Hybrid automatic repeat request feedback

Abstract

This application relates to hybrid automatic repeat request feedback. In some examples, a user equipment is provided comprising: means for receiving, from an access node, information indicating a value for a second timer, the second timer indicating a maximum amount of time within which the user equipment must transmit a scheduling request for providing hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback; means for receiving a first downlink transmission from the access node; means for starting the second timer based on the first downlink transmission; and means for transmitting, to the access node, a scheduling request for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission based on the second timer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various examples of this disclosure relate to methods, apparatus, systems, and computer programs, and specifically, but not exclusively, to Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback. Background Technology

[0002] A communication network can be viewed as a facility that enables communication between two or more communication devices or provides communication devices with access to a data network. Mobile or wireless communication networks are an example of communication networks. Services can be provided to communication devices by an application server.

[0003] Such communication networks operate according to standards provided by, for example, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of standards provided by 3GPP include so-called 3GPP standards for generations of cellular technology, such as the 3GPP standards for 4G technology and the 3GPP standards for 5G technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Examples of aspects described herein are intended to indicate certain aspects. These aspects are not intended to indicate key or essential features of the various examples of this disclosure, nor are they intended to limit its scope. Other features, aspects, and elements will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. For example, it should be understood that additional aspects may be provided by any combination of any two or more of the aspects described below.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a method for a user equipment is provided, the method comprising: receiving from an access node information indicating a value for a second timer, the second timer indicating a maximum time duration within which the user equipment must send a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback; receiving from the access node a first downlink transmission; starting a second timer based on the first downlink transmission; and sending a scheduling request to the access node based on the second timer for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0006] The method may further include: receiving information from the access node based on a scheduling request, indicating one or more scheduling resources for the user equipment to send HARQ feedback; and sending HARQ feedback to the access node based on the information indicating one or more scheduling resources.

[0007] The method may further include: receiving one or more additional downlink transmissions from the access node before the second timer expires; and aggregating HARQ feedback associated with the first downlink transmission and one or more additional downlink transmissions.

[0008] The scheduling request may be directed to providing aggregated HARQ feedback associated with a first downlink transmission and one or more other downlink transmissions, and the method may further include sending the aggregated HARQ feedback to the access node.

[0009] Starting a second timer based on a first downlink transmission may include one of the following: starting the second timer at the beginning of a downlink time slot where the first downlink transmission is scheduled; starting the second timer at the end of a downlink time slot where the first downlink transmission is scheduled; starting the second timer at the beginning of the first symbol of the first downlink transmission; or starting the second timer at the end of the last symbol of the first downlink transmission.

[0010] Sending a scheduling request for providing HARQ feedback based on a second timer may include sending HARQ feedback before the second timer expires.

[0011] The method may further include: determining the amount of time remaining on the second timer; and determining to send a scheduling request based on the determined amount of time remaining on the second timer.

[0012] Determining to send a scheduling request for providing HARQ feedback can also be based on at least one of the following: the state of the buffer at the user equipment; the predicted service mode associated with the user equipment; or the battery state of the user equipment.

[0013] Information indicating the value of the second timer can be received in at least one of the following ways: system information broadcast received from the access node; or dedicated signaling received from the access node.

[0014] The method may further include: sending information to the access node indicating that the user equipment supports the capability of a second timer, wherein receiving information indicating the value for the second timer may be based on the indicated capability.

[0015] According to a second aspect, a method for an access node is provided, the method comprising: sending to a user equipment information indicating a value for a second timer, wherein the second timer indicates a maximum time amount within which the user equipment must send a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback; sending to the user equipment a first downlink transmission; and receiving from the user equipment, based on the second timer, a scheduling request for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0016] The method may further include: sending information to the user equipment, based on a scheduling request, indicating one or more scheduling resources for the user equipment to send HARQ feedback; and receiving HARQ feedback from the user equipment, based on the information indicating one or more scheduling resources.

[0017] The method may further include: sending one or more additional downlink transmissions to the user equipment; and receiving aggregated HARQ feedback from the user equipment, the aggregated HARQ feedback including HARQ feedback associated with the first downlink transmission and one or more additional downlink transmissions.

[0018] Information indicating the value of the second timer can be sent in at least one of the following ways: system information broadcast by the access node; or dedicated signaling sent to the user equipment.

[0019] The method may further include: receiving information from the user equipment indicating that the user equipment supports the capability of a second timer, wherein sending information indicating the value for the second timer may be based on the indicated capability.

[0020] According to a third aspect, a user equipment is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to perform any of the methods of the first aspect.

[0021] According to the fourth aspect, an access node is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the access node to perform any of the methods of the second aspect.

[0022] According to a fifth aspect, a user equipment is provided, comprising: components for receiving information from an access node indicating a value for a second timer, the second timer indicating a maximum time duration within which the user equipment must send a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback; components for receiving a first downlink transmission from the access node; components for starting the second timer based on the first downlink transmission; and components for sending a scheduling request to the access node based on the second timer for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0023] The user equipment may further include: a component for receiving information from the access node based on a scheduling request, indicating one or more scheduling resources for the user equipment to send HARQ feedback; and a component for sending HARQ feedback to the access node based on the information indicating one or more scheduling resources.

[0024] The user equipment may also include: a component for receiving one or more additional downlink transmissions from the access node before the second timer expires; and a component for aggregating HARQ feedbacks associated with the first downlink transmission and one or more additional downlink transmissions.

[0025] The scheduling request may be for providing aggregated HARQ feedback associated with a first downlink transmission and one or more other downlink transmissions, and the user equipment may further include a component for sending the aggregated HARQ feedback to the access node.

[0026] Starting a second timer based on a first downlink transmission may include one of the following: starting the second timer at the beginning of a downlink time slot where the first downlink transmission is scheduled; starting the second timer at the end of a downlink time slot where the first downlink transmission is scheduled; starting the second timer at the beginning of the first symbol of the first downlink transmission; or starting the second timer at the end of the last symbol of the first downlink transmission.

[0027] Sending a scheduling request for providing HARQ feedback based on a second timer may include sending HARQ feedback before the second timer expires.

[0028] The user equipment may also include: a component for determining the amount of time remaining on the second timer; and a component for determining, based on the determined amount of time remaining on the second timer, to send a scheduling request.

[0029] Determining to send a scheduling request for providing HARQ feedback can also be based on at least one of the following: the state of the buffer at the user equipment; the predicted service mode associated with the user equipment; or the battery state of the user equipment.

[0030] Information indicating the value of the second timer can be received in at least one of the following ways: system information broadcast received from the access node; or dedicated signaling received from the access node.

[0031] The user equipment may further include: a component for sending information to the access node indicating that the user equipment supports the capability of a second timer, wherein receiving information indicating the value of the second timer may be based on the indicated capability.

[0032] According to a sixth aspect, an access node is provided, comprising: means for sending information to a user equipment indicating a value for a second timer, wherein the second timer indicates a maximum time amount within which the user equipment must send a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback; means for sending a first downlink transmission to the user equipment; and means for receiving from the user equipment, based on the second timer, a scheduling request for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0033] The access node may further include: a component for sending information to the user equipment based on a scheduling request, indicating one or more scheduling resources for the user equipment to send HARQ feedback; and a component for receiving HARQ feedback from the user equipment based on the information indicating one or more scheduling resources.

