Methods for communicating in a network-enabled with sub-band full duplexing (SBFD)

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for communicating in a network-enabled with sub- band duplexing The present disclosure discloses a method for configuring SBFD symbol / slot / time resource for a user equipment (UE). The configuration of SB indicates the instances at which the SBs are active. SBs can be UL SB, DL SB or even guard bands. According to an embodiment, the configuration for UL SB, DL SB or guard bands is explicitly provided by the BS to the UE or implicitly derived by the UE. According to an embodiment, the SB's are configured in the time domain to the UEs in the network using different methods. The present disclosure further provides a methodology for defining UEs behavior in SBFD slots.

Description

METHODS FOR COMMUNICATING IN A NETWORK-ENABLED WITH SUBBAND FULL DUPLEXING (SBFD)FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure, generally, relates to a method for communicating in a cellular system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method for communicating in a network-enabled with sub-band duplexing.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.

[0003] In subband full duplexing (SBFD) communication, a node can simultaneously perform both downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) operations in respective subbands (SB) within the same carrier frequency. A SB is a set of contiguous frequency resources within the carrier. An UL SB can be defined for UL operation and a DL SB can be defined for DL operation within a carrier. Both UL SB and DL SB can be active simultaneously over a certain time duration. E.g., an SBFD capable base station (BS) can configure UL and DL SBs within a carrier to a user equipments (UEs) andean configure the time resources where the subbands are active (a. k. a. SBFD time resources). Further, in a SBFD time resource, the BS can simultaneously perform DL operation with one UE in resources within DL SB and UL operation with another UE in resources within UL SB. In an SBFD time resource, the UE is expected to transmit in the resources within the UL SB and to receive in the resources within the DL SB. The SBs for DL and UL operations can be fully overlapping, partially overlapping or non-overlapping. FIG. 1 illustrates a non-overlapping sub-bands for SBFD. In Fig. 1, the DL and UL SBs are non-overlapping in frequency domain and separated by a guard band. In this illustration, the frequency domain configuration of the slots 2, 3, 4, and 5 are known as “DUD” since an UL SB is sandwiched between 2 DL SBs. D represents the DL SB and U represents the UL SB. Here, the SBFD is active in slots 2-5 and are the SBFD time resources.Instead of this, the configuration could be “DU” or “UD” as well. In the case of a DL SB sandwiched between 2 UL SBs, the configuration will be “UDU”. Further, such slots or symbols with active SBs configured are termed as SBFD slots / symbols. A slot / symbol which does not have both DL and UL active SBs like slot 1 in Fig. 1, is known as a non-SBFD symbol / slot.

[0004] Further, a BS (Base Station) has to configure a user equipment (UE) with the SBFD symbol / slot / time resource as shown in Fig. 1. The BS has to configure the SBFD symbol / slot / time resource and guard bands to the UEs so that the UEs have knowledge of the SBFD symbol / slot / time resource . Similarly, other configurations like DU, UD or UDU has to be configured by the BS.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide a method to configure the SBFD time resource in a time domain and provide a methodology to define UE’s behavior in SBFD slots.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a methodology for configuring SBs for SBFD operation and SBFD active time resources.

[0007] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a methodology for defining UEs behavior in SBFD time resources.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a method of communication in a cellular network, and the aspects are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method communicating in a network-enabled with sub-band full duplexing (SBFD). The method comprises configuring, by at least one first node, at least one first time resource from a set of time resources as one of downlink (DL), uplink (UL) and flexible (F). Further, the method includes configuring, by the at least one first node, a configuration for SBFD. The configurationfor SBFD comprises at least one frequency location of at least one subband for SBFD operation, a type of the at least one subband, and at least one second time resource for SBFD operation from the set of time resources. The method further includes performing, by the at least one first node, at least one of transmission and reception in the at least one second time resource. As an example, the first node may be a base station.

[0010] According to another embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method communicating in a network-enabled with sub-band full duplexing (SBFD) by at least a second node. The method comprises receiving, by at least one second node, at least one first time resource from a set of time resources as one of downlink (DL), uplink (UL) and flexible (F). further, the method comprises receiving, by the at least one second node, a configuration for SBFD. The configuration for SBFD comprises at least one frequency location of at least one subband for SBFD operation, a type of the at least one subband, and at least one second time resource for SBFD operation from the set of time resources. The method further comprises performing, by the at least one second node, one of at least one of transmission and reception in the at least one second time resource; and skipping the configuration for SBFD. As an example, the second node may be a user equipment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.FIG. 1 illustrates a non-overlapping sub-bands for SBFD.FIG. 2 illustrates a method to receive CSI-RS in an SBFD symbol, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 for configuring a configuration for an SBFD by a base station, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for performing the SBFD by the UE based on the configuration provided by a base station, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 5 illustrates a general block diagram of the UE / a base station / gNB, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0013] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure may however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

[0014] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method for configuring SBFD symbol / slot / time resource for a user equipment (UE). The configuration of SB indicates the instances at which the SBs are active. SBs can be UL SB, DL SB or even guard bands. According to an embodiment, the configuration for UL SB, DL SB or guard bands is explicitly provided by the BS to the UE or implicitly derived by the UE. According to an embodiment, the SB’s are configured in the time domain to the UEs in the network using different methods as explained in the forth coming paragraphs.Semi static cell specific configuration

