Channel access procedure

Abstract

A device, system, and method for a channel access procedure comprising a Listen Before Talk (LBT) rule for preventing a mismatch between a sensing beam and a transmitting beam are disclosed. In some embodiments, a data communication method comprises detecting an idle channel by performing an energy sensing operation based on at least one of a transmitting beam or a receiving beam by a communication node, and, upon detection of an idle channel in at least one of a transmitting beam or a receiving beam, transmitting a message through a transmitting beam corresponding to the idle channel.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This patent document relates to wireless communication. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile communication technology is moving the world toward an increasingly connected and networked society. The rapid growth of mobile communications and technological advancements have led to greater demands for capacity and connectivity. Other factors, such as energy consumption, device costs, spectrum efficiency, and latency, are also critical in meeting the requirements of various communication scenarios. A variety of technologies are being discussed, including new methods to provide higher quality of service, longer battery life, and enhanced performance.

[0003] This patent document describes a method, apparatus, and system for a channel access procedure comprising, among other things, a listen-before-talk (LBT) rule for preventing a mismatch between a sensing beam and a transmitting beam. This patent document also describes a channel occupancy rule, a transmitting rule, and an LBT rule for multiple transmissions associated with different beam directions, and an LBT rule for sharing channel occupancy time (COT) during transmission of a directional beam.

[0004] In one embodiment, a data communication method comprises detecting an idle channel by performing an energy detection operation based on at least one of a transmitting beam or a receiving beam by a communication node, and, upon detection of an idle channel in at least one of a transmitting beam or a receiving beam, transmitting a message through a transmitting beam corresponding to the idle channel.

[0005] In another embodiment, the data communication method comprises performing a listen before talk operation prior to transmission in a plurality of beam directions and performing transmission through each of the plurality of beam directions during a channel occupancy time.

[0006] In another embodiment, the data communication method includes performing one or more transmissions through one or more transmission channels by occupying one or more beam directions.

[0007] In another embodiment, the data communication method comprises, by means of a communication node, acquiring listen before talk operation information, performing one or more listen before talk operations for one or more beam directions, and performing one or more transmissions based on the results of one or more listen before talk operations for one or more beam directions.

[0008] In another embodiment, the data communication method comprises determining a switching window between a downlink transmission and an uplink transmission within a channel occupancy time, and, when it is determined that the switching window is longer than or equal to a predetermined time duration, performing a listen before talk operation within the time within the switching window.

[0009] In another embodiment, the data communication method comprises performing transmission or performing a listen before talk operation prior to transmission, and, upon determining that reception or the listen before talk operation has failed, changing to at least one of a listen before talk mechanism, a listen before talk mode, and a beam direction for a listen before talk procedure. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates different beam modes including a directional beam mode, a wide directional beam mode, and an omnidirectional beam. Figure 2 illustrates the node problem in the case where the detected energy in the transmitting beam <= Thr_7 and the detected energy in the receiving beam > Thr_7. Figure 3 illustrates the node problem in the case where the detected energy in the transmitting beam > Thr_7 and the detected energy in the receiving beam <= Thr_7. Figure 4 illustrates the common channel occupancy time shared by all beam directions. Figure 5 illustrates the channel occupancy time maintained independently for each beam direction. FIG. 6 illustrates that the channel occupancy time is maintained independently for each beam direction, and that each channel occupancy time is related to the transmission time corresponding to the beam direction. Figure 7 illustrates the channel occupancy time maintained independently for several beam directions. FIG. 8 illustrates that a transmitter having a beam direction continues to occupy the channel corresponding to the beam direction until link direction switching for each beam direction occurs. FIG. 9 illustrates that transmission is performed in multiple beam directions such that the beam direction for the previous transmission includes all beam directions for the subsequent transmission. FIG. 10 illustrates a method of transmitting B#0, B#1, B#2, and B#3, respectively, from the first, second, third, and fourth resources. FIG. 11 illustrates a method for transmitting a single beam for each resource opportunity. Figure 12 illustrates an additional LBT applied to the end point of the time interval. Figure 13 illustrates an additional LBT applied based on a DCI signaling trigger. Figure 14 illustrates a switching point for a COT sharing case. FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a data communication method based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology. FIG. 16 illustrates another example of a data communication method based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology. FIG. 17 illustrates another example of a data communication method based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology. FIG. 18 illustrates another example of a data communication method based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology. FIG. 19 illustrates another example of a data communication method based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology. FIG. 20 illustrates another example of a data communication method based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology. FIG. 21 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system to which technology according to one or more embodiments of the present technology may be applied. FIG. 22 is a block diagram representation of a part of a radio station according to one or more embodiments of the present technology to which it may be applied. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0011] The disclosed technology may be used in some embodiments to detect mismatches in a transmit beam and to provide a Listen Before Talk (LBT) rule design associated with such mismatch detection. The disclosed technology may also be used in some embodiments to provide channel occupancy rules, transmit rules, and LBT rules for multiple transmits associated with different beam directions. In some embodiments, the disclosed technology may be used to implement LBT rules for Channel Occupancy Time (COT) sharing when transmits are made using a directional beam. The disclosed technology may also be used in some embodiments to handle LBT failures.

[0012] With the advent of 5th generation (5G) new radio (NR) networks, an explosive number of new user data applications to be supported by NR networks are on the horizon. Due to this rapid growth in user data, the demand for spectrum will increase dramatically. To alleviate spectrum requirements, device manufacturers and operators worldwide are focusing on resource-rich and free unlicensed spectrum and executing a series of related technology research and product development projects. Furthermore, at the RAN #86 General Assembly, a new SI (Investigational Item) was approved to study support for NR from 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz. In transmissions at high frequency bandwidths, fine beamforming using massive antenna elements is required to counter high propagation loss. If omni-directional LBTs are also used for high-frequency transmissions, directional mismatches occur between the LBT and the transmit. This will often lead to exposed node and hidden node issues. Therefore, it may be necessary to introduce directional LBT; however, if supported, a mismatch may occur between the sensing beam and the transmitting beam. Accordingly, the disclosed technique may be used in some embodiments to provide a rule for achieving a match between the sensing beam and the transmitting beam.

[0013] Furthermore, due to the beamforming transmission mode, in order to transmit a message to a serving UE within a given range, the base station (e.g., gNB) needs to transmit different beams toward different directions, which may occur within the same or different time units. Thus, the gNB performs a directional LBT only once at the start of multiple DL transmissions, and some beams within the MCOT may encounter unoccupied channels, while others may encounter channels with higher interference from other coexisting nodes. Accordingly, the disclosed technique can be used to provide new LBT rules and transmission rules for multiple transmissions in some embodiments. Furthermore, in the case of COT sharing, both the gNB and the UE may use narrow beams for LBT and data transmission, or may have different beam widths and beam directions. For such features, some rules for COT sharing will be provided.

[0014] Furthermore, if a communication node (e.g., a base station or user equipment (UE)) is unable to access a channel using a channel access procedure, then a method to implement channel access before the next transmission opportunity becomes an urgent issue. In this regard, the disclosed technology may be used in some embodiments to provide some feasible and effective solutions to solve or mitigate such problems.

[0015] In the context of this patent document, the term "node" or "communication node" may be used to refer to a mobile device such as a user device (UE) or a base station (BS) such as a gNB.

[0016] In some embodiments of this patent document, the LBT mode comprises at least one of the following: directional LBT, omnidirectional LBT, wide beam-based LBT, and multi-beam-based LBT. Here, the LBT mode may also be at least one of omnidirectional LBT, single beam directional LBT, multi-beam directional LBT, and wide beam directional LBT.

[0017] In some embodiments of this patent document, the LBT type may be at least one of the following: no LBT (No LBT), Cat2 LBT, Cat3 LBT, Cat4 LBT, multiple Cat2 LBT. In some embodiments, the Cat2 LBT may have different durations in the time domain, for example, the duration may be 0.5 μs, 1 μs, 2 μs, 3 μs, 4 μs, 5 μs, 6 μs, 7 μs, 8 μs, or any combination of any of the mentioned values.

[0018] Embodiment 1

[0019] This embodiment provides a method for determining the range of energy detection in Clear Channel Assessment (CCA).

[0020] CCA energy detection may consider at least one of the following methods:

[0021] Alternative Example 1: CCA energy detection is based on the transmitted beam(s).

[0022] Alternative Example 2: CCA energy detection is based on the received beam(s).

[0023] In the case of Alternative Examples 1 and 2, if one or more nodes detect that the channel(s) in the transmit / receive beam(s) are idle before transmitting a transmit, then one or more nodes may transmit one or more transmits in the transmit beam(s). Otherwise, if one or more nodes detect that the channel(s) in the transmit / receive beam(s) are in use, a method implemented based on Embodiment 9 discussed below may be used.

