Checking method for transport block size (TBS) determination for full-duplex communications

Abstract

A method and a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) configured for multi-slot transmissions are disclosed. The WTRU receives an indication for a downlink (DL) or uplink (UL) communication in one or more slots SBFD. Further, the WTRU determines that a subset of resource blocks (RBs) in a sub-band full duplex (SBFD) slot is unusable, and calculates a number of usable RBs in the SBFD slot. Also, the WTRU determines a transport block size (TBS) based on a combination of a number of slots configured for SBFD and the number of usable RBs. Moreover, the WTRU sends, receives, or both, transmissions in each of the SBFD and non-SBFD slots using the determined TBS.

Description

CHECKING METHOD FOR TRANSPORT BLOCK SIZE (TBS) DETERMINATION FOR FULL-DUPLEX COMMUNICATIONSBACKGROUND

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 571,702, filed March 29, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] There are two modes of operation in current communication systems, Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) mode of operation and Time Division Duplex (TDD) mode of operation. In the FDD mode of operation, downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) transmissions can be configured at the same time but using different carrier frequencies. The FDD mode of operation typically uses separate frequency bands for uplink and downlink transmissions. In the TDD mode of operation, the DL and UL transmissions are separated in the time domain. The TDD mode of operation typically uses the same frequency band for transmissions but separates the transmissions in time. This time restriction can impact the coverage of the transmissions, especially for uplink transmissions. To solve this limitation of the resource availability in one direction (DL or UL), a full duplex mode of operation is studied to be supported in New Radio (NR) systems.

[0003] A full duplex mode of operation consists of having a Next-Generation Node B (gNB) and / or wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) transmit and receive in the same carrier bandwidth at the same time. In the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) full duplex study, a sub-band full duplex (SBFD) concept was introduced where a carrier is divided into multiple sub-bands and each sub-band will have transmissions in only one direction. For example, one SBFD configuration could be to divide a carrier into three sub-bands, with a first sub-band configured for downlink transmission, a second sub-band configured for uplink transmission and a third sub-band configured for downlink transmission. The three sub-bands can be separated by a gap in the frequency domain to protect the transmissions from cross link interference (CLI). It is noted that SBFD enables simultaneous uplink and downlink transmissions in different frequency sub-bands within the same carrier bandwidth.

[0004] In current NR systems, the gNB manages resource allocation among WTRUs. The gNB can include a scheduler, which is a component of the network management scheme. For example, the scheduler is responsible for managing how radio resources are allocated and the scheduler determines which WTRUs get access to network resources, like resource blocks (RBs), at any given time, and manages the distribution of these resources. The scheduler can use different types of resource allocation indications. Resource allocation type 0 consist of indicating a bitmap with each bit represent a Resource Block Group (RBG). Resource allocation type 1 consist of indicating a starting RB and a set of contiguous RBs. Depending on which resource allocation scheme is used, there may be some scheduled RBs overlapping with a sub-band in different direction than the transmission’s direction. For example, some of the allocated RBs for a downlink transmission may overlap with uplink sub-band and / or guard band.

[0005] In a current NR system, a transport block size is calculated based on the scheduled RBs for the transmission. Each RB consists of one or more resource elements (REs). In the context of full-duplex communications, where both transmission and reception may occur simultaneously on the same configured carrier, the issue of unused REs arise due to the nature of the transmission.SUMMARY

[0006] A method and apparatus for transport block size (TBS) determination for full-duplex communications disclosed. In an embodiment, the apparatus is a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU). The method comprises performing the TBS determination or calculation based on any one or a combination of different information. In an embodiment, the TBS determination or calculation is based on a total number of slots configured or indicated for the transmission, a number of slots configured with SBFD, and a percentage of usable resource blocks (RBs) per SBFD slots.

[0007] The method may comprise configuring the apparatus for DL or UL communication in one or multiple slots (for example, with repetition in N slots). Additionally or alternatively, at least one slot is configured with SBFD. Additionally or alternatively, the indication or the configuration allocates a total number of RBs for the transmission in each slot. The apparatus can also be configured with a first modulation and coding scheme (MCS), additionally or alternatively. The apparatus determines that a subset of the total number of RBs of the transmission in the SBFD slot is overlapping with unusable sub-band (for example, subset of RBs of the UL transmission is overlapping with DL sub-band and / or a guard band). The apparatus calculates a number of usable RB(s) in the SBFD slot. The method may include performing the TBS determination or calculation additionally or alternatively.

[0008] The apparatus may determine the TBS based on the number of slots configured for SBFD and the number of usable RBs. Additionally or alternatively, if the ratio of the number of slots configured with SBFD divided by the number of slots for the transmission (N) is above the first threshold and / or the percentage of usable RBs is below the second threshold, then the method comprises determining TBS using the number of usable RBs and applying a first MCS for non-SBFD slots and a second MCS for SBFD slots (for example, based on configured mapping between MCS indices and number of unusable RBs). The method comprises sending and receiving transmissions in each of the SBFD and non-SBFD slots using the calculated TBS and / or the determined MCS index(s).BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A more detailed understanding may be had from the following description, given by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals in the figures indicate like elements, and wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 A is a system diagram illustrating an example communications system in which one or more disclosed embodiments may be implemented;

[0011] FIG. 1B is a system diagram illustrating an example wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) that may be used within the communications system illustrated in FIG. 1A according to an embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 1C is a system diagram illustrating an example radio access network (RAN) and an example core network (CN) that may be used within the communications system illustrated in FIG. 1A according to an embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 1 D is a system diagram illustrating a further example RAN and a further example CN that may be used within the communications system illustrated in FIG. 1A according to an embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of an sub-band full duplex (SBFD) configuration;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a transmission diagram illustrating an example of downlink (DL) multi-slot transmission with an SBFD slot and a non-SBFD slot; and

[0016] FIG. 4 is a flowchart diagram illustrating an example of a WTRU performing a transport block size (TBS) determination or calculation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Hereinafter, ‘a’ and ‘an’ and similar phrases are to be interpreted as ‘one or more’ and ‘at least one’. Similarly, any term which ends with the suffix ‘(s)’ is to be interpreted as ‘one or more’ and ‘at least one’. The term ‘may’ is to be interpreted as ‘may, for example’.

[0018] A symbol ‘I’ (for example, forward slash) may be used herein to represent ‘and / or’, where for example, ‘A / B’ may imply ‘A and / or B'.

[0019] Hereinafter, the term “subband” is used to refer to a frequency-domain resource and may be characterized by at least one of the following: a set of resource blocks (RBs); a set of resource block sets (RB sets), for example when a carrier has intra-cell guard bands; a set of interlaced resource blocks; a bandwidth part, or portion thereof; and a carrier, or portion thereof.

[0020] For example, a subband may be characterized by a starting RB and number of RBs for a set of contiguous RBs within a bandwidth part. A subband may also be defined by the value of a frequency-domain resource allocation field and bandwidth part index.

[0021] Hereinafter, the term “SBFD” is used to refer to a subband-wise duplex (for example, either UL or DL being used per subband) and may be characterized by at least one of the following: cross division duplex (for example, XDD, subband-wise FDD within a TDD band); subband-based full duplex (for example, full duplex as both UL and DL are used / mixed on a symbol / slot, but either UL or DL being used per subband on the symbol / slot); frequency-domain multiplexing (FDM) of DL / UL transmissions within a TDD spectrum; a subband non-overlapping full duplex (SBFD) (for example, non-overlapped sub-band full-duplex); a full duplex other than a same-frequency (for example, spectrum sharing, subband-wise-overlapped) full duplex; and an advancedduplex method, for example, other than (pure) TDD or FDD, for example, partial in-band full duplex, subband overlapping full duplex, in-band full duplex (IBFD).

[0022] Hereinafter, a property of a grant or assignment may consist of at least one of the following: a frequency allocation; an aspect of time allocation, such as a duration; a priority; a modulation and coding scheme; a transport block size; a number of spatial layers; a number of transport blocks; a TCI state, CRI or SRI; a number of repetitions; whether the repetition scheme is Type A or Type B; whether the grant is a configured grant type 1 , type 2 or a dynamic grant; whether the assignment is a dynamic assignment or a semi- persistent scheduling (configured) assignment; a configured grant index ora semi-persistent assignment index; a periodicity of a configured grant or assignment; a channel access priority class (CAPC); any parameter provided in a downlink control information (DCI), by MAC or by RRC for the scheduling the grant or assignment.

[0023] Hereinafter, an indication by DCI may consist of at least one of the following: an explicit indication by a DCI field or by RNTI used to mask CRC of the PDCCH; and an implicit indication by a property such as DCI format, DCI size, Coreset or search space, Aggregation Level, first resource element of the received DCI (for example, index of first Control Channel Element), where the mapping between the property and the value may be signaled by RRC or MAC.

[0024] Hereinafter, a signal may be interchangeably used with one or more of following: a sounding reference signal (SRS); channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS); demodulation reference signal (DM-RS); phase tracking reference signal (PT-RS); and Synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0025] Hereinafter, a channel may be interchangeably used with one or more of following: a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH); a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH); a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH); and a Physical random access channel (PRACH). This list is not exhaustive and it should be understood that a channel can be used with any channel found in NR systems.

[0026] Hereinafter, downlink reception may be used interchangeably with Rx occasion, PDCCH, PDSCH, SSB reception. This list is not exhaustive and it should be understood that downlink reception can be used with any be used with downlink reception found in NR systems.

