Determination of slot grouping in 6g tdra

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for determination of slot grouping. One method may include determining a size of a slot group; and determining at least one slot group, starting from a reference starting point, based on the size of the slot group.

Description

TITLEDETERMINATION OF SLOT GROUPING IN 6G TDRACROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 63 / 749915, filed January 27, 2027. The entire content of the above-referenced application is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5thgeneration (5G) radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR) access technology, 6thgeneration (6G) RAT, and / or other communications systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to systems and / or methods for determination of slot grouping.BACKGROUND

[0003] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include radio frequency (RF) 5G RAT, the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), LTE Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-A Pro, NR access technology, and / or MulteFire Alliance. 5G wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architecture. A 5G system is typically built on a 5G NR, but a 5G (or NG) network may also be built on E-UTRA radio. It is expected that NR can support service categories such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency-communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extreme broadband, ultra-robust, low-latency connectivity, and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (loT). The next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) represents the radio access network (RAN) for 5G, which may provide radio access for NR, LTE, and LTE-A. It is noted that the nodes in 5G providing radio access functionality to a user equipment (e.g., similar to the Node B in UTRAN or the Evolved Node B (eNB) in LTE) may be referred to as next-generation Node B (gNB) when built on NR radio, and may be referred to as next-generation eNB (NG-eNB) when built on E-UTRA radio.

[0004] 3GPP 6G is intended to build upon the advantages and breakthroughs of previous cellular technologies, with multi-RAT spectrum sharing (MRSS) enabling smooth transitions from 5G to 6G. 6G carrier aggregation (CA) may further improve on network capacity and coverage, while dual-connectivity can provide support for non-collocated 6G areas. Using next generation mobile broadband, (NextGenMBB), userequipment may experience data rates around 500 Mbps. 6G may also incorporate fixed wireless access (FWA) to improve traffic for fixed locations, such as homes, offices, and businesses. FWA can leverage terahertz and millimeter-wave bands to deliver ultra-fast data speeds, potentially up to 100 Gbps, especially with multiple input multiple output (Ml MO) antennas.

[0005] Moreover, 3GPP 6G is expected to incorporate artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) technologies to perform network automation and enable self-organizing networks (SONs). For example, AI / ML may monitor network usage, conditions, and traffic in real-time, and automatically adjust network parameters such as interference mitigation, spectrum management, and load balancing, thereby providing faster failure recoveries and reducing network congestion.SUMMARY

[0006] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to determine a starting slot. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to determine a size of a slot group. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to determine at least one slot group based on the starting slot and the size of the slot group.

[0007] In accordance with some example embodiments, a method may include determining a starting slot. The method may further include determining a size of a slot group. The method may further include determining at least one slot group based on the starting slot and the size of the slot group.

[0008] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for determining a starting slot. The apparatus may further include means for determining a size of a slot group. The apparatus may further include means for determining at least one slot group based on the starting slot and the size of the slot group.

[0009] In accordance with various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method. The method may include determining a starting slot. The method may further include determining a size of a slot group. The method may further include determining at least one slot group based on the starting slot and the size of the slot group.

[0010] In accordance with some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include determining a starting slot. The method may further include determining a size of a slotgroup. The method may further include determining at least one slot group based on the starting slot and the size of the slot group.

[0011] In accordance with various example embodiments, an apparatus may include determining circuitry configured to perform determining a starting. The apparatus may further include determining circuitry configured to perform determining a size of a slot group. The apparatus may further include determining circuitry configured to perform determining at least one slot group based on the starting slot and the size of the slot group.

[0012] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to determine a starting slot. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to determine a size of a slot group. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to send, to a user equipment, information comprising at least one of the following: the starting slot, the size of the slot group, or a starting symbol.

[0013] In accordance with some example embodiments, a method may include determining a starting slot. The method may further include determining a size of a slot group. The method may further include sending, to a user equipment, information comprising at least one of the following: the starting slot, the size of the slot group, or a starting symbol.

[0014] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for determining a starting slot. The apparatus may further include means for determining a size of a slot group. The apparatus may further include means for sending, to a user equipment, information comprising at least one of the following: the starting slot, the size of the slot group, or a starting symbol.