[0024] In addition, different transmit / receive beam modes may be associated with different CCA detection thresholds, or a new CCA detection threshold may be introduced in addition to the normal CCA detection threshold as discussed in Embodiment 2 below.

[0025] Alternative Example 3: CCA energy detection is based on at least one of the transmit beam and the receive beam. Furthermore, whether the node(s) can transmit on the transmit beam may depend on some rules as to be discussed in Embodiment 3 below. The mode of CCA energy detection may be determined based on at least one of the following: RRC signaling, physical layer DCI signaling, predefined.

[0026] Embodiment 2

[0027] Based on Alternative Example 1 or Alternative Example 2 of Embodiment 1, this embodiment may provide a more detailed design and description.

[0028] Case 1: Different transmit / receive beam modes are associated with different CCA detection thresholds.

[0029] In some embodiments, the CCA detection threshold may be a function of the beam angle and / or beam width.

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates different beam modes including a directional beam mode, a broad directional beam mode, and an omnidirectional beam.

[0031] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the transmit / receive beam mode includes a directional beam (or narrow directional beam), a wide directional beam, or an omnidirectional beam. In one example, the CCA detection threshold for the directional beam (Thr_1) and the wide directional beam (Thr_2) may be a function of the beam angle and / or beam width.

[0032] For example, the directional beam corresponds to the directional beam-based CCA detection threshold marked as Thr_1; the broad directional beam corresponds to the broad directional beam-based CCA detection threshold marked as Thr_2; and the omnidirectional beam corresponds to the omnidirectional beam-based CCA detection threshold marked as Thr_3.

[0033] When the transmit / receive beam is in directional beam mode, the node performs a channel access procedure based on the directional beam-based CCA detection threshold (Thr_1) before transmitting on the transmit beam. If the detected energy in the transmit / receive beam is lower than or equal to the directional beam-based CCA detection threshold (Thr_1), the channel is determined to be idle (i.e., available) and the node can transmit on the transmit beam. Otherwise, if the detected energy in the transmit / receive beam is greater than the directional beam-based CCA detection threshold (Thr_1), the channel is determined to be in use (i.e., not available) and the node cannot transmit on the transmit beam.

[0034] The same or similar methods can be applied to the broad directional beam mode or omnidirectional beam mode for the received beam.

[0035] Case 2: Introduce a new CCA detection threshold. This new threshold is defined for cases where there is a mismatch between the energy detection beam and the transmission beam.

[0036] Regardless of which receiving beam mode is used, the node determines only whether the current channel is idle based on this new CCA detection threshold. For example, if the detected energy in the received beam is lower than or equal to the new CCA detection threshold (marked as Thrr_4), the channel is determined to be idle and the node can transmit on the transmit beam. Otherwise, if the detected energy in the received beam is greater than the new CCA detection threshold (Thr_4), the channel is determined to be in use and the node cannot transmit on the transmit beam.

[0037] Case 3: Combination of normal CCA detection threshold and newly introduced CCA detection threshold.

[0038] For example, if the detected energy in the received beam is greater than the normal CCA detection threshold (Thr_5), it does not immediately determine whether the current channel corresponding to the transmit beam is unavailable, but continues to evaluate whether the detected energy in the received beam is lower than or equal to the new CCA detection threshold (Thr_6). If this condition is satisfied, the node can determine the channel to be idle and transmit on the transmit beam.

[0039] Embodiment 3

[0040] Based on Alternative Example 3 of Embodiment 1, this embodiment may be implemented to provide a more detailed design and description.

[0041] The core idea of ​​these schemes is to design rules to determine whether the current channel on the transmit beam is available based on the detection results for the transmit and receive beams. That is, the node performs energy detection on the transmit and receive beams before transmitting on the transmit beam. As will be discussed below, specific rules for determining CCA success or determining the transmit beam channel as idle may be considered:

[0042] Method 1: As shown in rows 1-4 of Table 1 below, only one CCA detection threshold is set. The key idea is that as long as the energy detected in at least one of the transmit beam and the receive beam is lower than or equal to the CCA detection threshold marked Thr_7, then the channel on the transmit beam is determined to be idle or available, and the node can transmit on the transmit beam. Otherwise, if the energy detected in both the transmit beam and the receive beam is greater than the CCA detection threshold, the current channel on the transmit beam is determined to be unavailable.

[0043] For example, Rule 1-8 may be applied as will be discussed below.

[0044] Rule 1: When a node performs a channel access operation for a transmit beam and a receive beam, if the detected energy in the transmit beam is lower than or equal to the CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_7, and the detected energy in the receive beam is lower than or equal to the CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_7, the channel on the transmit beam may be considered available or idle (available).

[0045] Rule 2: When a node performs a channel access operation for a transmit beam and a receive beam, if the detected energy in the transmit beam is lower than or equal to the CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_7, but the detected energy in the receive beam is greater than the CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_7, then the channel on the transmit beam can be identified as idle (available).

[0046] In some situations, this method may cause an exposed node problem as illustrated in Fig. 2, and therefore, CCA evaluation is based on the detected energy in the transmit beam. Furthermore, to reduce the impact of the exposed node problem, it is necessary to introduce CCA detection in the transmit beam and receive beam methods.

[0047] Figure 2 illustrates the node problem in the case where the detected energy in the transmitting beam <= Thr_7 and the detected energy in the receiving beam > Thr_7.

[0048] Rule 3: When a node performs a channel access operation for a transmit beam and a receive beam, if the detected energy in the transmit beam is greater than the CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_7, but the detected energy in the receive beam is lower than or equal to the CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_7, then the channel on the transmit beam can be identified as idle (available).

[0049] In this case, FIG. 3 illustrates that since interference may exist in the region within the transmitting beam and outside the receiving beam, a hidden node problem may occur when the availability of the channel on the transmitting beam is evaluated only by the energy detected in the receiving beam. To mitigate this problem, a dual CCA detection threshold setting or a receiving node support method may be considered.

[0050] Figure 3 illustrates the node problem in the case where the detected energy in the transmitting beam > Thr_7 and the detected energy in the receiving beam <= Thr_7.

[0051] Rule 4: When a node performs a channel access operation for a transmit beam and a receive beam, if the detected energy in the transmit beam is greater than the CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_7 and the detected energy in the receive beam is greater than the CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_7, then the channel on the transmit beam may be identified as being in use (unavailable). In some embodiments, a dual CCA detection threshold may be considered / used for this case.

[0052] Method 2: Set dual CCA detection thresholds as shown in rows 5 through 8 of Table 1 below.

[0053] Rule 5: When a node performs a channel access operation for a transmit beam and a receive beam, if the detected energy in the transmit beam is lower than or equal to the CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_7, and the detected energy in the receive beam is greater than the CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_7. Furthermore, if the difference in energy detected in the transmit beam and the receive beam is lower than or equal to an additional CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_8, then the channel on the transmit beam can be identified as idle (available).

[0054] Rule 6: When a node performs a channel access operation on a transmit beam and a receive beam, if the detected energy in the transmit beam is lower than or equal to the CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_7, and the detected energy in the receive beam is greater than the CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_7. Furthermore, if the difference in energy detected in the transmit beam and the receive beam is greater than an additional CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_8, then the channel on the transmit beam may be identified as being in use (unavailable).

[0055] Rule 7: When a node performs a channel access operation for a transmit beam and a receive beam, if the detected energy in the transmit beam is greater than the CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_7, and the detected energy in the receive beam is lower than or equal to the CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_7. Furthermore, if the difference in energy detected in the transmit beam and the receive beam is lower than or equal to an additional CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_8, then the channel on the transmit beam can be identified as idle (available).

[0056] Rule 8: When a node performs a channel access operation on a transmit beam and a receive beam, if the detected energy in the transmit beam is greater than the CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_7, and the detected energy in the receive beam is lower than or equal to the CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_7. Furthermore, if the difference between the detected energies in the transmit beam and the receive beam is greater than an additional CCA detection threshold labeled Thr_8, then the channel on the transmit beam may be identified as being in use (unavailable).

[0057] The above additional CCA detection threshold may also be defined as a new threshold for the CCA detection threshold (Thr_7). In other words, if at least one of the energy detected in the transmitting beam and the energy detected in the receiving beam is lower than or equal to the new detection threshold (Thr_8), then the channel on the transmitting beam may be identified as idle (available), as shown in rows 9 to 14 of Table 1.