[0027] Hereinafter, uplink transmission may be used interchangeably with Tx occasion, PUCCH, PUSCH, PRACH, SRS transmission. This list is not exhaustive and it should be understood that uplink transmission can be used with any be used with downlink reception found in NR systems.

[0028] Hereinafter, RS may be interchangeably used with one or more of RS resource, RS resource set, RS port and RS port group. This list is not exhaustive and it should be understood that RS can be used with any be used with RS found in NR systems.

[0029] Hereinafter, RS may be interchangeably used with one or more of SSB, CSI-RS, SRS and DM-RS. This list is not exhaustive and it should be understood that RS can be used with any be used with RS found in NR systems.

[0030] Hereinafter, time instance may be interchangeably used with slot, symbol, subframe. This list is not exhaustive and it should be understood that time instance can be used with any be used with RS found in NR systems.

[0031] Hereinafter, UL-only and DL-only Tx / Rx occasions may interchangeably be used with legacy TDD UL or legacy TDD DL, respectively, and still be consistent with this disclosure and NR systems. In an example, the legacy TDD UL / DL Tx / Rx occasions may be the cases where SBFD is not configured and / or where SBFD is disabled.

[0032] Hereinafter, a UL signal (for example, at least one of SRS, DMRS, PUSCH, PUCCH, PRACH, PTRS, and so forth) may be used interchangeably with a UL signal or channel, or a UL channel or signal. This list is not exhaustive and it should be understood that a UL signal can be used with any be used with any UL signal or UL channel found in NR systems.

[0033] Hereinafter, a DL signal (for example, at least one of CSI-RS, SSB, PDSCH, PDCCH, PBCH, PTRS, and so forth) may be used interchangeably with a DL signal or channel, or a DL channel or signal. This list is not exhaustive and it should be understood that a DL signal can be used with any be used with any DL signal or DL channel found in NR systems.

[0034] As described above, in NR systems, SBFD refers to the ability of a WTRU to transmit and receive signals simultaneously on different frequency bands. This is an advanced feature that enhances the flexibility and efficiency of wireless communication by allowing for concurrent uplink and downlink operations, but with each direction using distinct frequency resources.

[0035] The concept is related to, but distinct from, traditional FDD and TDD operations. In FDD, uplink and downlink transmissions occur simultaneously but are separated by different frequency bands, whereas in TDD, transmissions are separated in time on the same frequency band. SBFD takes the FDD concept further by not just separating uplink and downlink on different frequencies but enabling simultaneous two-way communication, potentially improving the throughput and efficiency of the network and the user experience.

[0036] Implementing SBFD can help overcome limitations associated with resource availability in one direction or the other (downlink or uplink), enhancing the system's capability to support a wide range of applications, including those requiring high uplink capacity. This operation mode can be particularly beneficial in scenarios where asymmetric traffic patterns are common, providing more dynamic and efficient use of the available spectrum.

[0037] While SBFD operation allows for enhanced flexibility by enabling simultaneous uplink and downlink transmissions on different frequency bands, SBFD operation may also lead to situations where some of the allocated RBs for a transmission cannot be utilized. This could be due to various reasons, including frequency band limitations or interference. When RBs are ''dropped1' or not used, the total number of Resource Elements (REs) available for the transmission decreases. This has an impact on the coding rate of a transmission.

[0038] The coding rate of a transmission refers to the ratio of the number of bits that carry information (data) to the total number of bits transmitted (including both data and redundancy). If some RBs are dropped and thus some REs are not used for data transmission, the WTRU has fewer REs over which to spread its data. To compensate for the reduced number of REs, the system might increase the coding rate to ensure that all intended data still gets transmitted. However, increasing the coding rate means less redundancy, which can make the transmission more susceptible to errors.

[0039] The problem becomes more acute for transmissions scheduled with a low MCS, which is typically used under poor channel conditions because it includes more error correction capabilities. Low MCS transmissions are less capable of tolerating an increased coding rate because they already operate under the assumption of needing more redundancy to ensure data is received correctly. If the coding rate is increased due to dropped RBs, these transmissions become more error-prone, impacting the reliability of the communication.

[0040] The Transport Block Size (TBS) is calculated based on the number of allocated RBs to determine how much data the WTRU should transmit. The NR system assumes that only a limited number of REs can be dropped without significantly impacting the TBS calculation. However, if the number of dropped RBs (and consequently REs) is higher than anticipated, it could disrupt this balance, leading to scenarios where the actual coding rate needed for a reliable transmission exceeds what was planned, thus affecting the overall transmission reliability.

[0041] In an example, in the case where some REs of the scheduled transmission are not used for data transmission but used for carrying control information or not available due to overlapping with reserved resources, those un-used REs are still counted toward the total allocation of RBs when the WTRU determines TBS for data transmission. In such a case, the WTRU applies rate matching to select a subset of the encoded bits of the transport block leading to an increased code rate of the transmission. There exists the need to address this issue to determine a TBS for full-duplex communications.

[0042] More specifically, in the context of SBFD operation within NR systems, there exists the need to dynamically adjust the TBS calculation to account for the non-availability of some allocated RBs. If a comparatively larger number of SBFD slots are used, the need to account for the non-availability of some allocated RBs increases. This adjustment ensures the coding rate remains optimized for the actual transmission conditions, maintaining reliability and efficiency of the communication.

[0043] In embodiments described herein, a WTRU performs the TBS calculation based on any one or a combination of a total number of slots for the transmission, a number of slots configured with SBFD and a percentage of usable RB(s) per SBFD slots. The embodiments allow the WTRU to adjust the TBS calculation when there are a large number of dropped RBs that can impact performance. An example of the performance that is impacted is decoding performance but it should be understood that performance can refer to any performance related to the TBS calculation.

[0044] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an example communications system 100 in which one or more disclosed embodiments may be implemented. The communications system 100 may be a multiple access system that provides content, such as voice, data, video, messaging, broadcast, and so forth, to multiple wireless users. The communications system 100 may enable multiple wireless users to access such content through the sharing of system resources, including wireless bandwidth. For example, the communications systems 100 may employ one or more channel access methods, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), zero-tail unique-word discrete Fourier transform Spread OFDM (ZT-UW-DFT-S-OFDM), unique word OFDM (UW-OFDM), resource block-filtered OFDM, filter bank multicarrier (FBMC), and the like.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1A, the communications system 100 may include wireless transmit / receive units (WTRUs) 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, a radio access network (RAN) 104, a core network (ON) 106, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 108, the Internet 110, and other networks 112, though it will be appreciated that the disclosed embodiments contemplate any number of WTRUs, base stations, networks, and / or network elements. Each of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may be any type of device configured to operate and / or communicate in a wireless environment. By way of example, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, any of which may be referred to as a station (STA), may be configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals and may include a user equipment (UE), a mobile station, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a subscription-based unit, a pager, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a laptop, a netbook, a personal computer, a wireless sensor, a hotspot or Mi-Fl device, an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (for example, remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (for example, a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like. Any of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and 102d may be interchangeably referred to as a UE.

[0046] The com munications systems 100 may also incl ude a base station 114a and / or a base station 114b. Each of the base stations 114a, 114b may be any type of device configured to wirelessly interface with at least one of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to facilitate access to one or more communication networks, such as the CN 106, the Internet 110, and / or the other networks 112. By way of example, the base stations 114a, 114b may be a base transceiver station (BTS), a NodeB, an eNode B (eNB), a Home Node B, a Home eNode B, a next generation NodeB, such as a gNode B (gNB), a new radio (NR) NodeB, a site controller, an access point (AP), a wireless router, and the like. While the base stations 114a, 114b are each depicted as a single element, it will be appreciated that the base stations 114a, 114b may include any number of interconnected base stations and / or network elements.

[0047] The base station 114a may be part of the RAN 104, which may also include other base stations and / or network elements (not shown), such as a base station controller (BSC), a radio network controller (RNC),relay nodes, and the like. The base station 114a and / or the base station 114b may be configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals on one or more carrier frequencies, which may be referred to as a cell (not shown). These frequencies may be in licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or a combination of licensed and unlicensed spectrum. A cell may provide coverage for a wireless service to a specific geographical area that may be relatively fixed or that may change over time. The cell may further be divided into cell sectors. For example, the cell associated with the base station 114a may be divided into three sectors. Thus, in one embodiment, the base station 114a may include three transceivers, i.e., one for each sector of the cell. In an embodiment, the base station 114a may employ multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) technology and may utilize multiple transceivers for each sector of the cell. For example, beamforming may be used to transmit and / or receive signals in desired spatial directions.

[0048] The base stations 114a, 114b may communicate with one or more of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d over an air interface 116, which may be any suitable wireless communication link (for example, radio frequency (RF), microwave, centimeter wave, micrometer wave, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), visible light, and so forth). The air interface 116 may be established using any suitable radio access technology (RAT).

[0049] More specifically, as noted above, the communications system 100 may be a multiple access system and may employ one or more channel access schemes, such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA, and the like. For example, the base station 114a in the RAN 104 and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), which may establish the air interface 116 using wideband CDMA (WCDMA). WCDMA may include communication protocols such as High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) and / or Evolved HSPA (HSPA+). HSPA may include High-Speed Downlink (DL) Packet Access (HSDPA) and / or High-Speed Uplink (UL) Packet Access (HSUPA).

[0050] In an embodiment, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), which may establish the air interface 116 using Long Term Evolution (LTE) and / or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) and / or LTE-Advanced Pro (LTE-A Pro).