[0015] In accordance with various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method. The method may include determining a starting slot. The method may further include determining a size of a slot group. The method may further include sending, to a user equipment, information comprising at least one of the following: the starting slot, the size of the slot group, or a starting symbol.

[0016] In accordance with some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include determining a starting slot. The method may further include determining a size of a slot group. The method may further include sending, to a user equipment, information comprising at least one of the following: the starting slot, the size of the slot group, or a starting symbol.

[0017] In accordance with various example embodiments, an apparatus may include determining circuitry configured to perform determining a starting slot. The apparatus may further include determining circuitryconfigured to perform determining a size of a slot group. The apparatus may further include sending circuitry configured to perform sending, to a user equipment, information comprising at least one of the following: the starting slot, the size of the slot group, or a starting symbol.

[0018] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to determine a size of a slot group. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to determine at least one slot group, starting from a reference starting point, based on the size of the slot group.

[0019] In accordance with some example embodiments, a method may include determining a size of a slot group. The method may further include determining at least one slot group, starting from a reference starting point, based on the size of the slot group.

[0020] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for determining a size of a slot group. The apparatus may further include means for determining at least one slot group, starting from a reference starting point, based on the size of the slot group.

[0021] In accordance with various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method. The method may include determining a size of a slot group. The method may further include determining at least one slot group, starting from a reference starting point, based on the size of the slot group.

[0022] In accordance with some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include determining a size of a slot group. The method may further include determining at least one slot group, starting from a reference starting point, based on the size of the slot group.

[0023] In accordance with various example embodiments, an apparatus may include determining circuitry configured to perform determining a size of a slot group. The apparatus may further include determining circuitry configured to perform determining at least one slot group, starting from a reference starting point, based on the size of the slot group.

[0024] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to determine a size of a slot group. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the apparatus at least to send, to a user equipment, information comprising at least one of the following: the size of the slot group; a slot group number; or a slot group offset.

[0025] In accordance with some example embodiments, a method may include determining a size of a slot group. The method may further include sending, to a user equipment, information comprising at least one of the following: the size of the slot group; a slot group number; or a slot group offset.

[0026] In accordance with certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for determining a size of a slot group. The apparatus may further include means for sending, to a user equipment, information comprising at least one of the following: the size of the slot group; a slot group number; or a slot group offset.

[0027] In accordance with various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method. The method may include determining a size of a slot group. The method may further include sending, to a user equipment, information comprising at least one of the following: the size of the slot group; a slot group number; or a slot group offset.

[0028] In accordance with some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include determining a size of a slot group. The method may further include sending, to a user equipment, information comprising at least one of the following: the size of the slot group; a slot group number; or a slot group offset.

[0029] In accordance with various example embodiments, an apparatus may include determining circuitry configured to perform determining a size of a slot group. The apparatus may further include sending circuitry configured to perform sending, to a user equipment, information comprising at least one of the following: the size of the slot group; a slot group number; or a slot group offset.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] For a proper understanding of example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a virtual slot in TDD pattern considering only UL slots;

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of DDDSU TTD pattern;

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a flow diagram of methods according to various example embodiments;

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates an example implementation of certain example embodiments;

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates another example implementation of some example embodiments;

[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates another example implementation of various example embodiments;

[0037] FIG. 7A illustrates an example of a flow diagram according to various example embodiments;

[0038] FIG. 7B illustrates an example of a flow diagram according to various example embodiments;

[0039] FIG. 8A illustrates an example of a flow diagram according to various example embodiments;

[0040] FIG. 8B illustrates an example of a flow diagram according to various example embodiments;

[0041] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of various network devices according to some example embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for determination of slot grouping is not intended to limit the scope of certain example embodiments, but is instead representative of selected example embodiments.

[0043] 5G NR describes the allocation in time domain for PUSCH for the case of a PUSCH scheduled by a DCI. In particular, when the UE is scheduled to transmit a transport block and no CSI report by a DCI or by a RAR UL grant or fallbackRAR UL grant, or the UE is scheduled to transmit a transport block and a CSI report(s) on PUSCH by a DCI, the 'Time domain resource assignment' field value m of the DCI or the PUSCH time resource allocation field value m of the RAR UL grant or of the fallbackRAR UL grant may provide a row index m + 1 to an allocated table. The indexed row may define the slot offset K2, the start and length indicator value (SLIV), or directly the start symbol S and the allocation length L, the PUSCH mapping type, the number of slots used for TBS determination (if numberOfSIotsTBoMS is present in the resource allocation table), and the number of repetitions (if numberOfRepetitions is present in the resource allocation table) to be applied in the PUSCH transmission.

