-input multiple-output communication with the UE; and using the first MCS to transmit a second downlink communication to the UE on a second plurality of resources for simultaneously conveying a third downlink communication to the candidate co-scheduled UE.

[0251] Clause 20: The method according to Clause 19 further comprises: determining a second MCS for subsequent downlink multiple-input multiple-output communication with the candidate co-scheduled UE based at least in part on the MU CQI.

[0252] Clause 21: The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 20, the method further comprising: transmitting the configuration of the first ZPCSI-IM resource.

[0253] Clause 22: The method according to Clause 21, wherein the configuration includes an indication of frequency occupancy of the first ZP CSI-IM resource within the frequencies associated with the first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel.

[0254] Clause 23: The method according to any one of Clauses 21 to 22, wherein the configuration includes an indication of the start symbol of the first ZP CSI-IM resource within the time slot.

[0255] Clause 24: The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 23, wherein the apparatus determines the MU multiple input multiple output pairing including the UE and the candidate co-scheduled UE based at least in part on the MU CQI; and the method further includes: transmitting a second downlink communication to the UE on a second plurality of resources for simultaneously conveying a third downlink communication to the candidate co-scheduled UE.

[0256] Clause 25: The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 24, wherein the DCI further includes an indication that the first ZPCSI-IM resource is scheduled in the first downlink communication.

[0257] Clause 26: The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 25, the method further comprising: transmitting a second downlink communication, the second downlink communication including a second ZP CSI-IM resource associated with at least the candidate co-scheduled UE and at least one DMRS resource or TRS resource included in a second plurality of resources allocated for a second downlink data channel, wherein the second ZP CSI-IM resource overlaps with the DMRS resource or the TRS resource.

[0258] Clause 27: The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 26, wherein the first downlink communication includes a plurality of first ZP CSI-IM resources associated with a plurality of candidate co-scheduled UEs.

[0259] Clause 28: The method according to Clause 27, wherein: receiving the MU CQI includes receiving: a UE-specific CQI determined for one or more of the plurality of candidate co-scheduled UEs; or a first summary of the UE-specific CQI determined for the one or more candidate co-scheduled UEs.

[0260] Clause 29: The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 28, wherein receiving the MU CQI includes receiving the MU CQI in an uplink communication including HARQ ACK or NACK feedback for the first downlink communication.

[0261] Clause 30: The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 29, wherein: the first downlink communication further includes at least one DMRS resource contained within the first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel; and the MU CQI is at least partially based on the DMRS resource.

[0262] Clause 31: The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 30, wherein the MU CQI is determined with respect to the rank of the first downlink data channel.

[0263] Clause 32: The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 31, wherein the MU CQI includes an indication of the difference between the MU CQI and the CQI associated with the current MCS corresponding to the first downlink communication.

[0264] Clause 33: The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 32, wherein receiving the MU CQI includes receiving the MU CQI via PUCCH or PUSCH.

[0265] Clause 34: The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 33, wherein: the first downlink communication includes a plurality of first ZP CSI-IM resources associated with a plurality of candidate co-scheduled UEs and contained within a plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel, and the method further includes: receiving an indication of a subset of the plurality of first ZP CSI-IM resources associated with a subset of the plurality of candidate co-scheduled UEs for pairing for the MU multiple input multiple output pairing.

[0266] Clause 35: The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 34, wherein the MU CQI is associated with the maximum carrier bandwidth or a subband of the maximum carrier bandwidth.

[0267] Clause 36: One or more means comprising: one or more memories including executable instructions; and one or more processors configured to execute the executable instructions and cause the one or more means to perform the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 35.

[0268] Clause 37: One or more devices, the one or more devices comprising: one or more memories; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors being configured to cause the one or more devices to perform the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 35.

[0269] Clause 38: One or more means comprising: one or more memories; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors being configured to perform the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 35.

[0270] Clause 39: One or more apparatuses, said one or more apparatuses comprising components for performing the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 35.

[0271] Clause 40: One or more non-transitory computer-readable media, the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media comprising executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of one or more devices, cause the one or more devices to perform the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 35.

[0272] Clause 41: One or more computer program products embodied on one or more computer-readable storage media, the one or more computer-readable storage media including code for performing the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 35.

[0273] Clause 42: A user equipment (UE) comprising: a processing system including processor circuitry and memory circuitry, the memory circuitry storing code and coupled to the processor circuitry, the processing system being configured to cause the UE to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 17.