[0051] In an embodiment, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as NR Radio Access , which may establish the air interface 116 using NR.

[0052] In an embodiment, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement multiple radio access technologies. For example, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement LTE radio access and NR radio access together, for instance using dual connectivity (DC) principles. Thus, the air interface utilized by WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may be characterized by multiple types of radio access technologies and / or transmissions sent to / from multiple types of base stations (for example, an eNB and a gNB).

[0053] In other embodiments, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement radio technologies such as IEEE 802.11 (i.e., Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), IEEE 802.16 (i.e., WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)), CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1X, CDMA2000 EV-DO, Interim Standard 2000 (IS-2000), Interim Standard 95 (IS-95), Interim Standard 856 (IS-856), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE (GERAN), and the like.

[0054] The base station 114b in FIG. 1A may be a wireless router, Home Node B, Home eNode B, or access point, for example, and may utilize any suitable RAT for facilitating wireless connectivity in a localized area, such as a place of business, a home, a vehicle, a campus, an industrial facility, an air corridor (for example, for use by drones), a roadway, and the like. In one embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d may implement a radio technology such as IEEE 802.11 to establish a wireless local area network (WLAN). In an embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d may implement a radio technology such as IEEE 802.15 to establish a wireless personal area network (WPAN). In yet another embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d may utilize a cellular-based RAT (for example, WCDMA, CDMA2000, GSM, LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR and so forth) to establish a picocell or femtocell. As shown in FIG. 1A, the base station 114b may have a direct connection to the Internet 110. Thus, the base station 114b may not be required to access the Internet 110 via the CN 106.

[0055] The RAN 104 may be in communication with the CN 106, which may be any type of network configured to provide voice, data, applications, and / or voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services to one or more of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d. The data may have varying quality of service (QoS) requirements, such as differing throughput requirements, latency requirements, error tolerance requirements, reliability requirements, data throughput requirements, mobility requirements, and the like. The CN 106 may provide call control, billing services, mobile location-based services, pre-paid calling, Internet connectivity, video distribution, and so forth, and / or perform high-level security functions, such as user authentication. Although not shown in FIG. 1A, it will be appreciated that the RAN 104 and / or the CN 106 may be in direct or indirect communication with other RANs that employ the same RAT as the RAN 104 or a different RAT. For example, in addition to being connected to the RAN 104, which may be utilizing a NR radio technology, the CN 106 may also be in communication with another RAN (not shown) employing a GSM, UMTS, CDMA 2000, WiMAX, E- UTRA, or WiFi radio technology.

[0056] The CN 106 may also serve as a gateway for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to access the PSTN 108, the Internet 110, and / or the other networks 112. The PSTN 108 may include circuit-switched telephone networks that provide plain old telephone service (POTS). The Internet 110 may include a global system of interconnected computer networks and devices that use common communication protocols, such as the transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP) and / or the internet protocol (IP) in the TCP / IP internet protocol suite. The networks 112 may include wired and / or wireless communications networks owned and / or operated by other service providers. For example, the networks 112 may include another CN connected to one or more RANs, which may employ the same RAT as the RAN 104 or a different RAT.

[0057] Some or all of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d in the communications system 100 may include multi-mode capabilities (for example, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may include multiple transceivers for communicating with different wireless networks over different wireless links). For example, the WTRU 102c shown in FIG. 1A may be configured to communicate with the base station 114a, which may employ a cellularbased radio technology, and with the base station 114b, which may employ an IEEE 802 radio technology.

[0058] FIG. 1B is a system diagram illustrating an example WTRU 102. As shown in FIG. 1 B, the WTRU 102 may include a processor 118, a transceiver 120, a transmit / receive element 122, a speaker / microphone 124, a keypad 126, a display / touchpad 128, non-removable memory 130, removable memory 132, a power source 134, a global positioning system (GPS) chipset 136, and / or other peripherals 138, among others. It will be appreciated that the WTRU 102 may include any sub-combination of the foregoing elements while remaining consistent with an embodiment.

[0059] The processor 118 may be a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), any other type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, and the like. The processor 118 may perform signal coding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, and / or any other functionality that enables the WTRU 102 to operate in a wireless environment. The processor 118 may be coupled to the transceiver 120, which may be coupled to the transmit / receive element 122. While FIG. 1B depicts the processor 118 and the transceiver 120 as separate components, it will be appreciated that the processor 118 and the transceiver 120 may be integrated together in an electronic package or chip.

[0060] The transmit / receive element 122 may be configured to transmit signals to, or receive signals from, a base station (for example, the base station 114a) over the air interface 116. For example, in one embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 may be an antenna configured to transmit and / or receive RF signals. In an embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 may be an emitter / detector configured to transmit and / or receive IR, UV, or visible light signals, for example. In yet another embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 may be configured to transmit and / or receive both RF and light signals. It will be appreciated that the transmit / receive element 122 may be configured to transmit and / or receive any combination of wireless signals.

[0061] Although the transmit / receive element 122 is depicted in FIG. 1 B as a single element, the WTRU 102 may include any number of transmit / receive elements 122. More specifically, the WTRU 102 may employ MIMO technology. Thus, in one embodiment, the WTRU 102 may include two or more transmit / receive elements 122 (for example, multiple antennas) for transmitting and receiving wireless signals over the air interface 116.

[0062] The transceiver 120 may be configured to modulate the signals that are to be transmitted by the transmit / receive element 122 and to demodulate the signals that are received by the transmit / receive element122. As noted above, the WTRU 102 may have multi-mode capabilities. Thus, the transceiver 120 may include multiple transceivers for enabling the WTRU 102 to communicate via multiple RATs, such as NR and IEEE 802.11 , for example.

[0063] The processor 118 of the WTRU 102 may be coupled to, and may receive user input data from, the speaker / microphone 124, the keypad 126, and / or the display / touchpad 128 (for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) display unit or organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display unit). The processor 118 may also output user data to the speaker / microphone 124, the keypad 126, and / or the display / touchpad 128. In addition, the processor 118 may access information from, and store data in, any type of suitable memory, such as the nonremovable memory 130 and / or the removable memory 132. The non-removable memory 130 may include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, or any other type of memory storage device. The removable memory 132 may include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, a secure digital (SD) memory card, and the like. In other embodiments, the processor 118 may access information from, and store data in, memory that is not physically located on the WTRU 102, such as on a server or a home computer (not shown).

[0064] The processor 118 may receive power from the power source 134, and may be configured to distribute and / or control the power to the other components in the WTRU 102. The power source 134 may be any suitable device for powering the WTRU 102. For example, the power source 134 may include one or more dry cell batteries (for example, nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-zinc (NiZn), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium- ion (Li-ion), and so forth), solar cells, fuel cells, and the like.

[0065] The processor 118 may also be coupled to the GPS chipset 136, which may be configured to provide location information (for example, longitude and latitude) regarding the current location of the WTRU 102. In addition to, or in lieu of, the information from the GPS chipset 136, the WTRU 102 may receive location information over the air interface 116 from a base station (for example, base stations 114a, 114b) and / or determine its location based on the timing of the signals being received from two or more nearby base stations. It will be appreciated that the WTRU 102 may acquire location information by way of any suitable locationdetermination method while remaining consistent with an embodiment.

[0066] The processor 118 may further be coupled to other peripherals 138, which may include one or more software and / or hardware modules that provide additional features, functionality and / or wired or wireless connectivity. For example, the peripherals 138 may include an accelerometer, an e-compass, a satellite transceiver, a digital camera (for photographs and / or video), a universal serial bus (USB) port, a vibration device, a television transceiver, a hands free headset, a Bluetooth® module, a frequency modulated (FM) radio unit, a digital music player, a media player, a video game player module, an Internet browser, a Virtual Reality and / or Augmented Reality (VR / AR) device, an activity tracker, and the like. The peripherals 138 may include one or more sensors. The sensors may be one or more of a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a hall effect sensor, a magnetometer, an orientation sensor, a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, a time sensor; a geolocationsensor, an altimeter, a light sensor, a touch sensor, a magnetometer, a barometer, a gesture sensor, a biometric sensor, a humidity sensor and the like.

[0067] The WTRU 102 may include a full duplex radio for which transmission and reception of some or all of the signals (for example, associated with particular subframes for both the UL (for example, for transmission) and DL (for example, for reception) may be concurrent and / or simultaneous. The full duplex radio may include an interference management unit to reduce and or substantially eliminate self-interference via either hardware (for example, a choke) or signal processing via a processor (for example, a separate processor (not shown) or via processor 118). In an embodiment, the WTRU 102 may include a half-duplex radio for which transmission and reception of some or all of the signals (for example, associated with particular subframes for either the UL (for example, for transmission) or the DL (for example, for reception)).

[0068] FIG. 1C is a system diagram illustrating the RAN 104 and the CN 106 according to an embodiment. As noted above, the RAN 104 may employ an E-UTRA radio technology to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. The RAN 104 may also be in communication with the CN 106.

[0069] The RAN 104 may include eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c, though it will be appreciated that the RAN 104 may include any number of eNode-Bs while remaining consistent with an embodiment. The eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may each include one or more transceivers for communicating with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. In one embodiment, the eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may implement MIMO technology. Thus, the eNode-B 160a, for example, may use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals to, and / or receive wireless signals from, the WTRU 102a.

