Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving downlink control channel in wireless communication system

Abstract

Disclosed are a method and apparatus for performing downlink transmission and reception in a wireless communication system. The method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise the steps of: receiving, by a terminal from a base station, first configuration information related to at least one modulation order (MO) or at least one physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) candidate per aggregation level (AL); and monitoring, by the terminal, the at least one PDCCH candidate on the basis of the first configuration information.

Description

Method and device for transmitting and receiving a downlink control channel in a wireless communication system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a downlink control channel in a wireless communication system.

[0002] The 5th generation (5G) wireless communication system is a successor technology to 4G LTE (long term evolution) and is a new clean-slate type mobile communication system with characteristics such as high performance, low latency, and high availability. In the case of 5G NR (New Radio), all available spectrum resources can be utilized, ranging from low-frequency bands below 1 GHz to intermediate frequency bands between 1 GHz and 10 GHz, and high-frequency (or millimeter wave) bands above 24 GHz. Based on the foundational technology of 5G wireless communication, 6G wireless communication systems are being developed.

[0003] 6G wireless communication systems are being developed with the goal of (i) very high data rates per device, (ii) a very large number of connected devices, (iii) global connectivity, (iv) very low latency, (v) reduced energy consumption of battery-free IoT (internet of things) devices, (vi) ultra-reliable connectivity, and (vii) connected intelligence with machine learning capabilities. The vision of 6G systems can be seen in four aspects: intelligent connectivity, deep connectivity, holographic connectivity, and ubiquitous connectivity. Various technologies are being researched in consideration of the requirements for 6G systems, such as a peak data rate of 1 Tbps per device, an end-to-end (E2E) latency of 1ms, a maximum spectrum efficiency of 100 bps / Hz, support for mobility of 1000 km / h, satellite integration, artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous vehicles, extended reality (XR), and haptic communication.

[0004] The technical problem of the present disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a downlink control channel in a wireless communication system.

[0005] The technical problem of the present disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for setting the modulation type of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0006] The technical problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0007] A method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: receiving first configuration information from a base station by a terminal that is associated with at least one modulation order (MO) or at least one physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) candidate for each aggregation level (AL); and monitoring the at least one PDCCH candidate by the terminal based on the first configuration information.

[0008] A method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a step of transmitting first configuration information associated with at least one modulation order (MO) or at least one physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) candidate for each aggregation level (AL) to a terminal by a base station; and a step of transmitting a PDCCH to the terminal by the base station through the at least one PDCCH candidate based on the first configuration information.

[0009] By various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a downlink control channel in a wireless communication system may be provided.

[0010] By various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method and apparatus for setting the modulation type of a PDCCH may be provided.

[0011] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a large amount of information can be transmitted through a higher-order modulation PDCCH, and thus resource efficiency can be increased.

[0012] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are included as part of the detailed description to aid in understanding the present disclosure, provide embodiments of the present disclosure and explain the technical features of the present disclosure together with the detailed description.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary flexible network topology to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary communication system to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary wireless device to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary communication procedure between a first node and a second node to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary functional framework for AI operations to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of operations related to AI model training and AI model inference to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates another example of operations related to AI model training and AI model inference to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates another example of operations related to AI model training and AI model inference to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0022] FIG. 9 shows an electromagnetic spectrum to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary system information transmission / reception procedure to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary beam management procedure to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0025] FIGS. 12 and FIGS. 13 show examples of NTN scenarios to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0026] FIG. 14 shows examples of sensing operations to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a base station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIGS. 17, 18, 19 and 20 are drawings for illustrating a method for setting MO and / or PDCCH candidates by AL according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description disclosed below, together with the accompanying drawings, is intended to describe exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only embodiment in which the present disclosure may be practiced. The following detailed description includes specific details to provide a complete understanding of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will know that the present disclosure may be practiced without such specific details.

[0031] In some cases, to avoid obscuring the concept of the present disclosure, known structures and devices may be omitted or illustrated in the form of a block diagram focusing on the core functions of each structure and device.

[0032] In the present disclosure, when a component is described as being “connected,” “combined,” or “joined” with another component, this may include not only a direct connection but also an indirect connection in which another component exists between them. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the terms “comprising” or “having” specify the presence of the mentioned features, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0033] In the present disclosure, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another and are not used to limit the components, nor do they limit the order or importance of the components unless specifically stated otherwise. Accordingly, within the scope of the present disclosure, a first component in one embodiment may be referred to as a second component in another embodiment, and likewise, a second component in one embodiment may be referred to as a first component in another embodiment.

[0034] The terms used in this disclosure are for the description of specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the claims. As used in the description of embodiments and the appended claims, the singular form is intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] In the present disclosure, "A or B" may mean "only A," "only B," or "both A and B." Alternatively, in the present disclosure, "A or B" may be interpreted as "A and / or B." For example, in the present disclosure, "A, B or C" may mean "only A," "only B," "only C," or "any combination of A, B and C."

[0036] A slash ( / ) or a comma used in the present disclosure may mean "and / or." For example, "A / B" may mean "A and / or B." Accordingly, "A / B" may mean "only A," "only B," or "both A and B." For example, "A, B, C" may mean "A, B or C."

[0037] In the present disclosure, "at least one of A and B" may mean "only A," "only B," or "both A and B." Additionally, in the present disclosure, the expressions "at least one of A or B" or "at least one of A and / or B" may be interpreted as synonymous with "at least one of A and B."

[0038] Additionally, in the present disclosure, "at least one of A, B and C" may mean "only A," "only B," "only C," or "any combination of A, B and C." Additionally, "at least one of A, B or C" or "at least one of A, B and / or C" may mean "at least one of A, B and C."

[0039] Additionally, parentheses used in the present disclosure may mean "for example." Specifically, when indicated as "control information (PDCCH)," "PDCCH" may be described as an example of "control information." In other words, the "control information" of the present disclosure is not limited to "PDCCH," and "PDCCH" may be described as an example of "control information." Furthermore, even when indicated as "control information (i.e., PDCCH)," "PDCCH" may be described as an example of "control information."

[0040] In the following explanation, '...when, if, in case of' can be replaced with '...based on'.

[0041] Technical features described individually within one drawing in this disclosure may be implemented individually or simultaneously.

[0042] In the present disclosure, a terminal or user equipment (UE) may be a portable device and may be a first node that receives a signal from a base station / second node / integrated access backhaul (IAB) node.

[0043] In the present disclosure, the base station (BS, Base Station) may be a second node / IAB node / Transmission-Reception Point (TRP).

[0044] In the present disclosure, a higher layer parameter may be a parameter configured, pre-configured, or pre-defined for a terminal. For example, a base station or network may transmit the higher layer parameter to the terminal. For example, the higher layer parameter may be transmitted via radio resource control (RRC) signaling or medium access control (MAC) signaling.

[0045] In the present disclosure, "set or defined" may be interpreted as being set to a device through predefined signaling (e.g., System Information Block (SIB), MAC, RRC) from a base station or network. In the present disclosure, "set or defined" may be interpreted as being set to a device through separate signaling or being predefined without separate signaling.

[0046] In the present disclosure, transmitting or receiving a channel includes the meaning of transmitting or receiving information or a signal through said channel. For example, transmitting a control channel means transmitting control information or a signal through the control channel. Similarly, transmitting a data channel means transmitting data information or a signal through the data channel.

[0047] The technology described in this disclosure can be used in various wireless communication systems such as CDMA (code division multiple access), FDMA (frequency division multiple access), TDMA (time division multiple access), OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiple access), and SC-FDMA (single carrier frequency division multiple access). CDMA can be implemented with wireless technologies such as UTRA (universal terrestrial radio access) or CDMA2000. TDMA can be implemented with wireless technologies such as GSM (global system for mobile communications), GPRS (general packet radio service), and EDGE (enhanced data rates for GSM evolution). OFDMA can be implemented with wireless technologies such as IEEE (institute of electrical and electronics engineers) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802-20, E-UTRA (evolved UTRA), LTE (long term evolution), and 5G NR.

[0048] The technology described in this disclosure can be implemented as 6G wireless technology and applied to various 6G systems. For example, 6G systems may have key factors such as eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband), URLLC (ultra-reliable low latency communications), mMTC (massive machine-type communication), AI (artificial intelligence) integrated communication, tactile internet, high throughput, high network capacity, high energy efficiency, low backhaul and access network congestion, and enhanced data security.

[0049] Network structure

[0050] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary flexible network topology to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0051] To compensate for incomplete areas of network coverage, a network topology in which the split radio access network (RAN) is configured more flexibly and resiliently may be considered. To this end, various nodes such as integrated access backhaul (IAB) nodes, relays, and radio frequency (RF) repeaters, as exemplified in Fig. 1, may be applied, and a non-terrestrial network (NTN) may be integrated. For example, an IAB node may correspond to a node that provides wireless backhaul. For example, a relay may refer to any intermediate point, and in the case of a sidelink relay where a terminal functions as a relay, it may collectively refer to a terminal-to-network (U2N) relay and a terminal-to-terminal (U2U) relay. For example, an RF repeater may correspond to a node that performs simple signal amplification and forwarding functions, and in the case of a network-controlled repeater, it may adjust transmit / receive settings based on information provided by the network as well as signal amplification and forwarding. For example, NTN nodes can correspond to satellites or aircraft that provide NTN coverage that is difficult for terrestrial networks to provide. In addition to these examples, various intermediate points can be introduced to improve the network topology.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, a split RAN can support the division of a base station into one centralized unit (CU) and one or more distributed units (DU). The CU and DU may correspond to logical units. The CU may be further divided into a control plane (CP) portion and one or more user plane (UP) portions. Since a failure in the CU-CP affects not only the CU-UP but also the DU, various intermediate points may be introduced to compensate for this.

[0053] An intermediate point may correspond to a terminal or a base station depending on its relative relationship with other nodes. For example, an IAB node may include a mobile-termination (MT) portion and a DU. The MT may connect the IAB node to a donor node. The DU of the IAB node may serve other terminals or connect to other IAB nodes to provide multi-hop wireless backhaul to terminals. For example, an IAB node may correspond to a base station in its relative relationship with a user-side node and to a terminal in its relative relationship with a network-side node.