[0034] The access node may further include: a component for sending one or more additional downlink transmissions to the user equipment; and a component for receiving aggregated HARQ feedback from the user equipment, the aggregated HARQ feedback including HARQ feedback associated with the first downlink transmission and one or more additional downlink transmissions.

[0035] Information indicating the value of the second timer can be sent in at least one of the following ways: system information broadcast by the access node; or dedicated signaling sent to the user equipment.

[0036] The access node may further include: a component for receiving information from the user equipment indicating that the user equipment supports the capability of the second timer, wherein sending the information indicating the value for the second timer may be based on the indicated capability.

[0037] According to a seventh aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed by a user device, cause the user device to perform any of the methods of the first aspect.

[0038] According to the eighth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, which includes instructions that, when executed by an access node, cause the access node to perform any of the methods of the second aspect.

[0039] According to a ninth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions that, when executed by a user device, cause the user device to perform at least the method according to any one of the first aspects.

[0040] According to a tenth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions that, when executed by an access node, cause the access node to perform at least the method according to any one of the second aspects.

[0041] Many different aspects have been described above. As previously stated, it should be understood that additional aspects can be provided through any combination of two or more of the aforementioned aspects. Other features, aspects, and elements will become apparent in light of the following. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Some examples will now be described by way of non-limiting and illustrative means with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An example of a communication network to which the examples disclosed herein can be applied is shown; Figure 2 This illustrates a representation of a fifth-generation communication system; Figures 3 to 8 The methods are shown based on some examples; Figures 9 to 11 The signaling process is illustrated based on some examples; Figure 12 and Figure 13 The methods shown are based on some examples; and Figure 14 The apparatus is shown according to some examples. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Some examples of this disclosure can be implemented in communication networks, such as any of the following radio access technologies (RATs): Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM, 2G), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GRPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System based on Basic Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) (UMTS, 3G), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE and Enhanced LTE (eLTE), 5G (also known as NR), or any future RAT (such as 6G). Furthermore, communication within the communication network can utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDM), and / or Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM).

[0044] As used herein, the term "network device" or "network node" can refer to a node in a communication network through which user equipment can access the network, and / or through which the node can control radio communications and manage radio resources within a cell. A network node or network device can be referred to as a base station (BS), access point (AP), or access node. Depending on the technology applied, a network device can be, for example, a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also known as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Header (RH), a Remote Radio Header (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node, a non-terrestrial network (NTN), or a non-ground network device (such as satellite network equipment, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites), or a spacecraft network device.

[0045] Furthermore, in the context of split radio access networks (RAN), network equipment can refer to a centralized unit (CU) and / or a distributed unit (DU) of a base station. The interface between the CU and DU may be referred to as the F1 interface in NR. In a split RAN architecture, node operations can be performed at least partially in a central / centralized unit (CU, e.g., a server, host, or node) that is operatively coupled to a DU (e.g., a radio head / node). A CU can control one or more DUs, at least acting as a transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) node. In some examples, a DU may include, for example, the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and the Physical (PHY) layer, while the CU may include layers above the RLC layer, such as the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, and the Internet Protocol (IP) layer. Other functional splits are also possible. In practice, any processing task can be performed in a CU or DU, and the boundaries of responsibility transfer between the CU and DU can depend on the applied implementation.

[0046] The term "terminal device" can refer to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. For example, a terminal device can be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), or mobile station (MS). Terminal devices can include mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, USB dongles, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc.

[0047] As used herein, the term "resource" can refer to radio resources in the time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, and / or code domain. Some examples of resources include, for example, physical resource blocks (PRBs), radio frames, subframes, time slots, subbands, frequency regions, subcarriers, beams, etc. The terms "transmit" and / or "receive" can refer to wireless transmission and / or reception over radio resources via a radio propagation channel.

[0048] Figure 1An example of a communication network to which the examples disclosed herein can be applied is shown. The communication network, or cellular communication network, may include a network node 110 configured to provide one or more cells (such as cell 100) and a network node 112 configured to provide one or more other cells (such as cell 102). For example, each cell may be, for example, a macro cell, micro cell, femtocell, or picocell. A cell may define the coverage area or service area of ​​a corresponding access node.

[0049] Network node 110 can be configured to provide radio access to a communication network to user equipment (UE) 120 (one or more UEs). Radio access may include downlink (DL) communication from the network node to UE 120 and uplink (UL) communication from UE 120 to the network node. Examples of uplink channels include a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) for transmitting control information to the network and a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) for transmitting data to the network. Examples of downlink channels include a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for transmitting control information and a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) for transmitting data to the user equipment.

[0050] Multiple UEs 120 and 122 can exist in the system. Each of the multiple UEs 120 and 122 can be served by the same or different network nodes 110 and 112. UEs can be configured with dual connectivity (DC), where a UE (e.g., UE 120) can connect to multiple network nodes 110 and 112. UEs 120 and 122 can communicate with each other by establishing a device-to-device (D2D) communication interface between UEs 120 and 122 via a so-called side link (SL). For example, such D2D communication can be referred to as machine-to-machine, peer-to-peer (P2P) communication, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication.

[0051] In the case of multiple network nodes in a communication network, the network nodes can connect to each other via interfaces. The LTE specification refers to such interfaces as X2 interfaces. The interface between an LTE node and a 5G node, or between two 5G nodes, can be referred to as an Xn interface. Network nodes 110 and 112 can also connect to the core network 116 of the communication network via another interface.

[0052] In the following explanations, various examples are illustrated with reference to communication devices capable of communicating with a communication system. Before explaining the various examples of this disclosure in detail, refer to… Figure 2 Briefly explain the fifth-generation communication system (5GS), its access network and core network (5GC), and communication equipment.

[0053] Figure 2 A schematic representation of a communication system is shown. (Reference) Figure 2 The illustration shows a user equipment (UE) 200 communicating with an application server (not shown) of a third-party application function (not shown) via a communication network and a managed data network 202. The communication network includes a radio access network 206 (e.g., a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN)) and a core network 208 (e.g., a 5G core network (5GC) operating based on, for example, fifth-generation radio access technology as described in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard for new radios). The core network 208 includes network functions (generally referred to as network functions and collectively as network functions) that can be connected to a management system configured to manage the communication network, as described in further detail below.

[0054] Radio access network 206 includes one or more radio access network (RAN) nodes (or base stations). RAN nodes can be configured to provide one or more cells. Cells can be, for example, macro cells, micro cells, femtocells, or picocells. A cell defines the coverage area or service area of ​​the RAN node. RAN nodes can be implemented, for example, as Node Bs (or NBs), evolved Node Bs (eNodeBs or eNBs), next-generation Node Bs (gNBs), remote radio units (RRUs), remote radio heads (RRHs), relays, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, and low-power nodes. RAN nodes can be deployed in non-terrestrial network (NTN) equipment, such as satellites (e.g., low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites or geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites), aircraft, or drones, where such NTN equipment forms a non-terrestrial network, such as a ground station. RAN nodes can also be deployed on the ground, in which case the RAN node can be referred to as a terrestrial network equipment. RANs that include terrestrial network equipment are generally referred to as terrestrial networks.

[0055] RAN nodes can have a split architecture, where the functionality of the RAN node (e.g., eNB or gNB) is distributed among various entities. A RAN node with a split architecture can include Radio Units (RUs) (or Remote Radio Headers (RRHs)), Centralized Units (CUs), and one or more Distributed Units (DUs). DUs can be connected to RUs via fronthaul. DUs can be connected to CUs via midhaul or F1 interfaces. CUs can be connected to the core network (e.g., core network 108) via backhaul. In a RAN node with a split architecture, the operation of the RAN node can be performed by DUs through the CUs. One CU can control one or more DUs.

