Logical Channel Prioritization for Preemption

Abstract

To provide a method for allowing a UE to determine whether to preempt transmission already in progress according to one of grants with another grant, and a wireless device.SOLUTION: A method includes receiving a first grant of a resource associated with first prioritization information from a network node, constructing a medium access control protocol data unit (MAC PDU) on the basis of a first grant, receiving a second grant of a resource associated with a second prioritization overlapping with the first grant of the resource from the network, and determining whether to preempt transmission of the constructed MAC PDU on the basis of comparison of the first prioritization information with the second prioritization information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Background Art

[0001] In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Study Item, RP-182090, Revision SID: Study on New Radio Internet of Things (NR-IoT), the improvement of New Radio (NR) technology is being studied with the goal of providing more deterministic low latency for data. This traffic is also called time-sensitive networking (TSN) traffic with generally periodic packet generation for each cycle time.

[0002] Uplink (UL) traffic can be scheduled using dynamic UL grants or configured UL grants. In the case of dynamic grants, a network node, such as a base station such as an NR base station (gNodeB), provides a UL grant to the UE for each UL transmission. In contrast, a configured grant is pre-assigned so that the configured grant is provided to the UE once. Thereafter, the configured UL grant becomes valid for use for UL transmission according to the configured period. If there is no UL data available for transmission, the UE does not need to transmit padding for those UL resources. Rather, the UE may skip UL transmission for such grants.

[0003] A typical NR-IoT device will handle communications for multiple service types, including multiple periodic ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) type robot control messages (also called time-sensitive networking (TSN) like traffic), URLLC type ad-hoc alarm signals (where the periodic resources would need to be configured or rely on the UE to send scheduling requests for each ad-hoc alarm message), ad-hoc sensor data transmissions (which can be time-critical or non-time-critical), and / or other extended mobile broadband (eMBB) or mobile broadband (MBB) best-effort type traffic such as ad-hoc video transmissions or software updates. This will lead to a traffic mix that should be multiplexed by the UE for UL transmissions on multiple media access control (MAC) logical channels with different priorities. In such a traffic mix scenario, it is extremely important to handle URLLC type traffic with a high priority.

[0004] 3GPP studies from RP-182090 concluded, among other things, that it is considered beneficial to support extended prioritization between different intra-UE traffic types and priorities, and that at a later work item stage, it is recommended to specify the grant prioritization in MAC based on logical channel (LCH) priorities and the logical channel prioritization (LCP) restrictions for cases where the MAC prioritizes grants.

[0005] However, there are currently several issues. As described above, there are two types of grants that can be allocated to either URLLC traffic or eMBB traffic, namely, dynamic UL grants and configured UL grants. eMBB and URLLC traffic can be periodic or aperiodic. This is further complicated by the need to support multiple periodic URLLC flows where each flow is served by one configured grant. As a result, there are many possibilities where the allocated dynamic and / or configured grants may overlap. However, there is no overall framework to handle all these cases. Mere guidelines for focusing on logical channel prioritization (LCP) restrictions when stating those decisions given in 3GPP are not sufficient to address these issues. For example, it is unclear how the UE makes a decision when adopting LCP to select from among multiple available grants. In particular, it is not clear how the UE decides whether to preempt an ongoing transmission according to one of the grants with another grant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Some aspects of the present disclosure and their embodiments may provide solutions to these or other problems. According to the present disclosure, a wireless device, such as a user equipment (UE), may utilize a logical channel prioritization (LCP)-based decision for preemption of an existing transmission, including taking into account not only new data becoming available in a logical channel but also data of the logical channel of an ongoing transmission. For example, when determining which new data to multiplex by preempting an ongoing transmission (i.e., interrupting an ongoing transmission), the data associated with the transmission being preempted is not discarded and may be considered again by the wireless device after the preemption of the transmission is completed.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a method performed by a wireless device includes receiving a first grant of resources from a network node. The first grant of resources is associated with first prioritization information. The wireless device constructs a Media Access Control Protocol Data Unit (MAC PDU) based on the first grant. A second grant of resources that overlaps with the first grant of resources is received from the network node, and the second grant of resources is associated with second prioritization information. The wireless device determines whether to preempt the transmission of the constructed MAC PDU based on comparing the first prioritization information and the second prioritization information, and preempts the transmission of the constructed MAC PDU if the second prioritization information indicates a higher priority than the priority indicated by the first prioritization information.

[0008] According to some embodiments, a wireless device includes a processing circuit configured to receive a first grant of resources from a network node. The first grant of resources is associated with first prioritization information. The processing circuit is configured to construct a MAC PDU based on the first grant. A second grant of resources that overlaps with the first grant of resources is received from the network node, and the second grant of resources is associated with second prioritization information. The processing circuit is configured to determine whether to preempt the transmission of the constructed MAC PDU based on comparing the first prioritization information and the second prioritization information, and to preempt the transmission of the constructed MAC PDU if the second prioritization information indicates a higher priority than the priority indicated by the first prioritization information.

[0009] According to some embodiments, a method performed by a network node includes transmitting a second grant of resources to a wireless device. The second grant of resources overlaps with a first grant of resources previously transmitted to the wireless device, and the second grant of resources is larger than the first grant of resources. The second grant of resources is associated with second prioritization information indicating a higher priority than first prioritization information associated with the first grant of resources. The network node receives a transmission from the wireless device based on the second grant of resources, and the received transmission includes data allocated by the wireless device for a transmission using the first grant of resources and new data allocated by the wireless device for a transmission using the second grant of resources.

[0010] According to some embodiments, a network node includes a processing circuit configured to transmit a second grant of resources to a wireless device. The second grant of resources overlaps with a first grant of resources previously transmitted to the wireless device, and the second grant of resources is larger than the first grant of resources. The second grant of resources is associated with second prioritization information indicating a higher priority than first prioritization information associated with the first grant of resources. The processing circuit is configured to receive a transmission from the wireless device based on the second grant of resources, and the received transmission includes data allocated by the wireless device for a transmission using the first grant of resources and new data allocated by the wireless device for a transmission using the second grant of resources.

[0011] Some embodiments may provide one or more of the following technical advantages. For example, the UE can prevent wasting any given radio resources and instead utilize those allocated radio resources even when pre-empting an ongoing transmission in order to multiplex logical channel data exactly according to the priority order of the allocated radio resources.

[0012] Other advantages may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Some embodiments may not have any of the recited advantages, and some or all may have some of them.

[0013] Next, for a more complete understanding of the disclosed embodiments and their features and advantages, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Here, some of the embodiments contemplated herein will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other embodiments are included within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein, and the disclosed subject matter should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided as examples to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0016] In general, all terms used in this specification shall be construed in accordance with their ordinary meanings in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is clearly given and / or implied from the context in which they are used. Any reference to an element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. shall be construed openly as referring to at least one example of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless otherwise specified. Unless a step is explicitly described as following or preceding another step, and / or unless it is implicit that a step needs to follow or precede another step, the steps of any method disclosed herein need not be executed in the exact order disclosed. Any feature of any embodiment disclosed herein may, where appropriate, be applied to any other embodiment. Similarly, any advantage of any embodiment can be applied to any other embodiment, and vice versa. Other objects, features and advantages of the embodiments included will become apparent from the following description.

[0017] This disclosure will be described in the context of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5th Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) radio technology as described in 3GPP TS38.300 V15.2.0 (2018-06). It should be understood that the problems and solutions described herein are equally applicable to wireless access networks and user equipment (UE) implementing other access technologies and standards. Further, the New Radio (NR) is used as an exemplary technology for which the techniques and systems described herein are suitable, and thus, using NR in the description is particularly useful for understanding the problem and the solution to that problem. However, the present disclosure is also applicable to 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), or the integration of 3GPP LTE and NR, also referred to as non-standalone NR.

[0018] According to some embodiments, a method for use in a UE media access control (MAC) entity to make a preemption decision can be provided, for example, when there are two or more overlapping grants. Further, a method for multiplexing data associated with a preempted transmission with the preempting transmission (e.g., multiplexing data associated with a transmission targeted for preemption) can be provided.

[0019] For example, a method in a wireless device can be provided in which the wireless device can determine whether to preempt a transmission associated with a previously received grant based on a subsequently received overlapping grant. In particular, the wireless device can determine to preempt a transmission after a media access control protocol data unit (MAC PDU) has been constructed based on a previously received grant and sent to the physical layer (PHY). This determination can be based on comparing the prioritization information of a first grant and a second grant. In this way, even if a MAC PDU has already been constructed based on a previously received grant, the grant with the highest priority can be used. In some embodiments, the preempting transmission can include multiplexed data directed to the preempted transmission associated with the previously received grant. Thus, the UE can reduce wasted resources and unnecessary padding.

[0020] In the disclosure herein, a scenario is considered in which a plurality of uplink (UL) grants with overlapping resources are available in a UE. The UL grants can be configured UL grants or dynamic UL grants in any combination. According to some embodiments, the following two cases can be identified. ·Scenario 1: In the first set of examples, when a second UL grant is received and processed, the MAC PDU of the preempted transmission is either not constructed or can be reconstructed. This can occur when knowledge of overlapping grants and their respective user data is available to the MAC for processing before the construction of the MAC PDU begins (e.g., the MAC determines which data to prioritize before the start of transmission and has sufficient time to construct the corresponding MAC PDU). This can also occur when the data for a grant becomes available when the MAC PDU corresponding to another grant has been submitted to the physical layer for transmission but the transmission has not yet started and it is possible to reconstruct the MAC PDU. ·Scenario 2: In the second set of examples, when a second UL grant is received and processed, the MAC PDU of the preempted transmission has been constructed and submitted (to the PHY), and thus cannot be reconstructed (e.g., the transmission may have started).

[0021] Figure 1 shows a scenario in which multiple UL grants include overlapping resources. The first scenario 50 is shown using the first two received grants 55 and 60, and the second scenario 65 is shown using the last two received grants 60 and 70.

[0022] According to some embodiments, in response to the UE receiving a UL grant that has a resource overlap with a previously received grant, the UE may select from the grants according to some rules. For example, in certain embodiments, if both grants are of the dynamic grant type, the UE may always select the later grant as a rule and / or setting. However, if at least one of the grants is not a dynamic grant, the grants may be selected according to a grant selection procedure. For example, in certain embodiments, the grant may be selected based on what type of resources the data of the logical channel with the highest priority is to be transmitted on. For example, that may involve considering logical channel transmission restrictions such as, for example, grant type, duration, reliability, etc., and other logical channel transmission restrictions.

