Unlicensed Spectrum Signal Block Grouping for NR CCA
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Solution Overview
Problem
In New Radio (NR) systems, the existing methods for channel listening using unlicensed spectrum fail to meet the Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) detection time due to short intervals between signal blocks, making it difficult for access network devices to perform directional Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) effectively, which affects transmission success rates.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining a signal block set with multiple signal blocks, each including at least one signal and/or channel, and executing a directional CCA on an unlicensed spectrum channel before transmitting. Signal blocks with close time domain intervals are grouped together to ensure sufficient time for CCA, allowing for efficient directional LBT and improved transmission success.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If signal blocks are transmitted with short intervals to improve transmission efficiency, then productivity is improved, but the CCA detection time cannot be met and transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments signal blocks into different groups or sets, where at least one group contains signal blocks that are transmitted without CCA detection. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high transmission efficiency for certain signal blocks while ensuring reliable CCA detection for other critical signal blocks, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
2Reliability
If directional LBT is performed for each signal block to improve transmission success rate, then transmission reliability is improved, but the complex procedure and time consumption increase device complexity and reduce productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LBT procedure into different types: first-type LBT (comprehensive directional LBT) and second-type LBT (simplified LBT). By segmenting which signal blocks require which type of LBT, the system reduces overall procedure complexity and time consumption while maintaining transmission success rate for critical blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing full directional LBT for every signal block, the patent applies partial LBT action by using simplified second-type LBT for certain signal blocks where full directional LBT is not necessary. This partial action reduces complexity and time consumption while maintaining adequate transmission success rate.
3Reliability
If CCA detection time is extended to ensure reliable channel assessment, then transmission reliability is improved, but the time intervals between signal blocks must be increased reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments signal blocks into different categories based on their transmission requirements. Some signal blocks are grouped together and transmitted with extended CCA detection time to ensure reliable channel assessment, while other signal blocks are transmitted with shorter intervals using simplified LBT procedures. This segmentation maintains channel assessment reliability for critical blocks while preserving overall transmission efficiency.
Data Source
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Figure 6B~7
AI summary
The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and provides a clear channel listening method and apparatus and a device. The method comprises: determining a signal block set, the signal block set comprising n signal blocks; each signal block comprising at least one signal and/or at least one channel; n being an integer greater than 1; executing one clear channel assessment (CCA) on a channel of an unlicensed spectrum before transmitting the signal blocks comprised in the signal block set; and if the CCA result is that the channel of the unlicensed spectrum is available, using the channel of the unlicensed spectrum to transmit the signal blocks comprised in the signal block set. The present application provides a solution for using an unlicensed spectrum to transmit signal blocks in an NR system, which solves the problem of inability to meet the CCA detection time by the intervals among the signal blocks, makes it convenient for an access network device to make an appropriate directional LBT during signal block transmission, and improves the transmission success rate.