Dynamic Uplink Configuration Switching for Unlicensed Spectrum Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications, especially in unlicensed spectrum bands, user equipment (UE) faces challenges in quickly initiating channel occupancy times (COTs) due to other devices potentially claiming the channel before the UE can transmit, leading to inefficiencies and increased interference.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamic switching between two uplink configurations: a first configuration with more frequent uplink occasions for initiating channel access and a second configuration with less frequent occasions for maintaining channel occupancy, based on channel state, timer, MAC-CE messaging, UCI, or DCI indications, to optimize resource usage and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the UE uses a first uplink configuration with more frequent uplink occasions to quickly initiate channel access, then the speed of channel acquisition is improved, but the quantity of wireless devices that can be supported by the unlicensed spectrum decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the UE to dynamically switch between two uplink configurations based on channel access state. When outside COT, the UE uses the first configuration with more frequent uplink occasions for rapid channel acquisition. When inside COT, the UE switches to the second configuration with less frequent occasions, thereby supporting more devices. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between speed and quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of uplink occasion frequency by switching between two configurations. The first configuration has a first periodicity for uplink occasions, while the second configuration has a second periodicity that is less frequent. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between fast channel access and high device support capacity depending on the operational context.
2Reliability
If the UE uses a first uplink configuration with more frequent uplink occasions, then the reliability of channel access is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics to switch between configurations based on channel access state. The first configuration with more frequent uplink occasions provides higher reliability for channel access when needed (outside COT). Once channel access is achieved and the UE is inside COT, the system dynamically switches to the second configuration with less frequent occasions, reducing energy consumption while maintaining connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of uplink occasions between two configurations. The first configuration uses a higher frequency (first periodicity) to improve channel access reliability, while the second configuration uses a lower frequency (second periodicity) to reduce energy consumption after successful access, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy use.
3Productivity
If the UE switches between first and second uplink configurations dynamically, then the productivity of resource usage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing automatic switching between two uplink configurations based on channel access state (inside or outside COT). The UE monitors its channel access status and automatically selects the appropriate configuration, improving resource usage efficiency without requiring complex manual management. The switching logic is triggered by predefined conditions, keeping the implementation relatively simple despite the dynamic behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may receive, from a base station, control signaling indicating a first uplink configuration including a first set of resources for uplink transmissions over a carrier and a second uplink configuration including a second set of resources for uplink transmissions over the carrier, where the second set of resources are different from the first set of resources. The UE may transmit, to the base station, a first uplink transmission via the carrier according to the first uplink configuration. The UE may then transmit, to the base station an in accordance with an initiation of a channel occupancy time (COT) for the carrier, a second uplink transmission via the carrier according to the second uplink configuration.