[0015] According to an embodiment, in the semi static cell specific configuration the time domain location of the SBFD symbol / slot / time resource is provided in radio resource configuration (RRC) and is common to all UEs. This can be provided within system information block 1 (SIB 1) or more specifically within ServingCellConfigCommonSIBinformation element (IE). In an embodiment, the following parameters can be provided to define the SBFD time resources.• SB pattern: A pattern can be defined in time domain such that the SB is active according to the pattern. The pattern is defined in terms of:Transmission periodicity: This gives the periodicity of the pattern in terms of milliseconds / seconds / slots / symbols etc. E.g., indicating periodicity of 5 ms implies that the SBFD time resource is active once in every 5 ms. Periodicity can also be same as the TDD config common periodicity provided to the UEs. In such case, the periodicity need not be explicitly provided.Number of time units (slots and / or symbols): This gives the number of slots and / or symbols where the SBFD resource is present. This can be contiguous in the time domain. E.g., if the number of slots provided is 4 with a periodicity of 5 ms, it means that the first 4 slots within the 5 ms contain the SBFD time resource. In another method, the number of slots and / or symbols where the SBFD time resource is present is considered the same as the number of DE slots and number of DL symbols defined in TDD-UE-DL-Pattern within the TDD common configuration. In another method, the number of active slots and / or symbols is considered the same as the number of DL slots / number of DL symbols and number of flexible symbols / slots defined in TDD-UL-DL- Pattern within the TDD common configuration.Starting offset: This parameter provides the offset to apply the periodicity and number of time units. E.g., if periodicity=5 and offset=2, then SB is active with a periodicity of 5 slots starting from slot 2 in a frame, i.e., the SB is active in slot 2 and slot 7. In another e.g., if the number of slots provided is 4, periodicity is 5 ms and offset is 1, then the SB is active in last 4 slots within the 5 ms period.Bitmap: This gives a bitmap pattern indicating the presence of SBFD time resource . E.g., consider a periodicity of 5 ms which equals 5 slots in case of 15 KHz subcarrier spacing. The bitmap can be provided as 11001. This means that the first, second and fifth slots have SBFD time resource. In this example, the bitmap granularity is in terms of slots. The bitmap granularity can also be defined in terms of one symbol or group of symbols, one slot or group of slots or a combination of all.Number of SBFD resources: The SB pattern can be indicated by defining new IE in ServingCellConfigCommonSIB. The IE includes number of SBFD resources at the beginning of time frame and number of SBFD resources at the end of time frame. The time frame can be periodic. Further, the duration of the time frame can be same as the periodicity value as provided in TDD configuration common. E.g., indicating number of SBFD slots at the beginning = 5 and number of SBFD slots at the end = 2 implies in a frame of 10 slots, SB is active in first 5 slots and last 2 slots. In another e.g., number of SBFD slots at the beginning = 5 implies SBFD is active in the first 5 slots configured as DE by TDD-UE-DL-Config-common. In another e.g., indicating slot index = n, number of SBFD symbols at the beginning = 8 and number of SBFD symbols at the end = 0 implies, in slot n, the SB is active in the first 8 symbols. The indication can be a combination of slots and symbols. When the SB is active in a non-contiguous manner, then multiple patterns can be configured. E.g., if 2 sets of number of slots and / or symbols can be provided. The first set can represent the number of slots and / or symbols containing the SB from the beginning of the time domain allocation. The other set can represent the number of slots and / or symbols starting from the end of the time domain allocation. The time domain allocation is the transmission periodicity. Offsets can be provided for each set.There can be multiple patterns defined. E.g., if pattern 1 and pattern 2 are defined, then pattern 2 is followed by pattern 1.Reference subcarrier spacing: The reference subcarrier spacing is the subcarrier spacing that is be used by the UE to determine the SB pattern. Reference subcarrier spacing is a common subcarrier spacing that is used to determine the time domain boundaries in the pattern and it must be independent of the actual subcarrier spacing used for the data transmission. This is explicitly provided by the BS to the UE. The reference subcarrier spacing can also be same as provided in TDD common configuration.Semi static UE specific configuration