[0054] In some examples of the present disclosure, the description of a terminal may apply equally to an intermediate point corresponding to a terminal in relation to a network-side endpoint as well as to a user-side endpoint. Similarly, in some examples of the present disclosure, the description of a base station may apply equally to an intermediate point corresponding to a base station in relation to a user-side endpoint as well as to a network-side endpoint. In most cases where there is no additional description of the operation of three or more subjects, the communication subjects in the present disclosure are briefly described by the term terminal and / or base station (or first node and / or second node), wherein the term terminal and / or base station (or first node and / or second node) is interpreted to include or replace any endpoint or any intermediate point in relation to other nodes.

[0055] As such, in some examples of the present disclosure, for the sake of brevity of description, the subject of the operation may be referred to as a terminal and / or base station (or a first node and / or a second node). Additionally, the term terminal and / or base station (or a first node and / or a second node) may be interpreted or substituted as in the following examples: for example, the terminal (or first node) and the base station (or second node) may correspond to a first endpoint and a second endpoint, respectively; may correspond to an endpoint and an intermediate point, respectively; may correspond to an intermediate point and an endpoint, respectively; or may correspond to a first intermediate point and a second intermediate point, respectively.

[0056] In the present disclosure, there may be no intermediate points between the base station and the terminal, or there may be one or more. If intermediate points exist, the intermediate points may correspond to IAB nodes, relays, RF repeaters, NTN nodes, or nodes supporting other functions. The intermediate points may be nodes with a fixed location or nodes with an indefinite location.

[0057] Systems applicable to the present disclosure

[0058] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary communication system to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0059] The communication system (100) to which the present disclosure applies includes a wireless device (110), a network device (120), and a network (130). Here, the wireless device (110) refers to a device that performs communication using wireless access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A pro, NR, 5G, 5G-A, 6G) and may be referred to as a communication / wireless / 5G / 6G device. Although not limited thereto, the wireless device (110) may include a robot (110a), a vehicle (110b-1, 110b-2), an XR (extended reality) device (110c), a hand-held device (110d), a home appliance (110e), an IoT (Internet of Thing) device (110f), and an AI (artificial intelligence) device / server (110g). For example, the vehicle may include a vehicle equipped with wireless communication capabilities, an autonomous vehicle, a vehicle capable of performing inter-vehicle communication, etc. Here, the vehicle (110b-1, 110b-2) may include an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (e.g., a drone). The XR device (110c) includes an augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) / mixed reality (MR) device and may be implemented in the form of a head-mounted device (HMD), a head-up display (HUD) equipped in a vehicle, a television, a smartphone, a computer, a wearable device, a home appliance, digital signage, a vehicle, a robot, etc. The portable device (110d) may include a smartphone, a smart pad, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, smart glasses), a computer (e.g., a laptop, etc.). The home appliance (110e) may include a TV, a refrigerator, a washing machine, etc. The IoT device (110f) may include a sensor, a smart meter, etc. The wireless device (110) may correspond to a terminal (or first node) or an intermediate point.The network device (120) may correspond to a base station (or a second node) or another intermediate point. For example, the network device (120) may also be implemented as a wireless device (110), and a specific wireless device (120a) may operate as a network device (120) to another wireless device (110).

[0060] Wireless devices (110a to 110f) can be connected to a network (130) through a network device (120). AI technology may be applied to the wireless devices (110a to 110f), and the wireless devices (110a to 110f) can be connected to an AI server (110g) through the network (130). The network (130) can be configured using a 3G network, a 4G (e.g., LTE) network, a 5G (e.g., NR) network, or a 6G network. The wireless devices (110a to 110f) may communicate with each other through the network device (120) / network (130), but may also communicate directly (e.g., sidelink communication) without going through the network device (120) / network (130). For example, vehicles (110b-1, 110b-2) can communicate directly (e.g., V2V (vehicle to vehicle) / V2X (vehicle to everything) communication). Also, an IoT device (110f) (e.g., a sensor) can communicate directly with another IoT device (e.g., a sensor) or other wireless devices (110a to 110f).

[0061] Wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c) can be established between wireless devices (110a to 110f) / network devices (120) and between network devices (120). Here, wireless communication / connection can be established through various wireless access technologies such as uplink / downlink communication (150a), sidelink communication (150b) (or D2D communication), and communication between network devices (150c) (e.g., relay, IAB (integrated access backhaul)). Through wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c), wireless devices and network devices / wireless devices, and network devices and network devices can transmit / receive wireless signals to / from each other. For example, wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c) can transmit / receive signals through various physical channels. To this end, based on the various descriptions of the present disclosure, at least some of the following may be performed: a process for setting various configuration information for transmitting / receiving wireless signals, a process for various signal processing (e.g., channel encoding / decoding, modulation / demodulation, resource mapping / demapping, etc.), a resource allocation process, etc.

[0062] Devices applicable to the present disclosure

[0063] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary wireless device to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, the wireless device (200) can transmit and receive wireless signals through various wireless access technologies (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A pro, NR, 5G, 5G-A, 6G). The wireless device (200) includes at least one processor (202) and at least one memory (204), and may additionally include at least one transceiver (206) and / or at least one antenna (208).

[0065] The processor (202) controls the memory (204) and / or the transceiver (206) and may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or sequences of operation disclosed in this document. For example, the processor (202) may process information within the memory (204) to generate a first information / signal and then transmit a wireless signal containing the first information / signal through the transceiver (206). Additionally, the processor (202) may receive a wireless signal containing a second information / signal through the transceiver (206) and then store information obtained from the signal processing of the second information / signal in the memory (204). The memory (204) may be connected to the processor (202) and may store various information related to the operation of the processor (202). For example, memory (204) may store software code containing instructions for performing some or all of the processes controlled by the processor (202) or for performing the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or sequences of operations disclosed in this document. Here, the processor (202) and memory (204) may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement wireless communication technology. A transceiver (206) may be connected to the processor (202) and may transmit and / or receive wireless signals through at least one antenna (208). The transceiver (206) may include a transmitter and / or receiver. The transceiver (206) may be interchangeable with a radio frequency (RF) unit. In this disclosure, a wireless device may mean a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0066] Hereinafter, hardware elements of the wireless device (200) will be described in more detail. Although not limited thereto, at least one protocol layer may be implemented by at least one processor (202). For example, at least one processor (202) may implement at least one layer (e.g., functional layers such as PHY (physical), MAC (media access control), RLC (radio link control), PDCP (packet data convergence protocol), RRC (radio resource control), and SDAP (service data adaptation protocol). At least one processor (202) may generate at least one PDU (Protocol Data Unit) and / or at least one SDU (service data unit) according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operation sequences disclosed in this document. At least one processor (202) may generate messages, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operation sequences disclosed in this document. At least one processor (202) may generate a signal (e.g., a baseband signal) including a PDU, SDU, message, control information, data, or information according to the functions, procedures, proposals, and / or methods disclosed in this document and provide it to at least one transceiver (206). At least one processor (202) may receive a signal (e.g., a baseband signal) from at least one transceiver (206) and may obtain a PDU, SDU, message, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation sequences disclosed in this document.

[0067] At least one processor (202) may be referred to as a controller, microcontroller, microprocessor, or microcomputer. At least one processor (202) may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one digital signal processor (DSP), at least one digital signal processing device (DSPD), at least one programmable logic device (PLD), or at least one field programmable gate array (FPGA) may be included in at least one processor (202). The descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation sequences disclosed in this document may be implemented using firmware or software, and the firmware or software may be implemented to include modules, procedures, functions, etc. Firmware or software configured to perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation sequences disclosed in this document may be included in at least one processor (202) or stored in at least one memory (204) and driven by at least one processor (202). The descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or flowcharts disclosed in this document may be implemented using firmware or software in the form of code, instructions, and / or sets of instructions.

[0068] At least one memory (204) may be connected to at least one processor (202) and may store various forms of data, signals, messages, information, programs, codes, instructions, and / or commands. At least one memory (204) may be composed of ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory), flash memory, hard drive, registers, cache memory, computer read storage media, and / or combinations thereof. At least one memory (204) may be located inside and / or outside of at least one processor (202). Additionally, at least one memory (204) may be connected to at least one processor (202) via various technologies, such as wired or wireless connections.

[0069] At least one transceiver (206) may transmit user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., as mentioned in the methods and / or operation flowcharts, etc. of this document to at least one other device. At least one transceiver (206) may receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., as mentioned in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operation flowcharts, etc. disclosed in this document from at least one other device. For example, at least one transceiver (206) may be connected to at least one processor (202) and may transmit and receive wireless signals. For example, at least one processor (202) may control at least one transceiver (206) to transmit user data, control information, or wireless signals to at least one other device. Additionally, at least one processor (202) may control at least one transceiver (206) to receive user data, control information, or wireless signals from at least one other device. Additionally, at least one transceiver (206) may be connected to at least one antenna (208), and at least one transceiver (206) may be configured to transmit and receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., as described in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation sequence diagrams disclosed in this document through at least one antenna (208). In this document, at least one antenna may be a plurality of physical antennas or a plurality of logical antennas (e.g., antenna ports). At least one transceiver (206) may convert the received wireless signals / channels, etc., from RF band signals to baseband signals in order to process the received user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., using at least one processor (202).At least one transceiver (206) can convert user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. processed using at least one processor (202) from a baseband signal to an RF band signal. To this end, at least one transceiver (206) may include an (analog) oscillator and / or filter.

[0070] The components of the wireless device described with reference to FIG. 3 may be referred to by other terms in terms of their function. For example, the processor (202) may be referred to as the control unit, the transceiver (206) as the communication unit, and the memory (204) as the storage unit. In some cases, the communication unit may be used to mean at least a part of the processor (202) and the transceiver (206).

[0071] The structure of the wireless device described with reference to FIG. 3 can be understood as the structure of at least part of various devices. For example, the structure of the wireless device illustrated in FIG. 3 may be at least part of the various devices described with reference to FIG. 2 (e.g., robot (110a), vehicle (110b-1, 110b-2), XR device (110c), portable device (110d), home appliance (110e), IoT device (110f), AI device / server (110g)). Furthermore, according to various embodiments, the device may include other components in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0072] For example, the device may be a portable device such as a smartphone, smartpad, wearable device (e.g., smart watch, smart glasses), or portable computer (e.g., laptop, etc.). In this case, the device may further include at least one of a power supply unit that supplies power and includes a wired / wireless charging circuit, a battery, etc., an interface unit that includes at least one port for connection with another device (e.g., an audio input / output port, a video input / output port), and an input / output unit for inputting and outputting video information / signals, audio information / signals, data, and / or information input by a user.