[0044] Thus, the allocation in time domain may based on a so-called time domain resource assignment (TDRA) table, whose rows may define (among others) the starting orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol and the allocation length of the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) within one slot in terms of OFDM symbols. As a result, the OFDM symbol may represent the granularity and minimum scheduling unit in time domain for NR operation. The starting OFDM symbol and allocation length may be either separately indicated via dedicated entries of the table or jointly via a Start and Length Indicator Vector (SLIV). In order to define SLIV, for PUSCH repetition Type A and transport block (TB) processing over multiple slots, the starting symbol S relative to the start of the slot, and the number of consecutive symbols L counting from the symbol S allocated for the PUSCH may be determined from the start and length indicator SLIV of an indexed row, such as:if (L — 1) < 7 thenSUV = 14 ■ (L — 1) + SelseSUV = 14 ■ (14 - L + 1) + (14 - 1 - S)where 0 < L < 14 — S, and

[0045] Furthermore, there may be provided a compressed version of the start (S) and length (L) fields, by excluding combinations of S and L that are not possible within one slot. L may be limited to 14-S, since S+L may be larger than 14. The SLIV may be calculated based on the factor 14, representing the 14 OFDM symbols in a slot, and based on an assumption that S can take values from 0 to 13.

[0046] The slot offset K2defining the slot where UE transmits the PUSCH may be indicated by the rows of the TDRA table. In particular, the slot for transmission may be determined from the slot where the scheduling DOI is received, based on the indicated slot offset.

[0047] In addition, the TDRA table may provide information on the number of slots used for transport block size (TBS) determination (in the case of transport block over multiple slots (TBoMS)) and a number of repetitions, in the case of PUSCH repetitions. The row of the TDRA table may be referred to via a field in the DCI scheduling the PUSCH. Similar procedures may apply for the allocation of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmission.

[0048] An OFDM symbol group may be defined as a group of consecutive OFDM symbols, wherein a slot group is defined as a group of slots or symbols belonging to multiple slots. FIG. 1 depicts an example of virtual slot, where UL slots may be considered. In this case, a virtual slot is composed of 4 slots, and contains 14 OFDM symbol groups, with each OFDM symbol group composed of 4 OFDM symbols. The virtual slot may be used to extend the allocation of a transmission across the slot boundary, while reusing the SLIV values in the TDRA table for single slot. If the starting symbol and length, as indicated by the SLIV values, are interpreted as starting symbol group and length in terms of symbol groups, up to 14 OFDM symbol groups may be scheduled within a virtual slot, and spanning up to the length of the virtual slot.

[0049] In 5G NR TDD bands, slots can include downlink, uplink and flexible symbols. Specification allows to configure full DL and full UL slots, where only downlink or uplink symbols are present, respectively. In this document, and its figures, we will refer to these slots as downlink (D) and uplink (U) slots, respectively, for convenience. Configuration of slots including both downlink and uplink symbols is also possible. Typically, these slots follow D slots and precede U slots and may have flexible symbols between a first number of consecutive downlink symbols and a second number of uplink symbols. In this document, and its figures, we will refer to these slots as special (S), for simplicity. The configuration of slot formats may occur via configuration of a so called TDD pattern. As an example, and using our simplified notation, a TDD pattern may be in the pattern of DDDSU, as shown in FIG. 2, where the special slot contains 9 DL symbols, 1 flexiblesymbol and 4 UL symbols. FIG. 2 depicts an example of TDD pattern and special slot configuration, as this latter may generically be configured differently (in number of consecutive DL or UL symbols within the slot).

[0050] As depicted in FIG. 1 , slot groups and / or OFDM symbol groups may be used to extend the allocation of a transmission across the slot boundary. In 5G NR, the slot where a transmission occurs (e.g., dynamic grant (DG) or configured grant (CG) transmission) may be indicated by the network via DCI for DG-PxSCH as a slot offset from the scheduling DCI and via semi-static configuration of a periodicity for the case of CG-PUSCH or SPS PDSCH. However, current slot indication for PxSCH transmission may be insufficient for OFDM symbol grouping and / or slot grouping transmission across the slot boundary, and there is a need to account for slot grouping.

