Methods and procedures for narrowband LTE operation

Abstract

To provide methods and means for uplink resource allocation for LTE operation.SOLUTION: A method includes receiving downlink control information (DCI) via a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission. The DCI includes an indication of a grant for physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission, and indicates whether a transport block is transmitted in a single time unit or multiple time units in the PUSCH transmission. The method also includes determining that the transport block is transmitted in the PUSCH transmission in the multiple time units on the basis of the DCI, and transmitting the transport block via the PUSCH transmission using the multiple time units. Each of multiple portions of the transport block is transmitted in each time unit of the multiple time units.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 250,798, filed November 4, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 272,835, filed December 30, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 290,630, filed February 3, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 307,856, filed March 14, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] As wireless communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, mature and their network deployments progress, network operators seek to reduce the cost of communication networks and / or the cost of maintaining communication networks. Reducing the channel bandwidth and / or data rate used to communicate with one or more devices may reduce the cost of the communication network. For example, a portion of the channel bandwidth, rather than the entire channel bandwidth, may be supported by devices in the network and / or by the network itself when communicating with such devices. Wireless communication systems (such as, for example, LTE) may consider bandwidth reduction for some devices, such as machine type communication (MTC) devices, to a certain level (e.g., 1.4 MHz). The considered bandwidth reduction level may allow increased compatibility with legacy systems and / or reduce the time and / or cost of new designs (e.g., because some LTE cells may already support operation at a system bandwidth of 1.4 MHz). Further bandwidth reduction may be desirable for some devices (e.g., smart watches and alarms), thereby further reducing costs. Further reductions in bandwidth (e.g., to the order of 200 kHz) may be implemented. However, attempting to support reduced bandwidth operation can raise complications, such as issues related to compatibility with legacy system operation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A system, method, and means for narrowband (NB) LTE operation is disclosed. NB operation may be used by devices that support operation using a portion of a cell / system bandwidth. For example, an NB device may be configured to operate using a first bandwidth (e.g., 1.4 MHz, 200 kHz, etc.) in a cell that has a transmission bandwidth (e.g., 10 MHz, 20 MHz, etc.) larger than the first bandwidth.

[0004] A WTRU may receive a first downlink data transmission, e.g., via a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). The WTRU may determine to send a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgement (ACK) in response to receiving the first downlink data transmission. The WTRU may transmit a first uplink signal (e.g., an uplink reference signal). The WTRU may indicate the HARQ-ACK using a first cyclic shift index of (e.g., applied to) a first sequence of the first uplink signal. The first cyclic shift index may be applied across multiple reference signals across multiple uplink single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) symbols. The first downlink data transmission may be received in a first subframe. The first uplink signal may be transmitted in a second subframe. The first uplink signal may be an uplink reference signal corresponding to a demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) or a sounding reference signal (SRS). The first uplink reference signal may be sent via a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0005] The WTRU may decide to send a HARQ Negative ACK (HARQ-NACK), for example, on a condition that the second downlink data transmission is not correctly received. The WTRU may send a second uplink signal (e.g., a second uplink reference signal). The WTRU may indicate the HARQ-NACK using a second cyclic shift of a second sequence of the second uplink signal (e.g., applied to the second sequence of the second uplink signal). The first sequence and the second sequence may use the same base sequence. The base sequence may be a Zadoff-Chu sequence. The first cyclic shift index is different from the second cyclic shift index. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1A]FIG. 1 is a system diagram of an example communication system in which one or more disclosed embodiments may be implemented. [Figure 1B] 1B is a system diagram of an example wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) that may be used within the communications system illustrated in FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] 1B is a system diagram of an example radio access network and an example core network that may be used within the communication system illustrated in FIG. 1A. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1B is a system diagram of another example radio access network and an example core network that may be used within the communications system illustrated in FIG. 1A. [Figure 1E] FIG. 1B is a system diagram of another example radio access network and an example core network that may be used within the communications system illustrated in FIG. 1A. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram of an example mapping to physical resource blocks for PUCCH. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example UCI and UL-SCH multiplexing in a PUSCH. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram of an example mapping to physical resource blocks for PUCCH. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example expanded sub-frame (E-sub-frame). [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example E subframe. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example E subframe with four available DL subframes per frame. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary symbol expansion. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example sub-block transmission of the Narrowband Master Information Block (NB-MIB). [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram of an example of multiple permutation sequences for sub-blocks. [Figure 11]FIG. Exemplary time spreading of UCI on PUSCH when Msub = Nsub. [Figure 12] FIG. Exemplary time spreading of UCI on PUSCH when Msub < Nsub. [Figure 13] FIG. Exemplary time spreading of UCI on PUSCH when Msym < Nsym. [Figure 14] FIG. Exemplary HARQ-ACK transmission in uplink pilot time slot (UpPTS). [Figure 15] FIG. Exemplary modulation symbols for HARQ-ACK transmission. [Figure 16] FIG. Exemplary HARQ-ACK channel in UpPTS with two symbols. [Figure 17] FIG. Exemplary HARQ-ACK channel in UpPTS with one symbol. [Figure 18] FIG. Exemplary HARQ-ACK information and RS multiplexing in a symbol. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Here, a detailed description of exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to various figures. This description provides a detailed description of possible implementations, but it should be noted that the details are exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of this application in any way.

[0008] 1A is a diagram of an example communication system 100 in which one or more disclosed embodiments may be implemented. The communication system 100 may be a multiple access system that provides content, such as voice, data, video, messaging, broadcasts, etc., to multiple wireless users. The communication system 100 may enable the multiple wireless users to access such content through sharing of system resources, including wireless bandwidth. For example, the communication system 100 may employ one or more channel access methods, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), Single Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), etc.

[0009] 1A, the communications system 100 may include wireless transmit / receive units (WTRUs) 102a, 102b, 102c, and / or 102d (which may be referred to generically or collectively as WTRUs 102), a radio access network (RAN) 103 / 104 / 105, a core network 106 / 107 / 109, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 108, the Internet 110, and other networks 112, although it will be understood that the disclosed embodiments contemplate any number of WTRUs, base stations, networks, and / or network elements. Each of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may be any type of device configured to operate and / or communicate in a wireless environment. For example, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may be configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals and may include user equipment (UE), mobile stations, fixed or mobile subscriber units, pagers, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), smartphones, laptops, netbooks, personal computers, wireless sensors, and consumer electronics devices.

[0010] The communication system 100 may also include a base station 114a and a base station 114b. Each of the base stations 114a, 114b may be any type of device configured to wirelessly interface with at least one of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to facilitate access to one or more communication networks, such as the core network 106 / 107 / 109, the Internet 110, and / or the network 112. For example, the base stations 114a, 114b may be a base transceiver station (BTS), a Node B, an eNodeB, a home Node B, a home eNodeB, a site controller, an access point (AP), a wireless router, etc. Although the base stations 114a, 114b are each shown as a single element, it will be understood that the base stations 114a, 114b may include any number of interconnected base stations and / or network elements.

[0011] The base station 114a may be part of the RAN 103 / 104 / 105, which may also include other base stations and / or network elements (not shown), such as a base station controller (BSC), a radio network controller (RNC), relay nodes, etc. The base station 114a and / or the base station 114b may be configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals within a particular geographic area, sometimes referred to as a cell (not shown). The cell may be further divided into cell sectors. For example, the cell associated with the base station 114a may be divided into three sectors. Thus, in one embodiment, the base station 114a may include three transceivers, e.g., one transceiver for each sector of the cell. In another embodiment, the base station 114a may employ multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology and thus utilize multiple transceivers for each sector of the cell.

[0012] The base stations 114a, 114b may communicate with one or more of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d over an air interface 115 / 116 / 117, which may be any suitable wireless communication link (e.g., radio frequency (RF), microwave, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), visible light, etc.). The air interface 115 / 116 / 117 may be established using any suitable radio access technology (RAT).

[0013] More specifically, as mentioned above, the communication system 100 may be a multiple access system and may employ one or more channel access schemes such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA, etc. For example, the base station 114a in the RAN 103 / 104 / 105 and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), which may establish the air interface 115 / 116 / 117 using Wideband CDMA (WCDMA®). WCDMA may include communication protocols such as High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA) and / or Evolved HSPA (HSPA+). HSPA may include High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) and / or High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA).

[0014] In another embodiment, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), which may establish the air interface 115 / 116 / 117 using Long Term Evolution (LTE) and / or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A).

[0015] In other embodiments, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a wireless technology such as IEEE 802.16 (i.e., Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)), CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1X, CDMA2000 EV-DO, Interim Standard 2000 (IS-2000), Interim Standard 95 (IS-95), Interim Standard 856 (IS-856), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE (GERAN), or the like.

[0016] The base station 114b of FIG. 1A may be, for example, a wireless router, a Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or an access point, and may utilize any suitable RAT to facilitate wireless connectivity in a localized area, such as a workplace, a home, a vehicle, and a campus. In one embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d may implement a radio technology, such as IEEE 802.11, to establish a wireless local area network (WLAN). In another embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d may implement a radio technology, such as IEEE 802.15, to establish a wireless personal area network (WPAN). In yet another embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d may utilize a cellular-based RAT (e.g., WCDMA, CDMA2000, GSM, LTE, LTE-A, etc.) to establish a picocell or femtocell. As shown in FIG. 1, the base station 114b may have a direct connection to the Internet 110. Therefore, the base station 114b may not be required to access the Internet 110 via the core network 106 / 107 / 109.

[0017] The RAN 103 / 104 / 105 may communicate with the core network 106 / 107 / 109, which may be any type of network configured to provide voice, data, application, and / or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services to one or more of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d. For example, the core network 106 / 107 / 109 may provide call control, billing services, mobile location services, prepaid calling, Internet connectivity, video distribution, and / or perform high-level security functions such as user authentication. Although not shown in FIG. 1A, it will be understood that the RAN 103 / 104 / 105 and / or the core network 106 / 107 / 109 may communicate directly or indirectly with other RANs employing the same RAT as the RAN 103 / 104 / 105 or a different RAT. For example, in addition to being connected to RANs 103 / 104 / 105 capable of utilizing E-UTRA radio technology, core networks 106 / 107 / 109 may communicate with another RAN (not shown) that employs GSM radio technology.

[0018] The core network 106 / 107 / 109 may also act as a gateway for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to access the PSTN 108, the Internet 110, and / or other networks 112. The PSTN 108 may include a circuit-switched telephone network providing plain old telephone service (POTS). The Internet 110 may include a global system of interconnected computer networks and devices that use common communication protocols such as TCP, UDP, and IP in the TCP / IP Internet protocol suite. The network 112 may include wired or wireless communication networks owned and / or operated by other service providers. For example, the network 112 may include another core network connected to one or more RANs, which may employ the same RAT or a different RAT as the RANs 103 / 104 / 105.

[0019] Some or all of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d in the communications system 100 may include multi-mode capabilities, e.g., the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may include multiple transceivers for communicating with different wireless networks over different wireless links. For example, the WTRU 102c shown in FIG. 1A may be configured to communicate with a base station 114a, which may employ a cellular-based wireless technology, and a base station 114b, which may employ an IEEE 802 wireless technology.

[0020] 1B is a system diagram of an example WTRU 102. As shown in FIG. 1B, the WTRU 102 may include a processor 118, a transceiver 120, a transmit / receive element 122, a speaker / microphone 124, a keypad 126, a display / touchpad 128, non-removable memory 130, removable memory 132, a power source 134, a GPS chipset 136, and other peripherals 138. It will be understood that the WTRU 102 may include any sub-combination of the above-mentioned elements while remaining consistent with an embodiment. Also, embodiments contemplate that the base stations 114a and 114b, and / or the nodes that the base stations 114a and 114b may represent, such as, but not limited to, a transceiver station (BTS), a Node B, a site controller, an access point (AP), a Home Node B, an evolved Home Node B (eNodeB), a Home Evolved Node B (HeNB), a Home Evolved Node B Gateway, a proxy node, etc., among others, may include some or all of the elements shown in FIG. 1B and described herein.

[0021] The processor 118 may be a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) circuit, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, etc. The processor 118 may perform signal coding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, and / or any other functionality that enables the WTRU 102 to operate in a wireless environment. The processor 118 may be coupled to the transceiver 120, which may be coupled to the transmit / receive element 122. Although FIG. 1B depicts the processor 118 and the transceiver 120 as separate components, it will be understood that the processor 118 and the transceiver 120 may be integrated together in an electronic package or chip.

[0022] The transmit / receive element 122 may be configured to transmit signals to or receive signals from a base station (e.g., base station 114a) over the air interface 115 / 116 / 117. For example, in one embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 may be an antenna configured to transmit and / or receive RF signals. In another embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 may be an emitter / detector configured to transmit and / or receive, for example, IR, UV, or visible light signals. In yet another embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 may be configured to transmit and receive both RF and light signals. It will be appreciated that the transmit / receive element 122 may be configured to transmit and / or receive any combination of wireless signals.

[0023] 1B as a single element, the WTRU 102 may include any number of transmit / receive elements 122. More specifically, the WTRU 102 may employ MIMO technology. Thus, in one embodiment, the WTRU 102 may include two or more transmit / receive elements 122 (e.g., multiple antennas) for transmitting and receiving wireless signals over the air interface 115 / 116 / 117.

[0024] The transceiver 120 may be configured to modulate signals transmitted by the transmit / receive element 122 and demodulate signals received by the transmit / receive element 122. As mentioned above, the WTRU 102 may have multi-mode capabilities. Thus, the transceiver 120 may include multiple transceivers to enable the WTRU 102 to communicate via multiple RATs, such as, for example, UTRA and IEEE 802.11.

[0025] The processor 118 of the WTRU 102 may be coupled to and may receive user input data from a speaker / microphone 124, a keypad 126, and / or a display / touchpad 128 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) display unit or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display unit). The processor 118 may also output user data to the speaker / microphone 124, the keypad 126, and / or the display / touchpad 128. The processor 118 may also access information from and store data in any type of suitable memory, such as a non-removable memory 130 and / or a removable memory 132. The non-removable memory 130 may include a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk, or any other type of memory storage device. The removable memory 132 may include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, a secure digital (SD) memory card, or the like. In other embodiments, the processor 118 may access information from, and store data in, memory that is not physically located on the WTRU 102, such as on a server or home computer (not shown).

[0026] The processor 118 may receive power from the power source 134 and may be configured to distribute and / or control the power to other components within the WTRU 102. The power source 134 may be any suitable device for powering the WTRU 102. For example, the power source 134 may include one or more dry batteries (e.g., nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-zinc (NiZn), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), etc.), solar cells, fuel cells, etc.

[0027] The processor 118 may also be coupled to a GPS chipset 136, which may be configured to provide location information (e.g., longitude and latitude) regarding the current location of the WTRU 102. In addition to or instead of information from the GPS chipset 136, the WTRU 102 may receive location information over the air interface 115 / 116 / 117 from a base station (e.g., base stations 114a, 114b) and / or may determine its location based on the timing of signals received from two or more nearby base stations. It will be appreciated that the WTRU 102 may obtain location information using any suitable location determination method while remaining consistent with an embodiment.

[0028] The processor 118 may further be coupled to other peripherals 138, which may include one or more software and / or hardware modules that provide additional features, functionality, and / or wired or wireless connectivity. For example, the peripherals 138 may include an accelerometer, an electronic compass, a satellite transceiver, a digital camera (for photos or videos), a USB port, a vibration device, a television transceiver, a hands-free headset, a Bluetooth module, a frequency modulation (FM) radio unit, a digital music player, a media player, a video game player module, an Internet browser, etc.

[0029] 1C is a system diagram of the RAN 103 and the core network 106 according to an embodiment. As described above, the RAN 103 may employ UTRA radio technology to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 115. The RAN 103 may also communicate with the core network 106. As shown in FIG. 1C, the RAN 103 may include Node Bs 140a, 140b, 140c, each of which may include one or more transceivers for communicating with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 115. The Node Bs 140a, 140b, 140c may each be associated with a particular cell (not shown) within the RAN 103. The RAN 103 may also include RNCs 142a, 142b. It will be appreciated that the RAN 103 may include any number of Node Bs and RNCs while remaining consistent with an embodiment.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1C, the Node Bs 140a, 140b can communicate with the RNC 142a. Additionally, the Node Bs 140c can communicate with the RNC 142b. The Node Bs 140a, 140b, 140c can communicate with their respective RNCs 142a, 142b via an Iub interface. The RNCs 142a, 142b can communicate with each other via an Iur interface. Each of the RNCs 142a, 142b can be configured to control the respective Node Bs 140a, 140b, 140c to which it is connected. Additionally, each of the RNCs 142a, 142b can be configured to perform or support other functionalities, such as outer loop power control, load control, admission control, packet scheduling, handover control, macro diversity, security functions, data encryption, and the like.