[0016] According to an embodiment, the semi static UE specific configuration, the time domain location of the SBFD time resource is provided in RRC and is dedicated for a UE. E.g.,this can be provided within ServingCellConfig. The following parameters can be provided to define SBFD time resources.• SB pattern: This defines the pattern of the SBFD time resource in time domain. E.g., pattern can be defined in terms of:Transmission periodicity: This gives the periodicity of the pattern in terms of milliseconds / seconds / slots / symbols etc. E.g., indicating periodicity of 5 ms implies that the SBFD time resource is present once in every 5 ms. This can also be same as the TDD config common periodicity provided to the UEs. In such a case, the periodicity information need not be explicitly provided.Number of time units (slots and / or symbols): This gives the number of slots and / or symbols where the SBFD time resource is present. This can be contiguous in the time domain. E.g., if the number of slots provided is 4 with a periodicity of 5 ms, it means that the first 4 slots within the 5 ms contain the SBFD time resource. An offset can also be provided. E.g., if the number of slots provided is 4 with a periodicity of 5 ms and offset of 1, the last 4 slots within the 5 ms contain the SBFD time resource.In the case of non-contiguous allocation, 2 sets of number of slots and / or symbols can be provided. The first set can represent the number of slots and / or symbols containing the SBFD time resource from the beginning of the time domain allocation. The other set can represent the number of slots and / or symbols starting from the end of the time domain allocation. The time domain allocation is the transmission periodicity. Offsets can be provided for each set. In another method, the number of slots and / or symbols is considered same as the number of DL slots and number of DL symbols defined in TDD-UL-DL-Pattern within the TDD common configuration. In another method, the number of slots and / or symbols is considered to be same as the number of DL slots / number of DL symbols and number of flexible symbols / slots defined in TDD-UL-DL-Pattern within the TDD common configuration.Bitmap: This gives a bitmap pattern indicating the presence of SBFD time resource . E.g., consider a periodicity of 5 ms which equals 5 slots in case of 15 KHz subcarrier spacing. The bitmap can be provided as 11001. This means that the first, second and fifth slots have SBFD time resource. In this example, the bitmap granularity is in terms of slots. The bitmap granularity can also be defined in terms of one symbol or group of symbols, one slot or group of slots or a combination of all.Time unit index: The pattern can also be defined per time unit, e.g. a slot.■ Within the slot, all symbols can be defined to contain an SBFD time resource.■ A number of contiguous symbols and an offset from the beginning of the slot containing the SBFD time resource is provided.■ The number of symbols which is defined as DL and F by TDD dedicated configuration is considered as the symbols with SBFD time resource.■ A bitmap indicating the symbols containing SBFD time resource.There can be multiple patterns defined. E.g., if pattern 1 and pattern 2 are defined, then pattern 2 is followed by pattern 1.• Reference subcarrier spacing: The reference subcarrier spacing is the subcarrier spacing that will be used by the UE to determine the SB pattern. Reference subcarrier spacing is a common subcarrier spacing that is used to determine the time domain boundaries in the pattern and it must be independent of the actual subcarrier spacing used for the data transmission. This is explicitly provided by the BS to the UE. The reference subcarrier spacing can also be same as provided in TDD common configuration.

[0017] In an embodiment, a slot / symbol can be configured to the UE as DL / UL / F using TDD- UL-DL-Config-common, TDD-UL-DL-Config-dedicated, and slot format indicator (SFI). This section describes the UE behavior if a slot / symbol is configured as F, and UE is configured with SBFD time resource for SBFD operation in that slot / symbol. The following cases must be considered.A. Semi-static TDD dedicated configuration:

[0018] In the semi- static TDD dedicated configurations, if a slot / symbol is indicated as DL / UL / F, SB for SBFD operation is configured in that symbol / slot and the UE receives DL / UL configuration by TDD dedicated configuration, then at least one of the following options apply to the UE.If the symbol is configured as UL by dedicated TDD configuration, then the whole symbol including the guard band is converted into an UL-only symbol. Indication by dedicated TDD configuration is given priority over SBFD configuration.If the symbol is configured as UL by dedicated TDD configuration, then the UE performs UL only in the UL SB configured or in the portion of UL BWP overlapping with the UL SB configured.If the symbol is configured as DL by dedicated TDD configuration, then the whole symbol including the guard band is converted into an DL-only symbol. Indication by dedicated TDD configuration is given priority over SBFD configuration.If the symbol is configured as DL by dedicated TDD configuration, then the UE performs DL only in the DL SB configured or in the portion of DL BWP overlapping with the DL SB configured or in the portion of DL BWP not overlapping with the UL SB configured.In one option, new IE can be defined in a dedicated TDD configuration and above behavior is followed only if the UE receives dedicated TDD configuration with new IE. E.g., if a new IE is provided, then indication by dedicated TDD configuration with new IE is given priority over SBFD configuration. Further, the UE ignores the existing IE in dedicated TDD configuration if the UE is configured for SBFD operation and new IE is configured. If the UE is not configured for SBFD operation, then the UE ignores the new IE and follows conventional behavior.B. Dynamic TDD dedicated configuration:

