Coordinating signal transmission to create constructive interferance at a target

Abstract

A first wireless device (110a) transmits (210), to a second wireless device (110b) via a first Radio Access Technology, RAT, a data payload to be included in a second signal (140b) to be transmitted by the second wireless device (110b). The first wireless device (110a) also transmits synchronization information for coordinating transmission of the second signal (140b) between the first wireless device (110a) and the second wireless device (110b). The first wireless device transmits (220) a first signal (140a) at such a time and phase as to cause the first signal (140a) to constructively interfere with the second signal (140b) transmitted by the second wireless device (110b) upon arrival of the first and second signals (140a, 140b) at a target network node (120).

Description

[0001] COORDINATING SIGNAL TRANSMISSION TO CREATE CONSTRUCTIVE INTERFERANCE AT A TARGET

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of wireless communications and, more particularly, to techniques for enabling improved signal reception at a target device by coordinating transmissions between transmitting devices.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Modern devices often have more than one communication channel and corresponding medium available. For example, some devices have access to both a short-range communication medium and a long-range communication medium. A typical use for the short- range communication medium is for spatial awareness. That is, by broadcasting of the short- range communication channel, the device can learn of its spatial position relative to other devices. Spatial awareness is an important feature being developed in sixth generation (6G) wireless networks.

[0006] For low frequency communications, devices traditionally have a limited number of transceivers. Particularly in an Internet of Things (loT) context, not only is the number of transceivers typically limited, but power output and battery capacity are often limited as well. Thus, there are many devices that have a single isotropic antenna that weakly radiates signal in all directions for low frequency communications.

[0007] For such devices, communication hubs can often appear to be far away. Although this problem is common for loT devices (e.g., loT sensors), this problem also arises in other communication contexts. For example, communication scenarios that involve satellites and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) devices can also result in a next-hop that is relatively far away given the transmission capabilities of the devices involved.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] Embodiments described herein share information in order to enable a coordinated transmission from two or more devices that constructively interfere at a target network node, thereby enhancing the signal power received by the target network node relative to any of the devices’ individual transmissions.

[0010] Particular embodiments include a method implemented by a first wireless device. The method comprises transmitting, to a second wireless device via a first Radio Access Technology (RAT), a data payload to be included in a second signal to be transmitted by the second wireless device and synchronization information for coordinating transmission of the second signal between the first wireless device and the second wireless device. The method further comprises transmitting a first signal via a second RAT at such a time and phase as to cause the first signal to constructively interfere with the second signal transmitted by the second wireless device upon arrival of the first and second signals at a target network node. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise using the first RAT to detect the second wireless device. Transmitting the data payload and synchronization information to the second wireless device is in response to detecting the second wireless device.

[0011] In some embodiments, transmitting the synchronization information may comprise transmitting the synchronization information on a broadcast channel.

[0012] In some embodiments, transmitting via the first RAT may comprise transmitting in an isotropic radiation pattern.

[0013] In some embodiments, transmitting the first signal may comprise transmitting the first signal on radio resources indicated by the target network node in an uplink grant.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first RAT has a shorter transmission range than the second RAT.

[0015] In some embodiments, the synchronization information may comprise a timestamp indicating when the first wireless device will transmit the first signal.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise receiving a reference signal from the target network node and including, in the synchronization information, a timestamp indicating when the reference signal was received.

[0017] Other embodiments include a first wireless device. The first wireless device comprises interface circuitry supporting a first RAT and a second RAT. The first wireless device further comprises processing circuitry configured to transmit, to a second wireless device via the first RAT, a data payload to be included in a second signal to be transmitted by the second wireless device and synchronization information for coordinating transmission of the second signal between the first wireless device and the second wireless device. The processing circuitry is further configured to transmit a first signal at such a time and phase as to cause the first signal to constructively interfere with the second signal transmitted by the second wireless device upon arrival of the first and second signals at a target network node.

[0018] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry may be further configured to perform any of the methods described above.

[0019] Yet other embodiments include a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on processing circuitry of a second wireless device, cause the processing circuitry to carry out any of the methods described above.

[0020] Further embodiments include a carrier containing said computer program. The carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or a computer readable storage medium.

