System and method for on / off status control for a network node

Abstract

A system and method for on / off status control for a network node are presented. The network node can receive status indication information from a wireless communication node. The network node can determine an on / off configuration of the network node according to the status indication information to support signal transfer of one or more signals between the wireless communication node and a wireless communication device. In one embodiment, the method includes transmitting, by the network node, a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request Acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) feedback message to the wireless communication node in response to receiving the status indication information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to wireless communication, including, but not limited to, systems and methods for on / off status control for network nodes.

Background Art

[0002] Communication coverage is a fundamental aspect of cellular network deployment. Mobile operators rely on different types of network nodes to provide blanket communication coverage in their deployments. As a result, new types of network nodes are considered to increase the flexibility of mobile operators for their network deployments. For example, a certain system or architecture may introduce wireless access backhaul integrated transmission (IAB), and IAB can be improved as a new type of network node that does not require a backhaul in some other systems. Another type of network node is an RF repeater, which simply amplifies and forwards any signal it receives. RF repeaters have been recognized in a wide range of deployments in 2G, 3G, and 4G to complement the communication coverage provided by normal full-stack cells.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are directed to solving problems related to one or more of the problems presented in the prior art and providing additional features that will be readily apparent by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. According to various embodiments, exemplary systems, methods, devices, and computer program products are disclosed herein. However, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not limitation, and that various modifications to the disclosed embodiments can be made within the scope of the present disclosure, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon a thorough reading of the present disclosure.

[0004] At least one aspect is directed to a system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium. A network node (e.g., a smart node (SN)) can receive status indication information from a wireless communication node (e.g., a base station (BS)). The network node can determine an on / off configuration of the network node according to the status indication information and support signal transfer of one or more signals between the wireless communication node and a wireless communication device (e.g., a user equipment (UE)).

[0005] In some implementations, the on / off configuration can include at least one of an on / off configuration of the network node, an on / off configuration of a group of network nodes, an on / off configuration of one or more antenna ports of the network node, an on / off configuration of one or more beam indexes of the network node, an on / off configuration of a sector providing one or more services of the network node, or an on / off configuration of one or more components of the network node. In some implementations, the on / off configuration can further include an on / off configuration of at least one of the following links: a first communication link from the wireless communication node to the network node, a second communication link from the network node to the wireless communication node, a first transfer link from the wireless communication node to the network node, a second transfer link from the network node to the wireless communication node, a third transfer link from the network node to the wireless communication device, or a fourth transfer link from the wireless communication device to the network node.

[0006] In various implementations, a network node can receive status indication information from a wireless communication node via signaling. The signaling can include at least one of downlink control information (DCI), or media access control control element (MAC CE) signaling, radio resource control (RRC), or operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) signaling. In some cases, the network node can send a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) feedback message to the wireless communication node in response to receiving the status indication information.

[0007] In some implementations, the on / off configuration of a network node can be activated at a time instance. The time instance can be the start time of the next subframe, the end of the subframe in which the network node receives status indication information, the start time of the next frame, the end of the frame in which the network node receives status indication information, the start time of the subframe indicated by the system frame number (SFN) signaled together with the status indication information, the start time of the frame indicated by the SFN signaled together with the status indication information, the end of the system information (SI) window, a time instance at a defined duration after the network node receives the status indication information, a time instance at a first duration after the network node receives the status indication information, wherein the first duration is based on the capabilities of the network node, or a time instance at a second duration after the network node receives the status indication information, wherein the second duration is configured via signaling from the wireless communication node and can include the time instance.

[0008] In some implementations, the status indication information can comprise a 1-bit indication, where the 1-bit indication has a first value indicating that signal transmission should be activated, or a second value indicating that signal transmission should be deactivated. In some cases, the activated or deactivated state of signal transmission can be maintained until the next 1-bit indication indicates a different state. In some cases, at least one of the activated or deactivated states of signal transmission can be configured to change to a previous state after a defined time has elapsed, or the defined duration can be configured via downlink control information (DCI), medium access control control element (MAC CE), radio resource control (RRC), or operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) signaling.

[0009] In some implementations, at least one of the status indication information can include a value related to transmission power control of a network node, and if the value is equal to or greater than a defined value, the value can indicate that signal transmission should be activated or deactivated, or if a cumulative value related to transmission power control of the network node by applying the value in the status indication information is equal to or greater than a defined value, the value or the cumulative value can indicate that signal transmission should be activated or deactivated. In some cases, the defined value can be configured via RRC, MAC CE, or OAM signaling. In some aspects, the value can be indicated by a transmission power control (TPC) field within a downlink control information (DCI) field.

[0010] In some implementations, the activated or deactivated state of a signal is configured to change to a previous state after a defined time has elapsed, or the defined duration is configured via DCI, MAC CE, RRC, or OAM signaling.

[0011] In various implementations, the status indication information can include at least one of: a duration indicating a first duration for which signaling should be activated or deactivated, or a periodicity indicating that it should alternate over time between the first duration and a second duration with a signaling activation or deactivation state opposite to that of the first duration. In some cases, the status indication information can include at least one of: a ratio or percentage indicating a first duration for which signaling should be activated and a second duration for which signaling should be deactivated, or a periodicity indicating that it should alternate over time between the first duration and the second duration.

[0012] In some aspects, the periodicity can be activated at a reference time or at a time instance. In some aspects, the status indication information can include a transmission pattern. In some implementations, the on / off configuration can be implicitly determined by a transmission pattern of at least one of a common signal or a common channel. In some implementations, the status indication information can include an implicit determination. In various implementations, within the transmission pattern of at least one of the following: a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) or Control Resource Set (CORESET) #0, at least one transfer link can be activated; within the transmission pattern of a System Information Block (SIB) #1, at least one transfer link can be activated; within the transmission pattern of a Group Common Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), at least one transfer link can be activated; or within the transmission pattern of a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH), at least one transfer link can be activated.

[0013] In some implementations, the on / off configuration can be associated with an intermittent reception mode. In some implementations, status indication information can indicate a mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer. In some cases, at least one of the duration of a cycle for the mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer, or the duration of the on state or off state of signal transfer, can be configurable. In some implementations, the mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer can be associated with an intermittent reception mode.

[0014] In various implementations, a network node can receive a one-bit indication when the network node is operating in a mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer. The network node can determine to end the mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer according to the one-bit indication. In some aspects, at least one of the following: when the one-bit indication is received, if the network node is supporting signal transfer, the network node can continue to support signal transfer until at least the next one-bit indication is received; or when the one-bit indication is received, if the network node is not supporting signal transfer, the network node can activate signal transfer until at least the next one-bit indication is received.

[0015] In some implementations, a network node can receive a 1-bit indication and a duration when the network node is operating in a mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer. The network node can, according to the 1-bit indication, end the mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer within the duration, and when the duration ends, determine to resume the mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer. In various implementations, at least one of the following: when the 1-bit indication is received, if the network node is supporting signal transfer, the network node can continue to support signal transfer during the duration and, when the duration ends, resume the mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer; or, when the 1-bit indication is received, if the network node is not supporting signal transfer, the network node can activate signal transfer during the duration and, when the duration ends, resume the mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer.

[0016] At least one aspect is directed to a system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium. A wireless communication node can determine an on / off configuration of the network node according to the conditions of the network node and support signal transfer of one or more signals between the wireless communication node and a wireless communication device.

[0017] In some implementations, the conditions of the network node can include at least one of whether the network node is in a certain state prior to entering a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection state, whether the network node is in the RRC idle or inactive state, the unavailability of an identified Synchronization Signal Block (SSB), a random access failure, a look before talk failure, a radio link failure, a beam failure, or exceeding a defined threshold regarding the number of retransmissions.

[0018] At least one aspect is directed to a system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium. A wireless communication node can send status indication information to a network node, and cause the network node to determine an on / off configuration of the network node and support signal transfer of one or more signals between the wireless communication node and a wireless communication device according to the status indication information.

[0019] The systems and methods presented herein include a novel approach for on / off status control for network nodes. Specifically, the systems and methods presented herein discuss novel solutions for using network nodes (e.g., SNs) to improve the communication coverage of a network through various implementations of on / off indications. The on / off indication can mitigate / minimize / reduce interference during / while communication between a wireless communication node (e.g., BS) and a wireless communication device (e.g., UE), and improve / enhance / increase energy efficiency when there is no (e.g., scheduled) communication between the wireless communication node and the wireless communication device.