[0056] The RU converts radio signals sent to and from the antenna into digital signals for transmission over a packet network, handles the digital front-end (DFE) and the lower PHY layer, and includes digital beamforming functionality. A DU is a logical entity (e.g., software) hosted and running on a server located near the RU. A CU is a logical entity (e.g., software) hosted and running on a server. A CU can be hosted and running on its own server, or on the same server hosting and running the DU located near the RU. A DU includes a subset of the RAN node's functionality (e.g., eNB or gNB), depending on the functional breakdown, and a CU includes other functionalities of the RAN node that are not part of the DU's functional subset. A DU may include a subset of the layers of the RAN node's protocol stack, and a CU may include other layers of the protocol stack that are not part of the DU's subset of layers. For example, in some specific implementations, the DU may include the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and Physical (PHY) layer of the protocol stack for the RAN node, while the CU may include layers of the RAN node's protocol stack above the RLC layer, such as the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, and Internet Protocol (IP) layer. The operation of the DU is controlled by the CU.

[0057] Core network 208 can have a service-based architecture. The network functions of core network 208 include Access and Mobility Function (AMF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Network Openness Function (NEF), Network Repository Function (NRF), Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), United Data Repository (UDM), and Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF). For ease of explanation, in Figure 2 Other network functions of core network 208, such as binding support function (BSF) and billing function (CHF), are not shown.

[0058] When user equipment 200 moves between different radio access networks, cells or locations, the AMF processes the access, authorization and authentication of user equipment (including UE 200) and manages the mobility of user equipment 200.

[0059] The SMF is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and terminating Protocol Data Unit sessions in core network 208. The SMF manages user plane resources and interacts with the UPF in core network 208 to ensure that data packets are correctly routed and forwarded.

[0060] The UDM performs the authentication process, stores and manages user data (including subscriber profiles, authentication credentials, and authorization policies), implements security mechanisms to protect user data and resources of the communication network (e.g., core network 208) from unauthorized access, attacks, and vulnerabilities, and interacts with other network functions of core network 208 (such as PCF) to enforce access control policies, Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, and service restrictions based on user profiles and subscription plans. The UDM is also responsible for managing the registration of network functions that provide services to user equipment 200.

[0061] The Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) is configured to collect or retrieve data about one or more network functions (NFs) in the core network, generate analyses based on the data collected or retrieved by the NWDAF, and provide the generated analyses to itself or other NFs that have requested analyses generated by the NWDAF. The NWDAF may include an Analysis Logic Function (AnLF) configured to generate analyses (e.g., generate statistics and / or generate predictions) based on data collected and / or retrieved by the NWDAF about one or more NFs. The NWDAF also includes analysis services exposed by the NWDAF to provide analyses generated by the AnLF. The NWDAF also includes a Model Training Logic Function (NWDAF (MTLF)) configured to train an AI / ML model that can be used by the AnLF to generate analyses based on data collected or retrieved from one or more network functions and / or OAM entities.

[0062] For the sake of brevity, the functions of other network functions of core network 208 are not described in detail.

[0063] Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback is a mechanism used to improve data reliability. The receiver of a message sends HARQ feedback to the sender to indicate whether the data was successfully received. For example, when the data is correctly received, HARQ feedback can indicate successful reception (e.g., ACK), or when the data is not correctly received, for example, due to an error during reception, HARQ feedback can indicate unsuccessful reception (e.g., NACK). By implementing HARQ feedback, the sender knows whether data retransmission is needed to ensure successful delivery of data to the receiver.

[0064] In some implementations, feedback, including HARQ feedback, can be indicated in the MAC control element (CE) instead of in a dedicated PUCCH transport. This allows for additional flexibility in how feedback is sent, as the MAC CE indicating HARQ feedback can be appended to other scheduled PUCCH transports without requiring a dedicated PUCCH transport to deliver the HARQ feedback. Furthermore, in some implementations, HARQ feedback can be asynchronous. That is, the timing for when to send HARQ feedback is not statically configured to be sent every time within a specific timing window (e.g., if a DL transport requesting HARQ feedback is sent in subframe X, in a static configuration, HARQ feedback might be needed every time in subframe X+3).

[0065] Therefore, in some implementations, HARQ feedback can be: (i) an appended MAC CE to the PUSCH transmission, or (ii) the UE can send a scheduling request (SR) to obtain resources for sending MAC CE HARQ feedback.

[0066] However, these implementations may have drawbacks. For example, there may be no guarantee that the PUSCH will be scheduled, so the delay in sending HARQ feedback may be unpredictable when it is sent as a MAC CE attached to a PUSCH transmission. Furthermore, in some implementations, it may be impossible to distinguish between SRs sent for HARQ feedback and SRs sent for other PUCCH transmissions, which could affect the UE's ability to send SRs to obtain resources for HARQ feedback. For instance, when the UE sends an SR to obtain resources for a PUCCH transmission, a timer (e.g., an SR disable timer as defined in 3GPP TS 38.321) may start, defining a period during which the UE cannot send another SR. If the UE needs to provide HARQ feedback while the timer is running, but there is no scheduled PUSCH transmission to which a MAC CE can be attached to provide feedback, the UE will be unable to send HARQ feedback within the required period.

[0067] Some examples of this disclosure can address one or more of these problems. Some examples may provide a first timer that indicates a period of time during which the UE is not permitted to transmit a SR providing HARQ feedback. Some examples may provide a second timer that indicates the maximum amount of time within which the UE must send a scheduling request. The first and second timers may be implemented individually or in combination. For example, in some examples, only the first timer may be implemented, in some examples only the second timer may be implemented, or in some examples both the first and second timers may be implemented.

[0068] As will be described in further detail below, in some examples, the UE may transmit the SR for providing HARQ feedback associated with DL transmission based on at least one of a first timer or a second timer. For example, in some examples, the UE may transmit the SR for providing HARQ feedback based on the first timer; in some examples, the UE may transmit the SR for providing HARQ feedback based on the second timer; or in some examples, the UE may transmit the SR for providing HARQ feedback based on both the first and second timers. The examples described herein can be implemented in any communication network in which HARQ feedback is implemented, such as, but not limited to, 5G or 6G communication networks.

[0069] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 It shows some examples of methods for implementing the first timer. Figure 3 The method shown can be executed by the UE, and Figure 4 The method shown can be performed by an access node (such as a gNB).

[0070] Reference Figure 3 At 300, the method includes: receiving information from the access node indicating a value for a first timer. At 302, the method includes: receiving a first DL transmission from the access node. At 304, the method includes: starting a first timer based on the first DL transmission. At 306, the method includes: sending an SR to the access node to provide HARQ feedback associated with at least the first DL transmission based on the expiration of the first timer.

[0071] Reference Figure 4 At 400, the method includes: sending information to the UE indicating a value for a first timer. At 402, the method includes: sending a first DL transmission to the UE. At 404, the method includes: receiving from the UE an SR based on the first timer for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first DL transmission.

[0072] right Figure 5 and Figure 6 For reference, this Figure 5 and Figure 6 The following are examples of methods for implementing a second timer. Figure 5 The method shown can be executed by the UE, and Figure 6 The method shown can be performed by an access node (such as a gNB).