[0031] 1C may include a Media Gateway (MGW) 144, a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 146, a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) 148, and / or a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) 150. Although each of the above elements is shown as part of the core network 106, it will be understood that any of these elements may be owned and / or operated by an entity different from the core network operator.

[0032] The RNC 142a in the RAN 103 may be connected to an MSC 146 in the core network 106 via an IuCS interface. The MSC 146 may be connected to the MGW 144. The MSC 146 and MGW 144 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to circuit-switched networks, such as the PSTN 108, to facilitate communications between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and traditional land-line communications devices.

[0033] The RNC 142a in the RAN 103 may also be connected to an SGSN 148 in the core network 106 via an IuPS interface. The SGSN 148 may be connected to a GGSN 150. The SGSN 148 and GGSN 150 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to packet-switched networks, such as the Internet 110, to facilitate communications between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and IP-enabled devices.

[0034] As mentioned above, the core network 106 may also be connected to networks 112, which may include other wired or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers.

[0035] 1D is a system diagram of the RAN 104 and the core network 107 according to an embodiment. As mentioned above, the RAN 104 may employ E-UTRA radio technology to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. The RAN 104 may also communicate with the core network 107.

[0036] The RAN 104 may include eNodeBs 160a, 160b, 160c, although it will be understood that the RAN 104 may include any number of eNodeBs while remaining consistent with an embodiment. The eNodeBs 160a, 160b, 160c may each include one or more transceivers for communicating with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. In one embodiment, the eNodeBs 160a, 160b, 160c may implement MIMO technology. Thus, the eNodeB 160a, for example, may use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals to and receive wireless signals from the WTRU 102a.

[0037] Each of the eNodeBs 160a, 160b, 160c may be associated with a particular cell (not shown) and may be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover decisions, scheduling of users on the uplink and / or downlink, etc. As shown in FIG 1D, the eNodeBs 160a, 160b, 160c may communicate with one another over an X2 interface.

[0038] The core network 107 shown in Figure 1D may include a mobility management gateway (MME) 162, a serving gateway 164, and a packet data network (PDN) gateway 166. Although each of the above elements is shown as part of the core network 107, it will be understood that any of these elements may be owned and / or operated by an entity different from the core network operator.

[0039] The MME 162 may be connected to each of the eNodeBs 160a, 160b, 160c in the RAN 104 via an S1 interface and may act as a control node. For example, the MME 162 may be responsible for authentication of users of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, bearer activation / deactivation, selection of a particular serving gateway upon initial attachment of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, etc. The MME 162 may also provide a control plane function for switching between the RAN 104 and other RANs (not shown) that employ other radio technologies, such as GSM or WCDMA.

[0040] The serving gateway 164 may be connected to each of the eNodeBs 160a, 160b, 160c in the RAN 104 via an S1 interface. The serving gateway 164 may generally route and forward user data packets to and from the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c. The serving gateway 164 may also perform other functions, such as anchoring the user plane during inter-eNodeB handover, triggering paging when downlink data is available for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, managing and storing the context of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, etc.

[0041] The serving gateway 164 may also be connected to a PDN gateway 166, which may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to packet-switched networks, such as the Internet 110, to facilitate communications between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and IP-enabled devices.

[0042] The core network 107 may facilitate communications with other networks. For example, the core network 107 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to circuit-switched networks, such as the PSTN 108, to facilitate communications between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and traditional land-line communications devices. For example, the core network 107 may include or communicate with an IP gateway (e.g., an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) server) that serves as an interface between the core network 107 and the PSTN 108. The core network 107 may also provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to the network 112, which may include other wired or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers.

[0043] 1E is a system diagram of the RAN 105 and the core network 109 according to an embodiment. The RAN 105 may be an Access Service Network (ASN) that employs IEEE 802.16 wireless technology to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 117. As described further below, communication links between different functional entities of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, the RAN 105, and the core network 109 may be defined as reference points.

[0044] 1E, the RAN 105 may include base stations 180a, 180b, 180c and an ASN gateway 182, although it will be understood that the RAN 105 may include any number of base stations and ASN gateways while remaining consistent with an embodiment. The base stations 180a, 180b, 180c may each be associated with a particular cell (not shown) in the RAN 105 and each may include one or more transceivers for communicating with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 117. In one embodiment, the base stations 180a, 180b, 180c may implement MIMO technology. Thus, the base station 180a, for example, may use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals to and receive wireless signals from the WTRU 102a. The base stations 180a, 180b, 180c may also provide mobility management functions such as handoff triggering, tunnel establishment, radio resource management, traffic classification, quality of service (QoS) policy enforcement, etc. The ASN gateway 182 may act as a traffic aggregation point and may be responsible for paging, caching of subscriber profiles, routing to the core network 109, etc.

[0045] The air interface 117 between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and the RAN 105 may be defined as an R1 reference point that implements the IEEE 802.16 specification. Also, each of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may establish a logical interface (not shown) with the core network 109. The logical interface between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and the core network 109 may be defined as an R2 reference point that may be used for authentication, authorization, IP host configuration management, and / or mobility management.

[0046] The communication link between each of the base stations 180a, 180b, 180c may be defined as an R8 reference point that includes protocols for facilitating WTRU handovers and the transfer of data between base stations. The communication link between the base stations 180a, 180b, 180c and the ASN gateway 182 may be defined as an R6 reference point. The R6 reference point may include protocols for facilitating mobility management based on mobility events associated with each of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c.

[0047] As shown in Figure IE, the RAN 105 may be connected to a core network 109. The communication link between the RAN 105 and the core network 109 may be defined as an R3 reference point including protocols for facilitating, for example, data forwarding functions, mobility management functions. The core network 109 may include a Mobile IP Home Agent (MIP-HA) 184, an Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) server 186, and a gateway 188. Although each of the above elements is shown as part of the core network 109, it will be understood that any of these elements may be owned and / or operated by an entity different from the core network operator.

[0048] The MIP-HA may be responsible for IP address management and may enable the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c to roam between different ASNs and / or different core networks. The MIP-HA 184 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to packet-switched networks, such as the Internet 110, to facilitate communications between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and IP-enabled devices. The AAA server 186 may be responsible for user authentication and support of user services. The gateway 188 may facilitate interoperation with other networks. For example, the gateway 188 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to circuit-switched networks, such as the PSTN 108, to facilitate communications between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and traditional land-line communications devices. The gateway 188 may also provide access to the network 112 for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, which may include other wired or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers.

[0049] Although not shown in FIG. 1E, it will be understood that the RAN 105 may be connected to other ASNs and the core network 109 may be connected to other core networks. The communication link between the RAN 105 and the other ASNs may be defined as an R4 reference point, which may include protocols for coordinating mobility of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c between the RAN 105 and the other ASNs. The communication link between the core network 109 and the other core networks may be defined as an R5 reference point, which may include protocols for facilitating interoperation between a home core network and a visited core network.

[0050] An LTE system may operate carriers and / or cells in a downlink (DL) and / or uplink (UL) having a predefined system bandwidth (BW) (e.g., 1.4 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, or 20 MHz, etc.). Subcarrier spacing may be 15 kHz. A time slot may include 0.5 ms. A subframe of time may include two time slots and / or 1 ms. A frame may include one or more subframes (e.g., 10, etc.). The DL may be based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA). The UL may be based on Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA). A subframe may include one or more symbols (e.g., 14 symbols in a subframe for a normal cyclic prefix (CP)). The first 0, 1, 2, or 3 symbols in the DL may be used and / or reserved for a Physical DL Control Channel (PDCCH) or other purposes.

[0051] Allocations in the UL and / or DL ​​may be made in units of resource blocks (RBs) and / or RB pairs. An RB may include 1 timeslot×12 subcarriers (e.g., 1 timeslot×180 kHz). A minimum allocation may be used, for example, for at least some channels (e.g., Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), PUSCH). The minimum allocation may be, for example, an RB pair. An RB pair may include two timeslots (e.g., one subframe). An RB may include a physical RB (PRB). RB and PRB may be used interchangeably. An RB may represent one RB, an RB pair, and / or a PRB pair.

[0052] A system and / or a component of a system (e.g., a WTRU / UE, a device, or an eNodeB) may use, operate on, and / or allocate resources. The system and / or a component of a system may use, operate on, and / or allocate resources within a bandwidth that may be different (e.g., smaller) relative to at least one other communication system bandwidth, e.g., the LTE bandwidth. For example, a device may be configured to utilize an LTE bandwidth of 1.4 MHz bandwidth and a second bandwidth that may be smaller than the LTE system bandwidth. The different (e.g., smaller or reduced) bandwidth may be 200 kHz or 180 kHz (e.g., a total BW of 200 kHz with a usable or transmit BW of 180 kHz). The term Narrowband LTE (NB-LTE) may be used to refer to or represent a system and / or a component of a system when a device is configured to operate using a portion (e.g., a subset) of the LTE system bandwidth. An example of NB-LTE operation may include a device operating at a total bandwidth of 200 kHz (e.g., having an available bandwidth of 180 kHz) while camped on and / or connected to an LTE cell operating using one of 1.4 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHZ, 10 MHZ, or 20 MHz cell bandwidths. LTE is used as a non-limiting example of a type of communication system. Another type of communication system may be used in place of LTE and still be consistent with this disclosure.

[0053] A WTRU configured to operate with a bandwidth that may be smaller than the LTE bandwidth may be referred to as an NB-LTE WTRU. The terms WTRU, bandwidth-limited WTRU, NB-LTE WTRU, NB-IoT WTRU, IoT WTRU, low-cost WTRU, low-complexity WTRU, reduced bandwidth WTRU, and limited capability WTRU may be used interchangeably herein. The terms coverage-limited WTRU and reduced bandwidth WTRU may be used interchangeably herein.

[0054] The terms cell and eNB may be used interchangeably herein.

[0055] Although some examples may be described with respect to a PDCCH, the examples may be similarly applicable to signaling using other types of control channels, such as an Enhanced PDCCH (EPDCCH), a Machine Type Communication (MTC) PDCCH (M-PDCCH), a Narrowband PDCCH (NB-PDCCH), and / or other DL control channels, and may still be consistent with this disclosure. The terms component carrier (CC) and serving cell may be used interchangeably herein. The terms WTRU, WTRU medium access control (MAC) entity, and MAC entity may be used interchangeably herein.

[0056] An example of an uplink control information (UCI) transmission may be provided. The LTE UCI may include UL feedback information. The UL feedback information may include a channel quality information (CQI), a precoding matrix indicator (PMI), a rank indicator (RI), and / or hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information (e.g., positive acknowledgement (ACK) and / or negative ACK (NACK)) corresponding to the DL transmission. The CQI may indicate a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) level (e.g., a preferred MCS level). The PMI may indicate a precoding matrix (e.g., a preferred precoding matrix) for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) operation. The RI may indicate a number of layers (e.g., a preferred number).

[0057] Two or more UCI transmission formats may be supported, which may include a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)-based UCI transmission and / or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)-based UCI transmission, etc.

[0058] The PUCCH-based UCI transmission may include a dedicated channel for UCI transmission, which may be located at the boundary of the UL system bandwidth (e.g., the PUCCH region).

[0059] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example mapping 200 to physical resource blocks for PUCCH. The LTE PUCCH control structure can use frequency domain code multiplexing. The frequency domain code multiplexing can include a cyclic time shift of a base sequence. The LTE PUCCH control structure can use time domain code multiplexing. The time domain code multiplexing can include different orthogonal block spreading codes. The LTE PUCCH control structure can enable an efficient orthogonal control channel supporting small payloads (e.g., up to 22 coded bits) from two or more WTRUs (e.g., simultaneously). The LTE PUCCH control structure can improve operation capabilities at low signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs).

[0060] 3 illustrates an example UCI and UL-SCH multiplexing 300 in a PUSCH. A UCI transmission may be sent via the PUSCH (e.g., UCI on PUSCH). One or more resource elements (REs) used for CQI / PMI, ACK / NACK, and / or RI may be based on the MCS assigned to the PUSCH. One or more offset parameters may be configured (e.g., semi-statically configured) via higher layer signaling.

[0061] The physical resources used for the PUCCH may depend on one or more parameters (e.g., two parameters). The one or more parameters may be provided via one or more higher layers. For example, the physical resources used for the PUCCH may depend on one or more parameters (e.g., two parameters) provided by one or more higher layers.

[0062]

number

[0063] and / or

[0064]

number

[0065] It can be based on the variable

[0066]

number

[0067] may indicate a bandwidth based on the number of resource blocks available (e.g., for use by PUCCH format 2 / 2a / 2b transmissions in each slot).

[0068]

number

[0069] may denote the number of cyclic shifts used for PUCCH formats 1 / 1a / 1b in a resource block used for a mix of formats 1 / 1a / 1b and 2 / 2a / 2b.

[0070]

number

[0071] The value of is

[0072]

number

[0073] (e.g., in the range {0, 1, . . . , 7}).

[0074]

number

[0075] The value of may be provided by one or more higher layers.

[0076]

number

[0077] In the case of , there may be no mixed resource blocks. The resource blocks in each slot may support a mix of formats (e.g., 1 / 1a / 1b and 2 / 2a / 2b). The resources used for transmission of the PUCCH formats (e.g., 1 / 1a / 1b, 2 / 2a / 2b, and / or 3, etc.) are each denoted by a non-negative index.

[0078]

number

[0079]

number

[0080] It can be represented by:

[0081] Complex Value Symbols

[0082]

number

[0083] A block consisting of (for example, a specified transmit power P PUCCH To match PUCCH A block of complex-valued symbols can be multiplied by

[0084]

number

[0085] The PUCCH may use one resource block in each of two slots in a subframe. Within the physical resource blocks that may be used for transmission, for resource element (k,l) in antenna port p (e.g., not used for transmitting a reference signal),

[0086]

number

[0087] The mapping of may be in ascending order (e.g., from k, then l, and finally the slot number).

[0088]

number

[0089] The mapping of can start from the first slot in the subframe.

[0090]

number

[0091] The relationship between and antenna port number p may be given by Table 1.

[0092] [Table 1]

[0093] Slot n S The physical resource blocks used for transmitting the PUCCH in may be determined based on the following:

[0094]

number

[0095] where the variable m may depend on the PUCCH format. For example, if the PUCCH is formatted as 1, 1a, and / or 1b, the variable m may be expressed as:

[0096]

number

[0097] If the PUCCH is formatted as 2, 2a, and / or 2b, the variable m may be expressed as:

[0098]

number

[0099] If the PUCCH is formatted as 3, the variable m may be expressed as:

[0100]

number

[0101] 4 illustrates an example mapping 400 of modulation symbols to physical resource blocks for a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). When a sounding reference signal is transmitted using PUCCH format 1, 1a, 1b, and / or 3 and one serving cell is configured, a shortened PUCCH format may be used. For example, the last single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) symbol in the second slot of a subframe may be left empty / blank, and the last SC-FDMA symbol may be used by one or more WTRUs to transmit SRS in the serving cell (e.g., depending on WTRU configuration and / or network trigger). HARQ-ACK transmission on one or more (e.g., two) antenna ports (p∈[p0,p1]) may be supported for PUCCH format 1a / 1b.

[0102] For FDD and one configured serving cell, the WTRU allocates PUCCH resources

[0103]

number

[0104] For PUCCH format 1a / 1b,

[0105]

number

[0106] For a PDSCH transmission indicated by detection of a corresponding PDCCH in subframe n-4 and / or for a PDCCH indicating downlink SPS release in subframe n-4, the WTRU may transmit a HARQ-ACK for antenna port p0.

[0107]

number

[0108] can be used, where n CCE may represent the number of the first CCE used for transmitting a corresponding downlink control information (DCI) assignment (eg, the lowest CCE index used to configure the PDCCH).

[0109]

number

[0110] may be configured by one or more higher layers. For two antenna port transmission, the PUCCH resource for antenna port p1 is

[0111]

number

[0112] It can be represented by:

[0113] For frequency division duplexing (FDD) and one configured serving cell, the WTRU allocates PUCCH resources

[0114]

number

[0115] For PUCCH format 1a / 1b,

[0116]

number

[0117] For PDSCH transmission in the primary cell with no corresponding PDCCH detected in subframe n-4,

[0118]

number

[0119] The value of may be determined according to higher layer configuration. For a WTRU configured for one or more (e.g., two) antenna port transmission, the PUCCH resource value may be mapped to one or more (e.g., two) PUCCH resources. The first PUCCH resource of the one or more PUCCH resources

[0120]

number

[0121] may represent the first antenna port p0. The second PUCCH resource of the one or more PUCCH resources

[0122]

number

[0123] may represent the second antenna port p1. The PUCCH resource value may represent a single PUCCH resource for the first antenna port p0.

[0124]

number

[0125] It can also be mapped to

[0126] In an example, different transmission timings may be utilized for different transmissions. For example, different transmissions may be associated with different bandwidths, and different bandwidth transmissions may utilize different transmission timings. For example, in a transmission, the allocation and / or transmission of a set of N PRBs may be spread or extended in the time domain across N subframes, e.g., one PRB per subframe.