[0058] Table 1: Rules for CCA Detection

[0059]

[0060]

[0061] Embodiment 4

[0062] In the case of a directional LBT configuration, when a node performs a successful LBT, a channel occupancy time may then be initiated in the corresponding beam direction. In the case of a beam switching case, this issue may include whether the node also needs to maintain an occupancy time in the switched beam direction, what type of LBT mechanism should be used for the switched beam direction, whether the channel occupancy(s) corresponding to each beam direction should have a common channel occupancy time or each channel occupancy time, and how long the channel occupancy time for each beam direction is.

[0063] To solve the problem mentioned above, the present embodiment provides the following solution.

[0064] In the case of different beam orientations, the channel occupancy time may be maintained by at least one of the following:

[0065] Alternative Example 1: Common channel occupancy time.

[0066] Specifically, all / each beam direction(s) and / or all / each frequency carrier(s) / subband(s) / RB set(s) / bandwidth part (BWP) may share a common channel occupancy time. The common channel occupancy time is determined based on the maximum / minimum of channel occupancy times or random selection for all carrier(s) / subband(s) / RB set(s) / bandwidth part (BWP), or related to a first successful LBT operation. Here, the LBT may be a "back-off" LBT mechanism or a "no-back-off" LBT mechanism, e.g., Cat4 LBT, enhanced Cat4 LBT, one or multiple Cat2 LBTs, or no LBT. If an LBT is configured, then it is necessary to define the relationship between the LBT and the channel occupancy time. Here, the LBT operation includes at least one of a directional listen before torque (LBT), an omnidirectional LBT, a wide directional beam LBT, a multi-directional LBT, no LBT, Cat4 LBT, an enhanced Cat4 LBT, a Cat2 LBT, or a multi-Cat2 LBT, a beam direction for the LBT, a beam width for the LBT, and a beam pattern / index for the LBT.

[0067] Figure 4 illustrates the common channel occupancy time shared by all beam directions.

[0068] Considering a single frequency carrier(s) / subband(s) / RB set(s) / bandwidth portion (BWP) as an example, for the switching beam, the channel occupancy time associated with the switching beam is the remaining channel occupancy time corresponding to the beam of the initiated common channel occupancy. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the common channel occupancy time is shared by all beam directions. Optionally, in this method, for the first beam, a Cat4 LBT or an enhanced Cat4 LBT or one or multiple Cat2 LBTs or no LBT may be applied. For the subsequent beam, in some embodiments, one or multiple Cat2 LBTs or no LBT may be applied. In some embodiments, if an LBT (e.g., a Cat2 LBT such as a single Cat2 LBT or multiple Cat2 LBTs, or no LBT) is configured, then it is necessary to define the relationship between the LBT and the channel occupancy time.

[0069] Figure 5 illustrates the channel occupancy time maintained independently for each beam direction.

[0070] Alternative Example 2: As illustrated in FIG. 5, the channel occupancy time is maintained independently for each beam direction.

[0071] In this method, the channel occupancy time is related to the LBT operation. Here, the LBT operation includes at least one of a directional listen before talk (LBT), an omnidirectional LBT, a wide directional beam LBT, a multidirectional LBT, no LBT, a Cat4 LBT, an enhanced Cat4 LBT, a Cat2 LBT, or multiple Cat2 LBTs, a beam direction for the LBT, a beam width for the LBT, and a beam pattern / index for the LBT. Optionally, in this method, for the first beam, a Cat4 LBT or an enhanced Cat4 LBT or one or multiple Cat2 LBTs or no LBT may be applied. For subsequent beams, in some embodiments, one or multiple Cat2 LBTs or no LBT may be applied. In some embodiments, when an LBT (e.g., a Cat2 LBT such as a single Cat2 LBT or multiple Cat2 LBTs, or no LBT) is configured, then it is necessary to define the relationship between the LBT and the channel occupancy time.

[0072] In some embodiments, different LBT mechanisms can correspond to different channel occupancy times.

[0073] FIG. 6 illustrates that the channel occupancy time is maintained independently for each beam direction, and that each channel occupancy time is related to the transmission time corresponding to the beam direction.

[0074] Alternative Example 3: As illustrated in FIG. 6, the channel occupancy time is maintained independently for each beam direction, and each channel occupancy time is related to the transmission time corresponding to the beam direction.

[0075] For example, the node transmits a transmission using beam #0 from resource #0, and then the channel occupancy time corresponding to beam #0 is the time duration corresponding to resource #0.

[0076] For the first beam, Cat4 LBT, enhanced Cat4 LBT, one or multiple Cat2 LBTs, or no LBT may be applied. For the subsequent beam, in some embodiments, one or multiple Cat2 LBTs or no LBT may be applied. In some embodiments, if an LBT (e.g., a Cat2 LBT such as a single Cat2 LBT or multiple Cat2 LBTs, or no LBT) is configured, then it is necessary to define the relationship between the LBT and the channel occupancy time.

[0077] As another example, as shown in Table 2, three beam indices are each used for DL ​​transmission, and each beam direction can occupy a time domain opportunity.

[0078] Table 2: Relationship between Beam Index and Channel Occupancy Time Length Related to Beam and Time Resource Indexes

[0079]

[0080] Figure 7 illustrates the channel occupancy time maintained independently for several beam directions.

[0081] Alternative Example 4: As illustrated in FIG. 7, the channel occupancy time is maintained independently for several beam directions, and each channel occupancy time is related to the transmission time corresponding to several beam directions. In some embodiments, the channel occupancy time may be configured by a predefined method or by a relationship between the LBT mechanism and the occupancy time.

[0082] This method will help reduce the overhead of performing LBT. Furthermore, it has the advantage of supporting space reuse.

[0083] For the first group beam, Cat4 LBT, enhanced Cat4 LBT, one or multiple Cat2 LBTs, or no LBT may be applied. For the subsequent beam, in some embodiments, one or multiple Cat2 LBTs or no LBT may be applied. In some embodiments, if an LBT (e.g., a Cat2 LBT such as a single Cat2 LBT or multiple Cat2 LBTs, or no LBT) is configured, then it is necessary to define the relationship between the LBT and the channel occupancy time. Optionally, a single or multiple beam LBT mode may also be considered.

[0084] The method mentioned above can be applied to one or more frequency carrier(s) / subband(s) / RB set(s) / bandwidth portion (BWP) cases.

[0085] Embodiment 5

[0086] The disclosed technology may be used, in some embodiments, to maintain the rights to the channel within the channel occupancy time.

[0087] If different beam directions are used for transmission, the node may transmit by at least one of the following:

[0088] Alternative Example 1: Once a node starts transmitting with one or more beam directions, then these beam direction(s) will continue to transmit until link direction switching occurs or until one or more transmissions are completed.

[0089] FIG. 8 illustrates that a transmitter having a beam direction continues to occupy the channel corresponding to the beam direction until link direction switching for each beam direction occurs.

[0090] As illustrated in FIG. 8, a base station (BS) is considered as an example to illustrate the method of alternative example 1, and it is assumed that the BS transmits B#0, B#1, B#2, and B#3 respectively during the first, second, third, and fourth transmission opportunities.

[0091] In the first transmission opportunity, BS transmits only at B#0 to ensure that the channel is not occupied in the direction of B#0, and then, in the second transmission opportunity, BS transmits simultaneously at B#0 and B#1. Similarly, to prevent the channels corresponding to B#0 and B#1 from being occupied, in the third transmission opportunity, BS may transmit simultaneously at B#0, B#1, and B#3. The same method may also be applied in subsequent transmission opportunities.

[0092] Optionally, depending on the reception of the DL transmission, the UE can obtain the best receiving beam direction for the received DL.

[0093] In terms of channel occupancy, this method can also be based on omnidirectional LBT.

[0094] As an option, Cat4 LBT, enhanced Cat4 LBT, one or multiple Cat2 LBT, or no LBT may be applied. Single-beam LBT or multi-beam LBT may be applied.

[0095] Optionally, the node only needs to introduce additional LBT prior to a given beam index; for example, in the second resource opportunity, the node may perform additional LBT on beam index #1.

[0096] Alternative Example 2: A node transmits a transmission using multiple beam directions, and the beam directions for the transmission include all beam directions corresponding to the current transmission and subsequent transmissions.

[0097] FIG. 9 illustrates that transmission is performed in multiple beam directions such that the beam direction for the previous transmission includes all beam directions for the subsequent transmission.

[0098] As illustrated in FIG. 9, a base station (BS) is considered as an example to illustrate the method of alternative example 2, and it is assumed that the BS transmits B#0, B#1, B#2, and B#3 respectively from the first, second, third, and fourth resources.

[0099] To reduce the overhead of performing LBT, several transmission rules can be considered.

[0100] In the first transmission opportunity, BS can transmit transmissions at B#0, B#1, B#2, and B#3. In the second transmission opportunity, BS only needs to transmit transmissions at B#1, B#2, and B#3 simultaneously. Similarly, in the third transmission opportunity, BS can transmit transmissions at B#2 and B#3 simultaneously. The same method may also be applied in subsequent transmission opportunities.

