Method and apparatus for low-latency coexistence mechanism between narrowband and 802.11 technologies

Abstract

Systems and methods for narrowband (NB) transmission may include an NB device that may perform a listen-before-talk (LBT) operation for a clear channel assessment (CCA) on a channel of a frequency band which is greater than 5 gigahertz (GHz). The NB device may determine, according to the CCA, a value of a power-CCA (PCCA), the PCCA determined based on a detected receive (RX) energy on the channel and an energy detect threshold (EDT). The NB device may determine a transmission power for transmitting one or more signals on the channel, the transmission power determined based on a difference between the EDT the value of the PCCA, responsive to the PCCA being greater than, or greater than or equal to, zero. The NB device may transmit the one or more signals according to the transmission power.

Description

[0001] LOW-LA TENCY COEXISTENCE MECHANISM BETWEEN NARROWBANDAND802.il TECHNOLOGIES CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63 / 683,125 filed August 14, 2024.

[0003] FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to wireless technology and, more particularly, to a low-latency coexistence mechanism between narrowband (NB) and 802. 11 technologies.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Wireless communication systems may perform Listen Before Talk (LBT) operations to determine activity on a channel before signal transmission. Certain transmission methods may be suboptimal for transmitting packets / signals on busy channels, which can lead to increased interference.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] In one aspect, this disclosure relates to a method. The method may include performing, by a narrowband (NB) device, a listen-before-talk (LBT) operation for a clear channel assessment (CCA) on a channel of a frequency band which is greater than 5 gigahertz (GHz). The method may include determining, by the NB device according to the CCA, a value of a power-CCA (PCCA). the PCCA determined based on a detected receive (RX) energy on the channel and an energy detect threshold (EDT). The method may include determining, by the NB device, a transmission power for transmitting one or more signals on the channel, the transmission power determined based on a difference between the EDT the value of the PCCA, responsive to the PCCA being greater than, or greater than or equal to. zero. The method may include transmitting, by the NB device, the one or more signals according to the transmission power.

[0009] In some implementations, a value of the EDT is based on the frequency band of the channel. In some implementations, the method may include determining, by the NB device, power-transmission power control (PTPC), wherein determining the transmission power can include selecting a minimum value from the PTPC and the difference between the EDT and the PCCA. In some implementations, the method may include determining by the NB device, whether the PTPC is greater than the difference between the EDT and the PCCA, and can include modifying a data rate to reduce the PTPC to be less than or equal to the difference.

[0010] In some implementations, the method may include selecting, by the NB device, the data rate from a look-up table including a plurality of data rates and corresponding PTPC values. In some implementations when the transmission power is less than a minimum power (Pmin), the NB device foregoes transmission of the one or more signals on the channel, wherein when the transmission power is greater than a maximum power (Pmax), an actual transmission power is equal to the Pmax. In some implementations, when the transmission power is equal to the Pmin, equal to the Pmax, or between the Pmin and the Pmax, the actual transmission power is equal to Pout_dBm= Step_size ■ where P0Ut dBmis the actual transmission power, Ptx2_dbm is the transmission power, and Step_size is based on a number of quantization levels.

[0011] In some implementations, values of the Pmin and the Pmax for a first frequency band are different than values of the Pmin and the Pmax for a second frequency band. In some implementations, the method may include determining the transmission power as a minimum value between a maximum transmission power (Pmax) for the NB device and the difference between the EDT and the PCCA. In some implementations, responsive to the PCCA being greater than the EDT, the NB device may switch to a different channel. In some implementations, responsive to the PCCA being greater than the EDT and a current transmission being a last retransmission, the NB device may switch to a primary channel or a least occupied channel, wherein determining the transmission power can include selecting a minimum value from a power of transmission pow er control (PTPC) and a maximum power (Pmax).

[0012] In another aspect, this disclosure is directed to a narrowband (NB) device. The NB device may include one or more processors. The one or more processors may perform a listen-before-talk (LBT) operation for a clear channel assessment (CCA) on a channel of a frequency band which is greater than 5 gigahertz (GHz). The one or more processors may determine, according to the CCA, a value of a power-CCA (PCCA), the PCCA determined based on a detected receive (RX) energy on the channel and an energy detect threshold (EDT). The one or more processors may determine a transmission pow er for transmitting one or more signals on the channel, the transmission power determined based on a difference between the EDT and the value of the PCCA, responsive to the PCCA being greater than, or greater than or equal to, zero. The one or more processors may transmit the one or more signals according to the transmission power.

[0013] In some implementations, the one or more processors may determine a pow ertransmission pow er control (PTPC). The one or more processors may be configured to determine the transmission power by selecting a minimum value from the PTPC and the difference between the EDT and the PCCA. In some implementations, the one or more processors may determine whether the PTPC is greater than the difference between the EDT and the PCCA; and can modify a data rate to reduce the PTPC to be less than or equal to the difference. In some implementations, the one or more processors may select the data rate from a look-up table including a plurality of data rates and corresponding PTPC values.

[0014] In some implementations, when the transmission power is less than a minimum power (Pmin), the one or more processors are configured to forgo transmission of the one or more signals on the channel, wherein when the transmission power is greater than a maximum power (Pmax), an actual transmission power is equal to the Pmax. In some implementations, when the transmission power is equal to the Pmin, equal to the Pmax, or between the Pmin and the Pmax, the actual transmission power is equal to Pout_dBm= Step_siz where Pout_dBmis the actual transmission power, Ptx2_dbm is the transmission power, and Step_size is based on a number of quantization levels. In some implementations, the one or more processors may determine the transmission power as a minimum value between a maximum transmission power (Pmax) for the NB device and the difference between the EDT and the PCCA. In some implementations, responsive to the PCCA being greater than the EDT, the one or more processors may switch to a different channel.

[0015] In another aspect, this disclosure is directed to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a narrowband (NB) device, cause the one or more processors to perform a listen-before-talk (LBT) operation for a clear channel assessment (CCA) on a channel of a frequency band which is greater than 5 gigahertz (GHz). The instructions may cause the one or more processors to determine, according to the CCA, a value of a power-CCA (PCCA), the PCCA determined based on a detected receive (RX) energy on the channel and an energy detect threshold (EDT). The instructions may cause the one or more processors to determine a transmission power for transmitting one or more signals on the channel, the transmission power may be determined based on a difference between the EDT and the value of the PCCA, responsive to the PCCA being greater than, or greater than or equal to, zero. The instructions may cause the one or more processors to transmit the one or more signals according to the transmission power.