[0073] For example, the device may be a mobile device such as a mobile robot, vehicle, train, manned / unmanned aerial vehicle (AV), or ship. In this case, the device may further include at least one of a drive unit comprising at least one of an engine, motor, power train, wheel, brake, and steering device of the device; a power supply unit that supplies power and includes a wired / wireless charging circuit, battery, etc.; a sensor unit that senses state information, environmental information, and user information of the device or its surroundings; an autonomous driving unit that performs functions such as path maintenance, speed control, and destination setting; and a position measurement unit that acquires position information of the moving body through a GPS (global positioning system) and various sensors.

[0074] For example, the device may be an XR device such as an HMD, a HUD (head-up display) equipped in a vehicle, a television, a smartphone, a computer, a wearable device, a home appliance, digital signage, a vehicle, a robot, etc. In this case, the device may further include at least one of a power supply unit that supplies power and includes a wired / wireless charging circuit, a battery, etc., an input / output unit that acquires control information, data, etc. from the outside and outputs a generated XR object, and a sensor unit that senses state information, environment information, and user information of the device or the surroundings of the device.

[0075] For example, the device may be a robot that can be classified into industrial, medical, household, military, etc., depending on the purpose or field of use. In this case, the device may further include at least one of a sensor unit that senses state information, environmental information, and user information of the device or its surroundings, and a drive unit that performs various physical actions, such as moving robot joints.

[0076] For example, the device may be an AI device such as a TV, projector, smartphone, PC, laptop, digital broadcasting terminal, tablet PC, wearable device, set-top box (STB), radio, washing machine, refrigerator, digital signage, robot, vehicle, etc. In this case, the device may further include at least one of an input unit that acquires various types of data from the outside, an output unit that generates output related to sight, hearing, or touch, a sensor unit that senses state information, environmental information, and user information of the device or its surroundings, and a training unit that learns a model composed of an artificial neural network using training data.

[0077] The structure of the wireless device illustrated in FIG. 3 may be understood as part of a terminal (or first node), or part of an intermediate point, or part of a base station (or second node). If the device illustrated in FIG. 3 is a base station (or second node), the device may further include a wired transceiver for front haul and / or back haul communication. If the front haul and / or back haul communication is based on wireless communication, at least one transceiver (206) illustrated in FIG. 3 is used for front haul and / or back haul communication, and a wired transceiver may not be included.

[0078] Communication procedures

[0079] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary communication procedure between a first node and a second node to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0080] FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of a first node (110) (e.g., a terminal) and a second node (120) (e.g., a base station) transmitting and / or receiving data, and the operation performed prior to this.

[0081] In step S101, the first node (110) and the second node (120) can perform synchronization. For example, the terminal (110) performs an initial cell search operation. Specifically, the terminal (110) can detect at least one synchronization signal transmitted from the base station (120) according to a predefined rule. Here, the synchronization signal may include a plurality of synchronization signals (e.g., a primary synchronization signal, a secondary synchronization signal) classified according to structure or use. Through this, the terminal (110) can identify the boundaries of the frame, subframe, slot, and / or symbol of the base station (120) and obtain information about the base station (120) (e.g., a cell identifier).

[0082] In step S103, the first node (110) can obtain system information transmitted from the second node (120). For example, the system information is information related to the attributes, characteristics, and / or capabilities of the base station (120) required to connect to the base station (120) and use the service, and can be classified according to content (e.g., whether it is essential for connection), transmission structure (e.g., the channel used, whether it is provided on-demand), etc., and can be classified, for example, into a master information block (MIB) and a system information block (SIB). If necessary, the terminal (110) may transmit a signal requesting system information prior to receiving the system information. Such request and provision of system information may be performed after a random access procedure described later.

[0083] In step S105, the first node (110) and the second node (120) can perform a random access procedure. For example, the terminal (110) can transmit and / or receive at least one message for a random access procedure (e.g., a random access preamble, a RAR (random access response) message, etc.) based on information related to the random access channel of the base station (120) obtained through system information (e.g., channel location, channel structure, structure of a supported preamble, etc.). For example, the terminal (110) may transmit a preamble (e.g., message 1 (MSG1)) through a random access channel, receive a random access response (RAR) message (e.g., message 2 (MSG2)), transmit a message (e.g., message 3 (MSG3)) containing information related to the terminal (110) (e.g., identification information) to the base station (120) using scheduling information included in the RAR message, and receive a message (e.g., message 4 (MSG4)) for contention resolution and / or connection establishment. As another example, MSG1 and MSG3 may be transmitted and received as a single message (e.g., message A (MSG A), or MSG2 and MSG4 may be transmitted and received as a single message (e.g., message B (MSG B).

[0084] In step S107, the first node (110) and the second node (120) can perform signaling of control information. For example, the control information may be defined in various layers, such as a layer that controls the connection (e.g., a radio resource control (RRC) layer), a layer that handles mapping between logical channels and transmission channels (e.g., a media access control (MAC) layer), and a layer that handles physical channels (e.g., a physical (PHY) layer). For example, the terminal (110) and the base station (120) may perform at least one of signaling to establish a connection, signaling to determine settings related to communication, and signaling to indicate allocated resources.

[0085] In step S109, the first node (110) and the second node (120) can transmit and / or receive data. For example, the terminal (110) and the base station (120) can process data based on the signaling of control information and transmit and / or receive data. For example, when transmitting data, the terminal (110) or the base station (120) can perform at least one of channel encoding, rate matching, scrambling, constellation mapping, layer mapping, waveform modulation, antenna mapping, and resource mapping on the information bits. For example, when receiving data, the terminal (110) or the base station (120) can perform at least one of extracting a signal from a resource, antenna-specific waveform demodulation, signal placement considering layer mapping, constellation demapping, descrambling, and channel decoding.

[0086] 6G System Core Technology

[0087] As core implementation technologies for 6G systems, technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), THz (Terahertz) communication, optical wireless technology, free space optics (FSO) backhaul network, multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technology, blockchain, 3D networking, quantum communication, unmanned aerial vehicles, cell-free communication, wireless information and energy transfer (WIET), integration of sensing and communication, integration of access backhaul networks, holographic beamforming, big data analysis, and large intelligent surface (LIS) can be adopted.

[0088] artificial intelligence

[0089] The introduction of AI into communications can streamline and enhance real-time data transmission. AI can determine how complex target tasks are performed using numerous analyses. AI can increase efficiency and reduce processing latency. Time-consuming tasks such as handover, network selection, and resource scheduling can be performed instantly using AI. AI can also play a significant role in machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-to-human, and human-to-machine communication. Furthermore, AI can enable rapid communication in Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI). AI-based communication systems can be supported by metamaterials, intelligent structures, intelligent networks, intelligent devices, intelligent cognitive radios, self-sustaining wireless networks, and machine learning.

[0090] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary functional framework for AI operations to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0091] Below, to provide a more specific explanation of AI (or AI / ML (machine learning)), terms can be defined as follows.

[0092] - Data collection: Data collected from network nodes, management entities, or terminals, serving as a basis for AI model training, data analysis, and inference.

[0093] - AI model: A data-driven algorithm that applies AI technology to generate a set of outputs containing predictive information and / or decision parameters based on a set of inputs.

[0094] - AI / ML Training: An online or offline process of training an AI model by learning features and patterns that best represent data and acquire an AI / ML model trained for inference.

[0095] - AI / ML Inference: A process of making predictions or deriving decisions based on collected data and an AI model using a trained AI model.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 5, the data collection function (10) is a function that collects input data and provides processed input data to the model training function (20) and the model inference function (30).

[0097] Examples of input data may include measurements from terminals or other network entities, feedback from actors, and outputs from AI models.

[0098] The data collection function (10) performs data preparation based on input data and provides the input data processed through data preparation. Here, the data collection function (10) does not perform specific data preparation (e.g., data pre-processing and cleaning, forming and transformation) for each AI algorithm, and can perform data preparation common to AI algorithms.

[0099] After the data preparation process is performed, the data collection function (10) can provide training data (11) to the model training function (20) and provide inference data (12) to the model inference function (30). Here, the training data (11) corresponds to data required as input for the AI ​​model training function (20), and the inference data (12) corresponds to data required as input for the AI ​​model inference function (30).

[0100] The data collection function (10) may be performed by a single entity (e.g., terminal, RAN node, network node, etc.) but may also be performed by multiple entities. In this case, training data (11) and inference data (12) from multiple entities may be provided to the model training function (20) and the model inference function (30), respectively.

[0101] The model training function (20) may correspond to a function that performs AI model training, validation, and testing, which can generate model performance metrics as part of the AI ​​model testing procedure. If necessary, the model training function (20) may also be responsible for data preparation (e.g., data pre-processing and cleaning, formatting and transformation, etc.) based on training data (11) provided by the data collection function (10).

[0102] Here, model deployment / update (13) can be used to initially deploy a trained, validated, and tested AI model to the model inference function (30) or to provide an updated model to the model inference function (30).

[0103] The model inference function (30) may correspond to a function that provides an AI model inference output (16) (e.g., a prediction or a decision). The model inference function (30) may provide model performance feedback (14) to the model training function (20) where applicable. Additionally, the model inference function (30) may be responsible for data preparation (e.g., data pre-processing and cleaning, formatting and transformation, etc.) based on the inference data (12) provided by the data collection function (10) if necessary.

[0104] Here, output (16) refers to the inference output of an AI model generated by the model inference function (30), and the details of the inference output may vary depending on the use case.

[0105] Model performance feedback (14) can be used to monitor the performance of the AI ​​model if available, and this feedback may be omitted.

[0106] The actor function (40) is a function that receives an output (16) from the model inference function (30) and triggers or performs a corresponding operation / action. The actor function (40) can trigger an operation / action on another entity (e.g., one or more terminals, one or more RAN nodes, one or more network nodes, etc.) or on itself.

[0107] Feedback (15) can be used to derive training data (11) and inference data (12), or to monitor the performance of the AI ​​model, the impact on the network, etc.

[0108] Meanwhile, the definitions of training, validation, and testing in data sets used in AI / ML can be distinguished as follows.

[0109] - Training data: Refers to the dataset used to train a model.

[0110] - Validation data: This refers to a dataset used to validate a model that has already been trained. Validation data typically refers to a dataset used to prevent overfitting of the training dataset. Additionally, validation data can refer to a dataset used to select the best model among the various models trained during the learning process. Therefore, validation can be viewed as a type of training.

[0111] - Test data: Refers to the dataset for final evaluation. This data is unrelated to training.

