Multi-stage transmission of dcis for dl coverage enhancements of nr-ntn

Abstract

This invention presents a set of comprehensive objectives aimed at enhancing the performance of PDCCH through DCI segmentations Firstly, the division of DCI formats into two distinct stages, namely DCI Format I and DCI Format II e.g. DCI 1_0-I, DCI 1_0-II. DCI formats has various information fields, each represented by varying numbers of bits. The information fields with a bit count exceeding, d ϵ Ν, is categorized as DCI Format II; otherwise, it falls under DCI Format I or vis-a-vis. Furthermore, the DCI formats can be divided into 'n' segments where n ϵ {2,3,4,.}. Every segment of the DCI possesses either an identical number of bits or variable number of bits. Further, deciding whether to partition the DCI, and if partitioned, determining the number of divisions, relies on factors such as channel condition, the elevation angle, DCI size, beam index and the bit count of an information field. Depending on the number of divisions, the number of information fields and their significance within each division could be different. A comprehensive table can be created to account for all potential combinations of information fields and their significance within each division. This table will then undergo standardization. Subsequently, a row index can be chosen from the standardized table according to the parameters mentioned earlier. For example, if n equals 4, there are four divisions, each containing a specific number of information fields. These information fields are represented using varying numbers of bits. Standardizing all possible combinations allows the selection of a specific combination based on the parameters mentioned earlier.

Description

MULTI-STAGE TRANSMISSION OF DCIS FOR DL COVERAGEENHANCEMENTS OF NR-NTNFIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of wireless communications. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to multi-Stage transmission of downlink control information (DCIs) for downlink (DL) coverage enhancements of New Radio - Non-Terrestrial Network (NR-NTN).BACKGROUND

[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] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various telecommunication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, and broadcasts. These systems have developed through various generations to provide a common protocol that enables different wireless devices to communicate on a municipal, national, regional, and even global level. An example telecommunication standard is 5G New Radio (NR). A fifth generation (5G) wireless standard, referred to as New Radio (NR), enables higher data transfer speeds, greater numbers of connections, and better coverage, among other improvements. 5G NR includes services associated with enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC). Some aspects of 5G NR may be based on the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard. There exists a need for further improvements in 5G NR technology.

[0004] All 5G satellite networks (operating in frequency range 1 (FR1) as well in frequency range 2 (FR2) and covering both geo synchronous orbit (GSO) and non geo synchronous orbit (NGSO) constellations) to be deployed in the next 10 years are expected tobe designed assuming a fixed power. There is a strong need to implement DL coverage enhancement techniques to improve the link quality for a given targeted coverage.

[0005] Due to the extensive coverage provided by the satellite, there is a need for a large number of beams. The increase in the number of beams, contributing to expanded coverage, results in the sharing of transmit power among these beams resulting in a reduction in Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) per beam. The downlink (DL) for selected physical channels should be enhanced to improve the quality of the link to accommodate the reduction in EIRP. This could be achieved using techniques such as repetition scheme or equivalent techniques depending on the physical channel. A link budget improvement for physical channels (e.g. Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) and Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH)) should be considered without any impact on the synchronization signal block (SSB) design. In this invention, the multi-stage downlink control information (DCIs) has been introduced.OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A general objective of the present invention is to enhance the performance of physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) through downlink control information (DCI) segmentations.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a method for multi-stage transmission of DCIs for downlink (DL) Coverage Enhancements of New-Radio-Non- Terrestrial Network (NR-NTN).

[0008] Yet another objective of the present invention is to enhance the link margin of PDCCH for NR-NTN.

[0009] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide techniques to reduce the pay load size of the DCI formats.

[0010] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide techniques to enhance control channel coverage of a wireless communication systemSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In general, embodiments of the present disclosure herein provide methods for multi-stage transmission of DCIs for downlink Coverage Enhancements of New-Radio-Non- Terrestrial Network. Other implementations will be or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional implementations be included within this description be within the scope of the disclosure and be protected within the scope of the following claims.

[0012] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for enhancing control channel coverage of a wireless communication system. The method comprises, determining by at least one node, a threshold value for a downlink control information (DCI) into the plurality of segments of DCI based on at least one of a pre-defined criteria. The method further comprises, transmitting by the at least one node, at least one of number of the DCI segments and the threshold value. The method further comprises, transmitting by the at least one node, at least one DCI segment, wherein, the DCI segment of the DCI format contains one of an identical number of bits or variable number of bits, and wherein the number of the DCI segments is based on at least one of a size of the DCI format, a number of bits in the information field of the DCI format, a significance of the DCI, an elevation angle, a link quality, and a beam index.

[0013] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for enhancing control channel coverage of a wireless communication system. The method comprises, receiving by at least one node, at least one of number of the downlink control information segments and a threshold value. The method further comprises, receiving by at least one node, the plurality of segments of DCI of at least one DCI format, wherein the number of the DCI segments is based on at least one of a size of the DCI format, a number of bits in the information field of the DCI format, a significance of the DCI, an elevation angle, a link quality, and a beam index. The method further comprises, identifying by the at least one node, the segmentation of the DCI format using a dcilD. The method further comprises, combining by the at least one node, the multiple segments of the DCI format to retrieve control information, after a cycle redundancy check (CRC) of the DCI segments.

[0014] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for enhancing control channel coverage of a wireless communication system, the apparatus comprising a processor and a memory storing program instructions which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to determine a threshold value for a downlink control information (DCI) into the plurality of segments of DCI based on at least one of a pre-defined criteria. The processor is further configured to transmit at least one of number of the DCI segments and the threshold value. The processor is further configured to transmit at least one DCI segment, wherein, the DCI segment of the DCI format contains one of an identical number of bits or variable number of bits, and wherein the number of the DCI segments is based on at least one of a size of the DCI format, a number of bits in the information field of the DCI format, a significance of the DCI, an elevation angle, a link quality, and a beam index.

[0015] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for enhancing control channel coverage of a wireless communication system, the apparatus comprising a processor and a memory storing program instructions which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to receive at least one of number of the downlink control information segments and a threshold value. The processor is further configured to receive the plurality of segments of DCI of at least one DCI format, wherein the number of the DCI segments is based on at least one of a size of the DCI format, a number of bits in the information field of the DCI format, a significance of the DCI, an elevation angle, a link quality, and a beam index. The processor is further configured to identify the segmentation of the DCI format using a dcilD. The processor is further configured to combine the multiple segments of the DCI format to retrieve control information, after a cycle redundancy check (CRC) of the DCI segments.

