Listen-Before-Talk Access Mode Switching for Fewer LBT Failures

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high probability of transmission failure due to a large number of listen-before-talk (LBT) steps in unlicensed spectrum, particularly in procedures like RACH/SR in NR, and the MAC layer's unawareness of the physical layer's backoff state leading to increased LBT failures.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a mechanism for MAC/PHY interaction to reduce the number of LBT steps by triggering a 2-step RACH procedure instead of SR, using specific preambles or new MAC CEs to indicate 2-step RACH, and informing the MAC layer of physical layer backoff states through additional parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a device performs both full-duplex and half-duplex operations using the same frequency, then spectrum utilization is improved, but interference management becomes more complex and reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidinterference management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments spectrum access into dedicated full-duplex frequencies and shared half-duplex frequencies. Full-duplex operations occur on frequencies exclusively allocated to one device, while half-duplex operations use frequencies shared between devices with coordinated access. This segmentation isolates interference sources and enables targeted management strategies for different frequency groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary frequency selection and coordination before communication begins. The network device determines which frequencies are suitable for full-duplex versus half-duplex operations in advance, establishes interference thresholds, and configures devices with appropriate operating parameters. This preliminary configuration prevents interference issues rather than reacting to them during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If a device uses half-duplex operation on a frequency shared with another device, then spectrum efficiency is improved, but the risk of interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum efficiencyVSAvoidinterference risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms where devices monitor signal quality and interference levels on shared frequencies. When interference thresholds are exceeded, the network device receives feedback and adjusts frequency allocations, power levels, or modulation schemes. This closed-loop control dynamically manages interference risk while maintaining spectrum efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as transmit power, modulation order, and coding rate based on channel conditions and interference levels. When interference is detected on shared frequencies, the system adjusts these parameters to maintain communication quality. Frequency selection between full-duplex and half-duplex modes is also dynamically changed based on spectrum availability and interference conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3925373B1Listen before talk wireless communication enhancements
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 ZTE CORP
  • EP3925373B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3925373B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3925373B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of wireless communication includes selecting, based on a field in a message received by a wireless device, an access procedure mode for accessing a wireless network upon occurrence of a condition and performing, by the wireless device upon occurrence of the condition, the access procedure according to the access procedure mode for accessing the wireless network. In some embodiments, the disclosed techniques may be used to improve the performance of a wireless network by reducing number of listen-before-talk attempts that devices have to make before successfully accessing the wireless network.