NR Sidelink Gap Configuration for Flexible UE Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face interference issues on downlink and uplink transmissions due to neighbor base stations and other wireless RF transmitters, which degrade performance, and current sidelink gap procedures in LTE are limited to periodic gaps, failing to accommodate the diverse needs of device-to-device communication in NR systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of periodic and aperiodic sidelink gaps, allowing UEs to request and configure sidelink gaps, with support indicated through sidelink configuration messages, and the use of absolute radio frequency channel numbers (ARFCN) and gap lists for optimized sidelink communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If periodic gaps are used for sidelink discovery, then discovery performance is improved, but network flexibility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic gap configuration mechanism where the network can switch between periodic and aperiodic gap modes based on service requirements. The gNB configures multiple gap patterns and dynamically selects which pattern to activate, allowing the system to adapt from static periodic gaps to flexible aperiodic gaps as conditions change, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of sidelink gaps by introducing a new mode (aperiodic gaps) with different characteristics from the traditional periodic mode. By allowing dynamic adjustment of gap timing, duration, and activation state through network configuration, the system can optimize discovery performance while maintaining flexibility to adapt to different traffic patterns and service requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If aperiodic gaps are introduced for flexible sidelink communication, then network adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the gNB as an intermediary that manages the complexity of aperiodic gap configurations. Instead of requiring direct complex coordination between UEs, the gNB acts as a central controller that receives gap requests from UEs, processes them against configured patterns, and issues binding decisions. This intermediary approach enables flexible aperiodic gaps while offloading the complexity management to the network side.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of multiple gap patterns by the gNB before actual sidelink communication begins. The network pre-configures various periodic and aperiodic gap patterns with different parameters, and stores them for later activation. This preliminary action reduces real-time complexity by having decisions pre-prepared, allowing the system to switch between patterns without complex on-the-fly calculations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gap patterns are configured for different services, then service adaptability is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gap configuration into two parts: a compact representation of multiple gap patterns (stored efficiently in the UE), and selective activation indicators (transmitted via signaling). Instead of transmitting full gap configuration details repeatedly, the system segments the information into a static pattern definition and a dynamic activation command, reducing redundant signaling overhead while maintaining support for multiple service-specific patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques described provide for a wireless network to establish and implement periodic and aperiodic sidelink gaps. One implementation may include transmitting, by a first user equipment (UE), a sidelink configuration message. The sidelink configuration message may indicate a capability of the first UE to support a sidelink periodic gap and a sidelink aperiodic gap. A message may be received by the first UE indicating whether the first UE is allowed to request a gap according to one or more of the indicated capabilities. The first UE may transmit a sidelink information message comprising an absolute radio frequency channel number (AR-FCN) and an associated gap list. An RRC reconfiguration message may also be received by the first UE having and updated gap list. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.