[0023] The techniques described herein may apply to any scenario for any two overlapping UL grants (including dynamic versus dynamic, configured versus configured, and configured versus dynamic). Thus, the techniques discussed herein may also consider cases of two overlapping dynamic grants.

[0024] According to a first set of exemplary embodiments (where the MAC PDU of the preempted transmission is not constructed or can be reconstructed, based on Scenario 1 described above), after the UE receives a second overlapping grant (Grant 2), the UE discards (or delays the start of) any ongoing MAC PDU construction related to the first grant (Grant 1). Then, assuming that all available data can be multiplexed thereon, both grants (Grant 1 and 2) are processed considering LCP restrictions such as grant type, duration, and reliability. For example, the grant with the higher priority logical channel may have a higher priority, while the other grant is discarded. According to some embodiments, if both grants have the same highest priority, the grant with the larger transport block (TB) size may be selected, while the other grant may be discarded.

[0025] (For example, based on Scenario 2 described above where the MAC PDU of the preempted transmission cannot be reconstructed, such as because the MAC PDU of the preempted transmission has already been submitted to the physical layer) According to a second set of exemplary embodiments, the MAC evaluation process for determining whether new data should be prioritized also takes into account logical channels corresponding to data in already submitted MAC PDUs, such as the MAC PDU created for Grant 2. In particular, the MAC entity may store, according to some embodiments, the logical channel data, logical channel, or logical channel priority of all or at least the highest priority logical channels for the data contained in an already created (and / or submitted to the PHY) MAC PDU. This enables the MAC to evaluate the already submitted MAC PDU for Grant 1 for possible preemption in light of the logical channels for which new data has become available for transmission using a further new grant (Grant 2). In this way, the MAC may be able to select between a further new grant (Grant 2) and the previous grant (Grant 1) according to which the MAC PDU sent to the PHY was constructed. For example, in some embodiments, the priority of the logical channel data made available for transmission on a further new grant (Grant 2) is compared with the priority of the highest priority logical channel data actually contained in the MAC PDU (Grant 1) already sent to the PHY, and the prioritization decision is made by the LCP.

[0026] (For example, according to another set of exemplary embodiments (such as the above-described scenario 2 where the MAC PDU of the preempted transmission cannot be reconstructed because the MAC PDU has already been submitted to the physical layer), the MAC logical channel prioritization (LCP) procedure takes into account not only the new logical channel data but also the logical channel data included in the MAC PDU that has already been submitted to the PHY (i.e., whether the resources available for the transmission of the MAC PDU already submitted by grant 1 overlap with the resources available for the transmission of the new logical channel data by grant 2).

[0027] The determination during LCP for considering logical channel data for which transmission has already started or at least has been submitted to the PHY for transmission on a previously received grant, can be based on, for example, detecting grant 2 in a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) occasion where the new grant (grant 2) occurs after the start of the UL physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) of grant 1 but has a starting point (e.g., symbol offset) with a duration that partially overlaps with the duration of grant 1, and thus includes UL time resources. Thus, if grant 2 meets this criterion, grant 2 can be considered to overlap with grant 1.

[0028] In some embodiments, when multiplexing MAC control elements (CEs) for the preempted PUSCH, the UE may consider the multiplexed (or non-multiplexed) data on the preempted PUSCH. For example, the multiplexing of MAC CEs for the transmission of new data may depend on whether the data from the previous (preempted) transmission is also multiplexed on the preempting transmission. For example, if the data associated with the preempted transmission can be multiplexed (in whole or in part) on the preempting transmission, the decision regarding potentially multiplexing a buffer status report (BSR) MAC CE on the preempting transmission can be made taking into account the buffer status after multiplexing all or part of the data associated with the preempted transmission.

[0029] According to some other embodiments, if it is assumed that the preempted resource corresponding to the first configured grant setting (grant 1) contains a confirmation MAC CE, a confirmation MAC CE pointing to the preempted confirmation MAC CE (i.e., referring to the same HARQ process ID as the preempted confirmation MAC CE) should be included in the MAC PDU sent using the resources associated with the preempting grant (grant 2).

[0030] According to yet other embodiments, if the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process ID (HARQ PID) associated with the preempting grant (grant 2) is different from the HARQ process ID (HARQ PID) associated with the preempted grant (grant 1), the UE should expect that the HARQ feedback for the later transmission will notify the UE about the previous (preempted) data multiplexed on grant 2. Upon receiving an ACK for the PID associated with grant 2, the UE may also flush the previous HARQ process buffer if all of the contents of the previous HARQ process buffer were sent on the preempting transmission.

[0031] According to some alternative embodiments, if the logical channel data included within a media access control protocol data unit (MAC PDU) that has already been submitted to the PHY is a retransmission of logical channel data included in a previously constructed MAC PDU, then that logical channel data is not considered in the logical channel prioritization (LCP) procedure. Non-limiting examples are given below. · Logical channel H has a higher priority than logical channel L. · 100 bytes of data of L was submitted in the PDU according to the previous uplink grant. · Next, when a new grant that overlaps with the resources of the previous grant is received, H is allowed to transmit over it, and H has 100 bytes of data available at this instant.

[0032] Thus, according to some embodiments, a PDU according to grant 2 should be constructed and submitted to the PHY, even including pre-empting the transmission according to grant 1 (if the MAC PDU has already been constructed and sent to the PHY). This is due to the fact that the logical channel data H has a higher priority than the previously submitted data L.

[0033] Consider the situation where grant 2 has a size of 200 bytes. According to some embodiments, in addition to prioritizing 100 bytes of data of H, the remaining space of the selected grant is utilized for the previously submitted data of L, i.e., 100 bytes that are considered in the LCP procedure.

[0034] From the examples described above, several advantages become apparent. In particular, since that data (or a portion thereof) of the preempted transmission can be included during the preempting transmission, that data (or a portion thereof) need not be lost. Moreover, if there is room during this preempting transmission, space is not wasted, for example, by including padding, and instead, the remaining MAC PDU space is filled with the data that would otherwise have been lost due to preemption. As a result, a network node, such as a gNB, is given additional scheduling flexibility to replace a grant with a larger grant, for example, without increasing the amount of lost or reissued data of the grant.

[0035] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary wireless network according to several embodiments. The subject matter described herein may be implemented in any suitable type of system using any suitable components, but the embodiments disclosed herein are described in connection with wireless networks, such as the exemplary wireless network shown in FIG. 2. For simplicity, the wireless network of FIG. 2 shows only network 106, network nodes 160 and 160b, and wireless devices 110, 110b, and 110c. In practice, a wireless network may further include any additional elements suitable for supporting communication between wireless devices or communication between a wireless device and another communication device, such as a landline phone, a service provider, or any other network node or end device. For the illustrated components, network node 160 and wireless device 110 are drawn in more detail. A wireless network may provide communication and other types of services to one or more wireless devices to facilitate access of the wireless devices to services provided by or through the wireless network and / or use of such services by the wireless devices.

[0036] A wireless network can comprise and / or interface with any type of communication, telecommunications, data, cellular, and / or wireless network or other similar type of system. In some embodiments, the wireless network can be configured to operate according to a particular standard or other type of predefined rules or procedures. Thus, particular embodiments of the wireless network can implement communication standards such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G standards, wireless local area network (WLAN) standards such as IEEE 802.11 standards, and / or any other suitable wireless communication standards such as WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), Bluetooth, Z-Wave, and / or ZigBee standards.

[0037] Network 106 can comprise one or more backhaul networks, core networks, IP networks, public switched telephone network (PSTN), packet data networks, optical networks, wide area networks (WAN), local area networks (LAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN), wired networks, wireless networks, metropolitan area networks, and other networks for enabling communication between devices.

[0038] Network node 160 and wireless device 110 comprise various components that will be described in more detail hereinafter. These components cooperate to provide network node and / or wireless device functionality, such as providing a wireless connection in a wireless network. In different embodiments, the wireless network may comprise any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, base stations, controllers, wireless devices, relay stations, and / or any other component or system that facilitates or participates in the communication of data and / or signals, whether via a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary network node 160 according to some embodiments. As used herein, a network node refers to a device that is configured, arranged, and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a wireless device and / or other network nodes or devices within a wireless network to enable and / or provide wireless access to the wireless device and / or to perform other functions (e.g., management) within the wireless network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., wireless access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., wireless base stations, Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), and NR Node B (gNB)). Base stations can be classified based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, in other words, their transmission power levels), in which case they may also be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. A base station may also be a relay node or a relay donor node that controls relays. A network node may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station, sometimes referred to as a centralized digital unit and / or a remote radio unit (RRU), remote radio head (RRH), etc. Such remote radio units may or may not be integrated with an antenna, such as an antenna integrated radio. Parts of a distributed radio base station may also be referred to as nodes within a distributed antenna system (DAS).Further examples of network nodes include multi-standard radio (MSR) devices such as MSR BS, network controllers such as radio network controllers (RNCs) or base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), transmission points, transmission nodes, multi-cell / multicast coordination entities (MCEs), core network nodes (e.g., Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs), Mobile Management Entities (MMEs)), Operations & Maintenance (O&M) nodes, Operations Support System (OSS) nodes, Self Optimizing Network (SON) nodes, positioning nodes (e.g., Evolved-Serving Mobile Location Centers (E-SMLCs)), and / or Minimization of Drive Test (MDT). As another example, the network node may be a virtual network node as described in more detail later. However, more generally, a network node may represent any suitable device (or group of devices) that is configured, arranged, and / or operable to enable and / or provide access to a wireless network to a wireless device and / or to provide some service to a wireless device accessing the wireless network.

[0040] In FIG. 3, network node 160 includes a processing circuit 170, a device-readable medium 180, an interface 190, auxiliary equipment 184, a power source 186, a power circuit 187, and an antenna 162. The network node 160 shown in the exemplary wireless network of FIG. 3 may represent a device that includes the illustrated combination of hardware components, although other embodiments may comprise network nodes having different combinations of components. It will be understood that the network node may comprise any suitable combination of hardware and / or software required to perform the tasks, features, functions, and methods disclosed herein. Further, the components of network node 160 are illustrated as a single box located within a larger box or nested within multiple boxes, but in reality, the network node may comprise a plurality of different physical components that make up a single illustrated component (e.g., device-readable medium 180 may comprise a plurality of separate hard drives as well as a plurality of RAM modules).