[0112] For example, within the entire dataset, training data and validation data can be divided in a ratio of approximately 8:2 or 7:3. Alternatively, within the entire dataset, training data:validation data:test data can be divided in a ratio of 6:2:2.

[0113] Depending on whether the base station and the terminal possess the capability for AI / ML functions, the cooperation level can be defined as follows, and variations resulting from the combination of multiple levels below or the separation of any one level are also possible.

[0114] Category 0a: This corresponds to a no collaboration framework. In this case, the AI / ML algorithm is based on pure implementation and may not require changes to the wireless interface.

[0115] Category 0b: Corresponds to a framework that involves a wireless interface modified to fit efficient implementation-based AI / ML algorithms but lacks cooperation.

[0116] Category 1: This applies to cases involving inter-node support to improve the AI / ML algorithms of each node. For example, it applies when a terminal receives support from a base station (for training, adaptation, etc.), and vice versa. At this level, model exchange between network nodes is not required.

[0117] Category 2: This applies to cases where joint ML operations between a terminal and a base station can be performed. This level requires AI / ML model commands or exchanges between network nodes.

[0118] The functions exemplified in Figure 5 above may be implemented at RAN nodes (e.g., base station, TRP, base station CU, etc.), network nodes, network operator's OAM (operation administration maintenance), or terminals.

[0119] Alternatively, two or more entities among a RAN, a network node, a network operator's OAM, or a terminal may cooperate to implement the functions exemplified in FIG. 5. For example, one entity may perform some of the functions of FIG. 5, and another entity may perform the remaining functions. As such, some of the functions exemplified in FIG. 5 are performed by a single entity (e.g., a terminal, a RAN node, a network node, etc.), the transmission / provision of data / information between each function may be omitted. For example, if the model training function (20) and the model inference function (30) are performed by the same entity, the transmission / provision of model distribution / update (13) and model performance feedback (14) may be omitted.

[0120] Alternatively, any one of the functions exemplified in FIG. 5 may be performed by two or more entities among the RAN, network node, network operator's OAM, or terminal in collaboration. This may be referred to as a split AI operation.

[0121] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of operations related to AI model training and AI model inference to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0122] For example, the AI ​​model training function can be performed by network nodes (e.g., core network nodes, network operator's OAM, etc.), and the AI ​​model inference function can be performed by RAN nodes (e.g., base station, TRP, base station's CU, etc.).

[0123] Step 1: RAN Node 1 and RAN Node 2 can transmit input data (e.g., training data) for training an AI model to a network node. Here, RAN Node 1 and RAN Node 2 can also transmit data collected from terminals to the network node (e.g., terminal measurements related to RSRP (reference signal received power), RSRQ (reference signal received quality), and SINR (signal to interference-plus-noise ratio) of the serving cell and neighboring cells, terminal location, speed, etc.).

[0124] Step 2: Network nodes can train AI models using the received training data.

[0125] Step 3: The network node can distribute / update the AI ​​model to RAN Node 1 and / or RAN Node 2. RAN Node 1 (and / or RAN Node 2) may also continue model training based on the received AI model.

[0126] For the sake of convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the AI ​​model was deployed / updated only to RAN Node 1.

[0127] Step 4: RAN Node 1 can receive input data (e.g., inference data) for AI model inference from the terminal and RAN Node 2.

[0128] Step 5: RAN Node 1 can perform AI model inference using the received inference data to generate output data (e.g., prediction or decision).

[0129] Step 6: If applicable, RAN node 1 can send model performance feedback to network nodes.

[0130] Step 7: RAN Node 1, RAN Node 2, and the terminal (or 'RAN Node 1 and the terminal', or 'RAN Node 1 and RAN Node 2') can perform an action based on the output data. For example, in the case of a load balancing action, the terminal may move from RAN Node 1 to RAN Node 2.

[0131] Step 8: RAN Node 1 and RAN Node 2 can transmit feedback information to network nodes.

[0132] FIG. 7 illustrates another example of operations related to AI model training and AI model inference to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0133] For example, both AI model training and AI model inference functions can be performed by RAN nodes (e.g., base station, TRP, base station's CU, etc.).

[0134] Step 1: The terminal and RAN node 2 can transmit input data (e.g., training data) for training an AI model to RAN node 1.

[0135] Step 2: RAN Node 1 can train an AI model using the received training data.

[0136] Step 3: RAN Node 1 can receive input data (e.g., inference data) for AI model inference from the terminal and RAN Node 2.

[0137] Step 4: RAN Node 1 can perform AI model inference using the received inference data to generate output data (e.g., prediction or decision).

[0138] Step 5: RAN Node 1, RAN Node 2, and the terminal (or 'RAN Node 1 and the terminal', or 'RAN Node 1 and RAN Node 2') can perform an action based on the output data. For example, in the case of a load balancing action, the terminal may move from RAN Node 1 to RAN Node 2.

[0139] Step 6: RAN Node 2 can send feedback information to RAN Node 1.

[0140] FIG. 8 illustrates another example of operations related to AI model training and AI model inference to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0141] For example, the AI ​​model training function may be performed by a RAN node (e.g., base station, TRP, base station CU, etc.), and the AI ​​model inference function may be performed by a terminal.

[0142] Step 1: A terminal can transmit input data (e.g., training data) for training an AI model to a RAN node. Here, the RAN node can collect data (e.g., terminal measurements related to RSRP, RSRQ, SINR of the serving cell and neighboring cells, terminal location, velocity, etc.) from various terminals and / or other RAN nodes.

[0143] Step 2: The RAN node can train an AI model using the received training data.

[0144] Step 3: The RAN node can distribute / update the AI ​​model to the terminal. The terminal may also continue model training based on the received AI model.

[0145] Step 4: Input data (e.g., inference data) for AI model inference can be received from terminals and RAN nodes (and / or other terminals).

[0146] Step 5: The terminal can perform AI model inference using the received inference data to generate output data (e.g., prediction or decision).

[0147] Step 6: If applicable, the terminal can transmit model performance feedback to the RAN node.

[0148] Step 7: The terminal and the RAN node can perform actions based on the output data.

[0149] Step 8: The terminal can transmit feedback information to the RAN node.

[0150] THz communication

[0151] Data transmission rates can be increased by expanding bandwidth. This can be achieved by using sub-THz communication with wide bandwidth and applying advanced large-scale MIMO technology. THz waves, also known as sub-millimeter radiation, generally refer to a frequency band between 0.1 THz and 10 THz with corresponding wavelengths ranging from 0.03 mm to 3 mm. The 100 GHz–300 GHz band range (sub-THz band) is considered the primary portion of the THz band for cellular communication. Adding the sub-THz band to the mmWave band increases 6G cellular communication capacity. Among the defined THz bands, the 300 GHz–3 THz band is located in the far-infrared (IR) frequency band. Although the 300 GHz–3 THz band is part of the broadband, it lies at the boundary of the broadband and immediately following the RF band. Therefore, this 300 GHz–3 THz band exhibits similarities to RF.

[0152] FIG. 9 shows an electromagnetic spectrum to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0153] Key characteristics of THz communication include (i) widely available bandwidth to support very high data transmission rates, and (ii) high path loss occurring at high frequencies (highly directional antennas are indispensable). The narrow beam width generated by highly directional antennas reduces interference. The small wavelength of THz signals allows a much larger number of antenna elements to be integrated into devices and BSs operating in this band. This enables the use of advanced adaptive array technologies that can overcome range limitations.

[0154] When transmitting system information (e.g., MIB) of a cell in the THz frequency band, it can be inefficient because, in the case of high frequency bands, beam sweeping must be performed more frequently to cover the entire area of ​​the cell as the beam width becomes narrower. In particular, transmitting system information using this method is even more inefficient when there are not many users in the cell.

[0155] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary system information transmission / reception procedure to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0156] The example of FIG. 10 is applicable not only to THz communication environments but also to 6G communication environments where THz communication is not applied. In addition, the procedure exemplified in FIG. 10 can be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure described below. For example, embodiments described below can be performed based on system information obtained by the procedure exemplified in FIG. 10.

[0157] In step S1010, the second node (120) (e.g., a base station) can transmit system information of cell #1 through cell #2. For example, the base station provides at least two cells, cell #1 uses a THz frequency band, and cell #2 uses a frequency band other than the THz frequency band. Here, the system information may include at least one of a system frame number (SFN) generated at a higher layer, a PDCCH configuration for SIB1, cell barring, cell re-selection, and subcarrier spacing, and may include at least one of a synchronization signal / PBCH (physical broadcast channel) block index generated at a physical layer. To this end, as an example, cell #1 and cell #2 may have a secondary cell and primary cell relationship.

[0158] In step S1030, the first node (110) (e.g., a terminal) can acquire synchronization for cell #1. Synchronization can be acquired by detecting a synchronization signal. Generally, synchronization is acquired prior to receiving system information, but since the system information of cell #1 is received in cell #2, the acquisition of synchronization for cell #1 can be performed after receiving system information. For example, the terminal can acquire synchronization based on system information. Alternatively, the acquisition of synchronization may be performed prior to step S1010.

[0159] In step S1050, the first node (110) may transmit a signal to connect to cell #1. For example, the signal may include a random access preamble. The structure of such a signal and the resource for transmitting the signal (e.g., a channel) may be identified through system information. Subsequently, in step S1070, the first node (110) and the second node (120) may perform a connection procedure to cell #1 and perform communication.

[0160] The procedure described with reference to FIG. 10 may be performed when the first node (110) first connects to cell #1 of the second node (120). Alternatively, a similar procedure may be performed when the first node (110) handovers to cell #1 of the second node (120). However, in the case of a handover, the system information of cell #1 may be received from a cell of a different base station other than cell #2 of the second node (120).

[0161] Communication in the THz band is expected to experience severe path loss, and to overcome this, terminals and base stations may be required to use very sharp beams. The use of sharp beams implies that terminals and base stations must perform beam control in addition to beamforming, meaning that a very large number of beams are utilized. Consequently, aligning the transmit and receive beams between the base station and the terminal takes a very long time. Furthermore, if the beam alignment between the base station and the terminal is disrupted due to the movement of the terminal, time is frequently required to realign the beams, which may lead to link instability.

[0162] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary beam management procedure to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0163] Figure 11 illustrates an example of a procedure for searching and / or selecting beams for THz communication, but this procedure is not limited to a THz environment and can also be applied in a 6G communication environment where THz communication is not applied.