[0016] The above summary is provided merely for the purpose of summarizing some exemplary embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the present disclosure in any way. It will be appreciated that the scope of the present disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some of which will be further described below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Having thus described the embodiments of the disclosure in general terms, reference now will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0018] Fig. 1 is a schematic overview illustrating a non-terrestrial network in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 2 illustrates a PDCCH chain in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a schematic overview illustrating a wireless communication network in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 4 illustrates an example for search space linking of DCI segmentations for the in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig. 5 illustrates a search space linking of DCI segmentations for different aggregation level in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 6 illustrates the components that may be employed in a user equipment (UE), a base station respectively, and configured to support wireless communications in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 7 illustrates a method of enhancing control channel coverage of a wireless communication system reporting in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 8 illustrates another method of enhancing control channel coverage of a wireless communication system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the present invention and is not intendedto represent the only embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. Each embodiment described in this invention is provided merely as an example or illustration of the present invention, and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0027] Some embodiments of the present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, embodiments of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein, rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0028] As used herein, the term “comprising” means including but not limited to and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of.

[0029] The phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

[0030] The word “example” or “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0031] Embodiments herein are described within the context of 5G NR radio technology. It is to be appreciated that the problems and solutions mentioned herein apply equally to wireless access networks and UEs that use different access technologies and standards. NR is used as an example technology where embodiments are appropriate, and include NR in the description is therefore very valuable for understanding the problem and finding solutions toit. In particular, embodiments are equally applicable to 3GPP LTE, or 3GPP LTE plus NR integration.

[0032] Further, many aspects are described in terms of sequences of actions to be performed by, for example, elements of a computing device. It will be recognized that various actions described herein can be performed by specific circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), by program instructions being executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of both. Additionally, the sequence(s) of actions described herein can be considered to be embodied entirely within any form of non- transitory computer- readable storage medium having stored therein a corresponding set of computer instructions that, upon execution, would cause or instruct an associated processor of a device to perform the functionality described herein. Thus, the various aspects of the disclosure may be embodied in a number of different forms, all of which have been contemplated to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0033] As used herein, the terms “user equipment” (UE) and “base station” are not intended to be specific or otherwise limited to any particular radio access technology (RAT), unless otherwise noted. In general, a UE may be any wireless communication device (e.g., a mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, tracking device, wearable (e.g., smartwatch, glasses, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) headset, etc.), vehicle (e.g., automobile, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.), Internet of Things (loT) device, etc.) used by a user to communicate over a wireless communications network. A UE may be mobile or may (e.g., at certain times) be stationary, and may communicate with a radio access network (RAN). Generally, UEs can communicate with a core network via a RAN, and through the core network the UEs can be connected with external networks such as the Internet and with other UEs. Of course, other mechanisms of connecting to the core network and / or the Internet are also possible for the UEs, such as over wired access networks, wireless local area network (WLAN) networks (e.g., based on IEEE 802.11, etc.) and so on.

[0034] A base station may operate according to one of several RATs in communication with UEs depending on the network in which it is deployed, and may be alternatively referred to as an access point (AP), a network node, a NodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNB), a New Radio (NR) Node B (also referred to as a gNB or gNodeB), etc.

[0035] A non-terrestrial network (NTN) refers to a network composed of relays or base stations (BS) boarded in spaceborne vehicles (satellites), high altitude platforms (HAPS) or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The non-terrestrial network (NTN) aims to extend coverage to remote and rural regions. The primary objective is to extend advanced wireless services to areas where providing coverage through terrestrial networks is technically challenging or economically impractical like in sparsely populated or remote regions like rural areas, deserts, hills, etc.

[0036] However, the increased distance between the satellite and user equipment (UE) leads to high path loss, consequently diminishing the link quality and overall reliability.

[0037] To enhance the link margin of PDCCH for NR-NTN, one effective approach is to reduce the pay load size of the DCI formats. Every DCI format is containing a specific number of bits, but not all these bits necessarily important for every type of data traffic. Hence, a solution is to divide the DCI formats into two categories: primary and secondary information. Primary information is designated as DCI Format I, while secondary information is labelled as DCI Format II. To boost the link margin, repetition is taken into account, with the possibility of having a different number of repetitions for each segment of DCI.

[0038] Deciding whether to partition the DCI, and if partitioned, determining the number of divisions, relies on factors such as the elevation angle and the bit count of an information field. E.g. if an information field surpasses four bits, it falls under DCI Format I; Otherwise, it falls into DCI Format II. Typically, packets with fewer bits exhibit higher success probabilities, allowing for a reduced number of repetitions. Conversely, for packets with larger bit counts, the Base Station (BS) may transmit using a higher number of repetitions.

[0039] In the present disclosure, various other possibilities also taken into account such as different aggregation level, different redundancy version, ‘n’ segment DCI, split DCIs based on elevation angle and beam index, search space linking for all aforementioned methods etc. to improve the link quality.

[0040] The present disclosure also takes into account the signaling aspect for each method. Signaling happens through various means, including RRC signaling, elevation angleestimation, and the hard coding of DCI segmentations, assist the blind decoding of the PDCCH by the UE.

[0041] Fig. 1 is a schematic overview illustrating a non-terrestrial network (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The link between the ground station and the satellite is referred to as the feeder link, while the link between the satellite and the user equipment (UE) is known as the service link, and this link undergoes a severe degradation due to pathloss. The elevation angle refers to the angle under which the airbome / spaceborne platform can be seen by a terminal. The elevation angle is denoted as 9 and O<|01<90. In addition to this, multiple hops can occur between non-terrestrial nodes, and the links connecting them are called inter- satellite links (ISLs). The payload carried by the satellite can be either transparent or regenerative, depending on its functionality on board.

[0042] To improve the link quality, various physical channels can be enhanced. The primary focus of the present disclosure is to enhance the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0043] The PDCCH is used to transmit the downlink control information (DCI) as shown in below figure. There are various DCI formats which carries different information such as UL and DL resource allocation, paging information, SIB and group common signalling. All the DCI formats of NR and its usages are given in below Table 1 (Table 7.3.1-1 of TS 38.212.)Table 1

[0044] Fig. 2 illustrates a PDCCH chain 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The detection of errors in the PDCCH at the UE involves employing a group of 24 cyclic redundancy check (CRC) 24 bits 202 appended to the DCI payload andsubsequently subjected to scrambling based on the DCI information and the corresponding radio network temporary identifier (RNTI). The processed pay load is then directed to a polar coding block 204, where the coding rate is determined by either the number of control channel element (CCE) or the aggregation level. The resulting bit count undergoes rate matching 206, wherein the number of bits is adjusted based on the availability of resource elements. Following this, the bits undergo scrambling 208, modulation 210 using QPSK, and are finally mapped onto the resource elements.