[0016] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. For purposes of clarity, not every component can be labeled in even’ drawing.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system environment, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a head wearable display , according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a computing environment, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system for determining transmission (TX) power on a NB channel using listen-before-talk (LBT) techniques, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method for narrowband transmission using LBT techniques, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for packet transmission (TX) procedure on busy channels, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain implementations in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0026] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for optimal / optimized transmission power determination for certain device types, such as narrowband (NB) devices operating in 5 and 6 gigahertz (GHz). The systems and methods described herein may determine transmission power based on various device conditions, channel frequency band conditions, energy detection thresholds (EDTs), network usage conditions, among others. For example, the systems and methods described herein may perform a Listen Before Talk (LBT) operation for a clear channel assessment (CCA), and use a result of the CCA to determine I configure I select a transmission power for transmitting a particular packet or signal on a frequency channel / band / bandwidth which may provide for decreased interference on the channel.

[0027] In some wireless communication systems or solutions, certain devices, such as NB devices, may use 5 and 6 GHz frequency bands for communication. Some solutions may allow narrowband devices to transmit at high power in these frequency bands, which may cause disruptive interference to Wi-Fi. In some implementations in which no LBT operation is performed before NB device transmissions, such implementations may impact other devices on the channel because the NB devices - in some scenarios - may not consider the impacts of their transmissions on other devices, but could benefit from performing LBT operations to determine a transmission power that mitigates disruptive interference.

[0028] According to various implementations of the present disclosure, a first device (such as an NB device) may perform an LBT operation for a CCA on a channel of a frequency band that is greater than 5 GHz. The first device may determine, according to the CCA, a value of a power-CCA (PCCA) based on a detected receive (RX) energy on the channel and an EDT for the channel. The first device may determine a transmission power for transmitting one or more signals on the channel based on a difference between the EDT and the value of the PCCA. The first device may transmit the one or more signals according to the determined transmission power.

[0029] According to the systems and methods described herein, by performing an LBT operation before transmitting signals on the channel, the transmission power may be dynamic for NB devices communicating packets / signals via an NB communication link. For instance, instead of using an instantaneous or fixed transmission power for NB devices, such NB devices may dynamically configure / set / determine the transmission power based on the current activity' on the channel, thereby resulting in reduced disruptive interference. For example, if an NB device were to use certain transmission powers on a busy channel, the NB device may cause interference for Wi-Fi or other devices operating on the channel. In some cases (e.g., when the channel is busy / received power on the channel is greater than EDT), the NB device may be able to transmit packets at a lower transmission power (e.g., than a default transmission power) while still being received by an endpoint. The NB device may determine this lower transmission power based on a difference between the RX power and the EDT (e.g., PCCA), while setting boundaries based on limitations of the NB device (e.g., minimum power, maximum power), as well as a minimum power that allows for successful packet transmission and reception (e.g., PTPC). The NB device may use these parameters to optimize transmission power while limiting disruptive interference. According to the systems and methods of the present solution, by having a dynamic transmission power which is set / determined / identified according to a result of an LBT operation, the NB device may transmit a packet in circumstances / scenarios in which the NB device may have otherwise caused disruptive interference on the channel.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example artificial reality’ system environment 100. In some implementations, the artificial reality system environment 100 includes an access point (AP) 105, one or more HWDs 150 (e.g., HWD 150A, 150B), and one or more computing devices 110 (computing devices 110A, 110B; sometimes referred to as consoles) providing data for artificial reality to the one or more HWDs 150. The access point 105 may be a router or any network device allowing one or more computing devices 110 and / or one or more HWDs 150 to access a network (e.g., the Internet). The access point 105 may be replaced by any communication device (cell site). A computing device 110 may be a custom device or a mobile device that can retrieve content from the access point 105, and provide image data of artificial reality to a corresponding HWD 150. Each HWD 150 may present the image of the artificial reality to a user according to the image data. In some implementations, the artificial reality system environment 100 includes more, fewer, or different components than shown in FIG. 1. In some implementations, the computing devices 110 A. HOB communicate with the access point 105 through wireless links 102A, 102B (e.g., interlinks), respectively. In some implementations, the computing device 110A communicates with the HWD 150A through a wireless link 125A (e.g., intralink), and the computing device HOB communicates with the HWD 150B through a wireless link 125B (e.g., intralink). In some implementations, functionality of one or more components of the artificial reality system environment 100 can be distributed among the components in a different manner than is described here. For example, some of the functionality of the computing device 110 may be performed by the HWD 150. For example, some of the functionality of the HWD 150 may be performed by the computing device 110.

[0031] In some implementations, the HWD 150 is an electronic component that can be worn by a user and can present or provide an artificial reality experience to the user. The HWD 150 may be referred to as, include, or be part of a head mounted display (HMD), head mounted device (HMD), head wearable device (HWD), head worn display (HWD) or head worn device (HWD). The HWD 150 may render one or more images, video, audio, or some combination thereof to provide the artificial reality experience to the user. In some implementations, audio is presented via an external device (e.g., speakers and / or headphones) that receives audio information from the HWD 150. the computing device 110. or both, and presents audio based on the audio information. In some implementations, the HWD 150 includes sensors 155, a wireless interface 165, a processor 170, and a display 175. These components may operate together to detect a location of the HWD 150 and a gaze direction of the user wearing the HWD 150. and render an image of a view within the artificial reality corresponding to the detected location and / or orientation of the HWD 150. In other implementations, the HWD 150 includes more, fewer, or different components than shown in FIG. 1.

[0032] In some implementations, the sensors 155 include electronic components or a combination of electronic components and software components that detects a location and an orientation of the HWD 150. Examples of the sensors 155 can include: one or more imaging sensors, one or more accelerometers, one or more gyroscopes, one or more magnetometers, or another suitable type of sensor that detects motion and / or location. For example, one or more accelerometers can measure translational movement (e.g., forward / back, up / down, left / right) and one or more gyroscopes can measure rotational movement (e.g., pitch, yaw, roll). In some implementations, the sensors 155 detect the translational movement and the rotational movement, and determine an orientation and location of the HWD 150. In one aspect, the sensors 155 can detect the translational movement and the rotational movement with respect to a previous orientation and location of the HWD 150, and determine a new orientation and / or location of the HWD 150 by accumulating or integrating the detected translational movement and / or the rotational movement. Assuming for an example that the HWD 150 is oriented in a direction 25 degrees from a reference direction, in response to detecting that the HWD 150 has rotated 20 degrees, the sensors 155 may determine that the HWD 150 now faces or is oriented in a direction 45 degrees from the reference direction. Assuming for another example that the HWD 150 was located two feet away from a reference point in a first direction, in response to detecting that the HWD 150 has moved three feet in a second direction, the sensors 155 may determine that the HWD 150 is now located at a vector multiplication of the two feet in the first direction and the three feet in the second direction.

