Methods, apparatus, and systems for enabling tone reservation in wireless systems

Abstract

The present invention provides methods, apparatus, and systems for performing relay modifications. [Solution] In one embodiment, a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) can transmit information to request a peak reduction tone (PRT) setting to reduce the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). In one embodiment, the WTRU can receive an indication of the frequency resources used to transmit the PRT signal based on the PRT setting. In one embodiment, the WTRU can transmit the PRT signal on frequency resources in addition to uplink (UL) transmission, and the frequency resources for the PRT signal may be allocated based on the set of frequency resources allocated to UL transmission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 091,344, filed October 14, 2020, and (ii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 228,724, filed August 3, 2021, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] The present disclosure relates to network communication, including but not limited to methods, apparatuses, systems, etc. that enable tone reservation (TR) in a wireless system.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Methods, apparatuses, systems, etc. related to enabling tone reservation (TR) in a wireless system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) can transmit information for requesting a peak reduction tone (PRT) setting to reduce the peak - to - average power ratio (PAPR). In the following description, the term peak reduction tone (PRT) can be used to refer to any tone reservation (TR) technique that can enable PAPR reduction by reserving the transmission of signals other than frequency resources or data signals. In one embodiment, the WTRU can receive an indication of the frequency resources that are to be used to transmit a PRT signal based on the PRT setting. In one embodiment, in addition to uplink (UL) transmission, the WTRU can transmit a PRT signal in the frequency resources, and the frequency resources for the PRT signal can be allocated based on a set of frequency resources allocated for UL transmission.

[0004] In one embodiment, a WTRU can receive TR setting information indicating a set of TR settings. For example, a WTRU can determine the power headroom (PH) for a first uplink grant. For example, a WTRU can select a first TR setting from the indicated set of TR settings based on either the first uplink grant or the determined PH. For example, a WTRU can transmit first information indicating the selected first TR setting. For example, a WTRU can receive second information indicating a second TR setting from the indicated set of TR settings. For example, a WTRU can receive a second uplink grant and perform a transmission including (1) a data transmission by the second uplink grant at a first power level, and (2) a TR transmission, the TR transmission being transmitted within a frequency resource determined according to the second TR setting, and the TR transmission being transmitted at a second power level determined based on the first power level and the power offset associated with the second TR setting.

[0005] This specification describes and / or claims various embodiments of apparatus, systems, devices, etc., and / or any elements thereof, configured to perform operations, processes, algorithms, functions, etc., and / or any part thereof. However, it should be understood that any embodiment described and / or claimed herein assumes that any apparatus, system, device, etc., and / or any elements thereof perform any operation, process, algorithm, function, etc., and / or any part thereof (and vice versa). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] A more detailed understanding can be obtained from the following detailed description, which is given in conjunction with the attached drawings as examples. The figures in such drawings, as well as the detailed description, are examples. Therefore, the figures and detailed description should not be considered limiting, and other similarly effective examples are possible and likely. Also, similar reference numbers in the figures indicate similar elements. [Figure 1A] This is a system diagram showing an exemplary communication system in which one or more disclosed embodiments may be implemented. [Figure 1B] This is a system diagram showing an exemplary wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) that may be used in the communication system shown in Figure 1A, according to one embodiment. [Figure 1C] This is a system diagram showing an exemplary radio access network (RAN) and an exemplary core network (CN) that may be used in the communication system shown in Figure 1A according to one embodiment. [Figure 1D] This is a system diagram showing further exemplary RANs and CNs that may be used in the communication system shown in Figure 1A according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a peak tone reduction technique. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a method for enabling tone reservation. [Figure 4] This figure shows another example of how tone reservation can be enabled. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of using modulated data symbols to generate PRT symbols. [Figure 6] This figure shows another example of how tone reservation can be enabled. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Herein, a detailed description of illustrative embodiments is provided with reference to various figures. This description provides detailed examples of possible implementations, but it should be noted that the details are intended to be illustrative and not to limit the scope of this application. The following detailed description includes numerous specific details to provide a complete understanding of the embodiments and / or examples disclosed herein. However, it will be understood that such embodiments and examples may be practiced without some or all of the specific details described herein. In other examples, well-known methods, procedures, components and circuits are not described in detail so as not to obscure the following description. Furthermore, embodiments and examples not specifically described herein may be practiced in place of, or in combination with, embodiments and other examples explicitly, implicitly, and / or essentially (collectively "provided") herein, disclosed or otherwise provided.

[0008] Exemplary communication network Figure 1A shows an exemplary 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, message transmission, and broadcast to multiple wireless users. The communication system 100 may enable multiple wireless users to access such content through the 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), zero-tail unique-word DFT-Spread OFDM (ZT UW DTS-s OFDM), unique-word OFDM (UW-OFDM), resource block filtering OFDM, and filter bank multicarrier (FBMC).

[0009] As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 may include radio transmit / receive units (WTRUs) 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, RAN 104 / 113, CN 106 / 115, public switched telephone network (PSTN) 108, the Internet 110, and other networks 112, but it will be understood that the disclosed embodiments intend 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 radio environment. For example, WTRU102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, any of which may be referred to as “station” and / or “STA”, may be configured to transmit and / or receive radio signals and may include user equipment (UE), mobile stations, fixed or mobile subscriber units, subscription-based units, pagers, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), smartphones, laptops, netbooks, personal computers, radio sensors, hotspots or Mi-Fi devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearables, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other radio devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain situations), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial radio networks, etc. WTRU102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d can all be referred to as UE for compatibility purposes.

[0010] The communication system 100 may also include base stations 114a and / or base stations 114b. Each of the base stations 114a and 114b may be any type of device configured to wirelessly interface with at least one of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d to facilitate access to one or more communication networks, such as CN 106 / 115, the Internet 110, and / or other networks 112. For example, base stations 114a and 114b may be a base transceiver station (BTS), node B, eNodeB, home node B, home eNodeB, gNB, NR nodeB, site controller, access point (AP), wireless router, etc. Although base stations 114a and 114b are shown as single elements, it will be understood that base stations 114a and 114b may include any number of interconnected base stations and / or network elements.

[0011] Base station 114a may be part of RAN 104 / 113, 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), and relay nodes. Base station 114a and / or base station 114b may be configured to transmit and / or receive radio signals on one or more carrier frequencies, which may be referred to as cells (not shown). These frequencies may be licensed spectra, unlicensed spectra, or a combination of licensed and unlicensed spectra. Cells may provide coverage of radio services to a particular geographic area that may be relatively fixed or change over time. Cells may be further divided into cell sectors. For example, a cell associated with base station 114a may be divided into three sectors. Thus, in one embodiment, base station 114a may include three transceivers, i.e., one transceiver per sector of the cell. In one embodiment, the base station 114a may use multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) technology and may utilize multiple transceivers for each sector of the cell. For example, beamforming may be used to transmit and / or receive signals in a desired spatial direction.

[0012] Base stations 114a and 114b may communicate with one or more WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d via an air interface 116, which may be any suitable radio communication link (e.g., radio frequency (RF), microwave, centimeter wave, micrometer wave, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), visible light, etc.). The air interface 116 may be established using any suitable radio access technology (RAT).

[0013] More specifically, as described above, the communication system 100 may be a multiple access system and may use one or more channel access schemes, such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA, etc. For example, base stations 114a and WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c in RAN 104 / 113 may implement radio technologies such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), which may establish air interfaces 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 ​​UL Packet Access (HSUPA).

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

[0015] In one embodiment, base stations 114a and WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c can implement radio technologies such as NR radio access, which can establish an air interface 116 using New Radio (NR).

[0016] In one embodiment, base station 114a and WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c may implement multiple radio access technologies. For example, base station 114a and WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c may implement LTE radio access and NR radio access together, for example, using the dual connectivity (DC) principle. Thus, the air interface utilized by WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c may be characterized by multiple types of radio access technologies and / or transmissions transmitted to and from multiple types of base stations (e.g., eNB and gNB).

[0017] In other embodiments, base stations 114a and WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c may implement wireless technologies such as IEEE 802.11 (i.e., Wireless Fidelity, WiFi), IEEE 802.16 (i.e., Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, WiMAX), CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1X, CDMA2000 EV-DO, Provisional Standard 2000 (IS-2000), Provisional Standard 95 (IS-95), Provisional Standard 856 (IS-856), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), and GSM EDGE (GERAN).

[0018] The base station 114b in FIG. 1A can be, for example, a wireless router, a home node B, a home e-node B, or an access point, and can utilize any suitable RAT to facilitate wireless connections in a local area such as an office, a home, a vehicle, a campus, an industrial facility, an aerial corridor (for use by drones, for example), a road, or other locations. In one embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d can implement a wireless technology such as IEEE 802.11 to establish a wireless local area network (WLAN). In one embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d can implement a wireless 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 can utilize a cellular-based RAT (such as WCDMA, CDMA2000, GSM, LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR, etc.) to establish a pico cell or a femto cell. As shown in FIG. 1A, the base station 114b can have a direct connection to the Internet 110. Thus, the base station 114b may not need to access the Internet 110 via the CN 106 / 115.

[0019] RAN104 / 113 can communicate with CN106 / 115, which may be any type of network configured to provide voice, data, applications, and / or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services to one or more of WTRU102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d. The data may have various quality of service (QoS) requirements, such as different throughput requirements, latency requirements, error tolerance requirements, reliability requirements, data throughput requirements, and mobility requirements. CN106 / 115 may provide call control, billing services, mobile location-based services, prepaid calls, internet connectivity, video distribution, etc., and / or perform high-level security functions such as user authentication. Although not shown in Figure 1A, it will be understood that RAN104 / 113 and / or CN106 / 115 may communicate directly or indirectly with other RANs employing the same or different RATs as RAN104 / 113. For example, in addition to being connected to RAN104 / 113 which may utilize NR radio technology, CN106 / 115 may also communicate with another RAN (not shown) employing GSM, UMTS, CDMA2000, WiMAX, E-UTRA, or WiFi radio technology.

[0020] CN106 / 115 may also serve as a gateway for WTRU102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to access the PSTN108, the Internet 110, and / or other networks 112. The PSTN108 may include a public switched telephone network that provides plain old telephone service (POTS). The Internet 110 may include a global system of interconnected computer networks and devices, and these networks and devices use common communication protocols such as the transmission control protocol (TCP), the user datagram protocol (UDP), and / or the Internet protocol (IP) of the TCP / IP Internet protocol suite. The network 112 may include wired and / or wireless communication networks owned and / or operated by other service providers. For example, the network 112 may include another CN connected to one or more RANs that may employ the same or a different RAT as the RAN104 / 113.

[0021] Some or all of the WTRU102a, 102b, 102c, 102d in the communication system 100 may include multimode capabilities (e.g., the WTRU102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may include multiple transceivers for communicating with different wireless networks via different wireless links). For example, the WTRU102c shown in Figure 1A may be configured to communicate with a base station 114a that may use cellular-based wireless technology and a base station 114b that may use IEEE802 wireless technology.

[0022] Figure 1B is a system diagram showing an exemplary WTRU102. As shown in Figure 1B, the WTRU102 may include, among other things, 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 supply 134, a global positioning system (GPS) chipset 136, and / or other peripherals 138. It will be understood that the WTRU102 may include any partial combination of the aforementioned elements while maintaining consistency with one embodiment.

[0023] The processor 118 may be a general-purpose processor, a dedicated 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 a transceiver 120 which may be coupled to a transmit / receive element 122. Figure 1B shows the processor 118 and transceiver 120 as separate components, but it will be understood that the processor 118 and transceiver 120 may be integrated together in an electronic package or chip.

[0024] The transmit / receive element 122 may be configured to transmit signals to or receive signals from a base station (e.g., base station 114a) via the air interface 116. For example, in one embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 may be an antenna configured to transmit and / or receive RF signals. In one 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 / or receive both RF signals and optical signals. It will be understood that the transmit / receive element 122 may be configured to transmit and / or receive any combination of radio signals.

[0025] Although the transmit / receive element 122 is shown as a single element in Figure 1B, the WTRU 102 may include any number of transmit / receive elements 122. More specifically, the WTRU 102 may utilize 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 radio signals via the air interface 116.

[0026] The transceiver 120 may be configured to modulate the signal transmitted by the transmit / receive element 122 and demodulate the signal received by the transmit / receive element 122. As described above, the WTRU 102 may have multimode capability. Therefore, the transceiver 120 may include multiple transceivers to enable the WTRU 102 to communicate via multiple RATs, such as NR and IEEE 802.11.

[0027] The processor 118 of the WTRU102 may be coupled to 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) and may receive user input from these. The processor 118 may also output user data to the speaker / microphone 124, the keypad 126, and / or the display / touchpad 128. In addition, the processor 118 may access information from any type of suitable memory, such as non-removable memory 130 and / or removable memory 132, and store data in such memory. The non-removable memory 130 may include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (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, and the like. In other embodiments, the processor 118 may access information from memory not physically located on the WTRU 102, such as on a server or home computer (not shown), and store data in such memory.

[0028] The processor 118 may receive power from the power supply 134 and be configured to distribute and / or control power to other components within the WTRU 102. The power supply 134 may be any suitable device for supplying power to the WTRU 102. For example, the power supply 134 may include one or more dry cell batteries (e.g., nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-zinc (NiZn), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), etc.), a solar cell, a fuel cell, etc.