[0070] Each of the eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may be associated with a particular cell (not shown) and may be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover decisions, scheduling of users in the UL and / or DL, and the like. As shown in FIG. 10, the eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may communicate with one another over an X2 interface.

[0071] The CN 106 shown in FIG. 1C may include a mobility management entity (MME) 162, a serving gateway (SGW) 164, and a packet data network (PDN) gateway (PGW) 166. While the foregoing elements are depicted as part of the CN 106, it will be appreciated that any of these elements may be owned and / or operated by an entity other than the CN operator.

[0072] The MME 162 may be connected to each of the eNode-Bs 162a, 162b, 162c in the RAN 104 via an S1 interface and may serve as a control node. For example, the MME 162 may be responsible for authenticating users of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, bearer activation / deactivation, selecting a particular serving gateway during an initial attach of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and the like. The MME 162 may provide a control plane function for switching between the RAN 104 and other RANs (not shown) that employ other radio technologies, such as GSM and / or WCDMA.

[0073] The SGW 164 may be connected to each of the eNode Bs 160a, 160b, 160c in the RAN 104 via the S1 interface. The SGW 164 may generally route and forward user data packets to / from the WTRUs 102a,102b, 102c. The SGW 164 may perform other functions, such as anchoring user planes during inter-eNode B handovers, triggering paging when DL data is available for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, managing and storing contexts of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and the like.

[0074] The SGW 164 may be connected to the PGW 166, which may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to packet-switched networks, such as the Internet 110, to facilitate communications between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and IP-enabled devices.

[0075] The CN 106 may facilitate communications with other networks. For example, the CN 106 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to circuit-switched networks, such as the PSTN 108, to facilitate communications between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and traditional land-line communications devices. For example, the CN 106 may include, or may communicate with, an IP gateway (for example, an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) server) that serves as an interface between the CN 106 and the PSTN 108. In addition, the CN 106 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to the other networks 112, which may include other wired and / or wireless networks that are owned and / or operated by other service providers.

[0076] Although the WTRU is described in FIGS. 1A-1 D as a wireless terminal, it is contemplated that in certain representative embodiments that such a terminal may use (for example, temporarily or permanently) wired communication interfaces with the communication network.

[0077] In representative embodiments, the other network 112 may be a WLAN.

[0078] A WLAN in Infrastructure Basic Service Set (BSS) mode may have an Access Point (AP) for the BSS and one or more stations (STAs) associated with the AP. The AP may have access or an interface to a Distribution System (DS) or another type of wired / wireless network that carries traffic in to and / or out of the BSS. Traffic to STAs that originates from outside the BSS may arrive through the AP and may be delivered to the STAs. Traffic originating from STAs to destinations outside the BSS may be sent to the AP to be delivered to respective destinations. Traffic between STAs within the BSS may be sent through the AP, for example, where the source STA may send traffic to the AP and the AP may deliver the traffic to the destination STA. The traffic between STAs within a BSS may be considered and / or referred to as peer-to-peer traffic. The peer-to- peer traffic may be sent between (for example, directly between) the source and destination STAs with a direct link setup (DLS). In certain representative embodiments, the DLS may use an 802.11e DLS or an 802.11z tunneled DLS (TDLS). A WLAN using an Independent BSS (IBSS) mode may not have an AP, and the STAs (for example, all of the STAs) within or using the IBSS may communicate directly with each other. The IBSS mode of communication may sometimes be referred to herein as an “ad-hoc” mode of communication.

[0079] When using the 802.11ac infrastructure mode of operation or a similar mode of operations, the AP may transmit a beacon on a fixed channel, such as a primary channel. The primary channel may be a fixed width (for example, 20 MHz wide bandwidth) or a dynamically set width. The primary channel may be the operating channel of the BSS and may be used by the STAs to establish a connection with the AP. In certain representative embodiments, Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA / CA) may beimplemented, for example in 802.11 systems. For CSMA / CA, the STAs (for example, every STA), including the AP, may sense the primary channel. If the primary channel is sensed / detected and / or determined to be busy by a particular STA, the particular STA may back off. One STA (for example, only one station) may transmit at any given time in a given BSS.

[0080] High Throughput (HT) STAs may use a 40 MHz wide channel for communication, for example, via a combination of the primary 20 MHz channel with an adjacent or nonadjacent 20 MHz channel to form a 40 MHz wide channel.

[0081] Very High Throughput (VHT) STAs may support 20MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, and / or 160 MHz wide channels. The 40 MHz, and / or 80 MHz, channels may be formed by combining contiguous 20 MHz channels. A 160 MHz channel may be formed by combining 8 contiguous 20 MHz channels, or by combining two noncontiguous 80 MHz channels, which may be referred to as an 80+80 configuration. For the 80+80 configuration, the data, after channel encoding, may be passed through a segment parser that may divide the data into two streams. Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) processing, and time domain processing, may be done on each stream separately. The streams may be mapped on to the two 80 MHz channels, and the data may be transmitted by a transmitting STA. At the receiver of the receiving STA, the above described operation for the 80+80 configuration may be reversed, and the combined data may be sent to the Medium Access Control (MAC).

[0082] Sub 1 GHz modes of operation are supported by 802.11 af and 802.11ah. The channel operating bandwidths, and carriers, are reduced in 802.11af and 802.11ah relative to those used in 802.11n, and 802.11ac. 802.11af supports 5 MHz, 10 MHz, and 20 MHz bandwidths in the TV White Space (TVWS) spectrum, and 802.11ah supports 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 4 MHz, 8 MHz, and 16 MHz bandwidths using non-TVWS spectrum. According to a representative embodiment, 802.11ah may support Meter Type Control / Machine- Type Communications (MTC), such as MTC devices in a macro coverage area. MTC devices may have certain capabilities, for example, limited capabilities including support for (for example, only support for) certain and / or limited bandwidths. The MTC devices may include a battery with a battery life above a threshold (for example, to maintain a very long battery life).

[0083] WLAN systems, which may support multiple channels, and channel bandwidths, such as 802.11 n, 802.11ac, 802.11af, and 802.11ah, include a channel which may be designated as the primary channel. The primary channel may have a bandwidth equal to the largest common operating bandwidth supported by all STAs in the BSS. The bandwidth of the primary channel may be set and / or limited by a STA, from among all STAs in operating in a BSS, which supports the smallest bandwidth operating mode. In the example of 802.11ah, the primary channel may be 1 MHz wide for STAs (for example, MTC type devices) that support (for example, only support) a 1 MHz mode, even if the AP, and other STAs in the BSS support 2 MHz, 4 MHz, 8 MHz, 16 MHz, and / or other channel bandwidth operating modes. Carrier sensing and / or Network Allocation Vector (NAV) settings may depend on the status of the primary channel. If the primary channel is busy, forexample, due to a STA (which supports only a 1 MHz operating mode) transmitting to the AP, all available frequency bands may be considered busy even though a majority of the available frequency bands remains idle.

[0084] In the United States, the available frequency bands, which may be used by 802.11 ah, are from 902 MHz to 928 MHz. In Korea, the available frequency bands are from 917.5 MHz to 923.5 MHz. In Japan, the available frequency bands are from 916.5 MHz to 927.5 MHz. The total bandwidth available for 802.11 ah is 6 MHz to 26 MHz depending on the country code.

[0085] FIG. 1D is a system diagram illustrating the RAN 104 and the CN 106 according to an embodiment. As noted above, the RAN 104 may employ an NR radio technology to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. The RAN 104 may also be in communication with the CN 106.

[0086] The RAN 104 may include gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c, though it will be appreciated that the RAN 104 may include any number of gNBs while remaining consistent with an embodiment. The gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may each include one or more transceivers for communicating with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. In one embodiment, the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may implement MIMO technology. For example, gNBs 180a, 108b may utilize beamforming to transmit signals to and / or receive signals from the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c. Thus, the gNB 180a, for example, may use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals to, and / or receive wireless signals from, the WTRU 102a. In an embodiment, the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may implement carrier aggregation technology. For example, the gNB 180a may transmit multiple component carriers to the WTRU 102a (not shown). A subset of these component carriers may be on unlicensed spectrum while the remaining component carriers may be on licensed spectrum. In an embodiment, the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may implement Coordinated Multi-Point (CoMP) technology. For example, WTRU 102a may receive coordinated transmissions from gNB 180a and gNB 180b (and / or gNB 180c).

[0087] The WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using transmissions associated with a scalable numerology. For example, the OFDM symbol spacing and / or OFDM subcarrier spacing may vary for different transmissions, different cells, and / or different portions of the wireless transmission spectrum. The WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using subframe or transmission time intervals (TTIs) of various or scalable lengths (for example, containing a varying number of OFDM symbols and / or lasting varying lengths of absolute time).

[0088] The gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may be configured to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c in a standalone configuration and / or a non-standalone configuration. In the standalone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c without also accessing other RANs (for example, such as eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c). In the standalone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may utilize one or more of gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c as a mobility anchor point. In the standalone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using signals in an unlicensed band. In a non-standalone configuration WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with / connect to gNBs 180a,180b, 180c while also communicating with / connecting to another RAN such as eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c. For example, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement DC principles to communicate with one or more gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c and one or more eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c substantially simultaneously. In the non- standalone configuration, eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may serve as a mobility anchor for WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may provide additional coverage and / or throughput for servicing WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c.

