Systems and methods for coverage extension in non-terrestrial networks

Abstract

A system and method for coverage extension in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) are presented. A wireless communication device may transmit, to a wireless communication node, assistance information for the wireless communication device indicating a time domain window (TDW) size of the wireless communication device for bundling demodulation reference signals (DMRSs). The wireless communication device may transmit an uplink (UL) transmission according to the bundling of the DMRSs.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, including, but not limited to, systems and methods for coverage extension in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). [Background technology]

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®), a standards organization, is currently specifying a new air interface called 5G New Radio (5G NR) and the Next Generation Packet Core Network (NG-CN or NGC). 5G NR will have three main components: the 5G Access Network (5G-AN), the 5G Core Network (5GC), and the User Equipment (UE). To facilitate the enablement of different data services and requirements, the elements of the 5GC, also called network functions, have been simplified; some of them are software-based and some are hardware-based, so that they can be adapted as needed. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] overview The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are directed to solving problems associated with one or more of the problems presented in the prior art and to providing additional features that will become readily apparent by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In accordance with various embodiments, exemplary systems, methods, devices, and computer program products are disclosed herein. However, it will be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example, and not limitation, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art reading this disclosure that various modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments (e.g., including combinations of features from the various disclosed examples, embodiments, and / or implementations) while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0004] At least one aspect is directed to the following system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium: A wireless communication device (e.g., user equipment (UE)) may transmit assistance information of the wireless communication device to a wireless communication node (e.g., base station (BS)) indicating a time domain window (TDW) size (e.g., that may be used to determine a DMRS TDW or a DMRS TDW) of the wireless communication device for bundling demodulation reference signals (DMRSs). The wireless communication device may transmit an uplink (UL) transmission to the wireless communication node in accordance with the bundling of the DMRSs.

[0005] In some embodiments, the assistance information may include at least one of capability information of the wireless communication device that may indicate a TDW size of the wireless communication device for bundling of DMRSs, or an indication of a TDW size for bundling of DMRSs. The capability information may include, for all scenarios, or for each of one or more scenarios, an indication of at least one of: whether the wireless communications device supports segment-specific compensation (e.g., specific to each segment) or pre-compensation (e.g., per segment) using at least one of timing advance (TA) or frequency adjustment; whether the wireless communications device supports DMRS bundling across multiple segments of an UL transmission over a length (e.g., time duration) indicated (e.g., configured) by the wireless communications node; whether the wireless communications device supports DMRS bundling; a maximum TDW size without considering / independent of / regarding segment-specific compensation or pre-compensation; whether the wireless communications device supports a TDW size for DMRS bundling (e.g., DMRS TDW or DMRS bundling size) that is longer than the length of the compensation or pre-compensation segment; or a maximum TDW size if the wireless communications device supports a TDW size for DMRS bundling that is longer than the length of the compensation or pre-compensation segment.

[0006] In some embodiments, transmitting the assistance information may include transmitting the assistance information using one or more transmissions. The one or more transmissions may comprise at least one of radio resource control (RRC) signaling or medium access control control element (MAC CE) signaling. The indication of the TDW size for DMRS bundling may include at least one of: a TDW size for DMRS bundling for all scenarios; a scaling factor relative to the length of a segment, where the TDW size for DMRS bundling is a product of the scaling factor and the length of the segment; a first offset value (e.g., a difference value) relative to the length of the segment, where the TDW size for DMRS bundling is the sum of the first offset value and the length of the segment; or a second offset value relative to the maximum TDW size without considering segment-specific compensation or pre-compensation, where the TDW size for DMRS bundling is the sum of the second offset value and the maximum TDW size without considering segment-specific compensation or pre-compensation.

[0007] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device may transmit at least a portion of the assistance information to the wireless communication node after receiving the configuration of the segments of the UL transmission or before receiving the configuration of the segments. In particular embodiments, the configuration of the segments may be determined according to at least a portion of the assistance information.

[0008] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device may determine the TDW size for the bundling of DMRSs according to at least one of assistance information (e.g., which may indicate a time duration of UE capabilities), a nominal TDW size configured by the wireless communication node, or a compensation or pre-compensation segment length configured by the wireless communication node. The wireless communication device may receive a configuration of segments for UL transmission (e.g., a segment length configuration) from the wireless communication node. The wireless communication device may perform compensation or pre-compensation for uplink transmission for each of the segments (e.g., specific to each segment).

[0009] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device may receive at least one of: confirmation to use at least a portion of the assistance information from the wireless communication device in connection with an UL transmission; confirmation to use a TDW size indicated in the assistance information in connection with an UL transmission; or an indication of a TDW size different from or the same as the TDW size indicated in the assistance information for use in connection with an UL transmission. The wireless communication device may transmit a UL transmission to the wireless communication node in accordance with (e.g., using, or in connection with / having) the TDW size. If the TDW size indicated by the wireless communication device is greater than the length of a segment configured by the wireless communication node, the wireless communication device may ensure consistency between adjacent segments of the UL transmission that are within the corresponding TDW (e.g., in compensation / pre-compensation).

[0010] In some embodiments, a wireless communication node (e.g., a BS) may receive, from a wireless communication device (e.g., a UE), wireless communication device assistance information that may indicate the wireless communication device's time domain window (TDW) size for bundling demodulation reference signals (DMRSs). The wireless communication node may receive, from the wireless communication device, uplink (UL) transmissions in accordance with the bundling of the DMRSs.

