NR-U Time-Domain Resource Allocation Bitmap Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current NR systems operating in unlicensed spectrum face inefficiencies in time-domain resource allocation, particularly due to the Rel-15 design which limits channel access opportunities, leading to suboptimal usage of available resources.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves configuring time-domain resources for NR-U through RRC signaling using a bitmap approach, allowing for multiple channel access opportunities within a periodicity, and enhancing the Rel-15 time-domain allocation by reinterpreting or adding parameters to support more efficient NR-U operation, including cyclic shifting and flexible slot offset configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Rel-15 time-domain allocation design is used, then system compatibility is maintained, but channel access opportunities are limited and resource utilization is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reinterprets existing Rel-15 parameters (periodicity, slot offset, starting symbol, length indicator) to enable multiple channel access opportunities within a periodicity for NR-U operations, transforming the single-access limitation into multi-access capability while maintaining parameter compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic time-domain resource allocation where the UE can access the channel at multiple time instances within a configured periodicity, allowing flexible adaptation to channel availability and traffic requirements rather than fixed single-point allocation
2Productivity
If multiple channel access opportunities are configured, then bandwidth utilization improves, but signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing Rel-15 time-domain allocation parameters are made multi-functional to serve both legacy LTE operations and new NR-U multi-access operations, allowing the same parameter set to configure multiple channel access opportunities without requiring entirely new signaling structures
Solution Approach 2:
The periodicity is segmented into multiple potential access opportunities, with each opportunity defined by combinations of slot offsets and symbol allocations, allowing the system to distribute access points across the periodicity while managing signaling through structured parameter sets
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed time-domain allocation is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to unlicensed spectrum conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed time-domain allocation into a dynamic framework where multiple slot offsets and symbol allocations within a periodicity allow the UE to adapt to varying channel conditions and traffic requirements in unlicensed spectrum, while the overall structure remains configured through standard RRC signaling
Solution Approach 2:
The gNB pre-configures the UE with multiple potential time-domain access opportunities including slot offsets and symbol allocations before actual transmission, allowing the UE to autonomously select appropriate access points based on channel conditions without real-time signaling overhead
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques discussed herein can facilitate determine of Uplink (UL) resources for New Radio (NR) operation in unlicensed spectrum (NR-U). One example embodiment is an apparatus employable by a UE comprising one or more processors configured to: process at least one bitmap via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, wherein each bitmap of the at least one bitmap comprises X bits, wherein X is an integer greater than one; and determine, based at least on the at least one bitmap, for each time resource of at least one Configured Grant (CG) period, whether that time resource is configured for Uplink (UL) transmission via an unlicensed carrier, wherein each CG period of the at least one CG period comprises P time resources, wherein P is an integer greater than one.