[0274] Clause 43: A network entity comprising: a processing system including processor circuitry and memory circuitry storing code and coupled to the processor circuitry, the processing system being configured to cause the network entity to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 35. Additional Notes

[0275] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The examples discussed herein do not limit the scope, applicability, or aspects set forth in the claims. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. For example, the function and arrangement of the elements discussed may be changed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Various processes or components may be omitted, substituted, or added as appropriate in various examples. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various actions may be added, omitted, or combined. Furthermore, features described with respect to some examples may be combined in some other examples. For example, any number of aspects set forth herein may be used to implement an apparatus or practice. Moreover, the scope of this disclosure is intended to cover such apparatuses or methods practiced using other structures, functionalities, or structures and functionalities that complement or replace the various aspects of this disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure herein may be embodied by one or more elements of the claims.

[0276] The various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in this disclosure can be implemented or executed using a general-purpose processor, AI processor, digital signal processor (DSP), ASIC, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device (PLD), discrete gate or transistor logic unit, discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. While the general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, in alternative embodiments, the processor may be any commercially available processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors working in conjunction with a DSP core, a system-on-a-chip (SoC), or any other such configuration.

[0277] As used in this article, the phrase “at least one of” in a list of items refers to any combination of these items, including a single member. For example, “at least one of a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc, as well as any combination with multiple identical elements (e.g., aa, aaa, aab, aac, abb, acc, bb, bbb, bbc, cc, and ccc, or any other ordering of a, b, and c).

[0278] As used herein, the term "determine" encompasses a wide variety of actions. For example, "determine" can include calculation, operation, processing, deduction, investigation, lookup (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), assertion, etc. Additionally, "determine" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), etc. Furthermore, "determine" can include parsing, selecting, picking, building, etc.

[0279] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, “coupled to” and “coupled with” generally encompass both direct and indirect coupling (e.g., including intermediate aspects of coupling). For example, stating that a processor is coupled to memory allows for direct coupling or coupling via an intermediate aspect such as a bus.

[0280] The methods disclosed herein include one or more actions for implementing the methods. These actions may be interchanged without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of actions is specified, the order and / or use of a particular action may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the various operations of the methods described above may be performed by any suitable component capable of performing the corresponding function. This component may include various hardware and / or software components and / or modules, including but not limited to circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or processors.