[0011] In some embodiments, the wireless communications device may compare the metric (e.g., Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), elevation angle, or distance) to one or more thresholds, and may at least one of: determine, by the wireless communications device, to the wireless communications node according to the comparing, whether and / or what kind of repetition is desired for the transmission (e.g., Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request-Acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) for msg4) on the physical uplink control channel; determine, by the wireless communications device according to the comparing, whether to indicate to the wireless communications node whether and / or what kind of repetition is desired for the transmission; or transmit, by the wireless communications device, to the wireless communications node, an indication of whether and / or what kind of repetition is desired for the transmission. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] Various exemplary embodiments of the present solution are described in detail below with reference to the following figures or drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and merely depict exemplary embodiments of the present solution to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present solution. Therefore, the drawings should not be considered to limit the breadth, scope, or applicability of the present solution. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0013] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a cellular communication network in which the techniques disclosed herein may be implemented, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary base station and user equipment device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates segmented pre-compensation according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram for coverage extension in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Detailed Description 1. Mobile communication technology and environment 1 illustrates an exemplary wireless communication network and / or system 100 in which the techniques disclosed herein may be implemented, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following discussion, the wireless communication network 100 may be any wireless network, such as a cellular network or a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network, and is referred to herein as “network 100.” Such exemplary network 100 includes a base station 102 (hereinafter “BS 102,” also referred to as a wireless communication node) and a user equipment device 104 (hereinafter “UE 104,” also referred to as a wireless communication device) that can communicate with each other via a communication link 110 (e.g., a wireless communication channel), and a cluster of cells 126, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 that overlap a geographic region 101. In FIG. 1, the BS 102 and the UE 104 are contained within the respective geographic boundaries of the cell 126. Each of the other cells 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 may include at least one base station operating in its assigned bandwidth to provide adequate radio coverage to intended users.

[0019] For example, the BS 102 may operate in an assigned channel transmission bandwidth to provide adequate coverage to the UE 104. The BS 102 and the UE 104 may communicate via a downlink radio frame 118 and an uplink radio frame 124, respectively. Each radio frame 118 / 124 may be further divided into subframes 120 / 127, which may include data symbols 122 / 128. In this disclosure, the BS 102 and the UE 104 are generally described herein as non-limiting examples of “communication nodes” capable of implementing the methods disclosed herein. Such communication nodes may be capable of wireless and / or wired communication in accordance with various embodiments of the present solution.

[0020] 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary wireless communication system 200 for transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals (e.g., OFDM / OFDMA signals) in accordance with some embodiments of the present solution. System 200 may include components and elements configured to support known or conventional operational features that need not be described in detail herein. In one illustrative embodiment, system 200 may be used to communicate (e.g., transmit and receive) data symbols in a wireless communication environment, such as wireless communication environment 100 of FIG. 1, as described above.

[0021] The system 200 generally includes a base station 202 (hereinafter "BS 202") and a user equipment device 204 (hereinafter "UE 204"). The BS 202 includes a BS (base station) transceiver module 210, a BS antenna 212, a BS processor module 214, a BS memory module 216, and a network communication module 218, each of which is coupled and interconnected as needed via a data communication bus 220. The UE 204 includes a UE (user equipment) transceiver module 230, a UE antenna 232, a UE memory module 234, and a UE processor module 236, each of which is coupled and interconnected as needed via a data communication bus 240. The BS 202 communicates with the UE 204 over a communication channel 250, which may be any wireless channel or other medium suitable for the transmission of data as described herein.

[0022] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, system 200 may further include any number of modules other than those shown in FIG. 2 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative blocks, modules, circuits, and processing logic described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in hardware, computer-readable software, firmware, or any practical combination thereof. To clearly illustrate this compatibility and adaptability of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software may depend on the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those familiar with the concepts described herein may implement such functionality in a manner suitable for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the UE transceiver 230 may be referred to herein as an “uplink” transceiver 230 that includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and an RF receiver, each comprising circuitry coupled to an antenna 232. Alternatively, a duplexing switch (not shown) may couple the uplink transmitter or receiver to the uplink antenna in a time-duplexed manner. Similarly, according to some embodiments, the BS transceiver 210 may be referred to herein as a “downlink” transceiver 210 that includes an RF transmitter and an RF receiver, each comprising circuitry coupled to an antenna 212. Alternatively, a downlink duplexing switch may couple the downlink transmitter or receiver to the downlink antenna 212 in a time-duplexed manner. The operation of the two transceiver modules 210 and 230 may be coordinated in time such that the downlink transmitter is coupled to the downlink antenna 212 while the uplink receiver circuitry is coupled to the uplink antenna 232 for reception of transmissions over the wireless transmission link 250. Conversely, the operation of the two transceivers 210 and 230 may be coordinated in time such that the uplink transmitter is coupled to the uplink antenna 232 at the same time that the downlink receiver is coupled to the downlink antenna 212 for reception of transmissions over the wireless transmission link 250. In some embodiments, there is close time synchronization with a minimum guard time between changes in duplex direction.

[0024] The UE transceiver 230 and the base station transceiver 210 are configured to communicate over a wireless data communication link 250 and cooperate with a suitably configured RF antenna array 212 / 232 capable of supporting a particular wireless communication protocol and modulation scheme. In some demonstrative embodiments, the UE transceiver 210 and the base station transceiver 210 are configured to support industry standards such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G standards. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited in application to a particular standard and associated protocol. Rather, the UE transceiver 230 and the base station transceiver 210 may be configured to support alternative or additional wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variants thereof.