[0164] Here, the term "beam" can be interpreted as other terms having equivalent technical meanings capable of distinguishing beams, such as "spatial domain filter," "spatial domain transmit filter," "spatial domain receive filter," reference signal (RS) resources for distinguishing beams, and SSB index.

[0165] In step S1110, the second node (120) (e.g., base station) may set resources for beam management to the first node (110) (e.g., terminal). Here, the resources may include at least one of time-frequency resources, channels, and spatial resources (e.g., antenna ports). For example, the base station may utilize a beam search signal (BSS) that is transmitted spatially separated from the existing downlink signal / channel for beam search. Here, the BSS may be transmitted based on a dedicated port for beam search. The dedicated port may be a port different from the port used for transmitting the existing downlink signal / channel (e.g., SSB, PDSCH (physical downlink shared channel), etc.). BSS is a term defined for convenience of explanation, and the technical concept according to the present embodiment is not limited to the term BSS itself. For example, a signal transmitted based on a dedicated port defined / set for beam search may be included in the technical concept according to the present embodiment.

[0166] In step S1130, the second node (120) (e.g., a base station) transmits measurement signals using multiple transmission beams. For example, the measurement signals may include at least one of a reference signal and a synchronization signal. At this time, the measurement signals may be transmitted as many times as the number of beams requiring measurement, and may be transmitted using a multi-beam transmission method that forms multiple beams simultaneously to reduce sweeping time. Here, multi-beam transmission may be performed based on at least one of a multi-panel, a sub-array, or a true time delay (TTD).

[0167] In step S1050, the first node (110) (e.g., a terminal) may transmit a feedback signal to the second node (120) (e.g., a base station). The feedback signal may indicate at least one beam selected by the terminal. The terminal may select at least one preferred beam based on the measurement signals received in step S1030.

[0168] In step S1070, the first node (110) and the second node (120) can perform communication. For example, the second node (120) can perform transmission to the first node (110) using the receiving beam of the first node (110) selected in step S1050. If channel reciprocity is established, the transmission beam of the first node (110) can also be determined through steps S1030 and S1050, so the transmission operation from the first node (110) can also be performed using a beam that has a reciprocity relationship with the beam selected in step S1050. If channel reciprocity is not established, a procedure including the transmission of measurement signal(s) by the first node (110) and the transmission of feedback signal(s) by the second node (120) may be performed first to determine the transmission beam of the first node (110).

[0169] Non-terrestrial networks (NTN)

[0170] FIGS. 12 and FIGS. 13 show examples of NTN scenarios to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0171] NTN can represent a network or network segment that uses RF (radio frequency) resources mounted on a satellite (or UAS (unmanned aerial system) platform).

[0172] Figure 12 shows an example of a typical scenario of an NTN based on a transparent payload, and Figure 13 shows an example of a typical scenario of an NTN based on a regenerative payload.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 12, the satellite (or UAS platform) can establish a service link with a terminal. The satellite (or UAS platform) can be connected to a gateway via a feeder link. The satellite can be connected to a data network via the gateway. A beam footprint may refer to an area where signals transmitted by the satellite can be received.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 13, a satellite (or UAS platform) can establish a service link with a terminal. The satellite (or UAS platform) connected to the terminal can be connected to another satellite (or UAS platform) via inter-satellite links (ISL). Another satellite (or UAS platform) can be connected to a gateway via a feeder link. Based on a regenerated payload, the satellite can be connected to a data network via another satellite and a gateway. If no ISL exists between the satellite and another satellite, a feeder link between the satellite and the gateway may be required.

[0175] FIGS. 12 and 13 are merely examples of NTN scenarios, and NTN can be implemented based on various scenarios. For example, a satellite (or UAS platform) can implement a transparent or regenerative (with on-board processing) payload. For example, a satellite (or UAS platform) can generate multiple beams across a designated service area depending on the field of view of the satellite (or UAS platform). For example, the field of view of the satellite (or UAS platform) may vary depending on the on-board antenna diagram and the minimum elevation angle.

[0176] For example, the transparent payload may include radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification. Therefore, the waveform signal repeated by the payload may not be altered.

[0177] For example, the regeneration payload may include radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion and amplification, demodulation / decoding, switching and / or routing, and coding / modulation. For example, the regeneration payload may be substantially the same as carrying all or part of the base station functions on a satellite (or UAS platform).

[0178] Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC)

[0179] Wireless sensing is a technology that uses radio frequencies to determine the instantaneous linear velocity, angle, distance (or range) of an object, thereby obtaining information about the characteristics of the environment and / or objects within the environment. Since radio frequency sensing capabilities do not require connecting to objects via devices within a network, they can provide services for determining object locations without the need for devices. The ability to obtain range, velocity, and angle information from radio frequency signals can provide a wide range of new functions, such as various object detection, object recognition (e.g., vehicles, humans, animals, UAVs), high-precision localization, tracking, and activity recognition. Wireless sensing services can provide information to various industries (e.g., unmanned aerial vehicles, smart homes, V2X, factories, railways, public safety, etc.) that enable applications such as intruder detection, assisted vehicle steering and navigation, trajectory tracking, collision avoidance, traffic management, and health and traffic management. In some cases, wireless sensing may utilize non-3GPP type sensors (e.g., radar, cameras) to further support 3GPP-based sensing. For example, the operation of a wireless sensing service, such as sensing operations, may depend on the transmission, reflection, and scattering processing of wireless sensing signals. Therefore, wireless sensing can provide an opportunity to enhance existing communication systems from communication networks to wireless communication and sensing networks.

[0180] FIG. 14 shows examples of sensing operations to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0181] Specifically, FIG. 14(a) illustrates an example of monostatic sensing operation using a sensing receiver and a sensing transmitter located at the same position. FIG. 14(b) illustrates an example of bistatic sensing operation using a sensing receiver and a sensing transmitter located at separate positions. A sensing receiver receives a signal that is reflected or scattered by a sensing object from a sensing signal transmitted from a sensing transmitter, and can extract or acquire sensing data based on the received signal. A sensing result can be generated or determined through appropriate processing of this sensing data. The sensing result can be provided to a trusted third-party entity or service outside the 3GPP system via an entity or service within the 3GPP system.

[0182] Method for indicating / transmitting a PDCCH that supports higher-order modulation

[0183] In basic wireless communication systems (e.g., LTE, NR), a terminal can receive a PDCCH modulated with Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) from a base station. In this case, the PDCCH modulated with QPSK can only transmit 2 bits of information per resource element (RE). Accordingly, depending on the CORESET setting instructed / set by the base station, a latency issue related to the PDCCH modulated with QPSK may occur.

[0184] In next-generation wireless communication systems, for services where latency issues are critical (e.g., URLLC), base stations can flexibly instruct / set / transmit PDCCHs modulated in 8-PSK (Phase Shift Keying) or 16-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) to terminals. To support services such as XR as well as addressing latency issues, PDCCHs modulated with a higher order can improve efficiency by lowering the code rate of the same resources. Additionally, in scenarios such as multi-carrier scheduling and UL simultaneous scheduling where relatively high DCI sizes (e.g., DCI of 1000 bits or more) are used, PDCCHs modulated with a higher order can improve resource and latency efficiency.

[0185] The following describes a method for indicating / setting a high-order modulation PDCCH that can be used in various use cases or scenarios. Although this disclosure is described based on a specific system (e.g., NR), it does not specify or limit the transmission and reception forms of certain systems unless otherwise stated. It is obvious that the methods proposed in this disclosure can be applied to the structures and services of all wireless communication transmission and reception, provided that the principles of the invention are not infringed, even without further explanation. In describing this disclosure, " / " may mean "and," "or," or "and / or," and Ambient IoT refers to AmIoT.

[0186] FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0187] The terminal can receive first configuration information from the base station related to at least one modulation order (MO) or at least one physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) candidate for each aggregation level (AL) (S1510).

[0188] And, the terminal can monitor at least one PDCCH candidate based on the first configuration information (S1520).

[0189] As an example of the present disclosure, the first setting information may include i) an index of at least one candidate MO per AL and ii) an index of a candidate PDCCH per index of at least one candidate MO. That is, for a terminal, at least one candidate MO may be set per AL, and at least one candidate PDCCH may be set per candidate of at least one MO. Accordingly, the first setting information may include information for setting at least one MO per AL (e.g., an index of at least one candidate MO) and / or information regarding a candidate PDCCH per index of at least one candidate MO (e.g., an index of a candidate PDCCH).

[0190] For example, the first configuration information may be transmitted from a base station to a terminal via PBCH, SIB1, or higher-layer signaling (e.g., RRC messages, etc.). The first configuration information may be configuration information related to a CORESET or / and a search space set. That is, the first configuration information may be configuration information related to a CORESET or / and a search space set, but is not limited thereto.

[0191] In describing the present disclosure, CORESET may include a set of resources defined to enable a control channel, such as a PDCCH, to be transmitted within a physically allocated / directed / set time and frequency domain.

[0192] For example, depending on whether the configuration information related to a search space (set) pertains to a terminal-specific search space (set) (USS) or a common search space (set) (CSS), it may be determined whether the configuration information is transmitted via an RRC message (e.g., in the case of USS) or via a PBCH / SIB (e.g., in the case of CSS).

[0193] Additionally or alternatively, the terminal may receive second configuration information from the base station regarding whether the same PDCCH candidate is allowed for each candidate of at least one MO. The terminal may check whether the same PDCCH candidate is allowed for each candidate of the MO based on the second configuration information. In this case, the first configuration information and the second configuration information may be transmitted to the terminal via the same upper layer signaling or different upper layer signaling. However, this is merely one embodiment, and whether the same PDCCH candidate is allowed for each candidate of at least one MO may be predefined.

[0194] As another example of the present disclosure, the first configuration information may include an index of information (e.g., at least one PDCCH) for at least one PDCCH candidate per AL, and for at least one PDCCH candidate, an MO may be predefined or set / instructed by a base station. That is, for a terminal, at least one PDCCH candidate may be set per AL, and for at least one PDCCH candidate, an MO may be set / instructed by a predefined rule or by a base station. In this case, as described above, the first configuration information may be configuration information related to a CORESET or / and a search space (set).

[0195] For example, assume a case where at least one MO for each PDCCH candidate is defined according to a predefined rule. An MO for the index of at least one PDCCH candidate may be defined based on at least one of the number of at least one PDCCH candidate per AL or the index of at least one PDCCH candidate per AL. For example, a first MO may be applied to half of the number of at least one PDCCH candidate per AL, and a second MO may be applied to the remaining half. As another example, if the index of at least one PDCCH candidate per AL is even, the first MO may be applied, and if the index of at least one PDCCH candidate per AL is odd, the second MO may be applied.