[0101] In some embodiments, Cat4 LBT or enhanced Cat4 LBT or one or multiple Cat2 LBT or no LBT, and / or single-beam LBT or multi-beam LBT may be applied to the starting point of the transmission. If the LBT is successfully performed, then the subsequent transmission will perform the LBT operation.

[0102] Alternative Example 3: For the first M beam directions, the method of Alternative Example 2 can be applied for the remaining N - M beam directions.

[0103] FIG. 10 illustrates a method of transmitting B#0, B#1, B#2, and B#3, respectively, from the first, second, third, and fourth resources.

[0104] As illustrated in FIG. 10, a base station (BS) is considered as an example to illustrate the method of alternative example 3, and it is assumed that the BS transmits B#0, B#1, B#2, and B#3 respectively from the first, second, third, and fourth resources.

[0105] To reduce the overhead of performing LBT, several transmission rules can be considered.

[0106] For the first two transmission opportunities, BS can transmit using B#0 and B#1 in the first transmission opportunity, and, meanwhile, transmit using B#1 in the second transmission opportunity. For the remaining two transmission opportunities, BS can transmit using B#2 and B#3 in the third transmission opportunity, and, meanwhile, transmit using B#3 in the fourth transmission opportunity.

[0107] In some embodiments, Cat4 LBT or enhanced Cat4 LBT or one or multiple Cat2 LBT or no LBT, and / or single-beam LBT or multiple-beam LBT may be applied to the starting points of the first M transmissions and to the starting points of the remaining N-M transmissions. If the LBT is successful, then the remaining transmissions may perform the no-LBT operation within the first M transmissions and the remaining N-M transmissions.

[0108] FIG. 11 illustrates a method for transmitting a single beam for each resource opportunity.

[0109] Alternative Example 4: As illustrated in FIG. 11, a single beam is transmitted for each resource opportunity. The disclosed technology can be implemented in several embodiments as discussed below.

[0110] Embodiment 6

[0111] This embodiment will provide an LBT rule for multiple DL / UL transmission(s) having one or more beam directions.

[0112] In the case of multiple DL transmissions, considering the number of DL transmissions with different beam directions, if LBT is applied before each DL transmission, the overhead of performing the LBT operation will become significantly large. Based on this, one of the following methods may be considered:

[0113] General method: If directional LBT is configured, it is performed before beam switching. This method may cause excessive overhead for LBT and increase the probability of channel loss.

[0114] Method 1: Prior to the first transmission, if configured, a single or multi-beam based LBT may be applied. Optionally, if the LBT is successfully performed in one or more beam directions, the node transmits the transmission in one or more of the LBT successful beam direction(s). If the LBT successful beam direction(s) do not fully cover the beam direction(s) of the intended transmission, then an additional LBT may be introduced. The additional LBT may be a single directional LBT, a multi-beam based LBT, or a wider beam based LBT. In some embodiments, the number of times the LBT is performed is related to the number of transmission beams, and / or, the LBT result may correspond to an LBT mode, and / or an LBT mode.

[0115] Optionally, the node may transmit indication information, for example, available / unavailable beam indications, channel occupancy times for beam directions, beam switching information, or a combination thereof. This method is equivalent to a pre-protection mechanism for notifying neighboring nodes which beam directions are occupied for a specified period of time, which helps achieve spatial reuse.

[0116] Method 2: Prior to the first transmission, a wider beam-based LBT may be applied if configured. Optionally, if the wider beam range corresponding to the LBT success does not fully cover all transmission directions, then, an additional LBT may be introduced. The additional LBT may be a single directional LBT, a multi-beam-based LBT, or a wider beam-based LBT. In some embodiments, the number of times the LBT is performed is related to the number of transmission beams, and / or, the LBT result corresponds to an LBT mode, and / or an LBT mode.

[0117] In some implementations, the node can notify neighboring nodes of this wider beam information. If other systems coexist, the node can reserve or transmit information in the direction of the currently unused / used beam. The advantage of doing so is to reduce the overhead of performing LBT. Furthermore, the node can also notify of beam information that is available / unavailable at a given time.

[0118] Figure 12 illustrates an additional LBT applied to the end point of the time interval.

[0119] Method 3: As illustrated in FIG. 12, define a time interval or timer. Optionally, it may be related to an LBT mode, and / or an LBT mechanism and / or RRC signaling and / or DCI signaling and / or a predefined, or the length of the time interval may be related to statistics of interference state information.

[0120] During a time interval or within a timer, the node does not need to perform an LBT operation. Outside of or at the start of the time interval or timer, an (additional) LBT operation is introduced. Here, the LBT operation includes at least one of a directional listen before talk (LBT), omnidirectional LBT, wide directional beam LBT, multi-directional LBT, no LBT, Cat4 LBT, enhanced Cat4 LBT, Cat2 LBT, or multiple Cat2 LBT, a beam direction for the LBT, a beam width for the LBT, and a beam pattern / index for the LBT.

[0121] In some embodiments, the time interval may be configured and / or enabled by at least one of the following: RRC signaling, DCI signaling, or a predefined one. For example, the time interval is provided by RRC signaling but is enabled by DCI signaling; or the time interval is provided and enabled by RRC signaling; the time interval is provided by RRC signaling, and whether the time interval is enabled depends on the LBT mode and / or LBT mechanism.

[0122] The granularity of the time interval can be at the symbol level, or, slot level, or subframe level, or mini-slot level.

[0123] Method 4: If LBT is successfully performed, the node does not need to perform LBT operations during transmission unless it receives a signaling / event trigger. For example, DCI signaling or timer expiration reaching a threshold. Optionally, the threshold may be the number of beam switchings. Alternatively, no LBT applies prior to transmission unless the node receives a signaling / event trigger to perform LBT operations.

[0124] In other words, once a node receives a signaling / event trigger, it then needs to perform an additional LBT prior to transmission. In some implementations, the additional LBT may be one or K Cat2 LBTs, and / or a directional LBT or a multi-beam based LBT. In some implementations, each of the K Cat2 LBTs to be performed may use the same directional beam or different beam directions.

[0125] In the case of the above method, if the additional LBT is a single-beam LBT, then its beam direction is determined based on either the beam direction corresponding to the next transmission or one of the beams corresponding to the subsequent transmission. If the additional LBT is a multi-beam based LBT, its beam direction is determined based on the beam corresponding to the subsequent transmission. If the additional LBT is a wide-beam based LBT, its beam direction includes at least the direction of the subsequent transmission.

[0126] In some implementations, which type of LBT mode and / or beam direction is used depends on DCI signaling, and / or default method, and / or remaining channel or beam information.

[0127] Figure 13 illustrates an additional LBT applied based on a DCI signaling trigger.

[0128] Here, as illustrated in FIG. 13, an omnidirectional LBT is taken as an example to exemplify a DCI trigger for performing additional LBT operations.

[0129] If the node receives such DCI signaling, then the node needs to perform an additional LBT. Otherwise, if DCI signaling is not received, then the node continues transmission.

[0130] In some embodiments, the LBT mode corresponding to the additional LBT may be a predefined configuration or a DCI signaling indication. Furthermore, the DCI signaling may indicate at least one of an LBT mode, an LBT type, a resource for LBT operation, a beam mode for LBT, and a beam direction / index for LBT.

[0131] Embodiment 7

[0132] This embodiment will primarily introduce a single switching point for a channel occupancy time sharing case.

[0133] Figure 14 illustrates a switching point for a COT sharing case.

[0134] As illustrated in FIG. 14, for a switching point between DL and UL, or between UL and DL, a node (e.g., a base station or UE) may perform an LBT operation prior to the transmission of DL or UL. In some embodiments, the LBT operation may include at least one of an LBT mode, an LBT mechanism, a beam pattern / index for the LBT operation, or an operation equivalent to the above. Furthermore, whether an LBT operation is required is related to the gap length between DL and UL, or between UL and DL, and / or, whether there is DCI signaling or UCI indication, and / or whether the transmission is located within a guard time interval / COT sharing / beam coverage range.

[0135] Case 1: LBT operation depends on the gap length between DL and UL, or between UL and DL.

[0136] If the gap between DL and UL, or between UL and DL, is up to the first value, then the node can transmit UL or DL ​​transmission without performing any LBT operation.

[0137] If the gap between DL and UL, or between UL and DL, is equal to the first value, or is greater than the first value and smaller than the second value, or is greater than the second value, or is equal to the second value, then the node can perform directional LBT before transmission.