[0025] According to various embodiments, the BS 202 may be, for example, an evolved node B (eNB), a serving eNB, a target eNB, a femto station, or a pico station. In some embodiments, the UE 204 may be embodied in various types of user devices, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet, a laptop computer, a wearable computing device, etc. The processor modules 214 and 236 may be implemented or realized using a general-purpose processor, an associative memory, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. As such, a processor may be realized as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, etc. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.

[0026] Furthermore, the steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, firmware, a software module executed by processor modules 214 and 236, respectively, or any practical combination thereof. Memory modules 216 and 234 may be realized as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this regard, memory modules 216 and 234 may be coupled to processor modules 210 and 230, respectively, such that processor modules 210 and 230 can read information from and write information to memory modules 216 and 234, respectively. Memory modules 216 and 234 may also be integrated into respective processor modules 210 and 230. In some embodiments, memory modules 216 and 234 may each include a cache memory for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions executed by processor modules 210 and 230, respectively. Memory modules 216 and 234 may also each include non-volatile memory for storing instructions executed by processor modules 210 and 230, respectively.

[0027] The network communications module 218 generally represents the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic, and / or other components of the base station 202 that enable bidirectional communications between the base station transceiver 210 and other network components and communications nodes configured to communicate with the base station 202. For example, the network communications module 218 may be configured to support Internet or WiMAX traffic. In a typical deployment, without limitation, the network communications module 218 provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface to enable the base station transceiver 210 to communicate with conventional Ethernet-based computer networks. As such, the network communications module 218 may include a physical interface for connecting to a computer network (e.g., a mobile switching center (MSC)). As used herein with respect to a specified operation or function, the terms “configured for,” “configured to,” and conjugations thereof refer to devices, components, circuits, structures, machines, signals, etc. that are physically constructed, programmed, formatted, and / or arranged to perform the specified operation or function.

[0028] The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model (referred to herein as the "Open Systems Interconnection Model") is a conceptual and logical layout that defines network communications used by systems (e.g., wireless communication devices, wireless communication nodes) that are open to interconnection and communication with other systems. The model is divided into seven subcomponents or layers, each of which represents a conceptual collection of services provided to its higher and lower layers. The OSI model also defines logical networks and effectively describes computer packet transfers through the use of different layer protocols. The OSI model may also be referred to as the seven-layer OSI model or seven-layer model. In some embodiments, the first layer may be the physical layer. In some embodiments, the second layer may be the medium access control (MAC) layer. In some embodiments, the third layer may be the radio link control (RLC) layer. In some embodiments, the fourth layer may be the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. In some embodiments, the fifth layer may be the radio resource control (RRC) layer. In some embodiments, the sixth layer may be a non-access stratum (NAS) layer or an Internet Protocol (IP) layer, and the seventh layer is another layer.

[0029] Various exemplary embodiments of the present solution are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the present solution. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, various changes or modifications to the examples described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the present solution. Thus, the present solution is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. Additionally, any specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein is merely an example approach. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in a disclosed method or process can be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present solution. Thus, those skilled in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or acts in a sample order, and that the present solution is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented, unless otherwise specified.

[0030] 2. SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COVERAGE EXTENSION IN NON-TERRESTRIAL NETWORKS (NTN) To mitigate performance losses due to large distances between UEs and satellites, coverage extensions for non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) may be supported. The extensions specified for terrestrial networks (TNs) may be considered baselines (e.g., demodulation reference signal (DMRS) bundling and joint channel estimation (JCE)). However, due to high satellite mobility in NTNs, timing drift may be fast, and timing advance (TA) precompensation values ​​may need to be adjusted frequently. In this scenario, the length of the DMRS bundling may be shorter than the precompensation segment because DMRSs with different TA precompensation may cause phase discontinuity between segments. If the phase difference is larger than the tolerance, DMRSs in different segments cannot be bundled. In this disclosure, coverage extensions (e.g., methods to maximize DMRS bundling size) in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) may be implemented, taking into account the implementation of advanced user equipment (UE) to expand / extend a time domain window (TDW) that extends across / over multiple uplink (UL) segments.

[0031] 3 shows an exemplary representation of an NTN, e.g., a transparent NTN. In some embodiments, the link between the UE and the satellite may be a service link. The link between the base station (BS) and the satellite may be a feeder link. The feeder link may be common to all UEs in the same cell.

[0032] In a TN system, methods for coverage extension may include iteration and / or joint channel estimation (JCE). In an iteration method, a transmitter may repeatedly transmit a message over a period of time. A receiver may combine the transmission repetitions, which may improve decoding performance. In a joint channel estimation (JCE) method, reference signals (RSs) at different time instances may be used together to estimate the channel. JCE may provide better channel estimation and / or better decoding performance. In a JCE method, DMRSs may be bundled (e.g., considered or measured together as a group / bundle), and these bundled DMRSs may then be considered as quasi-collocated (QCL) in channel estimation.

[0033] Segmented precompensation may apply different precompensation of timing advance (TA) and / or frequency offset to different components / segments of a single uplink (UL) transmission (e.g., segmented precompensation). To avoid timing offset / frequency offset (TO / FO) exceeding an acceptable range, the precompensated TA and / or Doppler may be adjusted after a certain period of time to mitigate timing and / or frequency drift caused by satellite mobility. If the adjustment period is shorter than the total time of a single transmission (with multiple repetitions), the transmission may be divided into multiple segments. Each segment may apply or follow its own TA and / or Doppler precompensation value.