[0021] Particular embodiments include a method implemented by a second wireless device. The method comprises receiving, from a first wireless device via a first RAT, a data payload to be included in a second signal to be transmitted by the second wireless device and synchronization information for coordinating transmission of the second signal between the first wireless device and the second wireless device. The method further comprises transmitting the second signal via a second RAT using the synchronization information. Transmitting the second signal is performed at such a time and phase as to cause the second signal to constructively interfere with a first signal transmitted by the first wireless device upon arrival of the first and second signals at a target network node.

[0022] In some embodiments, receiving the synchronization information may comprise receiving the synchronization information on a broadcast channel.

[0023] In some embodiments, receiving via the first RAT may comprise receiving a transmission having an isotropic radiation pattern.

[0024] In some embodiments, transmitting the second signal may comprise transmitting the second signal on radio resources indicated by the target network node in an uplink grant.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first RAT has a shorter transmission range than the second RAT.

[0026] In some embodiments, the synchronization information may comprise a timestamp indicating when the first wireless device will transmit the first signal.

[0027] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise receiving a reference signal from the target network node. The method may further comprise receiving, in the synchronization information, a timestamp indicating when the first wireless device received the reference signal. The method may further comprise calculating a time to transmit the second signal based on when the reference signal was received by the first wireless device according to the timestamp and when the reference signal was received by the second wireless device.

[0028] Other embodiments include a second wireless device. The second wireless device comprises interface circuitry supporting a first RAT and a second RAT. The second wireless device further comprises processing circuitry configured to receive, from a first wireless device via the first RAT, a data payload to be included in a second signal to be transmitted by the second wireless device and synchronization information for coordinating transmission of the second signal between the first wireless device and the second wireless device. The processing circuitry is further configured to transmit the second signal via the second RAT using the synchronization information. Transmitting the second signal is performed at such a time and phase as to cause the second signal to constructively interfere with a first signal transmitted by the first wireless device upon arrival of the first and second signals at a target network node.

[0029] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry may be further configured to perform any of the second wireless device methods described above.

[0030] Yet other embodiments include a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on processing circuitry of a second wireless device, cause the processing circuitry to carry out the method according to any of the second wireless device methods described above.

[0031] Further embodiments include a carrier containing said computer program. The carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example only and should not be construed as limitations of the disclosure. Likewise, the accompanying figures are meant to only illustrate these example embodiments and not limit them, with like references indicating like elements. In general, the use of a reference numeral should be regarded as referring to the depicted subject matter according to one or more embodiments, whereas discussion of a specific instance of an illustrated element will append a letter designation thereto (e.g., discussion of a wireless device 110, generally, as opposed to discussion of particular instances of wireless devices 110a, 110b).

[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example wireless network, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method implemented by a first wireless device, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method implemented by a second wireless device, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a signaling diagram illustrating an example of signals exchanged between devices, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a coordinated transmission resulting in constructive interference at a target node, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a timing diagram illustrating events occurring on different RATs between devices, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example wireless device, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example network 100 comprising a first wireless device 110a, a second wireless device 110b, and a target network node 120. In this example, the first wireless device 110a is farther away from the target network node 120 than the second wireless device 110b.

[0042] Devices that are far away from the nearest communication node (e.g., the wireless devices 110a-b relative to target network node 120) face several challenges, at least with respect to low-frequency communications. In general, low frequency communication requires a larger antenna relative to communication at higher frequencies. Often, such an antenna can be of a size that is comparable to the overall size of the wireless device 110. To keep device size small, often such wireless devices 110 will have only a single low frequency antenna. Further, to keep costs low, a low complexity design may be used for the circuitry support low frequency communications. As a result, low-frequency communications from a wireless device 110 often use a very wide radiation pattern 150 (e.g., isotropic or near isotropic) that produce an Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) that is very low in the direction of communication. Furthermore, the dimensions of such devices may be quite small relative to the wavelength of low frequency communications. Small devices such as these typically do not include numerous antennas that can be used for beam creation at specific distances. Thus, the quality of data communication can be quite limited for such devices, which is especially problematic for a reliable communication system. This problem is exacerbated in devices that, for example, have battery power constraints to consider, are largely mobile, are used in remote locations, are used for emergencies, are loT devices, are used in drones that remain in service for long periods of time, among other scenarios.