[0127] For example, a transmission bandwidth (BW) (e.g., usable transmit BW) of a 1.4 MHz system may accommodate six PRBs and / or PRB pairs. When operating with a reduced transmit BW (e.g., usable BW of 180 kHz), six PRBs may be allocated for transmission and / or six subframes may be used for transmission.

[0128] For illustrative purposes, a value of 6 may be used for N. Other numbers of PRBs and / or different extensions may be used and be consistent with this disclosure. For example, N (e.g., 6) PRBs may be extended across X (e.g., 3) subframes with Y (e.g., 2) PRBs per subframe. Y may be equal to N / X. If N / X is not an integer, there may be up to Y PRBs per subframe, where Y may be equal to CEIL(N / X).

[0129] In the embodiments and examples described herein, an extension having one PRB per subframe may be used as a non-limiting example. Other extensions (e.g., two PRBs per subframe, etc.) may be used consistent with the embodiments and examples described herein.

[0130] FIG. 5 illustrates an example allocation and / or transmission 500 of six PRBs spread or extended across six subframes (e.g., legacy subframe=6 ms). The subcarrier spacing and / or one or more (e.g., all) of the underlying OFDM symbol duration, slot duration, slot format, and subframe duration may be the same as in the legacy system. The extended subframe (E-subframe) 504 (e.g., new subframe) may include 6 ms. The extended frame (E-frame) 502 (e.g., new frame) may include 60 ms. For example, the E-frame 502 may include one or more (e.g., 10) E-subframes 504A, 504B, 504C. The E-subframe 504 may include one or more (e.g., 6) subframes 506A, 506B, 506C, 506D, 506E, 506F. Each subframe 506 may be 1 ms. Each subframe 506 may include one or more (e.g., two) slots 508A, 508B. Each slot 508 may include one or more (e.g., seven) symbols 510A, 510B, 510C, 510D, 510E, 510F, 510G. Each symbol 510 may include a cyclic prefix 512 and a signal 514.

[0131] The terms subframe, legacy subframe, and / or normal subframe may be used to refer to or represent current, normal, legacy, and / or non-extended subframes, e.g., subframes with a length of 1 ms. The terms frame, legacy frame, and / or normal frame may be used to refer to or represent current, normal, legacy, and / or non-extended frames, e.g., frames with a length of 10 ms (e.g., 10 subframes).

[0132] The E subframe 506 may include a set of one or more subframes 506A, 506B, 506C, 506D, 506E, 506F (e.g., legacy subframes). The E frame 502 may include a set of one or more frames (e.g., legacy frames).

[0133] The subcarrier spacing may be reduced and / or the symbol duration may be increased proportionately. For example, the subcarrier spacing may be reduced by a factor of 6 (e.g., 15 kHz / 6=2.5 kHz). The subcarrier spacing reduction may result in, for example, an allocation of 12 subcarriers (e.g., 2.5 kHz x 12 = 30 kHz, etc.) and / or 6 PRBs, which corresponds to 6 x 30 kHz = 180 kHz. The symbol duration may be increased proportionately to the subcarrier spacing reduction. For example, the symbol duration may be increased by a factor of 6. The symbol duration may be increased proportionately to the subcarrier spacing reduction for UL transmissions, for example, because the physical random access channel (PRACH) can already utilize a different subcarrier spacing.

[0134] If one or more subframes are unavailable for any reason, WTRU and / or system operation problems may occur, which may be particularly severe, for example, when devices are attempting to operate according to NB-LTE in-band principles in legacy LTE systems.

[0135] For example, a narrowband system as described herein may use N (e.g., 6) consecutive subframes for transmission of N PRBs. If one or more of the N consecutive subframes are not available in the same direction (e.g., due to a time division duplex (TDD) deployment), one or more alternative transmission schemes may be required and / or used.

[0136] For example, one or more (e.g., a set) subframes in one or more frames may not be available for DL ​​transmission. As another example, one or more (e.g., a set) subframes in one or more frames may not be available for UL transmission. One or more of an E subframe, a fixed extension, a variable extension, a control channel extension, and / or a data channel extension may be provided to handle the time gaps.

[0137] In an example, one or more subframes used, designated, and / or reserved for a Multimedia Broadcast / Multicast Service (MBMS) may not be available (e.g., in DL) for another transmission (e.g., NB-LTE transmission). One or more subframes may be referred to as a Multicast Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) subframe. The MBSFN subframe may include a DL subframe. The MBSFN subframe may be applicable to an FDD system and / or a TDD system. For example, in an LTE system, one or more MBSFN subframes (e.g., a pattern of MBSFN subframes) may be configured for one or more subframes over a period (e.g., one or four frames, etc.). The pattern of MBSFN subframes may be repeated. For example, the pattern of MBSFN subframes may repeat every allocation period (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 frames). The start of the pattern of MBSFN subframes may be offset from the start of the frame. One or more configured MBSFN subframes may not be available for other DL transmissions. One or more subframes (e.g., one or more of subframes 0, 4, 5, 9) may not be configured as MBSFN subframes (e.g., for FDD). One or more subframes (e.g., one or more of subframes 0, 1, 5, and 6) may not be configured as MBSFN subframes (e.g., for TDD). For example, within a cell, one or more configured MBSFN subframes may be configured and / or identified by an indication, such as by higher layers or radio resource control (RRC) signaling that may be broadcast. For example, one or more configured MBSFN subframes may be configured, signaled, and / or identified in system information. The system information may be broadcast.

[0138] In another example, one or more TDD subframes may be configured (e.g., designated, used, etc.) for DL ​​transmission. One or more TDD subframes configured for DL ​​transmission may not be available for UL transmission (e.g., NB-LTE UL transmission, etc.). One or more TDD subframes may be configured (e.g., designated, used, etc.) for UL transmission. One or more TDD subframes configured for UL transmission may not be available for DL ​​transmission (e.g., NB-LTE DL transmission, etc.). One or more special subframes may not be available (e.g., fully available) for UL and / or DL ​​transmission (e.g., NB-LTE UL and / or DL ​​transmission, etc.). The TDD UL / DL configuration for use in a cell may be configured by and / or indicated using one or more of system information, broadcast signaling, dedicated signaling, higher layer (e.g., RRC) signaling, and / or physical layer signaling. The direction (e.g., current direction) of one or more subframes (e.g., TDD subframes) may be configured by and / or indicated using one or more of system information, broadcast signaling, dedicated signaling, higher layer (e.g., RRC) signaling, and physical layer signaling. A set of TDD UL / DL configurations that may be used in or by a cell may be provided or configured. Table 2 provides an example set of TDD UL / DL configurations. D may indicate a DL subframe. U may indicate a UL subframe. S may indicate a special subframe. The special subframe may include one or more of a DL portion, a guard period, and / or a UL portion. The special subframe (e.g., a guard period in a special subframe) may enable a transition from DL to UL.

[0139] [Table 2]

[0140] For example, to enable flexible transmission timing, an E-subframe structure design may be utilized. The E-subframe structure design may include one or more of a time extension, a subframe extension, and / or a symbol extension. The time and / or subframe extension may be provided and / or used.

[0141] An E subframe may include N subframes. N may be an integer. N may be fixed. N may be semi-statically and / or dynamically configured. N may be a function of the number of subframes available for transmission in the transmit direction. N may be a function of DL and / or UL per frame or other time period.

[0142] One or more subframes, e.g., S subframes, may be available for transmission, e.g., in a frame or other time period. The S subframes may be fixed. The S subframes may be semi-statically and / or dynamically configured.

[0143] One or more subframes, e.g., M subframes, may be available for transmission (e.g., may be used) in an E subframe, where M may be an integer. M may be less than or equal to N.

[0144] In a DL subframe, one or more symbols may be used and / or reserved for a DL control channel, e.g., a DL control region. In a DL subframe, one or more symbols may be used and / or available for a PDSCH transmission, e.g., a data region of a DL subframe. The DL control region may not be used for an NB transmission. For example, an NB transmission may skip the DL control region and / or use the data region (e.g., only the data region) of a DL subframe. An NB transmission may include a corresponding DL control channel, e.g., an NB-PDCCH, in the data region (e.g., only the data region) of a DL subframe. An NB transmission may include a corresponding DL data channel, e.g., an NB-PDSCH, in the data region (e.g., only the data region) of a DL subframe.

[0145] An NB transmission may include P PRBs. The P PRBs may be transmitted as one PRB in each of the P subframes. The P PRBs may include an NB-PDCCH, for example, in one or more symbols of the NB transmission. The P PRBs may include an NB-PDSCH in one or more (e.g., all) of the remaining symbols. A PRB (e.g., each PRB) transmitted in a subframe may consist of one or more NB-PDCCH symbols and / or one or more NB-PDSCH symbols. One or more symbols intended to be used by the NB-PDCCH may not be used for the NB-PDSCH (e.g., in a subframe where no NB-PDCCH is present). M may be equal to P.

[0146] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary E subframe 602, 604. The E subframe 602, 604 may include 15 subframes (e.g., N=15). The E subframe 602, 604 may be 15 ms (e.g., where each subframe is 1 ms). A frame may include one or more (e.g., 10) subframes and / or one or more (e.g., 4) available DL subframes (e.g., S=4). The E subframe 602, 604 may include one or more (e.g., 6) subframes available for DL ​​transmission (e.g., M=6). For example, a 6 PRB DL transmission (e.g., P=6) may be transmitted as 6 separate PRBs in the E subframe 602, 604. In one or more available subframes (e.g., 0, 4, 5, 9), the following sets of subframes may be available for transmission over three consecutive frames: i.e., first 1.5 frame: 0,4,5,9,0,4; second 1.5 frame: 5,9,0,4,5,9 are available. The subframe may include a PRB 606. The PRB 606 may include a PDCCH region 608. The PRB 606 may include a NB-PDCCH region 610. The PRB 606 may include a NB-PDSCH region 612.

[0147] The NB transmission may include P1 PRBs. The NB transmission may be transmitted, for example, as one PRB in each of the P1 subframes. The P1 PRBs may include a NB-PDCCH, for example, in one or more symbols (e.g., all of the symbols) of the NB transmission. Each of the P1 PRBs may be transmitted in a subframe. The NB transmission may include P2 PRBs. The NB transmission may be transmitted, for example, as one PRB in each of the P2 subframes. The P2 PRBs may include a NB-PDSCH, for example, in one or more symbols (e.g., all of the symbols) of the NB transmission. Each of the P2 PRBs may be transmitted in a subframe. The transmission of the P1 PRBs for the NB-PDCCH may precede the transmission of the P2 PRBs for the NB-PDSCH. M may be equal to P1+P2.

[0148] In an example, one or more (e.g., two) PRBs may be used for transmitting the NB-PDCCH and / or one or more (e.g., four) PRBs may be used for transmitting the NB-PDSCH (e.g., for a total of six PRBs).

[0149] 7 illustrates an exemplary E subframe 702, 704. The exemplary E subframe 702, 704 may include 15 subframes (e.g., N=15). A frame may include one or more (e.g., 10) subframes and / or one or more (e.g., 4) available DL subframes (e.g., S=4). An E subframe may include one or more (e.g., 6) subframes available for DL ​​transmission (e.g., M=6). For example, one or more (e.g., 2) PRBs 706 may be used for the NB-PDCCH and / or one or more (e.g., 4) PRBs 708 may be used for the NB-PDSCH. For example, a first PRB 706A, 706C on a first DL subframe and / or a second PRB 706B, 706D on a second DL subframe in the E subframes 702, 704 may be used for the NB-PDCCH. One or more (e.g., four) PRBs 708A, 708B, 708C, 708D, 708E, 708F, 708G, 708E on one or more downlink subframes in the E subframes 702, 704 may be used for the NB-PDSCH. The NB-PDCCH may be transmitted instead of the NB-PDSCH, for example, if an UL grant was provided using the NB-PDCCH.

[0150] The NB-PUSCH may be granted by the NB-PDCCH. The NB UL transmission may include P PRBs. The NB UL transmission may be transmitted, for example, as one PRB in each of the P subframes. One or more, e.g., all, of the symbols in the UL subframe may be used for the NB-PUSCH. In one or more subframes, the last symbol may be punctured. The last symbol may be punctured, for example, to avoid collisions with one or more SRS transmissions from one or more other WTRUs.

[0151] The timing of the E subframe may follow the normal subframe. The one or more available subframes may include one or more starting subframes for transmitting and / or monitoring the NB-PDCCH. One or more starting subframes for the NB-PDCCH may be configured.

[0152] The E-subframe structure design may include an extension of one or more symbols. The subcarrier spacing may be reduced and / or the symbol duration may be increased, for example, proportionally. For example, the subcarrier spacing may be reduced by a factor of six and / or the symbol duration may be increased by a factor of six. The E-subframe may include a set of extended symbols. The extended symbols may be referred to as E symbols.

[0153] When the symbol duration is increased, one or more E symbols may overlap with at least a portion of a subframe that may not be available for transmission in the direction of the E symbol. This overlap may be addressed and / or avoided.

[0154] For example, E symbols that may at least partially overlap unavailable subframes may be punctured and / or rate matched around. Puncturing and / or rate matching around unavailable subframes may result in performance degradation. Puncturing and / or rate matching around unavailable subframe overlaps may be performed if the amount of puncturing or rate matching (e.g., absolute amount or relative to the size of the transmission) falls below a threshold. The threshold may be known or configured. Puncturing or rate matching may be used and / or performed by the transmitter and / or receiver. For example, in DL, the eNB may be the transmitter and / or the WTRU may be the receiver. As another example, in UL, the WTRU may be the transmitter and / or the eNB may be the receiver.

[0155] Unavailable subframe overlap may be avoided by transmitting an E symbol. The E symbol may overlap an unavailable subframe in another available subframe, for example, in the next available subframe. For example, if the symbol duration is about 1 ms / 14 symbols ≈ 71.4 μs, an E symbol with six extensions may be about 0.43 ms. In this example, one or more (e.g., two) E symbols may be transmitted in a subframe. Two or more E symbols may be transmitted in a group, for example, two groups, in an available subframe.

[0156] 8 shows an example symbol extension 800. The example symbol extension may use one or more available subframes (e.g., according to an example TDD UL / DL configuration).

[0157] A symbol may be unavailable (e.g., as in the case of an SRS symbol). E symbols that may overlap with an unavailable symbol may be punctured and / or moved to or transmitted in another available (e.g., next available) subframe.

[0158] An E subframe, for example a UL E subframe, may include at least one or more E symbols of an NB transmission.

[0159] Transmission opportunities and / or allocations may be used in place of transmissions as described herein.

[0160] Symbol extension may be performed in an E subframe.

[0161] The timing of the symbol extension may follow the normal subframe. One or more available subframes of the symbol extension may include a starting subframe for transmitting and / or receiving for the NB-PUSCH. The starting subframe for the NB-PUSCH may be a function of the timing of the M-PDCCH that grants resources for the NB-PUSCH.

[0162] The time extension, subframe and / or symbol extension may be fixed and / or configurable.

[0163] The size of the E-subframe, e.g., in terms of subframes and / or time, may be fixed and / or configurable. The size of the E-subframe may be a function of one or more available subframes and / or one or more configured values. The one or more configured values ​​may be associated with one or more available subframes (e.g., including one or more available subframes). The time extension may be applicable to DL and / or UL.

[0164] Time extensions, time extensions, and / or transmission time intervals (TTIs) (e.g., TTI sizes) may be substituted for each other and / or E-subframes as described herein. Subframes may be substituted for times as described herein, and vice versa.

[0165] An E subframe may correspond to the time needed and / or used for at least P (e.g., 6) PRBs (e.g., transmission thereof). The time needed and / or used for at least P PRBs may begin at the start of the first PRB (e.g., the start of a subframe that may include a first PRB). The time needed and / or used for at least P PRBs may end at the end of the last PRB (e.g., the end of a subframe that may include a last PRB). The time needed and / or used for at least P PRBs may be a timespan that includes and / or is at least as large as the time from the start of the first PRB to the end of the last PRB. An E subframe may include a fixed start subframe. An E subframe may include a variable start subframe.

[0166] The extension may include transmitting and / or receiving a portion of one or more (e.g., P) PRBs in each of the set of subframes. The portion of the one or more PRBs may be the same or different in each of the subframes in the set of subframes. The portion of the one or more PRBs may include an integer number of PRBs, e.g., for time extension. The portion of the one or more PRBs may include a number (e.g., an integer number) of symbols for one or more of the P PRBs.

[0167] The one or more available subframes in a given direction may be configured (e.g., by the eNB via signaling). The one or more available subframes may be determined (e.g., known) by the WTRU. The one or more available subframes in the DL may determine (e.g., may be used to determine) the TTI and / or time extension for the DL and / or UL.