[0029] 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) about the current location of the WTRU 102. In addition to or instead of the information from the GPS chipset 136, the WTRU 102 may receive location information from base stations (e.g., base stations 114a, 114b) via the air interface 116 and / or determine its location based on the timing of signals received from two or more nearby base stations. It will be understood that the WTRU 102 may acquire location information by any preferred location determination method while maintaining consistency with one embodiment.

[0030] The processor 118 may be further coupled to other peripherals 138, which may include one or more software and / or hardware modules that provide additional features, functions, and / or wired or wireless connectivity. For example, peripherals 138 may include an accelerometer, an electronic compass, a satellite transceiver, a digital camera (for photos and / or videos), a universal serial bus (USB) port, a vibration device, a television transceiver, a hands-free headset, a Bluetooth® module, a frequency modulated (FM) radio unit, a digital music player, a media player, a video game player module, an internet browser, a virtual reality and / or augmented reality (VR / AR) device, an activity tracker, and the like. The peripheral device 138 may include one or more sensors, which may be one or more of the following: gyroscope, accelerometer, Hall effect sensor, magnetometer, compass sensor, proximity sensor, temperature sensor, time sensor, geolocation sensor, altimeter, light sensor, touch sensor, magnetometer, barometer, gesture sensor, biometric sensor, and / or humidity sensor.

[0031] WTRU102 may include a full-duplex radio in which the transmission and reception of some or all of the signals (e.g., associated with specific subframes for both UL (e.g., transmission) and downlink (e.g., reception)) may be in parallel and / or simultaneous. The full-duplex radio may include an interference management unit 139 for reducing and / or substantially eliminating self-interference via either hardware (e.g., chokes) or signal processing via a processor (e.g., via a separate processor (not shown) or processor 118). In one embodiment, WTRU102 may include a half-duplex radio for the transmission and reception of any of the signals (e.g., associated with specific subframes for either UL (e.g., transmission) or downlink (e.g., reception)).

[0032] Figure 1C is a system diagram illustrating RAN104 and CN106 according to one embodiment. As described above, RAN104 can communicate with WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c via the air interface 116 using E-UTRA wireless technology. RAN104 can also communicate with CN106.

[0033] RAN104 may include e-nodes B160a, 160b, and 160c, but it will be understood that RAN104 may include any number of e-nodes B while maintaining consistency with one embodiment. Each of e-nodes B160a, 160b, and 160c may include one or more transceivers for communicating with WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c via the air interface 116. In one embodiment, e-nodes B160a, 160b, and 160c may implement MIMO technology. Thus, e-node B160a may, for example, use multiple antennas to transmit radio signals to and / or receive radio signals from WTRU102a.

[0034] Each of the e-nodes B160a, 160b, and 160c may be associated with a specific cell (not shown) and may be configured to handle wireless resource management decisions, handover decisions, user scheduling, etc., in UL and / or DL. As shown in Figure 1C, the e-nodes B160a, 160b, and 160c may communicate with each other via the X2 interface.

[0035] The CN106 shown in Figure 1C may include a mobility management entity (MME) 162, a serving gateway (SGW) 164, and a packet data network (PDN) gateway (or PGW) 166. Although each of the aforementioned elements is illustrated as part of CN106, it will be understood that any of these elements may be owned and / or operated by an entity other than the CN operator.

[0036] The MME162 can be connected to each of the eNode-B160a, 160b, and 160c within RAN104 via the S1 interface and can function as a control node. For example, the MME162 may perform roles such as authenticating users of WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c, activating / deactivating bearers, and selecting gateways for specific services during the initial attachment of WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c. The MME162 may provide control plane functionality for switching between RAN104 and other RANs (not shown) employing other radio technologies such as GSM and / or WCDMA.

[0037] The SGW164 can be connected to each of the e-nodes-B160a, 160b, and 160c in RAN104 via the S1 interface. The SGW164 can generally route and forward user data packets to and from WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c. The SGW164 can perform other functions, such as anchoring the user plane during e-node-B handovers, triggering paging when DL data is available to WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c, and managing and remembering the context of WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c.

[0038] SGW164 may be connected to PGW166, which may provide WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c with access to a packet-switched network such as the Internet 110 to facilitate communication between WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c and IP-enabled devices.

[0039] CN106 can facilitate communication with other networks. For example, CN106 can provide WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c with access to a circuit-switched network such as PSTN108 to facilitate communication between WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c and conventional terrestrial line communication devices. For example, CN106 may include, or communicate with, an IP gateway (e.g., an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) server) that acts as an interface between CN106 and PSTN108. In addition, CN106 may provide WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c with access to another network 112, which may include other wired and / or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers.

[0040] Although the WTRU is shown as a wireless terminal in Figures 1A to 1D, in certain representative embodiments, such a terminal is intended to be able to use a wired communication interface (e.g., temporary or permanent) with a communication network.

[0041] In a typical embodiment, the other network 112 may be a WLAN.

[0042] A WLAN in Basic Service Set (BSS) mode may have access points (APs) of the BSS and one or more stations (STAs) associated with the APs. APs may have access to or interfaces with another type of wired / wireless network that carries traffic entering and / or leaving the Distribution System (DS) or BSS. Traffic originating outside the BSS and destined for the STAs may reach and be delivered to the STAs via the APs. Traffic originating from the STAs and destined for destinations outside the BSS may be sent to the APs and then delivered to their respective destinations. Traffic between STAs within the BSS may be transmitted, for example, via APs; a source STA may send traffic to the AP, and the AP may deliver the traffic to the destination STA. Traffic between STAs within the BSS may be considered and / or referred to as peer-to-peer traffic. Peer-to-peer traffic may be transmitted between a source STA and a destination STA (for example, directly between them) via a direct link setup (DLS). In certain representative embodiments, the DLS may use 802.11e DLS or 802.11z tunneled DLS (TDLS). A WLAN using Independent BSS (IBSS) mode may not have APs, and STAs within or using IBSS (e.g., all STAs) may communicate directly with each other. The IBSS mode of communication may be referred to herein as “ad hoc” communication mode.

[0043] When using the 802.11ac infrastructure operating mode or a similar operating mode, an AP may transmit beacons on a fixed channel, such as the primary channel. The primary channel may be of a fixed width (e.g., a 20 MHz bandwidth) or a width dynamically set via signaling. The primary channel may be the operating channel of the BSS and may be used by the STA to establish a connection with the AP. In certain typical embodiments, Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA / CA) may be implemented, for example, in an 802.11 system. In the case of CSMA / CA, the STA, including the AP (e.g., all STAs), may sense the primary channel. If the primary channel is sensed / detected and / or determined to be busy by a particular STA, that STA may be backed off. A single STA (e.g., only one station) may transmit at any given time in a given BSS.

[0044] High-throughput (HT) STAs may use a 40 MHz wide channel for communication, which may be formed, for example, through a combination of a primary 20 MHz channel and adjacent or non-adjacent 20 MHz channels.

[0045] A very high throughput (VHT) STA may support channels with widths of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, and / or 160 MHz. The 40 MHz and / or 80 MHz channels mentioned above may be formed by combining consecutive 20 MHz channels. A 160 MHz channel may be formed by combining eight consecutive 20 MHz channels, or by combining two non-contiguous 80 MHz channels, which may be referred to as an 80+80 configuration. In the 80+80 configuration, after channel coding, the data may pass through a segment parser that can split the data into two streams. Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) and time-domain processing may be performed separately for each stream. The streams may be mapped to two 80 MHz channels, and the data may be transmitted by a transmitting STA. At the receiver of a receiving STA, the operation described above for the 80+80 configuration may be reversed, and the combined data may be transmitted to Medium Access Control (MAC).

[0046] Sub-1GHz operating modes are supported by 802.11af and 802.11ah. Channel operating bandwidth and carrier are reduced in 802.11af and 802.11ah compared to those used in 802.11n and 802.11ac. 802.11af supports 5MHz, 10MHz, and 20MHz bandwidths in the TV White Space (TVWS) spectrum, while 802.11ah supports 1MHz, 2MHz, 4MHz, 8MHz, and 16MHz bandwidths using the non-TVWS spectrum. According to a typical embodiment, 802.11ah may support meter-type control / machine-type communications, such as MTC devices in a macro coverage area. MTC devices may have certain capabilities, including support for specific and / or limited bandwidths (e.g., support only for that). MTC devices may include batteries with battery life exceeding a threshold (e.g., to maintain very long battery life).

[0047] A WLAN system capable of supporting multiple channels and channel bandwidths such as 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11af, and 802.11ah includes a channel that can be designated as the primary channel. The primary channel may have a bandwidth equal to the maximum common operating bandwidth supported by all STAs in the BSS. The bandwidth of the primary channel may be set and / or limited by an STA from among all STAs operating in a BSS that supports the minimum bandwidth operating mode. In the 802.11ah example, the primary channel may be 1 MHz wide for an STA (e.g., an MTC type device) that supports (e.g., only) the 1 MHz mode, even if other STAs in the AP and BSS support 2 MHz, 4 MHz, 8 MHz, 16 MHz, and / or other channel bandwidth operating modes. Carrier sensing and / or Network Allocation Vector (NAV) settings may depend on the state of the primary channel. For example, if the primary channel is busy due to an STA (supporting only the 1 MHz operating mode) transmitting to the AP, the entire available frequency band may be considered busy, even if a large portion of the frequency band remains idle and could be available.

[0048] In the United States, the available frequency band that can be used by 802.11ah is 902MHz to 928MHz. In South Korea, the available frequency band is 917.5MHz to 923.5MHz. In Japan, the available frequency band is 916.5MHz to 927.5MHz. The total bandwidth available for 802.11ah is 6MHz to 26MHz, depending on the country code.

[0049] Figure 1D is a system diagram illustrating RAN113 and CN115 according to one embodiment. As described above, RAN113 can communicate with WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c via the air interface 116 using NR radio technology. RAN113 can also communicate with CN115.

[0050] RAN113 may include gNB180a, 180b, and 180c, but it will be understood that RAN113 may include any number of gNBs while maintaining consistency with one embodiment. Each of gNB180a, 180b, and 180c may include one or more transceivers for communicating with WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c via the air interface 116. In one embodiment, gNB180a, 180b, and 180c may implement MIMO technology. For example, gNB180a and 180b may utilize beamforming to transmit signals to and / or receive signals from WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c. Therefore, gNB180a can, for example, use multiple antennas to transmit a radio signal to WTRU102a and / or receive a radio signal from WTRU102a. In one embodiment, gNB180a, 180b, and 180c can implement carrier aggregation technology. For example, gNB180a can transmit multiple component carriers to WTRU102a (not shown). A subset of these component carriers may be on the unlicensed spectrum, and the remaining component carriers may be on the licensed spectrum. In one embodiment, gNB180a, 180b, and 180c may implement Coordinated Multi-Point (CoMP) technology. For example, WTRU102a may receive coordinated transmissions from gNB180a and gNB180b (and / or gNB180c).

[0051] WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c may communicate with gNB180a, 180b, and 180c using transmissions associated with an expandable numerology. For example, OFDM symbol intervals and / or OFDM subcarrier intervals may vary for different transmissions, different cells, and / or different portions of the radio transmission spectrum. WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c may communicate with gNB180a, 180b, and 180c using subframes or transmission time intervals (TTIs) of varying or expandable lengths (e.g., varying numbers of OFDM symbols and / or varying durations of absolute time).

[0052] gNB180a, 180b, and 180c can be configured to communicate with WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c in standalone and / or non-standalone configurations. In a standalone configuration, WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c can communicate with gNB180a, 180b, and 180c without accessing other RANs (e.g., e-nodes B160a, 160b, and 160c). In a standalone configuration, WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c can utilize one or more of gNB180a, 180b, and 180c as mobility anchor points. In a standalone configuration, WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c can communicate with gNB180a, 180b, and 180c using signals in unlicensed bands. In a non-standalone configuration, WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c can communicate with and connect to gNB180a, 180b, and 180c, while also communicating with and connecting to other RANs such as enodes B160a, 160b, and 160c. For example, WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c can implement DC principles for substantially simultaneous communication with one or more gNB180a, 180b, and 180c and one or more enodes B160a, 160b, and 160c. In a non-standalone configuration, e-nodes B160a, 160b, and 160c can function as mobility anchors for WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c, while gNB180a, 180b, and 180c can provide additional coverage and / or throughput to service WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c.

[0053] Each of the gNB180a, 180b, and 180c may be associated with a specific cell (not shown) and may be configured to handle wireless resource management decisions, handover decisions, user scheduling in UL and / or DL, support for network slicing, dual connectivity, interworking between NR and E-UTRA, routing of user plane data to User Plane Functions (UPFs) 184a and 184b, routing of control plane information to Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMFs) 182a and 182b, and so on. As shown in Figure 1D, the gNB180a, 180b, and 180c may communicate with each other via the Xn interface.

[0054] The CN115 shown in Figure 1D may include at least one AMF182a, 182b, at least one UPF184a, 184b, at least one Session Management Function (SMF)183a, 183b, and optionally a Data Network (DN)185a, 185b. Although each of the aforementioned elements is illustrated as part of the CN115, it will be understood that any of these elements may be owned and / or operated by an entity other than the CN operator.

[0055] AMF182a and 182b can be connected to one or more gNB180a, 180b, and 180c in RAN113 via the N2 interface and can function as control nodes. For example, AMF182a and 182b can perform roles such as user authentication for WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c, support network slicing (e.g., handling different PDU sessions with different requirements), selection of specific SMF183a and 183b, management of registration areas, termination of NAS signaling, and mobility management. Network slicing can be used by AMF182a and 182b to customize CN support for WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c based on the type of service utilizing WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c. For example, different network slices may be established for different use cases, such as services relying on ultra-reliable low latency (URLLC) access, services relying on enhanced massive mobile broadband (eMBB) access, services for machine type communication (MTC) access, and / or similar. AMF182 may provide control plane functionality for switching between RAN113 and other RANs (not shown) employing other radio technologies such as LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, and / or non-3GPP access technologies such as WiFi.