[0019] According to an embodiment, if a slot / symbol is indicated as DL / UL / F, SB for SBFD operation is configured in that symbol / slot and the UE receives DL / UL configuration by slot format indicator (SFI) or other downlink control information (DCI) in NR, then at least one of the following options apply to the UE.• If the symbol is configured as UL by SFFDCI, then the whole symbol is converted into an UL-only symbol. Indication by SFPDCI is given priority over SBFD configuration.• If the symbol is configured as UL by SFI / DCI, then the UE performs UL only in the UL SB configured or in the portion of UL BWP overlapping with the UL SB configured.• If the symbol is configured as DL by SFFDCI, then the whole symbol is converted into an DL-only symbol. Indication by SFI is given priority over SBFD configuration.• If the symbol is configured as DL by SFI / DCI, then the UE performs DL only in the DL SB configured or in the portion of DL BWP overlapping with the DL SB configured or in the portion of DL BWP not overlapping with the UL SB configured.The SFI can be provided for slots configured as DL by higher layers as well. The SFI received can be interpreted in different ways to convert SBFD symbol into a DL-only symbol. E.g., ‘D’ represents that the symbol is a DL-only symbol overriding any semi static configuration provided and U / F represents that the configuration of the symbol remains same as the semi static configuration provided.In one option, a new SFI format or a reserved SFI format (e.g., SFI format index >55) can be used for above the behavior, i.e., if UE receives DCI format 2_0 with the new SFI format then the above behavior is followed. Currently in NR, the SFI is expected only to override the flexible slots / symbols. It is not expected that the configuration given by the SFI will contradict the UL / DL configuration given by higher layer signaling. This will restrict the capability of conversion from SBFD symbols to DL-only symbols only in flexible symbols. To avoid this, the new SFI can be provided for slots configured as DL by higher layers as well. In this case, if the new SFI indicates a “D” symbol as “D”, then the symbol gets converted into a DL-only symbol.In another method, the existing DCI format in NR provides the time domain symbols which are to be converted into DL-only symbols. This can be the group-common or the dedicated DCI. The indication can be in the form of SLIV / bitmap or legacy DL time domain indication by DCI l_0 / l_l .In another method, a new field / reserved field / existing field in DCI can be used to indicate if the symbols scheduled for DL are SBFD symbols or DL-only symbols.Conversion of SBFD symbols into DL-only symbols based on scheduled signals

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a method to receive CSLRS in an SBFD symbol, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, when a channel state informationreference signal (CSLRS) is scheduled in an SBFD symbol and overlaps with the UL SB, thereare two methods by which it can be transmitted by the BS. In the first method, the CSI-RS is only restricted to the DL SBs and absent in the UL SB. In the second method, the CSI-RS is present in the UL SB as well and no UL transmission is scheduled in that symbol. Thus, the SBFD symbol is now converted to a DL-only symbol or DL symbol. Hence, the UE is being scheduled for DL in the SBFD symbol needs to know which of the two methods have been followed for the transmission of CSI-RS .

[0021] For example, when a CSI-RS overlaps with an SBFD symbol, and the CSI-RS resources overlap with the UL SB, the CSI-RS is shifted to the immediate next non-SBFD symbol configured for DL operation. If a slot / symbol is indicated as DL / UL / F, SB for SBFD operation is configured in that symbol / slot and the UE receives DL / UL scheduling, then at least one of the following options applies to the UE.• If the UE is scheduled for UL operation in an SBFD symbol, and the UL operation overlaps with the DL SB in the SBFD symbol, then the whole symbol including the guard band is converted into an UL-only symbol.• If the UE is scheduled for UL operation in an SBFD symbol, and the UL operation overlaps with the DL SB in the SBFD symbol, then the UE performs UL only in the UL SB configured or in the portion of UL BWP overlapping with the UL SB configured.• If the UE is scheduled for DL operation in an SBFD symbol, and the DL operation overlaps with the UL SB in the SBFD symbol, then the whole symbol including the guard band is converted into a DL-only symbol.• If the UE is scheduled for DL operation in an SBFD symbol, and the DL operation overlaps with the UL SB in the SBFD symbol, then the UE performs DL only in the DL SB or in the portion of DL BWP overlapping with the DL SB configured or in the portion of DL BWP not overlapping with the UL SB configured.• If the UE is scheduled for DL operation in an SBFD symbol, and the DL operation overlaps with the UL SB in the SBFD symbol, then the DL scheduled operation is shifted to the immediate next non-SBFD symbol configured for DL operation.• If the UE is scheduled for UL operation in an SBFD symbol, and the UL operation overlaps with the DL SB in the SBFD symbol, then the UE scheduled operation is shifted to the immediate next non-SBFD symbol configured for UL operation.

[0022] In an embodiment, the indication for the above-mentioned behaviors can be provided in the following ways:1. Based on priority flag: A priority flag is provided in the configuration for CSLRS in radio resource control (RRC) / media access control (MAC) / DCI to indicate whether the SBFD symbol will be converted into a DL symbol or not if the CSLRS overlaps with the SBFD symbol. E.g., if the flag is one then, the SBFD symbol is converted to an DL symbol. If the flag is zero, then CSLRS is only restricted to the DL SBs.2. Based on defined priority rules: Some signals are defined such that if these signals overlap with an SBFD symbol, then the SBFD symbol is converted to a DL symbol. E.g., if aperiodic CSLRS is scheduled to be received in an SBFD symbol, then the whole symbol is converted into an DL symbol.3. Based on dynamic indication of the SBFD symbol as DL symbol and priority flag / rules: A UE can receive 2 conflicting indications, one stating that the SBFD symbol is dynamically converted into a DL symbol (e.g., using SFI) and another one which states that the signal that overlaps with the SBFD symbol does not convert it into a DL symbol (e.g., a priority flag of zero for CSLRS overlapping with the SBFD symbol that indicates that the CSL RS is only restricted to the DL SBs). In this case, conflict resolution can be done by predefined rules. E.g., dynamic indication using SFI has a higher priority than any other indication. In another method, the UE does not expect such conflicting configurations.