[0051] Certain example embodiments described herein may have various benefits and / or advantages to overcome the insufficiency described above. For example, certain example embodiments may provide an aligned understanding between the network node and UE on the resources for a PxSCH transmission within a slot group. Moreover, various example embodiments may present a mechanism of resource allocation similar to NR but extended to, a slot group and / or OFDM symbol group. The slot groups and / or ODFM symbol groups may be used for resource allocation across the slot boundary. Thus, certain example embodiments discussed below are directed to improvements in computer-related technology.

[0052] Some example embodiments may determine a time domain resource allocation for data transmission across multiple physical slots based on OFDM symbol group and / or slot group for PxSCH transmission. In particular, some techniques may relate to slot group determination, wherein the slot group may be defined based on a starting slot and a size of a slot group, for example the size of the slot group comprises a number of UL OFDM symbols. Alternatively, slot groups may be defined in a semi-static manner starting from a reference starting point, for example, starting from slot 0 of frame 0. Although the techniques described herein are described in terms of UL, the same techniques may apply similarly to determine slot groups for the DL.

[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a flow diagram 300 of methods that may be performed by a NE or UE, such as NE 910 or UE 920, respectively, illustrated in FIG. 9, according to various example embodiments. In particular, the UE may be configured with a DDSUU TDD pattern, where the S slot contains 9 DL symbols (at the start), 1 flexible symbol, and 4 UL symbols until the end of the slot.

[0054] At block 301, a method may include determining slot groups based on at least one of a starting slot and a size / length of a slot group in a number of slots or OFDM symbols. In an example embodiment, the method may include determining the starting slot and / or the size / length of the slot group in a number of slots or OFDM symbols) via higher layer signaling {e.g., RRC or MAC-CE). For example, the method may include determining (for example, via RRC configuration) that the size of a slot group is equal to 2 full slots or aminimum number of slots containing 28 OFDM symbols. In another example embodiment, the method may include determining the starting slot and / or the size / length of the slot group via downlink control information.

[0055] In certain example embodiments, a slot group may be determined as a number of slots containing a number of OFDM symbols, where the counting may start from the determined starting slot from a starting OFDM symbol within the starting slot. In an example embodiment, the starting OFDM symbol may be indicated via higher layer signaling configuration or downlink control information configuration. In certain example embodiments, a slot group may be determined as a minimum number of slots containing a number of OFDM symbols or a number of OFDM symbol groups. As an example, the number of OFDM symbols or symbol groups may be RRC configured. As another example, the number of OFDM symbols may be equal to 14*N, where N may be an OFDM symbol bundling / grouping parameter configured by higher layer or preconfigured at the UE or may be a number of slots. As another example, the number of OFDM symbol groups may be equal to 14. In another example, the number of OFDM symbols may be equal to a number of allocated OFDM symbols across multiple slots. In one example, if symbol groups are indicated for the allocation, the number of OFDM symbols is equal to L*N, where L is the number of scheduled OFDM symbol groups (e.g., provided by the parameter L, derived from the indicated / configured TDRA table row), and where N is an OFDM symbol bundling / grouping parameter configured by higher layer or preconfigured at the UE.

[0056] At block 302, a method may include determining a slot group as a number / set of slots containing a number of OFDM symbols, starting from a reference starting point. For example, starting from slot 0 of frame 0. In an example embodiment, the method may include determining the size / length of the slot group ( / .e., the number of OFDM symbols) via higher layer signaling configuration. In another example embodiment, the method may include determining the size / length of the slot group via downlink control information configuration. In another example embodiment, the method may include determining the size / length of the slot group via MAC layer configuration {e.g., MAC-CE). In a further example embodiment, the method may include determining a starting OFDM symbol via higher layer signaling configuration or downlink control information configuration. In particular, the method may include determining, based on the configuration, slot group #0 starting from the first slot containing one UL OFDM symbol ( / .e., the first S slot) and ending at the second UL slot. As an example, although slot group #0 ends at the end of the UL slot as shown in FIG. 5, the actual resources that can be allocated within slot group #0 may be limited to the first 10 OFDM symbols of the slot (as shown in FIG. 5, where the total number of OS in the slot group is 28, i.e., 4 [in the S slot] + 14 [in the first U slot of group #0] + 10 [in the second U slot of group #0]).