[0034] Although segmented pre-compensation can be beneficial for maintaining power consistency and phase continuity, segmented pre-compensation may be limited by UE capabilities and / or DMRS bundling size (e.g., the actual TDW size may be shorter than the duration of a UL segment). In other words, if an advanced UE supports segmented pre-compensation and DMRS bundling that intersects with the UE implementation, a large TDW size can be achieved in the gNB. Otherwise, an insufficient TDW size of DMRS bundling may not provide significant gain for joint channel estimation.

[0035] Example Implementation 1: Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) Bundling Considering UE Capability Signaling In New Radio NR, bundling of demodulation reference signals (DMRS) can be considered as a way to enhance coverage performance. In uplink (UL) transmission, DMRS in multiple slots can be bundled. DMRS in the same bundle can be considered QCLed. In such cases, joint channel estimation (JCE) across these slots can be performed, thereby improving channel estimation performance. Therefore, data detection performance can also be improved. A larger DMRS bundle can better improve JCE performance.

[0036] However, when segmented pre-compensation is implemented, DMRS bundling size may be reduced because UEs with limited capabilities cannot maintain power consistency and phase continuity between UL segments. If an advanced UE can support a predicted time domain window (TDW) that intersects the UL transmission segment and its implementation, the BS can determine a large DMRS bundling size using knowledge of the UE's capabilities via capability (or assistance information) signaling.

[0037] To assist the BS in determining the DMRS bundling TDW size, the UE may transmit UE assistance information to the BS, indicating the UE's time domain window (TDW) size for bundling of demodulation reference signals (DMRSs). The UE may transmit uplink (UL) transmissions according to the DMRS bundling. Transmitting the assistance information may include transmitting the assistance information using one or more transmissions. The one or more transmissions may comprise at least one of radio resource control (RRC) signaling or medium access control control element (MAC CE) signaling.

[0038] The assistance information may indicate at least one of the following capabilities to the BS: (1) whether the UE supports segment-specific compensation (e.g., specific to each segment) or pre-compensation (e.g., per segment) using at least one of timing advance (TA) or frequency adjustment, (2) whether the UE supports DMRS bundling across multiple segments of UL transmission over a length (e.g., time duration) indicated (e.g., configured) by the BS, (3) whether the UE supports DMRS bundling, the maximum TDW size without considering / independent of / regarding segment-specific compensation or pre-compensation, (4) whether the UE supports TDW size for DMRS bundling (e.g., DMRS TDW or DMRS bundling size) that is longer than the compensation or pre-compensation segment length, or (5) the maximum TDW size if the UE supports TDW size for DMRS bundling that is longer than the compensation or pre-compensation segment length.

[0039] In some embodiments, the above capabilities may be combined. For example, (4) and (5) may be combined in the same signaling (e.g., the UE may report the maximum supported DMRS TDW size when it supports a DMRS TDW size longer than the segment length, along with whether the UE supports a TDW size longer than the segment length). When reporting the maximum supported DMRS TDW size when the UE supports a DMRS TDW size longer than the segment length, the capability information may implicitly indicate that the UE supports a DMRS TDW size longer than the segment length. Furthermore, the capability may contain multiple values ​​corresponding to different scenarios. For example, in capability (5), the UE may report multiple maximum DMRS TDW sizes corresponding to different satellite orbits / elevation angles. If the UE has a low elevation angle with fast timing drift, the maximum supported DMRS TDW size may be a small value. If the UE has a high elevation angle with slow timing drift, the maximum supported DMRS TDW size may be a larger value.

[0040] Furthermore, for capability (5), the UE may report the supported DMRS bundling size based on at least one of the following methods: (i) directly reporting the DMRS TDW size considering all possible scenarios, (ii) reporting a scaling factor for the segment length, where the DMRS TDW size may be the product of the segment length and the scaling factor, (iii) reporting a difference value (e.g., an offset value) for the segment length, where the DMRS TDW size may be the sum of the segment length and the difference value, or (iv) reporting a difference value (e.g., an offset value) for the maximum DMRS TDW size without considering segment compensation (e.g., segment-specific compensation or pre-compensation), where the DMRS TDW size may be the maximum DMRS TDW size without considering segment compensation minus the difference value.

[0041] The above-mentioned capabilities (or assistance information) may be reported via at least one of radio resource control (RRC) signaling or media control control element (MAC CE) signaling. Capabilities (4) and (5) (e.g., whether to support a DMRS TDW size longer than the segment length, and the maximum DMRS TDW size if supporting a DMRS TDW size longer than the segment length) may be reported after receiving the segment length configuration or before receiving the segment length configuration. In some embodiments, the UE may transmit at least a portion of the assistance information to the BS after receiving the segment configuration for the UL transmission or before receiving the segment configuration.

[0042] In some embodiments, the time domain window (TDW) may be the actual TDW size or the nominal TDW size of DMRS bundling. The nominal TDW may refer to a configured length configured by the BS, which may be an expected length. The actual TDW may refer to an actual TDW that is smaller than the nominal TDW. When a specific event (e.g., power adjustment) causes the nominal TDW to end, only DMRS from the beginning of the TDW to the end of the TDW may be bundled. Under such conditions, the actual TDW may be implemented. Therefore, the actual TDW may be used with caution. According to some definitions, the nominal TDW may be configured by the BS.

[0043] Based on the above considerations, at least one of the following DMRS bundling configuration methods may be supported for NTN.

[0044] (a) The actual or nominal TDW size of DMRS bundling may be determined based on UE capability signaling to extend the TDW across the UL transmission segment via RRC signaling or MAC CE signaling. The BS may determine the size of the TDW length and configure the size of the TDW length to the UE.