[0168] An E frame can include a set of E subframes. An E frame may include 10 E subframes, e.g., consistent with the existing relationship of 1 frame=10 subframes.

[0169] Each frame may correspond to a system frame number (SFN). An extended frame number (E-SFN) may correspond to one or more (e.g., each) E-frames. EFN and E-SFN may be used interchangeably. An E-SFN cycle may include a number (e.g., 1024) of E-frames. An E-SFN cycle may correspond to a number of E-frames (e.g., a minimum number of E-frames). The number of E-frames may include an integer multiple of the SFN cycle.

[0170] The WTRU may need to know the SFN and / or E-SFN (e.g., to understand which subframes to use for transmission and / or reception in a frame and / or E-frame). The E-SFN may coincide with the SFN. For example, E-SFN0 and SFN0 may coincide, for example, periodically. An E-SFN cycle may include a period during which SFN0 and E-SFN0 coincide. An E-SFN cycle may also include multiple of the periods during which SFN0 and E-SFN0 coincide.

[0171] An E-SFN cycle for determining an available subframe may start with E-SFN0. An E-SFN cycle for determining one or more available subframes may start when E-SFN0 and SFN0 coincide.

[0172] The WTRU may transmit on the UL and / or receive on the DL in one or more subframes corresponding to an E subframe. The WTRU may transmit on the UL and / or receive on the DL in one or more available subframes in the E subframe. The WTRU may receive a DL control channel in one or more PRBs extended across at least a portion of the E subframe. The DL control channel may provide UL and / or DL ​​grants for the NB-PUSCH and / or NB-PDSCH. The NB-PUSCH and / or NB-PDSCH may begin k subframes after the last subframe of the E subframe carrying the DL control channel and / or k subframes after the last subframe of the DL control channel. The WTRU may receive the NB-PDSCH and / or transmit the NB-PUSCH based on the UL and / or DL ​​grants.

[0173] The NB-PDSCH may start at the start of the next DL E subframe (e.g., for DL ​​reception). The NB-PDSCH may start at the start of the first available DL subframe (e.g., for DL ​​reception). The first available DL subframe may be in the next DL E subframe. The NB-PUSCH may start at the start of the next UL E subframe (e.g., for UL reception). The NB-PUSCH may start at the start of the first available UL subframe. The first available UL subframe may be in the next UL E subframe. The next UL E subframe may be at least k subframes after the last subframe (e.g., of an E subframe) carrying a DL control channel. The value of k may be 0 or 1 (e.g., for DL) or 4 (e.g., for UL).

[0174] An available subframe may be a subframe that is available for transmission and / or reception in that direction (eg, the transmission and / or reception direction).

[0175] Repetition may be used in the UL and / or DL ​​(e.g., in coverage extension (CE) mode). One or more repetitions may be performed in one or more available subframes and / or E-subframes.

[0176] An E subframe may include frequency hopping between one or more subframes (e.g., available subframes) within the E subframe. A WTRU may receive DL transmissions (e.g., DL control channels and / or NB-PDSCH) in a frequency hopped E subframe (e.g., according to a frequency hopping pattern and / or rule). A WTRU may transmit on the UL in an E subframe (e.g., according to a frequency hopping pattern and / or rule). The frequency hopping pattern and / or rule may be configured by higher layer signaling and / or physical layer signaling (e.g., in a DCI format grant and / or assignment for the NB-PDSCH and / or NB-PUSCH, etc.).

[0177] One or more of the time extension, the symbol extension, the TTI size, and / or the E-subframe size may be variable. The variable extension may be in one or more subframes and / or time units (e.g., ms).

[0178] The extension type may correspond to an amount and / or level of time and / or frequency extension. For example, the extension type may correspond to one PRB in each of 6 subframes, one PRB in each of 3 subframes, and / or two PRBs in each of 3 subframes, etc. The extension time may correspond to one or more symbols and / or subframes. The extension frequency may correspond to one or more subcarriers and / or groups of subcarriers (e.g., PRBs), e.g., in a subframe.

[0179] The variable extension may include one or more transmission parameters, including one or more of a transport block size (TBS), a modulation and coding scheme (MCS), one or more coded bits for transmission, one or more coded bits for reception, subcarrier spacing, one or more assigned and / or granted PRBs, one or more PRBs to transmit in a subframe, one or more subframes to use for the extension, and / or an extension type.

[0180] The transmission parameters may be determined from one or more parameters. The transmission parameters and / or the one or more parameters from which the transmission parameters may be determined may be signaled by the eNB to the WTRU. The transmission parameters and / or the one or more parameters from which the transmission parameters may be determined may be signaled in a DL control channel and / or a DCI format. The DCI format may correspond to a UL and / or DL ​​assignment and / or grant. The transmission parameters and / or the one or more parameters from which the transmission parameters may be determined may be signaled semi-statically (e.g., in dedicated signaling such as RRC signaling or broadcast signaling, such as in system information that may be broadcast).

[0181] A transport block size (TBS) and / or one or more other transmission parameters may be determined as a function of one or more available subframes within a period of time (e.g., E subframes). For example, a smaller TBS may be used when fewer subframes are available for extension.

[0182] The TBS and / or one or more other transmission parameters may be determined by the eNB and / or the WTRU. The eNB may signal the eNB-determined parameters and / or one or more other parameters that the WTRU can determine from the eNB-determined parameters to the WTRU. The eNB may signal the eNB-determined parameters via the NB-PDCCH and / or DCI format.

[0183] A time period and / or TTI (e.g., for transmission) may be determined to provide a sufficient number of available subframes, e.g., for a TBS and / or one or more PRBs. The increased TTI may be used to fall below a predetermined threshold (e.g., minimum) number of available subframes. For a nominal TTI and / or E subframe size of N (e.g., 6) subframes, if the number of available subframes falls below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 3 subframes), the size of the TTI and / or E subframe may be increased. The size of the TTI and / or E subframe may be increased to include at least the threshold number of available subframes. A TBS and / or PRB allocation corresponding to the increased TTI and / or the threshold number of available subframes may be selected (e.g., chosen or used). A TBS and / or PRB allocation corresponding to an extension across available subframes at the nominal TTI may be selected (e.g., if the available subframes at the nominal TTI are equal to or greater than a threshold). The TTI and / or E subframe size may be determined by the eNB.

[0184] Repetition may be used in the UL and / or DL ​​(e.g., in coverage extension (CE) mode). Repetition may include a repeated transmission. One or more repetitions may be performed in one or more available subframes and / or E-subframes. The repeated transmission may include an extension included in the original transmission. The extension included in the repeated transmission may include one or more (e.g., all) of time, frequency, and / or symbols.

[0185] Control channel and data channel extensions may be used, the control channel extensions may be separate (e.g., different) from the data channel extensions.

[0186] The DL control channel (e.g., NB-PDCCH) may be transmitted separately from the DL data channel (e.g., NB-PDSCH). The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI, which may be carried by the NB-PDCCH, may include and / or indicate time and / or time extension information for at least one of the NB-PDSCH and / or NB-PUSCH.

[0187] DL control channel (e.g., Q-PDCCH) and DCI may be used interchangeably. Q in Q-PDCCH may be a (e.g., any) prefix (e.g., E, M, NB, and / or no prefix, etc.). DCI and DCI format may be used interchangeably.

[0188] The DCI may provide grants and / or allocations for UL and / or DL ​​resources. The WTRU may transmit, for example, a NB-PUSCH on the granted or assigned UL resources. The WTRU may receive, for example, a NB-PDSCH on the granted or assigned DL resources.

[0189] In an extended manner, the eNB may transmit and / or the WTRU may monitor the NB-PDCCH. The NB-PDCCH may be extended across X subframes, where X may represent one or more PRBs configured and / or used for the NB-PDCCH. For example, X may be 2 or 4.

[0190] The NB-PDCCH may be transmitted in one or more subframes that are available (e.g., always available or always at least partially available) for DL ​​transmission. For example, in FDD, a set of subframes (e.g., {0, 4, 5, 9}, etc.) may be available (e.g., always available) for DL ​​transmission. The NB-PDCCH may be transmitted in (e.g., only in) the set of subframes. The one or more subframes available for DL ​​and / or NB-PDCCH transmission may be known or may be configured and / or identified. For example, the one or more subframes available for DL ​​and / or NB-PDCCH transmission may be determined using an indication received via signaling (e.g., system information and / or broadcast signaling in the PBCH, etc.). The WTRU may receive the indication. The WTRU may determine the subframes for monitoring the NB-PDCCH.

[0191] The one or more subframes that may be used for NB-PDCCH transmission may be known or may be configured and / or identified. For example, the one or more subframes that may be used for NB-PDCCH transmission may be determined using an indication received via signaling (e.g., system information and / or broadcast signaling in the PBCH, etc.). The WTRU may receive the indication. The WTRU may determine the subframes for monitoring the NB-PDCCH.

[0192] One or more subframes may be used for the starting subframe for NB-PDCCH transmission and / or extension. The one or more subframes may be configured and / or determined. For example, the one or more subframes may be determined based on one or more available DL subframes (e.g., for NB-PDCCH) and / or one or more PRBs configured and / or used for NB-PDCCH. For example, if the subframes available for DL ​​transmission or NB-PDCCH are a set of subframes in each frame, e.g., {0, 4, 5, 9}, and the one or more PRBs configured and / or used for NB-PDCCH are X, e.g., 2, then the NB-PDCCH may start in one of the subframes in the set (e.g., any one of the subframes). The NB-PDCCH may be restricted to start in one or more specific subframes in the set (e.g., {0, 5}, etc.). When the NB-PDCCH is constrained to start in one or more specific subframes in the set, the 2 PRB NB-PDCCH may be transmitted as one PRB in each of subframes 0 and 4. The 2 PRB NB-PDCCH may be transmitted as one PRB in each of subframes 5 and 9. When the NB-PDCCH is not constrained to start in one or more specific subframes in the set, the 2 PRB NB-PDCCH may be transmitted as one PRB in each of subframes {0,4}, {4,5}, {5,9}, and / or {9,0}.

[0193] The WTRU may monitor one or more sets (e.g., each possible set) of X subframes (e.g., to receive the NB-PDCCH). The CE mode WTRU may combine one or more repetitions of the sets (e.g., to successfully receive the NB-PDCCH).

[0194] The one or more available subframes may be configured over a period of time (eg, one or four subframes, etc.).

[0195] The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include frequency allocations and / or grants for NB (e.g., NB-PDSCH and / or NB-PUSCH) transmission and / or reception. The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include time and / or symbol allocations and / or grants for NB (e.g., NB-PDSCH and / or NB-PUSCH) transmission and / or reception.

[0196] The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include (e.g., identify) at least one of a time location, a time extension, and / or a symbol extension for NB transmission and / or reception. The identification of the time location, the time extension, and / or the symbol extension may be explicit. The time location, the time extension, and / or the symbol extension may be determined (e.g., using one or more parameters and / or values ​​included in the NB-PDCCH and / or DCI).

[0197] For example, the NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may indicate one or more subsequent subframes (e.g., subframes following a subframe containing the NB-PDCCH) that may contain at least a portion of the assigned and / or granted NB-PDSCH and / or NB-PUSCH. The time allocation may relate to the NB-PDCCH and / or to the current and / or next E-subframe and / or E-frame.

[0198] The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include at least one of the following: The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include a starting subframe for NB transmission (e.g., as a difference in subframes and / or available subframes from the last subframe of the NB-PDCCH extension). The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include a number of subframes (e.g., available subframes) to use for the extension. The NB-PDCCH may include a number of PRBs and / or subcarriers to transmit in the subframe. The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include an indication of whether to use symbol extension and / or subframe extension. The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include one or more specific subframes (e.g., relative to a starting subframe for the extension) to use for the extension. A bitmap may be used to identify the one or more specific subframes. The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include one or more available subframes (e.g., in the UL and / or DL ​​direction) for a current and / or future time period (e.g., a current and / or next frame and / or E-frame, etc.). The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include a transport block size (TBS) and / or one or more parameters for determining the TBS. The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include a modulation and coding scheme (MCS). The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include a subcarrier spacing. The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include a number of assigned and / or granted PRBs. The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include a number of PRBs to transmit in a subframe. The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI may include a location of the PRB and / or the starting PRB in each subframe of the extension (e.g., a single location for use in each subframe or a location for use with a frequency hopping pattern in each subframe).

[0199] A starting subframe for NB transmission may be included in the NB-PDCCH and / or DCI. The starting subframe for NB transmission may be determined for the NB-PDCCH. For example, the starting subframe for NB transmission may be the next available subframe in the transmission direction, which is at least k subframes from the last subframe of the NB-PDCCH extension and / or the last repetition of the NB-PDCCH extension (e.g., when operating with coverage extension). The value of k may be 0 or 1 for the NB-PDSCH. The value of k may be 4 for the NB-PUSCH. For TDD, the value of k may be a function of the TDD UL / DL configuration.

[0200] The number of subframes to use for extension may be equal to the number of assigned and / or granted PRBs. The WTRU may determine the number of assigned PRBs from the content of the DCI format. The WTRU may use the number of assigned PRBs as the number of subframes to use for extension (e.g., for DL ​​reception and / or UL transmission).

[0201] The P subframe extension may correspond to one PRB per subframe (e.g., for each of the P subframes). The first subframe of the P subframes may be determined as the starting subframe. The remaining P-1 subframes may be the next P-1 available subframes and / or designated subframes (e.g., according to DCI).

[0202] The WTRU may determine one or more parameters for the extension based on the one or more rules and / or the received parameters. The WTRU may transmit and / or receive according to the determination.

[0203] An attempt to receive may be used in place of a receive as described herein.

[0204] Receiving may be substituted for transmitting as described herein.

[0205] The NB-PDCCH may include a Physical HARQ Indicator Channel (PHICH) channel (eg, NB-PHICH, etc.).

[0206] TDD special subframes may be treated differently for control channels (e.g., NB-PDCCH) as well as data channels (e.g., NB-PDSCH and / or NB-PUSCH). One or more special subframes may be used for one or more of the NB-PDCCH, NB-PDSCH, and / or NB-PUSCH (e.g., based on meeting a threshold criterion). The threshold criterion may be different for one or more different channels. A special subframe may not be used (e.g., at all) for one or more of the NB-PDCCH, NB-PDSCH, and / or NB-PUSCH. For example, if the DL portion meets a threshold criterion, e.g., the time of the DL portion exceeds a threshold, one or more special subframes may be used for the NB-PDCCH. The same or different thresholds may be used to determine whether a special subframe may be used for the NB-PDSCH and / or whether a special subframe may not be used for the NB-PDSCH. A special subframe may not be used for the NB-PUSCH.

[0207] Frequency hopping may be used between one or more subframes (e.g., may be used in a NB extension). For example, two or more frequencies are hopped from a first subframe of the extension to a second subframe of the extension. The frequency hopping may include a configured and / or known pattern and / or rule. For the NB-PDSCH and / or NB-PUSCH, the frequency hopping pattern and / or rule may be configured by higher layer signaling and / or physical layer signaling (e.g., in a DCI format grant and / or assignment for the NB-PDSCH and / or NB-PUSCH, etc.). The WTRU may receive DL transmissions (e.g., DL control channel and / or NB-PDSCH) in a frequency hopped manner (e.g., according to the frequency hopping pattern and / or rule). The WTRU may transmit in the UL using the frequency hopping pattern and / or rule.

[0208] The NB-PDCCH and NB-PDSCH may be transmitted in a subframe. The NB-PDCCH and NB-PDSCH may be spread across P subframes (e.g., P available subframes). The WTRU may receive the P subframes of data. The WTRU may determine how to decode the NB-PDSCH portion of the data (e.g., using the NB-PDCCH portion of the data). The WTRU may use a frequency location for DL ​​data reception. The frequency location for DL ​​data reception may be a function of the WTRU ID and / or broadcast configuration. P may be a fixed value.

[0209] Time expansion may be performed in a similar manner as repetition is done for channel estimation (CE). For CE, the repetition may be of the entire channel and / or transport block (TB). For CE, the repetition may be performed on subframes that may be configured and / or identified as available. The receiver may soft combine the repetitions (e.g., to improve performance and / or to successfully receive the channel and / or TB).

[0210] For time extension, the channel and / or TB may be split among a set of subframes (e.g., available subframes). For time extension, the receiver may reconstruct the channel and / or TB from one or more portions. The one or more portions may represent separate coded bits. The one or more portions may not be soft-combined. The channel and / or TB splitting may be in frequency (e.g., PRB) and / or time (e.g., symbols). The time-extended channel and / or TB may be repeated (e.g., for coverage extension). The repetitions may be soft-combined.

