Dynamic FFP Offset Configuration for 5G Unlicensed Spectrum Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless communication systems, UE-initiated access to unlicensed spectrum using Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) approaches can lead to collisions and prolonged blocking of higher priority transmissions due to differing fixed frame period (FFP) offsets, resulting in undesirable delays and latency, particularly affecting Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communications (URLLC) devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods for user equipment (UE) and radio access networks (RAN) to configure and manage fixed frame periods (FFPs) and energy detection thresholds dynamically, ensuring that channel occupancy times (COTs) do not overlap and providing configuration information to prevent collisions, allowing higher priority transmissions to be initiated without interference from lower priority data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If UE devices use fixed frame period (FFP) offsets for LBT procedure, then channel access is enabled for unlicensed spectrum, but collisions and prolonged blocking occur leading to increased latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the FFP offset configurable and adjustable rather than fixed. The network can dynamically configure different FFP offsets for different UEs based on their priority levels and channel access requirements, allowing the system to adapt to varying traffic conditions and resolve collisions dynamically without increasing latency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different FFP offsets to different UE groups or individual UEs based on their specific requirements. High-priority UEs can be configured with specific offsets that give them advantage in channel access, while lower-priority UEs use different offsets, creating localized optimization for each UE's access pattern without affecting the entire system uniformly
2Productivity
If UE devices initiate COT within FFP, then channel occupancy is enabled, but overlapping COTs cause collisions and blocking of higher priority transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network configure FFP offsets and COT parameters in advance before actual transmission occurs. The network pre-configures which UEs can access the channel during which FFP periods, preventing potential collisions before they happen. This allows the system to maximize channel utilization while ensuring high-priority transmissions are protected from blocking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback mechanisms where the network monitors channel access patterns and COT usage, then adjusts FFP offset configurations accordingly. When collisions or blocking are detected, the network can modify the offset values for affected UEs, creating a closed-loop system that maintains both high channel utilization and transmission reliability through continuous optimization
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed in which a user equipment (UE) that communicates with a radio access network (RAN) maintains information for configuring timing of fixed frame period (FFPs) for a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure. When the UE has data to be transmitted, it performs a clear channel assessment, CCA, to determine if a communication channel is clear. When the CCA indicates that the communication channel is clear a channel occupancy time, COT, is initiated for the UE within a subsequent FFP and transmission of the data commences. However, transmission of the data ceases following receipt of an indication, from a node of the RAN, that the transmission should be stopped.