[0089] Each of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may be associated with a particular cell (not shown) and may be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover decisions, scheduling of users in the UL and / or DL, support of network slicing, DC, interworking between NR and E-UTRA, routing of user plane data towards User Plane Function (UPF) 184a, 184b, routing of control plane information towards Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 182a, 182b and the like. As shown in FIG. 1 D, the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may communicate with one another over an Xn interface.

[0090] The CN 106 shown in FIG. 1D may include at least one AMF 182a, 182b, at least one UPF 184a, 184b, at least one Session Management Function (SMF) 183a, 183b, and possibly a Data Network (DN) 185a, 185b. While the foregoing elements are depicted as part of the CN 106, it will be appreciated that any of these elements may be owned and / or operated by an entity other than the CN operator.

[0091] The AMF 182a, 182b may be connected to one or more of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c in the RAN 104 via an N2 interface and may serve as a control node. For example, the AMF 182a, 182b may be responsible for authenticating users of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, support for network slicing (for example, handling of different protocol data unit (PDU) sessions with different requirements), selecting a particular SMF 183a, 183b, management of the registration area, termination of non-access stratum (NAS) signaling, mobility management, and the like. Network slicing may be used by the AMF 182a, 182b in order to customize CN support for WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c based on the types of services being utilized WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c. For example, different network slices may be established for different use cases such as services relying on ultra-reliable low latency (URLLC) access, services relying on enhanced massive mobile broadband (eMBB) access, services for MTC access, and the like. The AMF 182a, 182b may provide a control plane function for switching between the RAN 104 and other RANs (not shown) that employ other radio technologies, such as LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, and / or non- Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) access technologies such as WiFi.

[0092] The SMF 183a, 183b may be connected to an AMF 182a, 182b in the CN 106 via an N11 interface. The SMF 183a, 183b may also be connected to a UPF 184a, 184b in the CN 106 via an N4 interface. The SMF 183a, 183b may select and control the UPF 184a, 184b and configure the routing of traffic through the UPF 184a, 184b. The SMF 183a, 183b may perform other functions, such as managing and allocating UE IP address, managing PDU sessions, controlling policy enforcement and QoS, providing DL data notifications, and the like. A PDU session type may be IP-based, non-IP based, Ethernet-based, and the like.

[0093] The UPF 184a, 184b may be connected to one or more of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c in the RAN 104 via an N3 interface, which may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to packet-switched networks, such as the Internet 110, to facilitate communications between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and IP-enabled devices. The UPF 184, 184b may perform other functions, such as routing and forwarding packets, enforcing user plane policies, supporting multi-homed PDU sessions, handling user plane QoS, buffering DL packets, providing mobility anchoring, and the like.

[0094] The CN 106 may facilitate communications with other networks. For example, the CN 106 may include, or may communicate with, an IP gateway (for example, an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) server) that serves as an interface between the CN 106 and the PSTN 108. In addition, the CN 106 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to the other networks 112, which may include other wired and / or wireless networks that are owned and / or operated by other service providers. In one embodiment, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may be connected to a local DN 185a, 185b through the UPF 184a, 184b via the N3 interface to the UPF 184a, 184b and an N6 interface between the UPF 184a, 184b and the DN 185a, 185b.

[0095] In view of FIGs. 1A-1 D, and the corresponding description of FIGs. 1A-1 D, one or more, or all, of the functions described herein with regard to one or more of: WTRU 102a-d, Base Station 114a-b, eNode-B 160a-c, MME 162, SGW 164, PGW 166, gNB 180a-c, AMF 182a-b, UPF 184a-b, SMF 183a-b, DN 185a-b, and / or any other device(s) described herein, may be performed by one or more emulation devices (not shown). The emulation devices may be one or more devices configured to emulate one or more, or all, of the functions described herein. For example, the emulation devices may be used to test other devices and / or to simulate network and / or WTRU functions.

[0096] The emulation devices may be designed to implement one or more tests of other devices in a lab environment and / or in an operator network environment. For example, the one or more emulation devices may perform the one or more, or all, functions while being fully or partially implemented and / or deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network in order to test other devices within the communication network. The one or more emulation devices may perform the one or more, or all, functions while being temporarily implemented / deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network. The emulation device may be directly coupled to another device for purposes of testing and / or performing testing using over-the-air wireless communications.

[0097] The one or more emulation devices may perform the one or more, including all, functions while not being implemented / deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network. For example, the emulation devices may be utilized in a testing scenario in a testing laboratory and / or a non-deployed (for example, testing) wired and / or wireless communication network in order to implement testing of one or more components. The one or more emulation devices may be test equipment. Direct RF coupling and / or wireless communications via RF circuitry (for example, which may include one or more antennas) may be used by the emulation devices to transmit and / or receive data.

[0098] The following abbreviations and acronyms may be referred to herein:ACK AcknowledgementBLER Block Error RateBWP Bandwidth PartCAP Channel Access PriorityCAPC Channel access priority classCCA Clear Channel AssessmentCCE Control Channel ElementCE Control ElementCG Configured grant or cell groupCP Cyclic PrefixCP-OFDM Conventional OFDM (relying on cyclic prefix)CQI Channel Quality IndicatorCRC Cyclic Redundancy CheckCSI Channel State InformationCW Contention WindowCWS Contention Window SizeCO Channel OccupancyDAI Downlink Assignment IndexDCI Downlink Control InformationDFI Downlink feedback informationDG Dynamic grantDL DownlinkDM-RS Demodulation Reference SignalDRB Data Radio Bearer eLAA enhanced Licensed Assisted AccessFeLAA Further enhanced Licensed Assisted AccessHARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat RequestLAA License Assisted AccessLBT Listen-Before-TalkLTE Long Term Evolution for example from 3GPP LTE R8 and upNACK Negative ACKMCS Modulation and Coding SchemeMIMO Multiple Input Multiple OutputNR New RadioOFDM Orthogonal Frequency-Division MultiplexingPHY Physical LayerPID Process IDPO Paging OccasionPRACH Physical Random Access ChannelPRB Physical Resource BlockPSS Primary Synchronization SignalRA Random Access (or procedure)RACH Random Access ChannelRAR Random Access ResponseRB Resource BlockRCU Radio access network Central UnitRF Radio Front endRLF Radio Link FailureRLM Radio Link MonitoringRNTI Radio Network IdentifierRO RACH occasionRRC Radio Resource ControlRRM Radio Resource ManagementRS Reference SignalRSRP Reference Signal Received PowerRSSI Received Signal Strength IndicatorSDU Service Data UnitSRS Sounding Reference SignalSS Synchronization SignalSSS Secondary Synchronization SignalSWG Switching Gap (in a self-contained subframe)SPS Semi-persistent schedulingSUL Supplemental UplinkTB Transport BlockTBS Transport Block SizeTRP Transmission / Reception PointTSC Time-sensitive communicationsTSN Time-sensitive networkingUL UplinkURLLC Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency CommunicationsWBWP Wide Bandwidth PartWLAN Wireless Local Area Networks and related technologies (IEEE 8O2.xx domain)

[0099] As described in the paragraphs below, in wireless communication systems like NR, a WTRU can be configured to operate with SBFD in both frequency domain and time domain configurations. In both frequency domain and time domain configurations, SBFD enhances the flexibility and efficiency of wireless communication by enabling concurrent uplink and downlink operations. This flexibility is beneficial for various applications and scenarios, such as those requiring high uplink capacity or dealing with asymmetric traffic patterns.

[0100] Embodiments and examples of SBFD Frequency Domain Configuration are provided herein. A WTRU can be configured with Sub-band Full Duplex (SBFD) in a frequency domain configuration. The SBFD frequency domain configuration can be associated with a carrier frequency or alternatively associated with a Bandwidth Part (BWP) of a carrier frequency. The SBFD frequency domain configuration can allocate some RBs of the BWP / carrier for uplink transmission and other RBs of the BWP / carrier for downlink transmission.

[0101] For example, a WTRU configured with SBFD in the frequency domain might be allocated separate frequency bands for downlink and uplink transmissions, allowing the WTRU to transmit and receive data simultaneously using distinct frequency resources.

[0102] The WTRU can be configured with an SBFD frequency domain configuration using dedicated RRC signaling or common broadcasted signaling for example, system information block (SIB) signaling.

[0103] Hereinafter, the RB(s) or RE(s) may be interchangeably used with RE(s), RB(s), REG(s), RBG(s), frequency-unit(s), subband(s), band(s), BWP(s), component carrier(s), and so forth, but still consistent with this disclosure, for example, any frequency-domain granularity as frequency-unit may be applicable in terms of whether full duplex (for example, SBFD) operation may be performed on one or more frequency-units.

[0104] Embodiments and examples of SBFD Time Domain Configuration are provided herein. A WTRU can be configured with a time domain configuration that indicates slots configuration for SBFD (i.e., SBFD timedomain configuration). For example, the WTRU is configured with a first set of slots that have only SBFD symbols, a second set of slots that have only non-SBFD symbols (for example, symbols where the entire BWP or the carrier is for configured for either UL or DL) and a third set of slots that have both SBFD and non-SBFD symbols.

[0105] For instance, a WTRU configured with SBFD in the time domain might alternate between transmitting and receiving data during specific time slots within a given time frame. This enables the WTRU to achieve simultaneous two-way communication while utilizing the same frequency resources.

[0106] The WTRU can be configured with an SBFD time domain configuration using dedicated RRC signaling or common broadcasted signaling for example, SIB signaling.