[0041] Similarly, network node 160 can be composed of a plurality of physically distinct components (e.g., NodeB components and RNC components, or BTS components and BSC components, etc.) that each may have their own respective components. In some scenarios where network node 160 comprises a plurality of distinct components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the distinct components can be shared among several network nodes. For example, a single RNC can control multiple NodeBs. In such scenarios, each unique NodeB and RNC pair can, in some cases, be considered a single distinct network node. In some embodiments, network node 160 can be configured to support a plurality of radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components can be duplicated (e.g., separate device-readable media 180 for different RATs), and some components can be reused (e.g., the same antenna 162 can be shared by RATs). Network node 160 can also include multiple sets of various illustrated components for different wireless technologies integrated into network node 160, such as, for example, GSM, Wide Code Division Multiplexing Access (WCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), New Radio (NR), WiFi, or Bluetooth wireless technology. These wireless technologies can be integrated within the same or different chips or sets of chips within network node 160 and other components.

[0042] The processing circuit 170 is configured to perform any of the determinations, calculations, or similar operations (such as certain acquisition operations) described herein as being provided by a network node. These operations performed by the processing circuit 170 may include, for example, converting acquired information into other information, comparing the acquired information or the converted information with information stored in the network node, and / or performing one or more operations based on the acquired information or the converted information, thereby processing the information acquired by the processing circuit 170, and making a determination as a result of the processing.

[0043] The processing circuit 170 may comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or a combination of hardware, software, and / or encoded logic operable to provide the network node 160 functionality, alone or in conjunction with other network node 160 components such as the device-readable medium 180. For example, the processing circuit 170 may execute instructions stored on the device-readable medium 180 or in a memory within the processing circuit 170. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features, functions, or benefits discussed herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 170 may include a system-on-chip (SOC).

[0044] In some embodiments, the processing circuit 170 may include one or more of a radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuit 172 and a baseband processing circuit 174. In some embodiments, the RF transceiver circuit 172 and the baseband processing circuit 174 may be on separate chips (or a set of chips), boards, or units such as a radio unit and a digital unit. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the RF transceiver circuit 172 and the baseband processing circuit 174 may be on the same chip or a set of chips, board, or unit.

[0045] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein as provided by a network node, base station, eNB, or other such network device may be performed by a processing circuit 170 that executes instructions stored in a memory within the device-readable medium 180 or the processing circuit 170. In an alternative embodiment, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuit 170 in a hard-wired manner, such as without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable medium. In any of those embodiments, with or without executing instructions stored on a device-readable storage medium, the processing circuit 170 can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuit 170 alone or to other components of the network node 160, but are enjoyed by the network node 160 as a whole and / or generally by end users and the wireless network.

[0046] The device-readable medium 180 can comprise any form of volatile or non-volatile computer-readable memory, including but not limited to a persistent storage device, a solid-state memory, a remotely mounted memory, a magnetic medium, an optical medium, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a mass storage medium (e.g., a hard disk), a removable storage medium (e.g., a flash drive, a compact disc (CD) or a digital versatile disc (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computer-executable memory device that can store information, data, and / or instructions for use by the processing circuitry 170. The device-readable medium 180 can store any suitable instructions, data, or information, including one or more of an application, such as a computer program, software, logic, rules, code, tables, etc., and / or other instructions that can be executed by the processing circuitry 170 and used by the network node 160. The device-readable medium 180 can be used to store any calculations performed by the processing circuitry 170 and / or any data received via the interface 190. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 170 and the device-readable medium 180 can be considered integrated.

[0047] Interface 190 is used in the wired or wireless communication of signaling and / or data between network node 160, network 106, and / or wireless device 110. As shown, interface 190 includes port / terminal 194, for example, to transmit and receive data to and from network 106 via a wired connection. Interface 190 may also include a wireless front-end circuit 192 that may be connected to antenna 162 or may be part of antenna 162 in certain embodiments. The wireless front-end circuit 192 includes a filter 198 and an amplifier 196. The wireless front-end circuit 192 may be connected to antenna 162 and processing circuit 170. The wireless front-end circuit may be configured to condition signals communicated between antenna 162 and processing circuit 170. The wireless front-end circuit 192 may receive digital data that is to be transmitted to other network nodes or wireless devices via a wireless connection. The wireless front-end circuit 192 may convert the digital data into a wireless signal having appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filter 198 and / or amplifier 196. The wireless signal may then be transmitted via antenna 162. Similarly, when receiving data, antenna 162 may collect a wireless signal that is then converted into digital data by wireless front-end circuit 192. The digital data may be passed to processing circuit 170. In other embodiments, the interface may comprise different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0048] In certain alternative embodiments, network node 160 may not include a separate radio front-end circuit 192. Instead, processing circuit 170 may comprise a radio front-end circuit and may be connected to antenna 162 without a separate radio front-end circuit 192. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of RF transceiver circuits 172 may be considered part of interface 190. In still other embodiments, interface 190 may include one or more ports or terminals 194, radio front-end circuit 192, and RF transceiver circuits 172, as part of a wireless unit (not shown), and interface 190 may communicate with baseband processing circuit 174, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0049] Antenna 162 may include one or more antennas, or an antenna array, configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals. Antenna 162 may be coupled to radio front-end circuit 190 and may be any type of antenna having the ability to wirelessly transmit and receive data and / or signals. In some embodiments, antenna 162 may comprise, for example, one or more omnidirectional, sector or panel antennas operable to transmit / receive wireless signals between, for example, 2 GHz and 66 GHz. Omnidirectional antennas may be used to transmit / receive wireless signals in any direction, sector antennas may be used to transmit / receive wireless signals from devices within a particular area, and panel antennas may be a line of site antennas used to transmit / receive wireless signals relatively linearly. In some cases, the use of multiple antennas may be referred to as MIMO. In certain embodiments, antenna 162 may be separate from network node 160 and may be connectable to network node 160 via an interface or port.

[0050] Antenna 162, interface 190, and / or processing circuit 170 may be configured to perform any of the receiving operations and / or certain acquisition operations described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data, and / or signals may be received from a wireless device, another network node, and / or any other network equipment. Similarly, antenna 162, interface 190, and / or processing circuit 170 may be configured to perform any of the transmitting operations described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data, and / or signals may be transmitted to a wireless device, another network node, and / or any other network equipment.

[0051] Power circuit 187 may comprise, or be coupled to, a power management circuit and is configured to supply power to the components of network node 160 for performing the functionality described herein. Power circuit 187 may receive power from power source 186. Power source 186 and / or power circuit 187 may be configured to provide power to the various components of network node 160 in a form suitable for their respective components (e.g., at the voltage and current levels required for their respective components). Power source 186 may be included within power circuit 187 and / or network node 160, or external to these. For example, network node 160 may be connectable to an external power source (e.g., an electrical outlet) via an input circuit or interface such as an electrical cable, whereby the external power source supplies power to power circuit 187. As a further example, power source 186 may comprise a source of power in the form of a battery or battery pack connected to or integrated with power circuit 187. The battery may provide a backup power source in the event of a loss of external power. Other types of power sources, such as photovoltaic devices, may also be used.

[0052] An alternative embodiment of network node 160 may be responsible for providing certain aspects of the functionality of a network node, including any of the functionality described herein and / or any functionality necessary to support the subject matter described herein, and may include additional components beyond those shown in FIG. 3. For example, network node 160 may include a user interface device to enable input of information to network node 160 and to enable output of information from network node 160. This may enable a user to perform diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and other administrative functions for network node 160.

[0053] Figure 4 shows an exemplary wireless device 110 according to some embodiments. As used herein, a wireless device refers to a device that is configured, arranged, and / or operable to wirelessly communicate with a network node and / or other wireless devices. Unless otherwise specified, the term wireless device may be used synonymously with UE herein. Communicating wirelessly may include transmitting / receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for conveying information via radio waves. In some embodiments, a wireless device may be configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, a wireless device may be designed to transmit information to a network at a predetermined schedule when triggered by an internal or external event or in response to a request from the network. Examples of wireless devices include, but are not limited to, smartphones, mobile phones, cell phones, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, desktop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless cameras, gaming consoles or devices, music storage devices, playback devices, wearable terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, tablets, laptops, laptop embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), smart devices, wireless customer premise equipment (CPE), vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, etc. A wireless device may support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example, by implementing 3GPP standards for sidelink communication, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), in which case it may be referred to as a D2D communication device.As yet another specific example, in an IoT (Internet of Things) scenario, a wireless device may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurement and transmits the results of such monitoring and / or measurement to another wireless device and / or a network node. The wireless device may in this case also be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which may be referred to as an MTC device in a 3GPP context. As one specific example, the wireless device may be a UE implementing the 3GPP NB-IoT (narrow band internet of things) standard. Specific examples of such machines or devices are sensors, measurement devices such as power meters, industrial machines, or household or personal appliances (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, etc.), personal wearables (e.g., wristwatches, fitness trackers, etc.). In other scenarios, the wireless device may represent a vehicle or other equipment having the ability to monitor and / or report on its operating situation or other functions related to its operation. A wireless device as described above may represent an endpoint of a wireless connection, in which case the device may be referred to as a wireless terminal. Further, a wireless device as described above may be mobile, in which case it may also be referred to as a mobile device or a mobile terminal.

[0054] As shown, wireless device 110 includes an antenna 111, an interface 114, a processing circuit 120, a device-readable medium 130, a user interface device 132, an auxiliary device 134, a power source 136, and a power circuit 137. Wireless device 110 may include multiple sets of one or more of the illustrated components for different wireless technologies supported by wireless device 110, such as, by way of example only, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, WiMAX, or Bluetooth wireless technology. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chips or sets of chips as other components within wireless device 110.

[0055] Antenna 111 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals and is connected to interface 114. In certain alternative embodiments, antenna 111 may be separate from wireless device 110 and may be connectable to wireless device 110 via an interface or port. Antenna 111, interface 114, and / or processing circuitry 120 may be configured to perform any of the receive or transmit operations described herein as being performed by a wireless device. Any information, data, and / or signals may be received from a network node and / or another wireless device. In some embodiments, the wireless front-end circuitry and / or antenna 111 may be considered an interface.