[0057] In some example embodiments, the number of OFDM symbols may be RRC configured. For example, the number of OFDM symbols may be equal to 14*N, where N is a bundling / grouping parameterconfigured by higher layer or preconfigured at the UE. As another example, the first slot group may start at slot 0 of frame 0. In yet another example, the first slot group may start at the first slot containing at least one UL symbol after slot 0 of frame 0.

[0058] In various example embodiments, subsequent slot groups may start at a slot containing a first available OFDM symbol not contained in a previous slot group. For example, subsequent slot groups start in the slot right after the slot where the previous slot group ends; alternatively, subsequent slot groups may start in the slot after the last scheduled OFDM symbol, or OFDM symbol group of the previous slot group. In another example, subsequent slot groups may start at the first slot containing at least one UL symbol after the slot where the previous slot group ends; alternatively, subsequent slot groups may start at the first slot containing at least one UL symbol after the last scheduled OFDM symbol, or OFDM symbol group of the previous slot group. As another example, subsequent slot groups may start at the slot where the previous slot group ends if there are UL OFDM symbols not used by the previous group (e.g., not available for allocation within the previous group); thus, OFDM symbols belonging to the previous group that can be allocated for transmission in the group may not be available for transmission in the subsequent slot group.

[0059] In various example embodiments, slot groups may be determined considering slots containing at least one OFDM symbol with a certain duplex direction, the duplex direction being UL or DL. In some other embodiments, slot groups may be determined considering consecutive slots.

[0060] In certain example embodiments, the slot group or slot group offset may be indicated (e.g., by the network entity or UE) from the slot or the slot group where the scheduling DCI was received for scheduling a transmission within a slot group, as shown in FIG. 4. For example, the slot group number or offset and resources may be indicated within the slot group to be used for the transmission. In an example embodiment, in case slot group number indicated, the UE may send, to the network entity, uplink transmission in the indicated slot group number; alternatively, the UE may receive, from the network entity, downlink transmission in the indicated slot group number. In an example embodiment, in case slot group offset indicated, the UE may send, to the network entity, uplink transmission based on the slot group offset, wherein the slot group offset counts from the slot group where the indication was received; alternatively, the UE may receive, from the network entity, downlink transmission based on the slot group offset, wherein the slot group offset counts from the slot or slot group where the indication was received, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0061] In some example embodiments, the method may further include determining, based on the configuration, the start of subsequent slot groups as the slot containing a first available OFDM symbol not contained in the previous slot group or not available for resource allocation within the previous slot group. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, slot group #1 may start at the same slot where slot group #0 ends, since 4UL OFDM symbols of the slot are not available for resource allocation within slot group #0. In this case, in fact, although slot group #1 starts at the start of the UL slot, the resources available for actual allocation within slot group #1 are limited to the last 4 OFDM symbols of the slot (as shown in FIG. 5). In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, slot group #2 may start at the same slot where slot group #1 ends, since 8 UL OFDM symbols of the slot are not available for resource allocation within slot group #1. Although slot group #2 starts at the start of the UL slot as shown in FIG. 5, the resources available for actual allocation within slot group #2 are limited to the last 8 OFDM symbols of the slot (as shown in FIG. 5).

[0062] In some example embodiments, the method may further include determining, based on the configuration, a slot group as a number / set of OFDM symbols, starting from a reference starting point. For example, starting from slot 0 of frame 0 or starting from the first available symbol after slot 0 of frame 0. As shown in FIG. 6, slot group #0 (the leftmost dashed box) starts at symbol #10 of the first S slot and finishes at symbol #9 of the second U slot.

[0063] In some embodiments, subsequent slot groups start at the first available OFDM symbol not contained in the previous slot group. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, slot group #1 may start at the OFDM symbol #10 of the second U slot. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, slot group #2 may start at symbol #6 of the fourth slot.