[0020] For example, a wireless communication node can transmit / send / provide / broadcast an on / off status indication to at least one network node. The status of the network node can be determined according to the indication. After the network node receives the on / off indication / subsequently thereto, the status of the network node can be changed based on / following an epoch time (e.g., sometimes labeled as "t"). The on / off indication can include at least one of, among other types of indications, a 1-bit explicit indication, an implicit indication by reinterpreting an existing DCI field, a duration, a periodicity, a percentage, an explicit on / off pattern, and / or an implicit on / off pattern. Different / varying combinations of these on / off indications and the associated / corresponding methods or implementations for providing the indication can include at least the following options or operations. Option 1: 1-bit explicit indication Option 2: Implicit indication by reinterpreting an existing DCI field Option 3: 1-bit explicit indication and duration Option 4: Implicit indication and duration Option 5: Periodicity and duration Option 6: Periodicity and percentage Option 7: Explicit on / off pattern indication Option 8: Implicit on / off pattern indication Option 9: Discontinuous transfer (DF) mode, and / or Option 10: On / off status determined by SN conditions The present invention provides, for example, the following. (Item 1) A method, the method comprising: receiving, by a network node, status indication information from a wireless communication node; determining, by the network node, an on / off configuration of the network node according to the status indication information, and supporting signal transfer of one or more signals between the wireless communication node and a wireless communication device A method comprising the above. (Item 2) The on / off configuration includes: the on / off configuration of the network node, the on / off configuration of a group of the network nodes, the on / off configuration of one or more antenna ports of the network node, the on / off configuration of one or more beam indexes of the network node, the on / off configuration of a sector providing one or more services of the network node, or the on / off configuration of one or more components of the network node The method according to Item 1, comprising at least one of the above. (Item 3) The on / off configuration includes the following links: a first communication link from the wireless communication node to the network node; a second communication link from the network node to the wireless communication node; a first transfer link from the wireless communication node to the network node; a second transfer link from the network node to the wireless communication node; a third transfer link from the network node to the wireless communication device; or a fourth transfer link from the wireless communication device to the network node The method according to either Item 1 or 2, further comprising an on / off configuration of at least one of the above. (Item 4) The method according to Item 1, wherein the network node receives the status indication information from the wireless communication node via signal transmission including at least one of downlink control information (DCI) or media access control control element (MAC CE) signal transmission, radio resource control (RRC), or operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) signal transmission. (Item 5) The method according to Item 1, wherein in response to receiving the status indication information, the network node transmits a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) feedback message to the wireless communication node. (Item 6) The on / off configuration of the network node is activated at a certain time instance, and the time instance is the start time of the next subframe, the end of the subframe in which the network node receives the status indication information, the start time of the next frame, the end of the frame in which the network node receives the status indication information, the start time of the subframe indicated by the system frame number (SFN) signaled together with the status indication information, the start time of the frame indicated by the SFN signaled together with the status indication information, the end of the system information (SI) window, a time instance within a defined duration after the network node receives the status indication information, a time instance within a first duration after the network node receives the status indication information, where the first duration is based on the capabilities of the network node, or a time instance within a second duration after the network node receives the status indication information, where the second duration is configured via signaling from the wireless communication node The method according to item 1, comprising. (Item 7) The status indication information comprises a 1-bit indication, and the 1-bit indication has a first value indicating that the signaling should be activated or a second value indicating that the signaling should be deactivated. The method according to item 1. (Item 8) The activated or deactivated state of the signaling is maintained until the next 1-bit indication indicates a different state. The method according to item 7. (Item 9) The activated or deactivated state of the signaling is configured to change to the previous state after a certain defined time has elapsed; or the defined duration is configured via downlink control information (DCI), medium access control control element (MAC CE), radio resource control (RRC), or operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) signaling, at least one of which. The method according to item 7. (Item 10) The status indication information includes a value related to the transmission power control of the network node; if at least one of the values is equal to or greater than a defined value, the value indicates that the signaling should be activated or that the signaling should be deactivated; or If at least one of whether the cumulative value related to the transmission power control of the network node by applying the value in the status indication information is equal to or exceeds the defined value, the value or the cumulative value indicates that the signal transfer should be activated or the signal transfer should be deactivated. At least one of the methods according to item 1. (Item 11) The defined value is configured via radio resource control (RRC), MAC CE, or operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) signaling, the method according to item 10. (Item 12) The value is indicated by the transmission power control (TPC) field within the downlink control information (DCI) field, the method according to item 10. (Item 13) The activation or deactivation state of the signal is configured to change to the previous state after a certain defined time has elapsed, or The defined duration is configured via downlink control information (DCI), media access control control element (MAC CE), RRC, or OAM signaling, the method according to item 10. (Item 14) The status indication information Indicates a duration indicating a first duration for which the signal transfer should be activated or the signal transfer should be deactivated, or Periodicity indicating that it should alternate over time between the first duration and the second duration Comprises at least one of The second duration has an activation or deactivation state of signal transfer that is opposite to that of the first duration, the method according to item 1. (Item 15) The status indication information Indicates a ratio or percentage of a first duration for which the signal transfer should be activated and a second duration for which the signal transfer should be deactivated, or Periodicity indicating that it should alternate over time between the first duration and the second duration Comprises at least one of, the method according to item 1. (Item 16) The periodicity is activated at a certain reference time or at the time instance according to item 6, the method according to item 14 or 15. (Item 17) The status indication information comprises a transmission pattern, the method according to item 1. (Item 18) The on / off configuration is implicitly determined by the transmission pattern of at least one of a common signal or a common channel, the method according to item 1. (Item 19) The method according to item 1 or 18, wherein the status indication information includes the implicit determination. (Item 20) In the transmission pattern of a synchronization signal block (SSB) or a control resource set (CORESET) #0, at least one transfer link is activated; In the transmission pattern of a system information block (SIB) #1, at least one transfer link is activated; In the transmission pattern of a group common physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), at least one transfer link is activated; or In the transmission pattern of a physical random access channel (PRACH), at least one transfer link is activated, The method according to item 18, including at least one of the above. (Item 21) The method according to item 1, wherein the on / off configuration is associated with a discontinuous reception mode. (Item 22) The method according to item 1, wherein the status indication information indicates a mode of discontinuous activation of the signal transfer. (Item 23) The method according to item 22, wherein at least one of the duration of the cycle for the mode of discontinuous activation of the signal transfer or the duration of the on state or off state of the signal transfer is configurable. (Item 24) The method according to item 22, wherein the mode of discontinuous activation of the signal transfer is associated with a discontinuous reception mode. (Item 25) When the network node is operating in the mode of discontinuous activation of the signal transfer, the network node receives a 1-bit indication, and The network node determines to terminate the mode of discontinuous activation of the signal transfer according to the 1-bit indication The method according to item 22, including the above. (Item 26) When the 1-bit indication is received, if the network node supports the signal transfer, the network node continues to support the signal transfer until at least the next 1-bit indication is received, or When the 1-bit indication is received, if the network node does not support the signal transfer, the network node activates the signal transfer until at least the next 1-bit indication is received The method according to item 25, including at least one of the above. (Item 27) When the network node is operating in the mode of intermittent activation of the signal transfer, the network node receives a 1-bit instruction and a duration, and the network node determines, according to the 1-bit instruction, to end the mode of intermittent activation of the signal transfer within the duration, and when the duration ends, to resume the intermittent activation of the signal transfer The method according to item 22, comprising. (Item 28) When the 1-bit instruction is received, if the network node supports the signal transfer, the network node continues to support the signal transfer during the duration, and when the duration ends, resumes the mode of intermittent activation of the signal transfer, or When the 1-bit instruction is received, if the network node does not support the signal transfer, the network node activates the signal transfer during the duration, and when the duration ends, resumes the mode of intermittent activation of the signal transfer The method according to item 27, comprising at least one of the above. (Item 29) A method, which comprises that the wireless communication node determines the on / off configuration of the network node according to the conditions of the network node, and supports the signal transfer of one or more signals between the wireless communication node and the wireless communication device. (Item 30) The conditions of the network node are the network node is in a state prior to entering the radio resource control (RRC) connected state, the network node is in the RRC idle or inactive state, the unavailability of the identified synchronization signal block (SSB), random access failure, look before talk failure, radio link failure, beam failure, or the defined threshold regarding the number of retransmissions is exceeded The method according to item 29, comprising at least one of the above. (Item 31) A method, which comprises the wireless communication node transmits status indication information to the network node, and Determining an on / off configuration of the network node according to the status indication information and causing the network node to support signal transfer of one or more signals between the wireless communication node and the wireless communication device A method comprising the above. (Item 32) A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of Items 1-30. (Item 33) An apparatus comprising at least one processor configured to perform the method according to any one of Items 1-29.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] Various exemplary embodiments of the present solution are described in detail below with reference to the following figures or drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and merely depict exemplary embodiments of the present solution to facilitate the understanding of the reader of the present solution. Therefore, the drawings should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope, range, or availability of the present solution. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration, these drawings are not necessarily drawn to an exact scale.

[0022]

Figure 1

[0023]

Figure 2

[0024]

Figure 3

[0025]

Figure 4

[0026]

Figure 5

[0027]

Figure 6

[0028]

Figure 7

[0029]

Figure 8

[0030]

Figure 9

[0031]

Figure 10

[0032]

Figure 11

[0033]

Figure 12

[0034]

Figure 13

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0035] (1. Mobile Communication Technology and Environment) FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary wireless communication network and / or system 100 in which the techniques disclosed herein according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. In the following discussion, the wireless communication network 100 may be any wireless network such as a cellular network or a NarrowBand Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network, and is referred to herein as the "network 100". Such an exemplary network 100 includes a base station 102 (hereinafter "BS102", also referred to as a wireless communication node), user equipment devices 104 (hereinafter "UE104", also referred to as wireless communication devices) that can communicate with each other via a communication link 110 (e.g., a wireless communication channel), and a cluster of cells 126, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 that overlay a geographic area 101. In FIG. 1, BS102 and UE104 are included within the respective geographic boundaries of cell 126. Each of the other cells 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 may operate with its allocated bandwidth and include at least one base station that provides an appropriate wireless communication range to its intended users.

[0036] For example, BS102 may operate with an allocated channel transmission bandwidth and provide an appropriate communication range to UE104. BS102 and UE104 may communicate with each other via a downlink radio frame 118 and an uplink radio frame 124, respectively. Each radio frame 118 / 124 may be further divided into subframes 120 / 127, which may include data symbols 122 / 128. In the present disclosure, BS102 and UE104 are generally described herein as non-limiting examples of "communication nodes" that may practice the methods disclosed herein. Such communication nodes may be capable of wireless and / or wired communication according to various embodiments of the present solution.

[0037] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary wireless communication system 200 for transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals (e.g., OFDM / OFDMA signals) according to some embodiments of the present solution. System 200 may include components and elements configured to support known or conventional operating features that need not be described in detail herein. In one illustrative embodiment, system 200 can be used to communicate (e.g., transmit and receive) data symbols in a wireless communication environment such as wireless communication environment 100 of FIG. 1 as described above.

[0038] System 200 generally includes a base station 202 (hereinafter, “BS202”) and a user equipment device 204 (hereinafter, “UE204”). BS202 includes a BS (base station) transceiver module 210, a BS antenna 212, a BS processor module 214, a BS memory module 216, and a network communication module 218, and each module is coupled and interconnected with each other via a data communication bus 220 as needed. UE204 includes a UE (user equipment) transceiver module 230, a UE antenna 232, a UE memory module 234, and a UE processor module 236, and each module is coupled and interconnected with each other via a data communication bus 240 as needed. BS202 communicates with UE204 via a communication channel 250, which can be any wireless channel or other medium suitable for transmission of data as described herein.