[0045] Fig. 3 is a schematic overview illustrating a wireless communication network 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless communication network 300 comprises one or more Radio Access Networks (RANs) and one or more Core Networks (CNs). A single core network 308 is illustrated in Fig. 3 for the purpose of simplicity and as an example. The wireless communication network 300 may implement one or more of different technologies, such as W-Fi, LTE, LTE-Advanced, Fifth Generation (5G), WCDMA, Global System for Mobile communications / Enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution (GSM / EDGE), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), or Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB). The following embodiments pertain to current technological advances that are especially relevant in the context of 5G, but they may also be used to further the advancement of currently in use wireless communication systems like WCDMA and LTE.

[0046] For example, the wireless communications network 300 may include a network node 306, a UE 302, and the non-terrestrial network entity 304, such as a satellite. In the wireless communication network 300 as illustrated in Fig. 3, wireless devices e.g. a UE 302a-302d such as a mobile station, a non-access point (non-AP) STA, a STA, a user equipment (UE) and / or a wireless terminal, communicate via one or more Access Networks (AN), e.g. RANs, to one or more CNs. It is to be understood that “UE” is a non-limiting term which means any terminal, wireless communication terminal, user equipment, Machine Type Communication (MTC) device, Device to Device (D2D) terminal, or node e.g. smart phone, laptop, mobile phone, sensor, relay, mobile tablets or even a small base station capable of communicating using radio communication with a network node within the geographical area served by non-terrestrial network node 304, such as satellite.

[0047] In an embodiment, the wireless communication network 300 comprises one or more radio network nodes RAN 304 providing coverage over geographical areas of a RAT,such as NR, LTE, WiMAX or the like. The non-terrestrial network node 304, such as satellite may be a transmission and reception point e.g. a radio network node such as a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) access point or an Access Point Station (AP STA), an access node, an access controller, a base station, e.g. a radio base station such as a NodeB, an evolved Node B (eNB, eNode B), a gNodeB (gNB), a base transceiver station, a radio remote unit, an Access Point Base Station, a base station router, a transmission arrangement of a radio base station, a stand-alone access point or any other network unit or node capable of communicating with a UE within the area served by the network nodes depending e.g. on the RAT and terminology used. The radio network nodes communicate with the UE in form of downlink (DL) transmissions to the one or more UEs and Uplink (UL) transmissions from the one or more UE.

[0048] The NTN network node 304 may communicate with the network node 306 and the UE 302 as part of wireless communications in an NTN. The NTN network node 304 may provide a serving cell for the UE 302 via a communication link 310. The network node 306 may communicate with the NTN network node 304 via a communication link 312, and the NTN network node 304 may relay signaling between the network node 306 and UE 308 via the communication links 310 and 312.

[0049] The present disclosure presents a set of comprehensive objectives aimed at enhancing the performance of PDCCH through DCI segmentations. Firstly, the division of DCI formats into two distinct stages, namely DCI Format I and DCI Format II e.g. DCI l_0-I, DCI l_0-II. DCI formats has various information fields, each represented by varying numbers of bits. The information fields with a bit count exceeding, d e N, is categorized as DCI Format II; otherwise, it falls under DCI Format I or vis-a-vis. Furthermore, the DCI formats can be divided into ‘n’ segments where n e {2,3,4,..}. Every segment of the DCI possesses either an identical number of bits or variable number of bits. Further, deciding whether to partition the DCI, and if partitioned, determining the number of divisions, relies on factors such as channel condition, the elevation angle, DCI size, beam index and the bit count of an information field. Depending on the number of divisions, the number of information fields and their significance within each division could be different. A comprehensive table can be created to account for all potential combinations of information fields and their significance within each division. This table will then undergo standardization. Subsequently, a row index can be chosen from the standardized table according to the parameters mentioned earlier. For example, if n equals 4, there are four divisions, each containing a specific number of information fields. Theseinformation fields are represented using varying numbers of bits. Standardizing all possible combinations allows the selection of a specific combination based on the parameters mentioned earlier.

[0050] DCI formats can also be divided based on the significance of information fields. In the context of NTN, certain information fields, such as antenna ports, precoding information and number of layers etc., are considered to be low priority as the satellite has an antenna with analog beamforming. For this reason, DCI Format I shall contain primary information, while DCI Format II can include secondary information. The DCI segments can also be transmitted in multiple slots. In another design, the DCI can be split in a such a way that initial parts are sufficient to begin the data channel reception considering the NTN related parameters.

[0051] Both the aforementioned segmentation methods can have different number of repetitions, different aggregation level for each segment, and different number of redundancy versions for each segment. This is due to the fact that primary information or large segments requires a greater number of repetition and higher aggregation level to reach the receiver successfully.

[0052] In the NTN context, elevation angle is considered to be a crucial parameter. Therefore, the number of segments is decided based on the elevation angle e.g., higher elevation angle to the minimum number of segments and vice versa. In addition to this, the signalling of all the aforementioned methods are considered in this invention. Signalling happens in various ways that includes configuring through RRC signalling, hard coding the possible number of splits and the information fields within each split, estimation of elevation angle at the UE, and transmission of elevation angle to the UE through SIB 19.

[0053] The exhaustive table can be constructed for all the possible combinations with the following parameters: (i) Number of DCI segments, elevation angle, number of repetitions, and aggregation level, (ii) Number of DCI segments, beam index, number of repetitions, and aggregation level. The corresponding parameters can be selected for each elevation angle or beam index.

[0054] Additionally, within this invention, the consideration of search space linking for multi-stage DCIs with repetitions is incorporated. The configuration of the search space isguided by RRC signalling. Lower-order modulation and DFT-S-OFDM for PDCCH shall also have a significant influence on link quality. Modulation techniques, aggregation levels, and varying numbers of repetitions can be selected based on DCI formats, DCI size, and elevation angles.