[0073] Reference Figure 5At 500, the method includes: receiving from an access node information indicating a value for a second timer, the second timer indicating a maximum amount of time within which a user equipment must send an SR for providing HARQ feedback. At 502, the method includes: receiving a first DL transmission from the access node. At 504, the method includes: starting a second timer based on the first DL transmission. At 506, the method includes: sending an SR to the access node based on the second timer for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first DL transmission.

[0074] Reference Figure 6 At 600, the method includes: sending information to the UE indicating a value for a second timer, wherein the second timer indicates a maximum amount of time within which the UE must send an SR for providing HARQ feedback. At 602, the method includes: sending a first DL transmission to the UE. At 604, the method includes: receiving from the UE an SR for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first DL transmission based on the second timer.

[0075] right Figure 7 and Figure 8 For reference, this Figure 7 and Figure 8 The methods for implementing the first and second timers are shown in some examples. Figure 7 The method shown can be executed by the UE, and Figure 8 The method shown can be performed by an access node (such as a gNB).

[0076] Reference Figure 7 At 700, the method includes receiving information from the access node indicating a value for a first timer and information indicating a value for a second timer. At 702, the method includes receiving a first DL transmission from the access node. At 704, the method includes starting a first timer and a second timer based on the first DL transmission. At 706, the method includes sending an SR to the access node based on the first timer and the second timer to provide HARQ feedback associated with at least the first DL transmission.

[0077] Reference Figure 8 At 800, the method includes sending to the UE information indicating a value for a first timer and information indicating a value for a second timer. At 802, the method includes sending to the UE a first DL transmission. At 804, the method includes receiving from the UE an SR based on the first and second timers for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first DL transmission.

[0078] In some examples, the UE can receive information from the access node based on the SR indicating one or more scheduling resources for the UE to use in sending HARQ feedback. The UE can then send HARQ feedback to the access node based on the information indicating one or more scheduling resources.

[0079] In some examples, when the first timer is running (e.g., in situations such as regarding...), Figure 3 and Figure 4 (as described in the example) and / or before the second timer expires (e.g., in situations such as regarding) Figures 5 to 8 In the described example, the UE can receive one or more additional DL transmissions from the access node. The UE can aggregate HARQ feedback associated with the first DL transmission and one or more additional DL transmissions. In such an example, the SR can provide aggregated HARQ feedback associated with the first DL transmission and one or more additional DL transmissions. The UE can send aggregated HARQ feedback upon receiving information indicating one or more scheduling resources. This enables more efficient use of resources because a single SR can be used to obtain resources that provide HARQ feedback associated with multiple DL transmissions.

[0080] As described above, in some examples, the UE can initiate a first timer and / or a second timer based on a first DL transmission. Initiating a first timer and / or a second timer based on a first DL transmission can include one of the following: (a) Start the first timer and / or the second timer at the beginning of the DL time slot where the first DL transmission is scheduled; (b) Start the first timer and / or the second timer at the end of the DL time slot in which the first DL transmission is scheduled; (c) Aligning the start of the first symbol of the first DL transmission with the initiation of a first timer and / or a second timer (e.g., the UE may know in advance when the first symbol will arrive based on DL control information (DCI) with scheduling information, and thus may initiate timer(s) accordingly); or (d) Start a first timer and / or a second timer to align with the end of the last symbol of the first DL transmission (e.g., the UE may know in advance when the last symbol will end based on the DCI with scheduling information, and thus may start (multiple) timers accordingly).

[0081] In some examples of implementing the first timer and the second timer, the UE can start the second timer at the same time as starting the first timer (e.g., as described above), or the UE can start the second timer when the first timer expires (e.g., the UE can start the second timer immediately when the first timer expires, or start the second timer after a certain period of time after the first timer expires).

[0082] By initiating the first and / or second timer as described above, the first and / or second timers can be associated with DL transmissions that require HARQ feedback. This allows the access node to configure the UE with different timer values ​​for a more optimized implementation.

[0083] For example, the value of the first timer can be set to a relatively low value (e.g., less than the previously described SR disable timer) to enable HARQ feedback in more latency-sensitive situations. In some examples, setting the value of the first timer to less than the SR disable timer can effectively prioritize SRs for HARQ feedback over SRs for other requests (e.g., PUSCH). As another example, the value of the first timer can be set to a relatively large value (e.g., greater than the SR disable timer), which can be useful in high DL load situations. In some examples, setting the value of the first timer to greater than the SR disable timer can effectively reduce the priority of SRs for HARQ to favor SRs for other requests. When a large number of DL transmissions requiring HARQ feedback are scheduled, if SRs for HARQ are frequently enabled (e.g., via a low value for the first timer), the UE may struggle to send SRs for other requests due to the high UL load caused by the large number of SRs for HARQ. Setting the value of the first timer to a larger value can reduce the UL load caused by SRs for HARQ, thereby freeing up resources for SRs for other requests. As another example, the value of the second timer can be set to a relatively low value to allow the UE to send the SR for the HARQ feedback more quickly after the DL transmission. This can be useful in more latency-sensitive scenarios, where the access node can determine more quickly whether data contained in the DL transmission needs to be retransmitted based on the HARQ feedback. However, in less latency-sensitive scenarios, the access node can set the value of the second timer to a relatively large value, which can, for example, help the UE to aggregate HARQ feedback for more DL transmissions before sending the aggregated feedback.

[0084] As described above, in some examples, the UE can send an SR (Signal Request for Response) for providing HARQ feedback associated with the first DL transmission based on the expiration of a first timer. For example, the UE can send the SR immediately after the first timer expires, or the UE can send the SR within a time period starting after the first timer expires. In some cases, the length of the time period starting after the first timer expires can be implementation-specific. In other examples, the UE can send an SR for providing HARQ feedback associated with the first DL transmission based on a second timer. For example, the UE can send the SR before the second timer expires. In some cases, the exact time the UE sends the SR before the second timer expires can vary depending on the implementation. In yet another example, the UE can send an SR for providing HARQ feedback associated with the first DL transmission based on both a first timer and a second timer. For example, the UE can send the SR after the first timer expires and before the second timer expires. In other words, the first and second timers can define a time period within which the UE must send the SR for providing HARQ feedback associated with the first DL transmission.

[0085] In some examples of implementing a second timer (e.g., in the above about...), Figures 5 to 8 In the described method, the UE can determine the amount of time remaining on a second timer and determine whether to send an SR for HARQ feedback based on the amount of time remaining on the second timer. In some examples, the UE can determine whether to send an SR for HARQ feedback based on additional information such as, but not limited to, at least one of the following: the state of the buffer at the UE, the predicted service mode associated with the UE, or the battery state of the UE.

[0086] For example, the UE can determine an upcoming PUSCH transmission based on its buffer state. The UE can decide not to immediately send a HARQ-based SR, but instead wait for the opportunity to attach a MAC CE, including HARQ feedback, to the PUSCH transmission. In another example, the UE can determine, based on its HARQ buffer state, that a large number of HARQ feedback messages are awaiting delivery, and the UE can send a HARQ-based SR accordingly. In yet another example, the UE can have some predictive capability (e.g., in the form of an artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) model) that enables it to predict its own UL / DL traffic patterns. The UE can determine when to send a HARQ-based SR based on its predicted traffic patterns. For example, if the UE predicts that it will schedule a PUSCH transmission after the first timer expires and before the second timer expires, the UE can choose not to send a HARQ-based SR, but instead rely on attaching a MAC CE to the PUSCH, as previously described. However, if the UE determines that no such PUSCH has been predicted (i.e., no PUSCH is predicted within the time window defined by the first and / or second timer), the UE can decide to send a HARQ-based SR.