[0056] SMF183a and 183b can be connected to AMF182a and 182b in CN115 via the N11 interface. SMF183a and 183b can also be connected to UPF184a and 184b in CN115 via the N4 interface. SMF183a and 183b can select and control UPF184a and 184b and configure the routing of traffic through UPF184a and 184b. SMF183a and 183b can perform other functions such as managing and assigning UE IP addresses, managing PDU sessions, controlling policy enforcement and QoS, and providing downlink data notifications. PDU session types can be IP-based, non-IP-based, Ethernet-based, etc.

[0057] UPF184a and 184b may be connected via the N3 interface to one or more gNB180a, 180b, and 180c in RAN113, thereby providing WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c with access to a packet-switched network such as the Internet 110 to facilitate communication between WTRU102a, 102b, and 102c and IP-enabled devices. UPF184a and 184b may perform other functions such as routing and forwarding packets, enforcing user plane policies, supporting multi-homed PDU sessions, handling user plane QoS, buffering downlink packets, and providing mobility anchoring.

[0058] CN115 can facilitate communication with other networks. For example, CN115 may include, or communicate with, an IP gateway (e.g., an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) server) that functions as an interface between CN115 and PSTN108. In addition, CN115 may provide WTRU102a, 102b, 102c with access to other networks 112, which may include other wired and / or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers. In one embodiment, WTRU102a, 102b, 102c may be connected to local data networks (DNs) 185a, 185b via UPF184a, 184b through an N3 interface to UPF184a, 184b, and an N6 interface between UPF184a, 184b and DN185a, 185b.

[0059] In view of Figures 1A to 1D and their corresponding descriptions, one or more of the functions described herein may be performed by one or more emulation devices (not shown) with respect to one or more of the WTRU102a to d, base stations 114a to b, eNode-B160a to c, MME162, SGW164, PGW166, gNB180a to c, AMF182a to ab, UPF 184a to b, SMF 183a to b, DN185a to b, and / or any other devices described herein. An emulation device may be one or more devices configured to emulate one or more of the functions described herein. For example, an emulation device may be used to test other devices and / or simulate network and / or WTRU functions.

[0060] Emulation devices may be designed to implement one or more tests of other devices in a laboratory and / or operator network environment. For example, one or more emulation devices may perform one or more or all functions while fully or partially implemented and / or deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless network to test other devices in a communications network. One or more emulation devices may perform one or more or all functions while temporarily implemented or deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless network. Emulation devices may be directly coupled to another device for testing purposes and / or may perform tests using terrestrial radio communication.

[0061] One or more emulation devices may perform one or more functions, including all of the above, while not implemented or deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network. For example, an emulation device may be used in a test laboratory test scenario, and / or in a wired and / or wireless communication network that is not deployed (e.g., for testing purposes), to implement testing of one or more components. One or more emulation devices may be test equipment. Direct RF coupling and / or wireless communication via RF circuitry (e.g., which may include one or more antennas) may be used by the emulation device to transmit and / or receive data.

[0062] According to embodiments, a WTRU can reduce its transmit power to reach an RF expected value, such as adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR), in-band emission (IBE), and error vector magnitude (EVM). RF imperfections (e.g., leakage) can be reduced based on either (e.g., advanced) waveform and baseband techniques that allow the WTRU to increase its transmit power (and, for example, increase coverage). Tone reservation (TR) can be considered a technique for reaching an RF expected value without reducing transmit power. Tone reservation is sometimes referred to herein as tone reduction (collectively, TR). For example, TR may include reserving (e.g., a set of subcarriers) that are separate (e.g., may be different) from the subcarriers used for data transmission. The reserved subcarriers can be used to transmit signals (e.g., TR transmissions) that can reduce the peaks of the data signal. For example, a larger number of reserved subcarriers can result in a lower peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). Reserving subcarriers separate from those used for data transmission to reduce the peak of a data signal is sometimes collectively referred to as a PRT (Peak Reservation Tone) or either a peak reduction tone (TR) as described herein. Therefore, the terms PRT and TR may be used interchangeably herein.

[0063] According to the embodiments, reserving (for example, always) a set of subcarriers may reduce spectral efficiency. According to the embodiments, a WTRU may increase its transmit power (for example, can increase) without reserving (for example, a large number of) subcarriers or without using TR at all. Embodiments described herein may enable a WTRU to determine, for example, when TR can be performed (for example, activated). Embodiments described herein may enable a WTRU to request TR from a base station in service (e.g., gNB) along with parameters corresponding to the state (e.g., status) of the WTRU. Embodiments described herein are not limited to gNBs and may be applicable to base stations in service of any kind.

[0064] An example of showing PRT settings from gNB using WTRU. According to the embodiment, the PRT setting may be indicated by the gNB using a WTRU. For example, the WTRU may report to the gNB the (e.g., desired) PRT setting for either physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission or physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmission. According to the embodiment, the WTRU may select the PRT setting based on any of the following: - Number of target modulations and resource blocks (RBs) (e.g., resource allocation); in the first example, the WTRU can report (e.g., send) a list of configurations corresponding to different allocations of modulation and coding schemes (MCS) and RBs (e.g., a group of MCS values ​​may correspond to a PRT configuration). In the second example, the WTRU can determine (e.g., predict) UL grant allocations and report the corresponding PRT configurations (e.g., as one configuration or a subset of configurations). - Power headroom report (PHR); The PHR may indicate the amount of transmit power that could be made available for use by the WTRU in addition to the power currently being used by the transmit (e.g., the current transmit) (e.g., it may include the PH value that can be shown). -WTRU capability, e.g., WTRU processing capacity, power class; -Set maximum WTRU output power (PCmax); - Measurement of a reference signal (RS); in the case of interaction (e.g., UL and DL using similar frequency bands), DL RS may be used; - Intended transmission type (e.g., physical random-access channel (PRACH), Msg2); - Operating bandwidth.

[0065] According to the embodiment, in either requesting or reporting PRT settings(s), the WTRU may use any of the following in conjunction with PHR and radio resource control (RRC) signaling (e.g., messages) (e.g., included in the PHR): a MAC control element (CE), or uplink control information (UCI).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the WTRU can receive PRT settings based on (or using) any of the following: RRC settings, downlink control information (DCI), or MAC CE. For example, the grant processing time may depend on the received PRT settings.

[0067] According to the embodiment, the PRT setting may include any of several subcarriers (e.g., RBs) reserved for the PRT, the location of the reserved subcarriers (e.g., RBs) among the bandwidth portion and the carrier component (CC), and a power offset between the power used in the data RBs and the power used in the subcarriers (e.g., RBs) for the PRT.

[0068] In one embodiment, the WTRU may, for example, report its PRT setting (e.g., a desired PRT setting) after performing an initial transmission and determining that more power may be required (or may be triggered to report it). In another example, the WTRU may, for example, report its PRT setting (e.g., a desired PRT setting) based on network congestion (e.g., based on several measurements) (or may be triggered to report it). In yet another example, the WTRU may, for example, report its PRT setting (e.g., a desired PRT setting) based on receiving group common signaling (or may be triggered to report it).

[0069] Examples of WTRU autonomous selection and enabling / disabling functions in PRT settings According to the embodiment, the WTRU may have at least two grants (e.g., one with PRT enabled and the other without PRT). For example, the WTRU may select one of them and indicate that selection (either implicitly or explicitly) to the gNB.

[0070] According to the embodiment, PRT frequency resources (e.g., tones) may be within the resources allocated to the UL grant. For example, a set of RBs may be set (e.g., allocated) to a WTRU, which may select the number of PRTs to be applied and indicate (e.g., transmit) the PRT parameters to be used for UL transmission to a gNB.

[0071] term Throughout the embodiments described herein, the properties of scheduling information (e.g., uplink grants or downlink assignments) may include any of the following: - Frequency allocation, - The manner of time allocation, such as the duration. -priority, - Modulation and coding schemes, - Transport block size, - Number of spatial layers, - Number of transport blocks to be transported, - Transmission configuration indication (TCI) status or sounding reference signal (SRS) resource indicator (SRI) -Number of retries, - Can the grant be a configured grant type 1, a configured grant type 2, or a dynamic grant? - Can the retransmission method be type A or type B? - Whether the grant can be a configured grant type 1, a configured grant type 2, or a dynamic grant; - A configured grant index or semi-persistent allocation index, - Periodicity of set grants or allocations, - Channel access priority class (CAPC), - Any parameters provided in DCI by MAC or RRC for grant scheduling or allocation.

[0072] Examples of peak tone reduction According to the embodiment, the WTRU can reduce its transmit power to reach an RF expected value such as ACLR, IBE, and EVM. Power reduction can result in reduced coverage for the UL channel. Coverage can be increased, for example, by reducing RF imperfections (e.g., leakage) so that the WTRU can transmit at higher power (e.g., is enabled). In another example, using (e.g., advanced) waveforms and one of several baseband techniques, the WTRU can reduce leakage on adjacent channels to result in higher transmit power without causing interference in adjacent channels, for example. TR techniques can enable the WTRU to reach (e.g., satisfy) an RF expected value, and thus enable the WTRU to increase its transmit power. TR (e.g., PRT) techniques may include reserving a subcarrier (e.g., a set of subcarriers) that is separate (e.g., may be different) from the subcarriers used for any other (e.g., data) transmissions. The reserved subcarrier can reduce the peak of the data signal, and thus can reduce PAPR, which can be used to transmit the signal. The signal for obtaining (e.g., achieving) a given PAPR value can be based on different techniques. A large number of reserved subcarriers can lead to a decrease in PAPR and cubic metric. For example, the signal may be based on the method "Genetic Algorithm Based Near Optimal Peak Reduction Tone Set Selection for Adaptive Amplitude Clipping PAPR Reduction" disclosed by Y. Wang, W. Chen, and C. Telambura in IEEE Transactions on Broadcasting, vol. 58, no. 3, pp. 462-471, September 2012. In another example, the signal may be based on the method “Subcarrier Power Adjustment Technique for Peak-to-Average Power Ratio Reduction of OFDM Systems” disclosed by Y. Rajbanshi, Rakesh & Wyglinski, AM & Minden, Gary at the IEEE Military Communications Conference in 2006. In yet another example, the signal may be based on the method “Peak to average power ratio reduction for digital video broadcast T2” disclosed by Barsanti, Robert & Larue, James at the Proceedings of IEEE Southeastcon in 2011.

[0073] Figure 2 shows an example of a peak tone reduction technique. Figure 2 shows an example in which six subcarriers may be used at the edge of a set of data RB210. Sets of three subcarriers 221 and 222 may be used (e.g., reserved) on each side of the set of data RB210. The data signal (e.g., corresponding to the set of data RB210) may be transmitted at a power level 21 equal to, for example, P1. Peak tone reduction (e.g., the signal) may be transmitted at a power level 22 equal to, for example, P2 (lower than P1).

[0074] According to embodiments, reserving a set of subcarriers for the PRT (e.g., always systematically) may reduce the spectral efficiency of the system because those PRT resources may not be used for data transmission and may be considered overhead. According to embodiments, the WTRU may increase its transmit power without using any number of reserved subcarrier / resource blocks for the tone reservation function (e.g., it can be increased). According to embodiments, the number of resources (e.g., required) for the PRT may depend on the available power of the WTRU, the target performance (e.g., target block error rate, BLER), and the capabilities of the WTRU. Embodiments described herein can enable the WTRU to determine when to perform tone reservations and how tone reservations may be requested by the gNB. Embodiments described herein can also enable the WTRU to determine the parameters used for its different operating scenarios (e.g., situations).

[0075] WTRU assists gNB in ​​setting up PRT PRT configuration example According to one embodiment, the WTRU may have any number of PRT settings configured (for example, in advance) (for example, it may receive PRT setting information indicating any number of PRT settings). For example, PRT settings may be signaled semi-statically, for example, using either RRC signaling or a System Information Block (SIB). For example, during initial access, a WTRU may be configured using an SIB to use PRT on the PRACH channel. In another example, PRT settings (e.g., information) may be received dynamically, for example. For example, a DCI may indicate a set of PRT settings that can be supported by a gNB during either a certain period or a set of slots. PRT may be shared among different WTRUs or may be exclusive to a single WTRU. For example, a PRT setting signaled using WTRU RRC (e.g., common) signaling can be shared among WTRUs. A PRT setting (e.g., information) may include any number of the following parameters (e.g., information, instructions): - The number of subcarriers and resource blocks (RBs) reserved (e.g., intended for use) for PRT transmission. - A power offset between the power intended to be used for data in the RB and the power intended to be used in either the RB or subcarriers for the PRT. - The power offset may be a function of, for example, the set subcarrier interval, bandwidth, and the PRT resource allocation (e.g., associated with) any of the component carriers and bandwidth portions. - The location of a reserved subcarrier within either the bandwidth portion or the carrier component (e.g., associated with it). For example, the WTRU may be located at the edge of the bandwidth that could be used for data transmission, and either the subcarrier for PRT (e.g., signaling) transmission or the RB may be configured. - A corresponding set of RBs that may be used for data transmission for reserved peak reduction tones(s). - Either a subframe(s) or slot(s) to which the setting can be applied. - Either the periodicity and / or offset in the time domain of the PRT. For example, the offset can be either a time offset or a symbol offset (e.g., an offset relative to a symbol). For example, a WTRU can apply (e.g., configure) the PRT settings with (e.g., a specified, indicated) periodicity. If the UL grant overlaps in the time domain with (e.g., configured) the PRT periodicity, the WTRU can apply the PRT (e.g., transmit information including data transmission and PRT transmission). Otherwise, the WTRU can transmit the UL grant (e.g., data that conforms to it) without making a PRT transmission. - The subcarrier interval that WTRU can be applied to PRT. - Either a bandwidth subindex or a CC index. - For example, an algorithm or method for generating a PRT, which includes algorithm (e.g., method) parameters such as coefficients and matrices. - A block interleaver for generating PRT tones. - For example, the density of PRTs indicating whether PRTs are continuous or discontinuous and how they can spread. For example, some WTRUs may support tones (e.g., PRT transmissions) that may be adjacent to a UL grant, while other WTRUs may, for example, support continuous and discontinuous (e.g., both) as a capability. A WTRU may indicate support for such capability to the network by transmitting capability information indicating, for example, whether PRT transmissions can be continuous or discontinuous relative to data transmissions. - Transmit power control (TPC) step size. - Precoder ratio R (further explanation below in relation to Figure 5).