[0281] The following claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but should be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. References to singular elements are not intended to mean “only one” (unless specifically stated as “only one”), but rather “one or more”. Unless otherwise specified, definite articles (e.g., “the” or “described”) subsequently used with an element (e.g., “processor”) are not intended to give that element a singular meaning (e.g., “only one”). For example, unless otherwise specified, references to elements (e.g., “processor”, “controller”, “memory”, “transceiver”, “antenna”, “the processor”, “the controller”, “the memory”, “the transceiver”, “the antenna”, etc.) should be understood to refer to one or more elements (e.g., “one or more processors”, “one or more controllers”, “one or more memories”, “a plurality of transceivers”, etc.). The terms “set” and “group” are intended to include one or more elements and may be used interchangeably with “one or more”. In the case of references to one or more elements performing a function (e.g., steps of a method), one element may perform all the functions, or more than one element may collectively perform those functions. When more than one element performs these functions together, each function does not need to be performed by every single element (e.g., different functions can be performed by different elements), and / or each function does not need to be performed by only one element as a whole (e.g., different elements can perform different sub-functions of a function). Similarly, when referring to one or more elements configured to cause another element (e.g., a device) to perform a function, one element may be configured to cause another element to perform all functions, or more than one element may be jointly configured to cause another element to perform these functions. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "some" means one or more. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are currently or hereafter known to those skilled in the art are intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be offered to the public, whether or not such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus configured for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: One or more memory units; and One or more processors, said one or more processors coupled to said one or more memories, said one or more processors being configured to cause the device to: Receive downlink control information (DCI), wherein the downlink control information (DCI) is: Scheduling first downlink communication, the first downlink communication including a first zero-power channel state information interference measurement (ZP CSI-IM) resource associated with candidate co-scheduled user equipment (UE) and contained within a first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel, and Trigger interference measurement for the first ZP CSI-IM resource; Receive the first downlink communication; The interference measurement is performed at least in part based on the first ZP CSI-IM resource; and The multi-user (MU) channel quality indicator (CQI) is transmitted based at least in part on the interference measurement.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to cause the apparatus to: receive second downlink communication on a second plurality of resources for simultaneously conveying third downlink communication to the candidate co-scheduled UEs, based at least in part on the MU CQI.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to cause the apparatus to: receive the configuration of the first ZP CSI-IM resource.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the configuration includes an indication of frequency occupancy of the first ZP CSI-IM resource within the frequencies associated with the first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The configuration includes an indication of the start symbol of the first ZP CSI-IM resource within the time slot, and The one or more processors are configured to cause the device to perform the interference measurement based at least in part on a first symbol rather than the start symbol of the first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the DCI further includes an indication that the first ZP CSI-IM resource is scheduled in the first downlink communication.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the apparatus to: Receive a second downlink communication, the second downlink communication including a second ZP CSI-IM resource associated with at least the candidate co-scheduled UE and at least one demodulation reference signal (DMRS) resource or tracking reference signal (TRS) resource contained within a second plurality of resources allocated for a second downlink data channel, wherein the second ZP CSI-IM resource overlaps with the DMRS resource or the TRS resource; and The second interference measurement is avoided at least in part based on the overlap between the second ZP CSI-IM resource and the DMRS resource or the TRS resource.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first downlink communication includes a plurality of first ZP CSI-IM resources associated with a plurality of candidate co-scheduled UEs.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: In order to perform the interference measurement at least in part based on the first ZP CSI-IM resource, the one or more processors are configured to cause the device to: For each of the plurality of candidate co-scheduled UEs, a UE-specific interference measurement is performed, at least in part, based on at least one first ZP CSI-IM resource associated with the corresponding candidate co-scheduled UE among the plurality of first ZP CSI-IM resources, to determine the UE-specific CQI; and In order to transmit the MU CQI, the one or more processors are configured to cause the device to transmit: The UE-specific CQI determined for one or more of the multiple candidate co-scheduled UEs; or A first summary of the UE-specific CQIs determined for the one or more candidate co-scheduled UEs.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: The one or more processors are configured to cause the device to transmit a UE-specific CQI determined for one or more of the plurality of candidate co-scheduled UEs, and The UE-specific interference measurement associated with each of one or more of the UE-specific CQIs is below the interference measurement threshold.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to cause the apparatus to transmit the MU CQI in an uplink communication that includes a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) Acknowledgment (ACK) or Negative ACK (NACK) feedback for the first downlink communication.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The first downlink communication further includes at least one DMRS resource contained within the first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel; and The MU CQI is based at least in part on the DMRS resources.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the MU CQI includes an indication of the difference between the MU CQI and a CQI associated with the current modulation and decoding scheme corresponding to the first downlink communication.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The first downlink communication includes multiple first ZP CSI-IM resources associated with multiple candidate co-scheduled UEs and contained within the first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel; and The one or more processors are further configured to cause the device to: transmit an indication of a subset of the plurality of first ZP CSI-IM resources associated with a subset of the plurality of candidate co-scheduled UEs for pairing for multi-user multiple-input multiple-output operations.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the MU CQI is associated with the maximum carrier bandwidth or a subband of the maximum carrier bandwidth.

16. An apparatus configured for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: One or more memory units; and One or more processors, said one or more processors coupled to said one or more memories, said one or more processors being configured to cause the device to: Transmitting downlink control information (DCI), wherein the downlink control information (DCI) is: For user equipment (UE) scheduling of first downlink communication, the first downlink communication includes a first zero-power channel state information interference measurement (ZP CSI-IM) resource associated with a candidate co-scheduled UE and contained within a first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel, and Trigger interference measurement for the first ZP CSI-IM resource; Transmit the first downlink communication; as well as The multi-user (MU) channel quality indicator (CQI) is received at least in part based on the first downlink communication.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the one or more processors are configured to cause the apparatus to: Determined at least in part based on the MU CQI: This includes the MU multiple-input multiple-output pairing of the UE and the candidate co-scheduled UE; as well as A first modulation and decoding scheme (MCS) for subsequent downlink multiple-input multiple-output communication with the UE; as well as The first MCS is used to transmit the second downlink communication to the UE on a second plurality of resources used to simultaneously communicate the third downlink communication to the candidate co-scheduled UE.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the one or more processors are configured to cause the apparatus to: determine a second MCS for subsequent downlink multiple-input multiple-output communication with the candidate co-scheduled UE based at least in part on the MU CQI.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the one or more processors are configured to cause the apparatus to: transmit the configuration of the first ZP CSI-IM resource.

20. A method for wireless communication by a device, the method comprising: Receive downlink control information (DCI), wherein the downlink control information (DCI) is: Scheduling first downlink communication, the first downlink communication including a first zero-power channel state information interference measurement (ZP CSI-IM) resource associated with candidate co-scheduled user equipment (UE) and contained within a first plurality of resources allocated for the first downlink data channel, and Trigger interference measurement for the first ZP CSI-IM resource; Receive the first downlink communication; The interference measurement is performed at least in part based on the first ZP CSI-IM resource; and The multi-user (MU) channel quality indicator (CQI) is transmitted based at least in part on the interference measurement.

Images