Directional and Omni-Directional COT Signaling for 52.6–71 GHz Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing channel access and transmission configurations in frequency ranges outside traditional FR1 and FR2, particularly between 52.6 GHz and 71 GHz, due to varying regulatory requirements and the need for both listen-before-talk (LBT) and no-LBT procedures, which are not adequately addressed by current standards.
Innovation Solution
A channel access mechanism is defined for frequencies between 52.6 GHz and 71 GHz, incorporating both omni-directional and directional LBT, with DCI messages and higher-layer signaling to configure Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) states for channel occupancy time (COT), enabling efficient channel access and transmission management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional FR1 and FR2 standards are used for channel access, then existing wireless communication systems can operate, but they cannot efficiently manage channel access in frequency ranges between 52.6 GHz and 71 GHz due to varying regulatory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic channel access mechanisms that adapt LBT parameters (such as contention window sizes, deferment periods, and transmission powers) based on regulatory requirements for different frequency ranges. The system dynamically adjusts these parameters rather than using fixed configurations, enabling efficient operation across 52.6-71 GHz frequencies while maintaining compliance with varying regional regulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key channel access parameters including LBT type selections (Type 1 omnidirectional vs. Type 2 directional), contention window ranges, and transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states based on the specific frequency range and regulatory environment. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize channel access for millimeter wave frequencies while managing complexity through standardized parameter sets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both LBT and no-LBT procedures are supported for frequencies between 52.6 GHz and 71 GHz, then compliant channel access across different regulatory environments is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments channel access procedures into distinct LBT and no-LBT modes, each with specific sub-procedures for different frequency ranges. LBT is divided into Type 1 (omnidirectional) and Type 2 (directional) procedures, while no-LBT is provided as a separate simplified path. This segmentation allows the system to select appropriate procedures based on regulatory requirements without implementing all possible variations simultaneously, thereby managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal channel access framework that can operate in both LBT and no-LBT modes, with the ability to switch between them based on regulatory environment. The same base station and UE implementations support multiple access procedures through configurable parameters, achieving regulatory compliance across different regions without requiring separate hardware systems for each mode.
3Productivity
If TCI states are clearly indicated for COT in DCI messages, then transmission efficiency is optimized, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of TCI states through higher-layer signaling (RRC or MAC CE) before actual data transmission. The base station pre-configures multiple TCI states with associated spatial parameters, and the UE stores these configurations. During channel occupancy time, the base station activates specific pre-configured TCI states through compact DCI indicators rather than transmitting full TCI parameters, thereby reducing real-time signaling overhead while maintaining transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces TCI state IDs as intermediary indicators in DCI messages that reference pre-configured TCI configurations. Instead of transmitting complete TCI parameter sets in every DCI, the system uses compact state identifiers that point to previously configured parameter sets. This intermediary mechanism significantly reduces signaling overhead while preserving the ability to indicate precise transmission configurations for optimal efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication system may use higher layer signaling to send transmission configuration indicator (TCI) parameters for a frequency band comprising the 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz range. A DCI message may be used to indicate an enabled TCI state for a channel occupancy time (COT). The wireless communication system may apply the enabled TCI state for the COT as indicated in the DCI message.