[0033] In some implementations, the wireless interface 165 includes an electronic component or a combination of an electronic component and a software component that communicates with the computing device 110. In some implementations, the wireless interface 165 includes or is embodied as a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data through a wireless medium. The wireless interface 165 may communicate with a wireless interface 115 of a corresponding computing device 110 through a wireless link 125 (e.g.. intralink). The wireless interface 165 may also communicate with the access point 105 through a wireless link (e g., interlink). Examples of the wireless link 125 include a near field communication link, Wi-Fi direct, Bluetooth, or any wireless communication link. In some implementations, the wireless link 125 may include one or more ultra- wideband communication links, as described in greater detail below. Through the wireless link 125, the wireless interface 165 may transmit to the computing device 110 data indicating the determined location and / or orientation of the HWD 150, the determined gaze direction of the user, and / or hand tracking measurement. Moreover, through the wireless link 125, the wireless interface 165 may receive from the computing device 110 image data indicating or corresponding to an image to be rendered.

[0034] In some implementations, the processor 170 includes an electronic component or a combination of an electronic component and a software component that generates one or more images for display, for example, according to a change in view of the space of the artificial reality. In some implementations, the processor 170 is implemented as one or more graphical processing units (GPUs), one or more central processing unit (CPUs), or a combination of them that can execute instructions to perform various functions described herein. The processor 170 may receive, through the wireless interface 165, image data describing an image of artificial reality to be rendered, and render the image through the display 175. In some implementations, the image data from the computing device 110 may be encoded, and the processor 170 may decode the image data to render the image. In some implementations, the processor 170 receives, from the computing device 110 through the wireless interface 165, object information indicating virtual objects in the artificial reality space and depth information indicating depth (or distances from the HWD 150) of the virtual objects. In one aspect, according to the image of the artificial reality7, object information, depth information from the computing device 110, and / or updated sensor measurements from the sensors 155, the processor 170 may perform shading, reprojection, and / or blending to update the image of the artificial reality to correspond to the updated location and / or orientation of the HWD 150.

[0035] In some implementations, the display 175 is an electronic component that display s an image. The display 175 may, for example, be a liquid crystal display or an organic light emitting diode display. The display 175 may be a transparent display that allows the user to see through. In some implementations, when the HWD 150 is worn by a user, the display 175 is located proximate (e.g., less than 3 inches) to the user’s eyes. In one aspect, the display 175 emits or projects light towards the user’s eyes according to image generated by the processor 170. The HWD 150 may include a lens that allows the user to see the display 175 in a close proximity.

[0036] In some implementations, the processor 170 performs compensation to compensate for any distortions or aberrations. In one aspect, the lens introduces optical aberrations such as a chromatic aberration, a pin-cushion distortion, barrel distortion, etc. The processor 170 may determine a compensation (e.g., predistortion) to apply to the image to be rendered to compensate for the distortions caused by the lens, and apply the determined compensation to the image from the processor 170. The processor 170 may provide the predistorted image to the display 175.

[0037] In some implementations, the computing device 110 is an electronic component or a combination of an electronic component and a software component that provides content to be rendered to the HWD 150. The computing device 110 may be embodied as a mobile device (e.g., smart phone, tablet PC. laptop, etc.). The computing device 110 may operate as a soft access point. In one aspect, the computing device 110 includes a wireless interface 1 15 and a processor 118. These components may operate together to determine a view (e.g., a FOV of the user) of the artificial reality corresponding to the location of the HWD 150 and the gaze direction of the user of the HWD 150, and can generate image data indicating an image of the artificial reality corresponding to the determined view. The computing device 110 may also communicate with the access point 105, and may obtain AR / VR content from the access point 105, for example, through the wireless link 102 (e.g., interlink). The computing device 110 may receive sensor measurement indicating location and the gaze direction of the user of the HWD 150 and provide the image data to the HWD 150 for presentation of the artificial reality, for example, through the wireless link 125 (e.g., intralink). In other implementations, the computing device 110 includes more, fewer, or different components than shown in FIG. 1.

[0038] In some implementations, the wireless interface 115 is an electronic component or a combination of an electronic component and a software component that communicates with the HWD 150, the access point 105, other computing device 110, or any combination of them. In some implementations, the wireless interface 115 includes or is embodied as a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data through a wireless medium. The wireless interface 115 may be a counterpart component to the wireless interface 165 to communicate with the HWD 150 through a wireless link 125 (e.g., intralink). The wireless interface 115 may also include a component to communicate with the access point 105 through a wireless link 102 (e.g., interlink). Examples of wireless link 102 include a cellular communication link, a near field communication link, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 60 GHz wireless link, ultra- wideband link, or any wireless communication link. The wireless interface 115 may also include a component to communicate with a different computing device 110 through a wireless link 185. Examples of the wireless link 185 include a near field communication link, Wi-Fi direct. Bluetooth, ultra-wideband link, or any wireless communication link. Through the wireless link 102 (e.g., interlink), the wireless interface 115 may obtain AR / VR content, or other content from the access point 105. Through the wireless link 125 (e.g., intralink), the wireless interface 115 may receive from the HWD 150 data indicating the determined location and / or orientation of the HWD 150, the determined gaze direction of the user, and / or the hand tracking measurement. Moreover, through the wireless link 125 (e.g., intralink), the wireless interface 115 may transmit to the HWD 150 image data describing an image to be rendered. Through the wireless link 185, the wireless interface 115 may receive or transmit information indicating the wireless link 125 (e.g.. channel, timing) between the computing device 110 and the HWD 150. According to the information indicating the wireless link 125, computing devices 110 may coordinate or schedule operations to avoid interference or collisions.