[0056] As shown, interface 114 includes a wireless front-end circuit 112 and an antenna 111. The wireless front-end circuit 112 includes one or more filters 118 and an amplifier 116. The wireless front-end circuit 114 is connected to the antenna 111 and the processing circuit 120 and is configured to condition signals communicated between the antenna 111 and the processing circuit 120. The wireless front-end circuit 112 may be coupled to the antenna 111 or may be part of the antenna 111. In some embodiments, the wireless device 110 may not include a separate wireless front-end circuit 112, and instead, the processing circuit 120 may include a wireless front-end circuit and may be connected to the antenna 111. Similarly, in some embodiments, some or all of the RF transceiver circuit 122 may be considered part of the interface 114. The wireless front-end circuit 112 may receive digital data that is to be transmitted to other network nodes or wireless devices via a wireless connection. The wireless front-end circuit 112 may convert the digital data into a wireless signal having appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 118 and / or amplifier 116. The wireless signal may then be transmitted via the antenna 111. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna 111 may collect a wireless signal that is then converted into digital data by the wireless front-end circuit 112. The digital data may be passed to the processing circuit 120. In other embodiments, the interface may include different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0057] The processing circuit 120 may comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or a combination of hardware, software, and / or encoded logic operable to provide the functionality of the wireless device 110, either alone or in conjunction with other components of the wireless device 110 such as the device-readable medium 130. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features or benefits discussed herein. For example, the processing circuit 120 may execute instructions stored on the device-readable medium 130 or in a memory within the processing circuit 120 to provide the functionality disclosed herein.

[0058] As illustrated, processing circuit 120 includes one or more of RF transceiver circuit 122, baseband processing circuit 124, and application processing circuit 126. In other embodiments, the processing circuit may comprise different components and / or different combinations of components. In certain embodiments, the processing circuit 120 of wireless device 110 may comprise a system-on-chip (SOC). In some embodiments, RF transceiver circuit 122, baseband processing circuit 124, and application processing circuit 126 may be on separate chips or a set of chips. In an alternative embodiment, some or all of baseband processing circuit 124 and application processing circuit 126 may be integrated within one chip or a set of chips, and RF transceiver circuit 122 may be on a separate chip or a set of chips. In yet another alternative embodiment, some or all of RF transceiver circuit 122 and baseband processing circuit 124 may be on the same chip or a set of chips, and application processing circuit 126 may be on a separate chip or a set of chips. In yet other alternative embodiments, some or all of RF transceiver circuit 122, baseband processing circuit 124, and application processing circuit 126 may be integrated within the same chip or a set of chips. In some embodiments, RF transceiver circuit 122 may be part of interface 114. RF transceiver circuit 122 may condition RF signals of processing circuit 120.

[0059] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein as being performed by a wireless device may be provided by processing circuitry 120 executing instructions stored on a device-readable medium 130, which may be a computer-readable storage medium in certain embodiments. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by processing circuitry 120 in a hard-wired fashion, etc., without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable storage medium. In any of those particular embodiments, with or without executing instructions stored on a device-readable storage medium, processing circuitry 120 may be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to processing circuitry 120 alone or to other components of wireless device 110, but are enjoyed by wireless device 110 as a whole and / or generally by an end user and a wireless network.

[0060] Processing circuitry 120 may be configured to perform any determination, calculation, or similar operation (e.g., certain acquisition operations) described herein as being performed by a wireless device. These operations, as performed by processing circuitry 120, may include, for example, converting acquired information into other information, comparing the acquired or converted information to information stored by wireless device 110, and / or performing one or more operations based on the acquired or converted information, thereby processing the information acquired by processing circuitry 120 and making a determination as a result of said processing.

[0061] The device-readable medium 130 can be operable to store an application including one or more of a computer program, software, logic, rules, code, tables, etc. and / or other instructions executable by the processing circuit 120. The device-readable medium 130 can include a computer memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM)), a mass storage medium (e.g., a hard disk), a removable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk (CD) or a digital video disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computer-executable memory device that can store information, data, and / or instructions used by the processing circuit 120. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 120 and the device-readable medium 130 can be considered to be integrated.

[0062] The user interface device 132 may provide components that enable a human user to interact with the wireless device 110. Such interactions can take many forms, such as visual, auditory, tactile, etc. The user interface device 132 may be operable to produce output to the user and to enable the user to provide input to the wireless device 110. The type of interaction may vary depending on the type of user interface device 132 installed in the wireless device 110. For example, if the wireless device 110 is a smartphone, the interaction may be via a touch screen, and if the wireless device 110 is a smart meter, the interaction may be via a screen that provides usage (e.g., number of gallons used) or a speaker that provides an alarm sound (e.g., when smoke is detected). The user interface device 132 may include input interfaces, devices, and circuits, and output interfaces, devices, and circuits. The user interface device 132 is configured to enable input of information to the wireless device 110 and is connected to the processing circuit 120 to enable the processing circuit 120 to process the input information. The user interface device 132 may include, for example, a microphone, a proximity or other sensor, a key / button, a touch display, one or more cameras, a USB port, or other input circuits. The user interface device 132 is also configured to enable output of information from the wireless device 110 and to enable the processing circuit 120 to output information from the wireless device 110. The user interface device 132 may include, for example, a speaker, a display, a vibration circuit, a USB port, a headphone interface, or other output circuits. Using one or more of the input and output interfaces, devices, and circuits of the user interface device 132, the wireless device 110 can communicate with an end user and / or a wireless network, enabling them to benefit from the functionality described herein.

[0063] Auxiliary device 134 is operable to provide more specific functionality that may not generally be performed by a wireless device. This may include specialized sensors for performing measurements for various purposes, interfaces for additional types of communication such as wired communication, etc. The inclusion and type of components of auxiliary device 134 may vary depending on the embodiment and / or scenario.

[0064] In some embodiments, power source 136 may be in the form of a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources may also be used, such as an external power source (e.g., an electrical outlet), a photovoltaic device, or a power cell. Wireless device 110 may further include a power circuit 137 for delivering power from power source 136 to various parts of wireless device 110 that require power to perform any of the functionality described or shown herein. In certain embodiments, power circuit 137 may include a power management circuit. Power circuit 137 may additionally or alternatively be operable to receive power from an external power source, in which case wireless device 110 may be connectable to an external power source (such as an electrical outlet) via an interface such as an input circuit or an electrical power cable. In certain embodiments, power circuit 137 may also be operable to deliver power from an external power source to power source 136. This may be, for example, for charging power source 136. Power circuit 137 can perform any formatting, conversion, or other modification to the power from power source 136 to make the power suitable for each component of wireless device 110 to which the power is supplied.

[0065] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a UE according to various aspects described herein. As used herein, a user equipment or UE may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and / or operates a related device. Instead, a UE may represent a device that is intended for sale to or operation by a human user, but that may not be associated with a particular human user, or may not initially be associated with a particular human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a UE may represent a device that is not intended for sale to or operation by an end user, but that may be related to or operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart power meter). UE 200 may be any UE identified by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including an NB-IoT UE, a machine type communication (MTC) UE, and / or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE. As shown in FIG. 5, UE 200 is an example of a wireless device configured for communication according to one or more communication standards published by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 3GPP's GSM, UMTS, LTE, and / or 5G standards. As noted above, the terms wireless device and UE may be used synonymously. Thus, while FIG. 5 shows a UE, the components discussed herein are equally applicable to a wireless device, and vice versa.

[0066] In FIG. 5, the UE 200 includes a processing circuit 201 operably coupled to an input / output interface 205, a radio frequency (RF) interface 209, a network connection interface 211, a memory 215 including a random access memory (RAM) 217, a read-only memory (ROM) 219, and a storage medium 221, a communication subsystem 231, a power supply 233, and / or any other components, or any combination thereof. The storage medium 221 includes an operating system 223, an application program 225, and data 227. In other embodiments, the storage medium 221 may include other similar types of information. Certain UEs may use all of the components shown in FIG. 5, or only a subset of those components. The level of integration between components may vary depending on the UE. Further, certain UEs may include multiple instances of components such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0067] In FIG. 5, the processing circuit 201 may be configured to process computer instructions and data. The processing circuit 201 may be configured to execute machine instructions stored as a machine-readable computer program in a memory, such as any sequential state machine operable to execute machine instructions stored as a machine-readable computer program in a memory, such as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, FPGA, ASIC, etc.), programmable logic together with appropriate firmware, a microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP) together with appropriate software, a general-purpose processor, or any combination of the foregoing. For example, the processing circuit 201 may include two central processing units (CPUs). The data may be information in a form suitable for use by a computer.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the input / output interface 205 can be configured to provide a communication interface to an input device, an output device, or both an input and an output device. The UE 200 can be configured to use an output device via the input / output interface 205. The output device can use the same type of interface port as the input device. For example, a USB port can be used to provide input to and output from the UE 200. The output device can be a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, an emitter, a smart card, another output device, or any combination thereof. The UE 200 can be configured to use an input device via the input / output interface 205 to enable a user to capture information within the UE 200. The input device can include a touch sensor or presence sensor type display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a web camera, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a directional pad, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smart card, and the like. The presence sensor type display can include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor for sensing input from a user. The sensor can be, for example, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an inclinometer, a force sensor, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, another similar sensor, or any combination thereof. For example, the input device can be an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a digital camera, a microphone, and an optical sensor.

[0069] In FIG. 5, the RF interface 209 can be configured to provide a communication interface to RF components such as a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna. The network connection interface 211 can be configured to provide the communication interface to the network 243a. The network 243a can include a wired and / or wireless network such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a computer network, a wireless network, a telecommunications network, another similar network, or any combination thereof. For example, the network 243a can include a Wi-Fi network. The network connection interface 211 can be configured to include a receiver and a transmitter interface used to communicate with one or more other devices via a communication network according to one or more communication protocols such as Ethernet, TCP / IP, SONET, ATM, etc. The network connection interface 211 can implement receiver and transmitter functionality suitable for a communication network link (e.g., optical, electrical, etc.). The transmitter and receiver functions can share circuit components, software, or firmware, or alternatively, can be implemented separately.

[0070] RAM 217 can be configured to interface with the processing circuit 201 via the bus 202 to store or cache data or computer instructions during the execution of software programs such as an operating system, application programs, and device drivers. ROM 219 can be configured to provide computer instructions or data to the processing circuit 201. For example, ROM 219 can be configured to store invariant low-level system code or data for basic system functions such as basic input and output (I / O), startup, or reception of keystrokes from a keyboard stored in non-volatile memory. The storage medium 221 can be configured to include memory such as RAM, ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disk, optical disk, floppy disk, hard disk, removable cartridge, or flash drive. In one example, the storage medium 221 can be configured to include an operating system 223, application programs 225 such as a web browser application, a widget or gadget engine or another application, and data files 227. The storage medium 221 can store any of a variety of operating systems or combinations of operating systems for use by the UE 200.