[0107] Hereafter, the slot(s) or symbol(s) may be interchangeably used with symbol(s), slot(s), subframe^), frame(s), time-unit(s), and so forth, but still consistent with this disclosure, for example, any timedomain granularity as time-unit may be applicable in terms of whether full duplex (for example, SBFD) operation may be performed on one or more time-units.

[0108] Examples of Full Duplex Configurations are provided herein. Examples include SBFD Configurations.

[0109] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of an SBFD configuration. As shown in configuration diagram 200, a WTRU may receive one or more configurations for SBFD operation. In an example, the WTRU may be the same as or similar to WTRU 102. The one or more configurations may include the information about time resources (for example, symbols, slots, and so forth) where the SBFD (for example, full duplex operation performed at the gNB or base station) is applied. The configurations may include the information about frequency resources in the configured SBFD time resources, for example for a first UL subband, a first DL subband, a first guard band, a first sidelink SB, a first Flexible SB, and so forth. In an example, the WTRU may receive the configurations via one or more of DCI, a MAC-CE, RRC signaling, a system information block (SIB), a broadcast message, a multicast message toward a group of WTRUs, and so forth.

[0110] In an example, the WTRU may operate in half-duplex (HD) operation based on the configurations, where the WTRU may either transmit an UL (or sidelink) signal or receive a DL (or sidelink) signal in a configured (or indicated) SBFD time instance. In another example (for example, if configured by the gNB), the WTRU may operate in full-duplex (FD) operation (for example, subband non-overlapping FD (SBFD), subband partially / fully-overiapping FD) using the first set of SBFD configurations, where the WTRU may both transmit an UL (or sidelink) signal and receive a DL (or sidelink) signal in a configured (or indicated) SBFD time instance.

[0111] In an example shown in configuration diagram 200, the SBFD configuration includes a DL Slot 220 in Slot n, which provides for DL transmission across the entire BWP or configured carrier (CC). Slot n is then followed by SBFD slots, Slot n+1 , Slot n+2, and Slot n+3, each of which includes two DL subbands and one UL subband. Specifically, Slot n+1 includes DL subband 232, UL subband 236 and DL subband 238. Similarly,Slot n+2 includes DL subbands 242, 248 and UL subband 246; and Slot n+3 includes DL subbands 252, 258 and UL subband 256. Further, Slot n+4 includes a UL Slot 260, which provided for UL transmission across the entire BWP or CC.

[0112] Moreover, Slot n+3 may include guard symbols 253, 259, which may allow the WTRU to transition from using an SBFD slot to a non-SBFD slot. For example, the WTRU may receive in DL subband 252 in Slot n+3, an SBFD slot, and then, in Slot n+4, a non-SBFD slot, the WTRU may transmit in UL Slot 260. Guard symbol 253 separates DL subband 252 and UL Slot 260, allowing for the transition of the WTRU. Similarly, the WTRU may receive in DL subband 258 in Slot n+3, an SBFD slot, and then, in Slot n+4, a non-SBFD slot, the WTRU may transmit in UL Slot 260. Guard symbol 259 separates DL subband 258 and UL Slot 260, allowing for the transition of the WTRU.

[0113] Embodiments and examples of Multi-slot Transmission are provided herein. A WTRU can be configured with a downlink or uplink transmission occupying multiple slots. In one example, the DL / UL transmission may be configured with a single transport block spanning multiple slots, for example, a Transport Block over Multiple Slots (TBoMS). In such case, each slot may have part of the transport block transmission. In another example, the WTRU may be configured with a single transport block repeated in the multiple slots (i.e., TB repetition). In such case, each slot may have the entire transport block transmission.

[0114] The UL or DL multi-slot transmission may be a dynamic grant or configured grant (configured grant with DCI activation or configured grant without DCI activation). For dynamic grant and configured grant with DCI activation, the WTRU may determine from the scheduling DCI / activating DCI the number of slots K for repetition / TBoMS, the total number of RBs for the transmission in each slot and a first Modulation and Coding scheme (MCS) index. For configured grant without DCI activation, the WTRU may receive the RRC configuration indicating the number of slots Kfor repetition / TBoMS, the total numberof RBs for the transmission in each slot and a first MCS index. The WTRU may determine the coding rate R and the modulation order Qmof the transmission from the indicated MCS index.

[0115] In the following, the total number of RBs may refer to total number of RBs for the transmission in each slot. Each slot may have the same number of RBs configured / scheduled for the transmission (number of RBs configured / scheduled per slot is equal to the total number of RBs).

[0116] When the WTRU is configured with SBFD, some of the slots configured for TB repetition or TBoMS may be configured with SBFD, other slots may be configured with non-SBFD and some slots with both SBFD and non-SBFD symbols. The WTRU may determine whether a slot is with SBFD, non-SBFD, or both, based on the SBFD time and frequency configuration. In the following, reference is made to an SBFD slot as a slot with some SBFD symbols. An SBFD slot may include only SBFD symbols and / or include both SBFD and non- SBFD symbols.

[0117] Embodiments and examples of Percentage of Usable RBs are provided herein. In case some slots of the multiple slots configured / scheduled for TB repetition / TBoMS transmission are SBFD slot(s), the WTRUmay determine if a subset of the total number of RBs of the transmission in the SBFD slot is overlapping with an unusable sub-band. The unusable sub-band may be the sub-band configured in the other direction of the transmission or a guard band between sub-bands. For example, a subset of the total number of RBs allocated to uplink transmission may be overlapping with a DL sub-band and / or guard band. In another example, a subset of the total number of RBs allocated to downlink transmission may be overlapping with a UL sub-band and / or guard band. When a subset of the total number of RBs overlap with an unusable sub-band, the WTRU may use (for example, may determine to use) for the transmission only the RBs within the usable sub-band. The usable RB(s) in the SBFD slot may be defined as a subset of the total number of RBs of the transmission in SBFD slot that are within the usable sub-band i.e., sub-band configured for the transmission direction. The remaining RBs from the total number of RBs may be called unusable RBs. Accordingly, the number of unusable RBs added to the number of usable RBs equals the total number of RBs (unusable RBs + usable RBs = total number of RBs).

[0118] FIG. 3 is a transmission diagram illustrating an example of DL multi-slot transmission with an SBFD slot and a non-SBFD slot (where there are two transmissions). In the example shown in transmission diagram 300, a first slot is an SBFD slot (Slot 1) and second slot is non-SBFD slot (Slot 2), and a subset of the total number of RBs are within an unusable sub-band (uplink sub-band) 330.

[0119] For example, Slot 2 may be configured for DL transmission 360 and may receive a scheduled DL transmission shown within border 365. Slot 1 may be configured with usable DL sub-bands 320, 340 for DL transmission, and a UL sub-band 330 which is unusable for DL transmission. For Slot 1 , a DL transmission may be scheduled within border 345, but may use only the usable RBs corresponding to the RBs in DL subband 340, and not the RBs in UL sub-band 330 within border 345, which are unusable for DL transmission.

[0120] The WTRU may calculate the percentage of usable RB(s) as the number of usable RBs in the SBFD slot divided by the total number of RBs. The percentage of usable RBs may be expressed as a number between 1 and O, a ratio orfraction of 100, or the like. For example, the WTRU may be configured / scheduled with a total number of RBs equal to 10 RBs and 4 repetitions. One of the slots configured / scheduled for repetitions is a SBFD slot. The WTRU may determine the number of usable RBs equal to 8 RBs based on the SBFD configuration. The WTRU may calculate the percentage of usable RBs as 8 / 10=0.8=80%, accordingly.

[0121] In an example, the WTRU may determine “usable DL sub-band” upon applying an intersection between the configured DL subband(s) and an (current) active DL BWP of a carrier. For example, when an active DL BWP is switched (for example, by a DCI field for BWP switching) the WTRU may determine that the usable DL sub-band is a set of valid RBs within the configured DL subband that intersects with (for example, overlaps with, belong to) the current (for example, switched) active DL BWP. The WTRU may determine that the total number of RBs (for example, for the DL reception case) are within the usable DL sub-band, where the WTRU may be configured to determine the total number of RBs to be within the usable DL sub-band, forexample, based on performing operations such as rate-matching, truncation, puncturing, re-interpretation of scheduled resource, and so forth, depending on a condition.

[0122] In an example, the WTRU may determine “usable UL sub-band” on applying an intersection between the configured UL subband(s) and an (current) active UL BWP of a carrier. For example, when an active UL BWP is switched (for example, by a DCI field for BWP switching) the WTRU may determine that the usable UL sub-band is a set of valid RBs within the configured UL subband that intersects with (for example, overlaps with, belong to) the current (for example, switched) active UL BWP. The WTRU may determine that the total number of RBs (for example, for the UL transmission case) are within the usable UL sub-band, where the WTRU may be configured to determine the total number of RBs to be within the usable UL sub-band, for example, based on performing operations such as rate-matching, truncation, puncturing, re-interpretation of scheduled resource, and the like, depending on a condition.

[0123] The WTRU can be configured to use a first TBS calculation method or a second TBS calculation method. The WTRU can be configured to use one of the TBS calculation methods by being pre-configured to use the method or the WTRU can receive an indication to use the method. In another example, the WTRU can determine the TBS calculation method to use based on any one or a combination of the following: a total number of slots for the transmission; a number of slots configured for SBDF, and a percentage of usable RBs compared against the total number of RBs in the SBFD slot.