[0138] If the gap between DL and UL, or between UL and DL, is equal to a first value, or greater than a first value and smaller than a second value, or greater than a second value, or equal to a second value, and is combined with some additional information, then the node may transmit the UL or DL ​​transmission without performing any LBT operation. In some embodiments, the additional information includes measurement and / or reporting results, and / or DCI indication information, and / or exchange information.

[0139] In some embodiments, the first value may be at least one of the following: 1 μs, 2 μs, 3 μs, 4 μs, 0.5, or any combination of the above values. The second value may be at least one of the following: 5 μs, 6 μs, 7 μs, 8 μs, 9 μs, 0.5 μs, or any combination of the above values.

[0140] Case 2: LBT operation depends on the instructions of DCI signaling or is based on UCI information.

[0141] If the DCI or UCI indicates at least one of an LBT mechanism, LBT mode, beam index or beam pattern, protection time interval / COT sharing / beam coverage range, then the node may or may not perform an LBT operation based on the DCI indication or UCI information.

[0142] In some implementations, if the DCI or UCI does not indicate that the transmission is within the guard time interval / COT sharing / beam coverage range, then the node needs to perform an LBT operation based on a predefined method or DCI signaling or UCI directive.

[0143] If the node knows that the transmission is within a protected time interval, the node may perform an LBT operation at the start point of the protected time interval based on DCI or UCI information or a predefined protected time interval, or the node may not perform an LBT operation prior to the transmission. If the node receives an instruction to perform an LBT operation based on DCI or UCI information, the node may ignore the received DCI or UCI information.

[0144] For the UE side, if the LBT behavior is instructed to the UE by DCI signaling or determined by a default method, the UE may select the LBT behavior between the instructed method and the default method. Here, the default method may be an LBT behavior determined by the UE itself or a default configuration.

[0145] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, at least one of the LBT mechanism, LBT mode, beam index, and beam pattern may be encoded individually or jointly. In some embodiments, the LBT mechanism includes at least one of the following: no LBT, Cat2 LBT with duration (D1), Cat2 LBT with duration (D2), multiple Cat2 LBT with duration (D1), multiple Cat2 LBT with duration (D2), Cat4 LBT, enhanced Cat4 LBT. The LBT mode includes at least one of the following: omnidirectional LBT, single-beam directional LBT, multi-beam directional LBT, wider beam-based LBT. Optionally, the number of times Cat2 LBT is performed may be configured by DCI / UCI and / or RRC signaling and / or predefined.

[0146] Furthermore, the beam width and / or direction may be determined by the node itself or by the base station configuration or implementation.

[0147] Embodiment 8

[0148] The disclosed technology can be used in some embodiments to determine multiple switching points for a channel occupancy time sharing case.

[0149] Some embodiments may be applied to base stations that have initiated COT sharing with the UE.

[0150] In the case of the first switching point, if the UE fails to access the channel, then the current COT occupied by the base station will be lost or pre-terminate. This will not help maintain the acquired channel occupancy time and improve resource utilization. Therefore, at the first switching point, Cat2 LBT with a short duration and directional LBT or no LBT may be applied prior to the UL transmission. In some embodiments, the beam direction and / or beam width are the same as those of the first transmission or the first M transmissions.

[0151] For example, it is assumed that UE1 and UE2 are each scheduled or configured in different time domain resources (e.g., UE1 is ahead of UE2). To prevent the loss of the channel, UE1 cannot perform an LBT operation and transmit. Furthermore, if the gap between DL and UL is smaller than or equal to a first value, then no LBT may be used for UE1. For UE2, in some implementations, UE2 may perform a simplified / enhanced directional LBT, e.g., one or more beam directions and a Cat2 LBT mechanism, or UE2 may not perform an LBT operation or may perform a "no LBT" operation.

[0152] For the second switching point, it is determined which type of LBT should be used for base station transmission. The base station may implement no LBT or one or more Cat2 LBT mechanisms. This Cat2 LBT can be a single-beam directional Cat2 LBT, a multi-beam directional Cat2 LBT, or a wide-beam directional LBT, thereby improving the probability of channel access.

[0153] In some embodiments, the above method may be applied to the next switching point, if any, and the UE has initiated COT sharing with the base station. For the first switching point, prior to DL transmission, no LBT or one or more single-beam directional Cat2 LBTs or multi-beam directional Cat2 LBTs or wide-beam directional Cat2 LBTs may be applied. For the second switching point, no LBT or one or multi-beam directional Cat2 LBTs may be applied prior to UL transmission.

[0154] Embodiment 9

[0155] This embodiment primarily provides several handling methods for transmission or LBT failure.

[0156] If the node cannot access the channel prior to a transmission or reception failure to the target node, or if a transmission to the node is not successfully received, or in the case of a retransmission or transmission failure, then at least one of the following methods may be considered:

[0157] Method 1: Change at least one of the following: an LBT mechanism, an LBT mode, or a beam direction for the LBT, or use the same LBT operation as the previous transmission. The change is based on at least one of a signaling information indication, or a timer expiration or end point of a time interval and / or the performance of the node, or is based on event triggering. Herein, event triggering includes at least one of a statistical value at a given time, or a success / failure time for the LBT or transmission or reception, and so on.

[0158] In some embodiments, prior to transmission or retransmission, the node may apply at least one of a directional listen before talk (LBT), an omnidirectional LBT, a wide directional beam LBT, a multi-directional LBT, no LBT, a Cat4 LBT, a Cat2 LBT, or a multi-Cat2 LBT.

[0159] In some embodiments, the listen before torque mechanism includes at least one of no LBT, Cat4 LBT, enhanced Cat4 LBT, Cat2 LBT, or multiple Cat2 LBTs.

[0160] In some embodiments, the listen before torque mode includes at least one of a directional LBT, an omnidirectional LBT, a broad directional beam LBT, or a multi-directional LBT.

[0161] In the case of one or more transmissions, if a node fails to receive from a target node or fails to access the channel, it may attempt to transmit or perform channel access at the next transmission opportunity. Here, the LBT action for performing channel access may be the same as or different from the previous transmission, e.g., LBT mechanism, LBT mode, beam direction.

[0162] For example, assume that a node must use LBT-free to transmit. If the node receives a signaling / event trigger, then it needs to act based on the triggering signaling / event, for example, to perform an LBT action. Optionally, the LBT action includes at least one of directional listen before talk (LBT), omnidirectional LBT, wide directional beam LBT, multidirectional LBT, LBT-free, Cat4 LBT, enhanced Cat4 LBT, Cat2 LBT, or multi-Cat2 LBT, and a beam direction for the LBT. Optionally, the event trigger includes at least one of a statistical value at a given time, or a success / failure time for the LBT or transmission or reception. For example, in a previous transmission, the Cat4 LBT mechanism and directional LBT or LBT-free were used and failed. Then, in the next transmission opportunity, at least one of the LBT mechanism, LBT mode, and beam direction may be changed. For example, the LBT mechanism may be maintained unchanged and a multi-beam directional LBT may be used, or the LBT mechanism and LBT mode may be maintained unchanged and the beam direction may be changed. These methods are illustrated in the following table. The disclosed technique may be used to provide any combination of at least one of the LBT mechanism, LBT mode, or beam direction.When a node performs a no-LBT operation, that is, when it directly transmits without an evaluation channel state, and when the target node cannot receive information from the transmitting node or when the transmitting node receives a signaling information instruction, or when a timer expires or when the end point of a time interval and / or the performance of the node is received, or based on event triggering (e.g., a statistical value at a given time, or a success / failure time for LBT or transmission or reception, other cases, and etc.), then the transmitting node may perform at least one of directional listen before talk (LBT), omnidirectional LBT, wide directional beam LBT, multi-directional LBT, no LBT, Cat4 LBT, enhanced Cat4 LBT, Cat2 LBT, or multi-Cat2 LBT, beam direction for LBT. Preferably, Cat2 LBT or multi-Cat2 LBT is performed using directional LBT, or multi-beam based directional LBT. Some specific examples are listed in Table 3-11 below.

[0163] Table 3

[0164]

[0165] Table 4

[0166]

[0167]

[0168] Table 5

[0169]

[0170]

[0171] Table 6

[0172]

[0173] Table 7

[0174]

[0175]

[0176] Table 8

[0177]

[0178] Table 9

[0179]

[0180] Table 10

[0181]

[0182]

[0183] Table 11

[0184]

[0185] Method 2: Reduce transmission power.

[0186] For example, if the node evaluates that the current channel is in use, then transmission may be permitted with the transmit power reduced from P1 to P2. In some implementations, P1 > P2. P2 is the appropriate power for coexistence. Alternatively, P2 is determined by an offset.

[0187] Method 3: Upgrade the CCA detection threshold.