[0039] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, system 200 may further include any number of modules other than those shown in FIG. 2. Those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative blocks, modules, circuits, and processing logics described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in hardware, computer-readable software, firmware, or any practical combination thereof. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability and compatibility of hardware, firmware, and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are generally described in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software may depend upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art who are proficient in the concepts described herein may implement such functionality in a manner appropriate for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the UE transceiver 230 may be referred to herein as an "uplink" transceiver 230 that includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and an RF receiver, each including circuitry coupled to the antenna 232. A duplex switch (not shown) may alternatively couple the uplink transmitter or receiver to the uplink antenna in a time-division duplexing scheme. Similarly, according to some embodiments, the BS transceiver 210 may be referred to herein as a "downlink" transceiver 210 that includes an RF transmitter and an RF receiver, each including circuitry coupled to the antenna 212. A downlink duplex switch may alternatively couple the downlink transmitter or receiver to the downlink antenna 212 in a time-division duplexing scheme. The operations of the two transceiver modules 210 and 230 may be temporally coordinated such that the uplink receiver circuitry is coupled to the uplink antenna 232 for receiving transmissions via the wireless transmission link 250 at the same time that the downlink transmitter is coupled to the downlink antenna 212. Conversely, the operations of the two transceivers 210 and 230 may be temporally coordinated such that the downlink receiver is coupled to the downlink 212 for receiving transmissions via the wireless transmission link 250 at the same time that the uplink transmitter is coupled to the uplink antenna 232. In some embodiments, there is a cut-off time synchronization with a minimum guard time during the change in the duplex direction.

[0041] UE transceiver 230 and base station transceiver 210 communicate via a wireless data communication link 250 and are configured to cooperate with appropriately configured RF antenna arrangements 212 / 232 that can support a particular wireless communication protocol and modulation scheme. In some illustrative embodiments, UE transceiver 210 and base station transceiver 210 are configured to support industry standards such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and new 5G standards. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited in application to particular standards and associated protocols. Rather, UE transceiver 230 and base station transceiver 210 may be configured to support alternative or additional wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variations thereof.

[0042] According to various embodiments, BS202 may be, for example, an evolved NodeB (eNB), a serving eNB, a target eNB, a femto station, or a pico station. In some embodiments, UE204 may be embodied in various types of user devices such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet, a laptop computer, a wearable computing device, and the like. Processor modules 214 and 236 may be implemented or realized with a general purpose processor, a content addressable memory, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gates or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. Thus, the processor may be realized as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, or the like. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as, for example, a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a digital signal processor core, or any other such combination of configurations.

[0043] Furthermore, the steps of the methods or algorithms described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, firmware, software modules executed by processor modules 214 and 236 respectively, or in any practical combination thereof. Memory modules 216 and 234 may be implemented as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this regard, memory modules 216 and 234 may be coupled to processor modules 210 and 230 respectively, whereby processor modules 210 and 230 can read information from and write information to memory modules 216 and 234. Memory modules 216 and 234 may be integrated within their respective processor modules 210 and 230. In some embodiments, each of memory modules 216 and 234 may include cache memory for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be executed by processor modules 210 and 230 respectively. Each of memory modules 216 and 234 may also include non-volatile memory for storing instructions to be executed by processor modules 210 and 230 respectively.

[0044] The network communication module 218 generally represents the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic, and / or other components of the base station 202 that enable bidirectional communication between the base station transceiver 210 and other network components and communication nodes configured to communicate with the base station 202. For example, the network communication module 218 may be configured to support Internet or WiMAX traffic. In a typical deployment, but not limited to, the network communication module 218 provides an 802.3 Ethernet (registered trademark) interface so that the base station transceiver 210 can communicate with a conventional Ethernet (registered trademark)-based computer network. Thus, the network communication module 218 may include a physical interface for connection to a computer network (e.g., a mobile switching center (MSC)). As used herein with respect to a specified operation or function, the terms “configured for”, “configured to”, and their conjugations refer to a device, component, circuit, structure, machine, signal, etc. that is physically constructed, programmed, formatted, and / or arranged to perform the specified operation or function.

[0045] The Open System Interconnection (OSI) model (referred to herein as the "Open System Interconnection model") is a conceptual and logical layout that defines network communication used by systems (e.g., wireless communication devices, wireless communication nodes) that are open to interconnecting and communicating with other systems. This model is divided into seven subcomponents or layers, each of which represents a conceptual set of services provided to the layers above and below it. The OSI model also defines a logical network and effectively explains computer packet transfer by using different layer protocols. The OSI model may also be referred to as the seven-layer OSI model or the seven-layer model. In some embodiments, the first layer may be the physical layer. In some embodiments, the second layer may be the Media Access Control (MAC) layer. In some embodiments, the third layer may be the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer. In some embodiments, the fourth layer may be the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer. In some embodiments, the fifth layer may be the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer. In some embodiments, the sixth layer may be the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) layer or the Internet Protocol (IP) layer, and the seventh layer may be other layers.

[0046] Various exemplary embodiments of the present solution are described below with reference to the accompanying figures to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the present solution. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, after perusing this disclosure, various changes or modifications to the examples described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the present solution. Accordingly, the present solution is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. Additionally, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein is merely an exemplary approach. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed methods or processes can be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present solution. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or acts in a sample order and that the present solution is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless expressly stated otherwise. (2. System and Method for On / Off Status Control for Network Nodes)

[0047] In a system (e.g., 5G New Radio (NR), Next Generation (NG) system, 3GPP® system, and / or other systems), a network-controlled repeater can be introduced as an extension over a conventional RF repeater with the ability to receive and / or process side control information from the network. The side control information can enable the network-controlled repeater to perform / execute / operate its amplification and forwarding operations in a more efficient manner. Some benefits can include at least a reduction in unnecessary noise amplification, transmission and reception with better spatial directivity, and / or simplified network integration.

[0048] The network-controlled relay can be regarded as a foothold for the reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS). The RIS node can adjust the phase and amplitude of the received signal and improve / enhance the communication effective range (e.g., the network communication effective range). As discussed herein, network nodes including, but not limited to, network-controlled relays, smart relays, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), and wireless access backhaul integrated transmission (IAB) can be shown, referred to, or provided as smart nodes (SNs) (e.g., network nodes) for convenience. For example, the SN can include, correspond to, or refer to a type of network node to assist BS102 in improving the communication effective range (e.g., avoiding obstacles / interferences, increasing the transmission range, etc.). However, due to the fact that an SN does not recognize other SNs, UE104 can be troubled by interference from other SNs, such as with respect to cell-edge UEs.

[0049] To reduce / minimize / decrease the interference from other SNs (e.g., unexpected), the systems and methods of the technical solutions discussed herein can introduce / provide / utilize on / off status control. Regarding the on / off status control, the network (e.g., BS102) can explicitly or implicitly indicate / provide the on / off status / instructions regarding one or more SNs, thereby mitigating the potential impact of interference during the communication between BS102 and UE104 through one or more SNs (e.g., network nodes).

[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary network 300. As shown in FIG. 3, when there is an obstacle between BS102 and UE104, one or more BS102A-B (e.g., BS102) can each provide services to one or more UE104A-B (e.g., UE104) in their respective cells via their respective one or more SN306A-B (e.g., sometimes labeled as SN306). However, in some cases, signals from SN306 can interfere with communications within adjacent cells. For example, signals from SN306A can interfere with communications within the cell associated with UE104B, and / or signals from SN306B can interfere with communications within the cell associated with UE104A. Accordingly, the systems and methods discussed herein can minimize at least interference by SN306 signals between different cells by utilizing on / off status control for the SNs.

[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram 400 of the transmission links between BS102 and SN306, and between SN306 and UE104. The SN can include or consist of at least two functional parts / components such as a communication unit (CU) (e.g., SN CU) and a forwarding unit (FU) (e.g., SN FU). The SN CU can operate / behave in a manner similar to UE104, or include features similar to UE104, for example, to receive and decode side control information from BS102. The SN CU can be a control unit, a controller, a mobile terminal (MT), a part of a UE, a third-party IoT device, etc. The SN FU can perform intelligent amplification and forwarding operations using the side control information received by the SN CU. The SN FU can be a radio unit (RU), a RIS, etc.

[0052] The transmission links between BS102 and SN306, and between SN306 and UE104, as shown in FIG. 4, can be defined / described / provided as follows. C1: Communication link from SN CU to BS Communication link from BS to SN CU F1: Transfer link from SN FU to BS F2: Transfer link from BS to SN FU F3: Transfer link from UE to SN FU F4: Transfer link from SN FU to UE

[0053] The communication link can refer to (or mean) that a signal from one side will be detected and decoded by the other side so that the information transmission in the communication link can be used to control the status of the transfer link. The transfer link can mean that the signal from BS102 or UE104 is unknown to SN FU. In this case, SN FU can amplify and transfer the signal without decoding it. For example, the F1 and F3 links can correspond to or be associated with the complete uplink (UL) transfer link from UE104 to BS102. In the complete UL transfer link, F1 is the SN FU UL transfer link. Additionally, the F2 and F4 links can correspond to or be associated with the complete downlink (DL) transfer link from BS102 to UE104. In the complete DL transfer link, F4 is the SN FU DL transfer link.

[0054] The on / off operation or instruction from BS102 can include different granularities, such as including at least one of the following cases.

[0055] 1. Per SN:

[0056] In some implementations, BS102 can indicate on / off signaling (e.g., signal to SN306) to turn on / off one or more SN306 (e.g., transfer functionality). In some cases, BS102 can indicate on / off signaling and turn on / off one or more groups of SN306.

[0057] 2. Per link or combination of links (e.g., based on the definition of the link):

[0058] In various implementations, the on / off status may correspond to (or may be indicated for) UL transfer links such as F1 and / or F3. For example, when the UL transfer link F1 is "off", the SN FU may only disable the transmission operation, but the SN FU may receive and process the received signal (e.g., the signal from UE104). In some cases, when the UL transfer links F1 and F3 (e.g., F1+F3) are "off", the SN FU can disable both the transmission and reception operations (e.g., the UL transmission from UE104 to SN FU and the UL transmission from SN FU to BS102 can be disabled).

