Dynamic Sensing Bandwidth Configuration for LBT in Unlicensed Spectrum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in managing network-configured sensing bandwidths, particularly in unlicensed spectra with large variations in channel bandwidths, which affects channel availability and interference management.
Innovation Solution
The system configures a sensing bandwidth and signals it to contending nodes, allowing them to perform medium sensing procedures using the configured sensing bandwidth. This dynamic approach adapts to varying channel bandwidths and interference patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed sensing bandwidth is used for LBT operations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to varying channel bandwidths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sensing bandwidth configuration where the network can adjust the sensing bandwidth based on current channel conditions and traffic requirements. The sensing bandwidth is no longer fixed but can be modified through network signaling, allowing the system to adapt to varying channel bandwidths while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sensing bandwidth parameter dynamically based on channel conditions. The network configures different sensing bandwidth values for different operating scenarios, allowing the LBT procedure to adapt to varying channel bandwidths (e.g., 5MHz, 10MHz, 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz) without requiring complex device-side decisions.
2Measurement precision
If the sensing bandwidth is increased to cover larger channel bandwidths, then the measurement precision of channel availability improves, but the use of energy for sensing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total channel bandwidth into multiple subbands for sensing operations. Instead of sensing the entire bandwidth at once, the UE performs CCA on individual subbands or groups of subbands. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive channel availability assessment while controlling energy consumption by only sensing the necessary portions of the spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial sensing where the UE senses only a portion of the total channel bandwidth rather than the entire bandwidth. The network configures which subbands to sense based on actual transmission requirements, allowing the system to achieve sufficient measurement precision for channel availability while reducing energy consumption compared to sensing the full bandwidth.
3Reliability
If the LBT procedure is performed on all subbands, then the reliability of channel availability determination improves, but the loss of time for channel access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LBT procedure into subband-level operations. The network configures which subbands require sensing based on interference conditions and transmission priorities. This allows the UE to perform CCA on only the necessary subbands rather than all subbands, maintaining reliable channel availability determination for the intended transmission while reducing the time required for channel access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different sensing requirements to different subbands based on local conditions. The network can configure certain subbands to require full CCA while others may use simplified procedures or be excluded from sensing. This local differentiation maintains reliability for critical subbands while reducing overall channel access time by optimizing the sensing approach for each subband's specific requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for wireless communication that support management of network-configured sensing bandwidths in a wireless communication system. In particular aspects, a network configures a sensing bandwidth, and the sensing bandwidth configuration is signaled to a contending node. The contending node (e.g., a UE or a base station) performs a medium sensing procedure (e.g., a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure) using the signaled configuration of the sensing bandwidth. Aspects of this disclosure provide various techniques for signaling the configuration of the sensing bandwidth to the contending node.