[0211] The extension may be used for paging. For example, a paging frame (PF) and / or a paging occasion (PO) may be determined (e.g., for or by the WTRU). The PF and / or PO may be determined based on a rule (e.g., legacy rule, etc.). The PO may be determined based on one or more of a DRX cycle and / or a WTRU-ID (e.g., WTRU International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), etc.). The determined PO subframe (e.g., for paging an NB-LTE WTRU) may be a starting subframe for an extension of the NB-PDCCH (e.g., may carry a paging DCI format for the WTRU). The NB-PDCCH extension may start with the starting subframe and / or extend over P1 subframes (e.g., the next P1-1 additional subframes) that may be available for DL ​​and / or NB-PDCCH. The PO subframe may correspond to a subframe that may be a DL subframe (e.g., always). The WTRU may monitor the NB-PDCCH for paging starting in the determined PO and / or extended P1 subframes, e.g., with Y1 PRBs per subframe. Y1 may be 1. P1 may be a fixed and / or configured number. The NB-PDCCH for paging may include a DCI that may have a CRC scrambled with a paging RNTI (e.g., P-RNTI). The WTRU may reconstruct the NB-PDCCH from one or more transmissions in the P1 subframes. The extended NB-PDCCH may be repeated across one or more (e.g., subsequent) available subframes (e.g., if CE is used). The WTRU may combine one or more repetitions of the NB-PDCCH (e.g., the extended and / or reconfigured NB-PDCCH). The WTRU may receive (e.g., successfully receive) the NB-PDCCH using one or more repetitions of the NB-PDCCH. The one or more repetitions may be combined before and / or after the reconfiguration.

[0212] The NB-PDCCH and / or DCI carried by the NB-PDCCH may provide frequency and / or time resource allocation for the NB-PDSCH (e.g., may carry one or more paging records). The time information may include information from which the WTRU may determine the extension of the NB-PDSCH. The NB-PDSCH may be extended in the same set of subframes as the NB-PDCCH, or in another (e.g., later) set of subframes. The WTRU may receive and / or store the NB-PDSCH while receiving the NB-PDCCH (e.g., if the NB-PDSCH is extended in the same set of subframes as the NB-PDCCH). The later set of subframes may be a set of available subframes for DL ​​and / or NB-PDSCH (e.g., if the NB-PDSCH is extended in the later set of subframes). The NB-PDSCH may be extended over P2 subframes with Y2 RPBs per subframe. Y2 may be 1. P1 and P2 may be the same or different. P2 may be included in the NB-PDCCH DCI. P2 may represent the number of allocated PRBs for the NB-PDSCH.

[0213] The time relationship between the NB-PDCCH (e.g., the start or end of a NB-PDCCH extension) and the NB-PDSCH (e.g., the start of a NB-PDSCH extension) may be known, configured, and / or included in the DCI (e.g., a paging DCI).

[0214] If the WTRU successfully receives a paging DCI (e.g., a paging DCI with a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) scrambled on the P-RNTI), the WTRU may receive and / or decode the associated extended NB-PDSCH (e.g., if the DCI indicates that a NB-PDSCH may be present). The WTRU may reconfigure the NB-PDSCH. The WTRU may reconfigure the NB-PDSCH from one or more transmissions in P1 subframes (e.g., for NB-PDCCH and NB-PDSCH in the same subframe) and / or P2 subframes (e.g., for NB-PDSCH in a different or subsequent subframe from the NB-PDCCH). The extended NB-PDSCH may be repeated across one or more subsequent available subframes (e.g., if CE is used).

[0215] The WTRU may combine two or more repetitions of the NB-PDSCH (e.g., an extended and / or reconfigured NB-PDSCH) to successfully receive the NB-PDSCH. The two or more repetitions may be combined before and / or after the reconfiguration. The WTRU may receive the content of the NB-PDSCH. The WTRU may determine whether a page exists for the WTRU based on the content of the NB-PDSCH, e.g., whether its IMSI or Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI) or shortened TMSI (s-TMSI) may be included in any of the paging records. The WTRU may determine whether a page exists for the WTRU based on the content of the NB-PDSCH, e.g., based on the presence of an IMSI and / or s-TMSI included in any of the paging records.

[0216] The paging NB-PDCCH and / or NB-PDSCH may indicate a system information update. If the WTRU receives a system information update indication from the paging NB-PDCCH and / or NB-PDSCH, the WTRU may reacquire system information (e.g., one or more SIBs).

[0217] One or more subframes available for UL and / or DL ​​transmission may be provided and / or configured, for example, via signaling and / or system information that may be broadcast. Higher layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling and / or system information block (SIB)) and / or physical layer signaling (e.g., MIB and / or PBCH) may include an indication of one or more subframes available for UL and / or DL ​​transmission. The configuration and / or signaling may be provided by the eNB. The configuration and / or signaling may be received by one or more WTRUs. The one or more available subframes may be identified in a time period, e.g., one or more frames (e.g., one or four frames), etc. The one or more available subframes in a direction may be identified for one or more specific purposes (e.g., all purposes). For example, one or more subframes identified as available for DL ​​may be available for NB-PDCCH and / or NB-PDSCH. In another example, one or more subframes may be identified as being available separately for the NB-PDCCH and the NB-PDSCH.

[0218] The one or more available subframes may be explicitly identified. The one or more available subframes may be determined from other information. For example, the one or more available DL subframes may be determined from at least an MBSFN configuration and / or one or more TDD UL / DL configurations. The one or more available UL subframes may be determined from at least one or more TDD UL / DL configurations. Whether a TDD special subframe may be considered available for one or more UL and / or DL ​​channels may be configured and / or determined with respect to a configured special subframe format for a cell.

[0219] The available subframe or subframes may be modified via a system information update.

[0220] A primary and / or secondary synchronization channel for narrowband operation may be transmitted within the NB-IoT bandwidth (e.g., 200 kHz). The narrowband primary synchronization signal (NB-PSS) and / or narrowband secondary synchronization signal (NB-SSS) may each include and / or extend to six consecutive OFDM symbols.

[0221] For example, the NB primary synchronization signal (NB-PSS) and the NB secondary synchronization signal (NB-SSS) may be located in MBSFN subframe candidates (e.g., 1 / 2 / 3 / 6 / 7 / 8 subframes in a radio frame for FDD and / or 3 / 4 / 7 / 8 / 9 subframes in a radio frame for TDD). For example, the first symbol may be used and / or reserved for the legacy WTRU, and the remaining 12 OFDM symbols may be used for NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS transmission (e.g., in a subframe carrying NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS). The first 6 OFDM symbols of the remaining 12 OFDM symbols may be used for NB-SSS and / or NB-PSS, and the last 6 OFDM symbols of the remaining 12 OFDM symbols may be used for NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS. The NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS may be referred to as NB-sync.

[0222] In a subframe carrying NB-sync, the WTRU may determine that no CRS will be transmitted in any OFDM symbols (eg, except for the first two OFDM symbols).

[0223] In another example, the PSS and / or SSS may be placed in non-MSBFN subframe candidates (e.g., 0 / 4 / 5 / 9 subframes in a radio frame for FDD and / or 0 / 1 / 2 / 5 / 6 subframes in a radio frame for TDD). For example, the first symbol may be used and / or reserved for the legacy WTRU, and the remaining 12 OFDM symbols may be used for NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS transmission (e.g., in a subframe carrying NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS). The first 6 OFDM symbols of the remaining 12 OFDM symbols may be used for NB-SSS and / or NB-PSS, and the last 6 OFDM symbols of the remaining 12 OFDM symbols may be used for NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS.

[0224] In a subframe carrying NB-sync, the WTRU may determine that no cell-specific reference signal (CRS) is transmitted in any OFDM symbol (eg, except for the first two OFDM symbols).

[0225] NB-sync is a method to synchronize all N SYNC ms and / or total N SYNC The NB-IoT WTRU may receive the NB-sync in a radio frame. When the NB-IoT WTRU receives the NB-sync, the NB-IoT WTRU may obtain at least one of the physical cell ID, the time and frequency synchronization, the subframe boundary, the frame boundary, and / or the CP length.

[0226] For example, N SYNC If = 4, then NB-sync can be transmitted every 40 ms.

[0227] N SYNC may be a predefined number.

[0228] N SYNC may be determined based on the operation mode. For example, one or more (e.g., three) operation modes may be used for the NB-IoT WTRU.

[0229] The first mode of operation may include a standalone mode of operation, the second mode of operation may include a guard band mode of operation, and the third mode of operation may include an in-band mode of operation.

[0230] The third operating mode N SYNC may be longer than the first and / or second operating modes, or vice versa.

[0231] N SYNC may be determined based on one or more cell-specific parameters (e.g., physical cell ID, system bandwidth, etc.).

[0232] The NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS may be transmitted repeatedly within a radio frame. For example, if repetition is not used, the NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS may be transmitted in a subframe within a radio frame. If repetition is used, the NB-PSS and / or NB-SSS may be transmitted across two or more subframes within a radio frame.

[0233] The number of iterations may be determined based on the operating mode. For example, an iteration may be used for a third operating mode without being used for the first and / or second operating modes, or vice versa. In another example, an iteration may be used for the second and third operating modes (e.g., to mitigate interference) and not used for a standalone operating mode.

[0234] The number of iterations may be determined based on one or more cell-specific parameters (eg, physical cell ID, system bandwidth, etc.).

[0235] The NB-PSS and / or the NB-SSS may be transmitted with different duty cycles. For example, the NB-PSS may be transmitted with N SYNC,PSS and / or the NB-SSS may be transmitted in SYNC,SSS may be sent in N SYNC,PSS and / or N SYNC,SSS can be an integer (e.g., 10, 20, or 30). NB-PSS has a shorter duty cycle (e.g., N SYNC,PSS <N SYNC,SSS ) The operating mode for the narrowband cell is N SYNC,PSS and N SYNC,SSS The determination may be based on one or more of:

[0236] NB-PSS is a duty cycle (e.g., N SYNC,PSSThe NB-SSS may be transmitted in a set of (E) subframes and / or (E) frames in 1 ms (ms). The NB-SSS may be transmitted in a subset of the set of (E) subframes and / or (E) frames used for the NB-PSS. The subset may be determined based on the mode of operation. For example, the WTRU may detect (e.g., blindly detect) the subset used for the NB-SSS to determine the mode of operation. The first subset may be used to indicate a standalone mode of operation and / or a guard band mode of operation. The second subset may be used to indicate an in-band mode of operation.

[0237] A physical broadcast channel for narrowband operation may be transmitted. The physical broadcast channel for narrowband operation may be referred to as a narrowband physical broadcast channel (NB-PBCH). One or more of the following may apply.

[0238] For narrowband operation, a Master Information Block (MIB) may be used for the NB-PBCH. The MIB may contain information (e.g., essential information) about the Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) WTRU for initial access. The MIB may be referred to as the Narrowband MIB (NB-MIB).

[0239] The NB-MIB may be channel coded. One or more coded bits may be scrambled using a scrambling sequence. The scrambling sequence may be determined based on at least one of a cell-specific parameter (e.g., physical cell ID, etc.), and / or an operation mode (e.g., the WTRU may be implicitly indicated the operation mode from the scrambling sequence), etc. The scrambling sequence may be determined based on a duplex mode. For example, TDD and / or FDD may be indicated based on a scrambling sequence used. A first scrambling sequence may be used for FDD. A second scrambling sequence may be used for TDD. The content of the NB-MIB may be determined based on the scrambling sequence used. For example, if a first scrambling sequence is used, a first set of system parameters may be transmitted via the NB-MIB. If a second scrambling sequence is used, a second set of system parameters may be transmitted via the NB-MIB. The first set of system parameters and the second set of system parameters may overlap.

[0240] One or more coded bits of the NB-MIB may be divided and / or modulated into Nsub subblocks. N may be, for example, 4. As another example, N may be 8. Each of the Nsub subblocks may be transmitted in one or more subframes within a radio frame. For example, one or more non-MBSFN subframes may be used within a radio frame. Each of the Nsub subblocks may be transmitted in different radio frames. An NB-PBCH cycle may include Nsub subblocks. For example, a WTRU may receive the NB-PBCH in each NB-PBCH cycle. The Nsub subblocks may be evenly distributed over time within the NB-PBCH cycle.

[0241] 9 illustrates an example sub-block transmission 900 of the NB-MIB 902. The NB-MIB 902 may include multiple sub-blocks. The multiple sub-blocks may be transmitted within a time window. For example, (e.g., each) sub-block may be transmitted at a predetermined time period.

[0242] Each of the N subblocks may be transmitted repeatedly. The number of repetitions may be determined based on the number of repetitions of NB-sync. The number of repetitions may be determined based on an operation mode.

[0243] The time and / or frequency location of the NB-PBCH may be determined (e.g., based on the time / frequency location of the NB-sync). For example, the same frequency location of the NB-sync may be used for the NB-PBCH and / or the time location of the NB-PBCH may be determined (e.g., defined or configured) with an offset from the time location of the NB-sync.

[0244] The offset between the NB-sync and the NB-PBCH may be determined based on a physical cell ID. The physical cell ID may be detected from the NB-sync. Collisions of the NB-PBCH between one or more neighboring cells may be avoided using the offset.

[0245] The offset may be determined based on the mode of operation.

[0246] The offset may be determined based on a system bandwidth, which may include the NB-IoT bandwidth, which may be considered as a standalone and / or guard band operation.

[0247] One or more of the N sub-blocks may be transmitted in a predetermined sequence. The predetermined sequence may indicate one or more system parameters. For example, one or more coded bits of the NB-MIB may be divided into N sub-blocks. The sub-blocks may be decodable. The NB-MIB may be decodable when one or more (e.g., all) of the N sub-blocks are aggregated. The WTRU may determine the one or more system parameters. The WTRU may determine the one or more system parameters based on a transmission sequence of one or more of the N sub-blocks (e.g., within a transmission window).

[0248] The transmission sequence of one or more of the Nsub sub-blocks may be based on one or more permutation sequences. The one or more permutation sequences may have a length of Nsub.

[0249] For example, a first permutation sequence (e.g., [1 2 3 ··· Nsub]) and / or a second permutation sequence (e.g., [Nsub Nsub-1 ··· 3 2 1]) may be used as a transmit sequence candidate. A bit system parameter may be indicated based on the permutation sequence used. The first permutation sequence may indicate a first operation mode. The first operation mode may include in-band operation. The second permutation sequence may indicate a second operation mode. The second operation mode may include standalone operation and / or guard band operation.

[0250] In another example, Np permutation sequences may be used as transmission sequence candidates.

[0251]

number

[0252] , etc.) may be indicated based on the Np permutation sequences. Based on the transmission sequence used, an operation mode (e.g., in-band, guard band, or standalone) may be indicated. Based on the transmission sequence used, a duplex mode (e.g., TDD or FDD) may be indicated. Based on the transmission sequence used, a system bandwidth (e.g., 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 MHz) may be indicated. Based on the transmission sequence used, a full or partial system frame number (SFN) may be indicated. Based on the transmission sequence used, the number of antenna ports may be indicated. Based on the transmission sequence used, the number of narrowbands may be indicated. Based on the transmission sequence used, scheduling information for NB-SIBl transmissions may be indicated.

[0253] In another example, the Nsub sub-blocks may be transmitted in a predetermined sequence. The Nsub sub-blocks may indicate one or more NB-MIB contents. For example, the system parameters included in the NB-MIB may be determined based on a transmission sequence that may be used for the Nsub sub-blocks. If a first permutation sequence is used, a first set of system parameters may be included in the NB-MIB. If a second permutation sequence is used, a second set of system parameters may be included in the NB-MIB. The first set of system parameters and the second set of system parameters may overlap (e.g., may partially overlap). The first set of system parameters may be associated with a first mode of operation. The first mode of operation may be an in-band mode of operation. The second set of system parameters may be associated with a second mode of operation. The second mode of operation may be a standalone mode of operation and / or a guard band mode of operation. The number of antenna ports may be a system parameter indicated in both the first and second sets of system parameters. The first set of system parameters may include a system bandwidth.

[0254] 10 illustrates an example of multiple permutation sequences for sub-blocks 1000. For example, the multiple permutation sequences for the Nsub sub-blocks may indicate one or more system parameters and / or NB-MIB contents.

[0255] One or more downlink control channels may be used for narrowband operation. The downlink control channel type may be determined based on a reference signal type (e.g., CRS, demodulation reference signal (DM-RS), and / or antenna port, etc.) used for demodulation. The downlink control channel type may be determined based on a resource location within a subframe and / or an E-subframe. The resource location may include one or more resource elements used in a PDCCH (e.g., legacy PDCCH) region and / or one or more resource elements used in a PDSCH (e.g., legacy PDSCH) region. The downlink control channel type may be determined based on a resource element group (REG) type. The REG type may include REG type-1 and / or REG type-2. The REG type-1 may include N1 REs. The REG type-2 may include N2 REs. The downlink control channel type may be determined based on a control channel element (CCE) type used.

