FBE Framework for NR Unlicensed Spectrum Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in managing increased mobile data traffic, requiring higher bandwidth, lower latencies, and spectrum availability, particularly in unlicensed spectra for New Radio (NR) systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a frame-based equipment (FBE) framework for NR systems operating on unlicensed spectra, utilizing a processor for base stations to perform clear channel assessments (CCA) and transmit data using Category-1 or Category-2 listen-before-talk (LBT) protocols, ensuring efficient channel occupancy and data transmission within fixed frame periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LBT protocols are used for channel access in unlicensed spectrum, then spectrum availability and coexistence with other systems are improved, but transmission latency and channel occupancy efficiency deteriorate due to random backoff procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two operational modes: FBE (Frame Based Equipment) mode for time-critical transmissions with deterministic timing, and LBT (Listen Before Talk) mode for spectrum coexistence. The system dynamically selects the appropriate mode based on traffic requirements, channel conditions, and QoS parameters, allowing optimal performance in different scenarios without being constrained to a single access method
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the unlicensed spectrum access mechanism into two distinct protocols: FBE with fixed frame periods and deterministic channel access for latency-sensitive traffic, and LBT with random backoff for spectrum sharing. This segmentation allows different traffic types to utilize the most appropriate access method, resolving the contradiction between latency efficiency and spectrum availability
2Productivity
If FBE framework with fixed frame periods is implemented, then transmission timing and channel occupancy efficiency are improved, but adaptability to varying traffic patterns and spectrum conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic mode selection between FBE and LBT based on real-time traffic patterns, channel conditions, and QoS requirements. The base station monitors traffic characteristics and autonomously switches between the deterministic FBE mode (for high efficiency) and flexible LBT mode (for adaptability), ensuring optimal performance across varying conditions without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the channel access mechanism by adjusting the frame period duration, cycle length, and mode selection criteria based on traffic load, QoS requirements, and spectrum conditions. These parameter adjustments allow the system to optimize channel occupancy efficiency while maintaining adaptability to different traffic patterns and environmental conditions
3Ease of operation
If gap between DL burst and UL burst exceeds threshold in FBE, then uplink transmission opportunities are improved, but additional CCA procedures increase transmission latency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of the gap duration between DL and UL bursts. When the gap exceeds the threshold, the base station proactively schedules an additional CCA procedure to ensure uplink transmission opportunities. This preliminary action prevents potential transmission conflicts and ensures fair uplink access while minimizing the impact on overall latency through intelligent scheduling
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for frame based equipment (FBE) framework for new radio (NR) systems operating on the unlicensed spectrum. A processor for a base station performs a first clear channel assessment (CCA) using Category-1 (CAT-1) or CAT-2 listen-before-talk (LBT) on an unlicensed spectrum. The processor transmits first downlink (DL) data to one or more user equipments (UEs) within a fixed frame period (FFP) in accordance with a frame based equipment (FBE) framework for new radio (NR) on the unlicensed spectrum. The base station operates as an initiating device and the one or more UEs operate as responding devices. The processor performs a second CCA responsive to a gap of X orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols between a DL burst and an uplink (UL) burst being greater than a threshold gap. The processor transmits second DL data within the FFP responsive to performing the second CCA.