Bandwidth-Unit Contention Window Control for Multi-Channel NR Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

In New Radio (NR) communication systems, where a carrier can correspond to two or more channels, the existing contention window (CW) adjustment method based on feedback from a single carrier is inapplicable, leading to ineffective channel access management.

Innovation Solution

A method for adjusting the contention window (CW) associated with each bandwidth unit within a carrier, considering the reception situation of data transmitted on multiple bandwidth units, using association information and predefined criteria to optimize channel access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the transmitting device adjusts the CW associated with a carrier according to feedback information corresponding to the carrier, then the channel access control is simplified, but the CW adjustment policy becomes inapplicable when a carrier corresponds to two or more channels

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCW adjustment mechanismVSAvoidapplicability to multi-channel scenario
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the carrier into multiple bandwidth units (first bandwidth unit and second bandwidth unit), each with its own associated CW (first CW and second CW). This allows independent CW adjustment for each bandwidth unit based on specific channel conditions, making the mechanism applicable to multi-channel scenarios while maintaining manageable complexity through structured segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by adjusting CW values specifically for each bandwidth unit based on local channel conditions (channel occupancy detection results for each bandwidth unit). Instead of a uniform carrier-level adjustment, each bandwidth unit receives tailored CW adjustment according to its specific reception situation and channel state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the transmitting device uses a single CW for the entire carrier, then the control mechanism is simple, but it cannot effectively manage channel access when data spans multiple bandwidth units

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCW control simplicityVSAvoidchannel access management effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the carrier into multiple bandwidth units, each with its own CW. This segmentation enables effective channel access management for multi-bandwidth scenarios while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized procedures for each segment, thus balancing complexity with effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic CW adjustment where each bandwidth unit's CW can be independently modified based on real-time channel occupancy detection and reception situations. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable channel access management while keeping the control mechanism straightforward through rule-based adjustment criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the transmitting device adjusts CW based on carrier-level feedback, then the adjustment process is straightforward, but the policy does not reflect actual channel conditions of individual bandwidth units

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCW adjustment efficiencyVSAvoidchannel condition assessment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments channel condition assessment at the bandwidth unit level rather than carrier level. Each bandwidth unit's channel occupancy is detected independently, and CW adjustment decisions are made based on these granular measurements, improving measurement precision while maintaining adjustment efficiency through automated per-unit processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where reception situations (ACK/NACK) for data transmitted on each bandwidth unit are collected and used to adjust the corresponding CW. This feedback loop ensures that CW adjustments accurately reflect actual channel conditions of individual bandwidth units, improving assessment accuracy while maintaining efficient automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3836715B1Contention window adjustment method and device, and communication system
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 FINITY INC
  • EP3836715B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3836715B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP3836715B1 patent drawingFigure 8~10

AI summary

Embodiments of this disclosure provide a contention window adjustment method and apparatus and a communication system. The method includes: transmitting first data by a transmitting device on a carrier, the carrier including two or more bandwidth units; and adjusting a contention window (CW) associated with a bandwidth unit to which the first data correspond by the transmitting device. With the method of the embodiment of this disclosure, in a case where data (referred to as first data) are transmitted on a carrier including two or more bandwidth units (such as a BWP / LBT sub-band / LBT channel), by adjusting the CW associated with the bandwidth unit to which the data correspond, a problem that the existing CW adjustment method is inapplicable to a scenario where a carrier corresponds to two or more bandwidth units may be solved.