[0256] One or more E-subframe types may be used for narrowband operation. For example, localized and / or distributed E-subframe types may be used. A localized E-subframe type may be an E-subframe in which one or more subframes associated with (e.g., belonging to or corresponding to) the E-subframe may be at the same frequency location (e.g., same PRB index). A distributed E-subframe type may be an E-subframe in which one or more associated subframes may be at different frequency locations (e.g., different PRB index).

[0257] The E-subframe type may be determined based on an operating mode. For example, one or more (e.g., three) operating modes may be used. The one or more operating modes may include a first operating mode, a second operating mode, and / or a third operating mode. The one or more operating modes may be received from (e.g., indicated in) at least one of a synchronization channel, a broadcast channel (e.g., MIB and / or SIB), RRC signaling, and / or a downlink control channel (e.g., DCI).

[0258] The first mode of operation may include a standalone mode of operation, the second mode of operation may include a guard band mode of operation, and the third mode of operation may include an in-band mode of operation.

[0259] An E-subframe type of the NB-PDSCH may be determined. The E-subframe type of the NB-PDSCH may be determined based on an indication in the associated DCI. For example, the NB-PDSCH may be scheduled by an associated NB-PDCCH and / or NB-EPDCCH. The E-subframe type of the NB-PDSCH may be received from an associated downlink control channel. The NB-PDCCH and / or NB-EPDCCH may be used interchangeably with the NB-(E)PDCCH.

[0260] The E-subframes of a NB-(E)PDCCH and the E-subframes of the associated NB-PDSCH may be different.

[0261] The E-subframe type may be determined based on information (e.g., information type) carried in the E-subframe. For example, an E-subframe carrying unicast traffic may be determined as a localized E-subframe type. An E-subframe carrying broadcast traffic may be determined as a distributed E-subframe type.

[0262] The frequency location (e.g., PRB index) of one or more subframes in a distributed E-subframe type may be determined based on at least one of the system parameters (e.g., physical cell ID, system bandwidth, subframe number, SFN number, E-subframe number, and / or E-frame number, etc.).

[0263] NB-PDCCH is transmitted to one or more of the first N PDCCH For example, the NB-PDCCH may use one or more of the first N symbols in each subframe in an E subframe. PDCCH symbols may be used. One or more of the following may apply:

[0264] One or more of the first N subframes PDCCH The symbols may include NB-PDCCH resources. PDCCH may include a predefined number used for one or more (e.g., all) subframes. PDCCH may be configured by higher layer signaling. PDCCH may be signaled depending on the traffic type. For example, one or more N PDCCH The value may be signaled (e.g., signaled separately) for unicast traffic, paging, re-authorization requests (RARs), and / or system information updates. PDCCH may be configured (e.g., configured separately) depending on the search space. For example, N PDCCH A fixed and / or predefined value of N may be used for the common search space. PDCCH The configured value of may be used for the WTRU-specific search space.

[0265] N PDCCH may be determined based on the E subframe type. For example, N PDCCHmay be configured and / or predefined (e.g., separately) for localized and distributed E-subframe types. PDCCH If is determined for the localized E subframe, then N for the distributed E subframe is PDCCH An offset may be used based on (e.g., N PDCCH + offset). The offset can include the frequency retiming time. N PDCCH may be determined based on the subframe number within the E subframe. PDCCH may be determined based on the available number of REs in the NB-PDCCH resource.

[0266] The NB-EPDCCH and / or the NB-PDCCH are N START Symbol to N EPDCCH N symbols can be used. START is the Nth subframe EPDCCH The N symbols in each subframe may be considered as the first OFDM symbol. START Starting with symbol N EPDCCH N symbols may contain NB-EPDCCH resources. EPDCCH is N START It may be determined based on the value of N START may be a predefined number used in one or more (e.g., all) subframes. START may be configured by higher layer signaling. START may be signaled depending on the traffic type. For example, one or more N START The value may be signaled (e.g., signaled separately) for unicast traffic, paging, RAR, and / or system information updates. START may be configured (e.g., configured separately) depending on the search space. For example, N START A fixed and / or predefined value of N may be used for the common search space. STARTThe configured value of may be used for the UE-specific search space. START may be determined based on the E subframe type. For example, N PDCCH N may be configured and / or predefined (e.g., separately) for localized and / or distributed E-subframe types. START may be determined based on the subframe number within the E subframe. START may be determined based on the available number of REs in the NB-PDCCH resource.

[0267] One or more associated antenna ports (e.g., reference signals) for the NB-(E)PDCCH may be determined based on the mode of operation. For example, in a first mode of operation (e.g., standalone), the associated reference signals for the NB-EPDCCH may include DM-RS (e.g., antenna ports 7-10). The associated reference signals for the NB-PDCCH may include CRS (e.g., antenna ports 0-3). In a third mode of operation (e.g., in-band operation), the associated reference signals for the NB-EPDCCH may include both DM-RS and CRS.

[0268] A WTRU in a first mode of operation may receive (e.g., attempt to decode) the NB-EPDCCH along with the associated DM-RS (e.g., only the associated DM-RS), although the CRS may be placed in the same PRB.

[0269] A WTRU in the third operation mode may receive the NB-EPDCCH with associated DM-RS and / or CRS (e.g., may be located in the same PRB). The same number of antenna ports may be used for the DM-RS and / or CRS. If the number of DM-RS ports associated with the NB-EPDCCH is Np, Np CRS ports may be configured (e.g., determined or used) in at least the same PRB. The number of CRS ports for a PRB used for an NB-IoT WTRU may be different from the number of CRS ports for a PRB used for an LTE (e.g., legacy LTE) WTRU.

[0270] The WTRU may determine that a precoder may be used for a first DM-RS port and / or a first CRS port (e.g., at least in the same PRB). For example, one or more associated DM-RS ports for the NB-EPDCCH may include antenna ports 7 and / or 9, and a CRS located in the same PRB may include antenna ports 0 and / or 1. The WTRU may determine that antenna port 7 and / or antenna port 0 may be the same, and / or that antenna port 9 and / or antenna port 1 may be the same.

[0271] A WTRU in the second mode of operation may behave the same as a WTRU in the first mode of operation.

[0272] The one or more associated antenna ports may be received from (e.g., indicated in) higher layer signaling. For example, one or more DM-RS ports may be associated with the NB-EPDCCH (e.g., as a default). The higher layer signaling may indicate that one or more CRS ports located within the same PRB may be used for NB-EPDCCH demodulation.

[0273] The higher layer signaling may include a broadcast channel that may include NB-EPDCCH configuration information.

[0274] One or more DM-RS ports may be associated with the NB-EPDCCH. As used herein, DM-RS port may be used interchangeably with reference signal for the NB-EPDCCH, RS for narrowband operation, RS for NB-IoT, and / or NB-RS.

[0275] The UCI transmission may include HARQ-ACK information (e.g., HARQ-ACK and / or HARQ-NACK). If UCI transmission on PUSCH is used for HARQ-ACK information (e.g., instead of a dedicated uplink control channel such as PUCCH), the (E)PDCCH may be utilized to grant UL resources for each HARQ-ACK information transmission. Granting UL resources for each HARQ-ACK information transmission may result in inefficient UL resource utilization. UCI transmission on PUSCH may use one PRB pair as a minimum allocation for the WTRU. Using one PRB pair for transmission of 1-bit HARQ-ACK information may significantly waste UL resources because one PRB pair can carry information much larger than one bit. A different (e.g., more efficient) UCI ​​transmission scheme may be utilized, for example, for NB-IoT systems.

[0276] For example, HARQ-ACK information (e.g., PDSCH) corresponding to a downlink data transmission may be transmitted using an uplink reference signal or sequence. A reference signal, such as an uplink reference signal, may be, for example, a sequence. An eNodeB may transmit a first downlink data transmission, for example, to a WTRU. The WTRU may receive the first downlink data transmission, for example, via a PDSCH. The WTRU may decide, for example, to an eNodeB, to send a HARQ-ACK in response to receiving the downlink data transmission. The eNodeB may transmit a second downlink data transmission, for example, to a WTRU. The WTRU may not correctly receive the second downlink data transmission. The WTRU may decide to send a HARQ-NACK on a condition that the second downlink data transmission is not correctly received. The WTRU may transmit an uplink reference signal and / or sequence. The HARQ-ACK and / or HARQ-NACK may be indicated via an uplink reference signal and / or sequence. For example, a HARQ-ACK in response to receiving a first downlink data transmission may be indicated using a first uplink reference signal and / or a first sequence of first uplink reference signals. A HARQ-NACK may be indicated using a second uplink reference signal (or a second sequence). A WTRU may receive a downlink data transmission in a first subframe (e.g., an E subframe). A WTRU may send an uplink reference signal and / or a first sequence in a second subframe (e.g., an E subframe). The second subframe may be later than the first subframe. For example, if a WTRU receives a PDSCH in a subframe (e.g., an E subframe), the corresponding HARQ-ACK information may be transmitted with an uplink reference signal in a later subframe (e.g., a later E subframe). If a PUSCH is not scheduled for a subframe carrying the corresponding HARQ-ACK information, the uplink reference signal may be transmitted without a PUSCH.The uplink reference signals may include one or more of a demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) and / or a sounding reference signal (SRS). The terms uplink reference signal (ULRS), uplink DM-RS, DM-RS, and / or SRS may be used interchangeably herein, and examples described with respect to one type of reference signal may be similarly applicable to other types of reference signals. One or more sequences of uplink reference signals may be associated with HARQ-ACK information, such as ACK and / or NACK. For example, a first sequence of uplink signals (e.g., uplink reference signals) may be associated with an ACK, and a second sequence of uplink signals may be associated with a NACK. Thus, an ACK or NACK may be signaled using a corresponding uplink signal sequence. In this specification, HARQ-ACK and ACK may be used interchangeably, and HARQ-NACK and NACK may be used interchangeably.

[0277] Uplink reference signal, uplink signal, sequence, sequence of uplink signals, sequence of uplink reference signals, reference signal sequence, Zadoff-Chu sequence, uplink HARQ-ACK sequence, and / or uplink HARQ-ACK information sequence may be used interchangeably herein. One or more sequences may use the same base sequence. One or more sequences may be differentiated by a cyclic shift (e.g., a cyclic shift index). For example, a first sequence and a second sequence may use the same base sequence with different cyclic shifts and / or cyclic shift indexes.

[0278] The WTRU may indicate the HARQ-ACK information using a cyclic shift index of a sequence (e.g., a base sequence). The sequence may be a Zadoff-Chu sequence. For example, one or more cyclic shift indexes, which may be indicated using an uplink reference signal and / or sequence, may be used to transmit or indicate the HARQ-ACK information (e.g., an ACK or a NACK). For example, an uplink reference signal sequence may be transmitted using a first cyclic shift index to indicate an ACK. An uplink reference signal sequence may be transmitted using a second cyclic shift index to indicate a NACK. Cyclic shift and cyclic shift index may be used interchangeably herein.

[0279] A transmission of an uplink reference signal, e.g., using a cyclic shift from a set of one or more cyclic shifts, in one or more PRBs may be associated with a downlink transmission. The WTRU may select a cyclic shift index from one or more cyclic shift indexes. A given cyclic shift index may indicate an ACK or NACK for a corresponding downlink transmission. The eNodeB may determine one or more cyclic shift indexes to use for the HARQ-ACK information. The eNodeB may indicate to the WTRU one or more cyclic shift indexes that may be used for the HARQ-ACK information. The eNodeB may indicate one or more cyclic shift indexes via downlink control information (DCI), e.g., using one or more bits. For example, the eNodeB may indicate to the WTRU a first cyclic shift index to be used for HARQ-ACK. The eNodeB may indicate to the WTRU a second cyclic shift index to be used for HARQ-NACK. The WTRU may receive a DCI indicating a first cyclic shift index to be used for HARQ-ACK and / or a second cyclic shift index to be used for HARQ-NACK. The cyclic shift index may be applied to one or more reference signals across one or more uplink symbols, which may be, for example, SC-FDMA symbols, to indicate the HARQ-ACK information. For example, the WTRU may transmit one or more uplink reference signals using a cyclic shift (e.g., the same or different cyclic shifts) to indicate an ACK or NACK for an associated PDSCH. The one or more uplink reference signals may be transmitted in one or more uplink symbols.

[0280] The one or more cyclic shift indices of the uplink reference signal are a Zadoff-Chu sequence having code group u and base sequence v.

[0281]

number

[0282] The cyclic shift index (α) for

[0283] The WTRU may transmit an uplink reference signal for HARQ-ACK information transmission via one or more uplink symbols (e.g., SC-FDMA symbols). The number of uplink symbols used for HARQ-ACK information transmission may be determined, for example, by the WTRU based on the number of HARQ-ACK information bits. For example, one HARQ-ACK information bit may be transmitted in one uplink symbol and two HARQ-ACK information bits may be transmitted in two uplink symbols (e.g., one HARQ-ACK information bit per uplink symbol). If multiple uplink symbols are used, two or more consecutive uplink symbols may be used. The WTRU may determine the number of uplink symbols to be used for HARQ-ACK information transmission based, for example, on higher layer signaling. The number of uplink symbols used for HARQ-ACK information transmission may be determined based on an indicator in the associated downlink control channel. The number of uplink symbols used for HARQ-ACK information transmission may be determined based on the number of codewords (e.g., or transport blocks) for the associated PDSCH transmission. A sequence having a cyclic shift index may be transmitted across one or more uplink symbols. The length of an orthogonal cover code (OCC) may be determined based on the number of uplink symbols used.

[0284] A set of cyclic shift indexes may be determined based on the number of HARQ-ACK information bits. For example, if a single HARQ-ACK information bit is transmitted, two cyclic shift indexes may be associated with the downlink transmission. As another example, if two HARQ-ACK information bits are transmitted, four cyclic shift indexes may be associated with the downlink transmission.

[0285] The set of cyclic shift indexes may be determined based on the number of codewords transmitted for the PDSCH. For example, if a single codeword is transmitted for the PDSCH, the associated HARQ-ACK information transmission may be signaled using one of two cyclic shift indexes. As another example, if more than one codeword is transmitted for the PDSCH, the associated HARQ-ACK information transmission may be signaled using one of four or more cyclic shift indexes.

[0286] A set of cyclic shift indexes may be determined based on the number of antenna ports used at the transmitter. The transmitter may include a transmitting WTRU. For example, when two antenna ports are used for HARQ-ACK information transmission, two sets of two cyclic shift indexes may be used. The two cyclic shift indexes of the first set may be used to indicate an ACK. The two cyclic shift indexes of the second set may be used to indicate a NACK. Each cyclic shift index in the determined set may be associated with a respective antenna port.

[0287] An offset of two or more cyclic shift indexes may be used for HARQ-ACK information transmission. For example, an offset between a first cyclic shift index and a second cyclic shift index may determine HARQ-ACK information (e.g., ACK and / or NACK). Two sets of cyclic shift indexes may be used for HARQ-ACK information transmission. A first set of the two sets of cyclic shift indexes may be used to indicate an ACK. A second set of the two sets of cyclic shift indexes may be used to indicate a NACK. The first cyclic shift index may be the same for an ACK or a NACK. The second cyclic shift index may be determined based on the HARQ-ACK information (e.g., ACK and / or NACK). The first cyclic shift index may be transmitted via a first antenna port. The second cyclic shift index may be transmitted via a second antenna port.

[0288] A cyclic shift index may be used for HARQ-ACK information transmission for a single antenna port transmission. A set of cyclic shift indexes may be used for HARQ-ACK transmission for multiple antenna ports. For example, when a single antenna port is used, a cyclic shift index may be used to indicate HARQ-ACK information (e.g., ACK or NACK). When two or more antenna ports are used, a set of cyclic shift indexes may be used to indicate HARQ-ACK information (e.g., ACK and / or NACK).

[0289] Cyclic shift index, HARQ-ACK resource, short PUCCH resource, and / or orthogonal resource may be used interchangeably herein.

[0290] Ncyc may represent the number of cyclic shift indexes for uplink reference signals that may be used in a given PRB. A subset of the Ncyc cyclic shift indexes may be used for HARQ-ACK information indication. The subset to use for HARQ-ACK information indication, e.g., a cyclic shift subset, may be provided and / or received in the DCI for the PDSCH transmission.

[0291] The cyclic shift subset may be indicated using one or more values, bits, and / or parameters. For example, a first cyclic shift index of the cyclic shift subset may be indicated, and the remaining cyclic shifts in the cyclic shift subset may be determined based on an offset from the first cyclic shift index, e.g., a predefined offset, or based on a function of the first cyclic shift index. Each cyclic shift subset may be associated with a subset index, and the subset index may be indicated. Cyclic shift indexes for HARQ-ACK and HARQ-NACK may be indicated.

[0292] For example, Ncyc=8 may be used for the HARQ-ACK information indication. The cyclic shift subset may be indicated in the DCI associated with the PDSCH transmission. Ncyc=8 and ceil(log2(Ncyc)) bits may indicate a cyclic shift index (α) and / or a starting cyclic shift index for the HARQ-ACK information transmission corresponding to the PDSCH transmission.