[0071] The memory medium 221 can be configured to include several physical drive units such as RAID (redundant array of independent disk), floppy disk drive, flash memory, USB flash drive, external hard disk drive, thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, high-density digital versatile disc (HD-DVD) optical disc drive, internal hard disk drive, Blu-ray optical disc drive, holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical disc drive, external mini-dual in-line memory module (DIMM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), external micro DIMM SDRAM, smart card memory such as a subscriber identity module or a removable user identity (SIM / RUIM) module, other memories, or any combination thereof. The memory medium 221 can enable the UE200 to access computer-executable instructions, application programs, etc. stored in a temporary or non-temporary memory medium, offload data, or upload data. A manufactured product such as one using a communication system can be tangibly implemented in the memory medium 221 that can include a device-readable medium.

[0072] In FIG. 5, the processing circuit 201 may be configured to communicate with a network 243b that uses a communication subsystem 231. The network 243a and the network 243b may be one or more of the same network or one or more different networks. The communication subsystem 231 may be configured to include one or more transceivers used to communicate with the network 243b. For example, the communication subsystem 231 may be a wireless access network (RAN) according to one or more communication protocols such as IEEE802.2, CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, LTE, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), WiMax, etc. It may be configured to include one or more transceivers used to communicate with one or more remote transceivers of another device having wireless communication capabilities, such as another wireless device, UE, or base station. Each transceiver may include a transmitter 233 and / or a receiver 235, respectively, to implement transmitter or receiver functionality suitable for the RAN link (e.g., frequency allocation, etc.). Further, the transmitter 233 and the receiver 235 of each transceiver may share circuit components, software, or firmware, or alternatively may be implemented separately.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the communication functions of communication subsystem 231 may include data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communication such as Bluetooth, short-range wireless communication, location-based communication such as the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine location, other similar communication functions, or any combination thereof. For example, communication subsystem 231 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth communication, and GPS communication. Network 243b may include wired and / or wireless networks such as a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a computer network, a wireless network, a telecommunications network, other similar networks, or any combination thereof. For example, network 243b may be a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, and / or a short-range wireless network. Power source 213 may be configured to provide alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power to the components of UE200.

[0074] The features, benefits, and / or functions described herein may be implemented in one of the components of UE200 or may be divided across multiple components of UE200. Further, the features, benefits, and / or functions described herein may be implemented in any combination of hardware, software, or firmware. In one example, communication subsystem 231 may be configured to include any of the components described herein. Further, processing circuit 201 may be configured to communicate with any of such components via bus 202. In another example, any of such components may be represented by program instructions stored in a memory that execute the corresponding functions described herein when executed by processing circuit 201. In another example, the functionality of any of such components may be divided between processing circuit 201 and communication subsystem 231. In another example, the non-computation-intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware, and the computation-intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0075] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing a virtualized environment 300 in which functions implemented by some embodiments can be virtualized. In this regard, virtualization means creating a virtual version of a device or apparatus that may include virtualization of a hardware platform, a memory device, and network resources. In this specification, virtualization can be applied to a node (e.g., a virtualized base station or a virtualized radio access node) or a device (e.g., a UE, a wireless device, or any other type of communication device) or its components, where at least a portion of the functionality is implemented as one or more virtual components (e.g., via one or more applications, components, functions, virtual machines, or containers running on one or more physical processing nodes within one or more networks).

[0076] In some embodiments, some or all of the functions described herein may be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines hosted in one or more virtual environments 300 hosted by one or more of the hardware nodes 330. Further, in embodiments where the virtual node is not a radio access node or does not require wireless connectivity (e.g., a core network node), then the network node may be fully virtualized.

[0077] This functionality may be implemented by one or more applications 320 (which may be alternatively referred to as software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) operable to implement some of the features, functions, and / or benefits of some of the embodiments disclosed herein. The application 320 is executed in a virtualized environment 300 that provides the hardware 330 comprising the processing circuitry 360 and the memory 390. The memory 390 includes instructions 395 executable by the processing circuitry 360, whereby the application 320 is operable to provide one or more of the features, benefits, and / or functions disclosed herein.

[0078] The virtualized environment 300 comprises a general-purpose or dedicated network hardware device 330 having one or more processors or processing circuits 360, which may be a set of one or more processors or a processing circuit including a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other type of processing circuit including digital or analog hardware components or a dedicated processor. Each hardware device may include a memory 390-1, which may be a non-persistent memory for temporarily storing software executed by the instruction 395 or the processing circuit 360. Each hardware device may include one or more network interface controllers (NICs) 370, also known as network interface cards, including a physical network interface 380. Each hardware device may also include a non-transitory, persistent, machine-readable storage medium 390-2 in which the software 395 is stored and / or may include instructions executable by the processing circuit 360. The software 395 may include any type of software including software for creating an instance of one or more virtualization layers 350 (also called hypervisors), software for executing virtual machines 340, and software that enables it to perform the functions, features, and / or benefits described in some embodiments herein.

[0079] The virtual machine 340 includes virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interfaces, and virtual storage, and may be executed by a corresponding virtualization layer 350 or hypervisor. Different embodiments of instances of the virtual appliance 320 may be implemented in one or more of the virtual machines 340, and the implementation forms may be performed in different ways.

[0080] During operation, the processing circuit 360 executes software 395 to create an instance of a hypervisor or virtualization layer 350, sometimes referred to as a virtual machine monitor (VMM). The virtualization layer 350 may represent a virtual operating platform that appears to the virtual machine 340 as networking hardware.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 6, the hardware 330 may be a stand-alone network node with general or specific components. The hardware 330 may include an antenna 3225 and may implement some functions through virtualization. Alternatively, the hardware 330 may be part of a larger class of hardware (such as within a data center or customer premise equipment (CPE)) that is managed through management and orchestration (MANO) 3100 where multiple hardware nodes cooperate and, in particular, oversee the lifecycle management of the application 320.

[0082] The virtualization of hardware is, in some contexts, referred to as network function virtualization (NFV). NFV can be used to integrate multiple network device types onto industry-standard high-volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage that can be placed within data centers and customer premise equipment.

[0083] In the context of NFV, the virtual machine 340 may be a software implementation of a physical machine that executes programs as if the programs were running on a physical non-virtualized machine. Each virtual machine 340, and that portion of the hardware 330 that executes that virtual machine, forms a separate virtual network element (VNE) if it is the hardware dedicated to that virtual machine and / or hardware shared by that virtual machine with other virtual machines 340.

[0084] Furthermore, in relation to NFV, a virtual network function (VNF) has the responsibility of processing a specific network function executed in one or more virtual machines 340 at the top of the hardware networking infrastructure 330, corresponding to the application 320 in FIG. 6.

[0085] In some embodiments, one or more radio units 3200, each including one or more transmitters 3220 and one or more receivers 3210, may be coupled to one or more antennas 3225. The radio unit 3200 can communicate directly with the hardware node 330 via one or more suitable network interfaces and can be used in combination with virtual components to provide a virtual node with wireless capabilities such as a radio access node or a base station.

[0086] In some embodiments, some signaling may be affected by the use of a control system 3230 that can alternatively be used for communication between the hardware node 330 and the radio unit 3200.

[0087] FIG. 7 shows a communication network connected to a host computer via an intermediate network according to some embodiments. Referring to FIG. 7, according to one embodiment, a communication system includes a communication network 410, such as a 3GPP type cellular network, comprising an access network 411, such as a wireless access network, and a core network 414. The access network 411 comprises a plurality of base stations 412a, 412b, 412c, such as NB, eNB, gNB or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 413a, 413b, 413c. Each base station 412a, 412b, 412c is connectable to the core network 414 via a wired or wireless connection 415. A first UE 491 placed within the coverage area 413c may be wirelessly connected to or paged by the corresponding base station 412c. A second UE 492 within the coverage area 413a is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding base station 412a. Although a plurality of UEs 491, 492 are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to situations where only one UE is within the coverage area or only one UE is connected to the corresponding base station 412.

[0088] The communication network 410 itself is connected to a host computer 430, which can be implemented as a stand-alone server, a cloud-implemented server, the hardware and / or software of a distributed server, or as processing resources within a server farm. The host computer 430 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated by or for a service provider. The connections 421 and 422 between the communication network 410 and the host computer 430 may extend directly from the core network 414 to the host computer 430, or may be via an optional intermediate network 420. The intermediate network 420 may be one of a public network, a private network, or a host-type network, or a combination of two or more of them. The intermediate network 420, if any, may also be a backbone network or the Internet. Specifically, the intermediate network 420 may comprise two or more sub-networks (not shown).

[0089] The communication system of FIG. 7 as a whole enables connectivity between the connected UEs 491, 492 and the host computer 430. The connectivity can be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 450. The host computer 430 and the connected UEs 491, 492 are configured to communicate data and / or signaling via the OTT connection 450 using the access network 411, the core network 414, any intermediate network 420, and possibly additional infrastructure (not shown) as a medium. The OTT connection 450 can be transparent in the sense that the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection 450 passes do not recognize the routing of uplink and downlink communications. For example, the base station 412 may not be informed, or need not be informed, about the past routing of incoming downlink communications of data from the host computer 430 that is to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to the connected UE 491. Similarly, the base station 412 need not recognize the future routing of outgoing uplink communications initiated from the UE 491 towards the host computer 430.

[0090] FIG. 8 shows a host computer that communicates via a base station with a user equipment that is partially wirelessly connected, according to some embodiments. An exemplary implementation according to one embodiment of the UE, base station, and host computer discussed in the previous paragraph will be described here with reference to FIG. 8. In communication system 500, host computer 510 comprises hardware 515 including a communication interface 516 configured to set up and maintain a wired or wireless connection with an interface of different communication devices of communication system 500. Host computer 510 further comprises a processing circuit 518 that may have storage and / or processing capabilities. Specifically, processing circuit 518 may comprise one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or combinations thereof (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. Host computer 510 further comprises software 511 stored on or accessible by host computer 510 and executable by processing circuit 518. Software 511 includes host application 512. Host application 512 may be operable to provide services to remote users such as UE 530 that is connected via an OTT connection 550 that terminates at UE 530 and host computer 510. In providing services to remote users, host application 512 may provide user data transmitted using OTT connection 550.