[0076] According to the embodiment, PRT settings may be identified by identifiers such as indexes. For example, WTRU may be pre-configured with a table containing a list of PRT settings, where settings can be represented, for example, by rows, and different columns can represent different parameters of the PRT settings. For example, a row index in the table can identify a PRT setting (for example, it can be used as an identifier for a PRT setting). Any data structure capable of representing a set of PRT settings, wherein the settings may be identified by identifiers and may have different parameters as described herein, may be applicable to the embodiments described herein.

[0077] Example of a trigger to request PRT settings and / or send support information According to one embodiment, a WTRU may receive instructions from a gNB to request a PRT configuration. According to another embodiment, a WTRU may receive instructions from a gNB to send a report (e.g., assisting) containing information that can assist (e.g., be used by the gNB) in configuring the WTRU with a PRT. For example, the gNB can control when the WTRU may request a PRT and / or when it may provide (e.g., assisting) information. The WTRU may (e.g., be triggered) by either sending assisting information or requesting a PRT configuration (e.g., sending information indicating a selected PRT configuration). - Receiving a DCI (e.g., WTRU-specific). For example, a gNB may send a DCI containing instructions (e.g., a bit field) that can request either support information or a PRT setting request (e.g., its transmission). - Receiving MAC CE. For example, a WTRU may receive a MAC CE that requests (e.g., preferred) PRT configuration. - Power limiting status. For example, after performing a UL transmission, the WTRU may determine that more power may be required to achieve performance targets. For example, the WTRU may determine that it is in a power limiting status (e.g., configuration, operating mode) based on one of the following: ○ Transmitting at (e.g., a set, configurable) time and (e.g., maximum) power. For example, a WTRU can be configured to start a timer after it has been able to transmit at (e.g., maximum) power (e.g., after transmission has started). A WTRU can be configured to reset the timer if it is possible that the WTRU is transmitting at power lower than (e.g., maximum) power. After the timer has finished (e.g., at timer termination), the WTRU can determine if it may be in a power-limited condition (e.g., set, operating mode). ○(e.g., transport, data) blocks may be retransmitted a number of times that exceeds a set, configurable threshold value. For example, a WTRU may be configured to retransmit N times (where N is any integer greater than 1). If a (e.g., transport, data) block is retransmitted N times (e.g., after retransmission), it can be determined that the WTRU may be in a power-limited condition (e.g., set, operating mode). ○ Path loss may exceed a value (e.g., a set, configurable threshold). For example, a WTRU can determine that its path loss may exceed a value (e.g., a set, configurable threshold) based on a measurement of any of the following: the synchronization signal block (SSB), the channel state information reference signal (CSI RS), the positioning reference signal, and any other set reference signal. For example, a WTRU can determine (e.g., set, operating mode) that it may be in a power limiting condition (e.g., set, operating mode) if the received power (e.g., measured) of the reference signal falls below a value (e.g., a set, configurable threshold) over a period of time (e.g., a set, configurable). -PH value. For example, a WTRU may be configured to trigger either a PRT request and / or support information (e.g., transmission thereof) if the PH value is less than or equal to (e.g., a set, configurable) value (e.g., a threshold). For example, a WTRU may be configured to request PRT configuration if the WTRU's power headroom (e.g., a value) is equal to (e.g., close to) 0. - Determine network congestion. The WTRU may be configured to determine whether the network is potentially congested and to enable PRT (e.g., a function) if the network is not congested. For example, a V2X WTRU may determine whether a sidelink is potentially congested (for example, it may be configured to do so) and, if the sidelink is not congested, may send either a PRT request and / or support information to the gNB. - Receiving group common signaling. For example, a WTRU may receive (for example, may be configured to receive) a group common DCI scrambled with a common radio network identifier (RNTI) to trigger the WTRU to transmit either a PRT request or support information. In another example, a WTRU may receive a system information update that can carry a trigger for a PRT request (for example, may be configured to do so).

[0078] Throughout the embodiments described herein, the terms “PRT request,” “PRT configuration request,” “request for PRT configuration,” “report of desired PRT configuration,” “instruction for selected (e.g., requested) PRT configuration,” and “information indicating (e.g., selected) PRT configuration” may be used interchangeably to refer to information that may be transmitted by a WTRU to a base station in service to request a PRT configuration (e.g., operating with a PRT configuration).

[0079] According to the embodiment, the WTRU may transmit (for example, may be configured to transmit) a sounding reference signal (SRS) along with either support information or a PRT setting request. The SRS transmission may allow the gNB to determine the channel state of the WTRU in order to select (for example, an appropriate) PRT setting for the WTRU. For example, a WTRU may have a mapping (e.g., a set of associations) between an SRS setting and (e.g., a desired) PRT setting(s). (e.g., it may receive SRS setting information indicating the mapping.) By receiving the corresponding SRS, the gNB can determine the requested PRT setting (e.g., a PRT setting that may be requested by the WTRU). In other words, by sending an SRS associated with a particular TR setting, the WTRU can indicate a request for that particular PRT setting. In another example, an SRS resource may be configured within the WTRU (e.g., by sending SRS setting information) by the gNB to indicate a PRT feature request. For example, the SRS setting information may indicate that a PRT setting can be associated with at least one SRS and at least one SRS resource. For example, the WTRU may send (e.g., an SRS) on the configured SRS resource to request that a PRT feature (e.g., a setting) be enabled.

[0080] Example of a WTRU report for a desired PRT setting(s). According to embodiments, the WTRU may report (e.g., transmit information indicating the PRT setting) after the WTRU has become triggerable as described herein (e.g., it may be configured to do so). For example, the WTRU may report (e.g., transmit) the (e.g., desired) PRT setting for either a configured PUSCH / PUCCH transmission or an expected PUSCH transmission to the gNB. According to embodiments, the WTRU may determine the (e.g., desired, expected) PRT setting based on any of the following: - Either the modulation and the number of RBs. For example, WTRU can indicate the (e.g., desired) number of subcarriers for PRT based on (e.g., target) modulation. ○In the first example, the WTRU can report a list of (e.g., desired) PRT settings corresponding to different (e.g., supported) MCS and frequency resource (e.g., RB) allocations. For example, the WTRU can report the desired PRT settings for (e.g., each) MCS value. In another example, the WTRU can report (e.g., desired) PRT settings for an MCS value (e.g., a group of MCS values). ○In the second example, the WTRU can determine (e.g., and / or predict) UL grant allocations and report the corresponding (e.g., desired) PRT settings. For example, the WTRU may be configured to send a Grant (CG). The WTRU can report the corresponding (e.g., preferred, desired) PRT settings for the MCS and RB allocations of the CG settings. In another example, the WTRU can obtain (e.g., predict) the number of allocated RBs and MCSs based on buffer status reports and reported channel state information, and request the corresponding PRT settings for the (e.g., predicted) number of allocated RBs and MCSs. - Available power headroom. For example, a WTRU can determine available power headroom based on the power level for a previous transmission. In another example, a WTRU can determine power headroom based on uplink grants (for example, estimating the power level to be used for the next transmission based on uplink grant information associated with an uplink grant (e.g., either RB allocation or MCS)). For example, based on (e.g., available) power headroom, a WTRU can determine (e.g., desired) power offset between the transmit power in the data subcarrier / RB and the transmit power in the PRT subcarrier / RB. - The transmit power used in the previous UL transmission. For example, based on the power used in the previous transmission, the WTRU can indicate the (e.g., desired) number of subcarriers for the PRT for the subsequent UL transmission. The (e.g., desired) number of subcarriers can allow the WTRU to increase the transmit power in the next UL transmission. -WTRU capability. For example, based on the WTRU's processing capacity, the WTRU may indicate a PRT setting that might be desirable for the next (e.g., the next) transmission. - Power class. For example, a WTRU with a higher power class may not be required to perform a PRT if it determines that it can achieve (e.g., target) performance with the WTRU's channel conditions and (e.g., maximum) transmit power. - Measurement of the reference signal. For example, in the case of reciprocity (e.g., similar channel conditions for UL and DL), the DL RS may be used to determine the channel condition of the UL channel. If the channel condition deteriorates, the WTRU may request a PRT setting. - Received TPC commands. For example, if a WTRU receives N consecutive TPC commands to increase transmit power, it may request a PRT setting. N is an integer greater than 1. - The intended transmission type (e.g., PUCCH, PUSCH, PRACH). For example, a WTRU may request a PRT setting for PUCCH, which is different from PUSCH. - Operating bandwidth. -Target BLER for UL transmission(s). For example, in the case of an extended mobile broadband (eMBB) type service where a high BLER target can be expected, the WTRU may request several (e.g., many) reserved subcarriers. - The PRT setting closest to the UL grant. For example, a WTRU may have multiple PRT settings configured (for example, it may receive PRT setting information indicating multiple PRT settings), and each PRT setting may have a different frequency assignment. For example, a WTRU may select a PRT setting that has a frequency assignment that is closest to the uplink grant frequency assignment.

[0081] A WTRU can be (pre-configured) with a set of PRT settings (for example, it can receive PRT setting information indicating a set of PRT settings), where, for example, each setting can be identified by an index. According to an embodiment, the WTRU can use, for example, a bit field in the UCI that indicates one of the PRT settings by index to indicate a selected (for example, desired) PRT setting, and indicate the selected (for example, desired) PRT to the gNB (for example, transmit information indicating the PRT setting).

[0082] Example of a WTRU report for support information According to the embodiment, the WTRU may be configured to transmit information (e.g., support information) to the gNB that enables the gNB to determine (e.g., select) an appropriate PRT setting. For example, the (e.g., support) information may include a power offset between the power levels used for data RB and RB tone transmission, respectively.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the WTRU may be configured to report PHRs (e.g., including PH values) to the gNB as part of the support information sent to the gNB. According to one embodiment, a range of PH values ​​may be associated with a PRT setting. The WTRU may have a mapping (e.g., a set of associations) between PH values ​​and PRT settings (e.g., it may receive configuration information indicating the mapping). The WTRU may select a PRT setting based on the corresponding PH range / value that may be available to the WTRU.

[0084] Example of sending PRT requests and / or support information According to the embodiment, the WTRU may request PRT settings(or multiple settings) and / or report support information using any of the following (for example, it may be configured as follows): - MAC CE. In the first example, the WTRU may use (e.g., a dedicated, specific) MAC CE (e.g., in transmission) to request a PRT setting and / or provide supporting information (e.g., it may be configured to do so). In another example, the WTRU may use (e.g., an existing) MAC CE (e.g., it may be configured to do so) to report (e.g., the desired) PRT setting together with additional information. For example, the WTRU may transmit (e.g., a value(s)) and (e.g., the desired) PRT within the same MAC CE (e.g., it may be configured to transmit them together). - (For example, a dedicated, specific) UCI ​​format, e.g., flags within the UCI. -WTRU can use RRC signaling to report (for example, the desired) PRT settings (for example, to send information indicating the PRT settings) (for example, to be configured as such).

[0085] According to one embodiment, a WTRU can multiplex (e.g., be configured to multiplex) a PRT request (e.g., information indicating a selected PRT setting) with other UCI information, such as scheduling request (SR) information, hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledge (HARQ-ACK) feedback information, and CSI (e.g., a report). For example, a WTRU may have a PUCCH set up to send UCI (e.g., information) (e.g., HARQ ACK feedback). If the WTRU determines to send a PRT request (e.g., is triggered to send), the WTRU may select a PUCCH opportunity (e.g., a first one) (e.g., available after the trigger) and multiplex the UCI (e.g., information) and the PRT request over the PUCCH resource. In another example, a WTRU may have a PUCCH set up to send UCI (e.g., information). The WTRU may have a UCI send (e.g., a resource) over the PUCCH and multiplex the PRT request with the UCI (e.g., send) over the PUCCH. For example, a WTRU that can be configured to transmit UCI (e.g., information) over either PUCCH or PUSCH can multiplex a PRT request (e.g., information indicating selected PRT settings) with UCI (e.g., information to be transmitted). The WTRU can transmit UCI (e.g., information) multiplexed with a PRT request over either PUCCH or PUSCH.