[0059] In some implementations, the on / off status may correspond to the downlink (DL) transfer link F4 or F2+F4. For example, when the DL transfer link F4 is "off", the SN FU may only disable the transmission operation, but the SN FU may receive and process the signal received from BS102. Further, when the DL transfer links F2 and F4 are "off", the SN FU can disable both the transmission and reception operations.

[0060] In some aspects, the on / off status may correspond to UL and DL transfer links such as F1+F4 or F1+F2+F3+F4. For example, when the transfer link F1+F4 is "off", the SN FU may only disable the transmission operation, but may receive and process the received signal such as from at least one of BS102 or UE104. Additionally, or alternatively, when the DL transfer link F1+F2+F3+F4 is "off", the SN FU can disable both the transmission and reception operations of all the transfer links shown in FIG. 4. (Other combinations of active or inactive (e.g., on / off status for individual links) can also be indicated by BS102).

[0061] 3. For Each Part of the Link

[0062] In various implementations, the on / off status corresponds to an antenna port. For example, an SN FU may have several antenna ports, and the status information may indicate the status of at least one of these antenna ports. In some cases, the on / off status may correspond to a beam index. For example, an SN FU may include or be associated with several beams. The status information may indicate the status of at least one of the beams including disabling a part of the beam (for example, such functionality can also be achieved according to the reconfiguration of beam / TCI information).

[0063] In some aspects, the on / off status may correspond to a sector. For example, similar to a BS sector (for example, a gNB sector), an SN306 may provide services to a UE104 from different sectors. Each sector can cover an area of the service-providing region.

[0064] 4. For each FU component

[0065] In some implementations, the on / off status can be related to the circuit or hardware design of the SN FU. The status information may indicate the status of at least one of these FU components (for example, the circuit or hardware). For example, if the SN306 is a RIS, the FU components of the SN306 can be, among other things, RIS components, RIS panels, amplitude, and phase.

[0066] 5. For each functionality or combination of functionalities

[0067] In various implementations, signaling transfer can be regarded as, referred to as, or interpreted as a transfer link and / or transfer functionality. The on / off status can be applicable to the functionality of SN306. For example, the on / off status can be applicable to at least one of communication functionality and / or transfer functionality. Similar to per link or combination of links granularity, functionality can be split / separated as follows. Cf1: Communication functionality from SN CU to BS102 Cf2: Communication functionality from BS102 to SN CU Ff1: Transfer functionality from SN FU to BS102 Ff2: Transfer functionality from BS102 to SN FU Ff3: Transfer functionality from UE104 to SN FU, and / or Ff4: Transfer functionality from SN FU to UE104

[0068] Similar to per link and / or combination of links, in various implementations, the on / off status can correspond to or be indicated for UL transfer functionality such as Ff1 and / or Ff3. For example, when the UL transfer functionality Ff1 is "off" / deactivated, the SN FU can only disable the transmission operation, but the SN FU can process received and received signals (e.g., signals from UE104). In some cases, when the UL transfer functionality Ff1 and Ff3 (e.g., Ff1 + Ff3) are "off", the SN FU can disable both transmission and reception operations (e.g., UL transmissions from UE104 to SN FU and from SN FU to BS102 can be disabled).

[0069] In some implementations, the on / off status may correspond to the DL transfer link Ff4 or Ff2+Ff4. For example, when the DL transfer link Ff4 is "off", the SN FU may only disable the transmission operation, but the SN FU may receive and process the signals received from the BS102. Further, when the DL transfer links Ff2 and Ff4 are "off", the SN FU can disable both the transmission and reception operations.

[0070] In some aspects, the on / off status may correspond to UL and DL transfer links such as Ff1+Ff4 or Ff1+Ff2+Ff3+Ff4. For example, when the transfer link Ff1+Ff4 is "off", the SN FU may only disable the transmission operation, but can process the received signals such as from at least one of the reception and the BS102 or UE104. Additionally, or alternatively, when the DL transfer link Ff1+Ff2+Ff3+Ff4 is "off", the SN FU can disable both the transmission and reception operations of all the transfer links. Other combinations of (e.g., the on / off status for individual links) being enabled or disabled can also be indicated by the BS102. (Exemplary implementation: The BS transmits a status indication (e.g., on / off) to the SN, and the status of the SN (e.g., on / off) is determined according to the indication)

[0071] Referring to FIG. 5, a schematic diagram 500 of an exemplary network is depicted. As shown, BS102 can transmit status indications (e.g., on / off and / or power control values) to one or more SN306s. The status of SN306 can be determined according to an instruction from BS102. For example, SN306 can receive / acquire / obtain an on / off instruction (e.g., signaling) from BS102. After receiving the on / off instruction, SN306 can determine an on / off state / status pattern for at least one link (e.g., a transfer link) for transferring signals between BS102 and UE104. Thus, the status of SN306 can be changed in response to or based on the epoch time. The epoch time can include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following. The start time of the next subframe; The end of the subframe in which SN306 receives status indication information (e.g., an on / off instruction); The start time of the next frame; The end of the frame in which SN306 receives status indication information; The start time of the subframe indicated by the system frame number (SFN), and / or the subframe number signaled together with the status indication information; The start time of the frame indicated by the SFN signaled together with the status indication information; The end of the system information (SI) window; A time instance at or after a fixed duration during which SN306 receives status indication information, and / or an epoch time in a specification (e.g., configuration) that can be at least one of symbol level, slot level, or millisecond level; After the duration during which SN306 receives status indication information (e.g., a time instance at a first subsequent duration), and / or an epoch time based on the capabilities of SN306; and / or After a duration during which SN306 receives status indication information (e.g., a time instance at a subsequent second duration), and / or an epoch time configured by BS102 through / by means of at least one of signal transmissions from BS102 such as operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) signaling, radio resource control (RRC), media access control control element (MAC CE), and / or downlink control information (DCI).

[0072] As discussed herein, the relationship between the indication reception time and the epoch time may not be explicitly illustrated, and the arrow pointer may indicate the exact time when SN306 changes its status (e.g., the epoch time). For example, the epoch time can indicate or represent a time instance when the status of SN306 changes from on to off or from off to on.

[0073] The on / off indication (e.g., status indication information) can include at least one of, inter alia, a 1-bit explicit indication, an implicit indication by reinterpreting an existing DCI field, a duration, a periodicity, a percentage, an explicit on / off pattern, and / or an implicit on / off pattern. As shown in FIG. 5, different combinations of on / off indications and corresponding operations can be provided or implemented based on one or more of the options. For example, as discussed herein, (e.g., among other options) options 1-4 can be associated with dynamic indications, options 5-6 can be associated with static indications, options 7-9 can be associated with pattern-based indications, and option 10 can be associated with a certain exception condition. In some cases, options for on / off control or indication operations can be used together. (Exemplary options for dynamic indications)

[0074] Referring to FIG. 6, an example 600 of some options for dynamic indication is depicted. For example, option 1 for dynamic indication can include or correspond to a 1-bit explicit indication. BS102 can transmit / send / provide / indicate / signal status indication information (e.g., on / off indication) including a 1-bit explicit indication to SN306 (e.g., SN CU). The 1-bit indication can be provided via at least one of DCI, MAC CE, and / or RRC. The 1-bit indication can have or include a first value (e.g., on indication) indicating that signal transfer should be activated, or a second value (e.g., off indication) indicating that signal transfer should be deactivated. For example, bit 1 can indicate “on” (e.g., provided at time instance 602), bit 0 can indicate “off” (e.g., provided at time instance 604), or vice versa. In this case, the on / off status (e.g., the state of activation or deactivation of signal transfer) can remain the same or be maintained by SN306 until the next 1-bit indication is received and indicates a different state. In some cases, when the signal is provided via DCI, a new DCI field such as an on / off status field can be defined or configured.

[0075] In another example, Option 2 can include an implicit indication determined by a power control value or a value related to the transmission power control of SN306 (e.g., a TCP command, etc.). The power control value can correspond to at least one of an absolute power control value (e.g., this value can be exactly that power used by the SN FU) and / or a deviation of the power control value (e.g., the deviation value can be added to the current power of the SN FU, and the cumulative value can be the transmission power of the SN FU). The power control value can include at least one of a DCI field, an RRC parameter, and / or a value of a MAC CE. The DCI field can reinterpret the TPC command field or define a new DCI field for the power control value related to SN306. For example, when the power control value (e.g., the value of the DCI field) or the cumulative power control value (e.g., the value of the DCI field added by the current power of the SN FU) is greater than or equal to a pre-defined / pre-determined value X, the power control value or the cumulative power control value can indicate that signal transmission should be activated. Otherwise, the power control value or the cumulative power control value can indicate that signal transmission should be deactivated. The pre-defined value X can be pre-defined / configured / pre-set through RRC or OAM signaling.

[0076] In some cases, the pre-defined value X can be provided / fixed in the specification. In some cases, the pre-defined value X can be 0, and when the power control value (e.g., the value of the DCI field) or the cumulative power control value (e.g., the value of the DCI field added by the current power of the SN FU) is 0, the power control value or the cumulative power control value can indicate that signal transmission should be deactivated. Otherwise, the power control value or the cumulative power control value can indicate that signal transmission should be activated. The activated or deactivated state of the transfer signal can be maintained until the SN306 receives the next indication indicating a different state.

[0077] Figure 7 illustrates another example 700 for dynamic indication. Referring to Option 3, in response to receiving an indication, BS102 can provide a 1-bit explicit indication and a duration to SN306 to enable or disable the transfer signal and return to the previous state after the duration. For example, BS102 can provide a 1-bit indication via DCI, MAC CE, and / or RRC. Bit 1 can indicate an on / active / activated state, and bit 0 can indicate an off / inactive / deactivated state. In response to receiving (or obtaining) the indication (e.g., at 702A or 702B), SN306 can change (or maintain the same state) its state based on the provided 1-bit indication. Further, SN306 can receive a pre-determined / defined duration "t" via DCI, MAC CE, RRC, and / or OAM signaling. SN306 can receive the duration t prior to, simultaneously with, or subsequent to the 1-bit indication. Thus, based on the indication, after maintaining the state (e.g., the activated state), the on / off status of SN306 can return to (or change to / alter to) another state (e.g., the deactivated state) before the 1-bit indication after the duration t. In some cases, SN306 can receive a 1-bit indication for deactivation. Therefore, SN306 can be re-activated after the duration t. The duration t can correspond to at least one of, among other things, the symbol level, the slot level, and / or the millisecond level.