[0087] Information indicating the value for the first timer and / or the value for the second timer may be sent from the access node to the UE in system information broadcast from the access node or in dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC messages) sent from the access node to the UE.

[0088] In some examples, the UE may announce its capability to support the first and / or second timers before receiving information indicating values ​​for the first and / or second timers. For example, the UE may send information to the access node indicating its capability to support the first and / or second timers. The access node may then send information indicating values ​​for the first and / or second timers based on the indicated capabilities. Therefore, in some examples, the access node may send information to the UE only after the UE has indicated its ability to support the first and / or second timers.

[0089] right Figure 9 For reference, this Figure 9 The signaling process is shown based on some examples in which the first timer is implemented.

[0090] At 900, the access node sends information to the UE indicating the value of the first timer, for example, as described above.

[0091] At 902, the access node sends the first DL transmission (e.g., PDSCH transmission) to the UE.

[0092] At 904, the UE starts a first timer based on the first DL transmission, for example, as described above.

[0093] At position 906, the access node sends one or more additional DL transmissions to the UE while the first timer is running. Figure 9 In the example shown, two additional DL transmissions are sent to the UE. As described above, the UE can aggregate HARQ feedback for the first DL transmission and one or more additional DL transmissions.

[0094] At position 908, the first timer expired. Figure 9 In the example provided, the UE determines to immediately send an SR for HARQ feedback. However, as previously stated, it should be understood that in other examples, the UE may wait for a period of time after the first timer expires before sending the SR for HARQ feedback.

[0095] At 910, based on the expiration of the first timer, the UE sends an SR to the access node for providing HARQ feedback associated with the first DL transmission and one or more additional DL transmissions (that is, the SR is for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first DL transmission).

[0096] At 912, the access node sends information to the UE based on the SR sent at 910, indicating one or more scheduling resources for the UE to send HARQ feedback.

[0097] At point 914, the UE sends an aggregated HARQ feedback associated with the first DL transmission and one or more additional DL transmissions to the access node based on information indicating one or more scheduling resources for the UE to send HARQ feedback. Once the HARQ feedback has been sent at point 914, the UE can reset the first timer.

[0098] At 916, the access node sends a second DL transmission to the UE. At 918, the UE can restart the first timer and can perform the process of sending HARQ feedback associated with at least the second DL transmission based on the previously described concept.

[0099] right Figure 10 For reference, this Figure 10 The signaling process is shown based on some examples in which a second timer is implemented.

[0100] At 1000, the access node sends information to the UE indicating the value of the second timer, for example, as described above.

[0101] At position 1002, the access node sends the first DL transmission (e.g., PDSCH transmission) to the UE.

[0102] At 1004, the UE starts a second timer based on the first DL transmission, for example, as described above.

[0103] At position 1006, the access node sends one or more additional DL transmissions to the UE while the first timer is running. Figure 10 In the example shown, two additional DL transmissions are sent to the UE. As described above, the UE can aggregate HARQ feedback for the first DL transmission and one or more additional DL transmissions.

[0104] At point 1008, the UE determines to send an SR for HARQ feedback before the second timer expires. For example, as described above, the UE can determine the amount of time remaining on the second timer and then determine to send the SR for HARQ feedback based on the amount of time remaining.

[0105] At 1010, based on the determination at 1008, the UE sends an SR to the access node for providing HARQ feedback associated with the first DL transmission and one or more additional DL transmissions (that is, the SR is for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first DL transmission).

[0106] At 1012, the access node sends information to the UE based on the SR sent at 1010, indicating one or more scheduling resources for the UE to send HARQ feedback.

[0107] At 1014, the UE sends an aggregated HARQ feedback associated with a first DL transmission and one or more additional DL transmissions to the access node based on information indicating one or more scheduling resources for the UE to send HARQ feedback.

[0108] At position 1016, the second timer expires.

[0109] Although Figure 10 Not shown, but in some examples, after the UE has sent a HARQ feedback associated with at least the first DL transmission, the access node may send a second DL transmission to the UE, and the UE may restart a second timer and perform the process of sending a HARQ feedback associated with at least the second DL transmission based on the previously described concept.

[0110] right Figure 11 For reference, this Figure 11 The signaling process is illustrated with some examples of how the first and second timers are implemented.

[0111] At 1100, the access node sends information to the UE indicating the value of the first timer and information indicating the value of the second timer, for example, as described above.

[0112] At 1102, the access node sends the first DL transmission (e.g., PDSCH transmission) to the UE.

[0113] At 1104, the UE starts a first timer and a second timer based on the first DL transmission, for example, as described above.

[0114] At point 1106, the access node sends one or more additional DL transmissions to the UE while the first timer is running. Figure 11 In the example shown, two additional DL transmissions are sent to the UE. As described above, the UE can aggregate HARQ feedback for the first DL transmission and one or more additional DL transmissions.

[0115] At point 1108, the first timer expired. Figure 11 In the example, the UE decides to wait before sending an SR for HARQ feedback.

[0116] At 1110, the UE receives at least one additional DL transmission while the second timer is running. The UE can aggregate the HARQ feedback associated with at least one additional DL transmission with the previously aggregated HARQ feedback.

[0117] At 1112, the UE determines to send an SR for HARQ feedback before the second timer expires. For example, as previously described, the UE can determine the amount of time remaining on the second timer and then determine to send the SR for HARQ feedback based on the amount of time remaining.

[0118] At 1114, based on the determination at 1112, the UE sends an SR to the access node for providing HARQ feedback associated with the first DL transmission, one or more additional DL transmissions and at least one additional DL transmission (that is, the SR is for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first DL transmission).

[0119] At 1116, the access node sends information to the UE based on the SR sent at 1114, indicating one or more scheduling resources for the UE to send HARQ feedback.

[0120] At 1118, the UE sends an aggregated HARQ feedback associated with the first DL transmission, one or more additional DL transmissions, and extra DL transmissions to the access node based on information indicating one or more scheduling resources for the UE to send HARQ feedback. Once the HARQ feedback has been sent at 1118, the UE can reset the first timer.

[0121] At 1120, the second timer expires.

[0122] Although Figure 11Not shown, but in some examples, after the UE has sent HARQ feedback associated with at least the first DL transmission, the access node may send a second DL transmission to the UE, and the UE may restart the first timer and the second timer, and may perform the process of sending HARQ feedback associated with at least the second DL transmission based on the previously described concept.

[0123] In some examples, the access node can be configured to enable implicit HARQ feedback based on a first timer value and a second timer value. For example, if the access node knows that the UE is expected to send a HARQ-related SR within a time window defined by the first and second timer values, the access node can determine whether: 1. No SR was received within this time window, where it is impossible to distinguish between SRs for HARQ and SRs for other requests, or 2. No SR was received for HARQ within this time window, where SRs for HARQ can be distinguished from SRs for other requests.

[0124] In this scenario, the access node can implicitly determine that the first DL transmission was not correctly received by the UE, and therefore the HARQ feedback associated with the first DL transmission is NACK. When the access node is configured in this way, the UE can modify its behavior accordingly. For example, when the first DL transmission is not correctly received by the UE (i.e., when the HARQ feedback is NACK), the UE may not send an SR for the HARQ feedback associated with the first DL transmission. This can help reduce resource usage in the network. However, when the first DL transmission is correctly received by the UE, the UE can send an SR for the HARQ feedback (i.e., the HARQ feedback is ACK), as described above.