[0196] As another example, assume a case where an MO is set / instructed by a base station for at least one PDCCH candidate. In this case, the first setting information may include information for setting an MO for at least one PDCCH candidate (e.g., the type of MO).

[0197] In one example of the present disclosure, a terminal may perform a PDCCH reception operation by monitoring at least one PDCCH candidate (e.g., BD). Then, the terminal may obtain downlink control information (DCI) according to the PDCCH reception operation. The terminal may obtain spectral efficiency (SE) based on i) the size of the DCI and ii) a numerical value related to at least one control channel element (CCE) for at least one PDCCH candidate (or, detected / received PDCCH).

[0198] Here, the figures associated with at least one CCE may include the number of resource elements (REs) per CCE or the total number of REs for at least one CCE. When calculating the number of REs per at least one CCE or for the total CCE, REs mapped to DMRS may be excluded or included.

[0199] For example, based on the SE calculated by the first terminal being below a threshold value (e.g., threshold SE), the MO associated with at least one PDCCH candidate (or received PDCCH) may be set / indicated / determined as the first MO. And, based on the SE being above the threshold value, the MO associated with at least one PDCCH candidate may be set as the second MO.

[0200] In describing the present disclosure, each of the first type of MO and the second type of MO may be at least one of QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying), 8-PSK (phase shift keying), 16-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), 64 QAM, or 256 QAM.

[0201] Additionally or alternatively, the terminal may receive third configuration information related to the demodulation reference signal (DMRS) density associated with at least one PDCCH candidate. That is, the DMRS density may be set / indicated by the base station for each of at least one PDCCH candidate. The terminal may receive the first configuration information or / and the third configuration information from the base station via the same upper layer signaling or different upper layer signaling.

[0202] As another example, the DMRS density for at least one PDCCH candidate can be determined based on the MO set for each of at least one PDCCH candidate. That is, a predefined DMRS density can be applied according to the MO set for each of at least one PDCCH candidate.

[0203] The method described in the example of FIG. 15 can be performed by the device (200) of FIG. 3. That is, the terminal of FIG. 15 can be implemented as the device (200) of FIG. 3. For example, one or more processors (202) of the device (200) of FIG. 15 can receive first configuration information related to at least one MO or at least one physical PDCCH candidate per AL from a base station via one or more transceivers (206). One or more processors (202) can monitor at least one PDCCH candidate based on the first configuration information.

[0204] Furthermore, one or more memories (204) of the device (200) may store instructions for performing the method described in the example of FIG. 15 or the examples described below when executed by one or more processors (202).

[0205] FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a base station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0206] The base station can transmit first configuration information associated with at least one MO or at least one physical PDCCH candidate per AL to the terminal (S1610).

[0207] For example, a base station may transmit first configuration information to a terminal through upper layer signaling, and through the first configuration information, at least one MO or PDCCH candidate per AL may be configured for the terminal. Since the configuration of the first configuration information has been described with reference to FIG. 15, a redundant description will be omitted.

[0208] The base station can transmit the PDCCH to the terminal through at least one PDCCH candidate based on the first configuration information (S1620).

[0209] For example, a base station may transmit at least one PDCCH candidate configured by configuration information (e.g., first configuration information, etc.) to a terminal, and the terminal may monitor at least one candidate PDCCH.

[0210] The method described in the example of FIG. 16 may be performed by a specific device. One or more processors of the specific device may transmit first configuration information associated with at least one MO or at least one physical PDCCH candidate per AL to a terminal via one or more transceivers. One or more processors may transmit a PDCCH to a terminal via one or more transceivers through at least one PDCCH candidate based on the first configuration information.

[0211] Below, we will specifically explain how to indicate / set higher-order modulation PDCCHs that can be used in various use cases (e.g., eMBB, URLLC, etc.) or scenarios.

[0212] Example 1

[0213] Example 1 relates to a method for indicating / setting PC (PDCCH candidate) and / or MO (modulation order) according to the aggregation level (AL).

[0214] As described above, in a basic wireless communication system, scheduling of channels such as PDSCH, PUCCH (physical uplink control channel), and PUSCH (physical uplink shared channel) can be performed / assigned by transmitting and receiving a PDCCH modulated with QPSK. A problem exists in that a PDCCH modulated with QPSK can transmit 2 bits per 1 RE unit, and consequently, only a small amount of information can be transmitted. For example, since a PDCCH modulated with QPSK is composed of single modulation, the SE (Spectral Efficiency) can be determined by the code rate, which can be significantly restrictive in various scenarios.

[0215] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, Example 1 relates to a method for maintaining SE by indicating / setting a PC or MO according to AL in an improved wireless communication system, while indicating / setting a higher-order modulation of PDCCH considering various code rates / coverage situations, and a blind decoding (BD) operation of a terminal accordingly.

[0216] The methods according to each of the embodiments described below may be applied independently or performed in combination with one another. For example, the methods within each embodiment may be selectively combined and applied / performed.

[0217] Example 1-1

[0218] Example 1-1 relates to a method for indicating / setting a PC corresponding to an MO after MO candidate(s) are indicated / set for each AL within a CORESET.

[0219] In one example of the present disclosure, a terminal may be indicated / configured with MO candidate(s) that can be used per AL through upper layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling and / or SIB) transmitted by a base station. Additionally, a PC may be separately indicated / configured for each MO indicated / configured to the terminal.

[0220] FIG. 17 relates to a method for indicating / setting MO candidates and PCs for each AL according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, a base station may set MO candidates (e.g., MO #0 or / and MO #1) for a terminal for each AL. In this case, the MO candidates may be QPSK or a higher modulation order (e.g., 8-PSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM, etc.), but are not limited thereto.

[0221] As an example of the present disclosure, overlap between PCs may be permitted depending on the configuration of the base station, but is not limited thereto, and overlap between PCs may not be permitted. Here, whether there is overlap between PCs may be based on whether two or more MO candidates can be applied / configured on the indicated / configured PC. If two or more MO candidates can be applied / configured on the PC, this may mean that overlap between PCs is permitted.

[0222] FIG. 18(a) relates to a method for indicating / setting MO candidates and PCs by AL where overlap between PCs is not allowed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 18(a), since overlap between PCs is not allowed due to the base station settings, one MO may be set by the base station per PC. FIG. 18(b) relates to a method for indicating / setting MO candidates and PCs by AL when overlap between PCs is allowed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 18(b), since overlap between PCs is allowed due to the base station settings, two or more MOs may be set by the base station per PC.

[0223] In one example of the present disclosure, in the case of a method in which overlap between PCs is not allowed and a method in which overlap between PCs is allowed, the signaling method for indicating / setting MO to the PCs is the same, and the presence or absence of overlap between PCs may differ. Depending on whether overlap between PCs is allowed, the BD operation of the terminal may be the same or different.

[0224] Specifically, when the method according to Example 1-1, which instructs / sets MO for all PCs instructed / set by the base station, is applied, the terminal can perform BD for all instructed / set PCs and / or MOs. Accordingly, in cases where overlap between PCs is not allowed as in FIG. 18 (a) and where overlap between PCs is allowed as in FIG. 18 (b), if the base station instructs / sets MO individually for each PC to the terminal, the terminal can perform BD for all MOs set / instructed for all PCs.

[0225] In one example of the present disclosure, when an MO is not individually indicated / set for each PC (e.g., when only MO candidates are indicated / set for each AL), the base station may instruct / set the terminal to determine the MO indicated / set for the PC through BD itself. For example, assume a case where the number of PCs corresponding to MO #0 is N1 and the number of PCs corresponding to MO #1 is N2. When a total of max(N1, N2) PCs are indicated / set for the terminal, the terminal may perform decoding of two MOs (e.g., MO #0 and MO #1) for min(N1, N2) PCs, and may perform decoding of one MO (e.g., the MO of the N value having the larger value between N1 and N2) for the remaining PCs.

[0226] That is, the terminal can perform BD as many times as the number of PCs instructed / set by the base station (e.g., perform BD equal to the sum of the number of PCs assigned to each MO). For example, when the MO and PC are instructed / set as in FIG. 18 (a), the terminal can perform a total of 10 BDs. When the MO and PC are instructed / set as in FIG. 18 (b), the terminal can perform a total of 8 BDs.

[0227] However, the methods described above are merely examples, and one or more MO candidates may be indicated / configured by the base station according to the AL. Similarly, one or more PCs may be indicated / configured for the MO, and the base station may flexibly indicate / configure to the terminal the number of PCs on which the MO can overlap.

[0228] Examples 1-2

[0229] Example 1-2 relates to a method for directing / setting a PC for each AL within a CORESET. Example 1-1 relates to a method in which a PC for a corresponding MO candidate is set / directed after an MO candidate is directed / set for each AL from a base station. Example 1-2 relates to a method in which an MO is directed / set for a PC according to a predefined rule or a setting of the base station after a PC is directed / set for each AL from a base station.

[0230] The method according to Example 1-2 can also be classified into a method in which the overlap of MOs of a PC is allowed and a method in which the overlap of MOs of a PC is not allowed. In the case of Example 1-1, whether the overlap between a PC indicated / set to an MO candidate indicated / set by the base station is allowed can be set / instructed / defined. In the case of Example 1-2, the overlap between MOs of a PC indicated / set by the base station can be set / instructed / defined.

[0231] The method according to Example 1-2 may include i) a method in which an MO for a PC is implicitly indicated / set through a predefined rule (e.g., Example 1-2-1) and ii) a method in which an MO for a PC is explicitly indicated / set through upper layer signaling of a base station (e.g., Example 1-2-2).

[0232] Example 1-2-1

[0233] As an example of the present disclosure, an MO for a PC may be implicitly indicated / set to a terminal through a predefined rule. That is, a method may be applied in which the base station indicates / sets an MO for a PC for each AL to the terminal through a predefined rule between the base station and the terminal.

[0234] For example, a lower PC index (e.g., ceil(number of PCs / 2) / floor(number of PCs / 2)) can indicate / set a higher or lower MO. And, a higher PC index can indicate / set an MO for a PC (from base station to terminal) by utilizing a predefined rule that indicates / sets a lower MO (e.g., MO #0 or MO #1) or a higher MO (e.g., MO #1 or MO #0).