[0078] Referring to Option 4, BS102 can provide an implicit indication (e.g., implicit status indication information) and a duration to SN306. The implicit indication can be similar to the implicit indication as in Option 2.

[0079] For example, the implicit indication can be determined by a power control value or a value related to the transmission power control of SN306 (e.g., TCP command, etc.). The power control value can correspond to at least one of an absolute power control value (e.g., this value can be exactly the power used by the SN FU) and / or a deviation of the power control value (e.g., the deviation value can be added to the current power of the SN FU, and the cumulative value can be the transmission power of the SN FU). The power control value can include at least one of a DCI field, an RRC parameter, and / or a value of a MAC CE. The DCI field can re-interpret the TPC command field or define a new DCI field for the power control value related to SN306. For example, when the power control value (e.g., the value of the DCI field) or the cumulative power control value (e.g., the value of the DCI field added by the current power of the SN FU) is greater than or equal to a pre-defined / pre-determined value X, the power control value or the cumulative power control value can indicate that the signal transmission should be activated. Otherwise, the power control value or the cumulative power control value can indicate that the signal transmission should be deactivated. The pre-defined value X can be pre-defined / configured / pre-set through RRC or OAM signal transmission.

[0080] In some cases, the pre-defined value X can be provided / fixed in the specification. In some cases, the pre-defined value X can be 0. When the power control value (e.g., the value of the DCI field) or the cumulative power control value (e.g., the value of the DCI field added by the current power of the SN FU) is 0, the power control value or the cumulative power control value can indicate that the signal transmission should be deactivated. Otherwise, the power control value or the cumulative power control value can indicate that the signal transmission should be activated. The activated or deactivated state of the transfer signal can be maintained until the SN306 receives the next indication indicating a different state.

[0081] Furthermore, SN306 can change to the previous status before implicitly indicating the on / off status change after a duration t. The duration t can be configured through at least one of RRC, OAM, MAC CE, and / or DCI. The duration t can correspond to at least one of symbol level, slot level, and / or millisecond level, among others. (Exemplary options for static indication)

[0082] FIG. 8 illustrates an example 800 of an option for static indication. Referring to Option 5, BS102 can provide status indication information including at least one of periodicity and / or duration to SN306. For example, BS102 can configure the periodicity and / or duration via RRC, OAM, MAC CE, and / or DCI. The periodicity can include multiple parts such as a status "on" pattern / portion and a status "off" pattern. The on / off pattern can be repeated until SN306 receives the next status indication information (e.g., having a different pattern). The on / off pattern in each periodicity, e.g., on prior to off or off prior to on, is enabled.

[0083] In a further example, BS102 can provide a duration to SN306 indicating a first duration for which signal transfer should be activated or deactivated. BS102 can provide a periodicity to SN306 indicating that it should alternate over time between the first duration (e.g., for turning on or off) and a second duration with the opposite signal transfer activation or deactivation state of the first duration. In this case, if the first duration indicates an "on" state, the second duration can indicate an inactive or "off" state, and vice versa.

[0084] The start time of the periodic on / off pattern may correspond to a defined epoch time as described in FIG. 5, or a reference time (e.g., fixed / pre-defined / configured) such as SFN0 (e.g., system frame number 0). For example, the periodicity of the pattern can be activated at the reference time or at a time instance following at least one epoch time. The duration can be defined as the duration or period for maintaining the "on" status or the "off" status. The duration t can correspond to at least one of the symbol level, the slot level, and / or the millisecond level.

[0085] Referring to Option 6, BS102 can provide status indication information including at least periodicity and percentage to SN306. BS102 can configure periodicity and percentage via at least one of RRC, OAM signaling, MAC CE, and / or DCI. The periodicity can include, indicate, or be associated with an on / off pattern (e.g., the "on" part and the "off" part of the status). The on / off pattern can be repeated until SN306 receives the next status indication information (e.g., a different on / off indication or pattern). The repetition can be started, for example, at the end of a period. An on before off or an off before off in each periodicity, etc., can be enabled for the on / off pattern. The start time of the periodic on / off pattern can correspond to an epoch time (e.g., one of the types of epoch time) or a fixed reference time such as SFN0.

[0086] In various implementations, the status indication information can include a ratio or percentage, where the ratio or percentage indicates the percentage (e.g., duration) of the "on" status or "off" status. For example, if the ratio is 1 / 3 "on", SN306 can be activated for 1 / 3 of the total time in each period and deactivated for 2 / 3 of the total time in each period. Thus, the period can indicate that it should alternate between an activation duration and a deactivation duration. Any activation or deactivation pattern can be used to turn SN306 on or off according to the ratio. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, SN306 can be turned on during the last 1 / 3 duration of the period. In some cases, SN306 can be turned on at the start of the period or at the 2 / 3 duration within the period. In some cases, SN306 can be turned on and off multiple times at any time instance within the period based on the ratio / percentage. For example, SN306 can be turned on during a first duration, off during a second duration, on during a third duration, and off during a fourth duration. The first and third durations can correspond to a 1 / 3 ratio, and the second and fourth durations can correspond to a 2 / 3 ratio. (Exemplary options for pattern-based indication)

[0087] Figure 9 illustrates an example 900 of an option for pattern-based indication. Referring to option 7, BS102 can provide an explicit on / off pattern (e.g., a transmission pattern included in status indication information) indication to SN306. In this case, BS102 can determine / identify a transmission pattern (e.g., an on / off pattern). Once determined, BS102 can directly transmit / send / provide / signaling the pattern to SN306. Subsequently, SN306 can determine an on / off configuration for signal transfer based on the pattern. For example, BS102 can determine an explicit on / off pattern based on at least one of, among other things, a common channel pattern, providing services to UE traffic, an inter-cell interference level, and / or a time-division duplexing (TDD) UL / DL pattern.

[0088] For example, the common channel pattern can include at least one of a synchronization signal block (SSB), a control resource set (CORESET) #0, a physical random access channel (PRACH), a system information block (SIB) 1, and / or a group common physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Within the SSB and / or CORESET #0 pattern (e.g., DL transmission), at least one of transfer links F2 and / or F4 can be activated. Within the SIB1 transmission pattern, at least one of transfer links F2 and / or F4 can be activated. Within the group common PDCCH transmission pattern, at least one of transfer links F2 and / or F4 can be activated. Within the PRACH pattern, at least one of transfer links F1 and / or F3 can be activated.

[0089] In another example, providing services to the UE can refer to the fact that at least one of the UE's UL transmission and / or DL reception signals can be amplified and transferred by SN306. The pattern can be affected by, based on, or in accordance with the specific traffic of UE104.

[0090] In a further example, the inter-cell interference level can be measured by SN306 (or other SNs) at the cell edge or in neighboring cells. After the association between SN306 and BS102 or between SN306 and another SN, BS102 can analyze the inter-cell interference level and adjust the on / off pattern of SN306 as appropriate.

[0091] In various examples, the explicit on / off pattern can be based on the TDD UL / DL pattern. With respect to UL / DL symbols and / or slots, SN306 can follow the conventional repeater behavior. For example, in UL symbols and / or slots, transfer links F1 and F3 can be turned off, and transfer links F2 and F4 can be turned on. In DL symbols and / or slots, transfer links F2 and F4 can be turned off, and transfer links F1 and F3 can be turned on.

[0092] Furthermore, with respect to flexible symbols, the explicit on / off pattern can depend on, or be based on, whether dynamic TDD is supported by SN306. For example, if dynamic TDD is not supported, in flexible symbols or slots, transfer links F1 - F4 can always be either on or off. Otherwise, if dynamic TDD is supported, the on / off status of SN306 can be determined by the slot format indication (SFI) in the DCI.

[0093] Referring to Option 8, BS102 can provide implicit on / off pattern indications to SN306. In this case, BS102 may not transmit a dedicated pattern for SN306. Instead, status indication information (e.g., on / off pattern) can be implicitly determined by a common channel pattern including at least one of SSB, CORESET#0, PRACH, SIB1, and group common PDCCH. For example, similar to the previous example, within the SSB and / or CORESET#0 pattern (e.g., DL transmission), at least one of transfer links F2 and / or F4 can be activated. Within the SIB1 transmission pattern, at least one of transfer links F2 and / or F4 can be activated. Within the group common PDCCH transmission pattern, at least one of transfer links F2 and / or F4 can be activated. Within the PRACH pattern, at least one of transfer links F1 and / or F3 can be activated.

[0094] Figure 10 illustrates an example of another option for pattern-based indication. Referring to Option 9, BS102 can define or configure an intermittent transfer (DF) mode / operation / configuration for the SN FU. The DF mode can be similar to the intermittent reception (DRX) mode (e.g., extended DRX (e-DRX) mode, power saving mode (PSM), etc.) for legacy UEs. In this DF mode, BS102 can intermittently enable the transfer functionality of SN306 to reduce energy consumption and / or mitigate interference. BS102 can configure the DF mode configuration via at least one of RRC, OAM signaling, MAC CE, and / or DCI.