[0188] For example, if a node evaluates the current channel as being in use and the received energy is lower than a predetermined CCA threshold, then the current channel can be considered idle.

[0189] In the case of multiple transmit(s), the node may transmit after obtaining the right to access the channel according to LBT information by at least one of a predefined method, an RRC signaling configuration method, and a DCI signaling configuration method. In some embodiments, the LBT information includes at least one of an LBT mode, an LBT mechanism, a beam direction, a beam width, a time resource corresponding to the LBT operation, and a frequency resource corresponding to the LBT operation.

[0190] Embodiment 10

[0191] In this embodiment, a method for designing an LBT for a case of sharing a Channel Occupancy Time (COT) with other node(s) is provided. Here, the node initiating the Channel Occupancy Time (COT) may be a user device (UE) or a base station (BS). The node sharing the Channel Occupancy Time (COT) initiated by another node may also be a user device (UE) or a base station (BS).

[0192] In the case of channel occupancy time sharing, as shown in Table 12, the LBT design rule may follow one of the following.

[0193] Case 1: When the node is out of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT) window or before the start point of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT), the node performs channel access using omnidirectional LBT. When the node is inside the COT, the node performs channel access using omnidirectional LBT.

[0194] Case 2: When the node is out of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT) window or before the start point of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT), it performs channel access using omnidirectional LBT. When it is inside the COT, the node performs channel access using directional LBT.

[0195] Case 3: When the node is out of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT) window or before the start point of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT), it performs channel access using an omnidirectional LBT. When it is inside the COT, the node transmits without performing an LBT (i.e., no LBT).

[0196] Case 4: When the node is out of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT) window or before the start point of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT), the node performs channel access using directional LBT. When inside the COT, the node performs channel access using non-directional LBT.

[0197] Case 5: When the node is out of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT) window or before the start point of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT), the node performs channel access using directional LBT. When the node is inside the COT, the node performs channel access using directional LBT.

[0198] Case 6: When the node is out of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT) window or before the start point of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT), it performs channel access using a directional LBT. When it is inside the COT, the node transmits without performing an LBT (i.e., no LBT).

[0199] Case 7: When the node is out of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT) window or before the start point of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT), the node transmits without performing an LBT (i.e., no LBT). When inside the COT, the node performs channel access using an omnidirectional LBT.

[0200] Case 8: When the node is out of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT) window or before the start point of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT), the node transmits without performing an LBT (i.e., no LBT). When the node is inside the COT, it performs channel access using a directional LBT.

[0201] Case 9: When the node is out of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT) window or before the start point of the Channel Occupancy Time (COT), the node transmits without performing an LBT (i.e., no LBT). When the node is inside the COT, the node transmits without performing an LBT (i.e., no LBT).

[0202] Table 12: Rules for LBT Design for Channel Occupancy Time Sharing Cases

[0203]

[0204] The embodiments discussed in this patent document may apply the above rules of LBT in COT sharing cases.

[0205] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, CCA energy detection (ED) is based on at least one of a transmitted beam and a received beam. In some embodiments.

[0206] If the CCA ED is based on a "transmit beam" or a "received beam," different transmit / receive beam modes for the transmit / receive beams are associated with different CCA detection thresholds. Furthermore, the CCA threshold is a function of the beam angle and / or beam width. If a mismatch occurs between the CCA energy detection (ED) beam and the transmit beam, a new CCA threshold is defined, or a dual CCA threshold is set, for example, a normal CCA detection threshold and a newly introduced CCA detection threshold are set.

[0207] When the CCA ED is based on the "transmit beam" and the "received beam," only one CCA detection threshold is set, and in some embodiments, the principle for determining the channel idle state includes cases where the detected energy in at least one of the transmit beam and the receive beam is lower than or equal to the CCA detection threshold.

[0208] A dual CCA detection threshold is set, and in some embodiments, the principle for determining the channel idle state comprises that the difference in detected energy between the transmitting beam and the receiving beam is lower than or equal to a second set CCA threshold; or that at least one of the energies detected in the transmitting beam and the receiving beam is lower than or equal to a second set CCA threshold.

[0209] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, the maintenance of channel occupancy time (COT) for different beam direction transmissions may be determined by at least one of the following: a common channel occupancy time is maintained for each beam direction; a channel occupancy time is maintained independently for each beam direction; a channel occupancy time is maintained independently for each beam direction and each channel occupancy time is related to the transmission time corresponding to the beam direction; a channel occupancy time is maintained independently for several beam directions and each channel occupancy time is related to the transmission time corresponding to several beam directions.

[0210] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, a method for channel occupation for multiple transmissions using directional beams comprises: once a node begins to transmit with a beam direction, then, this beam direction will maintain transmission until link direction switching; or a node transmits with multiple beam directions, and the beam direction for the previous transmission includes all beam directions for the subsequent transmission; for the first M beam directions, for the remaining N-M beam directions, the node transmits with M or N-M beam directions, and the beam direction for the previous transmission includes all beam directions for the subsequent transmission.

[0211] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, an LBT rule for multiple transmit(s) using a directional beam comprises the following: prior to the first transmit, if configured, a multi-beam based LBT may be applied, and if the LBT is successful, the node may transmit indication information, e.g., available / unavailable beam indication, channel occupancy time for the beam direction, beam switching information, or a combination thereof; prior to the first transmit, if configured, a wider beam based LBT may be applied, and optionally, if the wider beam range corresponding to the successful LBT does not completely cover all transmit directions, then, an additional LBT may be introduced; a time interval or timer is defined, and within the time interval or timer, the node is not required to perform an LBT operation. Outside the timer or time interval, an additional LBT is introduced; and once the LBT is successful, the node is not required to perform an LBT operation during the transmit unless a signaling / event trigger is received.

[0212] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, the LBT rule of a switching point for COT sharing comprises the following: the LBT operation depends on the gap length between DL and UL, or between UL and DL; the LBT operation depends on the instructions of DCI signaling or is based on UCI information, and in the case of the UE side, when the LBT operation is indicated by DCI signaling, the UE may select the LBT operation between the indicated mode or the default mode. Here, the default mode may be an LBT operation or default configuration determined by the UE itself, and may apply no LBT or Cat2 LBT with a short duration and directional LBT.

[0213] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, a method for handling an LBT failure comprises: changing at least one of an LBT mechanism, an LBT mode, and a beam direction for the LBT; using the same LBT operation as a previous transmission; reducing the transmit power; and updating a CCA detection threshold.

[0214] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a data communication method based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0215] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, the data communication method (1500) includes, at 1510, detecting an idle channel by performing an energy detection operation based on at least one of a transmitting beam or a receiving beam by a communication node, and at 1520, when an idle channel is detected in at least one of a transmitting beam or a receiving beam, transmitting a message through a transmitting beam corresponding to the idle channel.

[0216] FIG. 16 illustrates another example of a data communication method based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0217] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, the data communication method (1600) includes, at 1610, performing a listen before talk operation prior to transmission in a plurality of beam directions, and at 1620, performing transmission through each of the plurality of beam directions during a channel occupancy time.

[0218] FIG. 17 illustrates another example of a data communication method based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0219] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, the data communication method (1700) includes, in 1710, performing one or more transmissions through one or more transmission channels by occupying one or more beam directions.

[0220] FIG. 18 illustrates another example of a data communication method based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0221] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, the data communication method (1800) comprises, at 1810, obtaining listen before talk operation information by a communication node, at 1820, performing one or more listen before talk operations for one or more beam directions, and at 1830, performing one or more transmissions based on the result of one or more listen before talk operations for one or more beam directions.

[0222] FIG. 19 illustrates another example of a data communication method based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0223] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, the data communication method (1900) includes, at 1910, determining a switching window between downlink transmission and uplink transmission within a channel occupancy time, and at 1920, when it is determined that the switching window is longer than or equal to a predetermined time duration, performing a listen before talk operation within the time within the switching window.

[0224] FIG. 20 illustrates another example of a data communication method based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0225] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, the data communication method (2000) comprises, at 2010, performing transmission or performing a listen before talk operation prior to transmission, and at 2020, when it is determined that reception or the listen before talk operation has failed, changing to at least one of a listen before talk mechanism, a listen before talk mode, and a beam direction for a listen before talk procedure.

[0226] FIG. 21 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system (2100) to which a technology according to one or more embodiments of the present technology may be applied. The wireless communication system (2100) may include one or more base stations (BS) (2105a, 2105b), one or more wireless devices (2110a, 2110b, 2110c, 2110d), and a core network (2125). The base stations (2105a, 2105b) may provide wireless services to wireless devices (2110a, 2110b, 2110c, and 2110d) within one or more wireless sectors. In some embodiments, the base stations (2105a, 2105b) include directional antennas for generating two or more directional beams to provide wireless coverage in different sectors.