[0124] Embodiments and example of the first TBS calculation method are provided herein. The WTRU may be configured with (or receive an indication to use) a first TBS calculation method that consists of including the total number of RBs allocated for the transmission. When the WTRU transmits / receives a transport block using multiple slots, the WTRU may calculate the TBS regardless of whether there are some unusable RBs in an SBFD slot. The WTRU may firstly determine a number of REs (N’RE) allocated for the transmission within an RB per slot. In other words, N’RE is the number of REs allocated per RB for the transmission. The WTRU may calculate the number of REs within a RB by removing the number of REs used as overhead (for example, REs used for DM-RS and REs configured as overhead from the gNB or base station) and multiplying the number of REs by the number of allocated symbols per the slot.

[0125] For the case of transport block repetition, the WTRU may determine total number of REs allocated for the transmission per slot NRE=min (156, N’RE) X ni, PRB , where OI.PRB is the total number of RBs of the transmission. For the case of TBoMS, the WTRU may determine total number of REs allocated for the transmission per N slots as NRE=min (156, N’RE) X m , PRB X N, where m ,PRB is the total number of RBs of the transmission, and N is the number of slots configured for TBoMS transmission. The WTRU may calculate the unquantized number of information bits by multiplying the total number of REs, coding rate R, modulation order Qmand the number of layers L used for the transmission as follows: Ninto = NRE X RX QmX L.

[0126] The term Ninto is the number of information bits that could be carried in a configured or scheduled grant. When Ninto is less than or equal to 3824, an intermediate number of information A / Tb may be calculatedas follows: N'info>6)- The WTRU may find the closet TBS that is not less than N^o in a preconfigured table with multiple TBS values.

[0127] When Ninfo is greater than 3824, an intermediate number of information N’mf0may be calculated as follows:

[0128] The WTRU may determine the TBS depending on the coding rate R using the following pseudocode: if R < 1 / 4else if N'info > 8424end if.

[0129] Embodiments and example of the second TBS Calculation Method are provided herein. The WTRU may be configured with (or receive an indication to use) a second TBS calculation method that may consist of including only the number of usable RBs for the transmission. In one example solution, the WTRU may firstly determine the number of REs N’RE allocated for the transmission within an RB per slot. The WTRU may calculate the number of REs within RB by removing the number of REs used as overhead (for example, REs used for DM-RS and REs configured as overhead from the gNB or base station) and multiplying the number of REs by the number of allocated symbols per the slot.

[0130] For the case of transport block repetition, the WTRU may determine total number of REs allocated for the transmission per slot NRE=min (156, N’RE) X ns.pRB, where nz.pRB may be the number of usable RBs of the transmission, or nz.pRB may be determined to be the number of usable RBs plus an offset value (for example, an integer value) configured or indicated (for example, from a gNB or base station) to the WTRU. Using theoffset value may provide benefits in terms of resource allocation flexibility in scheduling by the gNB or base station.

[0131] In another example, nz.pRB may be determined to be the number of usable RBs being scaled by the offset value based on a pre-determined / configured function or rule. For the case of TBoMS, the WTRU may determine total number of REs allocated for the transmission per N slots as NRE=min (156, N’RE) X (HI. PRB X NI + n2, PRB X N2), where OI.PRB is the total number of RBs of the transmission, nz.pRB may be the number of usable RBs of the transmission or the number of usable RBs plus (or scaled by) the offset value, N1 is the number of slots with non-SBFD, N2 is the number of slots with SBFD and N=Ni+Nz is the number of slots configured for TBoMS transmission.

[0132] The WTRU may calculate the unquantized number of information bits by multiplying the total number of REs, coding rate R, modulation order Qmand the number of layers L used for the transmission as follows: Ninfo - NRE x Rx Qm X L.

[0133] When Ninfo is less than or equal to 3824, an intermediate number of information ACro is calculated as follows: W'info- 6). The WTRU may find the closest TBS that is not less than N’uo in a preconfigured table with multiple TBS values.

[0134] When Ninfo is greater than 3824, an intermediate number of information A / ’ info may be calculated as follows:

[0135] The WTRU may determine the TBS depending on the coding rate R using the following pseudocode:elseelseend ifend if.

[0136] In an example, the WTRU may firstly determine a TBS value using the first calculation method. The WTRU may then multiply the obtained TBS value by a scaling factor to calculate the TBS of the transmission. In another example, the WTRU may firstly determine the unquantized number of information bits Ninto using the first TBS calculation methods. The WTRU may then multiply the Ninto by a scaling factor to obtain a new value of Ninto to be used by the WTRU for TBS calculation.

[0137] In another example, the WTRU may firstly determine the intermediate number of information bits N’into using the first TBS calculation methods. The WTRU may then multiply the N’into by a scaling factor to obtain a new value of N’into to be used by the WTRU for TBS calculation. The WTRU may determine the scaling factor value based on the percentage of usable RBs. For example, the WTRU may be indicated or configured with (for example, may receive an indication or configuration with) a mapping / table that associates a scaling factor with a percentage of usable RBs.

[0138] In the context of NR systems, a WTRU typically receives an MCS index in a scheduling or activating DCI. The MCS index specifies the modulation and coding scheme that the WTRU should use for decoding the received data. It determines parameters such as the modulation scheme (for example, quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), 16- quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), 64-QAM), the coding rate, and the number of bits transmitted per symbol.

[0139] While the MCS index received in the DCI primarily relates to downlink transmission, it indirectly affects uplink transmission as well. In a wireless communication system like NR, uplink and downlink transmissions are linked. The modulation and coding scheme selected for downlink transmission influences the quality of the uplink channel, as the WTRU's ability to transmit successfully depends on factors such as the downlink signal quality, interference, and channel conditions.

[0140] In the context of SBFD, where simultaneous uplink and downlink transmissions occurs, the MCS index selection becomes particularly important. The MCS index needs to be chosen carefully to optimize the performance of both uplink and downlink transmissions while minimizing interference between them. Therefore, while the MCS index received in DCI directly applies to downlink transmission, its impact extends to the overall performance of the wireless link, including uplink transmission, especially in SBFD scenarios where simultaneous transmissions are involved.

[0141] Embodiments and examples including a second MCS determination are provided herein. The WTRU may determine a second MCS index from a first MCS index indicated in the scheduling / activating DCI or indicated in the RRC configuration, for example, for the configured grant. The WTRU may be configured or indicated with a mapping between first MCS indices, a percentage of usable RBs or a number of unusable RBs and second MCS indices. For example, as shown in Table 1 , the WTRU may be configured or indicated with a table that associates first and second MCS values with the percentage of usable RBs equal to 80%. For eachpercentage of usable RBs, the WTRU may be configured or indicated with a separate table that associates first and second MCS indices.Table 1

[0142] In another example, the WTRU may be configured or indicated to calculate the second MCS index using a formula with first MCS index and the percentage of usable RBs or number of unusable RBs as parameters of the formula. For example: second MCS index = [(1 — percentage of usable RBs) x first MCS index ] + offset.

[0143] In embodiments and examples provided herein the WTRU makes a determination of a number of RBs for a TBS calculation. The WTRU may determine a number of RBs for determining TBS (for example, the WTRU determines whether to use the first TBS method or the second TBS method) based on one of or any combination of: the number of slots N configured or indicated for multi-slot transmission, the number of slot(s) configured with SBFD, or the number or percentage of usable RBs. The WTRU may calculate the ratio of the number of slots configured with SBFD (N2) divided by the number of slots for the multi-slot transmission (N). If the WTRU determines that N2 / N is below a first threshold and / or the percentage of usable RBs is above asecond threshold, the WTRU may calculate TBS using the first TBS calculation method, for example, using the total number of RBs.

[0144] The WTRU may be configured semi-statically with the first and second threshold using RRC / SIB signalling or alternatively dynamically indicated with the values of the first and second threshold. For dynamic indication, the scheduling DCI of the multi-slot transmission or the activating DCI of the multi-slot configured grant may indicate the values of the first and the second threshold.

[0145] If the WTRU determines that N2 / N is above the first threshold and / or the percentage of usable RBs is below a second threshold, the WTRU may determine TBS using the number of usable RBs instead of the total number of RBs. For example, the WTRU may use the second TBS calculation method that counts only the usable RBs or the WTRU uses the second TBS calculation method that scale down the TBS calculated using the first TBS calculation method.

[0146] Embodiments and examples of a WTRU determination of a number of RBs for TBS calculation for single-slot transmission with SBFD are provided herein. If the WTRU is configured / indicated with a single slot transmission (uplink or downlink transmission), the WTRU may determine the number of RBs for TBS calculation based on the percentage of usable RBs. If the WTRU determines that the percentage of usable RBs is above a third threshold, the WTRU may calculate TBS using the first TBS calculation method, for example, using the total number of RBs.

[0147] If the WTRU determines that the percentage of usable RBs is below the third threshold the WTRU may determine TBS using the number of usable RBs instead of the total number of RBs. For example, the WTRU may use the second TBS calculation method that counts only the usable RBs or the WTRU may use the second TBS calculation method that scale down the TBS calculated using the first TBS calculation method.

[0148] The WTRU may be configured semi-statically with the third threshold using RRC / SIB signalling or alternatively dynamically indicated with the value of the third threshold. For dynamic indication, the scheduling DCI of the single slot transmission or the activating DCI of the single slot configured grant may indicate the value of the third threshold.