[0045] (b) The actual or nominal TDW size of DMRS bundling may be determined based on a TDW size that does not consider that both segment compensation and the segment length of the compensation are configured by the network. For example, the network may configure a large nominal TDW size that eliminates the effect of the segment compensation and the length of the small segment of pre-compensation. The TDW size may be determined as the length of the small segment.

[0046] (c) The actual TDW size or nominal TDW size for DMRS bundling may be determined based on the segment length for compensation and the maximum DMRS TDW size when the UE supports a DMRS TDW longer than the segment length indicated by the UE capabilities. When the UE capability to extend the TDW across the UL segment is enabled and the corresponding duration is indicated by the UE capabilities, the BS may determine the nominal DMRS TDW size as the duration of the UE capabilities and may configure the nominal DMRS TDW size to the UE. Otherwise, the BS may determine the nominal DMRS TDW size as the segment length and may configure (e.g., determine and transmit as configuration) the nominal DMRS TDW to the UE.

[0047] (d) The actual or nominal TDW size of a DMRS bundling may be determined by the TDW size without considering segment compensation, segment length for pre-compensation, and the time duration indicated by the UE capability. When the UE capability to extend the TDW across an UL transmission segment is enabled and the configured DMRS bundling size without considering segment compensation is greater than the time duration indicated by the UE capability, the final DMRS bundling size may be equal to the duration of the UE capability. For example, [ka] The UE time duration (or size of the TDW) may be signaled / indicated by a scaling factor for (or relative to) the segment length, a supplementary duration for (or relative to) the segment length (e.g., an offset / difference value), or a constant or variable duration value. For example, [ka] or [ka] is.

[0048] (e) The actual or nominal TDW size of the DMRS bundling can be equal to the duration reported by the UE capability / assistance signaling. As discussed above, the actual DMRS bundle size may be expected to be large, but may not be expected to be larger than the length of the pre-compensation segment. Therefore, directly setting the actual TDW size of the DMRS bundling equal to the duration of the UE capability may be an appropriate choice to enable large DMRS bundling sizes with better JCE gain.

[0049] In some embodiments, to support the above functionality, at least one of the following features may be supported:

[0050] (I) The duration of DMRS bundling may be reported via the UE capability to extend the TDW across the UL transmission segment through / via RRC signaling or MAC CE signaling. The time duration of DMRS bundling may be at least one of a segment length scaling factor for pre-compensation, a supplemental duration based on the segment length, or a fixed or variable duration determined by the UE capability.

[0051] (II) When the time duration of DMRS bundling is reported by UE capability signaling, the actual TDW size of the DMRS bundling may be determined as / by at least one of the nominal TDW size of the DMRS bundling configured by the network regardless of the time duration of the UE capability, the minimum value of the nominal TDW size and the time duration of the UE capability, and the time duration of the UE capability regardless of the nominal TDW size.

[0052] Example Implementation 2: Triggering Method for Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) Repetition For initial access, a four-step RACH procedure may be applied. For msg4, the UE may receive collision resolution information from the BS. The UE may transmit a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request Acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) for msg4 to the BS in the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) to confirm whether msg4 has been successfully received. In a TN system, such PUCCH repetition may not be supported. On the other hand, in an NTN system, due to the scarce link budget, PUCCH repetition for msg4 HARQ-ACK may need to be supported / used. Since repetition is not always required, consideration may be given to determining when to trigger PUCCH repetition for HARQ-ACK of msg4.

[0053] Reference signal received power (RSRP) or reference signal received quality (RSRQ) may be used to determine whether to trigger a PUCCH for msg4 HARQ-ACK, which is used to mitigate poor coverage performance. At least one of the following examples may apply:

[0054] Example 1: The RSRP / RSRQ threshold may be predefined or configured from the network to the UE. The network configuration may comprise at least one of a system information block (SIB), radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or medium access control control element (MAC CE) signaling. If the UE's measured RSRP / RSRQ is less than or equal to (or slightly less than) the threshold, the UE may indicate to the network a request for repetition of the PUCCH for msg4 HARQ-ACK. Otherwise, the UE may not indicate a request or may indicate that repetition of the PUCCH for msg4 HARQ-ACK is needed / not requested.

[0055] Example 2: At least one RSRP / RSRQ threshold value, which may correspond to at least one candidate repetition factor, may be predefined or configured from the network to the UE. For example, N threshold values ​​{T1 <T2<...<T N} can be predefined or configured by the network, which respectively represent the N candidate repetition factors {R1, R2, ..., R N}. If the RSRP / RSRQ measured by the UE is less than or equal to the threshold (or just slightly less than the threshold), the corresponding candidate repetition factor may be applied. If the UE's measured RSRP / RSRQ is greater than the maximum threshold TN, repetition may not be triggered / required. In such a case, the UE may not request PUCCH repetition for msg4 HARQ-ACK or may indicate to the network that repetition is not required. If RSRP / RSRQ is greater than T n Smaller than T n-1 If it is greater than R, the UE n and the iteration factor R n may be displayed on the network.

[0056] Furthermore, in NTN, because line-of-sight channels are dominant, the variation of the RSRP / RSRQ of a UE within one beam / cell may be small. The difference between the RSRP of a UE at the beam / cell edge and the center may be within 3 dB. As a result, the RSRP / RSRQ may not be an appropriate parameter for determining whether repetition is required. To better distinguish scenarios regarding whether repetition is required in NTN, other parameters may be considered, including at least one of the following: elevation angle, distance between the UE and the satellite / high altitude platform station (HAPS), ephemeris, satellite / HAPS location, UE location, or satellite / HAPS altitude.