[0039] The processor 118 can include or correspond to a component that generates content to be rendered according to the location and / or orientation of the HWD 150. In some implementations, the processor 118 includes or is embodied as one or more central processing units, graphics processing units, image processors, or any processors for generating images of the artificial reality. In some implementations, the processor 118 may incorporate the gaze direction of the user of the HWD 150 and a user interaction in the artificial reality to generate the content to be rendered. In one aspect, the processor 1 18 determines a view of the artificial reality according to the location and / or orientation of the HWD 150. For example, the processor 118 maps the location of the HWD 150 in a physical space to a location within an artificial reality space, and determines a view of the artificial reality space along a direction corresponding to the mapped orientation from the mapped location in the artificial reality space. The processor 118 may generate image data describing an image of the determined view of the artificial reality space, and transmit the image data to the HWD 150 through the wireless interface 115. The processor 118 may encode the image data describing the image, and can transmit the encoded data to the HWD 150. In some implementations, the processor 118 generates and provides the image data to the HWD 150 periodically (e.g., every711 ms or 16 ms).

[0040] In some implementations, the processors 118, 170 may configure or cause the wireless interfaces 115, 165 to toggle, transition, cycle or switch between a sleep mode and a wake up mode. In the wake up mode, the processor 118 may enable the wireless interface 115 and the processor 170 may enable the wireless interface 165, such that the wireless interfaces 115, 165 may exchange data. In the sleep mode, the processor 118 may disable (e.g., implement low power operation in) the wireless interface 115 and the processor 170 maydisable the wireless interface 165, such that the wireless interfaces 115, 165 may not consume power or may reduce power consumption. The processors 118, 170 may schedule the wireless interfaces 115, 165 to switch between the sleep mode and the wake up mode periodically every frame time (e.g., 11 ms or 16 ms). For example, the wireless interfaces 115, 165 may operate in the w ake up mode for 2 ms of the frame time, and the wireless interfaces 115, 165 may operate in the sleep mode for the remainder (e.g., 9 ms) of the frame time. By disabling the wireless interfaces 115. 165 in the sleep mode, power consumption of the computing device 110 and the HWD 150 can be reduced.

[0041] Various operations described herein can be implemented on computer systems. FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a representative computing system 314 usable to implement the present disclosure. In some implementations, the computing device 110, the HWD 150, devices 302, 304, or each of the components of FIG. 1-5 are implemented by or may otherwise include one or more components of the computing system 314. Computing system 314 can be implemented, for example, as a consumer device such as a smartphone, other mobile phone, tablet computer, wearable computing device (e.g., smart watch, eyeglasses, head wearable display), desktop computer, laptop computer, or implemented with distributed computing devices. The computing system 314 can be implemented to provide VR, AR, MR experience. In some implementations, the computing system 314 can include conventional computer components such as processors 316, storage device 318, netw ork interface 320, user input device 322, and user output device 324.

[0042] Network interface 320 can provide a connection to a wide area network (e.g.. the Internet) to which WAN interface of a remote server system is also connected. Network interface 320 can include a wared interface (e.g., Ethernet) and / or a wireless interface implementing various RF data communication standards such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB, or cellular data network standards (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G. 60 GHz, LTE, etc.).

[0043] User input device 322 can include any device (or devices) via which a user can provide signals to computing system 314; computing system 314 can interpret the signals as indicative of particular user requests or information. User input device 322 can include any or all of a keyboard, touch pad, touch screen, mouse or other pointing device, scroll wheel, click wheel, dial, button, switch, keypad, microphone, sensors (e.g., a motion sensor, an eye tracking sensor, etc.), and so on.

[0044] User output device 324 can include any device via which computing system 314 can provide information to a user. For example, user output device 324 can include a display to display images generated by or delivered to computing system 314. The display can incorporate various image generation technologies, e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), light- emitting diode (LED) including organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), projection system, cathode ray tube (CRT), or the like, together with supporting electronics (e.g., digital -to- analog or analog-to-digital converters, signal processors, or the like). A device such as a touchscreen that function as both input and output device can be used. Output devices 324 can be provided in addition to or instead of a display. Examples include indicator lights, speakers, tactile "‘display” devices, printers, and so on.

[0045] Some implementations include electronic components, such as microprocessors, storage and memory that store computer program instructions in a computer readable storage medium (e.g., non-transitory computer readable medium). Many of the features described in this specification can be implemented as processes that are specified as a set of program instructions encoded on a computer readable storage medium. When these program instructions are executed by one or more processors, they cause the processors to perform various operation indicated in the program instructions. Examples of program instructions or computer code include machine code, such as is produced by a compiler, and files including higher-level code that are executed by a computer, an electronic component, or a microprocessor using an interpreter. Through suitable programming, processor 316 can provide various functionality for computing system 314, including any of the functionality described herein as being performed by a server or client, or other functionality associated with message management services.

[0046] It will be appreciated that computing system 314 is illustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. Computer systems used in connection with the present disclosure can have other capabilities not specifically described here. Further, while computing system 314 is described with reference to particular blocks, it is to be understood that these blocks are defined for convenience of description and are not intended to imply a particular physical arrangement of component parts. For instance, different blocks can be located in the same facility, in the same server rack, or on the same motherboard. Further, the blocks need not correspond to physically distinct components. Blocks can be configured to perform various operations, e.g., by programming a processor or providing appropriate control circuitry, and various blocks might or might not be reconfigurable depending on how the initial configuration is obtained. Implementations of the present disclosure can be realized in a variety of apparatus including electronic devices implemented using any combination of circuitry and software.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 4. depicted is a block diagram of a system 400 for determining transmission (TX) power on aNB channel using listen-before-talk (LBT) operations. according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. The system 400 may include a first NB device 402(1) which is configured to establish a communication link (e.g., aNB link 404) with the second NB device 402(2). The system 400 may include one or more third devices 420 (which can be a different NB device and / or a WLAN device). In various implementations, the third device(s) 420 may be configured to operate / communicate on a frequency band which is shared with the NB communication link 404, such that, in various instances, the third device 420 may transmit / receive signals which have the potential to interfere with communications on the NB communication link 404, and / or have the potential to be interfered with by the NB communication link 404. As described in greater detail below, the first device 402(1) may be configured to perform a LBT operation for a clear channel assessment (CCA) on the NB communication link 404. The first device 402(1) may be configured to determine a value of a power-CCA (PCCA) based on a detected receive (RX) energy on the channel. The first device 402(1) may be configured to determine a transmission power for transmitting one or more signals on the NB communication link 404. The first device 402(1) may be configured to transmit one or more signals to the second device 402(2) according to the determined transmission power (e.g., on the NB communication link 404, on a different communication link).

