Adaptive NR Unlicensed Spectrum Sharing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In partially licensed or shared spectrum environments, low-priority network devices are often unable to access unlicensed channels due to exclusive occupation by high-priority networks, leading to co-channel interference and reduced spectrum utilization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mechanism for spectrum sharing where high-priority and low-priority wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs) use different channel access methods, with protected network resources being fairly shared, allowing low-priority units to access a subset of resources with fewer restrictions during designated periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-priority networks exclusively occupy unlicensed channels, then co-channel interference is reduced and high data rate is achieved for HP network, but low-priority devices are completely prevented from accessing the channel
Solution Approach 1:
The unlicensed channel resources are segmented into two distinct types: protected network resources allocated to low-priority devices and non-protected resources available for high-priority networks. This segmentation allows both priority levels to access appropriate resources without direct competition, resolving the contradiction between HP network productivity and LP network adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different channel access methods and priority levels are applied to different resource types. Protected resources use channel access method B with higher priority for LP devices, while non-protected resources use channel access method A with higher priority for HP networks. This local differentiation of access quality enables simultaneous optimization for both priority levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If low-priority devices use standard channel access methods, then they face complete blockage by HP networks, but if they use higher priority access methods, then interference with HP networks increases
Solution Approach 1:
Resources are divided into protected and non-protected segments, with LP devices restricted to accessing only protected resources. This segmentation prevents LP devices from generating interference on non-protected resources where HP networks operate, while still providing LP devices with guaranteed access capability through protected resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The network acts as an intermediary by scheduling and allocating protected resources to LP devices, mediating between LP access needs and HP interference constraints. The network coordinates access by controlling which resources are protected and when LP devices may access them, preventing uncoordinated interference.
3Productivity
If protected network resources are allocated for fair sharing, then spectrum utilization improves, but channel access complexity increases due to multiple access methods
Solution Approach 1:
Both high-priority and low-priority devices are equipped with capability to use both channel access method A and method B. This multi-functionality allows devices to adapt to different resource types dynamically, simplifying the overall system by using standardized access methods across all devices while still achieving differentiated resource allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are described herein for spectrum sharing and transmission mechanisms for different channel access priorities. For example, a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) may be configured as either a high priority (HP) WTRU or a low priority (LP) WTRU, wherein a HP WTRU is configured to use a first channel access method for accessing the set of network resources and a LP WTRU is configured to use a second channel access method for accessing the same set of network resources, the second channel access method having a lower priority than the first channel access method. A set of protected network resources may be scheduled within the set of network resources for being accessed by the LP unit (e.g., over a limited period of time) with fewer channel access restrictions (e.g., with a higher priority channel access method than in any unprotected network resources).