[0023] Further, similar priority related rules can be applied for other DL signals / channels like physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) (both semi statically and dynamically scheduled), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) etc. When the SBFD symbol is converted to a DL symbol, it is expected that any UE if scheduled in UL in those symbols will not transmit. E.g., a UE is scheduled to perform UL in the symbols 2-11 within a slot where all the symbols are SBFD symbols. However, the symbol 4 is converted to a DL symbol by the BS. In that case, the BS needs to inform the UE that no UL transmission will be performed in the symbol4. This can be done by rate-matching. Rate matching in UL can be introduced per symbol intime domain. It can also be w.r.t. any of the DL signals / channels. Multiple rate matching patterns can be provided in PUSCH-Config in RRC. Among the patterns, one or more patterns can be selected by MAC, and finally one pattern by DCI. The forthcoming paragraphs will explain the implementation details.

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 for configuring a configuration for an SBFD by a base station, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the method 300 is performed by the BS and explained as below.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the BS at step 301, configures at least one first time resource from a set of time resources as one of downlink (DL), uplink (UL) and flexible (F). In an embodiment, the at least one first time resource is configured in at least one of TDD-UL- DL-ConfigCommon and TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated. According to some embodiment, configuring at least one first time resource comprises a reference subcarrier spacing (SCS).

[0026] Further, at step 303, the BS configures a configuration for the SBFD. In an embodiment, the configuration of the SBFD comprises at least one frequency location of at least one subband for SBFD operation, a type of the at least one subband, and at least one second time resource for SBFD operation from the set of time resources. For example, for the at least one frequency location of at least one subband for SBFD operation i.e. for cell-specific indication of SBFD subband frequency location, frequency locations of UL subband and DL subband(s) are explicitly configured. Guardband(s) if any are implicitly derived as the RBs which are not within UL subband or DL subband(s).

[0027] In an embodiment, the configuration for SBFD is semi static and one of cell specific and UE specific. Further, the cell specific configuration is transmitted using the system information blockl (SIB 1). Further, the cell specific configuration is signalled as a radio resource control (RRC) message using ServingCellConfigCommonSIB information element (IE). According to an embodiment, the UE specific configuration is signalled as a radio resource control (RRC) message using ServingCellConfig information element (IE).

[0028] According to an embodiment, the at least one second time resource is at least one of SBFD symbols and SBFD slots. According to an embodiment, the configuration of the at least one second time resource comprises at least one of: a periodicity, a time offset, a number of time resources, a bitmap, a start time index of the at least one second time resource, and an end time index of the at least one second time resource. For example, for configuration of SBFDsymbols within a TDD-UL-DL pattern period, the parameters that are supported includes a starting slot index, a starting symbol index within the starting slot, an ending slot index, and an ending symbol index within the ending slot. The time herein is at least one of a slot and a symbol. Further, a number of bits in the bit map is the number of time resources in the at least one set of time resources.

[0029] In an embodiment, the at least one second time resource is at least one of SBFD symbols and SBFD slots. The SBFD slots are indicated using a slot index and SBFD symbols are indicated using a symbol index.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the index of the first slot of the SBFD slots is the starting slot index, the index of the last slot of the SBFD slots is the ending slot index, the index of the first symbol of the SBFD symbols is the starting symbol index, and the index of the last symbol of the SBFD symbols is the ending symbol index. Further, the starting symbol index is within the starting slot and ending symbol index is within the ending slot.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the reference SCS is same for the at least one second time resource. For example, referenceSubcarrierSpacing indicated by TDD-UL-DL- ConfigCommon is used as reference SCS for determining the second time resource. According to some embodiment, the configuration of SBFD comprises a reference SubCarrier Spacing (SCS).

[0032] According to an embodiment, the type of the at least one subband is one of a downlink (DL) subband and an uplink (UL) subband. Further, according to some embodiment, the at least one second time resource comprises the at least one first time resource configured as at least one of the DL and the F.

[0033] According to an embodiment, at step 305, the BS performs at least one of transmission and reception in the at least one second time resource. In an embodiment, the transmission is performed when the type of the at least one subband is DL. Further, the reception is performed when the type of the at least one subband is UL. The BS station, when performs one of transmission and reception, configures the at least one second time resource as one of the DL time resource and the UL time resource to the at least one second node. In particular, when perform one of transmission and reception, the BS configures the at least onesecond time resource as the DL to at least one second node and configures the at least one second time resource as the UL to the at least one third node. The second node and the third node can be a UEs, routers, and the like.