[0086] Example of receiving PRT settings According to the embodiment, the WTRU may be configured (e.g., semi-statically) with a first set of parameters (e.g., it may receive first configuration information including the first set of parameters). According to the embodiment, the WTRU may be configured (e.g., dynamically) with a second set of parameters based (e.g., information) on any number of DCI fields (e.g., information) (e.g., it may receive second configuration information including the second set of parameters). According to the embodiment, the WTRU may receive (e.g., is configured to receive) any(e.g., PRT settings (e.g., information) and any(more) parameters associated with the following PRT settings by any(e.g., information). - To receive (e.g., use) at least one instruction contained in the DCI (e.g., at least one dedicated bit field therein). In the first example, the WTRU may receive a PRT setting index pointing to one (e.g., any of) of the (e.g., pre-configured) PRT settings. In another example, a PRT setting that may be indicated in the DCI may relate to another instruction in the DCI. For example, a PRT setting that may be indicated in the DCI may relate to the indicated frequency domain resource allocation (FDRA) field. For example, the DCI (e.g., a bit field therein) may indicate that several RBs (e.g., two RBs) may be reserved (e.g., allocated to the PRT). The WTRU may determine the frequency position of the PRT as a function of the indicated RBs for data (e.g., at the edge of the RBs used for data transmission). In another example, a (e.g., a specific, given) field may (e.g., directly, explicitly) indicate a frequency allocation for the PRT. - To receive (e.g., use) at least one instruction contained in the DCI (e.g., an existing bit field therein). For example, FDRA information (e.g., a field) in the DCI may include either PRT resource allocation or data resource allocation. For example, a WTRU may determine, based on (e.g., implicit) rules, a subset of RBs that are intended to be used for PRT within its resource (e.g., frequency) allocation. For example, some RBs may be located at the edge of a resource (e.g., frequency) allocation, where the number of RBs may be determined (e.g., implicitly) based on the total number of RBs (e.g., set by (e.g., a higher layer), indicated in a DCI field, or indicated in an FDRA field (e.g., according to predefined rules). -Receive MAC CE indicating PRT settings. - RRC configuration. For example, after sending support information to the gNB, the WTRU can use RRC reconfiguration to receive PRT configuration for the configured grant (e.g., type 1).

[0087] According to the embodiment, at least one parameter of the PRT setting may depend on the properties of the grant. For example, the number of RBs for the PRT (e.g., those to be used) may depend on the number of RBs allocated in the grant. For example, the number of RBs for the PRT may be based on either (e.g., predefined) relationships (e.g., tables, associations) or (e.g., higher-layer) settings. For example, the position(s) of the RBs for the PRT may (e.g., implicitly) be relative to either the minimum and maximum RBs of the allocation.

[0088] According to the embodiment, a WTRU can process (e.g., interpret) an uplink grant timing instruction (e.g., a K2 instruction in a DCI) based on the PRT setting. The K2 instruction may be carried in a DCI that may be scheduling an uplink grant. The K2 instruction may indicate the timing of a scheduled UL transmission relative to the timing of receiving the DCI. For example, a WTRU that receives a DCI in slot n with K2=4 (e.g., scheduling a UL grant) can perform a UL transmission in slot n+4. For example, the WTRU processing time for a UL grant may vary (e.g., significantly) for each PRT setting. Processing (e.g., interpreting) the K2 value differently for each PRT setting may allow avoiding sending timing instructions that support all possible values ​​(e.g., based on a large field size).

[0089] According to the embodiment, the WTRU can configure grant transmissions (for example, configure them). For example, the WTRU can initiate monitoring of the DCI, which may include PRT configurations, after either the transmission of support information or a request for PRT configurations.

[0090] According to the embodiment, the WTRU may use different PCmax values ​​associated with different PRT settings. For example, if the WTRU is reporting, requesting, or evaluating PRT settings, the WTRU may apply different PCmax values ​​associated with different PRT settings.

[0091] According to the embodiment, the WTRU can determine power control parameters for uplink transmission based on the enabled (e.g., configured) PRT settings. For example, in closed-loop power control, the WTRU can determine the transmit power control command (TPC) step size based on the enabled PRT settings. For example, the WTRU may receive information indicating the TPC step size, which is set (e.g., in advance) according to the PRT settings (e.g., associated with the PRT settings). When the WTRU receives the PRT settings (e.g., information indicating the PRT settings), the WTRU may assume (e.g., use) the corresponding TPC command (e.g., based on the associated TPC step size).

[0092] According to one embodiment, a WTRU can determine an MCS table for uplink transmission based on an enabled (e.g., configured) PRT configuration. A WTRU may have multiple (e.g., any number) MCS tables configured (e.g., receive information indicating an MCS table), each associated with a PRT configuration. When a WTRU receives a PRT configuration, it can assume (e.g., use, transmit based on) a corresponding MCS table (e.g., associated with the received PRT configuration).

[0093] Example of reporting a PHR with additional information (extended PHR) According to some embodiments, the WTRU can report (e.g., transmit) (e.g., transmit) a normal PHR (e.g., PH value(s)) which can be obtained (e.g., calculated) using a normal (e.g., current) PCmax value and a new PCmax value which may correspond to any of the selected preferred PRT settings. For example, the WTRU can report (e.g., transmit) the difference between a normal (e.g., current) PCmax and a new PCmax which may correspond to any of the selected preferred PRT settings (e.g., transmit) (e.g., transmit) information indicating a first difference value calculated using the difference (e.g., transmit) (e.g., transmit) any additional PHR information which may be calculated by the WTRU, assuming that any of the selected preferred PRT settings are valid (e.g., in that case). The WTRU may report the difference between the normal (e.g., current) PH value and this new PH value corresponding to one of the selected preferred PRT settings (e.g., determined based on one of the selected preferred PRT settings) (e.g., it may transmit information showing a second difference value calculated using the difference) (e.g., it may be configured to do so). In another example, the WTRU may indicate whether the use of the PRT function allows the WTRU to increase its transmit power and how much power the WTRU can gain (e.g., it may be configured to indicate and transmit information to do so). For example, the WTRU may transmit power information associated with a transition from the normal (e.g., current) PRT setting to one of the selected preferred PRT settings. For example, the power information may include power gain information showing the (e.g., transmit) power gain associated with the transition. For example, the WTRU may indicate the power difference (e.g., gain) in dB.

[0094] A WTRU may use the same transport block (TB) to report (e.g., transmit) a PHR (e.g., PH value(s)) and additional information as described above. A WTRU may use the same MAC CE to report (e.g., transmit) a PHR (e.g., PH value(s)) and additional information. For example, a WTRU may use either a flag or a bit field to indicate to the gNB that a PHR with additional information (extended PHR) may be transmitted (e.g., transmit information to indicate this) (e.g., 0 may indicate normal, 1 may indicate extended PHR, and any other value may be applicable to embodiments described herein). In another example, a WTRU may use a separate MAC CE to transmit additional information. For example, a normal PHR (e.g., PH value(s)) may be transmitted using a first MAC CE, and either new PCmax information(e.g., a value) and new PH information(e.g., a value(s)) corresponding to any of the selected preferred PRT settings may be transmitted using a second MAC CE.

[0095] Example of sending UL TB using PRT settings According to the embodiment, a WTRU can transmit any number of UL TBs based on a PRT setting. After receiving a PRT setting (e.g., information), the WTRU can use the PRT subcarrier / RB to transmit a signal (which may be referred to herein as a PRT signal) that may be different from the data signal. In the first example, the PRT signal may be generated (e.g., transmitted) based on an (e.g., intended) uplink data transmission to reduce (e.g., minimize) the PAPR of the sum of the PRT signal and the data signal. In the second example, the PRT signal may be generated (e.g., transmitted) in such a way that it reduces (e.g., minimizes) the cubic metric of the sum of the data signal and the PRT signal.

[0096] Examples of methods to enable tone reservation Figure 3 shows an example of a method 300 that enables tone reservation. According to the embodiment, in step 310, the WTRU may configure a CG transmission having, for example, several assigned RBs and MCSs (e.g., receive a CG configuration). For example, the WTRU may receive uplink grant information (e.g., a CG configuration) associated with an uplink grant, the uplink grant information indicating the number of assigned RBs and one of the MCSs. For example, the CG configuration (e.g., an uplink grant) may enable the WTRU to transmit at a first (e.g., maximum) power.

[0097] According to one embodiment, in step 320, the WTRU can determine whether it can operate in a power-limiting condition (e.g., setting, operating mode) based on either (e.g., estimated) path loss and (e.g., transmit power used in the previous transmission).

[0098] According to the embodiment, in step 330, the WTRU can determine a (preferred) setting based on either the CG grant properties (e.g., MCS and RB allocation) or the available power headroom. For example, the WTRU can determine, for example, whether it can (e.g., may require) more transmit power based on its available power headroom (e.g., an available power headroom of 0). For example, the WTRU can determine, for example, the number of subcarriers / RBs set for the grant transmit in order to achieve (e.g., reach, acquire) the target BLER based on its power class.

[0099] According to the embodiment, in step 340, the WTRU may send either a PRT request or support information to the gNB. Either the PRT request or the support information may indicate a determined (e.g., preferred) PRT setting.

[0100] According to the embodiment, in step 350, the WTRU can monitor the DCI and, for example, reset the CG settings using the PRT function (e.g., settings).

[0101] In an exemplary scenario, the WTRU may receive a first UL grant (e.g., the first uplink grant information associated with it) and determine that the conditions for requesting a PRT may be met. For example, the WTRU may determine that a power-limiting situation exists. For example, the WTRU may determine that power conditions may be met based on, for example, the measured path loss, the transmit power used during a set period, and (e.g., the available, determined) PH. For example, the WTRU may select (e.g., preferred) PRT settings and send information to the gNB indicating the selected PRT settings using, for example, the current grant (e.g., the first UL grant) and subsequent (e.g., further) grants. For example, the WTRU may receive a second UL grant (e.g., second UL grant information associated with the second UL grant) from the gNB with (e.g., preferred, selected) PRT settings enabled.

[0102] An example of WTRU autonomously enabling PRT. According to the embodiment, the WTRU can enable PRT (e.g., autonomously) to reduce PAPR. For example, the WTRU can indicate (e.g., declare) that it may be possible to enable PRT (e.g., autonomously) in its capacity. Since PAPR may depend on RB allocation and modulation type, PRT capability may be represented in the form of a table (e.g., shown) that describes, for example, the modulation and the number of RBs reserved for PRT on the edge of a continuous allocation. For example, PRT allocation precision may be reduced to the resource element (RE) level for allocation at, for example, the RB level and modulation type. According to the embodiment, if the WTRU uses the PRT technique for its UL transmission, the gNB can know (e.g., shown) which UL resources may be used by the WTRU for PRT in order to, for example, cancel the PRT and extract UL data modulation resources (e.g., UL data modulation resources only). For example, the gNB can determine the locations of RBs used for data and RBs used for PRT. The gNB can process the data and discard the PRT signal based on the determined locations.

[0103] According to the embodiment, a gNB can receive a WTRU capability message from the WTRU indicating the WTRU's PRT capability. The gNB can use these capabilities when the WTRU reaches any power-limiting condition (e.g., a set, operating mode), such as zero power headroom and power scaling conditions. After determining that the WTRU may be in a power-limiting condition (e.g., a set, operating mode), the gNB can begin scheduling the WTRU with alternative grants, e.g., a grant with a PRT tone and a grant without a PRT tone, allowing the WTRU to choose between the two grants, for example, based on its power-limiting estimate. Such two alternative grants may be referred to herein as a dual grant. For example, a WTRU receiving a dual grant (e.g., grant information associated with it) can determine (e.g., select) one of the two UL grants to use for transmission, depending on whether or not it is in a power-limiting condition (e.g., a set, operating mode).

[0104] According to the embodiment, the gNB can determine that a WTRU may be in a power-limited condition (e.g., set, operating mode) based on receiving a PHR (e.g., indicating zero power headroom), receiving either a reference signal received power (RSRP) and reference signal received quality (RSRQ) report that can reveal (e.g., indicate) the cell edge WTRU location, and any other signaling or trigger for a power-limited condition (e.g., set, operating mode).

[0105] UL Dynamic Grant - RB Assignment vs. PRT Location Example Example of sequential assignment According to the embodiment, a DCI including a dynamic UL grant (e.g., information) may be received by a WTRU, and the DCI may include instructions (e.g., certain additional bits) indicating, for example, the possibility that the WTRU may use any number of fixed and dedicated physical resource blocks (PRBs) for PRT techniques, according to its declared PRT capability. For example, one RB on each edge outside the data-related RB allocation from the UL grant may be used to transmit a PRT signal. According to the embodiment, after receiving a dual grant (e.g., grant information associated therewith), the WTRU may determine, for example, based on a power limiting criterion, whether or not to use the dual grant (e.g., transmit a PRT signal). For example, after receiving a UL grant (e.g., grant information associated with the UL grant), the WTRU may calculate a power allocation for the grant associated with the transport block on the data-related RB. The power allocation calculation may lead to either a scaling status (e.g., operation) or a power limiting status (e.g., setting, operating mode). For example, in a carrier aggregation situation, different channels in different carriers belonging to the same UL RF chain can lead to power limiting situations (e.g., settings, operating modes). For example, a WTRU may not have enough power to transmit multiple signals and may reduce the transmit power accordingly (e.g., based on a scaling factor). For example, a WTRU transmitting a first signal (e.g., PUSCH) and a second signal (e.g., PUCCH) can determine the first transmit power (P1) and the second transmit power (P2) for transmitting the first signal (e.g., PUSCH) and the second signal (e.g., PUCCH), respectively. If the sum of the first (P1) and second (P2) transmit powers (P1+P2) exceeds a set maximum output power (Pcmax), the WTRU may reduce the transmit power for transmitting the first (e.g., PUSCH) and second (e.g., PUCCH), respectively, by applying a scaling factor to the first (P1) and second (P2) transmit powers, respectively.