[0043] Disclosed herein are techniques and devices for beamforming that enable a wireless device 110 to communicate with a target network node 120, e.g., at a range beyond the radiation pattern 150 produced by the first wireless device’s 110a short-range transceiver. By beamforming, EIRP may be improved such that improved data communication can be established. More specifically, traditional limitations due to the low number of antennas 160 used for low frequency (i.e. , sub 6 GHz) communication may be mitigated by leveraging other devices in the environment (e.g., the second wireless device 110b) to form the desired beam. By coordinating transmission with other devices, beamforming transmissions can be performed with an appropriate amount of spatial spread.

[0044] Particular wireless devices 110a-b included in various embodiments have more than one channel of communication available. For example, in some embodiments the wireless devices 110a-b have a relatively short-range communication channel available and a relatively long- range channel available. Correspondingly, such devices may have a long-range communication transceiver and a short-range communication transceiver. The short- and long-range channels may use different RATs. An example of a short-range RAT relative to a long-range RAT as discussed herein is an Ultra- Wideband (UWB) RAT as compared to Long Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR). Notwithstanding, according to other embodiments the wireless devices 110a-b may use communication channels that are on the same RAT and nonetheless benefit from increased EIRP.

[0045] In the example of FIG. 1, the short-range transceivers of the wireless devices 110a-b correspond to, and are represented by, short-range antennas 160a-b, respectively. The long- range transceivers of the wireless devices 110a-b correspond to, and are represented by, long- range antennas 170a-b, respectively. The target network node 120 also has a long-range transceiver that corresponds to, and is represented by, long range antenna 170c.

[0046] Examples of devices that may have both long- and short-range communication capabilities may include, for example, a drone (as might be found in a swarm), a static loT device (e.g., as found in an industrial landscape or an isolated crowded place such as a boat at sea). In some embodiments, a communicating device detects the presence of other devices in proximity that also have dual communication capabilities. In this example, the first wireless device 110a has a data payload to transmit to the target network node 120. Accordingly, the first wireless device 110a may be referred to as a “communicating device,” as the first wireless device 110a needs to communicate with the target network node 120 in order to transfer the data. To communicate with the target network node 120, the first wireless device 110a transmits information 130 to the second wireless device 110b. For simplicity of explanation, the following examples will refer to only a single information 130. However, it should be understood that the contents of the information 130 discussed in the following examples may actually be communicated using a plurality of messages or signals between the wireless devices 110a-b.

[0047] In this example, the information 130 includes the data payload and synchronization information for coordinating transmission between the first wireless device 110a and the second wireless device 110b (though, as noted above, the data payload and synchronization information may, in some embodiments, be alternatively communicated using a plurality of messages or signals). The synchronization information may, for example, comprise time synchronization information and / or time information relating to a signal previously received from the transmission target (in this example, target network node 120). For example, one or more of the wireless devices 110a-b may receive a reference signal from the target network node 120 and use the reference signal to synchronize its clock with a common network timing. This common network timing may enable the wireless devices 110a-b to transmit in appropriate alignment with a subframe structure of the network 110, for example. The synchronization information may additionally or alternatively comprise phase information relating to a Local Oscillator (LO) of the first wireless device 110a so that the second wireless device 110b may align its own LO so that transmissions between the wireless devices 110a, 110b are in phase at a desired target.

[0048] The second wireless device 110b will support the first wireless device 110a in communicating a signal 140 comprising the data payload to the target network node 120. Accordingly, the second wireless device 110b may, e.g., be referred to as a “supporting device.” For simplicity, only one supporting device is illustrated in FIG. 1. That said, embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more supporting devices that are within range of the short-range communication radiation pattern 150. For example, the first wireless device 110a may transmit the information 130 using short-range communication in a broadcast mode and, correspondingly, one or more additional supporting devices may receive the information 130. Additionally or alternatively, the supporting device(s) may also receive a signal from the target transceiver (i.e., target network node 120 in this example).