[0091] The communication system 500 further includes a base station 520 that includes hardware 525 provided in the communication system and that enables the host computer 510 and the UE 530 to communicate therewith. The hardware 525 includes a communication interface 526 for setting up and maintaining wired or wireless connections with interfaces of different communication devices of the communication system 500, and may include a wireless interface 527 for at least setting up and maintaining a wireless connection 570 with a UE 530 placed within a coverage area (not shown in FIG. 8) served by the base station 520. The communication interface 526 may be set to facilitate connection 560 to the host computer 510. The connection 560 may be direct, or the connection 560 may pass through a core network of the communication system (not shown in FIG. 8) and / or one or more intermediate networks external to the communication system. In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 525 of the base station 520 further includes a processing circuit 528 that may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or combinations thereof (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The base station 520 further has software 521 stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

[0092] The communication system 500 further includes the UE 530 that has already been referenced. Its hardware 535 may include a wireless interface 537 configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection 570 with a base station that serves the coverage area where the UE 530 is currently located. The hardware 535 of the UE 530 further includes a processing circuit 538 that may include one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or combinations thereof (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The UE 530 further includes software 531 stored in or accessible by the UE 530 and executable by the processing circuit 538. The software 531 includes a client application 532. The client application 532 may be operable to provide services to a human or non-human user via the UE 530 with the support of the host computer 510. In the host computer 510, the running host application 512 may communicate with the running client application 532 via an OTT connection 550 that terminates at the UE 530 and the host computer 510. In providing services to the user, the client application 532 may receive request data from the host application 512 and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection 550 can transfer both the request data and the user data. The client application 532 can interact with the user to generate the user data it provides.

[0093] Note that the host computer 510, the base station 520, and the UE 530 shown in FIG. 8 may be similar to or identical to the host computer 430 in FIG. 4, one of the base stations 412a, 412b, 412c, and one of the UEs 491, 492, respectively. That is, the movements inside these entities may be as shown in FIG. 8, and independently, the surrounding network topology may be the same as that in FIG. 4.

[0094] In FIG. 8, the OTT connection 550 is abstractly depicted to illustrate the communication between the host computer 510 and the UE 530 via the base station 520 without explicit reference to the intervening devices and without precise routing of messages through these devices. The network infrastructure can determine the routing, which can be configured to be hidden from the UE 530, from the service provider operating the host computer 510, or both. While the OTT connection 550 is active, the network infrastructure can further make a determination to dynamically change the routing (e.g., based on network load balancing considerations or reconfiguration).

[0095] The wireless connection 570 between the UE 530 and the base station 520 complies with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of the OTT services provided to the UE 530 using the OTT connection 550, where the wireless connection 570 forms the last segment. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments can improve the data rate and latency, thereby providing benefits such as relaxation of restrictions on file size and better responsiveness.

[0096] Measurement procedures may be provided for the purpose of improving the monitoring data rate, latency, and other factors in one or more embodiments. There may further be optional network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 550 between the host computer 510 and the UE 530 in response to variations in the measurement results. The measurement procedures and / or the network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 550 may be implemented in the software 511 and hardware 515 of the host computer 510, or in the software 531 and hardware 535 of the UE 530, or both. In an embodiment, a sensor (not shown) may be deployed in or associated with a communication device through which the OTT connection 550 passes, and the sensor may participate in the measurement procedure by providing values of the monitored quantities exemplified above, or by providing values of other physical quantities from which the software 511, 531 may calculate or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguration of the OTT connection 550 may include message formats, retransmission settings, preferred routing, etc., and the reconfiguration need not affect the base station 520 and need not be known or perceivable by the base station 520. Such procedures and functionality are known in the art and may be implemented. In some embodiments, the measurement may include occupancy UE signaling that facilitates measurement of the host computer 510, such as throughput, propagation time, latency, etc. The measurement may be implemented because the software 511 and 531 cause messages, specifically empty or "dummy" messages, to be transmitted while using the OTT connection 550 to monitor its propagation time, errors, etc.

[0097] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be the ones described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. For simplicity of the present disclosure, only the reference to the drawings of FIG. 9 will be included in this section. In step 610, the host computer provides user data. In sub-step 611 (which may be optional) of step 610, the host computer provides user data by executing a host application. In step 620, the host computer starts a transmission to carry the user data to the UE. In step 630 (which may be optional), the base station transmits the user data carried in the transmission started by the host computer to the UE according to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure. In step 640 (which may also be optional), the UE executes a client application related to the host application executed by the host computer.

[0098] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be the ones described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. For simplicity of the present disclosure, only the reference to the drawings of FIG. 10 will be included in this section. In step 710 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional sub-step (not shown), the host computer provides user data by executing a host application. In step 720, the host computer starts a transmission to carry the user data to the UE. The transmission may pass through the base station according to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure. In step 730 (which may be optional), the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

[0099] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be the ones described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. For the sake of simplicity of the present disclosure, only the reference to the drawings of FIG. 11 will be included in this section. In step 810 (which may be optional), the UE receives input data provided by the host computer. Additionally or alternatively, in step 820, the UE provides user data. In sub-step 821 (which may be optional) of step 820, the UE provides user data by executing a client application. In sub-step 811 (which may be optional) of step 810, the UE executes a client application that provides user data in response to the received input data provided by the host computer. In providing the user data, the client application being executed may further consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner in which the user data is provided, in sub-step 830 (which may be optional), the UE starts transmitting the user data to the host computer. In step 840 of the method, the host computer receives the user data transmitted from the UE according to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure.

[0100] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be the ones described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. For the sake of simplicity of the present disclosure, only the reference to the drawings of FIG. 12 will be included in this section. In step 910 (which may be optional), according to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, the base station receives user data from the UE. In step 920 (which may be optional), the base station starts transmitting the received user data to the host computer. In step 930 (which may be optional), the host computer receives the user data carried by the transmission initiated by the base station.

[0101] Any suitable step, method, feature, function, or benefit disclosed herein may be performed via one or more functional units or modules of one or more virtual devices. Each virtual device may comprise several of these functional units. These functional units may be implemented via a processing circuit, which may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, and other digital hardware, which may include a digital signal processor (DSP), application specific digital logic, etc. The processing circuit may include one or several types of memory, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. The program code stored in the memory includes program instructions that execute one or more electrical communication and / or data communication protocols, and instructions that implement one or more of the techniques described herein. In some implementations, the processing circuit may be used to cause the corresponding functions according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure to be implemented in respective functional units.

[0102] The term unit may have its conventional meaning in the field of electronics, electrical devices, and / or electronic devices, and may include, for example, electrical and / or electronic circuits, devices, modules, processors, memories, logic solids, and / or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions, that perform respective tasks, procedures, calculations, outputs, and / or display functions, as described herein.

[0103] Figure 13 shows method 1000 according to a particular embodiment, which starts by receiving, at step 1002, a first grant of resources from network node 160, where the first grant of resources is associated with first prioritization information. For example, a wireless device 110, such as UE200, may receive a grant of resources on which the UE200 may transmit data. In response to the grant, the method may move to step 1004, where the wireless device 110 may construct a media access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU) based on the first grant. For example, the wireless device 110 may construct the MAC PDU to include at least some of the data that the wireless device 110 has been waiting to transmit to the network node. At step 1006, the wireless device 110 may receive a second grant of resources from network node 160 that overlaps with the first grant of resources, where the second grant of resources is associated with second prioritization information. In some cases, the second grant shown may occur after the start of the UL PUSCH of the first grant, but the grant may be considered to overlap if it includes a UL time resource having a starting point (e.g., symbol offset) with a duration that partially overlaps with the duration of the first grant.

[0104] If there is a grant overlap, the method may move to step 1008, where it is determined whether to preempt the MAC PDU constructed based on the second grant of the resource. For example, even after constructing the MAC PDU, the wireless device 110 may retain the prioritization information of the first grant. Then, the wireless device 110 may compare the prioritization information between the first grant and the second grant. Based on the associated prioritization information, a decision may be made based on this comparison to select the grant with the highest priority. In step 1010, if the second prioritization information indicates a higher priority than the priority indicated by the first prioritization information, the constructed MAC PDU is preempted. Thus, the method shown in FIG. 13 may provide a consistent way to determine whether to preempt a previously constructed MAC PDU in the case of overlapping grants.

[0105] In some embodiments, the method in FIG. 13 may have one or more additional or optional steps. For example, in some embodiments, if the constructed MAC PDU is preempted, the wireless device may construct another MAC PDU based on the second grant. As another example, the wireless device 110 may incorporate the data intended for the preempted MAC PDU in the new MAC PDU based on the second grant. In particular, in some embodiments, constructing a MAC PDU based on the second grant includes multiplexing the data from the preempted MAC PDU with the new data in the MAC PDU based on the second grant. For example, if the second grant is larger than required for the available data for the second grant, the wireless device 110 may multiplex the data intended for the preempted transmission to maximize the use of the resources with the available data for the second grant. This may reduce padding in the transmission and increase the utilization of the granted resources.

[0106] In some embodiments, a computer program, computer program product, or computer-readable storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement any of the embodiments disclosed herein. In further examples, the instructions are transmitted by a signal or carrier, are executable on a computer, and when executed implement any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0107] FIG. 14 shows another method by the wireless device 110 according to some embodiments. At step 1102, the wireless device 110 receives a first grant of resources from the network node 160. The first grant of resources is associated with first prioritization information. At step 1104, the wireless device 110 constructs a MAC PDU based on the first grant. At step 1106, the wireless device 110 receives a second grant of resources from a network node that overlaps with the first grant of resources, and the second grant of resources is associated with second prioritization information. At step 1108, the wireless device 110 determines whether to preempt the transmission of the constructed MAC PDU based on comparing the first prioritization information and the second prioritization information. At step 1110, if the second prioritization information indicates a higher priority than the priority indicated by the first prioritization information, the wireless device 110 preempts the transmission of the constructed MAC PDU.

[0108] In certain embodiments, the first prioritization information is determined based on the highest priority of the logical channel data allocated for transmission using the first grant, and the second prioritization information is determined based on the priority of the logical channel data to be transmitted using the second grant.

[0109] In certain embodiments, when determining whether to pre-empt the transmission of a constructed MAC PDU based on comparing the first prioritization information and the second prioritization information, the wireless device 110 compares the highest priority of the logical channel data for transmission using the first grant with the highest priority of the logical channel data to be transmitted using the second grant.

[0110] In certain embodiments, the wireless device 110 constructs a MAC PDU based on the second grant. In further particular embodiments, when constructing a MAC PDU based on the second grant, the wireless device 110 multiplexes the data allocated for transmission using the first grant with the new data to be transmitted using the second grant. In further particular embodiments, the wireless device 110 determines whether to multiplex the MAC CE into the MAC PDU constructed based on the second grant, and the determining step may be based on the buffer status after multiplexing the data allocated for transmission using the first grant with the new data to be transmitted using the second grant.

[0111] In certain embodiments, the MAC PDU constructed based on the first grant includes a first acknowledgement MAC CE, and the MAC PDU constructed based on the second grant includes a second acknowledgement MAC CE that refers to the same HARQ process ID as the first acknowledgement MAC CE.