[0095] Similar to the DF operation for legacy UE104, the DF operation / mode can be controlled by configuring one or more of at least the following parameters (e.g., the parameters can be defined or configured in legacy DRX operation). df-onDurationTimer: Duration at the start of the DF cycle; df-SloTOFfset: Delay before starting df-onDurationTimer; df-InACtivityTimer: Duration after a PDCCH opportunity indicating a new UL and / or DL transmission for a MAC entity, where no PDCCH is detected; df-RetransmissionTimerDL (for each DL Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) process, excluding broadcast processes): Maximum duration until a DL retransmission is received; df-RetransmissionTimerUL (for each UL HARQ process): Maximum duration until a grant or acknowledgement for UL retransmission is received; df-LongCycleStarTOFfset: Long DF cycle and df-StarTOFfset that define the subframe in which a long and / or short DF cycle starts; df-ShortCycle: Short DF cycle; df-ShortCycleTimer: Duration for which the UE is to follow the short DF cycle; df-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL (for each DL HARQ process, excluding broadcast processes): Minimum duration before a DL allocation for HARQ retransmission is expected by the MAC entity; df-HARQ-RTT-TimerUL (for each UL HARQ process): Minimum duration before a UL HARQ retransmission grant or acknowledgement is expected by the MAC entity; ps-Wakeup: Configuration for starting the associated df-onDurationTimer when a Downlink Control Information (DCI) (DCP) with a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) scrambled by a Power Saving Radio Network Temporary Identifier (PS-RNTI) is monitored but not detected; ps-TransmitOtherPeriodicCSI: Configuration for reporting periodic CSI other than layer 1 (L1)-reference signal received power (RSRP) on PUCCH for a duration indicated by df-onDurationTimer when DCP is configured but the associated df-onDurationTimer is not started, and / or ps-TransmitPeriodicL1-RSRP: Configuration for transmitting periodic channel state information (CSI) that is L1-RSRP on PUCCH for a duration indicated by df-onDurationTimer when DCP is configured but the associated df-onDurationTimer is not started.

[0096] Furthermore, the DF pattern can be determined by at least one of the following operations / methods. 1. The DF pattern can be determined / configured by BS102 based on at least one of a common channel pattern, serving the traffic of UE104, the inter-cell interference level, and / or the TDD UL / DL pattern. 1A. The common channel pattern can include at least one of SSB, CORESET#0, PRACH, SIB1, and / or group common PDCCH. For example, within the SSB and CORESET#0 patterns, transfer links F2 and F4 can be turned on or enabled. Within the SIB1 transmission pattern, transfer links F2 and F4 can be turned on. Within the group common PDCCH transmission pattern, transfer links F2 and F4 can be turned on. Within the PRACH pattern, transfer links F1 and F3 can be turned on. 1B. Serving the UE can refer to at least one of the UL transmission and / or DL reception signals of UE104 being amplified and transferred by SN306. Subsequently, the pattern can be affected by the specific traffic of the UE. 1C. The inter-cell interference level can be measured by SN306 (or other SNs) at the cell edge or in neighboring cells after the association between SN306 and BS102 or after the association between SN306 and another SN306. In this case, BS102 can analyze / process the inter-cell interference level and adjust the on / off pattern (e.g., status indication information) of SN306. 1D. The DF pattern can be determined based on the TDD UL / DL pattern. Regarding UL / DL symbols and / or slots, SN306 can follow the conventional repeater behavior. For example, in UL symbols and / or slots, transfer links F1 and F3 can be turned off, and transfer links F2 and F4 can be turned on. In DL symbols and / or slots, transfer links F2 and F4 can be turned off, and transfer links F1 and F3 can be turned on. Regarding flexible symbols, the explicit on / off pattern can depend on or be based on whether dynamic TDD is supported by SN306. For example, if dynamic TDD is not supported, in a flexible symbol or slot, transfer links F1 - F4 can always be either on or off (e.g., maintained in an active or inactive state). Otherwise, if dynamic TDD is supported, the on / off status of SN306 can be determined by the SFI indication in the DCI. 2. Different DF cycles can be defined in DF modes such as long DF cycles and / or short DF cycles. As shown in FIG. 10, the short DF cycle can be associated with graph 1002, and the long DF cycle can be associated with graph 1004. For example, the long DF cycle can include a larger (e.g., longer, more extended, or larger-scale) transfer-on duration (e.g., the duration or gap until the activation of SN306) compared to the short DF cycle. In this case, the transfer-on duration can refer to the duration between activation states (e.g., the duration to maintain the off state). The duration of the cycle and the duration of the transfer-on of the cycle can be configured by BS102 to determine different DF cycles. 3. The DF mode for the transfer unit (e.g., intermittent activation of signal transfer) can be associated with the DRX mode (or e-DRX mode or PSM) for the communication unit. For example, when the SN CU is in the DRX mode (or e-DRX mode or PSM), the SN FU can be configured in the DF mode simultaneously. Therefore, within the active time of the DRX mode of the SN CU, the transfer status can be activated / on / enabled for the SN FU. Otherwise, the transfer status can be off / inactivated / disabled, such as outside the active time of the DRX mode of the SN CU. (Exemplary options for exception conditions)

[0097] Regarding Option 10 and the like, in some implementations, the status indication information (e.g., on / off status) can be determined by the conditions / parameters / criteria of SN306. For example, when the SN CU encounters / identifies / determines / observes poor link quality, or when the SN CU is unable to transfer data, the transfer link can be turned off / inactivated / disabled to mitigate potential interference. Further, when the SN CU is in at least one or more of the following conditions, the SN FU can be inactivated at the link level or the SN level: 1) Before SN306 enters / transitions to the RRC_CONNECTED state (for example, SN306 is in a state such as idle or inactive prior to entering the RRC connected state): BS102 may not transmit side control information to SN306 so that the transfer link can be deactivated. 2) No recognized SSB: During SSB measurement, the RSRP of all SSBs can fall below the threshold (for example, exceed the defined threshold regarding the number of retransmissions). 3) Random access failure: During the random access procedure, after the random access fails N times (for example, configurable), the random access procedure can be regarded / considered / decided as a random access failure. 4) Listen Before Talk (LBT) failure: When SN306 performs LBT (for example, detects whether there is a signal in the communication channel or link), after N failures, the LBT procedure / operation can be regarded as an LBT failure. 5) Radio link failure: When it is determined / decided that the radio link is under bad conditions, the radio link can be regarded as a radio link failure. 6) Beam failure: When SN306 is under the beam failure detection (BFD) / beam failure recovery procedure, SN306 can detect / determine / identify the beam failure, especially according to the RSRP measurement of reference signals such as SSB and CSI-RS. 7) The number of retransmissions exceeds N: It can be PUSCH / PUCCH. (Exemplary option for one state indication)

[0098] Referring to Option 11, BS102 can provide a state indication to SN306. BS102 can configure the on / off or activation / deactivation state of the SN FU in one state which is either the "on" or "off" state. BS102 can provide a state indication via RRC. In this case, the state cannot change until an RRC reconfiguration or until SN306 receives other dynamic signaling. For example, the state of the SN FU can be configured in the "on" state via RRC. The SN FU may not change from the "on" state until it receives an RRC reconfiguration or other dynamic on / off indication (e.g., maintains the activation state).

[0099] Referring to Option 12, BS102 can provide a state indication with a time domain index. In this case, the on / off state of the SN FU (e.g., one of the activation or deactivation states) can be one state by default (e.g., the default state of the SN FU). BS102 can configure other states for the SN FU via RRC signaling together with the time domain index. For example, the state of the SN FU can have the "off" state as the default, and the "on" state can be configured via RRC together with a time domain index (e.g., at least one of a frame index, a subframe index, a slot index, a symbol index, and / or an absolute time index (e.g., seconds, milliseconds, etc.)). Within the configured time domain duration, the SN FU can remain in the activated state or maintain it. Otherwise, outside the time domain duration, etc., the SN FU can be deactivated or transition back to the default state (e.g., the off state in this example). (Exemplary options for beam indication association)

[0100] In some implementations, referring to Option 13, BS102 can send / transmit a beam indication indicating an implicit decision to SN306. When the SN FU is in the first state (e.g., the inactive state) and the SN CU receives a beam indication (with or without a duration), the beam indication can mean or indicate that the SN FU should be switched to a second state opposite to the first state (e.g., the active state). Subsequently, based on the implicit decision, the SN FU can enter the second state.

[0101] For example, if the SN FU is "off" or deactivated and the SN CU receives a beam indication from BS102 with a duration, the beam indication can implicitly indicate that the SN FU should be activated or turned on. Subsequently, the SN FU can be turned on within or during the duration and can be changed or reverted to the "off" or inactive state after the duration.

[0102] In another example, if the SN FU is "off" and the SN CU receives a beam indication with a duration, the beam indication can mean that the SN FU should be turned on. Subsequently, in response to receiving the indication, the SN FU can be activated, maintain the active state during the duration, and return to the inactive state after the duration (e.g., expiration of the duration).

[0103] In a further example, if the SN FU is deactivated but the SN CU receives a beam indication without a duration, the beam indication can mean that the SN FU should be turned on. Subsequently, the SN FU can be activated and can maintain the "on" state for at least a pre - defined duration such as 1 slot, 1 sub - frame, 1 frame, or 1 symbol. (Examples of Option Combinations) (Example 1)

[0104] FIG. 11 illustrates an example 1100 of a combination of option 1 and option 9 for on / off indication. As discussed herein, one or more options, such as the combination of option 1 and option 9, can be used together (e.g., co-constitute) to configure the activated or deactivated state of SN306.

[0105] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the SN FU is in the DF mode, if the SN CU receives a 1-bit explicit indication (e.g., option 1), e.g., a 1-bit "on", the SN FU can be changed from the DF mode to the non-DF mode. Subsequently, when the SN FU is activated and receives an indication (e.g., an activation indication), the SN FU can maintain the "on" status until it receives another (e.g., different) indication for the SN306 to change the on / off status. Otherwise, if the SN FU is off and receives an indication (e.g., an activation indication), the SN FU can be activated. The SN FU can remain on (e.g., maintain the activated state) until it receives another indication for the SN306 to change the on / off status. (Example 2)

[0106] FIG. 12 illustrates an example 1200 of the combination of option 3 and 9 for on / off indication. In various implementations, the combination of option 3 and 9 can be used as a common configuration. For example, when SN FU is in DF mode and SN306 receives a 1-bit explicit indication and duration (e.g., option 3), e.g., a 1-bit "on", SN FU can be changed from DF mode to non-DF mode during / within the duration provided by BS102. After the end of the duration, SN FU can be changed to return from non-DF mode to DF mode (e.g., or vice versa depending on the configuration). In this case, when SN FU is activated, upon receiving an indication, SN FU can maintain the activated state for a specified duration. After the duration, the status of SN FU can be determined by the DF mode pattern. Otherwise, when SN FU is deactivated, upon receiving an indication, SN FU can be activated. SN FU can maintain the activated state for a duration. After the duration (e.g., expiration of the duration), the status of SN FU can be determined by the DF mode pattern.