[0235] Specifically, if the number of PCs (N) instructed / set for the terminal is odd and not divided in half, floor (N / 2) may be instructed / set to a lower or higher MO, or ceil (N / 2) may be instructed / set to a lower or higher MO.

[0236] As an example of the present disclosure, FIG. 19(a) relates to a method for indicating / setting the MO of a PC for each AL according to Example 1-2-1. That is, the MO can be indicated / set for a PC indicated / set for each AL through a predefined rule.

[0237] Example 1-2-2

[0238] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, MO for a PC may be explicitly indicated / set to a terminal through upper layer signaling of a base station. That is, the base station may indicate / set MO for all PCs indicated / set per AL through upper layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling or SIB).

[0239] Specifically, the base station can transmit information regarding the MO to be applied to the PC instructed / configured for each AL to the terminal via upper-layer signaling. At this time, one or multiple MOs may be instructed / configured for a single PC depending on the base station's settings.

[0240] As an example of the present disclosure, FIG. 19(b) relates to a method for indicating / setting the MO of a PC for each AL according to Example 1-2-2. A base station can indicate / set the MO for a terminal according to the PC indicated / set for each AL through upper layer signaling.

[0241] For example, referring to FIG. 19(b), two MOs may be instructed / set for PC #0 by the base station, and one MO may be instructed / set for each of the remaining PCs. Although MOs may be individually instructed / set for all PCs instructed / set per AL, MO candidates may also be instructed / set per AL. When MO candidates MO #0 and MO #1 are instructed / set for AL #0, the terminal may perform BD on MO #0 and / or MO #1 of the PC instructed / set to the corresponding AL.

[0242] In the case where a PC is indicated / set per AL through Example 1-2-1, the terminal can perform BD as many times as the number of indicated / set PCs. For example, according to a predefined rule, BD for the indicated / set MO can be performed for the PC indicated / set per AL. That is, the terminal can perform BD as many times as the number of PCs.

[0243] In the case where a PC is indicated / configured per AL through Example 1-2-2, the terminal can perform BD for as many times as the number of indicated / configured MO candidates. For example, the terminal can perform BD for all MO candidates indicated / configured for the PC indicated / configured per AL through upper layer signaling. That is, the terminal can perform BD for the sum of the number of PCs assigned to each MO.

[0244] Examples 1-3

[0245] Examples 1-3 relate to a method for indicating / setting an MO based on a combination of AL and DCI format sizes within a CORESET. Specifically, Examples 1-3 relate to a method for indicating / setting an MO based on a threshold spectral efficiency (SE) that is predefined or indicated / set through upper layer signaling (e.g., RRC messages or SIBs) based on the format size of the DCI to be transmitted or received for the AL indicated / set by the base station.

[0246] Specifically, the number of available CCEs (or / and resources) can be instructed / set for the terminal according to the AL instructed / set by the base station. Additionally, the MO can be instructed / set for the terminal by the resources instructed / set according to the format size of the DCI to be transmitted or received.

[0247] For example, in a basic wireless communication system, one CCE may include 54 REs capable of transmitting data, excluding DMRS. If the 54 REs are modulated with QPSK, the maximum number of bits that can be transmitted as data may be 108 bits. The base station may transmit DCI to the terminal by instructing / setting a higher MO (e.g., 8-PSK, 16 QAM, 64 QAM, 256 QAM, etc.) than the QPSK modulation scheme to transmit a DCI format size larger than the given resources (considering the channel environment with the terminal), and thereby increase resource efficiency.

[0248] In one example of the present disclosure, if the DCI format size to be transmitted by a base station is greater than or equal to a specified threshold SE indicated / set, the base station may indicate / set a higher MO to the terminal. If the DCI format size to be transmitted by a base station is less than a specified threshold SE indicated / set, the base station may indicate / set a lower MO to the terminal. Here, the lower MO may be QPSK, and the higher MO may be one of 8-PSK, 16 QAM, 64 QAM, 256 QAM, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0249] Furthermore, the mathematical formula for calculating SE can be defined as "DCI format size / (number of REs per CCE)". The number of REs per CCE may refer to the total number of REs (excluding DMRS) that can be used in the CCE. The DCI format size may refer to the DCI format size that the base station intends to transmit.

[0250] For example, as described above, the number of REs per CCE may be used as the denominator of the mathematical formula for calculating SE, but is not limited thereto. The parameter corresponding to the denominator of the formula for calculating SE may be the total number of REs (excluding DMRS) that can be used for all CCEs, or the total number of REs that can be used for a single CCE including DMRS or all CCEs.

[0251] Additionally or alternatively, the parameter corresponding to the denominator of the mathematical formula for calculating SE may be defined as the maximum number of data bits (excluding DMRS) carried in a single CCE (or total CCE) rather than the number of REs that can be used. For example, when QPSK modulation is applied, the size of the maximum number of data bits (excluding DMRS) carried in a single CCE (or total CCE) may be 108 bits.

[0252] As described above, the base station may use a higher MO (e.g., 8-PSK, 16 QAM) if the SE value associated with the AL indicated / set according to the DCI format size to be transmitted is greater than or equal to a specific threshold SE. The base station may use a lower MO (e.g., QPSK) if the SE value associated with the AL indicated / set according to the DCI format size to be transmitted is less than a specific threshold SE. Through the method described above, the base station can receive a large-sized DCI associated with an AL that cannot be received by a basic wireless communication system.

[0253] For example, assume that when the threshold SE value is indicated / set / defined as 1, the DCI format size is 100 bits or more for a PC that is indicated / set with 1 CCE (e.g., when AL is 1). In this case, since the SE value according to the DCI format size is higher than the previously indicated / set threshold SE, the base station can transmit the PDCCH to the terminal using a modulation scheme higher than the QPSK modulation scheme.

[0254] FIG. 20 relates to a method for indicating / setting the MO of a PC by AL according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As an example of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 20, it is assumed that two sets of SS (search space) (e.g., SS set #0 and SS set #1) are set for a terminal. The MO can be indicated / set for the terminal by calculating SE by AL within the SS set or by DCI format.

[0255] For example, only one DCI format may be specified / set for SS set #0, and the terminal can calculate SE according to the DCI format specified / set per AL. The terminal can perform decoding for the MO determined by comparing the calculated SE with the specified / set or predefined threshold. For SS set #1, two DCI formats may be specified / set, and the terminal can calculate SE according to the DCI format specified / set per AL. The terminal can perform decoding for the MO determined by comparing the calculated SE with the specified / set or predefined threshold. For example, if the calculated SE value is greater than the threshold, MO #0 may be set / specified, and if the calculated SE value is less than or equal to the threshold, MO #1 may be set / specified. Here, the threshold (e.g., threshold SE) may be predefined or set by the base station.

[0256] That is, the terminal can calculate SE through a combination of the format size of the DCI and AL to perform BD. The terminal can compare the calculated SE with the threshold SE, set / instruct an appropriate MO, and then perform BD. The terminal can perform BD as many times as the number of PCs.

[0257] In a basic wireless communication system, the payload size can be mapped identically to each PC within a single SS set. Accordingly, when Example 1-3 is applied, a single SE value can be calculated for each AL for the same payload size or the same DCI format size. In an improved wireless communication system, different DCI formats or different payload sizes (e.g., cases where each DCI with the same DCI format has a different payload size) can be mapped to each PC. In this case, the terminal can apply individual SE values ​​for each different DCI format to each AL through Example 1-3, compare them with a threshold SE, and instruct / set an MO for each PC based on the comparison result.

[0258] The above-described method and / or drawing is merely an example, and one or more MO candidates may be indicated / set according to AL. Also, the MO indicated / set according to AL may differ. For example, QPSK modulation may be applied at high AL, but at low AL, a higher MO (e.g., 8-PSK, 16 QAM, etc.) may be indicated / set.

[0259] Specifically, in terms of PDCCH channel coding, the repetition gain can outperform as the AL increases. For example, if a higher MO is indicated / set, allowing a larger number of bits to be transmitted relative to the given resources, a higher repetition gain can be obtained. However, there may be a limit to the gain obtainable through repetition gain, and in such cases (e.g., high AL), the gain in terms of SNR may be higher as a lower MO is indicated / set. In this case, the base station can transmit the PDCCH to the terminal after indicating / setting a lower MO.

[0260] The above-described embodiments (e.g., Examples 1-1, 1-2 and / or 1-3) relate to a method of indicating / setting an MO according to an AL indicated / set within an SS set or according to a PC indicated / set within an AL.

[0261] At this time, in the case of a method for individually indicating / setting MOs according to PCs indicated / set within AL (e.g., Example 1-2), the method is not limited to indicating / setting on an individual PC unit basis, and independent MOs may be indicated / set on a PC group unit basis or an SS set (index) unit basis. For example, MOs may be indicated / set per PC and / or per AL, but MOs (e.g., QPSK and / or 16QAM) may be indicated / set per PC group and / or SS set (index).

[0262] In addition, the method of individually indicating / setting MO for each AL (e.g., the method according to Example 1) is not limited to the method of individually indicating / setting MO for each AL. Independent MOs (e.g., QPSK or / and 16 QAM) may be indicated / set for the terminal for each SS set (index). In this case, all ALs and all PCs (per AL) within a single SS set may be indicated / set to the same MO (combination).

[0263] Example 2

[0264] Example 2 relates to a method in which MO and / or DMRS density is indicated / set by a base station.

[0265] As an example of the present disclosure, the density of DMRS for channel estimation within a REG may also be determined according to the MO indicated / set by the base station. In a basic wireless communication system, PDCCHs are transmitted and received using a single modulation scheme (e.g., QPSK), and the DMRS density (e.g., "number of DMRS / number of REs in one REG") may be constant at a specific value (e.g., 1 / 4). That is, three REs (e.g., RE #1, #5, #9) within one REG may be used for DMRS allocation. By adjusting the DMRS density, more accurate channel estimation can be achieved according to the indicated / set MO.

[0266] For example, in PDCCHs using higher MO, more accurate channel estimation can be performed by increasing DMRS density, which in turn can improve modulation performance for higher MOs. Conversely, since better channels can be assumed for PDCCHs using higher MOs, resource efficiency can be increased through lower DMRS density.

[0267] Example 2 may include a method for explicitly setting / indicating DMRS density through upper layer signaling (e.g., Example 2-1) and a method for implicitly setting / indicating DMRS density according to MOs indicated / set by a base station (Example 2-2).