[0034] In an embodiment, configuring the at least one second time resource is done using at least one of TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated and a downlink control information (DCI). Further, the TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated comprises an information element (IE) indicating priority. Currently, in NR, the DL / UL configuration cannot be over written. According to the disclosed method giving additional DL / UL configuration and BS should overwrite the DL / UL configuration. Thus, the IE indicates a priority flag, indicating the UE to overwrite.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the DCI is DCI format 2_0. Further, the DCI comprises a slot format indicator (SFI) indicating priority and an index of SFI is greater than 55. In an embodiment, the BS indicates rating matching pattern to at least one third node. For example, consider that BS has configured DL to UE 1 and UL to UE 2. Now due to priority of DL operation the BS decided not to perform UL. In that case the BS indicate to UE2 that UL operation need to be skipped based on the rating matching pattern. In case of high priority for UL then UE 1 is indicated not to perform DL.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the BS schedules the transmission in at least one UL subband and reception in at least one DL subband when performing transmission and reception in the at least one second time resource. The scheduling is informed using downlink control information.

[0037] According to an example scenario for the method 300, consider that there is slot 1 to slot 10 (set of time resources). The BS is configuring slot 1-4 as DL, 4-6 as F and 7-10 as UL (first step). Further, in configuration for SBFD, the BS indicating in slot 2-5 SBFD is active and structure of DL and UL subband. Further, in slot 3, the BS is performing Tx in a frequency resource in DL subband (first frequency resource) and Rx in a frequency resource in UL subband (second frequency resource) or Tx / Rx in a frequency resource which can be in DL SB, UL SB or both (case of SBFD is cancelled).

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for performing the SBFD by the UE based on the configuration provided by a base station, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.In an embodiment, method 400 is performed in at least one UE. Some of the steps included herein are the same as disclosed above with respect to method 300. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, some steps have been omitted here as per their applicability.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the UE at step 401, receives at least one first time resource from a set of time resources as one of downlink (DL), uplink (UL) and flexible (F). In an embodiment, the at least one first time resource is received in at least one of TDD-UL- DL-ConfigCommon and TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated. According to some embodiment, the receiving at least one first time resource comprises a reference subcarrier spacing (SCS).

[0040] Further, at step 403, the UE receives a configuration for SBFD. In an embodiment, the configuration of the SBFD comprises at least one frequency location of at least one subband for SBFD operation, a type of the at least one subband, and at least one second time resource for SBFD operation from the set of time resources.

[0041] In an embodiment, the configuration for SBFD is semi static and one of cell specific and UE specific. Further, the cell specific configuration is received as a radio resource control (RRC) message using ServingCellConfigCommonSIB information element (IE). According to an embodiment, the UE specific configuration is received as a radio resource control (RRC) message using ServingCellConfig information element (IE).

[0042] According to an embodiment, the at least one second time resource is at least one of SBFD symbols and SBFD slots. According to an embodiment, the configuration of the at least one second time resource comprises at least one of: a periodicity, a time offset, a number of time resources, a bitmap, a start time index of the at least one second time resource, and an end time index of the at least one second time resource. The time herein is at least one of a slot and a symbol. Further, a number of bits in the bit map is the number of time resources in the at least one set of time resources.

[0043] In an embodiment, the at least one second time resource is at least one of SBFD symbols and SBFD slots. The SBFD slots are received using a slot index and SBFD symbols are received using a symbol index.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the index of the first slot of the SBFD slots is the starting slot index, the index of the last slot of the SBFD slots is the ending slot index, the index of the first symbol of the SBFD symbols is the starting symbol index, and the index of the last symbol of the SBFD symbols is the ending symbol index. Further, the starting symbol index is within the starting slot and ending symbol index is within the ending slot.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the reference SCS is used for determining the at least one second time resource. According to some embodiment, the configuration of SBFD comprises a reference SubCarrier Spacing (SCS).

[0046] According to an embodiment, the type of the at least one subband is one of a downlink (DL) subband and an uplink (UL) subband. Further, according to some embodiment, the at least one second time resource comprises the at least one first time resource configured as at least one of the DL and the F.

[0047] According to an embodiment, at step 405, the UE performs one of at least one of transmission and reception in the at least one second time resource or skipping the configuration for SBFD. In an embodiment, the transmission is performed when the type of the at least one subband is DL. Further, the reception is performed when the type of the at least one subband is UL.

[0048] The UE, when performing one of transmission and reception in the at least one second time resource, receives the at least one second time resource as one of the DL time resource and the UL time resource. In particular, the UE receives the at least one second time resource as DL time resource, when performing reception and receiving the at least one second time resource as UL time resource, when performing transmission.

[0049] In an embodiment, the UE receives the at least one second time resource in at least one of TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated and a downlink control information (DCI). The TDD- UL-DL-ConfigDedicated comprises an information element (IE) indicating priority.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the DCI is DCI format 2_0. Further, the DCI comprises a slot format indicator (SFI) indicating priority and an index of SFI is greater than 55.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the UE receives scheduling for receiving at least one signal in DL subband, when performing reception. Further, the UE receives scheduling for transmitting at least one signal in UL subband, when performing transmission. According to an embodiment, the UE receives scheduling for receiving at least one first signal in DL subband and scheduling for transmitting at least one second signal in UL subband, when performing transmission and reception in the at least one second time resource. In an embodiment, the scheduling is received in downlink control information.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the UE receives at least one rate matching pattern, when skipping the configuration for SBFD. In an embodiment, the UE performs skipping by skipping at least one of a TDD configuration and a scheduling received or not performing transmission and reception.