[0227] The core network (2125) can communicate with one or more base stations (2105a, 2105b). The core network (2125) provides connectivity with other wireless communication systems and wired communication systems. The core network may include one or more service subscription databases for storing information related to subscribed wireless devices (2110a, 2110b, 2110c, and 2110d). The first base station (2105a) may provide wireless services based on a first wireless access technology, whereas the second base station (2105b) may provide wireless services based on a second wireless access technology. The base stations (2105a and 2105b) may be located together in the field or installed separately depending on the deployment scenario. The wireless devices (2110a, 2110b, 2110c, and 2110d) may support a number of different wireless access technologies. The technology and embodiments described in this document may be implemented by a base station of the wireless device described in this document.

[0228] FIG. 22 is a block diagram representation of a portion of a radio station according to one or more embodiments of the present technology to which it may be applied. A radio unit (2205), such as a base station or a radio device (or UE), may include a processor electronic device (2210), such as a microprocessor, that implements one or more of the radio technologies presented in this document. The radio unit (2205) may include a transceiver electronic device (2215) for transmitting and / or receiving radio signals through one or more communication interfaces, such as an antenna (2220). The radio unit (2205) may include other communication interfaces for transmitting and receiving data. The radio unit (2205) may include one or more memories (not explicitly shown) configured to store information, such as data and / or instructions. In some embodiments, the processor electronic device (2210) may include at least a portion of the transceiver electronic device (2215). In some embodiments, at least some of the disclosed technologies, modules, or functions are implemented using the radio unit (2205). In some embodiments, the wireless unit (2205) may be configured to perform the method described in this document.

[0229] It will be recognized that this document discloses technology that can be embodied in various embodiments for establishing and managing multicast sessions in various scenarios. The disclosed embodiments and other embodiments, modules, and functional operations described in this document may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in hardware including computer software, firmware, or structures and their structural equivalents disclosed in this document, or in a combination of one or more of these. The disclosed embodiments and other embodiments may be implemented as one or more computer program products, namely, as one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium for execution by a data processing device or for controlling the operation of a data processing device. A computer-readable medium may be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a composition of a material that affects machine-readable propagation signals, or a combination of one or more of these. The term “data processing device” encompasses all devices, devices, and machines for processing data, including, for example, a programmable processor, a computer, or a plurality of processors or computers. In addition to hardware, the device may include code that creates an execution environment for the corresponding computer program, for example, processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more of these. The propagated signal is an artificially generated signal created to encode information for transmission to a suitable receiver device, for example, a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal.

[0230] A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and may be deployed in any form, including as a standalone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program may be stored in a part of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files storing one or more modules, subprograms, or parts of code). A computer program may be deployed to be executed on a single computer or located at a single site, or on multiple computers distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0231] The processes and logic flows described in this document may be performed by one or more programmable processors that execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by manipulating input data and generating outputs. The processes and logic flows may also be performed by special-purpose logic circuits, for example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the device may also be implemented as these.

[0232] Processors suitable for the execution of computer programs include, for example, both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Generally, the processor will receive instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. Essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, the computer will also include one or more mass storage devices for storing data, for example, magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, or will be operably coupled to receive data from them, to transfer data to them, or both. However, the computer is not required to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include, for example, semiconductor memory devices, for example, EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, for example, embedded hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by or integrated with special-purpose logic circuits.

[0233] Some embodiments may implement one or more of the following solutions, preferably listed in the form of clauses. The following clauses are supported and further described in the examples above and throughout this document. As used in the following clauses and claims, a wireless terminal may be any other wireless terminal including a fixed node such as a user device, a mobile station, or a base station. A network node includes a base station including a next-generation Node B (gNB), an enhanced Node B (eNB), or any other device performing as a base station. A resource range may refer to a time-frequency resource or a range of blocks.

[0234] Clause 1. A data communication method comprising the following: detecting an idle channel by means of a mobile device, receiving, and by means of a communication node, by performing an energy detection operation based on at least one of a transmitting beam or a receiving beam; and, upon detection of an idle channel in at least one of a transmitting beam or a receiving beam, transmitting a message through a transmitting beam corresponding to the idle channel.

[0235] Clause 2. As a method of Clause 1, the energy detection operation is performed based on one or more detection thresholds.

[0236] Clause 3. As a method of Clause 2, one or more detection thresholds are determined based on at least one mode of the transmitting beam or the receiving beam.

[0237] Clause 4. As a method of any of Clauses 1-3, one or more detection thresholds are a function of at least one of beam angle and beam width.

[0238] Clause 5. As a method of any of Clauses 1-3, one or more detection thresholds are updated or determined based on whether there is a mismatch between the clear channel evaluation energy detection beam and the transmission beam.

[0239] Clause 6. As a method of any of Clauses 1-3, the mode comprises at least one of a directional beam mode, a broadly directional beam mode, or an omnidirectional beam mode, or a multidirectional beam mode.

[0240] Clause 7. By any of the methods in Clauses 1-6, when it is detected that the detected energy is lower than or equal to the detection threshold, the corresponding channel is determined to be idle, and when it is detected that the detected energy is greater than the detection threshold, the corresponding channel is determined to be in use.

[0241] Clause 8. As a method of Clause 2, the energy detection operation is performed based on one or more detection thresholds such that if the detected energy in at least one of the transmitting beam and the receiving beam is lower than or equal to the first detection threshold, the channel corresponding to the transmitting beam is determined to be idle.

[0242] Clause 9. As a method of Clause 2, the energy detection operation is performed based on one or more detection thresholds such that when the energy detection operation in at least one of the transmitting beam and the receiving beam is lower than a first detection threshold and the difference in detected energy between the transmitting beam and the receiving beam is lower than or equal to a second detection threshold, the channel corresponding to the transmitting beam is determined to be idle.

[0243] Clause 10. As a method of Clause 2, an energy detection operation is performed based on one or more detection thresholds such that if the energy detection operation in at least one of the transmitting beam and the receiving beam is greater than or equal to a first detection threshold and lower than or equal to a second detection threshold, the channel corresponding to the transmitting beam is determined to be idle.

[0244] Clause 11. As a method of Clause 1, if any idle channel is not detected in at least one of the transmitting beam or the receiving beam, it further includes changing to at least one of a listen before talk mechanism, a listen before talk mode, and a beam direction for a listen before talk procedure.

[0245] Clause 12. A data communication method comprising: performing a listen before talk operation prior to transmission in a plurality of beam directions; and performing transmission through each of the plurality of beam directions during a channel occupancy time.

[0246] Clause 13. As a method of Clause 12, multiple beam directions have a common channel occupancy time.

[0247] Clause 14. As a method of Clause 13, the common channel occupancy time is determined based on the first listen before torque operation that was successfully performed.

[0248] Clause 15. As a method of either Clause 12 or 14, the listen before torque operation comprises at least one of a directional listen before torque (LBT), a non-directional LBT, a wide directional beam LBT, a multi-directional LBT, no LBT, a Cat4 LBT, a Cat2 LBT, or a multi-Cat2 LBT.

[0249] Clause 16. As a method of Clause 12, each of the plurality of beam directions has a channel occupancy time maintained independently of each other.

[0250] Clause 17. As a method of Clause 16, each channel occupancy time corresponding to each of the plurality of beam directions is determined based on the time required to complete transmission through the channel of the corresponding beam direction.

[0251] Clause 18. As a method of Clause 12, a plurality of beam directions are grouped into a plurality of beam direction groups, and each beam direction group has a channel occupancy time maintained independently of each other.

[0252] Clause 19. As a method of Clause 18, each channel occupancy time corresponding to each of the plurality of beam direction groups is determined based on the time taken to complete transmission through the channel in the beam direction of the corresponding beam direction group.

[0253] Clause 20. A data communication method comprising: performing one or more transmissions through one or more transmission channels by occupying one or more beam directions.

[0254] Clause 21. As a method of Clause 20, one or more beam directions are maintained occupied by one or more transmissions until link direction switching occurs or one or more transmissions are completed or one or more beam directions for transmissions include all beam directions corresponding to the current transmission and subsequent transmissions.

[0255] Clause 22. As a method of any of Clauses 20-21, further comprising performing at least one of directional listen before torque (LBT), omnidirectional LBT, wide directional beam LBT, multi-directional LBT, no LBT, Cat4 LBT, Cat2 LBT, or multi-Cat2 LBT.

[0256] Clause 23. As a method of Clause 20, wherein, for the first M beam directions or N - M beam directions among a total of N beam directions, the beam direction for the current beam direction includes the beam corresponding to the current transmission and the beam corresponding to the subsequent transmission within the M beam directions or N - M beam directions.