[0268] Example 2-1

[0269] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a base station may explicitly set / instruct the DMRS of a PDCCH to a terminal through upper layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling or SIB). For example, a specific DMRS density value may be set by the base station instructing / setting the terminal to an index value of a predefined table (e.g., Table 1) associated with DMRS density candidates (e.g., 1 / 4, 1 / 2).

[0270] Index DMRS Density 01 / 211 / 321 / 431 / 6

[0271] As another example, the base station can transmit information to the terminal that directly indicates / sets the DMRS density value.

[0272] Example 2-2

[0273] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method in which a predefined DMRS density is implicitly indicated / set according to an MO indicated / set by a base station. That is, when a base station indicates / sets an MO for a PC indicated / set by AL according to the method described above, a predefined DMRS density may be indicated / set for a terminal according to the indicated / set MO.

[0274] Specifically, when a high MO (e.g., 16 QAM, etc.) is instructed / set for a PDCCH instructed / set by a base station to a terminal, the base station and the terminal can instruct / set a DMRS density corresponding to 16 QAM (e.g., 1 / 2) and transmit the PDCCH to the terminal.

[0275] As in Example 2-1 and / or Example 2-2, DMRS density may be indicated / set, but DMRS mapping type other than DMRS density may also be explicitly or implicitly indicated / set to the terminal as described above. In this case, the DMRS type that can be indicated / set by the base station may be set similarly to the DMRS mapping type of PDSCH. That is, the DMRS type that can be indicated / set by the base station may be determined similarly to the concepts of front-load DMRS and every-symbol DMRS.

[0276] For example, in the case of higher MO (e.g., 16 QAM) (especially in the FR2 band), a DMRS can be placed in every OFDM symbol so that the DMRS can perform the function of a PT-RS (Phase Tracking Reference Signal). And, in the case of lower MO (e.g., QPSK), resource efficiency can be increased by placing a front-loaded DMRS in every OFDM symbol.

[0277] For example, according to Example 2-1, a DMRS mapping type may be explicitly indicated / set to the terminal via upper layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling and / or SIB). Additionally or alternatively, according to Example 2-2, a DMRS type associated with an MO indicated / set by the base station may be explicitly indicated / set to the terminal.

[0278] At this time, when implicitly instructed / set to the terminal, the DMRS mapping type may be instructed / set according to the combination of the instructed / set MO as well as the bandwidth used by the signal (e.g., FR1, FR2).

[0279] Operation can be supported when AL is set to 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 in a basic wireless communication system. However, if a higher MO is indicated / set for PDCCH through the methods described above, DCI with a smaller number of bits can be transmitted and received using fewer resources.

[0280] In addition, to transmit a PDCCH in a basic wireless communication system, 1 CCE (e.g., 6 REG) may be used as the minimum transmission unit, and a situation where "AL=1" may be applied. However, to utilize resources more efficiently through the methods described above, a smaller transmission unit (e.g., half of the CCE and / or "AL=0.5") may be defined. However, this is merely one example, and the methods described above are not limited to specific transmission units and may be applied regardless of newly defined or existing transmission units.

[0281] According to the various embodiments described above, the transmission of PDCCH can be performed through high MO symbol mapping, thereby utilizing resources more efficiently and reducing latency.

[0282] Methods, embodiments, or descriptions for implementing the method proposed in this specification may each be applied separately, or one or more methods (or embodiments or descriptions) may be applied in combination.

[0283] Methods, embodiments, or descriptions for implementing the method proposed in this specification may each be applied separately, or one or more methods (or embodiments or descriptions) may be applied in combination.

[0284] Methods, embodiments, or descriptions for implementing the method proposed in this disclosure may each be applied separately, or one or more methods (or embodiments or descriptions) may be applied in combination.

[0285] The embodiments described above are combinations of the components and features of the present disclosure in a specific form. Each component or feature should be considered optional unless otherwise explicitly stated. Each component or feature may be implemented in a form not combined with other components or features. Additionally, it is possible to construct embodiments of the present disclosure by combining some components and / or features. The order of operations described in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be changed. Some components or features of one embodiment may be included in another embodiment, or may be replaced with corresponding components or features of another embodiment. It is obvious that embodiments may be constructed by combining claims that are not explicitly related in the claims, or that they may be included as new claims by amendment after filing.

[0286] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the detailed description set forth above should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the present disclosure shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present disclosure are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0287] The scope of the present disclosure includes software or machine-executable instructions (e.g., operating systems, applications, firmware, programs, etc.) that enable operations according to the methods of various embodiments to be executed on a device or computer, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium on which such software or instructions, etc. are stored and executable on a device or computer. Instructions that may be used to program a processing system to perform the features described in the present disclosure may be stored on or within a storage medium or a computer-readable storage medium, and the features described in the present disclosure may be implemented using a computer program product comprising such a storage medium. The storage medium may include, but is not limited to, high-speed random access memory such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM, or other random access solid-state memory devices, and may include non-volatile memory such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state storage devices. The memory may optionally include one or more storage devices located remotely from the processor(s). Memory or alternatively, non-volatile memory device(s) within memory comprises a non-transient computer-readable storage medium. The features described in this disclosure may be stored in any one of the machine-readable media and integrated into software and / or firmware that can control the hardware of a processing system and allow the processing system to interact with other mechanisms utilizing results according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Such software or firmware may include, but is not limited to, application code, device drivers, operating systems, and execution environments / containers.

[0288] Here, the wireless communication technology implemented in the device (100, 200) of the present disclosure may include LTE, NR, and 6G, as well as Narrowband Internet of Things for low-power communication. In this case, for example, NB-IoT technology may be an example of LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technology and may be implemented according to standards such as LTE Cat NB1 and / or LTE Cat NB2, but is not limited to the names mentioned above. Additionally or generally, the wireless communication technology implemented in the device (100, 200) of the present disclosure may perform communication based on LTE-M technology. In this case, for example, LTE-M technology may be an example of LPWAN technology and may be referred to by various names such as eMTC (enhanced Machine Type Communication). For example, LTE-M technology may be implemented in at least one of various standards such as 1) LTE CAT 0, 2) LTE Cat M1, 3) LTE Cat M2, 4) LTE non-BL (non-Bandwidth Limited), 5) LTE-MTC, 6) LTE Machine Type Communication, and / or 7) LTE M, and is not limited to the names mentioned above. Additionally or generally, wireless communication technology implemented in the device (100, 200) of the present disclosure may include at least one of ZigBee, Bluetooth, and Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) for low-power communication, and is not limited to the names mentioned above. As an example, ZigBee technology may create personal area networks (PANs) related to small / low-power digital communication based on various standards such as IEEE 802.15.4, and may be referred to by various names.

[0289] Although the method proposed in this disclosure has been described with an example applied to 3GPP LTE / LTE-A and 5G systems, it can be applied to various wireless communication systems in addition to 3GPP LTE / LTE-A and 5G systems.

Claims

1. A step of receiving first configuration information from a base station by a terminal that relates to at least one modulation order (MO) or at least one physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) candidate for each aggregation level (AL); and A method comprising the step of monitoring at least one PDCCH candidate by the terminal based on the first setting information.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above first setting information comprises an index of at least one candidate MO for each AL and an index of a PDCCH candidate for each index of at least one candidate MO.

3. In Paragraph 2, A second setting information regarding whether the setting of the same PDCCH candidate is allowed for each candidate of at least one MO is transmitted to the terminal by the base station, and A method in which the first setting information and the second setting information are transmitted to the terminal through the same upper layer signaling or different upper layer signaling.

4. In Paragraph 1, The first setting information above includes an index of at least one PDCCH candidate for each AL, and A method in which an MO is predefined or set by the base station for each of the above at least one PDCCH candidate.

5. In Paragraph 4, A method in which an MO is defined for each index of at least one PDCCH candidate based on at least one of the number of at least one PDCCH candidate for each AL or the index of at least one PDCCH candidate for each AL.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above first setting information comprises at least one MO for each of the at least one PDCCH candidates, a method.

7. In Paragraph 1, Downlink control information (DCI) is obtained by the terminal through at least one PDCCH candidate, and A method in which a spectral efficiency (SE) is obtained by the terminal based on i) the size of the DCI and ii) a numerical value related to at least one control channel element (CCE) for at least one PDCCH candidate.

8. In Paragraph 7, A method in which the numerical value associated with at least one CCE includes the number of resource elements (RE) per CCE or the number of REs in the entire at least one CCE.

9. In Paragraph 7, Based on the above SE being below a threshold value, the MO associated with the at least one PDCCH candidate is set as the first MO, and A method in which, based on the fact that the above SE exceeds the above threshold, the MO associated with the at least one PDCCH candidate is set as the second MO.

10. In Paragraph 9, A method in which each of the type of the first MO and the type of the second MO is at least one of QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying), 8-PSK (phase shift keying), 16-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), 64 QAM, or 256 QAM.

11. In Paragraph 1, A third configuration information related to the demodulation reference signal (DMRS) density associated with at least one PDCCH candidate is transmitted from the base station to the terminal, and A method in which the first setting information and the third setting information are transmitted to the terminal through the same upper layer signaling or different upper layer signaling.

12. In Paragraph 1, A method in which the DMRS density for at least one PDCCH candidate is determined based on the MO set for each of the at least one PDCCH candidate.

13. One or more transceivers; and It includes one or more processors connected to the above one or more transmitters and receivers, and The above one or more processors are: Receiving first configuration information related to at least one modulation order (MO) or at least one physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) candidate per aggregation level (AL) from a base station through the one or more transceivers; and A terminal configured to monitor at least one PDCCH candidate based on first configuration information.

14. A step of transmitting first configuration information associated with at least one modulation order (MO) or at least one physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) candidate per aggregation level (AL) to a terminal by a base station; and A method comprising the step of transmitting a PDCCH to a terminal by the base station through at least one PDCCH candidate based on the first setting information.

15. In a base station, the above base station is: One or more transceivers; and It includes one or more processors connected to the above one or more transmitters and receivers, and The above one or more processors are: Transmitting first configuration information associated with at least one modulation order (MO) or at least one physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) candidate per aggregation level (AL) to a terminal via the one or more transceivers; and A base station configured to transmit a PDCCH to the terminal through the one or more transceivers via the at least one PDCCH candidate based on the first configuration information.

16. In a processing device configured to control a terminal, the processing device comprises: One or more processors; and A processing device comprising one or more computer memories that are operably connected to one or more processors and store instructions for performing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 based on execution by one or more processors.

17. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing one or more instructions, A computer-readable medium in which one or more of the above instructions are executed by one or more processors to control a device to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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