[0064] FIG. 7A illustrates an example of a flow diagram that may be performed by a UE, such as UE 920 illustrated in FIG. 9, according to various example embodiments. At block 701, the UE determines a starting slot. The starting slot may be determined by receiving, from a NE, a first indication of the starting slot. The first indication of the starting slot may be received via higher layer signaling or downlink control information. At block 702, the UE determines a size of a slot group. The size of the slot group may be determined by receiving, from the NE, a second indication of the size / length of the slot group. The second indication of the size / length of the slot group may be received via higher layer signaling or downlink control information. At block 703, the UE determines at least one slot group based on the determined starting slot and the size of the slot group.

[0065] FIG. 7B illustrates an example of a flow diagram that may be performed by a NE, such as NE 910 illustrated in FIG. 9, according to various example embodiments. At block 711, the NE determines a starting slot. At block 712, the NE determines a size of a slot group. At block 713, the NE sends, to a UE, information comprising at least one of the following: the starting slot, the size of the slot group, or a starting symbol.

[0066] FIG. 8A illustrates an example of a flow diagram that may be performed by a UE, such as UE 920 illustrated in FIG. 9, according to various example embodiments. At block 801, the UE determines a size of a slot group. The size of the slot group may be determined by receiving, from the NE, an indication of thesize / length of the slot group. The indication of the size / length of the slot group may be received via higher layer signaling or downlink control information. At block 802, the UE determines at least one slot group, starting from a reference starting point, based on the size of the slot group.

[0067] FIG. 8B illustrates an example of a flow diagram that may be performed by a NE, such as NE 910 illustrated in FIG. 9, according to various example embodiments. At block 811, the NE determines a size of a slot group. At block 812, the NE sends, to a UE, information comprising at least one of the following: the size of the slot group, a slot group number, or a slot group offset.

[0068] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a system according to certain example embodiments. In one example embodiment, a system may include multiple devices, such as, for example, NE 910 and / or UE 920.

[0069] NE 910 may be one or more of a base station (e.g, 3G UMTS NodeB, 4G LTE Evolved NodeB, 5G NR Next Generation NodeB, 6G g N B, 6G g N E, 5G-6G MRSS), a serving gateway, a server, and / or any other access node or combination thereof.

[0070] NE 910 may further include at least one gNB-centralized unit (CU), which may be associated with at least one gNB-distributed unit (DU). The at least one gNB-CU and the at least one gNB-DU may be in communication via at least one F1 interface, at least one Xn-C interface, and / or at least one NG interface via a 5thgeneration core (5GC).

[0071] UE 920 may include one or more of a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, smart phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, or portable media player, digital camera, pocket video camera, video game console, navigation unit, such as a global positioning system (GPS) device, desktop or laptop computer, singlelocation device, such as a sensor or smart meter, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, NE 910 and / or UE 920 may be one or more of a citizens broadband radio service device (CBSD).

[0072] NE 910 and / or UE 920 may include at least one processor, respectively indicated as 911 and 921. Processors 911 and 921 may be embodied by any computational or data processing device, such as a central processing unit (CPU), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or comparable device. The processors may be implemented as a single controller, or a plurality of controllers or processors.

[0073] At least one memory may be provided in one or more of the devices, as indicated at 912 and 922. The memory may be fixed or removable. The memory may include computer program instructions or computer code contained therein. Memories 912 and 922 may independently be any suitable storage device, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The term "non-transitory,” as used herein, may correspond to a limitation of the medium itself ( / .e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., random access memory (RAM) vs. read-only memory (ROM)). A hard disk drive (HDD), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, or other suitable memory may be used. The memories maybe combined on a single integrated circuit as the processor, or may be separate from the one or more processors. Furthermore, the computer program instructions stored in the memory, and which may be processed by the processors, may be any suitable form of computer program code, for example, a compiled or interpreted computer program written in any suitable programming language.

