Flexible Frame Structures for Sub-Terahertz Directional Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The sub-THz frequency range poses challenges for 6G wireless networks due to the complexity of beam handling and user equipment access in unlicensed spectrum, leading to potential latency and resource wastage in current random and scheduled access methods.
Innovation Solution
A flexible frame structure for directional unlicensed access is proposed, featuring a configurable number of data transmission slots with integrated channel sensing, clear channel assessment, and access reservation mechanisms, allowing for efficient scheduled operation and reducing overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If random access techniques (CSMA/CA) are used in unlicensed spectrum, then spectrum sharing is enabled, but beam establishment and tracking become complicated and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frame structure where the number of data transmission slots can be flexibly configured based on channel conditions and traffic requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between random access flexibility and scheduled access efficiency, reducing latency while maintaining spectrum sharing capabilities in unlicensed sub-THz bands
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the frame structure into distinct phases including downlink signaling phase, data transmission phase, additional scheduling phase, and additional data transmission phase. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each phase, enabling efficient beam management and channel access procedures that reduce overall access latency while maintaining adaptability
2Reliability
If scheduled access is used for directional sub-THz communication, then beam establishment and tracking are improved, but communication resources may be wasted and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic configuration of data transmission slots within the frame structure, allowing the system to adapt the number and timing of slots based on actual channel conditions and traffic demands. This dynamic approach ensures reliable beam establishment through scheduled access while minimizing resource waste by only allocating slots when needed, thus improving overall productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters such as the number of data transmission slots, frame duration, and slot timing based on channel access scheduling information. These parameter adjustments enable the system to maintain reliable directional communication while optimizing resource utilization efficiency by matching resource allocation to actual demand
3Use of energy by moving object
If duty cycling is applied in random access, then power consumption is reduced, but latency drastically increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic frame structures with configurable data transmission slots that provide regular opportunities for communication. This periodic action allows user equipment to remain in low-power states between frames while ensuring predictable access latency, as the frame structure guarantees periodic access opportunities without requiring continuous duty cycling
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a user equipment (UE) configured to receive channel access scheduling information that includes at least one frame with a configurable number of data transmission slots, wherein the frame includes a downlink signaling phase, a data transmission phase, an additional scheduling phase and an additional data transmission phase and transmit data and clear channel assessment (CCA) information, wherein the data and the CCA information are transmitted in one or more data transmission slots selected from the configurable number of data transmission slots based on the channel access scheduling information and an access point (AP) configured to transmit the channel access scheduling information to the UE and receive the data and clear channel assessment (CCA) information from the UE.