[0112] In certain embodiments, the wireless device 110 receives HARQ feedback for the MAC PDU constructed and transmitted based on the second grant, and the HARQ feedback includes the HARQ status of the data to be transmitted using the first grant that was multiplexed in the MAC PDU constructed and transmitted based on the second grant.

[0113] In certain embodiments, at least one of a first grant of a resource and a second grant of the resource includes a dynamic grant. In further particular embodiments, both the first grant of the resource and the second grant of the resource include dynamic grants.

[0114] In certain embodiments, at least one of the first grant and the second grant is a configured grant.

[0115] In further particular embodiments, the step of determining whether to preempt the transmission of a constructed MAC PDU based on comparing first prioritization information and second prioritization information is performed after a MAC PDU constructed based on the first grant has been transmitted to the PHY. In further particular embodiments, the step of determining whether to preempt the transmission of a constructed MAC PDU based on comparing first prioritization information and second prioritization information is performed after the PHY has started transmitting the constructed MAC PDU.

[0116] FIG. 15 shows a schematic block diagram of a virtual device 1200 of a wireless network (e.g., the wireless network shown in FIG. 2). The device may be implemented in a wireless device or a network node (e.g., the wireless device 110 or network node 160 shown in FIG. 2). The device 1200 is operable to implement the exemplary methods described with reference to FIG. 15, and optionally any other processes or methods disclosed herein. It should also be understood that the method of FIG. 15 is not necessarily executed only by the device 1200. At least some of the operations of the method may be performed by one or more other entities.

[0117] The virtual device 1200 may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, a processing circuit, and may be equipped with other digital hardware, such as a digital signal processor (DSP), dedicated digital logic, etc. The processing circuit may be configured to execute program code stored in a memory, which may include one or more types of memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. In some embodiments, the program code stored in the memory includes program instructions for executing one or more electrical communication and / or data communication protocols and instructions for executing one or more of the techniques described herein. In some implementations, the processing circuit may be used to cause the first receiving module 1210, the constructing module 1220, the second receiving module 1230, the determining module 1240, the pre-empting module 1250, and any other suitable units of the device 1200 to perform corresponding functions according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0118] According to some embodiments, the first receiving module 1210 may perform some of the receiving functions of the device 1200. For example, the first receiving module 1210 may receive a first grant of resources from the network node 160. The first grant of resources is associated with first prioritization information.

[0119] According to some embodiments, the constructing module 1220 may perform some of the constructing functions of the device 1200. For example, the constructing module 1220 may construct a MAC PDU based on the first grant.

[0120] According to some embodiments, the second receiving module 1230 may perform some of the receiving functions of the apparatus 1200. For example, the second receiving module 1230 may receive a second grant of resources from a network node that overlaps with a first grant of resources, and the second grant of resources is associated with second prioritization information.

[0121] According to some embodiments, the determination module 1240 may perform some of the determination functions of the apparatus 1200. For example, the determination module 1240 may determine whether to preempt the transmission of the constructed MAC PDU based on a comparison between the first prioritization information and the second prioritization information.

[0122] According to some embodiments, the preemption module 1250 may perform some of the preemption functions of the apparatus 1200. For example, the preemption module 1250 may preempt the transmission of the constructed MAC PDU when the second prioritization information indicates a higher priority than the priority indicated by the first prioritization information.

[0123] The term unit may have its conventional meaning in the field of electronics, electrical devices, and / or electronic devices, and may include, for example, electrical and / or electronic circuits, devices, modules, processors, memories, logic solids and / or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions that perform respective tasks, procedures, calculations, outputs, and / or display functions as described herein.

[0124] FIG. 16 shows a method 1300 by a network node 160, such as a base station, according to some embodiments. At step 1302, the network node 160 transmits a second grant of resources to the wireless device 110. The second grant of resources overlaps with a first grant of resources previously transmitted to the wireless device, and the second grant of resources is larger than the first grant of resources. Further, the second grant of resources is associated with second prioritization information indicating a higher priority than first prioritization information associated with the first grant of resources. At step 1304, the network node 160 receives a transmission from the wireless device 110 based on the second grant of resources. The received transmission includes data allocated by the wireless device 110 for transmission using the first grant of resources and new data allocated by the wireless device 110 for transmission using the second grant of resources.

[0125] In certain embodiments, the first prioritization information is determined based on the highest priority of the logical channel data allocated for transmission using the first grant, and the second prioritization information is determined based on the priority of the logical channel data allocated for transmission using the second grant.

[0126] In certain embodiments, the network node 160 transmits a second grant of resources that is larger than the first grant of resources based on a comparison of the first prioritization information and the second prioritization information.

[0127] In certain embodiments, the transmission from the wireless device 110 based on the second grant includes a MAC PDU constructed based on the second grant. The MAC PDU includes a second confirmation MAC CE that references the same HARQ process ID as a first confirmation MAC CE associated with the first grant.

[0128] In certain embodiments, network node 160 provides the wireless device 110 with first prioritization information for a first grant and / or second prioritization information for a second grant, and at least one of the first prioritization information and the second prioritization information includes logical channel prioritization information.

[0129] In certain embodiments, network node 160 transmits HARQ feedback to wireless device 110, and the HARQ feedback includes the HARQ status of data allocated for transmission using a first grant, multiplexed in a MAC PDU constructed based on a second grant.

[0130] In certain embodiments, at least one of a first grant of resources and a second grant of resources is a dynamic grant.

[0131] In certain embodiments, both a first grant of resources and a second grant of resources include dynamic grants.

[0132] In certain embodiments, at least one of a first grant of resources and a second grant of resources is a configured grant.

[0133] FIG. 17 shows a schematic block diagram of a virtual device 1400 in a wireless network (e.g., the wireless network shown in FIG. 2). The device may be implemented in a wireless device or a network node (e.g., the wireless device 110 or network node 160 shown in FIG. 2). Device 1400 is operable to execute the exemplary methods described with reference to FIG. 16, and optionally any other process or method disclosed herein. It should also be understood that the method of FIG. 17 need not be implemented solely by device 1400. At least some of the operations of the method can be performed by one or more other entities.

[0134] The virtual device 1400 may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, a processing circuit, and may also include other digital hardware such as a digital signal processor (DSP), dedicated digital logic, etc. The processing circuit may be configured to execute program code stored in a memory that may include one or more types of memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. In some embodiments, the program code stored in the memory includes program instructions for executing one or more electrical communication and / or data communication protocols and instructions for executing one or more of the techniques described herein. In some implementations, the processing circuit may be used to cause the transmission module 1410, the reception module 1420, and any other suitable units of the device 1400 to perform corresponding functions according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0135] According to some embodiments, the transmission module 1410 may perform some of the transmission functions of the device 1400. For example, the transmission module 1410 may transmit a second grant of resources to the wireless device 110. The second grant of resources overlaps with the first grant of resources previously transmitted to the wireless device, and the second grant of resources is larger than the first grant of resources. Further, the second grant of resources is associated with second prioritization information indicating a higher priority than the first prioritization information associated with the first grant of resources.

[0136] According to some embodiments, the receiving module 1420 may perform some of the receiving functions of the apparatus 1400. For example, the receiving module 1420 may receive transmissions from the wireless device 110 based on a second grant of resources. The received transmissions may include data assigned by the wireless device 110 for transmissions using a first grant of resources and new data assigned by the wireless device 110 for transmissions using a second grant of resources.

[0137] The term unit may have its conventional meaning in the field of electronics, electrical devices, and / or electronic devices, and may include, for example, electrical and / or electronic circuits, devices, modules, processors, memories, logic solids and / or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions that perform respective tasks, procedures, calculations, outputs, and / or display functions as described herein.

[0138] Exemplary embodiments Exemplary embodiment 1. Receiving a first grant of resources from a network node, the first grant of resources being associated with first prioritization information; constructing a MAC PDU based on the first grant; receiving a second grant of resources from the network node that overlaps with the first grant of resources, the second grant of resources being associated with second prioritization information; determining whether to preempt the MAC PDU constructed based on the second grant; and preempting the constructed MAC PDU if the second prioritization information indicates a higher priority than the priority indicated by the first prioritization information. A method performed by a wireless device, including.

[0139] Exemplary embodiment 2. The method of the previous embodiment, further including constructing a MAC PDU based on the second grant.

[0140] Exemplary Embodiment 3. The method of the previous embodiment, wherein constructing a MAC PDU based on a second grant includes multiplexing data from a preempted MAC PDU with new data in the MAC PDU based on the second grant.

[0141] Exemplary Embodiment 4. The method according to Embodiment 2 or 3, further comprising providing HARQ feedback, wherein the HARQ feedback notifies the HARQ status of data in a preempted MAC PDU based on a first grant of resources.

[0142] Exemplary Embodiment 5. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the first prioritization information and / or the second prioritization information includes one or more of logical channel data information, logical channel information, or logical channel priority information.

[0143] Exemplary Embodiment 6. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, further comprising providing user data and transferring the user data to a host computer via transmission to a base station.

[0144] Exemplary Embodiment 7. A method performed by a base station, comprising transmitting a second grant of resources to a wireless device, wherein the second grant of resources overlaps with a first grant of resources previously received at the wireless device, and receiving a transmission from the wireless device using the second grant based on a comparison of prioritization information associated with each of the first grant and the second grant.

[0145] Exemplary Embodiment 8. The method of the previous embodiment further includes determining that a second grant of resources can be granted to the wireless device, the second grant of resources being larger than the first grant of resources and associated with prioritization information indicating a higher priority than the prioritization information of the first grant, and the received transmission using the second grant including data assigned for transmission using the first grant of resources and new data assigned for transmission using the second grant of resources.

[0146] Exemplary Embodiment 9. The method of any of the previous embodiments further includes providing the wireless device with prioritization information for the first grant and / or the second grant.

[0147] Exemplary Embodiment 10. The method of any of the previous embodiments further includes transmitting the first grant of resources to the wireless device before transmitting the second grant of resources.

[0148] Exemplary Embodiment 11. The method of any of the previous embodiments, wherein at least one of the first grant and the second grant is a dynamic grant.

[0149] Exemplary Embodiment 12. The method of any of the previous embodiments, wherein at least one of the first grant and the second grant is a set grant.

[0150] Exemplary Embodiment 13. The method of any of the previous embodiments further includes obtaining user data and transferring the user data to a host computer or a wireless device.