[0125] When determining when to send the SR for HARQ feedback after the first DL transmission is correctly received, the UE can also consider the access node's behavior. For example, if the HARQ feedback is ACK, and the access node is configured to determine that the HARQ feedback is NACK if it does not receive the SR for HARQ within a time window defined by a first timer and a second timer, the UE can attempt to ensure that the access node correctly receives the SR for HARQ within the time window to avoid misunderstanding at the access node. To this end, the UE can send the SR for HARQ earlier in the time window, thus allowing time later in the time window for retransmitting the SR for HARQ, for example, if the UE fails to receive information indicating scheduling resources in a timely manner after sending the SR for HARQ.

[0126] In some examples, the second timer can be implemented at the access node instead of the UE. In such examples, the access node can avoid sending the second timer value to the UE. The access node can be configured to allocate resources to the UE for sending HARQ feedback if it has not received a HARQ-related SR from the UE after sending the first DL transmission. Therefore, the access node can send information to the UE indicating one or more scheduled resources for the UE to send HARQ feedback when the second timer expires and no HARQ-related SR has been received from the UE. This helps reduce network overhead by avoiding SR signaling for HARQ.

[0127] right Figure 12 and Figure 13 For reference, this Figure 12 and Figure 13 The document illustrates some examples of methods for enabling implicit HARQ feedback based on the implementation of a first timer and a second timer, and the configuration of access nodes to enable implicit HARQ feedback based on the values ​​of the first and second timers. Figure 12 The method shown can be executed by the UE, and Figure 13 The method shown can be performed by an access node (such as a gNB).

[0128] Reference Figure 12 At 1200, the method includes receiving information from the access node indicating a value for a first timer and information indicating a value for a second timer. At 1202, the method includes receiving a first DL transmission from the access node. At 1204, the method includes starting a first timer and a second timer based on the first downlink transmission. At 1206, the method includes sending an SR (Signal Request for Response) to the access node for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first DL transmission, based on the first and second timers, when the first downlink DL transmission is correctly received by the user equipment. At 1208, the method includes avoiding sending an SR to the access node for providing HARQ feedback associated with the first DL transmission when the first DL transmission is not correctly received by the user equipment.

[0129] Reference Figure 13At 1300, the method includes sending information indicating a value for a first timer and information indicating a value for a second timer to the UE. At 1302, the method includes sending a first DL transmission to the user equipment. At 1304, the method includes determining that the first DL transmission was correctly received by the UE when the access node receives an SR for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first DL transmission based on the first timer and the second timer. At 1306, the method includes determining that the first DL transmission was not correctly received by the UE when the access node does not receive an SR for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first DL transmission based on the first timer and the second timer.

[0130] Examples have been described, which provide the UE with information indicating the values ​​of a first timer and / or a second timer. The first and second timers can be used to define the start and end times, respectively, of the time windows in which the UE can transmit SRs providing HARQ feedback associated with the first DL transmission. By configuring the UE with one or more of the first and second timers as described herein, some examples enable additional flexibility in the HARQ feedback process (e.g., in terms of latency requirements or cell load conditions) and reduce the use of communication resources associated with HARQ-initiated SRs.

[0131] In some examples, a user equipment is provided, including: components for receiving information from an access node indicating the value of a first timer; components for receiving a first downlink transmission from the access node; components for starting a first timer based on the first downlink transmission; and components for sending a scheduling request to the access node based on the expiration of the first timer to provide feedback on a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0132] In some examples, a user equipment is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: receive information from an access node indicating a value for a first timer; receive a first downlink transmission from the access node; start a first timer based on the first downlink transmission; and, based on the expiration of the first timer, send a scheduling request to the access node for providing feedback on a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0133] In some examples, an access node is provided, including: components for sending information to a user equipment indicating a value for a first timer; components for sending a first downlink transmission to the user equipment; and components for receiving from the user equipment, based on the first timer, a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0134] In some examples, an access node is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the access node to: send information to a user equipment indicating a value for a first timer; send a first downlink transmission to the user equipment; and receive, based on the first timer, a scheduling request from the user equipment for providing feedback on a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0135] In some examples, a user equipment is provided, including: components for receiving information from an access node indicating a value for a first timer and information indicating a value for a second timer; components for receiving a first downlink transmission from the access node; components for starting the first and second timers based on the first downlink transmission; and components for sending a scheduling request to the access node based on the first and second timers for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0136] In some examples, a user equipment is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: receive from an access node information indicating a value for a first timer and information indicating a value for a second timer; receive a first downlink transmission from the access node; start the first timer and the second timer based on the first downlink transmission; and send to the access node, based on the first timer and the second timer, a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0137] In some examples, an access node is provided, including: components for sending information indicating the value of a first timer and information indicating the value of a second timer to a user equipment; components for sending a first downlink transmission to the user equipment; and components for receiving from the user equipment, based on the first and second timers, a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0138] In some examples, an access node is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the access node to: send information to a user equipment indicating the value of a first timer and information indicating the value of a second timer; send a first downlink transmission to the user equipment; and receive from the user equipment, based on the first and second timers, a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0139] In some examples, a user equipment is provided, including: components for receiving information from an access node indicating the value of a second timer, the second timer indicating a maximum amount of time within which the user equipment must send a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback; components for receiving a first downlink transmission from the access node; components for starting the second timer based on the first downlink transmission; and components for sending a scheduling request to the access node based on the second timer for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0140] In some examples, a user equipment is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: receive from an access node information indicating the value of a second timer, the second timer indicating a maximum amount of time within which the user equipment must send a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback; receive a first downlink transmission from the access node; start the second timer based on the first downlink transmission; and send, based on the second timer, a scheduling request to the access node for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0141] In some examples, an access node is provided, comprising: components for sending information to a user equipment indicating a value for a second timer, wherein the second timer indicates a maximum amount of time within which the user equipment must send a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback; components for sending a first downlink transmission to the user equipment; and components for receiving from the user equipment, based on the second timer, a scheduling request for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0142] In some examples, an access node is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the access node to: send information to a user equipment indicating a value for a second timer, wherein the second timer indicates a maximum amount of time within which the user equipment must send a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback; send a first downlink transmission to the user equipment; and receive from the user equipment, based on the second timer, a scheduling request for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0143] In some examples, a user equipment is provided, including: components for receiving from an access node information indicating a value for a first timer and information indicating a value for a second timer; components for receiving a first downlink transmission from the access node; components for starting the first and second timers based on the first downlink transmission; components for sending a scheduling request to the access node based on the first and second timers to provide hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission when the first downlink transmission is correctly received by the user equipment; and components for avoiding sending a scheduling request to the access node to provide HARQ feedback associated with the first downlink transmission when the first downlink transmission is not correctly received by the user equipment.

[0144] In some examples, a user equipment is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: receive from an access node information indicating a value for a first timer and information indicating a value for a second timer; receive a first downlink transmission from the access node; start the first timer and the second timer based on the first downlink transmission; when the first downlink transmission is correctly received by the user equipment, send a scheduling request to the access node based on the first timer and the second timer for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission; and when the first downlink transmission is not correctly received by the user equipment, avoid sending the scheduling request to the access node for providing HARQ feedback associated with the first downlink transmission.