[0107] Common configurations using option 1 and 9, and option 3 and 9 are provided for purposes of example. Other combinations using the options (among others) discussed herein can also be used for a common configuration for constructing an on / off indication for SN306. For example, based on option 8 and 9, when SN306 is in DF mode and BS102 constructs an implicit determination of a common channel, two patterns (e.g., from option 8 and 9) can be combined and the common channel pattern can include a higher priority. For example, SN306 can be maintained / kept within the common channel duration. (Example 3)

[0108] In some implementations, the combination of Option 1 and 11 can be used for an on / off status configuration. For example, the state of the SN FU can be configured in an active state via RRC by the BS102. When the SN306 receives a 1-bit explicit indication (e.g., "off" state) via at least one of DCI and / or MAC CE, the state of the SN FU is changed to an inactive state until the RRC signaling is reconfigured / modified (e.g., retransmitted to the SN306), or until the SN306 receives another dynamic on / off indication (e.g., the opposite of the deactivated state). In another example, via RRC, the state of the SN FU can be configured in an "off" state. In this case, when the SN306 receives a 1-bit explicit indication (e.g., an indication for the "on" state) from the BS102 via at least one of DCI and / or MAC CE, the state of the SN FU can be modified to an active state. The SN FU can maintain the active state until the RRC is reconfigured or until the SN306 receives another dynamic on / off indication (e.g., the opposite of the active state). (Example 4) In some cases, Option 1 and 12 can be combined for an on / off configuration. For example, the state of the SN FU can have "off" as the default, and the "on" state can be configured via RRC along with a time domain index (e.g., at least one of a frame index, a subframe index, a slot index, and / or a symbol index). Within the configured time domain index / duration, the SN FU can be in an active state. Otherwise, the SN FU can remain in the default state, or in this case, the inactive state. During the period when the SN FU is in the "off" state, the state can be changed via at least one of DCI and / or MAC CE by a 1-bit explicit on / off indication (e.g., "on" state). (Example 5)

[0109] In some aspects, Option 2 and 12 can be combined for an on / off configuration. For example, the state of SN FU can have "off" as the default, and the "on" state can be configured via RRC along with a time domain index (e.g., frame index, sub-frame index, slot index, symbol index, and / or absolute time index (e.g., seconds, milliseconds, etc.)). During the configured time domain duration / index, SN FU can be in an active state. Otherwise, SN FU can be in an inactive state or the default state. During the "off" period or while SN FU is in the inactive state, the state can be changed, for example, by a 1-bit implicit indication (e.g., "on") configured via DCI. (Example 6)

[0110] In various implementations, Option 3 and 12 can be combined for an on / off configuration. For example, the state of SN FU can have the "off" state as the default, and the "on" state can be configured via RRC along with at least one of a time domain index (e.g., frame index, sub-frame index, slot index, symbol index, and / or absolute time index (e.g., seconds, milliseconds, etc.)). Within the configured time domain duration / index, SN FU can be in an active state. Otherwise, SN FU can be in an inactive state outside the time domain duration. During the "off" or inactive period, the state can be changed to "on" for a certain duration by a 1-bit explicit on / off indication (e.g., "on") via at least one of DCI and / or MAC CE along with the duration via RRC, OAM signaling, MAC CE, and / or DCI. (Example 7)

[0111] In some embodiments, Option 1 and Option 7 can be combined for on / off configuration / indication. For example, if the SN FU is configured with a pattern, when the SN CU receives a 1-bit explicit indication such as a 1-bit "on", the pattern may not be applied to the SN FU. In some cases, when the SN FU is in an activated state and receives an indication, the SN FU can maintain its activated status / state until it receives an indication for the SN306 to change its on / off status (e.g., an indication of the opposite state from the previous state). Otherwise, when the SN FU is in a deactivated state and receives an indication, the SN FU can be activated. The SN FU can maintain its activated state or remain as it is until it receives another indication for the SN306 to change its on / off status. (Example 8)

[0112] In various aspects, Option 3 and Option 7 can be combined for on / off configuration. For example, when the SN FU is configured with a pattern, when the SN CU receives a 1-bit explicit indication such as a 1-bit "on" indication, the pattern may not be applied to the SN FU within a (e.g., pre-determined / stipulated) duration. The SN FU can reuse the pattern after the duration expires or ends. In some cases, when the SN FU is on and receives an indication, the SN FU can maintain its activated state during the duration. After this duration, the state / status of the SN FU can be determined based on the configured pattern. In some other cases, when the SN FU is off and receives an indication, the SN FU can be activated. The SN FU can maintain its activated state during the duration. After the duration, the state of the SN FU can be determined based on the configured pattern.

[0113] Referring now to FIG. 13, a flowchart of a method 1300 for on / off status control for a network node is illustrated. The method 1300 may be implemented using any of the components and devices detailed herein in conjunction with FIGS. 1-12. Briefly, the method 1300 may include transmitting (1302) status indication information. The method 1300 may include receiving (1304) status indication information. The method 1300 may include determining (1306) an on / off configuration.

[0114] Referring now to operation (1302), in some implementations, a wireless communication node (e.g., a BS or a gNB) may transmit / send / transfer / provide status indication information (e.g., an on / off indication) to a network node (e.g., an SN). By transmitting the status indication information, the BS 102 may cause the network node to determine an on / off configuration (e.g., corresponding to a transfer link and / or transfer functionality) and support signal transfer of one or more signals between the wireless communication node and a wireless communication device (e.g., a UE).

[0115] Referring now to operation (1304), in some implementations, a network node may receive status indication information from a wireless communication node. For example, the network node may receive status indication information from the wireless communication node via signal transfer including at least one of downlink control information (DCI) or media access control control element (MAC CE) signaling, radio resource control (RRC), and / or operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) signaling.

[0116] In some implementations, a network node can transmit / transfer / respond to a wireless communication node in response to receiving status indication information. For example, a network node can transmit a Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) feedback message in response to receiving status indication information. The feedback behavior of the network node can correspond to a functionality controlled by the wireless communication node (e.g., the feedback functionality constituted thereby). The functionality can be based on a network node capability report. For example, the status indication information can be carried in MAC CE and / or RRC via PDSCH, and the corresponding feedback can be a HARQ-ACK message via PUCCH / PUSCH. In another example, the status indication information can be carried in DCI via PDCCH, and the corresponding feedback can be a HARQ-ACK message via PUCCH. In yet another example, the status indication information can be carried in DCI via PDCCH, and the corresponding feedback can be a HARQ-ACK message via PUSCH.

[0117] Referring now to operation (1306), in some implementations, a network node can determine an on / off configuration of the network node according to status indication information and support signal transfer of one or more signals between the wireless communication node and the wireless communication device.

[0118] In some implementations, the on / off configuration can include at least one of: an on / off configuration of a network node, an on / off configuration of a group of network nodes, an on / off configuration of one or more antenna ports of a network node, an on / off configuration of one or more beam indexes of a network node, an on / off configuration of a sector providing one or more services of a network node, and / or an on / off configuration of one or more components of a network node. In various implementations, the on / off configuration can include an on / off configuration of at least one of the following links: a first communication link (e.g., C2 link) from a wireless communication node to a network node; a second communication link (e.g., C1 link) from a network node to a wireless communication node; a first transfer link (e.g., F2 link) from a wireless communication node to a network node; a second transfer link (e.g., F1 link) from a network node to a wireless communication node; a third transfer link (e.g., F4 link) from a network node to a wireless communication device; and / or a fourth transfer link (e.g., F3 link) from a wireless communication device to a network node.

[0119] In some cases, the on / off configuration of a network node can become active at a certain time instance (e.g., epoch time). The time instance can include at least one of the following: the start time of the next subframe; the end of the subframe in which the network node receives status indication information; the start time of the next frame; the end of the frame in which the network node receives status indication information; the start time of the subframe indicated by the system frame number (SFN) signaled together with the status indication information; the start time of the frame indicated by the SFN signaled together with the status indication information; the end of the system information (SI) window; the time instance at a certain defined duration (e.g., in units of symbols, slots, or milliseconds, defined within the standard) after the network node receives the status indication information; the time instance at the first duration after the network node receives the status indication information. The first duration can be based on the capabilities of the network node; and / or the time instance at the second duration after the network node receives the status indication information. The second duration can be configured via signaling from a wireless communication node (e.g., at least one of OAM signaling, RRC, MAC CE, and / or DCI).

[0120] In some implementations, the status indication information can include a 1-bit indication (e.g., Option 1 and / or 3). The 1-bit indication can include a first value (e.g., bit 1) indicating that signal transmission should be activated, or a second value (e.g., bit 0) indicating that signal transmission should be deactivated. In some cases, the activated or deactivated state of signal transmission can be maintained until the next 1-bit indication indicating a different state (e.g., a state different from the activated or deactivated state). In some aspects, at least one of the activated or deactivated states of signal transmission can be configured to change to the previous state after a certain defined time has elapsed, or the defined duration (e.g., in units of symbols, slots, or milliseconds) can be configured via downlink control information (DCI), medium access control control element (MAC CE), radio resource control (RRC), or operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) signaling.

[0121] In some implementations, at least one of the status indication information can include a value related to transmission power control of a network node, and if the value is equal to or greater than a defined value, the value can indicate that signal transmission should be activated or deactivated, and / or if the cumulative value related to transmission power control of the network node by applying the value in the status indication information is equal to and / or greater than a defined value, the value or the cumulative value can indicate that signal transmission should be activated or deactivated (e.g., Option 2). In some cases, the defined value can be configured via radio resource control (RRC), MAC CE, or operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) signaling. In some aspects, the value can be indicated by a transmission power control (TPC) field within a downlink control information (DCI) field.