[0049] It should also be noted that, although the first wireless device 110a in this example is the communicating device and the second wireless device 110b is the supporting device, the first wireless device 110a may, in some embodiments, act as the supporting device when the second wireless device 110b (or other wireless device 110) acts as the communicating device. Further, although the examples herein discuss coordinating transmission for constructive interference at a target network node 120, other embodiments may include coordinating transmission for constructive interference at any wireless target as may be desired.

[0050] Indeed, the network 100 may be any network supporting the wireless transmission of signals. For example, the network 100 may include terrestrial and / or non-terrestrial elements. Additionally or alternatively, the network 100 may include mobile and / or stationary equipment. Such mobile equipment may, for example, be carried by a user or a drone. The network elements may be of any size or relevant technology. For example, the wireless devices 110 may be Internet of Things (loT) devices and / or the target may be a radio base station. Other examples are provided below.

[0051] Based on the synchronization information for coordinating transmission in the information 130 (and, in some embodiments, other time information relating to a signal previously received from the target network node 120 by either or both wireless devices 110a-b if not included in the information 130), the first and / or second wireless device 110a-b can calculate the time / phase delay needed so that the wireless devices 110a-b are able to coordinate transmission of the first and second signals 140a-b, respectively. In particular, the wireless devices 110a-b coordinate transmission of the second signal 140b such that the second signal 140b constructively interferes with the first signal 140a upon arrival at the target network node 120. This essentially forms a transmission beam of increased EIRP from the wireless devices 110a-b toward the target network node 120, thereby resulting in a higher data rate with a reduced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). That is, the analog transmission wave of the first signal 140a from the first wireless device 110a constructively interferes with the analog transmission wave of the second signal 140b from the second wireless device 110b to deliver the same payload to the target network node 120 from more than one source.

[0052] In view of the above, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method 200 implemented by a first wireless device 110a, e.g., as illustrated in the example of FIG. 2. The method 200 comprises transmitting, to a second wireless device 110b via a first RAT, a data payload to be included in a second signal 140b to be transmitted by the second wireless device 110b and synchronization information for coordinating transmission of the second signal 140b between the first wireless device 110a and the second wireless device 110b (block 210). The method 200 further comprises transmitting a first signal 140a via a second RAT at such a time and phase as to cause the first signal 140a to constructively interfere with the second signal 140b transmitted by the second wireless device 110b upon arrival of the first and second signals 140a, 140b at a target network node 120 (block 220).

[0053] Correspondingly, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method 250 implemented by a second wireless device 110b, e.g., as illustrated in the example of FIG. 3. The method 250 comprises receiving, from a first wireless device 110a via a first RAT, a data payload to be included in a second signal 140b to be transmitted by the second wireless device 110b and synchronization information for coordinating transmission of the second signal 140b between the first wireless device 110a and the second wireless device 110b (block 260). The method 250 further comprises transmitting the second signal 140b via a second RAT using the synchronization information (block 270). Transmitting the second signal 140b is performed at such a time and phase as to cause the second signal 140b to constructively interfere with a first signal 140a transmitted by the first wireless device 110a upon arrival of the first and second signals 140a, 140b at a target network node 120.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a signaling diagram illustrating an example of signaling exchanged in an example system 300 for communicating with a target network node 120. The system 300 comprises a communicating device 310 and one or more supporting devices 320 (e.g., wireless devices 110a-b). In some embodiments, the system 300 further comprises the target network node 120.

[0055] In the example of FIG. 4, the supporting device(s) 320 use a short-range RAT to transmit a spatial signal to the communicating device 310 at step 330. At step 335, the communicating device 310 uses the short-range RAT to detect the supporting device(s) 320 based on the spatial signal (block 210).

[0056] At step 340, the communicating device 310 (and in some embodiments, the supporting device 320) receives a reference signal from the target network node 120. At step 345, the communicating device 310 (and in some embodiments, the supporting device 320) synchronizes with a timing of the target network node 120 based on the reference signal.