[0055] The description herein further describes some embodiments propose various methods for enhancing control channel coverage of a wireless communication system and also provide methods for multi-stage transmission of DCIs for downlink (DL) Coverage Enhancements of New-Radio-Non-Terrestrial Network (NR-NTN).Split DCIs based on Information Field Size:

[0056] The DCI formats can be divided into two segments based on the number of bits, denoted as d e N. The d can be decide dynamically based on channel condition like observed SNR, SINR, RSRP etc. or prefixed based on type of constellation like GEO, LEO, MEO, HAPS or UAV. In another method d can be fixed based on the elevation angle. The below tables illustrate one such possibility considering the two parts DCI 0_0, and the information field size is based on 4 bits (d = 4). If the information field has 4 or more bits, it is considered as DCI Format I; otherwise, it falls into DCI Format II. Following the split of DCI 0_0, Part I of DCI 0_0 comprises 25 or more bits, while Part II of DCI 0_0 consists of approximately 8 bits. Consequently, DCI 0_0 I may require a greater number of repetitions for successful reception, whereas DCI 0_0 II requires a fewer repetition. Similarly, the DCIs can be segmented for all the formats. In general, different aggregation levels and / or repetition schemes can be adopted for each part of DCI based on number of bits packed and priority of the information. Table 2 and 3 illustrates an example of splitting DCI based on Information Field Size.Table 2Table 3 Signalling of Threshold value, d, through RRC:

[0057] The base station determines the threshold value that is used for segmentation based on predefined criteria. This value, along with the number of segments, is conveyed to the UE via RRC or MAC CE signalling. The above example considers two segments for illustration purpose. Thus, the UE is informed a prior through RRC or MAC CE signalling about both the number of segments and the threshold value. During PDCCH decoding, the UE knows the information fields within each segment, enabling it to determine the size of each segment. Consequently, the UE decodes and combines all segments to retrieve the control information.

[0058] If the information about ‘d’ is unavailable at the UE, then the UE presumes that it receives the legacy DCIs. In another method the relation between d and elevation angle will beconfigured to the UE using RRC or MAC CE. Also, the d value shall be prefixed in the specification based on the type of the constellation.Multi-Stage DCIs Formats:

[0059] In an example, DCI formats with exceptionally large payload sizes, like DCI 1_1, DCI 2_0, DCI 2_1, DCI 2_2, etc., can be divided into multiple segments instead of being limited to just two. Consider DCI 1_1 , for instance, which can be subdivided into four parts, each containing approximately equal number of bits. This approach can be applied to all DCI formats characterized by substantial payload sizes. The DCI 1_1 comprises a total of 79 bits, with each part containing approximately 20 bits. Likewise, this methodology can be applied to all DCI formats with larger pay load sizes.

[0060] In another example, the number of segments can also exceed two depending on the number of bits in the information fields. Using the same example as previously mentioned, DCI 1_1 can be divided into four segments as follows: Let 'd' represent the number of bits in the information field. If the information field contains less than 3 bits (0<d<=3), those fields belong to DCI 1_1-I. Similarly, segments belong to DCI 1_1-II, DCI 1_1-III, and DCI 1_1-IV if 4<=d<=6, 7<=d<=9, and 10<=d<=12, respectively. In general, d can be an array of values which provide the bit ranges for the DCI split.

[0061] Furthermore, deciding whether to partition the DCI, and if partitioned, determining the number of divisions, relies on factors such as channel condition, the elevation angle, DCI size, beam index and the bit count of an information field. Depending on the number of divisions, the number of information fields and their significance within each division could be different.

[0062] The determination of the number of divisions can be influenced by additional factors like traffic type and the type of DCI. For instance, services characterized by delay tolerance can have a higher number of divisions. Similarly, UL and DL resource assignments, namely DCI 0_x and DCI l_x, are considered crucial and, therefore, necessitate higher reliability. So, the number of divisions can be more. Table 4-7 illustrates an example of splitting Multi-Stage DCI formats based on Information Field Size.Table 4Table 5Table 6Table 7 Signalling for multi-stage DCIs:

[0063] A comprehensive table can be created to account for all potential combinations of information fields and their significance within each division. This table can be predefined in the standards. Subsequently, a row index can be chosen from the standardized table according to the parameters mentioned earlier. For example, if n, number of divisions, equals 4, there arefour divisions, each containing a specific number of information fields. These information fields are represented using varying numbers of bits. Standardizing all possible combinations allows the selection of a specific combination based on the parameters such as channel condition.

[0064] If multi-stage DCIs is based on number of bits, then all the conditions based on ‘d’ is informed to UE through RRC or MAC CE signalling.DCI Split based on Significance of Information:

[0065] DCI can be categorized into two or more segments, primary and one or more secondary segments, depending on the significance of the information conveyed. The primary and the secondary segments can be treated differently. E.g., the primary segment can have more number of repetitions and higher aggregation level to improve the reliability whereas the secondary segment can have minimal number of repetition and lower aggregation level. This approach enhances spectral efficiency without compromising on reliability. The information elements of DCI 0_0, frequency hopping flag, NDI, TPC Command for scheduled PUSCH, uplink / supplemental uplink indicator, and padding, are considered to be secondary as these IES are considered as additional information for NTN, given its unique characteristics, including extensive coverage, significant distance between the UE and satellite, and Line-of-Sight (LOS) communication. Table 8-15 illustrates an example of splitting Multi-Stage DCI formats based on Significance of Information.Table 8Table 9Precoding Information & Number of LayersTable 12Table 15Signalling for DCI Split based on Significance of Information:

[0066] If the number of segments remains fixed at two, and the information fields within each segment are also unchanging. Consequently, the segments are predetermined and communicated to the UE in advance. This ensures that the UE is aware of their sizes, enabling blind decoding to be performed successfully.Split DCIs based on Elevation Angle:

[0067] In NTN, the satellite exhibits continuous movement, leading to rapid changes in both the elevation angle and link quality. For instance, a LEO-600 satellite travels at a speed of approx. 7 km / s. Consequently, the elevation angle varies depending on the satellite and UE locations. The DCI can be split into many segments, but the number of segments can be decided based on the elevation angle. As the elevation angle increases the number of segments can be reduced. This approach enhances the spectral efficiency without compromising on reliability.Signalling for Elevation Angle based Split:

[0068] SIB 19 is periodically sent to the UE, containing all the necessary information, including elevation angle. The UE estimates the elevation angle using the most recent SIB received and the satellite's velocity. Each elevation angle corresponds to a predetermined number of splits and is known to the UE beforehand. Upon estimating the elevation angle, the UE also knows the corresponding number of splits and the information fields within each split. Using this information, the UE begins the blind decoding process, and combines all splits to retrieve the control information.