[0122] In some implementations, the active or inactive state of a signal can be configured to change to the previous state after a certain defined time (e.g., a predefined duration) has elapsed, and / or the defined duration (e.g., in units of symbols, slots, or milliseconds) can be configured via downlink control information (DCI), media access control control element (MAC CE), RRC, or OAM signaling (e.g., Option 4).

[0123] In some aspects, the status indication information can include at least one of a duration indicating a first duration for activating or deactivating signal transfer and / or, over time, a periodicity indicating that it should alternate between the first duration and a second duration with an active or inactive state of signal transfer opposite to that of the first duration (e.g., Option 5). In some implementations, the status indication information can include a ratio or percentage indicating a first duration for activating signal transfer and a second duration for deactivating signal transfer, and / or at least one of a periodicity indicating that it should alternate over time between the first duration and the second duration (e.g., Option 6). The periodicity can be activated at a time instance according to a reference time or at least one certain time instance (e.g., epoch time).

[0124] In some cases, the status indication information can include a transmission pattern (e.g., Option 7). For example, a network node can receive / acquire / identify a transmission pattern from a wireless communication node. The pattern can be determined based on a common channel that can be configured by the wireless communication node. Further, the pattern can be based, among other things, on at least one of the traffic served by the wireless communication device (e.g., UE) and the inter-cell interference level.

[0125] In one aspect, the on / off configuration can be implicitly determined by at least one transmission pattern of a common signal and / or a common channel (e.g., Option 8). For example, a wireless communication node can transmit / provide / send a common channel or signal to a network node. Subsequently, the network node can determine an on / off pattern based on the common channel. A status indication can be an enabler of the implicit determination. In some embodiments, the implicit determination can be included in the status indication information or can be directly specified in the specification. In some cases, the status indication information can include the implicit determination.

[0126] In some implementations, with reference to the implicit determination of the on / off configuration, at least one of the following: within the transmission pattern of a synchronization signal block (SSB) or control resource set (CORESET) #0, at least one transfer link can be activated; within the transmission pattern of a system information block (SIB) #1, at least one transfer link can be activated; within the transmission pattern of a group common physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), at least one transfer link can be activated; and / or within the transmission pattern of a physical random access channel (PRACH), at least one transfer link can be activated. In some cases, the on / off configuration can be associated with an intermittent reception mode.

[0127] In various implementations, the status indication information can indicate a mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer (e.g., discontinuous transfer (DT)). At least one of the duration of a cycle (and / or the transfer-on duration of a cycle) for the mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer (e.g., DT), or the duration of the on-state or off-state of signal transfer, can be configurable (e.g., by a wireless communication node). In some cases, the mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer (e.g., DT) can be associated with an intermittent reception mode.

[0128] In some implementations, a network node can receive a 1-bit indication when the network node is operating in a mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer (e.g., DF). The network node can decide to end the mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer (e.g., DF) according to the 1-bit indication. In some cases, at least one of the following: when the network node supports signal transfer when the 1-bit indication is received, the network node can continue to support signal transfer until at least the next 1-bit indication is received; and / or, when the network node does not support signal transfer when the 1-bit indication is received, the network node can activate / enable signal transfer until at least the next 1-bit indication is received (e.g., a combination of options 1 and 9).

[0129] In some embodiments, a network node can receive a 1-bit indication and a duration when the network node is operating in a mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer (e.g., DF). In this case, the network node can decide to end the mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer (e.g., DF) in the duration according to the 1-bit indication. Further, when the duration ends, the network node can resume the mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer (e.g., DF) (e.g., a combination of option 3 and 9). In one aspect, at least one of the following: when the network node supports signal transfer when the 1-bit indication is received, the network node can continue to support signal transfer during the duration and, when the duration ends, can resume the mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer (e.g., DF); and / or, when the network node does not support signal transfer when the 1-bit indication is received, the network node can activate signal transfer during the duration and, when the duration ends, can resume the mode of intermittent activation of signal transfer (e.g., DF).

[0130] In various implementations, a wireless communication node can determine an on / off configuration of a network node (e.g., corresponding to a transfer link and / or transfer functionality) according to conditions of the network node and support signal transfer of one or more signals between the wireless communication node and a wireless communication device. In one implementation, the conditions of the network node can include at least one of the following: the network node is in a certain state prior to entering a radio resource control (RRC) connection state; the network node is in an RRC idle or inactive state; unavailability of an identified synchronization signal block (SSB); random access failure; look before talk failure; radio link failure; beam failure; and / or exceeding a defined threshold regarding the number of retransmissions.

[0131] Although various embodiments of the present solution have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only, not as limitations. Similarly, the various schematic diagrams may depict exemplary architectures or configurations, which are provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand the exemplary features and functions of the present solution. However, such those skilled in the art will understand that the present solution is not limited to the illustrated exemplary architecture or configuration and can be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. In addition, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, one or more features of one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Therefore, the scope and range of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above.

[0132] Any reference in this specification to elements using designations such as "first", "second", etc. should also be understood generally not to limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations can be used in this specification as a convenient means of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not mean that only two elements can be employed or that the second element must precede the first element in a manner where there is a first element.

[0133] In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols that may be referenced in the above description can be represented, for example, by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0134] Those skilled in the art will further understand that any of the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, processors, means, circuits, methods, and functions described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementation, analog implementation, or a combination of the two), firmware, various forms of program or design code incorporating instructions (which may be referred to herein, for convenience, as "software" or "software modules"), or any combination of these techniques. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are generally described above in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software, or a combination of these techniques, depends on the particular application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in various ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0135] Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, devices, components, and circuits described herein can be implemented in or performed by an integrated circuit (IC) that includes a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof. The logical blocks, modules, and circuits can further include an antenna and / or transceiver and can communicate with various components within a network or device. The general purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor can also be implemented as a computing device, such as a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration of combinations to perform the functions described herein.

[0136] When implemented in software, the functions can be stored on a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or code. Thus, the steps of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein can be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium includes both computer storage media and communication media and includes any medium that can be used to transfer a computer program or code from one location to another. A storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0137] As used herein, the term "module" refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements for performing the associated functions described herein. Additionally, for purposes of discussion, various modules are described as discrete modules. However, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, two or more modules can be combined to form a single module that performs the associated functions in accordance with embodiments of the present solution.

[0138] In addition, a memory or other storage device and communication components may be employed in embodiments of the present solution. For the purpose of clarity, it should be understood that the above description has been explaining embodiments of the present solution with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, processing logic elements, or domains may be used without departing from the present solution. For example, functionality illustrated as being implemented by separate processing logic elements or controllers may be implemented by the same processing logic element or controller. Thus, the reference to specific functional units is merely a reference to appropriate means for providing the functionality described, rather than indicating a strict logical or physical structure or arrangement.

[0139] Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be regarded as covering the broadest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein, as limited by the claims below.

Claims

1. A method, the method comprising: receiving, by a smart node (SN) communication unit (CU), from a base station (BS), a beam indication for one or more beams with a duration, wherein receiving the beam indication indicates that at least the SN transfer unit (FU) should be activated to an on state to support signal transmission to or reception from a user equipment (UE) during the duration; activating, by the SN CU, the SN FU to maintain the SN FU in the on state over the duration in response to receiving the beam indication; A method comprising the above.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising deactivating the SN FU to an off state when outside the range of the duration.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the duration corresponds to a symbol level.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the beam indication with the duration is received from the BS via at least one of radio resource control (RRC) signaling or downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein deactivating the SN FU to the off state when outside the range of the duration includes disabling the transmission and reception operations of the SN FU when outside the range of the duration.

6. Maintaining the SN FU in the on state over the duration when the SN FU is activated includes enabling signal transfer of the SN FU until the SN FU is deactivated to the off state, according to the method of claim 1.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising deactivating the SN FU to an off state in response to the SN including the SN CU and the SN FU being in a radio resource control (RRC) idle state.

8. The SN including the SN CU and the SN FU comprises a network-controlled relay, and the SN CU comprises a mobile terminal (MT), according to the method of claim 1.

9. A smart node (SN) communication unit (CU) comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor Receiving, via the receiver of the SN CU, a beam indication for one or more beams with a duration from a base station (BS), wherein receiving the beam indication indicates that at least the SN transfer unit (FU) should be activated to an on state to support signal transmission to or reception from a user equipment (UE) during at least the duration, Activating the SN FU to maintain the SN FU in the on state over the duration in response to receiving the beam indication A smart node (SN) communication unit (CU) configured to perform.

10. The SN CU according to claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is configured to deactivate the SN FU to an off state when outside the range of the duration.

11. The SN CU according to claim 9, wherein the duration corresponds to a symbol level.

12. The SN CU according to claim 9, wherein the beam indication with the duration is received from the BS via at least one of radio resource control (RRC) signaling or downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

13. The SN CU according to claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is configured to disable the transmission and reception operations of the SN FU when outside the range of the duration to deactivate the SN FU to an off state.

14. The SN CU according to claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is configured to enable the signal transfer of the SN FU until the SN FU is deactivated to the off state to maintain the SN FU in the on state over the duration when the SN FU is activated.

15. The SN CU according to claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to deactivate the SN FU to an off state in response to the SN including the SN CU and the SN FU being in a radio resource control (RRC) idle state.

16. The SN CU according to claim 9, wherein the SN including the SN CU and the SN FU comprises a network-controlled relay, and the SN CU comprises a mobile terminal (MT).

17. A base station comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to transmit, via a transmitter, a beam indication for one or more beams with a duration to a smart node (SN) communication unit (CU); the SN CU receiving the beam indication indicates that at least an SN transfer unit (FU) should be activated to an on state to support signal transmission to or reception from a user equipment (UE) during the duration; in response to the beam indication being received, the SN FU is activated by the SN CU to maintain the SN FU in the on state over the duration, the base station.

18. The base station according to claim 17, wherein the SN FU is deactivated to an off state when outside the duration range.

19. The base station according to claim 17, wherein the duration corresponds to a symbol level.

20. The SN comprising the SN CU and the SN FU comprises a network-controlled relay, and the SN CU comprises a mobile terminal (MT), the base station according to claim 17.

Images