[0145] In some examples, an access node is provided, including: components for sending information indicating the value of a first timer and information indicating the value of a second timer to a user equipment; components for sending a first downlink transmission to the user equipment; components for determining that the first downlink transmission was correctly received by the user equipment when the access node receives a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission based on the first and second timers; and components for determining that the first downlink transmission was not correctly received by the user equipment when the access node does not receive a scheduling request for providing HARQ feedback associated with the first downlink transmission based on the first and second timers.

[0146] In some examples, an access node is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the access node to: send information indicating a value for a first timer and information indicating a value for a second timer to a user equipment; send a first downlink transmission to the user equipment; determine that the first downlink transmission has been correctly received by the user equipment when the access node receives a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission based on the first and second timers; and determine that the first downlink transmission has not been correctly received by the user equipment when the access node does not receive a scheduling request for providing HARQ feedback associated with the first downlink transmission based on the first and second timers.

[0147] While references to “a,” “an,” or “some” (or more) examples may be made throughout this disclosure, this does not necessarily mean that each reference refers to the same (or more) examples, or that a particular feature applies only to a single example. Individual features of different examples may also be combined to provide other examples. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or property is described in conjunction with examples, whether or not it is explicitly described, applying such a feature, structure, or property in conjunction with other examples is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0148] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used in this document to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0149] It should be understood that the various network functions mentioned above (e.g., AMF, SMF, etc.) can be implemented by means of devices performing at least some of the functions associated with those network functions. Furthermore, means configured to implement network functions can also be configured as virtual network function instances that implement those network functions. This means can be a virtual machine provided by the infrastructure of a cloud computing system (e.g., hypervisor, processor, and / or memory). This means can be part of a distributed computing system having multiple computing devices (e.g., servers) communicating with each other via a data network. Any part or all of the operation of a network function can be performed by the same means or different means, such as one or more computing devices in a distributed computing system.

[0150] It should be understood that the device may include or be coupled to other units or modules, such as a radio section or radio head, for or to be used for transmitting and / or receiving. Although the device has been described as a single entity, different modules and memories may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0151] Note that while some examples have been described with respect to 5G networks, similar examples can be applied to other networks and communication systems. Therefore, although some examples have been described above with reference to certain example architectures of wireless networks, technologies, and standards in a non-limiting and illustrative manner, other examples can be applied to any other suitable form of communication system besides those shown and described herein.

[0152] It should also be noted that various changes and modifications may be made to the various examples described herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0153] As used herein, the phrases “at least one of A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” and “A and / or B” mean: (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrase “A, B, and / or C” means: (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C). As used herein, the terms “at least one” and “one or more” mean “any one of at least one” and “any one of one or more”, respectively.

[0154] As used herein, the term “or” means non-exclusive “or” unless otherwise stated (e.g., “otherwise” or “or in alternatives”).

[0155] As used herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, performing a step “in response to A” does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs, and may include one or more intermediate steps. Similarly, performing a step or function “based on A” does not indicate that the step or function is performed solely based on “A”, as it may include one or more additional conditions.

[0156] Figure 14 A block diagram of apparatus 10 is shown by way of example. Apparatus 10 includes, for example, at least one processor 12 and at least one memory 14 storing instructions 15, which, when executed by the at least one processor, can cause apparatus 10 to perform at least one or more methods (or corresponding portions thereof) as disclosed herein. In the example, at least one memory and instructions (e.g., computer program code, software) are configured, together with at least one processor, to cause apparatus 10 to perform one or more methods (or corresponding portions thereof) as disclosed herein.

[0157] The processor 12 may include, or be configured as, one or more circuit systems configured to perform phases of the method according to the examples described herein.

[0158] As used herein, the term “circuit system” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware circuit implementation (such as an implementation in an analog and / or digital circuit system only), and (b) a combination of hardware circuits and software, such as (if applicable): (i) a combination of (multiple) analog and / or (multiple) digital hardware circuits with software / firmware, and (ii) any part of (multiple) hardware processors (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories working together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, and (c) (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate (but such software may not exist when it is not required to operate), such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof.

[0159] This definition of circuit system applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used herein, the term circuit system also covers implementations of only hardware circuitry or processors (or processors in general) or portions thereof and their accompanying software and / or firmware. For instance, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuit system also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0160] The memory 14 can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology. The memory may include a database for storing data. The memory 14 may be at least partially external to the device 10, but is accessible to the device 10.

[0161] Instruction 15 may be included in a computer-readable medium or a non-transitory computer-readable medium. As used herein, the term “non-transitory” refers to a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM).

[0162] For example, device 10 can be implemented as a terminal device, such as the UE previously described. As another example, the device can be included in such a terminal device, for example, as a chipset configured to control the terminal device. Device 10 can be made or configured to at least perform the methods (or portions thereof) of any one or more examples described herein.

[0163] As another example, device 10 can be implemented as a network node, such as the network node previously described. In another example, the device can be included in such a network node, for example, as a chipset configured to control a network node. Device 10 can be made or configured to at least perform the methods (or portions thereof) of any one or more examples described herein.

[0164] The device may include one or more entities of any protocol layer, such as a MAC entity, RRC entity, RLC entity, PDCP entity, or PHY entity. In some examples, the entity may be configured to perform at least one or more methods of any of the examples described.

[0165] Device 10 may include a radio interface 16. Radio interface 16 may provide communication capabilities to device 10. Radio interface 16 may include a receiver configured to receive information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. Radio interface 16 may include a transmitter configured to transmit information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. Receivers may include more than one receiver. Transmitters may include more than one transmitter. Radio interface 16 may include a transceiver configured to receive and transmit information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. Transceivers may include more than one transceiver.

[0166] Device 10 may include an interface (e.g., a user interface) 18, which includes at least one of, for example, a keyboard, microphone, touch display, monitor, speaker, etc. Interface 18 may be used to control the device (e.g., by a user). Interface 18 may be external to device 10. For example, device 10 may be connected to another device, such as a computer, via a wireless or wired connection, and device 10 may be controlled via a computer (e.g., by a user).

[0167] In some examples, at least some of the processes described herein may be performed by means including components for performing at least some of the processes described herein. Components for performing the method steps disclosed herein may include software and / or hardware components of means 10. For example, at least one processor 12, memory 14, and computer program code form components for performing one or more methods disclosed herein, as well as any examples. As used herein, the term “component” should be interpreted in the singular form, i.e., referring to a single element, or in the plural form, i.e., referring to a combination of single elements. Thus, the term “component for [performing A, B, C]” should be interpreted to cover means in which only one component for performing A, B, and C exists, or separate components for performing A, B, and C exist, or partially or completely overlapping components for performing A, B, and C exist. Furthermore, the terms “component for performing A, component for performing B, component for performing C” should be interpreted to cover an apparatus in which there is only one component for performing A, B and C, or a separate component for performing A, B and C, or a component for performing A, B and C that is partially or completely overlapping.

[0168] The scope of protection sought by the various examples of this disclosure is set forth in the independent claims. Examples and features described in this disclosure that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims, and if any, are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the various examples of this disclosure.

[0169] Furthermore, various implementations of this disclosure can be described with reference to the following entries, and their features can be combined in any reasonable manner.