[0106] According to the embodiment, if the WTRU determines that it is in either a scaling condition (e.g., operation) or a power limiting condition (e.g., setting, operating mode), the WTRU may add a PRT tone (e.g., transmit a PRT signal) to the region indicated according to its PRT declaration capability.

[0107] According to the embodiment, the WTRU can receive a dynamic UL grant (e.g., associated UL grant information) which includes RB allocation and associated modulation, and (e.g., separate) instructions (e.g., DCI bits) that enable PRT techniques within the RB allocation. For example, the WTRU can place a PRT tone (e.g., transmit a PRT signal) according to its declared PRT capability when the power UL allocation evaluation leads to either a scaling situation (e.g., operation) or a power limiting situation (e.g., setting, operating mode). For example, in a carrier aggregation situation, different channels in different carriers belonging to the same UL RF chain may result in a power limiting situation (e.g., setting, operating mode).

[0108] Examples of discontinuous assignments and PRT locations According to the embodiment, the WTRU can receive non-contiguous allocations (e.g., including any number of allocation gaps). For example, the maximum power reduction (MPR) associated with the allocation (which may be higher than the MPR for continuous allocations) allows the WTRU to use the PRT scheme in any power-limiting situation (e.g., setting, operating mode). The WTRU may, for example, place PRT RBs (e.g., further) within RB allocation gaps to reduce global PAPR. For example, uplink control information (UCI) (e.g., detailed) describing the PRT RB placement may be transmitted by the WTRU.

[0109] Examples of random PRT locations According to one embodiment, a WTRU can receive a UL grant (e.g., UL grant information associated with the UL grant) that has an indication that PRT technology can be enabled. For example, a (e.g., PRT technique) bit may be set for the UL grant. According to one embodiment, a WTRU can evaluate power allocation (e.g., for UL transmission) and determine if the WTRU may be in a power-limited situation (e.g., set, operating mode). If it is determined that the WTRU is in a power-limited situation (e.g., set, operating mode), the WTRU can use PRT location determination through a (e.g., randomization) scheme. For example, the WTRU capability may include (e.g., a maximum) number of either PRT RB and RE resources, and the UL grant may be calculated (e.g., determined) by the gNB scheduler based on its (e.g., maximum) number. In another example, there may be no established limits. The gNB may signal (e.g., indicate) the (e.g., maximum) number of PRT resources (e.g., along with the PRT indication (e.g., bit)) in the DCI grant. According to the embodiment, the randomization of PRT positions may follow an algorithm (e.g., a specific one) that can be shared (e.g., generally known) by the gNB and WTRU. The algorithm (e.g., a specific one) for PRT position randomization may be shown (e.g., declared) in the WTRU capability, or it may be a standard-based randomization scheme / algorithm, and the seed may be known (e.g., WTRU RNTI).

[0110] UL Semi-Persistent Grant (RRC Configuration) Example - RB Assignment vs. PRT Assignment According to the embodiment, a WTRU may be granted a semi-permanent UL grant by the RRC. For example, a description of (e.g., alternative) PRT grant techniques may be signaled (e.g., indicated) to the WTRU by the RRC.

[0111] According to the embodiment, the WTRU may be configured with either a Type 1 configured grant or a Type 2 configured grant. A Type 1 configured grant may be configured, for example, based on RRC (re)configuration without any Layer 1 signaling. For example, a Type 1 configured grant may not depend on DCI-based activation. The WTRU may be configured with (for example, receive configuration information indicating) any of the following: a grant (for example, a normal Type 1), a PRT-related authorized location, and (for example, specific) UCI ​​information that can be relayed (for example, transmitted) to the gNB when the WTRU uses PRT techniques (for example, transmits PRT signals).

[0112] A Type 2 configured grant may have a transmission periodicity that can be provided (e.g., configured and indicated) through the RRC. Layer 1 / Layer 2 signaling may be used to control the deactivation / activation of transmissions. For example, transmission parameters, like dynamic grants, may be received by the WTRU (e.g., indicated to the WTRU). For example, the WTRU may transmit (e.g., periodically) as long as the buffer data is not empty. Similar to configured grant Type 1, any of the PRT properties (e.g., parameters), PRT location, possible PRT algorithms used, and PRT-related UCI information may be received by the WTRU via the RRC (e.g., signaled to, indicated to the WTRU). Transmitting that PRT-related information via the RRC may allow for keeping the dynamic information carried in the PDCCH reduced (e.g., to a minimum).

[0113] Examples of UL control information (UCI related to PRT technology) According to one embodiment, in the case of a dual grant configuration, the WTRU may be configured to use the UCI to indicate which grants may have been selected (for example, by transmitting UCI information indicating them to the gNB).

[0114] Examples of PRT techniques without UL UCI information According to one embodiment, a WTRU can receive UL grants (e.g., UL grant information associated with a UL grant) by DCI instruction that it can use the PRT technique with a fixed PRT sequence according to a fixed table. After receiving such UL grants (e.g., information), the WTRU can apply them (e.g., transmit a PRT signal at the granted PRT resource). For example, a gNB can cancel a fixed (e.g., PRT) location without any (e.g., special) UCI ​​information from the WTRU. The table can be seen as an extension of the MPR table that can be implemented in the gNB scheduler.

[0115] According to the embodiment, the RB allocation included in the UL grant (e.g., information) may include an allocation region that may have an additional maximum power reduction (A-MPR), e.g., an additional reduction due to coexistence cases. If the UL grant has an A-MPR, the PRT method may not be applicable, and the (e.g., normal) Pcmax procedure may be preferred (e.g., applicable).

[0116] Examples of PRT techniques with UL UCI information According to the embodiment, the WTRU can use PRT techniques (e.g., transmit a PRT signal in a PRT resource). According to the embodiment, the WTRU can transmit uplink control information (UCI) to the gNB for PRT signal demodulation and PRT cancellation. For example, the UCI can be mapped (e.g., included) in a first symbol of a UL slot using PRT techniques (e.g., carrying a PRT signal). For example, the WTRU can multiplex Ack / NAck in the first symbol together with a PRT UCI which may be part of an RB allocation. For example, the PRT-related UCI cannot puncture any data or Ack / NAck-related bits.

[0117] According to the embodiment, a WTRU to which a UL grant has been assigned may include UCI information. Any embodiment relating to the UCI may be used individually or in combination, without limitation.

[0118] According to the embodiment, a (e.g., simple fixed) PRT method may be used. For example, WTRU can use all PRT tones (e.g., frequency resources that could have been allocated to PRT signal transmission (e.g., RB)). For example, UCI may be a single bit (e.g., as small as a single bit) indicating the use or non-use of the PRT technique with the current UL grant (e.g., PRT signal transmission in all PRT tones). The (e.g., single-bit) indication of whether or not the PRT technique is used may be referred to herein as the PRT technique indicator.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the UCI may include a PRT technology indicator and an indicator of the power offset of the PRT tone.

[0120] According to the embodiment, the WTRU can use fewer resources than the PRT resources allocated (e.g., allocated to PRT signal transmission). For example, the WTRU may indicate (e.g., include) a PRT technique indicator and the number of RBs used for the PRT technique in the UCI. For example, all or half of the PRT resource usage may be signaled using, for example, a single bit. The number of RBs used to transmit the PRT signal may be indicated by any number of bits, from a single bit indicating whether or not the PRT technique is used, to N bits where N is an integer greater than 1. For example, N bits could be 2 N-1 It can refer to (for example, be used to indicate) individual possible (e.g., different) PRT settings and settings without PRT.

[0121] According to the embodiment, the WTRU can indicate the selected PRT settings to the gNB (e.g., by transmitting information indicating the selected PRT settings). For example, the WTRU can be (pre-configured) with a set of PRT settings (e.g., receive configuration information indicating a set of PRT settings), where each setting can be identified by an index (e.g., an identifier). The WTRU can indicate the selected PRT settings by, for example, transmitting UCI information indicating a PRT index (e.g., an identifier) ​​using a bit field in the UCI (pointing to (e.g., indicating) one of the PRT settings). Any technique for transmitting information indicating the selected PRT settings (e.g., via UCI information) may be applicable to the embodiments described herein.

[0122] According to the embodiment, the WTRU can determine the PRT position through a method (e.g., a specific randomization). For example, the WTRU can indicate a PRT position determination (e.g., randomization) algorithm. If two or more (e.g., randomization) algorithms are possible, the PRT position determination (e.g., randomization) algorithms may be indicated by, for example, a pointer. In another example, if the algorithm uses a specific sequence as a seed, the seed may be indicated by a pointer. For example, a randomization algorithm can determine the PRT position in a UL slot transmission (e.g., each symbol in a UL slot transmission) by using the WTRU RNTI as either, for example, a seed and a mask.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the WTRU may include, for example, an indication (e.g., a bitmap) showing the PRT location along with a PRT technique indicator in the UCI.

[0124] Example of multiplexing PRT with uplink transmission A WTRU can generate a PRT symbol using a set of N modulated data symbols. Figure 5 shows an example of this. For example, a precoder may be used to generate the PRT symbol, and as shown in block 501 of Figure 5, the N modulated data symbols may be inputs to the precoder and the PRT symbol may be outputs of the precoder. The WTRU can then map (e.g., associate) the generated PRT symbol to a set of REs using (e.g., configured) REs for UL data transmission and PRT transmission, as shown in block 503 of Figure 5. The N modulated data symbols may also be supplied directly to block 505 (e.g., before precoding in block 501), where the WTRU may map (e.g., associate) the N modulated data symbols to a set of REs using the remaining REs from the REs available for UL data transmission and PRT transmission. For example, the WTRU can transmit both an RE with the PRT symbol and an RE for UL data, as shown in Figure 5. The PRT precoder 501 may be characterized by (or associated with) the ratio R=M / N, where M and N may be the generated PRT symbol and data symbol, respectively.

[0125] According to the embodiment, a WTRU can generate a number of symbols N using either rate matching or puncturing (for example, it can be configured so), and can map (for example, associate) the N symbols to a set of RE based on either a ratio R value or an M value. For example, for any R and M values ​​that may exceed a threshold, the WTRU can use rate matching, and for any R and M values ​​that fall below a threshold, the WTRU can use puncturing.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the WTRU may determine that a small number of REs may be required (e.g., transmitted) for PRT configuration. For example, if the WTRU determines that the number of REs required for PRT configuration is less than a set threshold, the WTRU may use puncturing when mapping (e.g., associating) modulated data symbols. The locations of REs from which the PRT may be transmitted may be pre-configured. For example, the WTRU may be configured to use edge RBs of a UL grant (e.g., by receiving configuration information indicating this).

[0127] According to the embodiment, the WTRU can indicate to the gNB (e.g., configured and transmit information) whether puncturing or rate matching may be used by the WTRU to transmit the PRT. In one example, the WTRU can use a piggybacked UCI in a PUSCH transmission to indicate whether rate matching or puncturing may be used by the WTRU to transmit the PRT. For example, the UCI position in a set of REs set for a UL grant may be shifted in either the frequency or time domain due to the PRT transmission. For example, the shift parameter may depend on the number of REs and RBs set for the PRT. For example, gNB can blindly detect WTRU transmissions to determine UCI location.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the WTRU may transmit either a PRT setting request or support information (for example, for determining the PRT setting) provided that the WTRU receives a group common signaling that enables the PRT function and determines that it is in a power limiting condition (e.g., setting, operating mode).

[0129] According to the embodiment, the WTRU can acquire (e.g., select) PRT settings (e.g., those required by the gNB) depending on the available power headroom, modulation, and the number of RBs used for uplink transmission.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the WTRU may transmit (e.g., report) a list of PRT settings that the WTRU may be able to support, for example, a list of supported modulations and frequency resource allocations.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the WTRU can receive two UL grants (e.g., UL grant information associated with two UL grants), for example, one including a PRT tone and the other not including a PRT tone. The PRT tone can be considered as the frequency resource used by the WTRU to transmit a PRT signal. According to one embodiment, the WTRU can select one of the two grants to use for UL transmission depending on whether or not it is in a power-limited situation (e.g., configuration, operating mode).

[0132] According to one embodiment, the WTRU may indicate (e.g., to the gNB) the UL grant to be used for UL transmission after the WTRU has selected one of two UL grants.

[0133] Figure 4 shows an example of method 400 that enables tone reservation.

[0134] According to the embodiment, in step 410, the WTRU may transmit information to request PRT settings, for example, in order to reduce PAPR.

[0135] According to one embodiment, in step 420, the WTRU may receive instructions for a frequency resource (e.g., PRT) to be used to transmit PRT signals based on the (e.g., requested) PRT settings.

[0136] According to the embodiment, in step 430, the WTRU may transmit a PRT signal in addition to UL transmission on a (e.g., PRT) frequency resource. For example, UL transmission may be performed to transmit any kind of data (e.g., user data, control data, etc.). For example, the PRT frequency resource may be (e.g., allocated) based on (e.g., a set) of frequency resources that may have been allocated for UL transmission. For example, the (e.g., PRT) frequency resource may be located on (e.g., each) edge of a block of (e.g., consecutive) frequency resources that may have been allocated for UL transmission. Any kind of PRT frequency resource allocation (e.g., arranged with other frequency resources) based on (e.g., arranged with other frequency resources) other frequency resources allocated for UL transmission to reduce PAPR of transmission may be applicable to the embodiments described herein.