[0048] The NB communication link 404 may be established between the first device 402(1) and the second device 402(2) on a channel of a frequency band which is greater than 5 gigahertz (GHz). For example, the devices may be communicating in a 5.2 GHz frequency spectrum (e.g., UNII-1 ), a 5.8 GHz spectrum (e.g., UNII-3 / 4), and / or a 6.4 GHz frequency spectrum (e.g., UNII-5) with WLAN devices communicating on a 320 MHz channel. The channels available for the NB communication link 404 may be based on a transmission protocol used. For example, when using Bluetooth (BT) or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). UNII-1, UNII-3 / 4, and UNII-5 may be available for use. As another example, when using IEEE 802.15.4ab, UNII-3 / 4 and UNII-5 may be available for use. It should be understood that the behavior of transmission protocols, such as BT / BLE and IEEE 802.15.4ab may be adjusted (e.g., modified) to be the same.

[0049] The first device 402(1) may include a transceiver 418. The transceiver 418 may be the same as or similar to the wireless interface 115, 165 and / or network interface 320 described above with reference to FIG. 1 - FIG. 3. In various implementations, the transceiver 418 may be or include an antenna and related hardware / circuitry' configured to operate according to a NB standard or protocol, such as BLUTOOTH.

[0050] The first device 402(1) may include one or more processors 406. The processor(s) 406 may be similar to the processors ) 118, 170 described above with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. and / or the processing unit(s) 316 described above with reference to FIG. 3. The processor(s) 406 may be configured to execute various applications / resources / services (referred to generally as applications )) of the first device 402(1). The processor(s) 406 may be configured to generate data / packets / data frames responsive to executing the application(s) of the first device 402(1).

[0051] The first device 402(1) may include memory 408. The memory 408 may be or include a static random access memory (SRAM), RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, or any other types of memory, storage drive or storage register, internal to the device 402(1), included within an integrated circuit of the device 402(1), etc. The memory 408 may be configured to store data and / or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and hardware described herein. The memory 408 may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory', and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. According to an example implementation, the memory is communicably connected to the processor(s) 406 via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit and / or the processor(s) 406) various applications, functions, software, and so forth.

[0052] The first device 402(1) may include one or more processing engines 410. The processing engine(s) 410 may be or include any device, component, element, or hardware designed or configured to execute, implement, or otherwise perform one or more functions described herein. In some implementations, the processing engine(s) 410 may include the processor(s) 406 which execute instruction(s) from memory 408 to perform corresponding functions described herein. The processing engine(s) 410 may include an LBT operation engine 412, a PCCA determination engine 414, and a TX power determination engine 416. While these processing engine(s) 410 are shown and described, in various implementations, alternative, additional, and / or fewer processing engine(s) 410 may be implemented in the systems described herein. For example, and in some implementations, a processing engine 410 may be divided into / distributed across multiple processing engines. As another example, and in some implementations, two or more processing engines 410 may be combined to form a single processing engine 410.

[0053] While described above with reference to the first device 402(1). in various implementations, the second device 402(2) (and / or third device 420) may include similar hardware / components / elements as shown in the first device 402(1). For example, the second device 402(2) may similarly include a transceiver, processor(s), memory, and processing engine(s).

[0054] The first device 402(1) may include an LBT operation engine 412. The LBT operation engine 412 may be configured to detect, identify, estimate, or otherwise determine activity (e.g., busy, idle, etc.) on the NB channel corresponding to the NB communication link 404. The channel may be on a frequency band that is greater than 5 GHz, such as UNII-1, UNII- 3 / 4, or UNII-5. The LBT operation engine 412 may determine activity on the NB channel by detecting RX energy on the channel. For example, if the detected RX energy on the NB channel is greater than an energy' detection threshold (EDT) for the channel, then the channel is considered active (e.g., busy). As another example, if the detected RX energy is less than the EDT for the channel, then the channel is considered idle. In some implementations, the value of the EDT may be based on the channel. For example, in UNII-1, the EDT may be -66 decibel-milliwatts (dBm) / megahertz (MHz). As another example, in UNII-3 / 4, the EDT may be -67 dBm / MHz. As yet another example, in UNII-5, the EDT may be -74 dBm / MHz. It should be understood that the EDT values in various implementations described herein are in no way limiting, and additional and / or alternative EDT values may be used.

[0055] The first device 402(1) may include a power-CCA (PCCA) determination engine 414. The PCCA determination engine 414 may be configured to detect, identity7, estimate, or otherwise determine whether the channel is idle or busy. The PCCA determination engine 414 may use the RX energy (e.g., detected by the LBT operation engine 412) and the EDT to determine a PCCA for the channel. For example, the PCCA determination engine 414 may determine the PCCA by calculating a difference between the RX energy7and the EDT (e.g., PCCA = RX - EDT). The PCCA determination engine 414 may determine whether the channel is idle or busy based on the value of the PCCA. For example, if the PCCA value is greater than or equal to zero (e.g., RX energy is greater than or equal to EDT), the channel may be busy. As another example, if the PCCA value is less than zero (e.g., RX energy7is less than EDT), the channel may be idle.

[0056] The first device 402(1) may include a TX power determination engine 416. The TX power determination engine 416 may be configured to detect, identity, estimate, or otherwise determine a TX power of packets to be transmitted to another device (e.g., second NB device 402(2)) via the NB communication link 404. The TX pow er may be a power which is to be used (or is determined to be used) for transmitting a particular packet / signal on the NB link 404, which is less than, or less than or equal to, a defined maximum transmission power (Pmax) for the transceiver 418. The defined Pmax may be, for example, an upper limit of 15dBm, or another relevant defined threshold value. In some implementations, the value of Pmax may be defined based on the channel (e.g., UNII-1. UNII-3 / 4, UNII-5). In some implementations, the value of Pmax may be defined based on parameters (e.g., limitations, constraints) of the devices (e.g., maximum TX power of the first device 402(1), maximum RX power of the second device 402(2)). In some implementations, the value of Pmax may be defined based on standard regulations for transmission.