[0257] Clause 24. As a method of Clause 20, each of the plurality of beam directions occupies a different channel occupancy time.

[0258] Clause 25. A data communication method comprising: obtaining listen before talk operation information by a communication node; performing one or more listen before talk operations for one or more beam directions; and performing one or more transmissions based on the result of one or more listen before talk operations for one or more beam directions.

[0259] Clause 26. As a method of Clause 25, when one or more listen before talk operations are successfully performed, further includes transmitting an instruction comprising at least one of the availability or unavailability of a beam direction, a channel occupancy time for a beam direction, or beam switching information.

[0260] Clause 27. As a method of Clause 25, one or more listen before torque operations include at least one of a directional listen before torque (LBT), a multi-directional LBT, or a wide directional beam LBT, an omnidirectional LBT, no LBT, a Cat4 LBT, a Cat2 LBT, or a multi-Cat2 LBT.

[0261] Clause 28. As a method of Clause 25, further includes setting a time interval for continuing one or more transmissions during a time interval without performing additional listen before talk operations.

[0262] Clause 29. As a method of Clause 28, the time interval is configured by at least one of wireless resource control signaling, downlink control information signaling, or is predefined.

[0263] Clause 30. As a method of Clause 28, the granularity of the time interval is at the symbol level, slot level, subframe level, or minislot level.

[0264] Clause 31. As a method of Clause 25, additional listen before talk procedures are included when a signaling message is received, when a predetermined event occurs, at the end point of a time interval, or when a timer expires.

[0265] Clause 32. A data communication method comprising: determining a switching window between downlink transmission and uplink transmission within a channel occupancy time; and, when it is determined that the switching window is longer than or equal to a predetermined time duration, performing a listen before talk operation within the time within the switching window.

[0266] Clause 33. As a method of Clause 32, when it is determined that the switching window is shorter than a predetermined time duration, it further includes performing transmission without performing a listen before talk operation.

[0267] Clause 34. As a method of Clause 33, further comprises transmitting information related to transmission to a mobile device without performing a listen before talk operation, wherein the information includes at least one of channel measurement, report result, uplink control information, or exchange information.

[0268] Clause 35. As a method of Clause 32, the listen before torque operation is based on instructions of downlink control information signaling or uplink control information.

[0269] Clause 36. As a method of Clause 35, the indication comprises at least one of a listen before talk (LBT) mechanism, an LBT mode, a beam index, a beam pattern, a protection time interval, a channel occupancy time sharing, or a beam coverage range.

[0270] Clause 37. As a method of Clause 32, further includes transmitting instructions for downlink control information signaling to a mobile device so that the mobile device selects one of different listen before talk actions represented by a default listen before talk action or instructions.

[0271] Clause 38. As a method of Clause 35, the switching window includes a plurality of switching points.

[0272] Clause 39. As a method of Clause 38, at a first switching point among a plurality of switching points, at least one of uplink transmission or downlink transmission is performed without performing a listen before talk operation, or is performed by performing at least one of one or more directional listen before talk operations prior to at least one of the listen before talk operation without backoff or uplink transmission or downlink transmission.

[0273] Clause 40. As a method of Clause 38, at least one of the base station or user device at the second switching point among the plurality of switching points performs transmission without performing a listen before talk operation, or performs a single beam directional listen before talk operation without backoff or a multi-beam directional listen before talk operation without backoff.

[0274] Clause 41. A data communication method comprising: performing transmission or performing a listen before talk operation prior to transmission; and, upon determination that reception or the listen before talk operation has failed, changing to at least one of a listen before talk mechanism, a listen before talk mode, or a beam direction for a listen before talk procedure.

[0275] Clause 42. As a method of Clause 41, further includes reducing the power of the transmitted signal.

[0276] Clause 43. As a method of Clause 41, further includes updating the energy detection threshold of the clear channel evaluation.

[0277] Clause 44. As a method of Clause 41, the listen before torque operation comprises at least one of a directional listen before torque (LBT), a non-directional LBT, a wide directional beam LBT, a multi-directional LBT, no LBT, a Cat4 LBT, a Cat2 LBT, or a multi-Cat2 LBT.

[0278] Clause 45. As a method of Clause 41, the listen before torque mechanism comprises at least one of no LBT, Cat4 LBT, enhanced Cat4 LBT, Cat2 LBT, or multiple Cat2 LBTs.

[0279] Clause 46. As a method of Clause 41, the listen before torque mode comprises at least one of a directional LBT, an omnidirectional LBT, a wide directional beam LBT, or a multi-directional LBT.

[0280] Clause 47. A device for wireless communication comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the processor reads code from the memory and implements the method referred to in any of Clauses 1 through 46.

[0281] Clause 48. A computer-readable program storage medium in which code is stored, wherein the code, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement the method described in any of Clauses 1 through 46.

[0282] Although this patent document contains many details, they should be interpreted not as limitations on the scope of any invention or what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be unique to a particular embodiment of a particular invention. Certain features described in this patent document in the context of distinct embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, although a feature may be described above as operating in a certain combination and may even be initially claimed so, one or more features from the claimed combination may be excluded from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may be intended as a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0283] Similarly, although operations are depicted in a specific order in the drawings, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the specific order or sequential order shown, or that all illustrated operations be performed, in order to achieve a desired result. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described in this patent document should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments.

[0284] Only a few embodiments and examples are described, and other embodiments, improvements, and variations may be made based on what is described and illustrated in this patent document.

Claims

Claim 1 A data communication method comprising: a step of detecting an idle channel by performing an energy detection operation based on a transmitting beam and a receiving beam by a communication node; and a step of transmitting a message through the transmitting beam corresponding to the idle channel when the idle channel is detected in at least one of the transmitting beam and the receiving beam, wherein the energy detection operation is performed by: comparing the energy detected in the transmitting beam with a first detection threshold; and comparing the energy detected in the receiving beam with the first detection threshold, and if there is a difference between the energy detected in the transmitting beam and the energy detected in the receiving beam, the energy detection operation is performed by comparing the difference with a second detection threshold. Claim 2 A data communication method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the detected energy in the transmitting beam and the detected energy in the receiving beam is lower than or equal to the first detection threshold, and the difference in detected energy between the transmitting beam and the receiving beam is lower than or equal to the second detection threshold, and the channel corresponding to the transmitting beam is determined to be idle. Claim 3 A data communication method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the detected energy in the transmitting beam and the detected energy in the receiving beam is lower than or equal to the first detection threshold, and the difference in detected energy between the transmitting beam and the receiving beam is greater than the second detection threshold, wherein the channel corresponding to the transmitting beam is determined to be in use. Claim 4 A data communication method according to claim 1, wherein if both the energy detected in the transmitting beam and the energy detected in the receiving beam are lower than or equal to the first detection threshold, the channel corresponding to the transmitting beam is determined to be in an idle state. Claim 5 A data communication method according to claim 1, wherein if both the energy detected in the transmitting beam and the energy detected in the receiving beam are greater than the first detection threshold, the channel corresponding to the transmitting beam is determined to be in use. Claim 6 A communication node comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the processor reads a code from the memory and implements a method, the method comprises: a step of detecting an idle channel by performing an energy detection operation based on at least one of a transmitting beam and a receiving beam by the communication node; and a step of transmitting a message through the transmitting beam corresponding to the idle channel when the idle channel is detected in at least one of the transmitting beam and the receiving beam, wherein the energy detection operation is performed by: comparing the energy detected in the transmitting beam with a first detection threshold; and comparing the energy detected in the receiving beam with the first detection threshold, and if there is a difference between the energy detected in the transmitting beam and the energy detected in the receiving beam, the energy detection operation is performed by comparing the difference with a second detection threshold. Claim 7 A communication node according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the detected energy in the transmitting beam and the detected energy in the receiving beam is lower than or equal to the first detection threshold, and the difference in detected energy between the transmitting beam and the receiving beam is lower than or equal to the second detection threshold, and the channel corresponding to the transmitting beam is determined to be idle. Claim 8 A communication node according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the detected energy in the transmitting beam and the detected energy in the receiving beam is lower than or equal to the first detection threshold, and the difference in detected energy between the transmitting beam and the receiving beam is greater than the second detection threshold, wherein the channel corresponding to the transmitting beam is determined to be in use. Claim 9 A communication node according to claim 6, wherein if both the energy detected in the transmitting beam and the energy detected in the receiving beam are lower than or equal to the first detection threshold, the channel corresponding to the transmitting beam is determined to be idle. Claim 10 A communication node according to claim 6, wherein if both the energy detected in the transmitting beam and the energy detected in the receiving beam are greater than the first detection threshold, the channel corresponding to the transmitting beam is determined to be in use. 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