[0151] Exemplary Embodiment 14. A wireless device comprising: - A processing circuit configured to execute any of the steps of the embodiments of any of Exemplary Embodiments 1 to 6; - A power supply circuit configured to supply power to a wireless device.

[0152] Exemplary Embodiment 15. A base station comprising: a processing circuit configured to execute any one of the steps of any one of Exemplary Embodiments 7 to 13, and a power supply circuit configured to supply power to the base station.

[0153] Exemplary Embodiment 16. A user equipment (UE) comprising: an antenna configured to transmit and receive wireless signals, a radio front-end circuit connected to the antenna and to a processing circuit and configured to condition signals communicated between the antenna and the processing circuit, a processing circuit configured to execute any one of the steps of any one of Exemplary Embodiments 1 to 6, an input interface connected to the processing circuit and configured to enable an input of information to the UE to be processed by the processing circuit, an output interface connected to the processing circuit and configured to output information from the UE processed by the processing circuit, and a battery connected to the processing circuit and configured to supply power to the UE.

[0154] Exemplary Embodiment 17. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer, perform any one of the steps of any one of Exemplary Embodiments 1 to 6.

[0155] Exemplary Embodiment 18. A computer program product comprising a computer program, the computer program comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer, perform any one of the steps of any one of Exemplary Embodiments 1 to 6.

[0156] Exemplary Embodiment 19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or carrier including a computer program, the computer program including instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform any one of the steps of any one of Exemplary Embodiments 1 to 6.

[0157] Exemplary Embodiment 20. A computer program, the computer program including instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform any one of the steps of any one of Exemplary Embodiments 7 to 13.

[0158] Exemplary Embodiment 21. A computer program product including a computer program, the computer program including instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform any one of the steps of any one of Exemplary Embodiments 7 to 13.

[0159] Exemplary Embodiment 22. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or carrier including a computer program, the computer program including instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform any one of the steps of any one of Exemplary Embodiments 7 to 13.

[0160] Exemplary Embodiment 23. A communication system including a host computer having: - A processing circuit configured to provide user data; and - A communication interface configured to transfer user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the cellular network includes a base station having a wireless interface and a processing circuit, and the processing circuit of the base station is configured to execute any one of the steps of any one of Exemplary Embodiments 7 to 13.

[0161] Exemplary Embodiment 24. The communication system of the previous embodiment, further including a base station.

[0162] Exemplary Embodiment 25. A communication system according to the previous two embodiments, further including a UE, where the UE is configured to communicate with a base station.

[0163] Exemplary Embodiment 26. A communication system according to the previous three embodiments, where: - The processing circuit of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing user data, and - The UE includes a processing circuit configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

[0164] Exemplary Embodiment 27. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE), the method including: - Providing user data in the host computer; and - Initiating, in the host computer, a transmission to carry the user data to the UE via a cellular network including the base station, where the base station executes any one of the steps of any one of Exemplary Embodiments 7 to 13.

[0165] Exemplary Embodiment 28. The method according to the previous embodiment, further including transmitting user data in the base station.

[0166] Exemplary Embodiment 29. The method according to the previous two embodiments, where the user data is provided in the host computer by executing a host application, and the method further includes executing, in the UE, a client application associated with the host application.

[0167] Exemplary Embodiment 30. A user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with a base station, the UE including a radio interface and a processing circuit configured to execute the previous three embodiments.

[0168] Exemplary Embodiment 31. A communication system including a host computer, comprising: - A processing circuit configured to provide user data; and - A communication interface configured to transfer the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the UE includes a wireless interface and a processing circuit, and the components of the UE are configured to execute any of the steps of any of the embodiments of Embodiments 1 to 6.

[0169] Exemplary Embodiment 32. The communication system of the previous embodiment, wherein the cellular network further includes a base station configured to communicate with the UE.

[0170] Exemplary Embodiment 33. The communication system of the previous two embodiments, wherein: - The processing circuit of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing user data; and - The processing circuit of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

[0171] Exemplary Embodiment 34. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: - Providing user data in the host computer; and - Initiating, in the host computer, a transmission to carry the user data to the UE via a cellular network including the base station, where the UE executes any of the steps of any of the embodiments of Embodiments 1 to 6.

[0172] Exemplary Embodiment 35. The method of the previous embodiment, further comprising receiving user data from the base station in the UE.

[0173] Exemplary Embodiment 36. A communication system including a host computer comprising: - A communication interface configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station, - wherein the UE comprises a wireless interface and a processing circuit, and the processing circuit of the UE is configured to execute any of the steps of any of the embodiments 1 to 6 of the exemplary embodiments.

[0174] Exemplary Embodiment 37. The communication system of the previous embodiment, further comprising a UE.

[0175] Exemplary Embodiment 38. The communication system of the previous two embodiments, further comprising a base station, wherein the base station comprises a wireless interface configured to communicate with the UE and a communication interface configured to transfer user data carried by a transmission from the UE to the base station to the host computer.

[0176] Exemplary Embodiment 39. The communication system of the previous three embodiments, wherein: - The processing circuit of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, and - The processing circuit of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing user data.

[0177] Exemplary Embodiment 40. The communication system of the previous four embodiments, wherein: - The processing circuit of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing request data, and - The processing circuit of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing user data in response to the request data.

[0178] Exemplary Embodiment 41. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE), the method including: - In the host computer, receiving user data transmitted from the UE to the base station, where the UE executes any one of the steps of any one of Embodiments 1 to 6 of the exemplary embodiments.

[0179] Exemplary Embodiment 42. The method of the previous embodiment, further including, in the UE, providing user data to the base station.

[0180] Exemplary Embodiment 43. The method of the previous two embodiments, further including: - In the UE, executing a client application and providing user data to be transmitted thereby; and - In the host computer, executing a host application associated with the client application.

[0181] Exemplary Embodiment 44. The method of the previous three embodiments, further including: - In the UE, executing a client application; and - In the UE, receiving input data for the client application, where the input data is provided in the host computer by executing a host application associated with the client application, and - Therein, the user data to be transmitted is provided by the client application in response to the input data.

[0182] Exemplary Embodiment 45. A communication system including a host computer having a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station, wherein the base station includes a radio interface and a processing circuit, and the processing circuit of the base station is configured to execute any of the steps of any of the embodiments from Exemplary Embodiment 7 to 13.

[0183] Exemplary Embodiment 46. The communication system of the previous embodiment, further including a base station.

[0184] Exemplary Embodiment 47. The communication system of the previous two embodiments, further including a UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with the base station.

[0185] Exemplary Embodiment 48. The communication system of the previous three embodiments, wherein: - The processing circuit of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, - The UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing user data that would be received by the host computer.

[0186] Exemplary Embodiment 49. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE), the method including: - In the host computer, receiving from the base station user data originating from a transmission received by the base station from the UE, wherein the UE executes any of the steps of any of the embodiments from Exemplary Embodiment 1 to 6.

[0187] Exemplary Embodiment 50. The method of the previous embodiment, further including, in the base station, receiving user data from the UE.

[0188] Method of the previous two embodiments, further comprising, at the base station, starting transmission of received user data to a host computer.

Claims

1. A method (1100) performed by a wireless device (110), comprising: Receiving (1102) a first grant of resources from a network node (160), the first grant being associated with first prioritization information; Constructing a medium access control protocol data unit (MAC PDU) based on the first grant (1104); receiving 1106 a second grant of resources from the network node, the second grant being associated with second prioritization information, wherein resources granted by the second grant overlap with resources granted by the first grant; determining whether to preempt transmission of the constructed MAC PDU based on comparing the first prioritization information and the second prioritization information (1108); preempting (1110) the transmission of the constructed MAC PDU if the second prioritization information indicates a higher priority than the priority indicated by the first prioritization information; constructing a MAC PDU based on the second grant by multiplexing data allocated for transmission; Including, A method according to claim 1, wherein the first prioritization information is determined based on a highest priority of logical channel data assigned for transmission using the first grant, and the second prioritization information is determined based on a priority of logical channel data to be multiplexed for transmission using the second grant.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein constructing a MAC PDU based on the second grant comprises multiplexing data allocated for transmission using the first grant with new data to be transmitted using the second grant.

3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein determining whether to preempt the transmission of the constructed MAC PDU based on comparing the first prioritization information and the second prioritization information comprises comparing a priority of the highest priority of logical channel data for transmission using the first grant with a highest priority of the logical channel data to be transmitted using the second grant.

4. 4. The method of claim 2 or 3, further comprising: determining whether to multiplex a Medium Access Control-Control Element (MAC CE) into the MAC PDU constructed based on the second grant, the determination being based on a buffer status after multiplexing the data allocated for transmission using the first grant with the new data to be transmitted using the second grant.

5. the constructed MAC PDU based on the first grant includes a first confirmation MAC CE; 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the MAC PDU constructed based on the second grant includes a second confirmation MAC CE that references the same HARQ process ID as the first confirmation MAC CE.

6. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback for the MAC PDU constructed and transmitted based on the second grant, the HARQ feedback including a HARQ status of data to be transmitted using the first grant that is multiplexed in the MAC PDU constructed and transmitted based on the second grant.

7. At least one of the first grant and the second grant includes a dynamic grant; or The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first grant and the second grant is a configured grant.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein both the first grant and the second grant include dynamic grants.

9. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether to preempt the transmission of the constructed MAC PDU based on comparing the first prioritization information and the second prioritization information is performed after the constructed MAC PDU based on the first grant is transmitted to a physical layer (PHY).

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein determining whether to preempt the transmission of the constructed MAC PDU based on comparing the first prioritization information and the second prioritization information is performed after a PHY has initiated the transmission of the constructed MAC PDU.

11. A wireless device (110) comprising a processing circuit (120), The processing circuit (120) receiving a first grant of resources from a network node (160), the first grant being associated with first prioritization information; constructing a medium access control protocol data unit (MAC PDU) based on the first grant; and receiving a second grant of resources from the network node, the second grant being associated with second prioritization information, wherein resources granted by the second grant overlap with resources granted by the first grant; determining whether to preempt transmission of the constructed MAC PDU based on comparing the first prioritization information and the second prioritization information; preempting the transmission of the constructed MAC PDU if the second prioritization information indicates a higher priority than the priority indicated by the first prioritization information; constructing a MAC PDU based on the second grant by multiplexing data allocated for transmission; It is set to do a first grant for transmitting logical channel data to a second grant based on a first priority of the logical channel data assigned for transmission using the first grant, and a second grant for transmitting logical channel data to a second grant based on a first priority of the logical channel data assigned for transmission using the first grant,

12. 12. A wireless device according to claim 11, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 2 to 10.

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