[0137] For example, a requested PRT setting may belong to a set of PRT settings that may have been pre-configured in the WTRU.

[0138] For example, the information used to request PRT settings may include instructions for the requested PRT settings (e.g., either an index or an identifier).

[0139] For example, a WTRU can send an SRS along with information to request PRT configuration.

[0140] For example, the SRS (which may have been sent) could indicate the requested PRT settings.

[0141] For example, SRS may be transmitted within an SRS resource that can indicate (for example, make it possible to identify) the requested PRT settings.

[0142] For example, the requested PRT setting may be determined by the WTRU based on any of the following: the amount of resources for UL transmission, the available power headroom, the level of transmit power in the previous UL transmission, WTRU capability, power class, reference signal measurement, received transmit power control command, type of UL transmission, operating bandwidth, or target block error rate for UL transmission.

[0143] For example, the information may include support information to help network elements select PRT settings.

[0144] For example, the support information may include a power offset between the power used to transmit the PRT signal and the UL transmission, respectively.

[0145] For example, instructions regarding the frequency resources intended for use in transmitting the PRT signal may be received in either the DCI or RRC configuration message.

[0146] For example, the PRT signal may be based on the UL transmission in order to minimize the PAPR of the sum of the PRT signal and the UL transmission.

[0147] For example, the PRT signal may be acquired (e.g., generated) in such a way that it minimizes the cubic metric of the sum of the PRT signal and the UL transmission.

[0148] For example, a WTRU can transmit a PHR that includes a first PH value calculated using a first (e.g., normal) PCmax value and a second PH value calculated using a second PCmax value that can correspond to the settings of the transmitted PRT signal.

[0149] For example, WTRU can transmit the difference between a first PCmax value and a second PCmax value.

[0150] For example, WTRU can transmit the difference between a first PH value and a second PH value.

[0151] For example, transmitting a PRT signal may involve (1) generating M PRT symbols from N data symbols, (2) mapping the M PRT symbols to a first set of resource elements (REs), and (3) mapping the N data symbols to a second set of REs, where if the ratio R (R = M / N) is above a threshold, the WTRU can use rate matching to generate N data symbols and map the N data symbols to REs, and if R is below the threshold, the WTRU can use puncturing to generate N data symbols and map the N data symbols to REs.

[0152] For example, a WTRU can send an indication of whether rate matching or puncturing was used to send a PRT.

[0153] Figure 6 shows an example of method 600 that enables tone reservation. For example, this method can be implemented in a WTRU.

[0154] In some embodiments, in step 610, tone reservation (TR) setting information may be received, and the TR setting information may represent a set of TR settings. For example, the TR setting information may comprise a set of TR setting information elements, each of which may be associated with a TR setting in the set of TR settings. For example, each of which may be an associated TR setting information element may include information indicating the associated TR setting (e.g., parameters(s) as described in any embodiment described herein).

[0155] According to one embodiment, in step 620, the power headroom (PH) can be determined for the first uplink grant.

[0156] In one embodiment, in step 630, a first TR setting can be selected from the set of TR settings shown. For example, the first TR setting may be selected based on either a first uplink grant or a determined PH. In another example, the first TR setting may be selected based on, for example, a downlink RS measurement(s), the number N of (e.g., consecutive) received TPC commands, and the target BLER of an uplink transmission. Any other examples of criteria for selecting (e.g., requesting) a first TR setting may be applicable to the embodiments described herein.

[0157] According to one embodiment, in step 640, first information indicating a selected first TR setting may be transmitted. According to another embodiment, in step 650, second information indicating a second TR setting of the indicated set of TR settings may be received.

[0158] According to one embodiment, a second uplink grant may be received in step 660.

[0159] According to the embodiment, in step 670, the WTRU can transmit information including (1) data transmission by a second uplink grant at a first power level and (2) a TR transmission, the TR transmission can be transmitted within a frequency resource determined according to a second TR setting, and the TR transmission can be transmitted at a second power level determined based on the first power level and the power offset associated with the second TR setting.

[0160] For example, method 600 may further include receiving first uplink grant information associated with a first uplink grant, the first uplink grant information indicating either (1) a resource block (RB) allocation or (2) a modulation and coding scheme (MCS), and the selection of the first TR setting may depend on either the RB allocation or the MCS.

[0161] For example, the first TR setting may be selected based on any of the following conditions: (1) the path loss is less than a first threshold, (2) the transmit power is at the maximum power level for a set period of time, and (3) the PH is less than a second threshold.

[0162] For example, TR setting information indicating a second TR setting (e.g., TR setting information elements associated with a second TR setting) may indicate any of the following: (1) the number of RBs reserved for TR transmission; (2) the power offset between a first power level used for data transmission and a second power level used for TR transmission; (3) the location of a reserved RB associated with either a bandwidth part (BWP) or a carrier component (CC); (4) any of at least one subframe and at least one slot to which the second TR setting may be applied; (5) any of the periodicity and offset to which the second TR setting may be applied; (6) the subcarrier interval; (7) any of the BWP index and CC index; (8) a method for generating TR transmission; (9) a density indication indicating whether the TR transmission is continuous or discontinuous with data transmission; (10) the transmit power control step size; and (11) the precoder ratio.

[0163] For example, TR configuration information may be received in either a Downlink Control Information (DCI) message or a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

[0164] For example, the selection of the first TR setting can be based on the transmit power level of the previous data transmission, WTRU capability, power class, reference signal measurement, received transmit power control command, data transmission type, operating bandwidth, target block error rate for data transmission, and frequency allocation of the first uplink grant.

[0165] For example, transmitting first information indicating a selected first TR setting may include transmitting a sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0166] For example, method 600 may further include receiving SRS configuration information indicating that a first TR configuration can be associated with either an SRS or at least one SRS resource. For example, the SRS configuration information may be received as part of the TR configuration information (e.g., included in the TR configuration information), or it may be separated from the TR configuration information (e.g., independently).

[0167] For example, a transmitted SRS associated with a first TR setting may indicate that the first TR setting is potentially selected.

[0168] For example, a transmitted SRS may indicate that a first TR setting may have been selected, provided that the SRS is transmitted in at least one SRS resource associated with the first TR setting.

[0169] For example, the first information indicating the selected first TR setting may be transmitted in a MAC CE, UCI, or RRC message.

[0170] For example, method 600 may further include multiplexing first information indicating a selected first TR setting with a UCI on PUCCH, the UCI may include any of SR information, HARQ-ACK feedback information, and CSI.

[0171] For example, method 600 may further include multiplexing first information indicating a selected first TR setting with UCI on PUSCH.

[0172] For example, the first information indicating the selected first TR setting may be transmitted based on either a first uplink grant or a further uplink grant.

[0173] For example, method 600 may further include sending a power headroom report (PHR) that includes power information associated with the transition from the current TR setting to a first selected TR setting.

[0174] For example, the power information may show any of the following: (1) a first PH value calculated using a first set maximum output power (PCmax) value corresponding to the current TR setting; (2) a second PH value calculated using a second PCmax value corresponding to the selected first TR setting; (3) a first difference value calculated using the difference between the first PCmax value and the second PCmax value; and (4) a second difference value calculated using the difference between the first PH value and the second PH value.

[0175] For example, sending a TR transmission may involve generating a first number of M TR symbols from a second number of N data symbols, where the M TR symbols are associated with a first set of resource elements (REs), and the N data symbols are associated with a second set of REs. Generating the N data symbols may involve either rate matching the N data symbols based on (1) the ratio R of M to N, or (2) M, or puncturing them.

[0176] For example, method 600 may further include sending an instruction on whether rate matching or puncturing may have been used to send the TR transmission.

[0177] For example, TR transmission may be performed in such a way as to minimize either (1) the cubic metric of the sum of TR transmission and data transmission, or (2) the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of the sum of TR transmission and data transmission.

[0178] According to the embodiments, a WTRU can receive TR setting information indicating a set of TR settings. For example, the TR setting information may include SRS-related information indicating that at least one TR setting may be associated with either at least one SRS and at least one SRS resource. For example, a WTRU can select a first TR setting in accordance with any embodiment described herein and can transmit instructions for the selected first TR setting by either transmitting at least one SRS associated with the first TR setting and transmitting (e.g., transmitting) at least one SRS resource associated with the first TR setting.

[0179] In an embodiment, the WTRU can receive TR setting information indicating a set of TR settings. For example, the TR setting can be selected from the indicated set of TR settings. For example, the WTRU can transmit information including (1) data transmission by uplink grant at a first power level and (2) TR transmission, the TR transmission can be transmitted within a frequency resource determined according to the selected TR setting, and the TR transmission can be transmitted at a second power level determined based on the first power level and the power offset associated with the selected TR setting.

[0180] In the first example, a first TR setting may be selected by the WTRU from a given set of TR settings based on any criteria described herein. First information indicating the first TR setting may be transmitted (e.g., to the gNB). Second information indicating a second TR setting may be received (e.g., from the gNB). The second TR setting may correspond to a selected TR setting (e.g., intended to be used to perform a TR transmission).

[0181] In the second example, capability information may be transmitted by the WTRU (for example, to the gNB). Capability information may indicate the WTRU's ability to enable TR operation (e.g., autonomously). For example, first uplink grant information associated with a first uplink grant may be received. The first uplink grant information may indicate that the WTRU is capable of enabling TR operation (e.g., performing TR transmission as described herein). For example, the WTRU may transmit a UCI indicating either a selected TR configuration or frequency resources for TR transmission (e.g., autonomously).

[0182] conclusion While features and elements are described above in specific combinations, those skilled in the art will understand that each feature or element can be used alone or in any combination with other features and elements. Furthermore, the methods described herein can be implemented in computer programs, software, or firmware embedded in computer-readable media for execution by a computer or processor. Examples of computer-readable media include electronic signals (transmitted via wired or wireless connections) 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). A processor associated with software can be used to implement a radio frequency transceiver for use in a WTRU, UE, terminal, base station, RNC, or any host computer.

[0183] Although not explicitly stated, the embodiments described herein may be used in any combination or partial combination. For example, the principles described herein are not limited to the modifications described herein, and any modifications and arrangements of the embodiments may be used.

[0184] In addition, any features, modifications, or embodiments described in the Method are compatible with apparatus devices including means for processing the disclosed Method, compatible with devices comprising a processor configured to process the disclosed Method, compatible with computer program products including program code instructions, and compatible with non-temporary computer-readable storage media storing program instructions.

[0185] While features and elements are described above in specific combinations, those skilled in the art will understand that each feature or element can be used alone or in any combination with other features and elements. Furthermore, the methods described herein can be implemented in computer programs, software, or firmware embedded in computer-readable media for execution by a computer or processor. Examples of non-temporary 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 multipurpose disks (DVDs). A processor associated with software can be used to implement a radio frequency transceiver for use in a WTRU102, UE, terminal, base station, RNC, or any host computer.

[0186] Furthermore, the embodiments described above include other devices, including processing platforms, computing systems, controllers, and processors. These devices may include at least one central processing unit ("CPU") and memory. According to the convention of those skilled in the art in the field of computer programming, references to operations and symbolic representations of arithmetic or instructions may be performed by various CPUs and memories. Such operations and arithmetic or instructions may be referred to as "executed," "executed by the computer," or "executed by the CPU."

[0187] Those with ordinary art in the relevant field will understand that operations and symbolically represented arithmetic or instructions involve the manipulation of electrical signals by the CPU. The electrical system represents data bits that can cause a resulting transformation or reduction of electrical signals, and maintains these data bits in memory locations in the memory system, thereby reconfiguring or otherwise modifying the CPU's operations and processing of other signals. The memory locations where the data bits are maintained are physical locations having specific electrical, magnetic, optical, or organic properties that correspond to or represent the data bits. It should be understood that typical embodiments are not limited to the platforms or CPUs described above, and other platforms and CPUs may support the methods provided.

[0188] Data bits may also be maintained on computer-readable media, including magnetic disks, optical disks, and any other volatile (e.g., Random Access Memory ("RAM")) or CPU-readable non-volatile (e.g., Read-Only Memory ("ROM")) mass storage systems. The computer-readable media may include cooperative or interconnected computer-readable media distributed among multiple interconnected processing systems, which may reside exclusively on a processing system or be local or remote to the processing system. Typical embodiments are not limited to the memory described above, and it is understood that other platforms and memories may support the methods described.

[0189] In exemplary embodiments, any of the operations, processes, etc., described herein may be implemented as computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable instructions can be executed by processors in mobile devices, network elements, and / or any other computing devices.

[0190] There is little distinction between hardware and software implementations of a system configuration. The use of hardware or software is generally a design choice representing a cost-effectiveness trade-off (for example, in the sense that, though not always, the choice between hardware and software can be important in certain contexts). There may be various vehicles (e.g., hardware, software, and / or firmware) in which the processes and / or systems and / or other technologies described herein may be effective, and the preferred vehicle may vary depending on the context in which the processes and / or systems and / or other technologies are deployed. For example, if the implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer may choose a vehicle that is primarily hardware and / or firmware. If flexibility is paramount, the implementer may choose a vehicle that is primarily software. Alternatively, the implementer may choose any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware.

[0191] The detailed description above illustrates various embodiments of devices and / or processes through the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples. Those skilled in the art will understand that, insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples include one or more functions and / or operations, each function and / or operation in such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples may be implemented individually and / or collectively by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or substantially any combination thereof. Suitable processors include, by example, general-purpose processors, dedicated processors, conventional processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a DSP core, controllers, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), field-programmable gate array (FPGA) circuits, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), and / or state machines.