[0293] The cyclic shift index may be a cyclic shift group index or a cyclic shift subset index. The cyclic shift group index may be associated with a set of cyclic shift indexes (e.g., for HARQ-ACK information transmission). For example, the cyclic shift group index may be associated with two cyclic shift indexes in the Ncyc cyclic shift index. The WTRU may transmit an uplink reference signal in a time / frequency resource with a first cyclic shift index to indicate an ACK. The WTRU may transmit an uplink reference signal in a time / frequency resource with a second cyclic shift index to indicate a NACK. Tables 3 and 4 show examples of HARQ-ACK transmissions using cyclic shift groups with or without an orthogonal cover code (OCC). For example, if the WTRU receives signaling bits "00" in the associated DCI for a PDSCH transmission, the WTRU may use cyclic shift 0 to indicate an ACK and cyclic shift 5 to indicate a NACK. The WTRU may use OCC for two uplink reference signals that may be used for HARQ-ACK information transmission. The WTRU may determine which OCC to use based on an indication in the DCI (e.g., the DCI for the associated PDSCH transmission). For example, if the WTRU receives signaling bits "00" in the associated DCI for the PDSCH transmission, the WTRU may use OCC

[0011] .

[0294] [Table 3]

[0295] [Table 4]

[0296] The cyclic shift index may be, for example, a starting cyclic shift index in a set of cyclic shift indexes for use in the HARQ-ACK information indication. Subsequent cyclic shift indexes, for example, in the set of cyclic shift indexes, may be determined as a function of the starting cyclic shift index. Subsequent cyclic shift indexes may be determined using an offset from the starting cyclic shift index. For example, if the starting cyclic shift index α=0, which may be the first cyclic shift index, the second cyclic shift index may be α+n, or α+n mod Ncyc. The value of "n" may be predefined (e.g., n=4). The value of "n" may be configured and / or indicated (e.g., dynamically). The terms cyclic shift index, cyclic shift group index, and / or starting cyclic shift index may be used interchangeably herein, and examples described with respect to cyclic shift index may be similarly applicable to cyclic shift group index and / or starting cyclic shift index (and vice versa).

[0297] The cyclic shift index for the uplink reference signal may be indicated in an associated DCI for the PDSCH (e.g., carried on the PDCCH or another downlink control channel). The HARQ-ACK information corresponding to the PDSCH may be indicated by one or more orthogonal cover codes (OCCs). Table 5 shows an example showing the cyclic shift to use when an OCC is used to indicate the HARQ-ACK information.

[0298] [Table 5]

[0299] The cyclic shift index for the uplink reference signal may be indicated in the associated DCI for the PDSCH. The HARQ-ACK information corresponding to the PDSCH may be indicated by transmitting the uplink reference signal in a subset of the uplink reference signal (e.g., DM-RS) symbols.

[0300] For example, if two symbols (e.g., SC-FDMA symbols) are used for uplink reference signal transmission, e.g., DM-RS transmission, the WTRU may transmit the uplink reference signal using the cyclic shift index in the first symbol. In an example, if the first symbol is used for an ACK / NACK indication, the WTRU may not transmit the uplink reference signal in the second symbol.

[0301] The first cyclic shift index indicated in the DCI for the PUSCH may take precedence over the second cyclic shift index in the associated DCI for the PDSCH, which may indicate the cyclic shift to be used for the HARQ-ACK information transmission. For example, if a PUSCH transmission is scheduled in the same subframe used for the HARQ-ACK information transmission corresponding to the PDSCH, the cyclic shift indicated by the PUSCH DCI may take precedence over the cyclic shift indicated for the HARQ-ACK information in the PUSCH DCI. The first cyclic shift index may be used to determine a subset of cyclic shifts for indicating the HARQ-ACK information. The second cyclic shift index may take precedence over and / or replace the first cyclic shift index.

[0302] The cyclic shift index, cyclic shift group index, and / or starting cyclic shift index to be used to indicate the ACK / NACK may be implicitly determined based on one or more factors. For example, the cyclic shift index, cyclic shift group index, and / or starting cyclic shift index may be implicitly determined based on a PRB index and / or starting PRB index in an E-subframe used for a PDSCH transmission corresponding to the ACK / NACK. The cyclic shift index, cyclic shift group index, and / or starting cyclic shift index may be implicitly determined based on an (E)CCE index, a starting (E)CCE index, and / or an (E)CCE aggregation level of an associated (E)PDCCH for a PDSCH transmission. The cyclic shift index, cyclic shift group index, and / or starting cyclic shift index may be implicitly determined based on a WTRU-ID (e.g., C-RNTI, IMSI, s-TMSI).

[0303] The HARQ-ACK information transmission may be determined based on the UCI on the PUSCH. Sub-RB resource allocation (where, for example, the number of subcarriers (M) allocated to the WTRU is equal to or less than N (M≦N)) may be used for the NB-IoT WTRU. N may be equal to 12 (e.g., one RB), for example. The terms sub-RB, sub-PRB, single subcarrier, and / or single tone may be used interchangeably herein, and examples described with respect to one of these terms may be equally applicable to one or more of the others. Legacy LTE uplink resource allocation may include RB-based resource allocation. The uplink resource allocation granularity in the RB-based resource allocation may be based on N subcarriers.

[0304] (For example, with or without UL-SCH) RB-based UCI on PUSCH can be extended in the time domain. RB-based UCI on PUSCH may be extended in the time domain based on the number of subcarriers (e.g., Msub) used for UCI transmission. Channel mapping regarding the RE level of UCI on PUSCH may be extended based on the number of subcarriers (e.g., Msub) allocated, determined, configured, and / or used for sub-RB resource allocation of NB-PUSCH. For example, UCI on PUSCH may be extended over Ksub subframes. Ksub may be determined as a function of Msub and Nsub (e.g., Ksub = Nsub / Msub). The same channel coding and multiplexing as in legacy systems may be used.

[0305] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary UCI transmission 1100 on PUSCH (e.g., UCI transmitted with a single PRB pair within a single subframe) for the case of Msub = Nsub and Nsym = Msym. The PRB pair can include subcarriers in the frequency domain and / or SC-FDMA symbols in the time domain.

[0306] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary time extension 1200 of UCI on PUSCH for the case of Msub < Nsub. The PRB pair (e.g., the PRB pair shown in FIG. 11, etc.) can be divided into two or more parts in the frequency domain. For example, the PRB pair may be divided into six parts in the frequency domain. Two or more parts in the frequency domain can be sent over two or more subframes. For example, six parts in the frequency domain may be sent over six subframes.

[0307] When two sub-carriers (e.g., Msub = 2) are associated with the NB-PDCCH and allocated for the WTRU, an RB (e.g., a single RB) may be split into Ksub, and / or two or more sub-carriers including UCI for each sub-frame may be transmitted. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 12, in order to transmit a similar amount of UCI as transmitted in a single sub-frame in FIG. 11, two sub-carriers are used for UCI transmission over six sub-frames (e.g., Msub = 2, Nsub = 12, Ksub = 6).

[0308] (For example, with or without UL-SCH) The RB-based UCI on the PUSCH may be extended in the time domain. The time domain extension of the RB-based UCI on the PUSCH can be based on the number of symbols (Msym) used in the sub-frame for UCI transmission. The channel mapping regarding the RE level of the UCI on the PUSCH may be extended based on the number of symbols allocated, determined, configured, or used for the NB-PUSCH. For example, the UCI on the PUSCH may be extended over Ksub sub-frames. Ksub may be determined as a function of Msym and / or Nsym (e.g., Ksub = Nsym / Msym). Nsym may be predefined, configured, and / or variable based on the number of symbols used in the sub-frame. Nsym can represent the number of symbols per sub-frame. For example, the value of Nsym may depend on whether an extended cyclic prefix is used (e.g., Nsym = 12) or a normal cyclic prefix is used (e.g., Nsym = 14). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 13, in order to transmit a similar amount of UCI as transmitted in a single sub-frame in FIG. 11, two symbols per sub-frame are used for UCI transmission over twelve sub-carriers. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the time domain extension can occur over seven sub-frames (e.g., Msym = 2, Nsym = 14, Ksub = 7). FIG. 13 shows an exemplary time extension 1300 of the UCI on the PUSCH when Msym < Nsym.

[0309] The HARQ-ACK information may be sent in the Uplink Pilot Time Slot (UpPTS). The HARQ-ACK information may be transmitted in the UpPTS in a special subframe for TDD. For an NB-PDSCH transmission that may end in subframe n, the UpPTS in the first special subframe after subframe n+k may be used for the HARQ-ACK information transmission. The variable "k" may be a predefined number.

[0310] The UpPTS may be used for SRS transmission and / or shortened RACH transmission. The shortened RACH transmission may be applicable (e.g., only applicable) to small cells. The shortened RACH transmission may not be used for NB-IoT systems. If a HARQ-ACK information transmission on the UpPTS collides with an SRS transmission, the HARQ-ACK information transmission may be prioritized and / or the SRS transmission may be discarded.

[0311] One or more downlink E subframes may be associated with an UpPTS. For example, one or more HARQ-ACK information bits from two or more E subframes may be multiplexed in an UpPTS. One or more HARQ-ACK information bits may be multiplexed in an FDM and / or CDM manner. One or more HARQ-ACK information bits may be bundled into an UpPTS resource. If two or more special subframes are used for an E subframe, one or more HARQ-ACK information bits may be multiplexed across two or more UpPTSs in the E subframe, and / or an UpPTS of the two or more UpPTSs in the E subframe may be used for HARQ-ACK information transmission, and / or the remaining UpPTS of the two or more UpPTSs may be used for legacy WTRUs (e.g., SRS and / or shortened RACH).

[0312] 14 illustrates an example HARQ-ACK information transmission 1400 in the UpPTS. A downlink E subframe may include one or more (e.g., six) downlink subframes. One or more of the downlink subframes may include special subframes (e.g., TDD configuration 1 is assumed).

[0313] FIG. 15 shows an example modulation symbol 1500 for HARQ-ACK information transmission. BPSK and / or QPSK may be used to carry ACK, NACK, and / or DTX information. BPSK may be used for a single HARQ-ACK information. QPSK may be used for multiple HARQ-ACK information. One or more E subframes may be associated with a modulation symbol. If two E subframes are associated with a modulation symbol, a first E subframe may be associated with an imaginary part of the modulation symbol and / or a second E subframe may be associated with a real part of the modulation symbol.

[0314] FIG. 16 illustrates an example HARQ-ACK channel 1600 in an UpPTS with two symbols. One or more (e.g., one or two) symbols may be available for UCI in the UpPTS. If two symbols are available, one or more HARQ-ACK information may be multiplexed by a cyclic shift index as shown in FIG. 16. The first symbol may be used for a reference signal. The second symbol may be used for HARQ-ACK information. If two symbols are not available in the UpPTS and / or the first E-subframe, adjacent UpPTSs in a special subframe of the second E-subframe may be combined (e.g., to construct a HARQ-ACK channel).

[0315] As shown in FIG. 16, d0 may be a symbol indicating HARQ-ACK information (eg, a modulation symbol such as in FIG. 15).

[0316]

number

[0317] Let u denote a Zadoff-Chu sequence with code group u and base sequence v.

[0318]

number

[0319] teeth,

[0320]

number

[0321] can be expressed as a cyclic shift of

[0322] 17 shows an example HARQ-ACK channel 1700 in the UpPTS with one symbol. If a symbol (e.g., a single symbol) is available for HARQ-ACK in the UpPTS, the HARQ-ACK channel may be generated (e.g., constructed). A Zadoff-Chu based sequence with a length of 6 may be used for the HARQ-ACK channel.

[0323] 18 shows an example of HARQ-ACK information and RS multiplexing in a symbol 1800. The HARQ-ACK channel may be determined and / or used by multiplexing HARQ-ACK information and / or a reference signal in the symbol, and α1 and α2 may be the same as in FIG. 16 and / or FIG. 17.

[0324] A single tone-based HARQ-ACK information transmission may be used. One or more types of HARQ-ACK information transmission may be used (e.g., in an uplink transmission). A first HARQ-ACK information transmission may be based on a single subcarrier transmission. A second HARQ-ACK information transmission may be based on a multiple subcarrier transmission. A single subcarrier transmission may use one of multiple subcarriers in an uplink transmission. Subcarrier and / or tone may be used interchangeably herein.

[0325] The HARQ-ACK information transmission type may be determined based on the PRACH resource used. For example, one or more PRACH resources may be configured. The PRACH resources of the one or more PRACH resources may be associated with the WTRU's capability for single-tone and / or multi-tone based transmission. A WTRU having single-tone based transmission capability may determine a PRACH resource associated with a single-tone based transmission. A WTRU having multi-tone based transmission capability may determine a PRACH resource associated with a multi-tone based transmission. The PRACH resource associated with a single-tone based transmission may be a single-tone based transmission. The PRACH resource associated with a multi-tone based transmission may be a multi-tone based transmission. The PRACH resource associated with a multi-tone based transmission may be a single-tone based transmission.

[0326] The HARQ-ACK information transmission type may be determined based on the operation mode used. For example, a single-tone based HARQ-ACK information transmission may be used for a first operation mode. A multi-tone based HARQ-ACK information transmission may be used for a second operation mode. The operation mode may correspond to one or more of an in-band mode, a guard band mode, and / or a standalone mode. The operation mode may be based on a coverage level. For example, one or more coverage levels may be used or defined. Each of the one or more coverage levels may be associated with an operation mode. The first operation mode may be a normal coverage operation mode. The second operation mode may be a coverage extension operation mode. The operation mode may be indicated in a downlink control channel (e.g., PDSCH) associated with the downlink transmission.

[0327] The single tone based uplink HARQ-ACK information transmission may include tone index selection. For example, one or more tone indices may be determined for the single tone based HARQ-ACK information transmission. The one or more tone indices may be determined based on the assigned downlink resources. For example, one or more (e.g., two) tone indices associated with the single tone based HARQ-ACK information transmission may be determined based on a first CCE index used for the NB-PDCCH to schedule the NB-PDSCH. The one or more tone indices associated with the single tone based HARQ-ACK information transmission may be determined based on a first subframe and / or SFN index used for the NB-PDCCH to schedule the NB-PDSCH. The one or more tone indices associated with the single tone based HARQ-ACK information transmission may be determined based on a WTRU-ID (e.g., C-RNTI, s-TMSI, etc.). The one or more tone indices associated with the single tone based HARQ-ACK information transmission may be determined based on a first subframe and / or SFN index used for the NB-PDSCH.

[0328] When more than one index is associated with a single-tone based HARQ-ACK information transmission, the WTRU may determine which tone to use for the HARQ-ACK information transmission. The WTRU may determine which tone to use for the HARQ-ACK information transmission based on the ACK and / or NACK. For example, a first tone may be used to indicate an ACK for the associated NB-PDSCH transmission. A second tone may be used to indicate a NACK for the associated NB-PDSCH transmission. Tone and tone sequence may be used interchangeably herein.

[0329] The tone index or indexes for the HARQ-ACK information transmission may be indicated via an associated NB-PDCCH used to schedule the NB-PDSCH.

[0330] One or more narrowbands may be used for NB-IoT. The one or more narrowbands may correspond to a single PRB. An operating mode for the one or more narrowbands may be determined, configured, and / or used. The operating mode for the one or more narrowbands may be determined based on one or more narrowband frequency locations.

[0331] The operating mode for each narrowband may be determined (eg, configured).

[0332] The WTRU may receive, monitor, and / or attempt to decode one or more NB-Sync signals at one or more narrowband locations. The WTRU may determine an operating mode for the (e.g., each) narrowband based on the NB-Sync channel received in the narrowband.

[0333] The one or more narrowbands may be associated with the WTRU. The WTRU may determine a primary NB from the one or more detected, configured, and / or determined narrowbands. The primary NB may be determined based on a predetermined mode of operation.

[0334] When one or more narrow bands are associated with two or more operating modes, a narrow band of the one or more narrow bands may be determined and / or used as the primary NB. For example, a narrow band associated with an in-band operating mode (e.g., or standalone or guard band) may be determined and / or used as the primary NB.

[0335] The primary NB may be determined based on the NB where the physical random access channel (PRACH) preamble is transmitted. The primary NB may be determined based on the received random access response (RAR).

[0336] The WTRU may receive, monitor, and / or attempt to decode the NB-Sync signal for the primary narrowband.

[0337] One or more secondary narrowbands may be configured (eg, via the primary narrowband).

[0338] The broadcast channel (e.g., MIB and / or SIB) and / or higher layer signaling may include configuration information for one or more secondary narrowbands. The configuration information may include complete or partial configuration information.

[0339] The system bandwidth received on the broadcast channel may determine (eg, implicitly determine) one or more secondary narrowbands.

[0340] An operating mode of (eg, each) secondary narrowband of one or more secondary narrowbands may be indicated (eg, by configuration information).