[0074] Processors 911 and 921 , memories 912 and 922, and any subset thereof, may be configured to provide means corresponding to the various blocks of FIGs. 1-6. 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B. Although not shown, the devices may also include positioning hardware, such as GPS or micro electrical mechanical system (MEMS) hardware, which may be used to determine a location of the device. Other sensors are also permitted, and may be configured to determine location, elevation, velocity, orientation, and so forth, such as barometers, compasses, and the like.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 9, transceivers 913 and 923 may be provided, and one or more devices may also include at least one antenna, respectively illustrated as 914 and 924. The device may have many antennas, such as an array of antennas configured for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communications, or multiple antennas for multiple RATs. Other configurations of these devices, for example, may be provided. Transceivers 913 and 923 may be a transmitter, a receiver, both a transmitter and a receiver, or a unit or device that may be configured both for transmission and reception.

[0076] The memory and the computer program instructions may be configured, with the processor for the particular device, to cause a hardware apparatus, such as UE or NE, to perform any of the processes described above ( / .e., FIGs. 1-6, 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B). Therefore, in certain example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with computer instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a process such as one of the processes described herein. Alternatively, certain example embodiments may be performed entirely in hardware.

[0077] In certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include circuitry configured to perform any of the processes or functions illustrated in FIGs. 1-6, 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B. As used in this application, the term "circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry), (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (I) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / fi rmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions), and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry alsocovers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0078] According to certain example embodiments, processors 911 and 921, and memories 912 and 22, may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceivers 913 and 923 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry.

[0079] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., NE 910 and / or UE 920) may include means for performing a method, a process, or any of the variants discussed herein. Examples of the means may include one or more processors, memory, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program code for causing the performance of the operations.

[0080] In various example embodiments, apparatus 920 may be controlled by memory 922 and processor 921 to determine a starting slot; determine a size of a slot group; and determine at least one slot group based on the starting slot and the size of the slot group.

[0081] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for determining a starting slot; means for determining a size of a slot group; and means for determining at least one slot group based on the starting slot and the size of the slot group.

[0082] In various example embodiments, apparatus 910 may be controlled by memory 912 and processor 911 to determine a starting slot; determine a size of a slot group; and send, to a user equipment, information comprising at least one of the following: the starting slot, the size of the slot group, or a starting symbol.

[0083] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for determining a starting slot; means for determining a size of a slot group; and means for sending, to a user equipment, information comprising at least one of the following: the starting slot, the size of the slot group, or a starting symbol.

[0084] In various example embodiments, apparatus 920 may be controlled by memory 922 and processor 921 to determine a size of a slot group; and determine at least one slot group, starting from a reference starting point, based on the size of the slot group.

[0085] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for determining a size of a slot group;and means for determining at least one slot group, starting from a reference starting point, based on the size of the slot group.

[0086] In various example embodiments, apparatus 910 may be controlled by memory 912 and processor 911 to determine a size of a slot group; and send, to a user equipment, information comprising at least one of the following: the size of the slot group; a slot group number; or a slot group offset.

[0087] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for determining a size of a slot group; and means for sending, to a user equipment, information comprising at least one of the following: the size of the slot group; a slot group number; or a slot group offset.

[0088] The features, structures, or characteristics of example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases "various embodiments,” "certain embodiments,” "some embodiments,” or other similar language throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an example embodiment may be included in at least one example embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in various embodiments,” "in certain embodiments,” "in some embodiments,” or other similar language throughout this specification does not necessarily all refer to the same group of example embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments.

[0089] As used herein, "at least one of the following: ” and "at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by "and” or "or,” mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0090] Additionally, if desired, the different functions or procedures discussed above may be performed in a different order and / or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the described functions or procedures may be optional or may be combined. As such, the description above should be considered as illustrative of the principles and teachings of certain example embodiments, and not in limitation thereof.

[0091] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the example embodiments discussed above may be practiced with procedures in a different order, and / or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although some embodiments have been described based upon these example embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certainmodifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments.