[0192] While the features and elements are provided above in specific combinations, it will be understood by those with ordinary art in the art that each feature or element can be used individually or in any combination with other features and elements. This disclosure is not limited in terms of the specific embodiments described in this application, which are intended to be illustrative of various aspects. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, many modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Any elements, actions, or instructions used in the description of this application should not be construed as important or essential to the invention unless expressly presented as such. In addition to those enumerated herein, functionally equivalent methods and apparatus within the scope of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above description. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. This disclosure is limited only by the terms of the appended claims, and together with the full scope of the equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any particular method or system.

[0193] Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms used herein are for the sole purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Where used herein, “Station” and its abbreviation “STA,” “User Equipment” and its abbreviation “UE” may mean (i) a radio transmit and / or receive unit (WTRU) such as the infrastructure described herein, (ii) any of several embodiments of a WTRU such as the infrastructure described herein, (iii) a radio-enabled and / or wired (e.g., tetherable) device configured to have some or all of the structure and functions of a WTRU such as the infrastructure described herein, (iii) a radio-enabled and / or wired device configured to have less than all of the structure and functions of a WTRU such as the infrastructure described herein, or (iv) other. Details of exemplary WTRUs that may represent any UE enumerated herein are provided below with respect to Figures 1A to 1D.

[0194] In certain representative embodiments, some parts of the subject matter described herein may be implemented via application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), and / or other integrated formats. However, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be equivalently implemented in an integrated circuit, in whole or in part, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or substantially any combination thereof, and that designing circuits and / or writing software and / or firmware code is within the scope of the art of those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein can be distributed as various forms of program products, and that the exemplary embodiments of the subject matter described herein are applicable regardless of the specific type of signal-carrying medium used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of signal-carrying mediums include, but are not limited to, recordable media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CDs, DVDs, digital tapes, and computer memory, and transmission media such as digital and / or analog communication media (e.g., fiber optic cables, waveguides, wired communication links, wireless communication links, etc.).

[0195] The subject matter described herein may, in some cases, depict different components that are contained within or connected to other different components. Such illustrated architectures are merely examples, and it should be understood that in practice, many other architectures can be implemented to achieve the same function. Conceptually, any arrangement of components to achieve the same function is effectively “associated” in such a way that the desired function can be achieved. Therefore, any two components combined herein to achieve a particular function, regardless of architecture or intermediate components, can be seen as “associated” with each other in such a way that the desired function can be achieved. Similarly, any two components thus associated can be considered “operably connected” or “operably coupled” with each other to achieve the desired function, and any two components that can be associated in such a way can be considered “operably coupled” with each other to achieve the desired function. Specific examples of operably coupled components include, but are not limited to, physically matable and / or physically interacting components, and / or wirelessly interactable and / or wirelessly interacting components, and / or logically interacting and / or logically interactable components.

[0196] With regard to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those skilled in the art can convert from plural to singular and / or singular to plural as appropriate to the context and / or use. For clarity purposes, various singular / plural rearrangements may be explicitly described herein.

[0197] In general, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the terms used herein, and in particular in the appended claims (e.g., in the body of the appended claims), are generally intended to be “non-limiting” terms (for example, the term “contains” should be interpreted as “contains but not limited to,” the term “has” should be interpreted as “has at least,” and the term “contains” should be interpreted as “contains but not limited to.”). Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that if a particular number of claims introduced are intended to be described, such intent is explicitly stated in the claim, and if such statement is not present, such intent does not exist. For example, if only one item is intended, the term “single” or similar word may be used. To aid understanding, the following appended claims and / or descriptions herein may include the use of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce the description of a claim. However, the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as meaning that the introduction of a claim description by the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced description to embodiments containing only one such description, even if the same claim contains the introductory phrase "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (for example, "a" and / or "an" should be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"). The same applies to the use of the definite article used to introduce a claim description. Furthermore, even if a particular number of descriptions in an introduced claim are explicitly stated, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that such a statement should be interpreted as meaning at least the number stated (for example, the simple statement "two descriptions" without other modifiers means at least two descriptions or two or more descriptions).

[0198] Furthermore, when a notation similar to "at least one of A, B, and C" is used, such a structure is generally intended to mean what a person skilled in the art would understand (for example, "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together). Where a notation similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used, such a structure is generally intended to mean what a person skilled in the art would understand (for example, “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” includes, but is not limited to, systems having A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together). It will further be understood by a person skilled in the art that any substantially any disjunct word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms in any description, claim, or drawing should be understood as intending to include the possibility of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” should be understood to include the possibility of “A” or “B” or “A and B”. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “any of” followed by a list of items and / or a list of categories of items is intended to include, individually or in combination with other items and / or categories of items, any of, any combination of, any multiple of, and / or any multiple combination of. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “set / group” or “cluster” are intended to include any number of items, including zero. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “number” is intended to include any number, including zero.

[0199] Furthermore, if any feature or aspect of this disclosure is described in terms of the Markush group, a person skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure is also described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of a member of the Markush group.

[0200] For all purposes, including providing written explanations, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, all scopes disclosed herein also encompass any possible sub-scopes and combinations of sub-scopes. Any enumerated scope can be readily recognized as sufficiently explainable and enable that the same scope can be broken down into at least equal 1 / 2, 1 / 3, 1 / 4, 1 / 5, 1 / 10, etc. As a non-limiting example, each scope described herein can readily be broken down into the lower third, the middle third, the upper third, etc. Also, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, all words such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” and “less than” include the number mentioned and mean a scope that can be further broken down into sub-scopes as described above. Finally, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, a scope includes each individual element. Thus, for example, a group having 1 to 3 cells refers to a group having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, a group having 1 to 5 cells refers to a group having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so on.

[0201] Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically stated, the claims should not be read as being limited to the order or elements provided. Moreover, in any claim, the use of the term “means for” is intended to appeal to Section 112, paragraph 6 of the U.S. Patent Act, or the means-plus-function claim format, and no claim without the term “means for” is intended to appeal in that way.

[0202] A radio frequency transceiver can be implemented using a software-related processor for use in a radio transceiver unit (WTRU), user equipment (UE), terminal, base station, mobility management entity (MME), or evolved packet core (EPC), or any host computer. The WTRU may be used in conjunction with hardware and / or software-implemented modules such as software-defined radio (SDR), and may also be implemented in other components such as cameras, video camera modules, video phones, speakerphones, vibration devices, speakers, microphones, television transceivers, hands-free headsets, keyboards, Bluetooth® modules, frequency modulation (FM) radio units, near-field communication (NFC) modules, LCD display units, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display units, digital music players, media players, video game player modules, internet browsers, and / or wireless local area network (WLAN) or ultra-wideband (UWB) modules.

[0203] Although the present invention has been described in relation to a communication system, it is intended that the system may be implemented in software on a microprocessor / general-purpose computer (not shown). In certain embodiments, one or more functions of various components may be implemented in software that controls a general-purpose computer.

[0204] Furthermore, while the present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications can be made in detail within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, without departing from the present invention.

[0205] Through this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that certain representative embodiments may be used in combination with alternative or other representative embodiments.

[0206] While features and elements are described above in specific combinations, those skilled in the art will understand that each feature or element can be used alone or in any combination with other features and elements. Furthermore, the methods described herein can be implemented in computer programs, software, or firmware embedded in computer-readable media for execution by a computer or processor. Examples of non-temporary 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 multipurpose disks (DVDs). A processor associated with software can be used to implement a radio frequency transceiver for use in a WTRU, UE, terminal, base station, RNC, or any host computer.

[0207] Furthermore, the embodiments described above include other devices, including processing platforms, computing systems, controllers, and processors. These devices may include at least one central processing unit ("CPU") and memory. According to the convention of those skilled in the art in the field of computer programming, references to operations and symbolic representations of arithmetic or instructions may be performed by various CPUs and memories. Such operations and arithmetic or instructions may be referred to as "executed," "executed by the computer," or "executed by the CPU."

[0208] Those with ordinary art in the relevant field will understand that operations and symbolically represented arithmetic or instructions involve the manipulation of electrical signals by the CPU. The electrical system represents data bits that can cause a resulting transformation or reduction of electrical signals, and maintains these data bits in memory locations of the memory system, thereby reconfiguring or otherwise altering the CPU's operations and processing of other signals. The memory locations where the data bits are maintained are physical locations having specific electrical, magnetic, optical, or organic properties that correspond to or represent the data bits.

[0209] Data bits may also be maintained on computer-readable media, including magnetic disks, optical disks, and any other volatile (e.g., Random Access Memory ("RAM")) or CPU-readable non-volatile (e.g., Read-Only Memory ("ROM")) mass storage systems. The computer-readable media may include cooperative or interconnected computer-readable media distributed among multiple interconnected processing systems, which may reside exclusively on a processing system or be local or remote to the processing system. Typical embodiments are not limited to the memory described above, and it is understood that other platforms and memories may support the methods described.

[0210] Suitable processors include, for example, general-purpose processors, dedicated processors, conventional processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a DSP core, controllers, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), field-programmable gate array (FPGA) circuits, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), and / or state machines.

[0211] Although the present invention has been described in relation to a communication system, it is intended that the system may be implemented in software on a microprocessor / general-purpose computer (not shown). In certain embodiments, one or more functions of various components may be implemented in software that controls a general-purpose computer.

[0212] Furthermore, while the present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications can be made in detail within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, without departing from the present invention.

Claims

1. A method performed by a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), wherein the method is Receiving TR setting information indicating the set of tone reservation (TR) settings, Determining the power headroom (PH) for the first uplink grant, and selecting the first TR setting from the set of TR settings shown based on either the first uplink grant or the determined PH, Transmitting first information indicating the selected first TR setting, Receiving second information indicating a second TR setting from the set of TR settings shown, Receiving a second uplink grant, A method comprising transmitting information including (1) data transmission by the second uplink grant at a first power level, and (2) a TR transmission, the TR transmission being transmitted in a frequency resource determined according to the second TR setting, and the TR transmission being transmitted at a second power level determined based on the first power level and the power offset associated with the second TR setting.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first uplink grant information associated with the first uplink grant indicates either (1) a resource block (RB) allocation or (2) a modulation and coding scheme (MCS), and the selection of the first TR setting further comprises receiving the first uplink grant information according to either the RB allocation or the MCS.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first TR setting is selected on the condition that (1) the path loss is less than a first threshold, (2) the transmit power is at the maximum power level for a set time, and (3) the PH is less than a second threshold.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the TR setting information indicating the second TR setting includes: (1) the number of RBs reserved for the TR transmission; (2) the power offset between the first power level to be used for the data transmission and the second power level to be used for the TR transmission; (3) the location of the reserved RBs associated with either a bandwidth portion (BWP) or a carrier component (CC); (4) any of at least one subframe and at least one slot to which the second TR setting applies; (5) any of the periodicity and offset to which the second TR setting applies; (6) subcarrier spacing; (7) any of the BWP index and CC index; (8) a method for generating the TR transmission; (9) a density indicator indicating whether the TR transmission is continuous or discontinuous with the data transmission; (10) a transmit power control step size; and (11) a precoder ratio.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the TR setting information is received in either a downlink control information (DCI) or a radio resource control (RRC) message.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the selection of the first TR setting is according to any one of the following: the transmit power level of the previous data transmission, WTRU capability, power class, measured value of the reference signal, received transmit power control command, type of data transmission, operating bandwidth, target block error rate for the data transmission, and frequency allocation of the first uplink grant.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein transmitting the first information indicating the selected first TR setting includes transmitting a sounding reference signal (SRS).

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising receiving SRS configuration information indicating that the first TR configuration is associated with either the SRS or at least one SRS resource.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the transmitted SRS associated with the first TR setting indicates that the first TR setting has been selected.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, provided that the SRS is transmitted in the at least one SRS resource associated with the first TR setting, the transmitted SRS indicates that the first TR setting has been selected.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first information indicating the selected first TR setting is transmitted in any of a media access control (MAC) control element, uplink control information (UCI), and an RRC message.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising multiplexing the first information indicating the selected first TR setting with a UCI on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), the UCI comprising scheduling request (SR) information, hybrid automatic retransmission request acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK) feedback information, and channel status information (CSI).

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising multiplexing the first information indicating the selected first TR setting with the UCI on a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first information indicating the selected first TR setting is transmitted based on either the first uplink grant or a further uplink grant.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising transmitting a power headroom report (PHR) which includes power information associated with the transition from the current TR setting to the first selected TR setting.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the power information indicates any of the following: (1) a first PH value calculated using a first set maximum output power (PCmax) value corresponding to the current TR setting; (2) a second PH value calculated using a second PCmax value corresponding to the selected first TR setting; (3) a first difference value calculated using the difference between the first PCmax value and the second PCmax value; and (4) a second difference value calculated using the difference between the first PH value and the second PH value.

17. Sending the aforementioned TR transmission means This includes generating M TR symbols, which is the first number, from N data symbols, which is the second number, The M TR symbols are associated with a first set of resource elements (REs), and the N data symbols are associated with a second set of REs. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein generating the N data symbols includes either rate matching the N data symbols or puncturing them based on either (1) the ratio R of M to N, and (2) M.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising transmitting an indication of whether rate matching or puncturing was used to transmit the TR transmission.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the TR transmission is performed to minimize either (1) the cubic metric of the sum of the TR transmission and the data transmission, or (2) the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of the sum of the TR transmission and the data transmission.

20. An apparatus comprising a circuit including any one of a transmitter, receiver, processor, and memory configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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