[0341] One or more secondary narrowbands may be determined (eg, assumed) as an operating mode associated with the primary narrowband.

[0342] One or more primary narrowbands may be used. A primary narrowband of the one or more narrowbands may be used, configured, and / or determined for an operating mode. For example, if two or more narrowbands having different operating modes are used, the two or more narrowbands may be determined as the primary narrowbands.

[0343] One or more primary narrowbands may be used, determined, and / or configured for an operational mode.

[0344] One or more secondary narrowbands for an operating mode may be constituted by one or more primary narrowbands having the same operating mode.

[0345] The WTRU may use a single mode of operation. The WTRU may select a narrowband from the two or more narrowbands based on a higher signal strength of one or more NB-Sync channels (e.g., if the WTRU has received, detected, and / or determined two or more narrowbands with different modes of operation). The WTRU may select a narrowband (e.g., from the two or more narrowbands) based on a higher received signal strength of a downlink reference signal (e.g., if the WTRU has received, detected, and / or determined two or more narrowbands with different modes of operation).

[0346] The WTRU may select a narrowband (e.g., from two or more narrowbands) based on a priority rule of an operating mode. For example, the WTRU may detect two or more narrowbands. The first narrowband may be based on a first operating mode. The second narrowband may be based on a second operating mode. The WTRU may select the first narrowband and / or the second narrowband based on a priority rule. An in-band operating mode may have a higher priority than a guard band operating mode. The priority rule may apply when a difference in signal strength associated with the NB-Sync channels of the two or more narrowbands is within a predefined range (e.g., a predefined threshold).

[0347] Frequency hopping may be applied between two or more narrowbands. One or more narrowbands may be used for UL and / or DL ​​transmissions to the WTRU. The one or more narrowbands may use the same and / or different operating modes.

[0348] One or more narrowbands may be configured for the WTRU. The one or more configured narrowbands may be used at the time of UL and / or DL ​​transmission.

[0349] The narrowband location and / or index may be changed over time. The narrowband location and / or index may be determined based on downlink control information for scheduling. The narrowband location and / or index may be determined based on a predefined hopping pattern. The narrowband location and / or index may be determined based on a frequency hopping indication.

[0350] Intra-mode narrowband hopping may include narrowband hopping with narrowbands of the same mode of operation. Inter-mode narrowband hopping may include narrowband hopping across narrowbands of different modes of operation. Narrowband hopping and frequency hopping may be used interchangeably herein.

[0351] The eNB and / or the WTRU may indicate inter-mode narrowband hopping capability. For example, the eNB may indicate support for inter-mode narrowband hopping and / or a configuration for inter-mode narrowband hopping (e.g., via higher layer signaling). The WTRU may indicate a capability for inter-mode narrowband hopping.

[0352] Time and / or frequency synchronization between two or more narrowbands having different operating modes may be determined based on an indication. The indication may include a configuration of inter-mode narrowband hopping support. The WTRU may determine (e.g., assume) that time and / or frequency are synchronized within the narrowbands used (e.g., if inter-mode narrowband hopping is supported). The WTRU may determine (e.g., assume) that time and / or frequency are not synchronized within the configured narrowbands.

[0353] Intra-mode narrowband hopping and / or inter-mode narrowband hopping may be used for the WTRU.

[0354] Different return times may be used for narrowband hopping. Different return times may be determined depending on intra-mode narrowband hopping and / or inter-mode narrowband hopping. For example, when the narrowband position is changed from a first narrowband to a second narrowband, a first return time (T_re1) may be used if the first narrowband and the second narrowband may be in the same mode of operation. A second return time (T_re2) may be used if the first narrowband and the second narrowband may be in different modes of operation. The first return time (T_re1) and the second return time (T_re2) may be different. The return time may be a predefined value. The return time may be configured via higher layer signaling. The return time may be determined based on a WTRU capability indication. The return time T_re1 may be used if frequency hopping is used between two or more narrowbands having the same mode of operation (e.g., both narrowbands are in-band mode of operation). The return time T_re2 may be used when frequency hopping is used between two or more narrowbands having different operating modes (e.g., a first narrowband is in an in-band operating mode and a second narrowband is in a guard band operating mode). The return time may include a gap (e.g., a time gap between narrowband hopping). The return time may be used by skipping the first UL and / or DL ​​transmission. The return time may be used by skipping the end of one or more UL and / or DL ​​transmissions.

[0355] A transmit power (e.g., different maximum transmit powers) for uplink transmissions may be used in association with the narrowband index. A first Pmax (e.g., Pmax,1) may include a maximum uplink transmit power in a narrowband having a first mode of operation. A second Pmax (e.g., Pmax,2) may include a maximum uplink transmit power in a narrowband having a second mode of operation. Pmax may include a predefined and / or configured value for one or more (e.g., each) modes of operation. Pmax may be indicated in an associated DCI for uplink transmissions.

[0356] An uplink (e.g., separate uplink) power control loop may be used depending on the narrowband index and / or the operating mode of the narrowband. A first power control loop may be used for one or more narrowbands having a first operating mode. A second power control loop may be used for one or more narrowbands having a second operating mode.

[0357] An associated reference signal type may be determined (e.g., based on the narrowband index and / or the narrowband mode of operation). An antenna port number may be determined (e.g., based on the narrowband index and / or the narrowband mode of operation).

[0358] A timing advance value for the uplink transmission may be determined (eg, based on the narrowband index and / or the operating mode of the narrowband).

[0359] The WTRU may perform a RACH process for one or more (e.g., each) configured modes of operation. A timing advance value may be determined, configured, and / or indicated for one or more (e.g., each) modes of operation.

[0360] A measurement reference signal (e.g., or resource) may not be defined for the NB-IoT WTRU. For example, one or more subframes that include a synchronization signal (e.g., an NB-Sync signal) may not include a reference signal available to the NB-IoT WTRU.

[0361] The NB-Sync signal may include one or more of a narrowband primary synchronization signal (NB-PSS) and / or a narrowband secondary synchronization signal (NB-SSS).

[0362] The WTRU may determine (e.g., measure and / or estimate) channel quality information (e.g., information associated with channel quality) based on the received one or more reference resources. The one or more reference resources may include one or more of a reference signal for narrowband operation (e.g., NB-RS), a reference signal for legacy WTRU transmissions and / or non-narrowband operation (e.g., CRS, DM-RS, CSI-RS), and / or a synchronization signal for narrowband operation (e.g., NB-Sync).

[0363] The determined channel quality information may be sent (eg, reported or transmitted) on the uplink periodically and / or aperiodically.

[0364] The determined channel quality information may include a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP). The determined channel quality information may include a Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ). The determined channel quality information may include a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). The determined channel quality information may include a Channel Quality Indicator (CQI). The determined channel quality information may include a Rank Indicator (RI). The determined channel quality information may include a Precoding Matrix Indicator (PMI).

[0365] For example, the WTRU may determine channel quality information (e.g., information associated with channel quality) based on one or more reference signals and / or resources received or transmitted within the narrowband. The first reference signal and / or resource may be received or transmitted within the narrowband. The first reference signal and / or resource may be referred to as the NB-RS. The number of NB-RS ports (e.g., one or two) may be determined and / or indicated in a broadcast channel (e.g., NB-MIB) associated with the narrowband operation. The number of NB-RS ports may be dynamically indicated by an associated downlink control channel (e.g., NB-PDCCH). The second reference signal and / or resource may be transmitted or received in a bandwidth wider than the narrowband. The second reference signal may be referred to as a legacy reference signal (e.g., CRS). The CRS within the narrowband may be used (e.g., used exclusively) as the second reference signal. One or more parameters of the CRS may be transmitted to the WTRU. The one or more parameters may include narrowband location information (e.g., relative to a center PRB index) for the CRS. The one or more parameters of the CRS may include scrambling sequence related information including a cell ID used for scrambling sequence initialization. The second reference signal may use the same number of antenna ports as the first reference signal (e.g., based on an indication).

[0366] The first reference resource may be used for the channel quality information measurement (eg, if the first reference resource is available in the measurement resources).

[0367] The second reference resource may be used (e.g., together with the first reference resource) for channel quality information measurements if the number of antenna ports for the first reference resource is the same as the number of antenna ports for the second reference resource. The second reference resource may be used (e.g., together with the first reference resource) if the first cell ID used for scrambling sequence initialization for the first reference resource is the same as the second cell ID used for scrambling sequence initialization for the second reference resource.

[0368] The indicator may be signaled on a broadcast channel. For example, the indicator may be a same physical cell ID (PCI) indicator. The indicator may indicate whether the same cell ID is used for the first reference resource and / or the second reference resource. If the indicator is set to TRUE, the cell ID for scrambling sequence initialization may be the same for one or more reference resources. If the indicator is set to TRUE, the number of antenna ports may be the same for one or more reference resources. If the indicator is set to TRUE, the same transmit power may be assumed for one or more reference resources. For example, the transmit power of each corresponding antenna port may be assumed (e.g., the transmit power of the first antenna port of the first reference resource and the second antenna port of the second reference resource may be the same).

[0369] The WTRU may determine (eg, assume) that a first antenna port of a first reference resource and a second antenna port of a second reference resource may be the same for channel quality information measurements.

[0370] The WTRU may indicate a capability to use one or more additional reference resources for demodulation and / or measurement. For example, the WTRU may indicate a capability to support CRS-based channel estimation as a second reference resource.

[0371] The WTRU may use the first reference resource and / or the second reference resource for demodulation. The WTRU may use the second reference resource and / or the first reference resource for measurements only.

[0372] The second reference resource may be used in (e.g., only in) a subset of the operating modes. For example, the second reference resource may be used for demodulation and / or measurements in an in-band operating mode. The second reference resource may be unavailable in one or more other operating modes (e.g., guard band and standalone operating modes, etc.).

[0373] The first indicator (e.g., the same PCI indicator) may be used to indicate whether the second reference resource may be used for demodulation, and the second indicator may be used to indicate whether the second reference resource may be used for measurement. If the first indicator is set to TRUE and the second indicator is set to FALSE, the second reference resource may be used for demodulation, and the WTRU may determine not to use the second reference resource for purposes other than demodulation (e.g., channel quality measurement). If the first indicator is set to FALSE and the second indicator is set to TRUE, the second reference resource may be used for measurement. For example, if the first indicator is set to FALSE and the second indicator is set to TRUE, the second reference resource may be used for measurement, but not for other purposes such as demodulation. If both the first indicator and the second indicator are set to TRUE, the second reference resource may be used for demodulation and / or measurement. The first indicator and the second indicator may be the same indicator. The first indicator may be indicated via a broadcast channel (e.g., NB-MIB), and the second indicator may be indicated via higher layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling).

[0374] NB-RS port, NB-RS, NB reference signal, narrowband reference signal, and / or NB-RS antenna port may be used interchangeably herein. CRS port, CRS, and / or CRS antenna port may be used interchangeably herein.

[0375] The WTRU may use one or more reference resources for measuring the channel quality information based on the availability of one or more reference resources (e.g., measurement resources) in a time and / or frequency resource. For example, the measurement resources (e.g., specific time / frequency resources) may be predetermined. The WTRU may perform the channel quality information measurement based on the availability of one or more reference resources in the measurement resources. The measurement resources may be predetermined as specific subframes in a configured narrowband.

[0376] The first reference resource (e.g., NB-RS) may be available if the NB-PDSCH is scheduled. The first reference resource may be available if the NB-PDCCH search space is configured within the measurement resource. The availability of the first reference resource may be determined based on the NB-PDSCH scheduling and / or the NB-PDCCH search space configuration.

[0377] A second reference resource (e.g., NB-Sync) may be available if NB-Sync is transmitted within the measurement resource. The availability of the second reference resource may be determined based on the NB-Sync configuration.

[0378] A third reference resource (eg, a legacy reference signal, CRS) may be available within the measurement resource based on the operating mode.

[0379] If the first reference resource is not available in the measurement resource, the second reference resource may be used to measure the channel quality information. If the second reference resource is a legacy reference signal (e.g., CRS), the legacy reference signal in the PDCCH region (e.g., the first N symbols in the subframe) may be used in a first subset of subframes (e.g., potential MBSFN subframes). If the second reference resource is a legacy reference signal, the legacy reference signal in the subframe may be used in a second subset of subframes (e.g., non-MBSFN subframes). The first set of subframes (e.g., potential MBSFN subframes) may include subframes {1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8} in a first frame structure (e.g., FDD) and / or subframes {3, 4, 7, 8, 9} in a second frame structure (e.g., TDD). The second subset of subframes (e.g., non-MBSFN subframes) may be subframes that are not potential MBSFN subframes.

[0380] The availability of one or more reference resources in the measurement resource may be indicated dynamically, for example, the presence of a NB-RS in the measurement resource may be indicated in the trigger information when a measurement report is triggered by the eNB.

[0381] Although features and elements are described above in certain combinations, one skilled in the art will appreciate that each feature or element may be used alone or in any combination with other features and elements. Additionally, the methods described herein may be implemented in a computer program, software, or firmware embodied in a computer-readable medium for execution by a computer or processor. Examples of computer-readable media include electronic signals (transmitted over a wired or wireless connection) and computer-readable storage media. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), registers, cache memory, semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical media, and optical media such as CD-ROM disks and digital versatile disks (DVDs). Software and associated processors may be used to implement a radio frequency transceiver for use in a WTRU, a WTRU, a terminal, a base station, an RNC, or any host computer.

Claims

1. 1. A wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), comprising: receiving downlink control information (DCI) via a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission, the DCI including an indication of a grant for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission, the DCI indicating whether a transport block is transmitted in a single time unit or multiple time units in the PUSCH transmission; determining, based on the DCI, that the transport block is to be transmitted in the PUSCH transmission at the plurality of time units; transmitting the transport block via the PUSCH transmission using the plurality of time units, each of a plurality of portions of the transport block being transmitted in a respective one of the plurality of time units; a processor configured to execute A WTRU equipped with

2. 2. The WTRU of claim 1, wherein the DCI includes an indication of a frequency allocation of the PUSCH transmission and an indication of one or more symbols allocated for the PUSCH transmission in each time unit of the multiple time units.

3. The WTRU of claim 2 , wherein the transport block is transmitted using the frequency allocation and one or more symbols assigned for the PUSCH transmission.

4. The WTRU of claim 2 , wherein the frequency allocation indicates a location of each of a plurality of resource blocks and a starting resource block of the plurality of resource blocks.

5. 3. The WTRU of claim 2, wherein the transport block is transmitted using frequency hopping, and a frequency is hopped between each time unit of the plurality of time units.

6. The WTRU of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to determine a subcarrier spacing used for the PUSCH transmission based on a field included in the DCI.

7. The WTRU of claim 1 , wherein the multiple time units include multiple subframes.

8. The WTRU of claim 1 , wherein the multiple time units have a length of 1 millisecond (ms).

9. The WTRU of claim 1 , wherein the multiple time units span multiple slots.

10. 2. The WTRU of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to receive search space information for attempting to decode a PDCCH transmission, the search space information indicating a starting symbol associated with a search space and a number of symbols associated with the search space.

11. 1. A method performed by a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), comprising: receiving downlink control information (DCI) via a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission, the DCI including an indication of a grant for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission, the DCI indicating whether a transport block is transmitted in a single time unit or multiple time units in the PUSCH transmission; determining, based on the DCI, that the transport block is to be transmitted in the PUSCH transmission at the plurality of time units; transmitting the transport block via the PUSCH transmission using the plurality of time units, each of a plurality of portions of the transport block being transmitted in a respective one of the plurality of time units; The method includes:

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the DCI includes an indication of a frequency allocation of the PUSCH transmission and an indication of one or more symbols allocated for the PUSCH transmission in each time unit of the multiple time units.

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the transport block is transmitted using the frequency allocation and one or more symbols allocated for the PUSCH transmission.

14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the frequency allocation indicates a location of each of a plurality of resource blocks and a starting resource block of the plurality of resource blocks.

15. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the transport block is transmitted using frequency hopping, and a frequency is hopped between each time unit of the plurality of time units.

16. The method of claim 11 , further comprising determining a subcarrier spacing used for the PUSCH transmission based on a field included in the DCI.

17. The method of claim 11 , wherein the multiple time units include multiple subframes.

18. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of subframes is transmitted in a single slot.

19. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising receiving search space information for attempting to decode a PDCCH transmission, the search space information indicating a starting symbol associated with a search space and a number of symbols associated with the search space.

20. A base station, transmitting downlink control information (DCI) to a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) via a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission, the DCI including an indication of a grant for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission, the DCI indicating whether a transport block is transmitted in a single time unit or multiple time units in the PUSCH transmission; receiving the transport block via the PUSCH transmission using the plurality of time units, each of a plurality of portions of the transport block being transmitted in a respective one of the plurality of time units; a processor configured to execute A base station comprising:

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