[0057] At step 350, the communicating device 310 calculates synchronization information for coordinating transmission of a second signal 140b between the communicating device 310 and the supporting device(s) 320. The synchronization information may comprise, for example, a time when the reference signal was received by the communicating device 310. The synchronization information may additionally or alternatively include phase synchronization information to enable the supporting device(s) 320 to synchronize its LO with that of the communicating device 310 and / or the target network node 120. The time information may additionally or alternatively include downlink timestamp information to enable the supporting device(s) 320 to synchronize with the communicating device 310 and / or the target network node 120 (e.g., by enabling the supporting device(s) 320 to recreate a subframe structure of the target network node 120 known to the communicating device 310).

[0058] At step 355, the communicating device 310 uses the short-range RAT to transmit information 130 comprising the data payload to the supporting device(s) 320. As noted above, the information 130 comprises a data payload and the aforementioned synchronization information for coordinating transmission of the second signal 140b.

[0059] At step 360, the supporting device(s) 320 calculates a time to transmit the second signal 140b based on the synchronization information. For example, the supporting device(s) 320 may calculate the time to transmit the second signal 140b based on when the reference signal was received by the supporting device(s) 320 and when the reference signal was received by the communicating device 310 according to the reference signal timestamp in the information 130.

[0060] Thus, the supporting device(s) 320 may, in some embodiments, calculate a timing adjustment relative to the communicating device 310 in order for the second signal 140b to arrive at the target network node 120 with an appropriate phase and at an appropriate time so that the second signal 140b constructively interferes with the first signal 140a transmitted by the communicating device 310. Accordingly, at step 365, the communicating device 310 and the supporting device(s) 320 each transmit the signal 140 comprising the data payload to the target network node 120 using the long-range RAT, each with a timing such that the first and second signals 140a-b constructively interfere at the target network node 120 upon arrival. For example, each device may transmit a channel adjusted signal in a time slot of an uplink to the target network node 120 with a respective time / phase adjustment to ensure that the first and second signals 140a-b constructive interfere at the target network node 120 (e.g., a communication node, base-station, and / or access point).

[0061] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a plurality of supporting devices 320 within the radiation pattern 150 of a short-range RAT of communicating device 310. Each of the supporting devices 320 is transmitting the signal 140 to the target network node 120 with a respective amount of timing and phase adjustment such that the signal 140 transmissions of the supporting devices 320 constructively interfere at the target network node 120 with each other and with the signal 140 transmission of the communicating device 310. This enables the data payload within the signal 140 transmissions to arrive with power contributed by each of the supporting devices 140 and the communicating device 130.

[0062] Thus, in some embodiments, the devices transmitting according to their respective time / phase adjustments based on the aforementioned synchronization information create an uplink beam for the desired communication. That is, by ensuring constructive interference in the direction of the target network node 120, it is possible to create a specific beam pattern using additional information shared between nearby devices via the short-range RAT. The solution may work independently of whether the devices are moving or static, as there may be regular, ongoing, and / or periodic measurement and information sharing (e.g., via broadcast).

[0063] FIG. 6 illustrates timelines of the short range and long-range transceivers of the communicating device 310 and supporting device 320, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the short-range transceiver of the communicating device 310 transmits the information 130 (e.g., via broadcast). The short-range transceiver of the supporting device 320 receives the information 130 while being actively in receive mode 510.

[0064] In this example, the long-range transceivers of the devices 310, 320 use a RAT in which the downlink and uplink are scheduled by the target network node 120. For example, the target network node 120 may transmit, on the downlink, an uplink grant that permits a device 310, 320 to transmit on the uplink. The devices 310, 320 are at different distances from the target network node 120 and experience downlink time slots 520a-b and uplink time slot 530 at different times relative to each other (and relative to the target network node 120). The time difference between uplink time slot 530 at the communicating device 310 and uplink time slot 530 at supporting device 320 is shown as AT. By sharing synchronization information via the first RAT, the devices 310, 320 are able to respectively transmit the first and second signals 140a, 140b at respective times on the uplink so that the signals 140a, 140b carrying the data payload constructively interfere at the target network node 120 despite the different amounts of propagation delay that each of the signals 140a, 140b experience due to the different distances they respectively travel. In particular, by sharing the synchronization information, the supporting device 320 is able to transmit on an uplink grant provided by the target network node 120 to the communicating device 310.