[0057] The TX power determination engine 416 may determine the TX power based on the determination (e.g., by the PCCA determination engine 414) of whether the channel is idle or busy. In some implementations, responsive to a determination that the channel is idle (e.g., not busy), the instantaneous TX power may be up to the value of Pmax. Since the channel is idle, and there is no potential to interfere with other devices on the channel, there may not be additional limitations imposed on (e.g., applied to) the TX power. A power-transmission power control (PTPC) value may correspond to a minimum TX power needed to achieve successful packet transmission at the current data rate. The PTPC value may correspond to a data rate for transmission. For example, the value of PTPC may be lowered by lowering the data rate. At lower data rates, less data may be transmitted within a given packet for the duration of the transmission. Accordingly, at lower data rates, a minimum transmission power to successfully transmit the packets may be lower than at higher data rates. The power determination engine 416 may determine a relationship between PTPC values and data rate based on a look-up table stored at the first device 402(1). In some implementations, a minimum TX power (Pmin) may be defined based on the channel. For example, UNII-1 may have a different minimum TX power than UNII-5.

[0058] In some implementations, responsive to a determination that the channel is busy (e.g., not idle), the TX power determination engine 416 may determine the instantaneous TX power according to a defined TX procedure. As an initial step in the TX procedure, the TX power determination engine 416 may be configured to calculate, identify, or otherwise determine a transmission power (e.g., calculated transmission power, theoretical transmission power). The value of transmission power may be different from an actual transmission power used to transmit the packets in cases where quantization is applied. The TX power determination engine 416 may be configured to determine the transmission power based on the EDT and the value of the PCCA. The TX power determination engine 416 may be configured to determine, compute, identify, or otherwise calculate the transmission power according to the following equation, where Ptx2 is the transmission power:

[0059] Ptx2 < min Pmax, PTPC, EDT — PCCA) Once the TX power determination engine 416 calculates the transmission power (Ptx2), the TX power determination engine 416 may be configured to identify, compute, calculate, or otherwise determine an actual transmission power (Pout) (e.g., output transmission power). In some cases, the transmission power may be greater than Pmax (e.g., for the channel, for regulations, for the devices). When the transmission power is greater than Pmax, the actual transmission power may be equal to Pmax (e.g., Pout = Pmax). In some cases, the transmission power may be less than Pmin for the channel (e.g., Ptx2 < Pmin). When the transmission power is less than Pmin, no packets may be transmitted on the channel.

[0060] In some implementations (e.g.. lower complexify, limited memory', etc.), the TX power determination engine 416 may be configured to apply quantization to the transmission, thereby adjusting (e.g., discretizing) the actual transmission power. When quantization is applied, the TX power determination engine 416 may be configured to increment the actual transmission power in steps, as opposed to being strictly based on the EDT and PCCA value. The step size for the actual transmission power may be based on the number of quantization levels, and the values of Pmax and Pmin. For example, when the number of quantization levels is greater than one, the step size can be represented by the difference between Pmax and Pmin divided by the number of levels minus one (e.g., step size = (Pmax - Pmin) / (num_levels - 1)). As another example, when the number of quantization levels is one. the step size may have a defined value of one (e.g., step size = 1). Accordingly, the actual transmission power may be represented by the step size multiplied by the quotient of the transmission power and the step size, where the quotient is rounded dow n to the nearest dBm

[0061] Accordingly, the actual transmission power to be sent from the first device 402(1) to the second device 402(2) via the NB link 404 can be represented by the following equation:

[0062] Responsive to the TX power determination engine 416 determining that no packets are to be transmitted on the channel, the first device 402(1) may either (a) decide not to transmit the packets or (b) switch to a different channel. The first device 402(1) may switch to a different channel within a predetermined duration. For example, the first device 402(1) may switch to a different channel within 200 microseconds. 150 microseconds, or a different duration. The channel that the first device 402(1) switches to may depend on the current retransmission. For example, if the current switching procedure is a final attempt (e.g.. last retransmission attempt), the first device 402(1) may switch to a primary channel (e.g., nonoccupied Wi-Fi channel), or a least occupied channel. Responsive to switching to the primary channel, the TX power determination engine 416 may determine the transmission power based on a minimum of the PTPC and Pmax.

[0063] In some implementations, if the current switching procedure is not the final attempt (e.g., last retransmission attempt), the first device 402(1) may switch to a channel that is a certain frequency band away from the current channel, to avoid possible Wi-Fi interference. For example, the first device 402(1) may switch to a channel that is 80 MHz, 160 MHz, or 320 MHz away from the current channel. Responsive to switching away from the current channel, the TX power determination engine 416 may determine transmission power according to the TX procedure described above.

[0064] According to an exemplary implementation, the first device 402(1) may have a Pmax of 21 dBm. and the channel may have a regulator)’ Pmax of 30 dBm. Therefore, the system may have a Pmax of 21 dBm. The EDT value may be -74 dBm in UNII-5, and the EDT value may be -67 dBm. Table 1 below shows a mapping of PCCA values to transmission power (Ptx2) for the first device 402(1).

[0065]

[0066] Table 1 : Mapping of CCA to TX Power Without Quantization

[0067] To expand on the exemplary implementation above, the PTPC value may be -5 dBm, there may be 3 quantization levels. There may be a newly introduced Pmin (e.g., due to first device 402(1) constraints). The values of Pmin and Pmax may be different for different frequency bands and / or devices. For example, in UNII-5 Pmin may be 0 dBm and Pmax may be 10 dBm. As another example, in UNII-3, Pmin may be 5 dBm and Pmax may be 15 dBm. Table 2 below shows a mapping of CCA values to TX power (e.g., actual transmission power) when this quantization is introduced.

[0068]

[0069] Table 2: Mapping of CCA to TX Power With Quantization

[0070] As shown in Table 2, in UNII-5, there will be no TX until the PCCA value is -74 dBm. This may be due to the transmission power being less than Pmin (e.g., 0 dBm), which indicates that no transmission should occur on the channel. In UNII-5, there will be no TX until the PCCA value is -72 dBm. This may be due to the transmission power being less than Pmin (e.g., 5 dBm), which indicates that no transmission should occur on the channel. The step size for both UNII-5 and UNII-3 is shown to be 5 dBm, since the step size can be calculated by the difference of Pmax and Pmin divided by the number of quantization levels. For example, for UNII-5, where Pmax is 10 dBm. Pmin is 0 dBm, and there are two quantization levels, the step size is equal to 10 dBm - 0 dBm divided by 2. which is equal to 5 dBm. As another example, for UNII-3, where Pmax is 15 dBm, Pmin is 5 dBm, and there are two quantization levels, the step size is equal to 15 dBm - 5 dBm divided by 2, which is equal to 5 dBm.