[0069] Another perspective on the signalling of elevation angle is that the number of splits might remain constant for smaller increments of the elevation angle, and also the elevation angle may not vary significantly in every slot. Instead, the number of splits could depend on substantial changes in the elevation angle, for example, different number of splits for every 10 degrees of elevation angle. Consequently, the BS can broadcast the elevation angle in SIB 19 only when there's a notable change in it. This approach reduces the overhead of transmitting SIB 19 and also conserves energy needed for estimating the elevation angle.Split DCIs based on Beam Index:

[0070] A satellite projects multiple beams, and the User Equipment (UE) is situated within one of these beams. The number of segmentations of DCI depends on the beam index. If the beam is positioned farther from the nadir, a higher number of segments is necessary. Conversely, if the UE is within the nadir beam, the number of segments could be reduced. This can also improve the spectral efficiency in addition to the reliability.Signalling for Beam Index based Split:

[0071] During a handover from one beam to another, the UE is aware of the beam index. Each satellite has a predefined set of beams, with a specific number of DCI splits associated with each beam index based on its position. Both the UE and the BS are aware of this mapping between the beam index and the number of splits. Consequently, during a handover, the UE anticipates the corresponding number of DCI splits. Subsequently, the UE performs blind decoding and combines the expected number of DCI splits Therefore BS can configure the UE with DCI split configurations associated with the beam index through RRC, MAC CE and / or SIB.Aggregation Levels for DCI Segmentations:

[0072] The aggregation level could be different for each segmentation of the DCI based on the DCI size or the significance of information. For instance, the primary segment of DCI can have higher aggregation level whereas the secondary segment of DCI can have lower aggregation level. Similarly, the smaller segment DCI can have lower aggregation level and larger segment DCI can have higher aggregation level. In general, different aggregation levels and / or repetition schemes can be adopted for each part of DCI based on number of bits packed and priority of the information.RRC Signalling:

[0073] The aggregation level for each segmentation can be informed prior to the UE through RRC signalling as the number of divisions are static throughout the system. Therefore, the UE can do the blind decoding procedure according to the aggregation levels and combine all the segments of the DCI.Mapping of Number of DCI Segmentation with EA, AL and Number of Repetition:

[0074] There can be a look up table consist of all possible combinations of number of DCI segmentation, elevation angle, aggregation level and number of repetitions. The satellite (higher layer at BS) can choose better combination according to the link quality and can be informed to the UE through the group common DCI. The BS can also share the row index through RRC signalling.Mapping of Number of DCI Segmentation with Beam Index, AL and Number of Repetition:

[0075] There can be a look table consist of all possible combinations of number of DCI segmentation, beam index, aggregation level and number of repetitions. The satellite (higher layer at BS) can choose better combination according to the link quality and can be informed to the UE through the group common DCI. The BS can also share the row index through RRC signalling.DCI Segments Spans over Multiple Slots:

[0076] DCI can be divided into multiple segments, and it is not necessary for all segments to transmit within the same time slot. Instead, depending on the number of segments and aggregation levels, DCIs can be distributed across many slots, particularly suitable for delay-tolerant applications. For example, if there are four segments, each with a higher aggregation level, two segments can be transmitted in the current slot, and the remaining two segments can be transmitted in the successive slot. Moreover, these two time slots are need not be consecutive. If all the symbols are allocated for UL in a slot, then the BS decide to transmit the DCI in the subsequent slots.Redundancy Version for DCI Segmentations:

[0077] PDCCH repetition is implemented to enhance the link margin. While repetitions exist for all DCI segments, redundancy versions can be integrated according to the repetition count of each DCI segmentation. For instance, the primary segment requires higher repetition and consequently more redundancy versions (RVs). Conversely, the secondary segment requires lower repetition, leading to fewer Rvs.Modulation Techniques for DCI Segmentations:

[0078] Different modulation schemes can be assigned to each DCI segmentation. For example, the primary segmentation can employ lower-order modulation, while the secondary segmentation could utilize higher-order modulation. Similarly, larger segments can adopt lower-order modulation, while smaller segments can opt for higher-order modulation. This approach contributes to improved link margin and enhances spectral efficiency. It is to be noted that the current PDCCH uses only QPSK modulation.Transform Precoding for DCI Segments:

[0079] For UL, the UE chooses either a DFT-S-OFDM or CP-OFDM based on the coverage condition. Similarly, in NTN, the satellite can choose the waveforms based on the coverage condition as the link quality is very poor. In particular, for the lower elevation angles the satellite can decide to stay with the DFT-S-OFDM. The transform precoding shall also be applied for larger and primary segments of DCI. The DFT-S-OFDM can be applied in addition to the segmentation which can enhance the link quality.Search Space Linking of DCI Segmentations:

[0080] DCI segmented into multiple parts and mapped on to the REs. The DCI segmentation can also have number of repetitions. The configuration of PDCCH on resource grid is informed prior to UE through RRC signalling. Fig. 4 illustrates an example for search space linking of DCI segmentations for the in accordance with the embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Fig. 4 shows an example for two segment DCI, namely PDCCH #1 and PDCCH #2, are placed in the resource grid. The below figure also shows the four PDCCH repetition and the search space has been linked among all the four repetitions. The Fig.4 depicted for the following configuration: 4 timeslots, 4 repetitions, two segment DCI, aggregation level is 1 (1 CCE), and 3 symbol coreset. In timeslot 1, PDCCH #1 is placed in 1 CCE or 6 REGs, and PDCCH #2 is placed in 1 CCE or 6 REGs, and this configuration is informed to the UE through RRC signalling. The same resource allocation is considered for all the repetition in this example. The repetitions are linked using searchSpaceLinkingID information element. The UE combines all the PDCCH which has same searchSpaceLinkingID and decodes it for the DCI.

[0081] The DCI segment can also have dcilD which helps the UE to combine the number of segments of a DCI format for a particular UE. Each segmentation of the same DCI can possess this ID, and this ID will be same. For instance, DCI 0_0, for a particular UE, split into two segments as DCI 0_0-I and DCI 0_0-II, and has a common information field called dcilD, such as dcilD = 1.

[0082] To find the segments which belongs to the same DCI, the XOR operation is done between scrambled CRC bits and dcilD . For example, in the case of DL and UL scheduling DCI, XOR operation is performed between CRC bits and C-RNTI, followed by another XOR operation with dcilD, expressed as CRC XOR C-RNTI XOR dcilD. if CRC checks then the UE can understand that the segmentation is belongs to the particular DCI and can combine all the segments to retrieve the control information successfully.

[0083] The resource allocation need not be same for all the repetition. Each repetition can also have different resource allocation and can be identified using searchSpaceLinkingID . For instance, in fig. 2, time slot 2, the resources can have an offset with respect to the time slot 1 and can be informed to UE about the offset prior through RRC signalling.