[0065] Although the devices 310, 320 in the example of FIG. 6 are at different distances from the target network node 120, even when the devices 310, 320 are at the same distance, it may be advantageous to share synchronization information between the devices 310, 320, as doing so may nonetheless facilitate well-timed constructive interference at the target network node 120. For example, even though the devices 310, 320 may be very similar in design, they nonetheless have distinct hardware that may naturally produce variations in the signals they are able to generate. In one particular example, each device 310, 320, comprises a respective LO that generates a sinusoidal signal at the appropriate frequency for radio communication. The LO in each device 310, 320 may drift independently over time such that the peaks of their respective signals may occur at different times. By sharing synchronization information, the devices 310, 320 may align the phase of the sinusoidal signals produced by their respective LOs. Such alignment may be advantageous regardless of the distances of the devices 310, 320 from the target network node 120.

[0066] Thus, by broadcasting (or using a sidelink communication between devices 310, 320) to share information, coordinated transmissions can produce constructive interference in the direction of the target network node 120. In this regard, channels for each device may be stable within certain time frame (e.g., a slot, a frame). Further, each device 310, 320 may be in sync with the target network node 120, which, for example, may serve as a base station that provides a reference signal to the devices 310, 320 (e.g., periodically). Accordingly, within a given time slot, the local oscillator (LO) of the devices may be correspondingly updated based on the reference signal. The synchronization information shared between devices 310, 320 may then be calculated according to the required time to align signal phase for functional beamforming. This synchronization information may be shared any time there is a need for channel update, depending on the embodiment. Other embodiments use frequency division duplexing (FDD). Accordingly, the devices 310, 320 may be configured to learn, calculate, and / or share an appropriate channel to use for the beamforming. As noted above, in some embodiments the coordinating device 310 and / or the supporting device 320 may be a static device, such as an loT sensor. In such embodiments, one or more parameters may be fixed and, therefore, may not need to be shared through the first RAT as described above. For example, the channels may be mostly static in such scenarios. Accordingly, the frequency of updates relating to channel parameters may be lower. In contrast, mobile devices may require sharing information more frequently.

[0067] That said, the mobility of the devices is not the only factor that may impact the frequency in which the devices share information. For a swarm of drones, for example, even though they may be moving, if they are mostly moving in the same direction or in a fixed formation, update frequency may be low. Further, in such scenarios, the channel may have increased line-of- sight, thereby further reducing the need for frequent updates.

[0068] It should be appreciated that various embodiments described herein may provide numerous advantages. For example, at least one embodiment described herein provides a solution for a set of low power, low profile devices to communicate with a communication hub (e.g., a base station, satellite) at a higher data rate, at higher resultant transmission power, at lower SNR, and / or with improved transmission directivity. At least one embodiment may additionally be implemented using one or more devices having small form factors and / or limited numbers of antennas 160, 170.

[0069] A wireless device 110 as disclosed herein may, for example, be implemented as schematically illustrated in the example of FIG. 7. The wireless device 110 of FIG. 7 comprises processing circuitry 112, memory circuitry 114, and interface circuitry 111. The processing circuitry 112 is communicatively coupled to the memory circuitry 114 and the interface circuitry 111 , e.g., via a bus 115. The processing circuitry 112 may comprise one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, hardware circuits, discrete logic circuits, hardware registers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or a combination thereof. For example, the processing circuitry 112 may be programmable hardware capable of executing software instructions stored, e.g., as a machine-readable computer program 113 in the memory circuitry 114. The memory circuitry 114 of the various embodiments may comprise any non-transitory machine-readable media known in the art or that may be developed, whether volatile or non-volatile, including but not limited to solid state media (e.g., SRAM, DRAM, DDRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, flash memory, solid state drive, etc.), removable storage devices (e.g., Secure Digital (SD) card, miniSD card, microSD card, memory stick, thumb-drive, USB flash drive, ROM cartridge, Universal Media Disc), fixed drive (e.g., magnetic hard disk drive), or the like, wholly or in any combination.