[0057] Similar to the use of RSRP / RSRQ, the following examples may be applied based on the above mentioned (or other) parameters.

[0058] Example 3: An elevation angle threshold may be predefined or configured from the network to the UE. The network configuration may comprise at least one of a system information block (SIB), radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or medium access control control element (MAC CE) signaling. If the UE's elevation angle is less than or equal to (or just slightly less than) the threshold, the UE may indicate to the network a request for a repetition of the PUCCH for msg4 HARQ-ACK. Otherwise, the UE may not indicate a request or may indicate that a repetition of the PUCCH for msg4 HARQ-ACK is needed / not requested.

[0059] Example 4: A distance threshold between the UE and the satellite / HAPS may be predefined or configured from the network to the UE. The network configuration may comprise at least one of a system information block (SIB), radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or medium access control control element (MAC CE) signaling. If the distance between the UE and the satellite / HAPS is greater than or equal to (or slightly greater than) the threshold, the UE may indicate a PUCCH repetition request for msg4 HARQ-ACK to the network. Otherwise, the UE may not indicate a request or may indicate that a PUCCH repetition for msg4 HARQ-ACK is needed / not requested.

[0060] Example 5: A threshold for the altitude of the satellite / HAPS may be predefined or configured from the network to the UE. The network configuration may comprise at least one of a system information block (SIB), radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or medium access control control element (MAC CE) signaling. If the altitude of the satellite / HAPS is greater than or equal to (or slightly greater than) the threshold, the UE may indicate a PUCCH repetition request for msg4 HARQ-ACK to the network. Otherwise, the UE may not indicate a request or may indicate that a PUCCH repetition for msg4 HARQ-ACK is needed / not requested.

[0061] Example 6: At least one elevation angle threshold, which may correspond to at least one candidate repetition factor, may be predefined or configured from the network to the UE. The network configuration may comprise at least one of a system information block (SIB), radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or medium access control control element (MAC CE) signaling. For example, N thresholds {T1 <T2<...<T N} can be predefined or configured by the network, which respectively represent the N candidate repetition factors {R1, R2, ..., RN}. If the elevation angle at the UE is less than or equal to (or just slightly less than) the threshold, the corresponding candidate repetition factor may be applied. N If the elevation angle is greater than T, then no repetition may be triggered. The UE may not request a PUCCH repetition for msg4 HARQ-ACK or may indicate to the network that no repetition is required. n Smaller than T n-1 If it is greater than R, the UE n and the iteration factor R n may be displayed on the network.

[0062] Example 7: At least one distance (between the UE and the satellite / HAPS) threshold that may correspond to at least one candidate repetition factor may be predefined or configured from the network to the UE. The network configuration may comprise at least one of a system information block (SIB), radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or medium access control control element (MAC CE) signaling. For example, N thresholds {T1>T2>...>T N} can be predefined or configured by the network, which respectively represent the N candidate repetition factors {R1, R2, ..., R N}. If the distance (between the UE and the satellite / HAPS) is greater than or equal to (or slightly greater than) the threshold, the corresponding candidate repetition factor may be applied. N If the distance (between the UE and the satellite / HAPS) is less than T, then repetition may not be triggered / required. The UE may not request PUCCH repetition for msg4 HARQ-ACK or may indicate to the network that repetition is not required. n It is larger than T n-1 If it is smaller than R, the UE n may be required, and the repetition factor Rn may be displayed on the network.

[0063] Example 8: At least one altitude threshold (of satellite / HAPS) that may correspond to at least one candidate repetition factor may be predefined or configured from the network to the UE. The network configuration may comprise at least one of a system information block (SIB), radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or medium access control control element (MAC CE) signaling. For example, N thresholds {T1>T2>...>T N} can be predefined or configured by the network, which respectively represent the N candidate repetition factors {R1, R2, ..., R N}. If the altitude (of the satellite / HAPS) is higher than or equal to (or just higher than) the threshold, the corresponding candidate repetition factor may be applied. If the altitude (of the satellite / HAPS) is lower than the minimum threshold T N , repetition may not be triggered / required. The UE may not request a PUCCH repetition for the corresponding HARQ-ACK of msg4 or may indicate to the network that repetition is not required. If the altitude (of the satellite / HAPS) is higher than or equal to (or just higher than) the threshold, the corresponding candidate repetition factor may be applied. If the altitude (of the satellite / HAPS) is lower than the minimum threshold T N , repetition may not be triggered / required. The UE may not request a PUCCH repetition for the corresponding HARQ-ACK of msg4 or may indicate that repetition is not required to the network. n Higher than T n-1 If it is lower than n may be required, and the repetition factor R n may be displayed on the network.

[0064] It should be understood that one or more features from the above implementation examples are not limited to a particular implementation example and may be combined in any manner (e.g., in any priority and / or order, simultaneously or otherwise).

[0065] 5 illustrates a flow diagram for coverage extension in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 500 may be implemented using any one or more of the components and devices detailed herein in connection with FIGS. 1-2. In summary, method 500 may, in some embodiments, be performed by a wireless communication device. Additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in method 500 depending on the embodiment. At least one aspect of these operations is directed to a system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium.