[0170] Item 1. A user equipment comprising: means for receiving from an access node information indicating a value for a second timer, the second timer indicating a maximum time duration within which the user equipment must send a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback; means for receiving a first downlink transmission from the access node; means for starting the second timer based on the first downlink transmission; and means for sending to the access node, based on the second timer, a scheduling request for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0171] Item 2. The user equipment according to Item 1 further includes: a component for receiving information from the access node based on a scheduling request, indicating one or more scheduling resources for the user equipment to send HARQ feedback; and a component for sending HARQ feedback to the access node based on the information indicating one or more scheduling resources.

[0172] Item 3. The user equipment according to any one of Items 1 or 2 further includes: a component for receiving one or more additional downlink transmissions from the access node before the second timer expires; and a component for aggregating HARQ feedback associated with the first downlink transmission and one or more additional downlink transmissions.

[0173] Item 4. The user equipment according to Item 3, wherein the scheduling request is for providing aggregated HARQ feedback associated with a first downlink transmission and one or more other downlink transmissions, and wherein the user equipment further includes: a component for sending the aggregated HARQ feedback to the access node.

[0174] Item 5. A user equipment according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein starting the second timer based on the first downlink transmission includes one of the following: starting the second timer at the beginning of the downlink time slot where the first downlink transmission is scheduled; starting the second timer at the end of the downlink time slot where the first downlink transmission is scheduled; starting the second timer aligned with the beginning of the first symbol of the first downlink transmission; or starting the second timer aligned with the end of the last symbol of the first downlink transmission.

[0175] Item 6. User equipment according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein sending a scheduling request for providing HARQ feedback based on a second timer includes: sending HARQ feedback before the second timer expires.

[0176] Item 7. The user equipment according to Item 6 further includes: components for determining the amount of time remaining on the second timer; and components for determining, based on the determined amount of time remaining on the second timer, to send a scheduling request.

[0177] Item 8. The user equipment according to Item 7, wherein determining to send a scheduling request for providing HARQ feedback is also based on at least one of the following: the state of the buffer at the user equipment; the predicted service mode associated with the user equipment; or the battery state of the user equipment.

[0178] Item 9. A user equipment according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the information indicating the value of the second timer is received in at least one of the following: system information broadcast received from the access node; or dedicated signaling received from the access node.

[0179] Item 10. The user equipment according to any one of items 1 to 9 further includes: a component for sending information to the access node indicating that the user equipment supports the capability of a second timer, wherein receiving the information indicating the value for the second timer is based on the indicated capability.

[0180] Item 11. An access node comprising: means for sending information to a user equipment indicating a value for a second timer, wherein the second timer indicates a maximum time duration within which the user equipment must send a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback; means for sending a first downlink transmission to the user equipment; and means for receiving from the user equipment, based on the second timer, a scheduling request for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0181] Item 12. The access node according to Item 11 further includes: a component for sending information to the user equipment based on a scheduling request, indicating one or more scheduling resources for the user equipment to send HARQ feedback; and a component for receiving HARQ feedback from the user equipment based on the information indicating one or more scheduling resources.

[0182] Item 13. An access node according to any one of Items 11 or 12 further includes: a component for transmitting one or more additional downlink transmissions to a user equipment; and a component for receiving aggregated HARQ feedback from a user equipment, the aggregated HARQ feedback including HARQ feedback associated with the first downlink transmission and one or more additional downlink transmissions.

[0183] Item 14. An access node according to any one of items 11 to 13, wherein the information indicating the value of the second timer is sent in at least one of the following ways: system information broadcast by the access node; or dedicated signaling sent to the user equipment.

[0184] Item 15. An access node according to any one of items 11 to 14 further includes: a component for receiving information from the user equipment indicating the user equipment's capability to support a second timer, wherein the information indicating the value for the second timer is based on the indicated capability.

[0185] Item 16. A user equipment, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: receive from an access node information indicating a value for a second timer, the second timer indicating a maximum time duration, within which the user equipment must send a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback; receive from the access node a first downlink transmission; start a second timer based on the first downlink transmission; and send a scheduling request to the access node based on the second timer for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0186] Item 17. An access node comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the access node to: send to a user equipment information indicating a value for a second timer, wherein the second timer indicates a maximum time amount within which the user equipment must send a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback; send to the user equipment a first downlink transmission; and receive from the user equipment, based on the second timer, a scheduling request for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0187] Item 18. A method for a user equipment, the method comprising: receiving from an access node information indicating a value for a second timer, the second timer indicating a maximum time duration within which the user equipment must send a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback; receiving from the access node a first downlink transmission; starting a second timer based on the first downlink transmission; and sending a scheduling request to the access node based on the second timer for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0188] Item 19. A method for an access node, the method comprising: sending to a user equipment information indicating a value for a second timer, wherein the second timer indicates a maximum time amount within which the user equipment must send a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback; sending to the user equipment a first downlink transmission; and receiving from the user equipment, based on the second timer, a scheduling request for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

[0189] Although various examples have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is clear that these examples are not limited thereto and can be modified in many different ways. Therefore, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly, and they are intended to illustrate rather than limit these examples. As technology advances, it will become apparent to those skilled in the art how certain examples can be further implemented and / or modified in various ways. Furthermore, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the examples (or portions thereof) described herein can, but are not required to, be combined in various ways with any other examples (or portions thereof) described herein.

Claims

1. A user equipment, comprising: A component for receiving information from an access node indicating the value of a second timer, the second timer indicating a maximum time duration within which the user equipment must send a scheduling request for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback. Components for receiving first downlink transmissions from the access node; A component for starting the second timer based on the first downlink transmission; as well as A component for sending a scheduling request to the access node based on the second timer for providing HARQ feedback associated with at least the first downlink transmission.

2. The user equipment according to claim 1, further comprising: A component for receiving information from the access node, based on the scheduling request, indicating one or more scheduling resources for the user equipment to send the HARQ feedback; as well as A component for sending the HARQ feedback to the access node based on the information indicating the one or more scheduling resources.

3. The user equipment according to claim 1, further comprising: A component for receiving one or more additional downlink transmissions from the access node before the second timer expires; A component for aggregating HARQ feedback associated with the first downlink transmission and the one or more other downlink transmissions.

4. The user equipment of claim 3, wherein the scheduling request is for providing aggregated HARQ feedback associated with the first downlink transmission and the one or more additional downlink transmissions, and wherein the user equipment further comprises: A component for sending the aggregated HARQ feedback to the access node.

5. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein starting the second timer based on the first downlink transmission comprises one of the following: The second timer is started at the beginning of the downlink time slot where the first downlink transmission is scheduled; The second timer is started at the end of the downlink time slot in which the first downlink transmission is scheduled; The second timer is started at the beginning of the first symbol of the first downlink transmission; or The second timer is started when the last symbol of the first downlink transmission is aligned with the end of the transmission.

6. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein sending the scheduling request for providing the HARQ feedback based on the second timer comprises: Send the HARQ feedback before the second timer expires.

7. The user equipment according to claim 6, further comprising: Components used to determine the amount of time remaining on the second timer; as well as The component used to determine the sending of the scheduling request based on the determined amount of remaining time on the second timer.

8. The user equipment of claim 7, wherein determining to send the scheduling request for providing HARQ feedback is further based on at least one of the following: The state of the buffer at the user equipment; Predicted business patterns associated with the user equipment; or The battery status of the user equipment.

9. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the information indicating the value for the second timer is received in at least one of the following: System information broadcast received from the access node; or Specialized signaling received from the access node.

10. The user equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: A component for sending information to the access node indicating that the user equipment supports the capability of the second timer. The information indicating the value of the second timer is received is based on the indicated capability.

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