[0070] The interface circuitry 111 may be a controller hub configured to control the input and output (I / O) data paths of the wireless device 110. Such I / O data paths may include data paths for exchanging signals over a network. The interface circuitry 111 may be implemented as a unitary physical component, or as a plurality of physical components that are contiguously or separately arranged, any of which may be communicatively coupled to any other, or may communicate with any other via the processing circuitry 112. For example, the interface circuitry 111 may comprise a transmitter 116 configured to send wireless communication signals and a receiver 117 configured to receive wireless communication signals.

[0071] More specifically, the interface circuitry 111 may support a first RAT and a second RAT. In some embodiments, the interface circuitry 111 comprises a respective transceiver for each RAT. In the example of FIG. 7, the interface circuitry 111 comprises a short range transmitter 116a and a short range receiver 117a for use in communicating via a short range RAT. The interface circuitry 111 further comprises a long range transmitter 116b and a long range receiver 117b for use in communicating via a long range RAT. Correspondingly, the interface circuitry 111 may comprise a short range antenna 160 for use in short range communication and a long range antenna 170 for use in long range communication.

[0072] The wireless device 110 may be configured to perform any of the methods 200, 250 described above. In one example, the processing circuitry 112 is configured to transmit, to a second wireless device 110b via a first RAT, a data payload to be included in a second signal 140b to be transmitted by the second wireless device 110b and synchronization information for coordinating transmission of the second signal 140b between the first wireless device 110a and the second wireless device 110b. The processing circuitry 112 is further configured to transmit a first signal 140a via a second RAT at such a time and phase as to cause the first signal 140a to constructively interfere with the second signal 140b transmitted by the second wireless device 110b upon arrival of the first and second signals 140a, 140b at a target network node 120.

[0073] In another example, the processing circuitry 112 is configured to receive, from a first wireless device 110a via a first RAT, a data payload to be included in a second signal 140b to be transmitted by the second wireless device 110b and synchronization information for coordinating transmission of the second signal 140b between the first wireless device 110a and the second wireless device 110b. The processing circuitry 112 is further configured to transmit the second signal 140b via a second RAT using the synchronization information. Transmitting the second signal 140b is performed at such a time and phase as to cause the second signal 140b to constructively interfere with a first signal 140a transmitted by the first wireless device 110a upon arrival of the first and second signals 140a, 140b at a target network node 120.

[0074] Still other embodiments include a computer program 113 comprising instructions that, when executed on processing circuitry 112 of a wireless device 110, cause the wireless device 110 to carry out any of the methods 200, 250 described above.

[0075] Yet other embodiments include a carrier containing the computer program 113. The carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium. Although the wireless devices described herein may include the illustrated combination of hardware components, other embodiments may comprise computing and / or communication hardware with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that these wireless devices may comprise any suitable combination of hardware and / or software needed to perform the tasks, features, functions, and methods disclosed herein. Further, while components are depicted as single boxes located within a larger box, or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, the devices described herein may comprise multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component, and functionality may be partitioned between separate components.

[0076] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be provided by processing circuitry executing instructions stored on in memory, which in certain embodiments may be a computer program product in the form of a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuitry without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable storage medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those particular embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium or not, the processing circuitry can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry alone or to other components of the computing device but are enjoyed by the computing device as a whole and / or by end users and a wireless network generally.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method (200) implemented by a first wireless device (110a), the method comprising: transmitting (210), to a second wireless device (110b) via a first Radio AccessTechnology, RAT: a data payload to be included in a second signal (140b) to be transmitted by the second wireless device (110b); and synchronization information for coordinating transmission of the second signal (140b) between the first wireless device (110a) and the second wireless device (110b); transmitting (220) a first signal (140a) via a second RAT at such a time and phase as to cause the first signal (140a) to constructively interfere with the second signal (140b) transmitted by the second wireless device (110b) upon arrival of the first and second signals (140a, 140b) at a target network node (120).

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising using the first RAT to detect the second wireless device (110b), wherein transmitting the data payload and synchronization information to the second wireless device (110b) is in response to detecting the second wireless device (110b).

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein transmitting the synchronization information comprises transmitting the synchronization information on a broadcast channel.

4. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein transmitting via the first RAT comprises transmitting in an isotropic radiation pattern (150).

5. The method of any one of claims 1-4, wherein transmitting the first signal (140a) comprises transmitting the first signal (140a) on radio resources indicated by the target network node (120) in an uplink grant.

6. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the first RAT has a shorter transmission range than the second RAT.

7. The method of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the synchronization information comprises a timestamp indicating when the first wireless device (110a) will transmit the first signal (140a).

8. The method of any one of claims 1-7, further comprising: receiving a reference signal from the target network node (120); andincluding, in the synchronization information, a timestamp indicating when the reference signal was received.

9. A first wireless device (110a), comprising: interface circuitry (111) supporting a first Radio Access Technology, RAT, and a second RAT ; and processing circuitry (112) configured to: transmit (210), to a second wireless device (110b) via a first RAT: a data payload to be included in a second signal (140b) to be transmitted by the second wireless device (110b); and synchronization information for coordinating transmission of the second signal (140b) between the first wireless device (110a) and the second wireless device (110b); transmit (220) a first signal (140a) via the second RAT at such a time and phase as to cause the first signal (140a) to constructively interfere with the second signal (140b) transmitted by the second wireless device (110b) upon arrival of the first and second signals (140a, 140b) at a target network node (120).

10. The first wireless device of the preceding claim, wherein the processing circuitry (112) is further configured to perform the method of any one of claims 2-8.

11. A computer program (113), comprising instructions which, when executed on processing circuitry (112) of a first wireless device (110a), cause the processing circuitry (112) to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1-8.

12. A carrier containing the computer program of the preceding claim, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

13. A method (250) implemented by a second wireless device (110b), the method comprising: receiving (260), from a first wireless device (110a) via a first Radio Access Technology, RAT: a data payload to be included in a second signal (140b) to be transmitted by the second wireless device (110b); and synchronization information for coordinating transmission of the second signal (140b) between the first wireless device (110a) and the second wireless device (110b);transmitting (270) the second signal (140b) via a second RAT using the synchronization information, wherein transmitting the second signal (140b) is performed at such a time and phase as to cause the second signal (140b) to constructively interfere with a first signal (140a) transmitted by the first wireless device (110a) upon arrival of the first and second signals (140a, 140b) at a target network node (120).

14. The method of claim 13, wherein receiving the synchronization information comprises receiving the synchronization information on a broadcast channel.

15. The method of any one of claims 13-14, wherein receiving via the first RAT comprises receiving a transmission having an isotropic radiation pattern (150).

16. The method of any one of claims 13-15, wherein transmitting the second signal (140b) comprises transmitting the second signal (140b) on radio resources indicated by the target network node (120) in an uplink grant.

17. The method of any one of claims 13-16, wherein the first RAT has a shorter transmission range than the second RAT.

18. The method of any one of claims 13-17, wherein the synchronization information comprises a timestamp indicating when the first wireless device (110a) will transmit the first signal (140a).

19. The method of any one of claims 13-18, further comprising: receiving a reference signal from the target network node (120); receiving, in the synchronization information, a timestamp indicating when the first wireless device (110a) received the reference signal; calculating a time to transmit the second signal (140b) based on: when the reference signal was received by the first wireless device (110a) according to the timestamp; and when the reference signal was received by the second wireless device (110b).

20. A second wireless device (110b), comprising: interface circuitry (111) supporting a first Radio Access Technology, RAT, and a second RAT ; and processing circuitry (112) configured to: receive, from a first wireless device (110a) via the first RAT :a data payload to be included in a second signal (140b) to be transmitted by the second wireless device (110b); and synchronization information for coordinating transmission of the second signal (140b) between the first wireless device (110a) and the second wireless device (110b); and transmit the second signal (140b) via the second RAT using the synchronization information, wherein transmitting the second signal (140b) is performed at such a time and phase as to cause the second signal (140b) to constructively interfere with a first signal (140a) transmitted by the first wireless device (110a) upon arrival of the first and second signals (140a, 140b) at a target network node (120).

21. The second wireless device of the preceding claim, wherein the processing circuitry (112) is further configured to perform the method of any one of claims 14-19.

22. A computer program (113) comprising instructions which, when executed on processing circuitry (112) of a second wireless device (110b), cause the processing circuitry (112) to carry out the method according to any one of claims 13-19.

23. A carrier containing the computer program of the preceding claim, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

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