[0092] Partial Glossary

[0093] 3GPP 3rdGeneration Partnership Project

[0094] 5G 5thGeneration

[0095] 5GC 5thGeneration Core

[0096] 6G 6thGeneration

[0097] AF Application Function

[0098] Al Artificial Intelligence

[0099] ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit

[0100] CA Carrier Aggregation

[0101] CBSD Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device

[0102] CG Configured Grant

[0103] CN Core Network

[0104] CPU Central Processing Unit

[0105] CSI Channel State Information

[0106] CU Centralized Unit

[0107] DC Dual Connectivity

[0108] DCI Downlink Control Information

[0109] DL Downlink

[0110] DU Distributed Unit

[0111] eMBB Enhanced Mobile Broadband

[0112] eNB Evolved Node B

[0113] FWA Fixed Wireless Access

[0114] gNB Next Generation Node B

[0115] GPS Global Positioning System

[0116] HDD Hard Disk Drive

[0117] loT Internet of Things

[0118] LCM Life Cycle Management

[0119] LTE Long-Term Evolution

[0120] LTE-A Long-Term Evolution Advanced

[0121] MAC Medium Access Control

[0122] MBB Mobile Broadband

[0123] MEMS Micro Electrical Mechanical System

[0124] MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output

[0125] ML Machine Learning

[0126] mMTC Massive Machine Type Communication

[0127] MRSS Multi-RAT Spectrum Sharing

[0128] NE Network Entity

[0129] NG Next Generation

[0130] NG-eNB Next Generation Evolved Node B

[0131] NG-RAN Next Generation Radio Access Network

[0132] NR New Radio

[0133] OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

[0134] PDA Personal Digital Assistance

[0135] PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol

[0136] PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel

[0137] PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel

[0138] QoS Quality of Service

[0139] RAM Random Access Memory

[0140] RAN Radio Access Network

[0141] RAR Random Access Response

[0142] RAT Radio Access Technology

[0143] RF Radio Frequency

[0144] RLC Radio Link Control

[0145] ROM Read-Only Memory

[0146] RPU Radio Protocol Unit

[0147] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0148] SDAP Service Data Application Protocol

[0149] SLIV Start and Length Indicator Value

[0150] SON Self-Organizing Network

[0151] SPS Semi-Persistent Scheduling

[0152] TB Transport Block

[0153] TBS Transport Block Size

[0154] TBoMS Transport Block Over Multiple Slots

[0155] TDD Time Division Duplex

[0156] TDRA Time Domain Resource Allocation

[0157] UE User Equipment

[0158] UL Uplink

[0159] UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

[0160] UPF User Plane Function

[0161] URLLC Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communication

[0162] UTRAN Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access Network

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A method comprising:determining a size of a slot group; anddetermining at least one slot group, starting from a reference starting point, based on the size of the slot group.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reference starting point comprises slot 0 of frame 0.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the size of the slot group comprises a number of OFDM symbols, wherein the number of OFDM symbols is determined based on one of the following:higher layer signalling;14*N, wherein N is an OFDM symbol bundling parameter; or14*N, wherein N is an OFDM symbol grouping parameter.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first slot group of the at least one slot group starts at the reference starting point.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first slot group of the at least one slot group starts at the first slot containing at least one symbol after the reference starting point.

6. The method of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein subsequent slot groups start at the slot containing a first available OFDM symbol not contained in the previous slot group.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein subsequent slot groups start at one of the following: in the slot right after the slot where the previous slot group ends;in the slot after the last scheduled OFDM symbol;in the slot after the previous slot group;at the first slot containing at least one symbol after the slot where the previous slot group ends; at the first slot containing at least one symbol after the last scheduled OFDM symbol;at the first slot containing at least one symbol after the previous slot group; orat the slot where the previous slot group ends if there are OFDM symbols not used by the previous group.

8. The method of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising:receiving, from a network entity, an indication of a slot group number; andperforming at least one of the following:sending, to the network entity, uplink transmission in the slot group number; or receiving, from the network entity, downlink transmission in the slot group number.

9. The method of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising:receiving, from a network entity, an indication of a slot group offset; andperforming one of the following:sending, to the network entity, uplink transmission based on the slot group offset, wherein the slot group offset counts from the slot group where the indication was received; or receiving, from the network entity, downlink transmission based on the slot group offset, wherein the slot group offset counts from the slot group where the indication was received.

10. A method comprising:determining a size of a slot group; andsending, to a user equipment, information comprising at least one of the following:the size of the slot group;a slot group number; ora slot group offset.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the information is sent via one of the following: downlink control information; orhigher layer signalling.

12. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform a method according to any of claims 1-11.

13. An apparatus comprising:means for performing a method according to any of claims 1-11.

14. A computer program comprising instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform a method according to any of claims 1-11.

15. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method according to any of claims 1-11.

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