[0071] Referring now to FIG. 5. depicted is a flow diagram showing an example method 500 of narrowband transmission using LBT techniques, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. The method 500 may be performed, implemented, or otherwise executed by the devices, components, elements, or hardware described above with reference to FIG. 1 - FIG. 4. As a brief overview, at step 502. the device 402(1) performs an LBT operation on a channel. At step 504. the device 402(1) may determine a transmission power for transmitting one or more packets on the channel. At step 506, the device 402(1) may transmit one or more packets to the second device 402(2) according to determined transmission power.

[0072] At step 502, the device 402(1) may perform an LBT operation on a NB channel. The NB channel may be of a frequency band that is greater than 5 GHz. For example, the channel may be UNII-1, UNII-3 / 4, and / or UNII-5. The LBT operation may be for a CCA. The device 402(1) may measure (e.g., detect) the RX energy on the channel to determine whether the channel is idle or busy. In some implementations, the device 402(1) may compare the detected RX energy to the EDT for the channel to determine whether the channel is idle or busy. For example, if the detected RX energy is greater than the EDT for the channel, the device 402(1) may determine the channel is busy. As another example, if the detected RX energy is less than the EDT for the channel, the device 402(1) may determine channel is idle. Performing the LBT operation on the channel may allow the device 402(1) to determine activity on the channel before packets / signals are transmitted, thereby reducing a likelihood of interfering with Wi-Fi or other devices on the channel.

[0073] At step 504, the device 402(1) may determine a transmission power for packet transmission on the channel. The transmission power may be based on the device 402(1) determining whether the RX energy is greater than or less than the EDT for the channel (e.g., the channel is idle or busy). In some implementations, the device 402(1) may determine a PCCA value for the channel based on the difference between RX energy and the EDT. The device 402(1) may then compare the PCCA value to a PCCA EDT value (e.g., a phyCCAEDThreshold) based on the difference between the EDT and the instantaneous transmit power (Ptx) of the device 402(1) for the upcoming packet. For example, if the PCCA value is less than or equal to the PCCA EDT value, the device 402(1) may determine that the channel is idle. As another example, if the PCCA value is greater than the PCCA EDT value, the device 402(1) may determine that the channel is busy.

[0074] In some implementations, responsive to a determination that the channel is idle, the device 402(1) may be able to transmit up to a maximum power (Pmax). The value of Pmax may be based on transmission constraints of the device 402(1), reception constraints of the device 402(2), regulator}' constraints (e.g., for the device 402(1), for the channel), among other constraints. In some implementations, responsive to a determination that the channel is busy, the device 402(1) may (a) forgo transmission of the packets (e.g.. on the channel), (b) transmit packets according to a specified TX procedure, or (c) switch to a different channel (e.g., and repeat steps 502 and 504). Switching to a different channel may be a result of the TX procedure. For example, if the determined transmission power according to the TX procedure is less than a minimum transmission power, the device 402(1) may decide to switch to a different channel.

[0075] At step 506, the device 402(1) may transmit the packet(s). In some implementations, the device may transmit the packet to the second device 402(2). The device may transmit the packet to the second device according via the NB communication link 404. The device 402(1) may transmit the packet using the determined transmission power (e.g., at step 504).

[0076] Referring now to FIG. 6, depicted is a flowchart showing an example method 600 of a packet transmission (TX) procedure on busy channels, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. The method 600 may be performed, implemented, or otherwise executed by the devices, components, elements, or hardware described above with reference to FIG. 1 - FIG. 5. As a brief overview; at step 602, a device may determine a difference between an EDT value and a power-CCA (PCCA) value on a channel (e.g., UNII- 1, UNII-3 / 4, UNII-5). At step 604, the device may determine a transmission power on the channel based on the difference. At step 1706, the device may determine an actual (e.g., output) transmission power based on the transmission power, maximum power (Pmax), and minimum powder (Pmin). The method 600 may be performed (e.g., implemented, executed, etc.) responsive to a determination that the channel is busy. The device may determine that the channel is busy based on a RX energy detected during an LBT operation. For example, the device may compare the RX energy to an EDT value to determine whether the channel is busy. As another example, the device may compare the PCCA value (e.g., the difference between the RX energy7and the EDT) to a PCCA EDT value (e.g., the difference between the EDT and the instantaneous transmit power (Ptx)) to determine whether the channel is busy.

[0077] At step 602, responsive to the determination that the channel is busy, the device may determine a difference between the EDT and the PCCA for the channel. The difference between the EDT and the PCCA may indicate a powder above the EDT that the device is to transmit packets. In other words, the difference may indicate an amount by which the RX energy on the channel exceeds the EDT. By limiting the transmission power of the NB device to be less than or equal to the difference between the RX energy and the EDT, the NB device can transmit at a reduced power, thereby limiting disruptive interference. Since the channel is already busy (e.g., before any transmission by the device), other constraints may be introduced to allow the device to transmit packets on the channel without interfering with WiFi or other devices.

[0078] At step 604, the device may determine a transmission power (e.g., desired transmission pow er, maximum transmission power, theoretical transmission power). The transmission pow -er may be a minimum value of (a) a maximum power (Pmax), (b) a PTPC value, or (c) the difference between the EDT and the PCCA. The PTPC value may correspond to a minimum pow er to successfully transmit a packet at a current data rate of the device. The PTPC value may be a function of a current data rate of the device. In some implementations, the device may adjust its data rate to adjust the PTPC value. For example, the device may determine that the PTPC is greater than the difference between the EDT and the PCCA, and may modify a data rate to reduce the PTPC to be less than or equal to the difference. The device may store a look-up table that includes the corresponding PTPC values for a plurality of data rates, and may select a data rate to achieve the desired PTPC value.

[0079] At step 606, the device may determine an actual transmission power (e.g., output transmission powder) based on the determined transmission power. In some implementations, the device may determine whether the transmission pow er is greater than or equal to a minimum power (Pmin) for the device. In the case that the transmission power is less than Pmin, the device may forgo the transmission of the packets (e.g., signals) on the channel. In some implementations, the device may determine whether the transmission power is less than or equal to a maximum power (Pmax) for the device. In the case that the transmission power is greater than Pmax, the actual transmission power may be equal to Pmax.