[0084] Similarly, the Fig 5 illustrates a search space linking of DCI segmentations for different aggregation level in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. That is, PDCCH #1 has an aggregation level of 2 and PDCCH #2 has aggregation level of 1. Both are mapped into the resource grid and the configuration can be informed to the UE through RRC signalling. Figure 3 depicted for the following configuration: 4 timeslots, 4 repetitions, two segment DCI, aggregation level is 1 (1 CCE) for PDCCH#2 and AL=2 (2 CCE) for 1PDCCH #1, , and 3 symbol coreset. In timeslot 1, PDCCH #1 is places in 2 CCE or 12 REGs, and PDCCH #2 is placed in 1 CCE or 6 REGs, and this configuration is informed to the UE through RRC signalling. The same resource allocation is considered for all the repetition in this example. The repetitions are linked using searchSpaceLinkingID information element. The UE combines all the PDCCH which has same searchSpaceLinkingID and decodes it for the DCI.On DCI Formats and DCI Sizes:

[0085] The number of repetition and aggregation level can be different for each DCI formats and DCI sizes. For instance, the DCI formats are having different sizes and so do not require same number of repetitions for each DCI formats. Thus, larger DCI formats can have higher repetition and smaller size DCI formats can have a fewer repetition. Similarly, according to the significance of DCI formats the number of repetition and aggregation level can be changed. All the DCI sizes are known to both UE and BS, and so the number of repetitions. Therefore, the UE can wait to receive all the repetition before decoding the DCI.Channel coding mechanism for smaller size segments:

[0086] Depending on the size of the segmented DCI, modification needs to be made to blocks within the PDCCH chain, particularly the CRC block and polar encoder.

[0087] Considering that 24 CRC bits are appended to the DCI bits, the segment size should be a minimum of 24; otherwise, the input will remain unchanged as the output. Therefore, the new CRC needs to designed.

[0088] For the case of polar encoder: in general, for an (N, K) polar code, where N is the block length and K is the number of information bits per codeword, the minimum length of data bits needed would be K. In the context of polar codes, the number of information bits (K) determines the amount of data that needs to be encoded. The encoder takes K information bits and encodes them into N output bits, where N is typically a power of 2. Therefore, to encode a set of information bits using a polar encoder, you would need at least K data bits as input. It's important to note that the choice of K and N is crucial in designing polar codes to achieve the desired error correction performance and code rate. The specific values of K and N will impact the efficiency and effectiveness of the polar code in correcting errors during transmission. Therefore, the number of bits in DCI segments needs to be chosen according to the coding rate.

[0089] Fig. 6 illustrates a block diagram depicting the components of a wireless communication system 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the UE 602 may comprise a processor 614, memory storing instructions 612 and a transceiver circuitry comprising a transmitter 616 and receiver 618 configured to perform the methods herein. As shown in FIG. 6, the BS 604 may comprise a processor 624, memory storing instructions 622 and a transceiver circuitry comprising a transmitter 626 and receiver 628 configured to perform the methods herein.

[0090] In an embodiment, the apparatus comprising a processor and a memory storing program instructions which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to determine a threshold value for a downlink control information (DCI) into the plurality of segments of DCI based on at least one of a pre-defined criteria. The processor is further configured to transmit at least one of number of the DCI segments and the threshold value. The processor is further configured to transmit at least one DCI segment, wherein, the DCI segment of the DCI format contains one of an identical number of bits or variable number of bits, and wherein the number of the DCI segments is based on at least one of a size of the DCI format, a number of bits in the information field of the DCI format, a significance of the DCI, an elevation angle, a link quality, and a beam index.

[0091] In another embodiment, the apparatus comprising a processor and a memory storing program instructions which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to receive at least one of number of the downlink control information segments and a threshold value. The processor is further configured to receive the plurality of segments of DCI of at least one DCI format, wherein the number of the DCI segments is based on at least one of a size of the DCI format, a number of bits in the information field of the DCI format, a significance of the DCI, an elevation angle, a link quality, and a beam index. The processor is further configured to identify the segmentation of the DCI format using a dcilD. The processor is further configured to combine the multiple segments of the DCI format to retrieve control information, after a cycle redundancy check (CRC) of the DCI segments.

[0092] Fig. 6 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates only one memory and processor. It is apparent to a skilled person in the art that a UE and BS may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The memory may also be referred to as a storage medium, a storage device, or the like. The memory may be disposed independentof the processor, or may be integrated with the processor. This is not to be accorded as a limitation of the embodiment described in this disclosure.

[0093] In an embodiment of this disclosure, an antenna and a radio frequency circuit that have a receiving and sending function may be considered as a transceiver unit of the terminal. The transceiver unit may also be referred to as a transceiver (including a transmitter and / or a receiver), a transceiver machine, a transceiver apparatus, or the like. The processing unit may also be referred to as a processor, a processing module, a processing apparatus, or the like. Optionally, a component configured to implement a receiving function in the transceiver unit may be considered as a receiving unit, and a component configured to implement a sending function in the transceiver unit may be considered as a transmitting unit. In other words, the transceiver unit includes the receiving unit and the transmitting unit. This is not to be accorded as a limitation of the embodiment described in this disclosure.

[0094] In some embodiments, the transceiver unit and the processing unit may be integrated together or may be disposed independently. In addition, all functions of the processing unit may be integrated into one chip for implementation. Alternatively, some functions may be integrated into one chip for implementation and some other functions are integrated into one or more other chips for implementation.

[0095] All or some of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented by using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When software is used to implement the embodiments, all or some of the embodiments may be implemented in a form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the procedures or functions according to embodiments of this application are all or partially generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, a computer network, or another programmable apparatus. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or may be transmitted from a computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from a website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center in a wired (for example, a coaxial cable, an optical fiber, or a digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (for example, infrared, radio, or microwave) manner. The computer-readable storage medium may be any usable mediumaccessible by the computer, or a data storage device, for example, a server or a data center, integrating one or more usable media. The usable medium may be a magnetic medium (for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape), an optical medium (for example, a DVD), a semiconductor medium (for example, a solid-state drive (SSD)), or the like.

[0096] Fig. 7 illustrates a method for enhancing control channel coverage of a wireless communication system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operations of method 700 presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some implementations, method 700 may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and / or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method 700 are illustrated in FIG. 7 and described below is not intended to be limiting.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the method 700 may be implemented by one or more processors or modules illustrated and explained through Figs. 1-6, therefore detailed explanation of the same is omitted here for the sake of brevity.

[0098] Step 702 may include determining by at least one node, a threshold value for a downlink control information (DCI) into the plurality of segments of DCI based on at least one of a pre-defined criteria.

[0099] Step 704 may include transmitting by the at least one node, at least one of number of the DCI segments and the threshold value.