[0066] A wireless communication device (e.g., user equipment (UE)) may transmit wireless communication device assistance information to a wireless communication node (e.g., base station (BS)) indicating the wireless communication device's time domain window (TDW) size for bundling of demodulation reference signals (DMRSs) (e.g., including the DMRS TDW size itself or including information that can be used to determine the DMRS TDW size). The wireless communication device may transmit uplink (UL) transmissions to the wireless communication node in accordance with the bundling of the DMRSs.

[0067] In some embodiments, the assistance information may include at least one of capability information of the wireless communication device that may indicate a TDW size of the wireless communication device for bundling of DMRSs, or an indication of a TDW size for bundling of DMRSs. The capability information may include, for all scenarios, or for each of one or more scenarios, an indication of at least one of: whether the wireless communications device supports segment-specific compensation (e.g., specific to each segment) or pre-compensation (e.g., per segment) using at least one of timing advance (TA) or frequency adjustment; whether the wireless communications device supports DMRS bundling across multiple segments of UL transmission over a length (e.g., time duration) indicated (e.g., configured) by the wireless communications node; whether the wireless communications device supports DMRS bundling; a maximum TDW size without considering / independent of / regarding segment-specific compensation or pre-compensation; whether the wireless communications device supports a TDW size for DMRS bundling (e.g., DMRS TDW or DMRS bundling size) that is longer than the length of the compensation or pre-compensation segment; or a maximum TDW size if the wireless communications device supports a TDW size for DMRS bundling that is longer than the length of the compensation or pre-compensation segment. Different scenarios may be determined, for example, according to the distance between the satellite and the UE or the velocity of the satellite.

[0068] In some embodiments, transmitting the assistance information may include transmitting the assistance information using one or more transmissions. The one or more transmissions may comprise at least one of radio resource control (RRC) signaling or medium access control control element (MAC CE) signaling. The indication of the TDW size for DMRS bundling may include at least one of: a TDW size for DMRS bundling for all scenarios; a scaling factor relative to the length of a segment, where the TDW size for DMRS bundling is a product of the scaling factor and the length of the segment; a first offset value (e.g., a difference value) relative to the length of the segment, where the TDW size for DMRS bundling is the sum of the first offset value and the length of the segment; or a second offset value relative to the maximum TDW size without considering segment-specific compensation or pre-compensation, where the TDW size for DMRS bundling is the sum of the second offset value and the maximum TDW size without considering segment-specific compensation or pre-compensation.

[0069] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device may transmit at least a portion of the assistance information to the wireless communication node after receiving the configuration of the segments of the UL transmission or before receiving the configuration of the segments. In particular embodiments, the configuration of the segments may be determined according to at least a portion of the assistance information.

[0070] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device may determine the TDW size for the bundling of DMRSs according to at least one of assistance information (e.g., which may indicate a time duration of UE capabilities), a nominal TDW size configured by the wireless communication node, or a compensation or pre-compensation segment length configured by the wireless communication node. The wireless communication device may receive a configuration of segments for UL transmission (e.g., a segment length configuration) from the wireless communication node. The wireless communication device may perform compensation or pre-compensation for uplink transmission for each of the segments (e.g., specific to each segment).

[0071] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device may receive at least one of: confirmation to use at least a portion of the assistance information from the wireless communication device in connection with an UL transmission; confirmation to use a TDW size indicated in the assistance information in connection with an UL transmission; or an indication of a TDW size different from or the same as the TDW size indicated in the assistance information for use in connection with an UL transmission. The wireless communication device may transmit a UL transmission to the wireless communication node in accordance with (e.g., using, or in connection with / having) the TDW size. If the TDW size indicated by the wireless communication device is greater than the length of a segment configured by the wireless communication node, the wireless communication device may ensure consistency between adjacent segments of the UL transmission that are within the corresponding TDW (e.g., in compensation / pre-compensation).

[0072] In some embodiments, a wireless communication node (e.g., a BS) may receive, from a wireless communication device (e.g., a UE), wireless communication device assistance information that may indicate the wireless communication device's time domain window (TDW) size for bundling demodulation reference signals (DMRSs). The wireless communication node may receive, from the wireless communication device, uplink (UL) transmissions in accordance with the bundling of the DMRSs.

[0073] In some embodiments, the wireless communications device may compare the metric (e.g., Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), elevation angle, or distance) to one or more thresholds, and may at least one of: determine, by the wireless communications device, to the wireless communications node according to the comparing, whether and / or what kind of repetition is desired for the transmission (e.g., Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request-Acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) for msg4) on the physical uplink control channel; determine, by the wireless communications device according to the comparing, whether to indicate to the wireless communications node whether and / or what kind of repetition is desired for the transmission; or transmit, by the wireless communications device, to the wireless communications node, an indication of whether and / or what kind of repetition is desired for the transmission.

[0074] While various embodiments of the present solution have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. Similarly, various diagrams may depict example architectures or configurations, which are provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand example features and functionality of the present solution. However, such skilled artisans will understand that the present solution is not limited to the example architectures or configurations shown, but may be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. Furthermore, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, one or more features of one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the illustrative embodiments described above.

[0075] It is also understood that any reference herein to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc., does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations may be used herein as a convenient means of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be used or that the first element must precede the second element in any way.

[0076] Additionally, those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols that may be referred to in the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0077] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that any of the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, processors, means, circuits, methods, and functions described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementations, analog implementations, or a combination of the two), firmware, various forms of programs or design code incorporating instructions (which may be referred to herein for convenience as “software” or “software modules”), or any combination of these techniques. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software, or a combination of these techniques, depends on the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functionality in various ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions do not cause a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0078] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, devices, components, and circuits described herein can be implemented in or by an integrated circuit (IC), which can include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof. The logic blocks, modules, and circuits can further include an antenna and / or transceiver for communicating with various components within a network or device. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor can be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration for performing the functions described herein.