[0080] In some implementations, responsive to a determination that the transmission power is between Pmin and Pmax, the actual transmission pow er may be based on a quantization applied to the transmission. For example, depending on a number of desired quantization levels, the device may determine a step size for output power. The step size may be equal to the difference betw een Pmax and Pmin, divided by the number of quantization levels. The actual output power may be equal to Step_size * where Ptx2 is the transmission power.

[0081] Having now described some illustrative implementations, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by w ay of example. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or svstem elements, those acts and those elements can be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed in connection with one implementation are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other implementations or implementations.

[0082] The hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor also may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function. The memory (e.g., memory', memory unit, storage device, etc.) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and / or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory7or non-volatile memory, and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to the processor via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit and / or the processor) the one or more processes described herein.

[0083] The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine- readable media can comprise RAM. ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry7or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example. instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

[0084] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” “comprising” “having” “containing” “involving” “characterized by” “characterized in that” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternate implementations consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components.

[0085] Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular can also embrace implementations including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or act herein can also embrace implementations including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural configurations. References to any act or element being based on any information, act or element can include implementations where the act or element is based at least in part on any information, act, or element.

[0086] Any implementation disclosed herein can be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to “an implementation,” “some implementations,” “one implementation” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation can be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Any implementation can be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

[0087] Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.

[0088] Systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the characteristics thereof. References to “approximately,” “about” “substantially” or other terms of degree include variations of + / -10% from the given measurement, unit, or range unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Coupled elements can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled with one another directly or with intervening elements. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.

[0089] The term “coupled” and variations thereof includes the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary' (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly with or to each other, with the two members coupled with each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled with each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

[0090] References to “or” can be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” can indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. A reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

[0091] Modifications of described elements and acts such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations can occur without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied.

[0092] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above.” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. The orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method, comprising: performing, by a narrowband (NB) device, a listen-before-talk (LBT) operation for a clear channel assessment (CCA) on a channel of a frequency band which is greater than 5 gigahertz (GHz); determining, by the NB device according to the CCA. a value of a power-CCA (PCCA), the PCCA determined based on a detected receive (RX) energy on the channel and an energy detect threshold (EDT); determining, by the NB device, a transmission power for transmitting one or more signals on the channel, the transmission power determined based on a difference between the EDT the value of the PCCA, responsive to the PCCA being greater than, or greater than or equal to, zero; and transmitting, by the NB device, the one or more signals according to the transmission power.The method of claim 1, wherein a value of the EDT is based on the frequency band of the channel.

2. The method of claims 1 or 2, further comprising determining, by the NB device, power-transmission power control (PTPC), wherein determining the transmission power comprises selecting a minimum value from the PTPC and the difference between the EDT and the PCCA.

3. The method of any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: determining, by the NB device, whether the PTPC is greater than the difference between the EDT and the PCCA; and modifying a data rate to reduce the PTPC to be less than or equal to the difference; and, optionally, selecting, by the NB device, the data rate from a look-up table comprising a plurality of data rates and corresponding PTPC values.

4. The method of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the transmission power is less than a minimum power (Pmin), the NB device foregoes transmission of the one or more signals on the channel, wherein when the transmission power is greater than a maximum power (Pmax), an actual transmission power is equal to the Pmax.

5. The method of claim 5, wherein when the transmission pow er is equal to the Pmin,equal to the Pmax, or between the Pmin and the Pmax, the actual transmission power is equal „ • 1 - 1 1 • to POut_dBm= Step_size ■ where Pout_dBmis the actual transmission power,Ptx2_dbm is the transmission power, and Step_size is based on a number of quantization levels; and, optionally, wherein values of the Pmin and the Pmax for a first frequency band are different than values of the Pmin and the Pmax for a second frequency band.

6. The method of any of claims 1 to 6, further comprising determining the transmission power as a minimum value between a maximum transmission power (Pmax) for the NB device and the difference between the EDT and the PCCA.

7. The method of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein responsive to the PCCA being greater than the EDT, the NB device is configured to switch to a different channel; and, optionally, wherein responsive to the PCCA being greater than the EDT and a current transmission being a last retransmission, the NB device is configured to switch to a primary channel or a least occupied channel, and wherein determining the transmission power comprises selecting a minimum value from a power of transmission power control (PTPC) and a maximum power (Pmax).

8. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a narrowband (NB) device, cause the one or more processors to execute the method of any of claims 1 to 8.

9. A narrowband (NB) device, comprising: one or more processors configured to: perform a listen-before-talk (LBT) operation for a clear channel assessment (CCA) on a channel of a frequency band which is greater than 5 gigahertz (GHz); determine, according to the CCA, a value of a power-CCA (PCCA), the PCCA determined based on a detected receive (RX) energy on the channel and an energy detect threshold (EDT); determine a transmission pow er for transmitting one or more signals on the channel, the transmission power determined based on a difference between the EDT and the value of the PCCA, responsive to the PCCA being greater than, or greater than or equal to. zero; and transmit the one or more signals according to the transmission pow er.

10. The NB device of claim 10, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine a power-transmission power control (PTPC), the one or moreprocessors are configured to determine the transmission power by selecting a minimum value from the PTPC and the difference between the EDT and the PCCA.

11. The NB device of claim 11, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: determine whether the PTPC is greater than the difference between the EDT and the PCCA; and modify a data rate to reduce the PTPC to be less than or equal to the difference; and, optionally, select the data rate from a look-up table comprising a plurality of data rates and corresponding PTPC values.

12. The NB device of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein when the transmission power is less than a minimum power (Pmin), the one or more processors are configured to forgo transmission of the one or more signals on the channel, wherein when the transmission power is greater than a maximum power (Pmax), an actual transmission power is equal to the Pmax; and, optionally, wherein when the transmission power is equal to the Pmin, equal to the Pmax, or between the Pmin and the Pmax, the actual transmission power is equal to Pout_dBm = Step_size ■ where Pout_dBmis the actual transmission power. Ptx2_dbm is thetransmission power, and Step_size is based on a number of quantization levels.

13. The NB device of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine the transmission power as a minimum value between a maximum transmission power (Pmax) for the NB device and the difference between the EDT and the PCCA.

14. The NB device of any of claims 10 to 14. wherein responsive to the PCCA being greater than the EDT, the one or more processors are further configured to switch to a different channel.

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