[0100] Step 706 may include transmitting by the at least one node, at least one DCI segment, wherein, the DCI segment of the DCI format contains one of an identical number of bits or variable number of bits, and wherein the number of the DCI segments is based on at least one of a size of the DCI format, a number of bits in the information field of the DCI format, a significance of the DCI, an elevation angle, a link quality, and a beam index.

[0101] In an embodiment, the threshold value is obtained based on the size of an information field.

[0102] In an embodiment, the link quality is determined based on at least one of a reference signal received power (RSRP), a reference signal request quality (RSRQ) and a received signal strength indicator (RSSI).

[0103] In an embodiment, the segment comprises a sequence number (SN) to preserve the order of the segments.

[0104] In an embodiment, the threshold is obtained an array of values, where each element in the array corresponds to a specific range of threshold value.

[0105] In an embodiment, the threshold value further computed dynamically using at least one of the elevation angle and the beam index.

[0106] In an embodiment, the size of the array is one of prefixed based on one of Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

[0107] In an embodiment, the size of the array is dynamically obtained based on the link quality.

[0108] In an embodiment, the segment comprises at least one of at least one repetition, at least one redundancy version, and at least one aggregation level.

[0109] In an embodiment, the at least one aggregation level is based on at least one of the DCI size and the significance of information.

[0110] In an embodiment, at least one of the number of segments and the threshold value for the DCI format are transmitted using one of system information block (SIB), master information block (MIB), RRC and MAC-CE signalling.

[0111] In an embodiment, the plurality of segments comprises one primary and at least one secondary segments, based on the significance of the information.

[0112] In an embodiment, the segmentation information is transmitted as SIB message.

[0113] In an embodiment, the SIB message comprises at least one of necessary information for the DCI segmentation, including elevation angle.

[0114] In an embodiment, the number of segment is obtained from a look-up table constructed using at least one of the elevation angle and the beam index, the number of repetitions and the at least one aggregation level.

[0115] In an embodiment, a row index of the look-up table is transmitted using one of SIB,RRC signalling and MAC-CE.

[0116] In an embodiment, the DCI segments of the DCI format are distributed across multiple slots wherein the slots are one of consecutive or non-consecutive, based on at least one of the number of DCI segments and the aggregation levels.

[0117] In an embodiment, the at least one redundancy version (RV) is employed for the at least one repetition.

[0118] In an embodiment, one of same or different modulation schemes are assigned for the different segments.

[0119] In an embodiment, the different segments are transmitted using one of same or different waveforms based on the coverage condition.

[0120] In an embodiment, the at least one node comprises at least one of a base station, a gNB, relay, a repeater, an integrated access and backhaul (lAB)-Distributed Units (DU), user equipment (UE), and IAB -mobile termination (MT).

[0121] Fig. 8 illustrates a method of enhancing control channel coverage of a wireless communication system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operations of method 800 presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some implementations, method 800 may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and / or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order inwhich the operations of method 800 are illustrated in FIG. 8 and described below is not intended to be limiting.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the method 800 may be implemented by one or more processors or modules illustrated and explained through Figs. 1-6, therefore detailed explanation of the same is omitted here for the sake of brevity.

[0123] Step 802 may include receiving by at least one node, at least one of number of the downlink control information (DCI) segments and a threshold value.

[0124] Step 804 may include receiving by at least one node, the plurality of segments of DCI of at least one DCI format, wherein the number of the DCI segments is based on at least one of a size of the DCI format, a number of bits in the information field of the DCI format, a significance of the DCI, an elevation angle, a link quality, and a beam index.

[0125] Step 806 may include identifying by the at least one node, the segmentation of the DCI format using a dcilD.

[0126] Step 808 may include combining by the at least one node, the multiple segments of the DCI format to retrieve control information, after a cycle redundancy check (CRC) of the DCI segments.

[0127] In an embodiment, the dcilD is first bit of the DCI segment.

[0128] In an embodiment, the segment comprises a sequence number (SN) to preserve the order of the segments.

[0129] In an embodiment, the segment comprises at least one of at least one repetition, at least one redundancy version, and at least one aggregation level.

[0130] In an embodiment, the at least one of the number of segments and the threshold value for the DCI format are received using one of system information block (SIB), master information block (MIB), RRC and MAC-CE signalling.

[0131] In an embodiment, the plurality of segments comprises one primary and at least one secondary segments, based on the significance of the information.

[0132] In an embodiment, the segmentation information is received as SIB message.

[0133] In an embodiment, the elevation angle is estimated using the most recent SIB and satellite’s velocity.

[0134] In an embodiment, the SIB message comprises at least one of necessary information for the DCI segmentation, including elevation angle.

[0135] In an embodiment, the number of segment is obtained from a look-up table constructed using at least one of the elevation angle and the beam index, the number of repetitions and the at least one aggregation level.

[0136] In an embodiment, a row index of the look-up table is received using one of SIB, RRC signalling and MAC-CE.

[0137] In an embodiment, the DCI segments of the DCI format are distributed across multiple slots wherein the slots are one of consecutive or non-consecutive, based on at least one of the number of DCI segments and the aggregation levels.

[0138] In an embodiment, the at least one redundancy version (RV) is employed for the at least one repetition.

[0139] In an embodiment, one of same or different modulation schemes are assigned for the different segments.

[0140] In an embodiment, the different segments are received using one of same or different waveforms based on the coverage condition.

[0141] In an embodiment, the at least one node comprises at least one of a base station, a gNB, relay, a repeater, an integrated access and backhaul (lAB)-Distributed Units (DU), user equipment (UE), and IAB -mobile termination (MT).

[0142] The figures of the disclosure are provided to illustrate some examples of the invention described. The figures are not to limit the scope of the depicted embodiments of the appended claims. Aspects of the disclosure are described herein with reference to the invention to example embodiments for illustration. It should be understood that specific details, relationships, and method are set forth to provide a full understanding of the example embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art recognize the example embodiments can be practiced without one or more specific details and / or with other methods.

[0143] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0144] Aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented as computer program products that comprise articles of manufacture. Such computer program products may include one or more software components including, for example, applications, software objects, methods, data structure, and / or the like. In some embodiments, a software component may be stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, which computer program product may comprise the computer-readable media with software component, comprising computer executable instructions, included thereon. The various control and operational systems described herein may incorporate one or more of such computer program products and / or software components for causing the various conveyors and components thereof to operate in accordance with the functionalities described herein.

