Beam-Based Paging TXOP Allocation Under CCA Failures

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless networks, particularly in unlicensed spectrum, the lack of control over the radio channel due to clear channel assessment (CCA) failures can lead to challenges in effectively transmitting paging signals, necessitating additional transmission opportunities which increase UE energy consumption and monitoring effort.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining and utilizing multiple transmission opportunities (TXOPs) for paging signals in a beam-based approach, where each beam is assigned a predetermined number of TXOPs, with successful clear channel assessment (CCA) preceding each transmission, allowing for flexible reattempts if needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple transmission opportunities (TXOPs) are provided for paging signals to compensate for CCA failures, then the reliability of paging transmission is improved, but the UE energy consumption and monitoring effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaging transmission reliabilityVSAvoidUE energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The paging transmission opportunities are segmented and assigned to different beams individually. Each beam receives a predetermined number of TXOPs, allowing the UE to monitor only specific beams rather than all possible transmissions, thereby reducing overall monitoring effort and energy consumption while maintaining reliable paging delivery through multiple beam-specific opportunities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different quality characteristics are assigned to different beams by providing each beam with a predetermined number of TXOPs. This local differentiation allows UEs to optimize their monitoring strategy by focusing on specific beams with higher expected quality, reducing the need to monitor all transmission opportunities and thereby lowering energy consumption while preserving reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If multiple transmission opportunities (TXOPs) are assigned to each beam, then the reliability of paging signal transmission is improved, but the complexity of transmission scheduling increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaging signal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission scheduling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The overall transmission scheduling is segmented by assigning a predetermined number of TXOPs to each beam independently. This segmentation simplifies the scheduling complexity by breaking down the global scheduling problem into smaller, beam-specific allocations, making the system more manageable while still providing multiple opportunities for reliable transmission across the entire set of beams

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each beam is assigned a predetermined number of TXOPs that may be more than the minimum single transmission opportunity. This partial allocation approach provides sufficient redundancy for reliable paging delivery without requiring exhaustive scheduling of every possible transmission scenario, thereby balancing reliability improvement with acceptable scheduling complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If a predetermined number of TXOPs is assigned to each beam, then the predictability of transmission timing is improved, but the flexibility to adapt to CCA failures decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission timing predictabilityVSAvoidadaptation to CCA failures
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A predetermined number of TXOPs are assigned to each beam in advance, establishing predictable transmission timing patterns before actual paging transmissions occur. This preliminary allocation provides timing predictability for UE monitoring while the multiple pre-assigned opportunities inherently provide adaptability to CCA failures, as alternative TXOPs are already planned and available if needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides beforehand cushioning by allocating a predetermined number of TXOPs to each beam, creating a buffer of pre-planned transmission opportunities. This cushioning approach ensures timing predictability while simultaneously preparing the system to handle CCA failures, as alternative transmission opportunities are already in place and do not require complex real-time adaptation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3874888B1Handling multiple transmission opportunities in a paging occasion
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3874888B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3874888B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3874888B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A method is provided for use in a network node in wireless communications network. The method includes determining, a plurality of transmission opportunities, TXOPs, in which to attempt to transmit a paging signal in a plurality of beams. The plurality of beams have a beam order. The method further includes assigning a predetermined number of the plurality of TXOPs to each beam of the plurality of beams, wherein none of the TXOPs is assigned to more than one beam. The method further includes performing at least one clear channel assessment, CCA, before transmitting the paging signal in one of the TXOPs. The method further includes transmitting the paging signal in a first beam of the plurality of beams using one of the plurality of TXOPs assigned to the first beam based on a first successful CCA covering the used TXOP.