[0149] Embodiments and example of different MCS for SBFD and non-SBFD slots / symbols are provided herein. When the WTRU determines that N2 / N is above the first threshold and / or the percentage of usable RBs is below a second threshold, the WTRU may apply the first MCS index for non-SBFD slots and a second MCS for SBFD slots. Applying the first MCS index may mean that the WTRU determines the coding rate and the modulation order are derived from the first MCS index. Applying the second MCS index may mean that the WTRU determines the coding rate and the modulation order are derived from the second MCS index. The first MCS may be indicated using the scheduling DCI / activating DCI or RRC configuration of the configured grant whereas the second MCS index may be determined by the WTRU using the methods described in previous section.

[0150] When the WTRU determines that N2 / N is below the first threshold and / or the percentage of usable RBs is above a second threshold, the WTRU may apply the first MCS index for both non-SBFD slots and SBFD slots. When using a single slot UL / DL transmission, the WTRU may apply the first MCS index for both non- SBFD symbols and SBFD symbols if the percentage of usable RBs is above a third threshold. If the percentage of usable RBs is below a third threshold, the WTRU may apply the first MCS index for non-SBFD symbols and the second MCS for SBFD symbols.

[0151] In embodiments and examples provided herein the WTRU transmits / receives the transmission. For downlink multi-slot transmission, after calculating the TBS for the transmission and / or the second MCS, the WTRU may receive the downlink transmission in each of the SBFD and non-SBFD slots. For the case of TBoMS, the calculated TBS may be spread over the N slots configured for the downlink transmission. For the case of TB repetition, the calculated TBS may be confined within a slot and repeated over the multiple slots uplink transmission. When the WTRU uses a second MCS to receive the multi-slot transmission, the WTRU may apply the first MCS in non-SBFD slots and the second MCS in SBFD slots.

[0152] For uplink multi-slot transmission, after calculating the TBS for the transmission and / or the second MCS, the WTRU may transmit the uplink transmission in each of the SBFD and non-SBFD slots. For the case of TBoMS, the calculated TBS may be spread over the N slots indicated / configured for the uplink transmission. For the case of TB repetition, the calculated TBS may be confined within a slot and repeated over the multiple slots uplink transmission. When the WTRU uses a second MCS to transmit the multi-slot transmission, the WTRU may use the first MCS for uplink transmission in non-SBFD slots and the second MCS for uplink transmission in SBFD slots.

[0153] FIG. 4 is a flowchart diagram illustrating an example of a WTRU performing a TBS determination or calculation. In an example shown in flowchart diagram 400, the WTRU performs the TBS determination or calculation based on a total number of slots configured or indicated for the transmission, a number of slots configured with SBFD, and a percentage of usable RB(s) per SBFD slots. It should be understood that this is merely an example and that the WTRU can perform the TBS calculation based on any one or a combination of the total number of slots for the transmission, the number of slots configured with SBFD, the number of usable RBs, and the percentage of usable RB(s) per SBFD slots.

[0154] In a first step, the WTRU is configured or indicated for DL or UL transmission in one or multiple slots (for example, with repetition in N slots) 430. Additionally or alternatively, at least one slot is configured with SBFD. The indication or the configuration can specify whether the WTRU should operate in DL or UL mode for the slot, additionally or alternatively. Additionally or alternatively, the indication or the configuration can include parameters such as the number of RBs allocated each slot in the transmission and the MCS to be used in each slot of the transmission.

[0155] Additionally or alternatively, one of the configured slots is set to operate using SBFD, meaning that it allows simultaneous transmission and reception of data on different frequency bands.

[0156] The indication or configuration allocates a specific total number of RBs for the transmission in each slot, additionally or alternatively. Additionally or alternatively, the configuration may specify a first MCS, which determines how the data will be modulated and encoded for transmission.

[0157] In a second step, the WTRU determines, or is configured to determine, that a subset of the total number of RBs of the transmission in the SBFD slot is overlapping with an unusable sub-band 440 (for example, subset of RBs of the UL transmission is overlapping with DL sub-band and / or a guard band).

[0158] In a third step, the WTRU calculates, or is configured to calculate, the percentage of usable RB(s) as the number of usable RBs in the SBFD slot divided by the total number of RBs 450. Additionally or alternatively, the WTRU calculates a number or usable RBs in the SBFD slot.

[0159] Next, the WTRU is configured to perform the TBS calculation. As described above, the WTRU determines how to perform the TBS calculation based on any one or a combination of the total number of slots (N) configured or indicated for the transmission, the number of slots configured with SBFD, the number of usable RBs, and the percentage of usable RBs. For example, the WTRU may calculate the TBS based on a combination of the number of slots configured for SBFD and the number of usable RBs.

[0160] As a result of the TBS calculation, the WTRU is configured to determine the TBS 460. The WTRU compares the number of SBFD slots divided by the number of slots against a first threshold and a second threshold.

[0161] If the ratio of the number of slots configured with SBFD divided by the number of slots for the transmission (N) is below or equal the first threshold and the percentage of usable RBs is above or equal a second threshold, then the WTRU is configured to determine TBS using the total number of RBs 470.

[0162] If the ratio of the number of slots configured with SBFD divided by the number of slots for the transmission (N) is above the first threshold or the percentage of usable RBs is below the second threshold, then the WTRU is configured to do one or both of: determine TBS using the number of usable RBs 480, instead of the total number RBs; and / or apply a first MCS for non-SBFD slots and a second MCS for SBFD slots (for example, based on configured mapping between MCS indices and number of unusable RBs). The WTRU is further configured to transmit, receive, or both transmissions in each of the SBFD and non-SBFD slots using the calculated TBS and / or the determined MCS index(s). Additionally or alternatively, the is further configured to send transmissions in each of the SBFD and non-SBFD slots using the calculated TBS and / or the determined MCS index(s).

[0163] Although features and elements are described above in particular combinations, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that each feature or element can be used alone or in any combination with the other features and elements. In addition, the methods described herein may be implemented in a computer program, software, or firmware incorporated in a computer-readable medium for execution by a computer or processor. Examples of computer-readable media include electronic signals (transmitted over wired or wireless connections) and computer-readable storage media. Examples of computer-readable storage media include,but are not limited to, a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a register, cache memory, semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magnetooptical media, and optical media such as CD-ROM disks, and digital versatile disks (DVDs). A processor in association with software may be used to implement a radio frequency transceiver for use in a WTRU, UE, terminal, base station, RNC, or any host computer.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed:

1. A method for use in a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) configured for multi-slot transmissions comprising: receiving an indication for downlink (DL) communication, uplink (UL) communication, or both, in one or more slots; determining that a subset of resource blocks (RBs) in a sub-band full duplex (SBFD) slot is unusable; calculating a number of usable RBs in the SBFD slot; determining a transport block size (TBS) based on a combination of a number of slots configured for SBFD and the number of usable RBs; and sending, receiving, or both, one or more transmissions in each of the SBFD and non-SBFD slots using the determined TBS.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the determining the TBS includes determining whether the number of SBFD slots divided by number of slots is below a first threshold.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the TBS is further determined using a total number of RBs.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the determining the TBS includes determining whether the percentage or ratio of usable RBs compared against the total number of RBs in the SBFD slot is above a second threshold.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the determining the TBS using the number of usable RBs includes determining whether the number of SBFD slots divided by number of slots is above a first threshold.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising applying the first modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for non-SBFD slots and applying a second MCS for SBFD slots.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first MCS is different from the second MCS.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the first MCS is higher than the second MCS.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the determining the TBS includes determining whether the percentage or ratio of usable RBs compared against the total number of RBs in the SBFD slot is below a second threshold.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising sending or receiving the one or more transmissions in each of the SBFD and non-SBFD slots using the first MCS or the second MCS.

11. A wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) comprising a transceiver; and a processor, operatively coupled to the transceiver; wherein: the transceiver and processor are configured to receive an indication for downlink (DL) communication, uplink (UL) communication, or both, in one or more slots; the processor is configured to determine that a subset of resource blocks (RBs) in a sub-band full duplex (SBFD) slot is unusable; the processor is configured to calculate a number of usable RBs in the SBFD slot; the processor is configured to determine a transport block size (TBS) based on a combination of a number of slots configured for SBFD and the number of usable RBs; and the transceiver and processor are configured to send, to receive, or both, transmissions in each of the SBFD and non-SBFD slots using the determined TBS.

12. The WTRU of claim 11 , wherein the determining the TBS includes determining whether the number of SBFD slots divided by number of slots is below a first threshold.

13. The WTRU of claim 12, wherein the TBS is further determined using a total number of RBs.

14. The WTRU of claim 11 , wherein the determining the TBS includes determining whether the percentage or ratio of usable RBs compared against the total number of RBs in the SBFD slot is above a second threshold.

15. The WTRU of claim 11, wherein the determining the TBS using the number of usable RBs includes determining whether the number of SBFD slots divided by number of slots is above a first threshold.

16. The WTRU of claim 11 , wherein the transceiver and processor are further configured to apply the first modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for non-SBFD slots and apply a second MCS for SBFD slots.

17. The WTRU of claim 16, wherein the first MCS is different from the second MCS.

18. The WTRU of claim 16, wherein the first MCS is higher than the second MCS.

19. The WTRU of claim 11 , wherein the determining the TBS includes determining whether the percentage or ratio of usable RBs compared against the total number of RBs in the SBFD slot is below a second threshold.

20. The WTRU of claim 19, wherein the transceiver and processor are further configured to send or receive the one or more transmissions in each of the SBFD and non-SBFD slots using the first MCS or the second MCS.

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