[0145] A software component may be coded in any of a variety of programming languages. An illustrative programming language may be a lower-level programming language such as an assembly language associated with a particular hardware architecture and / or operating system platform / system. Other example of programming languages included, but are not limited to, a macro language, a shell or command language, a job control language, ascripting language, a database query, or search language, and / or report writing language. In one or more example embodiments, a software component comprising instructions in one of the foregoing examples of programming languages may be executed directly by an operating system or other software component without having to be first transformed into another form. A software component may be stored as a file or other data storage methods. Software components of a similar type or functionally related may be stored together such as, for example, in a particular directory, folder, or repository. Software components may be static (e.g., pre-established, or fixed) or dynamic (e.g., created or modified at the time of execution).

[0146] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of particular disclosures. Certain features that are described herein in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub combination or variation of a sub combination.

[0147] Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0148] It is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, unless described otherwise.

Claims

WE CLAIM1. A method for enhancing control channel coverage of a wireless communication system, the method comprising: determining by at least one node, a threshold value for a downlink control information (DCI) into the plurality of segments of DCI based on at least one of a pre-defined criteria; transmitting by the at least one node, at least one of number of the DCI segments and the threshold value; and transmitting by the at least one node, at least one DCI segment, wherein, the DCI segment of the DCI format contains one of an identical number of bits or variable number of bits, and wherein the number of the DCI segments is based on at least one of a size of the DCI format, a number of bits in the information field of the DCI format, a significance of the DCI, an elevation angle, a link quality, and a beam index.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the threshold value is obtained based on the size of an information field.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the link quality is determined based on at least one of a reference signal received power (RSRP), a reference signal request quality (RSRQ) and a received signal strength indicator (RSSI).

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the segment comprises a sequence number (SN) to preserve the order of the segments.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the threshold is obtained an array of values, where each element in the array corresponds to a specific range of threshold value.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the threshold value further computed dynamically using at least one of the elevation angle and the beam index.

7. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the size of the array is one of prefixed based on one of Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the size of the array is dynamically obtained based on the link quality.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the segment comprises at least one of at least one repetition, at least one redundancy version, and at least one aggregation level.

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one aggregation level is based on at least one of the DCI size and the significance of information.

11. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the number of segments and the threshold value for the DCI format are transmitted using one of system information block (SIB), master information block (MIB), RRC and MAC-CE signalling.

12. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of segments comprises one primary and at least one secondary segments, based on the significance of the information.

13. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the segmentation information is transmitted as SIB message.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the SIB message comprises at least one of necessary information for the DCI segmentation, including elevation angle.

15. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the number of segment is obtained from a look-up table constructed using at least one of the elevation angle and the beam index, the number of repetitions and the at least one aggregation level.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein a row index of the look-up table is transmitted using one of SIB, RRC signalling and MAC-CE.

17. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the DCI segments of the DCI format are distributed across multiple slots wherein the slots are one of consecutive or non-consecutive, based on at least one of the number of DCI segments and the aggregation levels.

18. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one redundancy version (RV) is employed for the at least one repetition.

19. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of same or different modulation schemes are assigned for the different segments.

20. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the different segments are transmitted using one of same or different waveforms based on the coverage condition.

21. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one node comprises at least one of a base station, a gNB, relay, a repeater, an integrated access and backhaul (lAB)-Distributed Units (DU), user equipment (UE), and lAB-mobile termination (MT).

22. A method for enhancing control channel coverage of a wireless communication system, the method comprising: receiving by at least one node, at least one of number of the downlink control information (DCI) segments and a threshold value; receiving by at least one node, the plurality of segments of DCI of at least one DCI format, wherein the number of the DCI segments is based on at least one of a size of the DCI format, a number of bits in the information field of the DCI format, a significance of the DCI, an elevation angle, a link quality, and a beam index; identifying by the at least one node, the segmentation of the DCI format using a dcilD; and combining by the at least one node, the multiple segments of the DCI format to retrieve control information, after a cycle redundancy check (CRC) check of the DCI segments.

23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the dcilD is first bit of the DCI segment.

24. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the segment comprises a sequence number (SN) to preserve the order of the segments.

25. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the segment comprises at least one of at least one repetition, at least one redundancy version, and at least one aggregation level.

26. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein at least one of the number of segments and the threshold value for the DCI format are received using one of system information block (SIB), master information block (MIB), RRC and MAC-CE signalling.

27. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the plurality of segments comprises one primary and at least one secondary segments, based on the significance of the information.

28. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the segmentation information is received as SIB message.

29. The method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the elevation angle is estimated using the most recent SIB and satellite’s velocity.

30. The method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the SIB message comprises at least one of necessary information for the DCI segmentation, including elevation angle.

31. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the number of segment is obtained from a look-up table constructed using at least one of the elevation angle and the beam index, the number of repetitions and the at least one aggregation level.

32. The method as claimed in claim 31 , wherein a row index of the look-up table is received using one of SIB, RRC signalling and MAC-CE.

33. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the DCI segments of the DCI format are distributed across multiple slots wherein the slots are one of consecutive or non-consecutive, based on at least one of the number of DCI segments and the aggregation levels.

34. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the at least one redundancy version (RV) is employed for the at least one repetition.

35. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein one of same or different modulation schemes are assigned for the different segments.

36. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the different segments are received using one of same or different waveforms based on the coverage condition.

37. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the at least one node comprises at least one of a base station, a gNB, relay, a repeater, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB)- Distributed Units (DU), user equipment (UE), and lAB-mobile termination (MT).

38. An apparatus for enhancing control channel coverage of a wireless communication system, the apparatus comprising: a processor; a memory storing program instructions which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to: determine a threshold value for a downlink control information (DCI) into the plurality of segments of DCI based on at least one of a pre-defined criteria; transmit at least one of number of the DCI segments and the threshold value; and transmit at least one DCI segment, wherein, the DCI segment of the DCI format contains one of an identical number of bits or variable number of bits, and wherein the number of the DCI segments is based on at least one of a size of the DCI format, a number of bits in the information field of the DCIformat, a significance of the DCI, an elevation angle, a link quality, and a beam index.

39. An apparatus for enhancing control channel coverage of a wireless communication system, the apparatus comprising: a processor; a memory storing program instructions which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to: receive at least one of number of the downlink control information (DCI) segments and a threshold value; receive the plurality of segments of DCI of at least one DCI format, wherein the number of the DCI segments is based on at least one of a size of the DCI format, a number of bits in the information field of the DCI format, a significance of the DCI, an elevation angle, a link quality, and a beam index; identify the segmentation of the DCI format using a dcilD; and combine the multiple segments of the DCI format to retrieve control information, after a cycle redundancy check (CRC) check of the DCI segments.

Images