[0079] If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Thus, the steps of a method or algorithm disclosed herein may be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that may be capable of transferring a computer program or code from one location to another. A storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0080] As used herein, the term "module" refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements for performing the associated functions described herein. Additionally, for purposes of discussion, various modules are described as individual modules, however, one skilled in the art will appreciate that two or more modules may be combined to form a single module that performs associated functions according to embodiments of the present solution.

[0081] Additionally, memory or other storage and communication components may be used in embodiments of the solution. It will be understood that, for clarity, the above description describes embodiments of the solution with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, processing logic elements, or domains may be used without detracting from the solution. For example, functionality illustrated as being performed by separate processing logic elements or controllers may be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. References to specific functional units therefore do not represent a strict logical or physical structure or organization, but merely to suitable means for providing the described functionality.

[0082] Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method comprising: transmitting, by a wireless communication device to a wireless communication node, assistance information of the wireless communication device indicating a time domain window (TDW) size of the wireless communication device for bundling of demodulation reference signals (DMRS); transmitting, by the wireless communication device to the wireless communication node, an uplink (UL) transmission in accordance with the bundling of DMRS; A method comprising:

2. The support information is capability information of the wireless communication device indicating the TDW size of the wireless communication device for the bundling of DMRS; or Indication of the TDW size for the bundling of DMRS The method of claim 1 , comprising at least one of:

3. The capability information may include, for all scenarios, or for each of one or more scenarios: whether the wireless communication device supports segment-specific compensation or pre-compensation using at least one of timing advance (TA) or frequency adjustment; whether the wireless communication device supports the bundling of DMRS across multiple segments of the UL transmission for a length indicated by the wireless communication node; whether the wireless communication device supports the bundling of DMRS; a maximum TDW size without taking into account the segment-specific compensation or pre-compensation; whether the wireless communication device supports a TDW size for the bundling of DMRS that is longer than a length of a compensation or pre-compensation segment; or a maximum TDW size if the wireless communication device supports a TDW size for the bundling of DMRS that is longer than a length of a compensation or pre-compensation segment; The method of claim 2 , including a respective representation of at least one of:

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein transmitting the assistance information comprises transmitting the assistance information using one or more transmissions.

5. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the one or more transmissions comprise at least one of radio resource control (RRC) signaling or medium access control control element (MAC CE) signaling.

6. The indication of the TDW size for the bundling of DMRSs is TDW size for the bundling of DMRS for all scenarios; a scaling factor for a length of a segment, wherein the TDW size for the bundling of DMRS is the product of the scaling factor and the length of the segment; a first offset value relative to a length of a segment, wherein the TDW size for the bundling of DMRS is the sum of the first offset value and the length of the segment; or a second offset value relative to the maximum TDW size without considering the segment-specific compensation or pre-compensation, wherein the TDW size for the bundling of DMRS is the sum of the second offset value without considering the segment-specific compensation or pre-compensation and the maximum TDW size. The method of claim 2 , comprising at least one of:

7. 10. The method of claim 1, comprising transmitting, by the wireless communication device to the wireless communication node after receiving a configuration of a segment of the UL transmission or before receiving the configuration of the segment.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the configuration of the segments is determined at least in part according to the aiding information.

9. determining, by the wireless communication device, the TDW size for the bundling of DMRSs, said support information; a nominal TDW size configured by said wireless communications node; or the length of the compensation or pre-compensation segment configured by said wireless communication node; determining in accordance with at least one of The method of claim 1 , comprising:

10. 10. The method of claim 1, comprising receiving, by the wireless communication device, from the wireless communication node, a configuration of a segment of the UL transmission.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, comprising performing, by the wireless communication device, compensation or pre-compensation for the uplink transmission for each of the segments.

12. from the wireless communication node by the wireless communication device; confirmation to use at least a portion of the assistance information from the wireless communication device in connection with the UL transmission; a confirmation to use the TDW size indicated in the assistance information in connection with the UL transmission; or an indication of the TDW size, different from or the same as the TDW size indicated in the assistance information, for use in connection with the UL transmission; receiving at least one of The method of claim 1 , comprising:

13. 13. The method of claim 1, comprising transmitting, by the wireless communication device to the wireless communication node, the UL transmission in accordance with the TDW size.

14. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein if the TDW size indicated by a wireless communication device is greater than a length of a segment configured by the wireless communication node, the wireless communication device ensures consistency between adjacent segments of the UL transmission that are within a corresponding TDW.

15. 1. A method comprising: receiving, by a wireless communications node, from a wireless communications device, assistance information of the wireless communications device indicating a time domain window (TDW) size of the wireless communications device for bundling of demodulation reference signals (DMRS); receiving, by the wireless communication node, from the wireless communication device, an uplink (UL) transmission in accordance with the bundling of DMRS; A method comprising:

16. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. 16. An apparatus comprising at least one processor configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 15.

18. 1. A method comprising: comparing, by the wireless communication device, the metric to one or more thresholds; determining, by the wireless communications device according to said comparing, to a wireless communications node whether and / or what repetition of transmissions on a physical uplink control channel is desired; determining by the wireless communications device according to said comparing whether repetition is desired for said transmission and / or whether to indicate to the wireless communications node what repetition is desired; or transmitting, by the wireless communication device to the wireless communication node, an indication of whether and / or what repetitions are desired for the transmission. with at least one of A method comprising:

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