[0053] Figure 5 illustrates a general block diagram of the UE / a base station / gNB, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] In an example, the UE 500a / a base station 500b / gNB 500c includes a processor(s) that may be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The processing unit 501 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logical processors, virtual processors, state machines, logic circuitries, and / or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processing unit 501 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory 503.

[0055] The memory 503 may include any non-transitory computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.

[0056] In an example, the module(s), engine(s), and / or unit(s) 509 may include a program, a subroutine, a portion of a program, a software component or a hardware component capableof performing a stated task or function. As used herein, the module(s), engine(s), and / or unit(s) may be implemented on a hardware component such as a server independently of other modules, or a module can exist with other modules on the same server, or within the same program. The module (s), engine(s), and / or unit(s) 509 may be implemented on a hardware component such as processor one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and / or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. The module (s), engine(s), and / or unit(s) 509 when executed by the processor(s) may be configured to perform any of the described functionalities. In an alternate embodiment, the functions of the aforesaid modules may be performed by the processor(s).

[0057] As a further example, the database 505 may be implemented with integrated hardware and software. The hardware may include a hardware disk controller with programmable search capabilities or a software system running on general-purpose hardware. Examples of databases but are not limited to, in-memory databases, cloud databases, distributed databases, embedded databases, and the like. The database amongst other things, serves as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the processor(s), and the modules / engines / units 509.

[0058] The modules / engines / units 509 may be implemented with an Al module that may include a plurality of neural network layers. Examples of neural networks include, but are not limited to, a convolutional neural network (CNN), a deep neural network (DNN), recurrent neural network (RNN). The learning technique is a method for training a predetermined target device using a plurality of learning data to cause, allow, or control the target device to make a determination or prediction. Examples of the learning techniques include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi- supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. At least one of a plurality of CNN, DNN, RNN models, and the like may be implemented to thereby achieve execution of the present subject matter’s mechanism through an Al model. A function associated with the Al model may be performed through the nonvolatile memory, the volatile memory, and the processor. The processor may include one or a plurality of processors. At this time, one or a plurality of processors may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or the like, a graphics-only processing unit such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a visual processing unit (VPU), and / or an Al-dedicated processor such as a neural processing unit (NPU). The oneor a plurality of processors control the processing of the input data in accordance with a predefined operating rule or the artificial intelligence (Al) model stored in the non-volatile memory and the volatile memory. The predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence model is provided through training or learning.

[0059] As a further example, the network interface 511 is configured to provide and establish communication with any electronic device via a public network, private network, or any wireless communication technology.

[0060] In the above detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, and illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. However, such description should not be considered as any limitation of scope of the present invention. The structure thus conceived in the present description is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all the details may furthermore be replaced with elements having technical equivalence.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A method for communicating in a network-enabled with sub-band full duplexing (SBFD) comprising: configuring, by at least one first node, at least one first time resource from a set of time resources as one of downlink (DL), uplink (UL) and flexible (F); configuring, by the at least one first node, a configuration for the SBFD, wherein the configuration for SBFD comprises at least one frequency location of at least one subband for SBFD operation, a type of the at least one subband, and at least one second time resource for SBFD operation from the set of time resources; and performing, by the at least one first node, at least one of transmission and reception in the at least one second time resource.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the configuration for SBFD is semi static and one of cell specific and UE specific.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one first time resource is configured in at least one of TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon and TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated.

4. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cell specific configuration is transmitted using the system information blockl (SIB1).

5. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cell specific configuration is signalled as a radio resource control (RRC) message using ServingCellConfigCommonSIB information element (IE).

6. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the UE specific configuration is signalled as a radio resource control (RRC) message using ServingCellConfig information element (IE).

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one second time resource is at least one of SBFD symbols and SBFD slots.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the configuration of the at least one second time resource comprises at least one of: a periodicity, a time offset, a number of time resources, a bitmap, a start time index of the at least one second time resource, and an end time index of the at least one second time resource.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the time is at least one of a slot and a symbol.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein a number of bits in the bit map is the number of time resources in the at least one set of time resources.

10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transmission is performed when the type of the at least one subband is DL and the reception is performed when the type of the at least one subband is UL.

11. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the SBFD slots are indicated using a slot index and SBFD symbols are indicated using a symbol index.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the index of the first slot of the SBFD slots is the starting slot index, the index of the last slot of the SBFD slots is the ending slot index,the index of the first symbol of the SBFD symbols is the starting symbol index, and the index of the last symbol of the SBFD symbols is the ending symbol index.

13. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the starting symbol index is within the starting slot and ending symbol index is within the ending slot.

14. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein configuring at least one first time resource comprises a reference subcarrier spacing.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the reference SCS is same for the at least one second time resource.

16. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the configuration for SBFD comprises a reference SubCarrier Spacing (SCS).

17. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the type of the at least one subband is one of a downlink (DL) subband and an uplink (UL) subband.

18. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one second time resource comprises the at least one first time resource configured as at least one of the DL and the F.

19. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprises configuring, by the at least one first node, the at least one second time resource as one of the DL time resource and the UL time resource to the at least one second node, when performing one of transmission and reception.

20. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprises: configuring the at least one second time resource as the DL to the at least one second node, and configuring the at least one second time resource as the UL to the at least one third node when performing transmission and reception in the at least one second time resource.

21. The method as claimed in claim 19 and 20, wherein configuring the at least one second time resource is done using at least one of TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated and a downlink control information (DCI).

22. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated comprises an information element (IE) indicating priority.

23. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the DCI is DCI format 2_0.

24. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the DCI comprises a slot format indicator (SFI) indicating priority.

25. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein an index of SFI is greater than 55.

26. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprises scheduling the transmission in at least one UE subband, and scheduling the reception in at least one DE subband when performing transmission and reception in the at least one second time resource.

27. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the scheduling is informed using downlink control information.

28. The method as claimed in claim 19, further comprises indicating rating matching pattern to at least one third node.

29. A method for communicating in a network-enabled with sub-band full duplexing (SBFD) comprising: receiving, by at least one second node, at least one first time resource from a set of time resources as one of downlink (DL), uplink (UL) and flexible (F); receiving, by the at least one second node, a configuration for SBFD,wherein the configuration for SBFD comprises at least one frequency location of at least one subband for SBFD operation, a type of the at least one subband, and at least one second time resource for SBFD operation from the set of time resources; and performing, by the at least one second node, one of at least one of transmission and reception in the at least one second time resource, and skipping the configuration for SBFD.

30. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the configuration for SBFD is semi static and one of cell specific and UE specific.

31. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the at least one first time resource is received in at least one of TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon and TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated.

32. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the cell specific configuration is received using the system information blockl (SIB1).

33. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the cell specific configuration is received as a radio resource control (RRC) message using ServingCellConfigCommonSIB information element (IE).

34. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the UE specific configuration is received as a radio resource control (RRC) message using ServingCellConfig information element (IE).

35. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the at least one second time resource is at least one of SBFD symbols and SBFD slots.

36. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the configuration of the at least one second time resource comprises at least one of: a periodicity, a time offset, a number of time resources, a bitmap, a start time index of the at least one second time resource, and an end time index of the at least one second time resource.

37. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein the time is at least one of a slot and a symbol.

38. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein a number of bits in the bit map is the number of time resources in the at least one set of time resources.

39. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the transmission is performed when the type of the at least one subband is DL and the reception is performed when the type of the at least one subband is UL.

40. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the SBFD slots are received using a slot index and SBFD symbols are received using a symbol index.

41. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein the index of the first slot of the SBFD slots is the starting slot index, the index of the last slot of the SBFD slots is the ending slot index, the index of the first symbol of the SBFD symbols is the starting symbol index, and the index of the last symbol of the SBFD symbols is the ending symbol index.

42. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein the starting symbol index is within the starting slot and ending symbol index is within the ending slot.

43. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein receiving at least one first time resource comprises a reference subcarrier spacing.

44. The method as claimed in claim 43, wherein the reference SCS is used for determining the at least one second time resource.

45. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the type of the at least one subband is one of a downlink (DL) subband and an uplink (UL) subband.

46. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the at least one second time resource comprises the at least one first time resource configured as at least one of the DL and the F.

47. The method as claimed in claim 29, comprises one of receiving, by the at least one second node, the at least one second time resource as DL time resource, when performing reception; and receiving, by the at least one second node, the at least one second time resource as UL time resource, when performing transmission.

48. The method as claimed in claim 29, comprises: receiving, by the at least one second node, the at least one second time resource as DL time resource and UL time resource, when performing transmission and reception in the at least one second time resource.

49. The method as claimed in claim 47 and 48, wherein receiving the at least one second time resource is in at least one of TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated and a downlink control information (DCI).

50. The method as claimed in claim 49, wherein the TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated comprises an information element (IE) indicating priority.

51. The method as claimed in claim 49, wherein the DCI is DCI format 2_0.

52. The method as claimed in claim 49, wherein the DCI comprises a slot format indicator (SFI) indicating priority.

53. The method as claimed in claim 52, wherein an index of SFI is greater than 55.

54. The method as claimed in claim 29, comprises one of receiving, by the at least one second node, scheduling for receiving at least one signal in DL subband, when performing reception; and receiving, by the at least one second node, scheduling for transmitting at least one signal in UL subband, when performing transmission.

55. The method as claimed in claim 29, comprises: receiving, by the at least one second node, scheduling for receiving at least one first signal in DL subband and scheduling for transmitting at least one second signal in UL subband, when performing transmission and reception in the at least one second time resource.

56. The method as claimed in claim 54 and 55, wherein receiving the scheduling is in downlink control information.

57. The method as claimed in claim 29, comprises: receiving, by the at least one second node, at least one rate matching pattern, when skipping the configuration for SBFD.

58. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein performing skipping further comprises at least one of skipping at least one of a TDD configuration and a scheduling received; and not performing transmission and reception.

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