NR-Unlicensed UE Mode Configuration via Explicit Indications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in determining the appropriate mode of operation for user equipment (UE) in unlicensed spectrum, particularly in scenarios where Frame Based Equipment (FBE) and Load Based Equipment (LBE) modes coexist, leading to inefficiencies in channel access and increased latency during handovers and connection requests.
Innovation Solution
The system provides explicit indications from the cell to the UE regarding the mode of operation, allowing for configuration of Frame Based Equipment (FBE) or Load Based Equipment (LBE) modes, and enables UE-initiated transmissions within or outside of gNB-acquired Channel Occupancy Time (COT), reducing latency and improving channel access efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the system operates without explicit mode indications, then device complexity is reduced, but channel access efficiency deteriorates and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network explicitly indicates the operating mode (FBE or LBE) to the UE through downlink control information, and the UE reports its mode configuration status. This feedback loop enables efficient mode selection and switching while maintaining clear understanding of operational parameters, resolving the contradiction between channel access efficiency and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing explicit mode indication parameters in the communication protocol. The network signals the FBE or LBE mode through specific control information elements, and the UE adjusts its behavior based on these parameter changes. This parameterization approach enables efficient mode management without excessive complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the system uses FBE or LBE modes without explicit indication, then ease of operation is improved, but transmission timing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the network provides explicit mode indications to the UE, ensuring that the UE operates with precise timing information. The feedback includes timing information and mode confirmation, allowing the UE to maintain simple operation while achieving precise transmission timing through network-coordinated feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network pre-configure and indicate the operating mode before the UE initiates transmission. The mode indication is provided in advance through downlink control information, allowing the UE to prepare its transmission timing accordingly. This preliminary indication ensures precise timing without complicating UE operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system operates in unlicensed spectrum without mode differentiation, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the system to adaptively switch between FBE and LBE modes based on network conditions and UE requirements. The network dynamically selects and indicates the appropriate mode through downlink control information, allowing the system to maintain flexibility in unlicensed spectrum access while improving reliability through informed mode selection. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between spectrum flexibility and channel access reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mode of operation is provided for user equipment (UE) communicating in unlicensed carrier (e.g., NR-unlicensed). The UE is configured to operate in one or more modes of operation, including FBE and LBE. The UE can be configured to operate in FBE, where the equipment has a fixed frame period according to CCA, or in LBE, where the equipment determines whether the channel is idle or not and transmits only when the channel is clear. The UE is configured to operate in a mode of operation to be used in the communicating with a communication network (e.g., a cellular network), where the UE can transmit and/or receive one or more listen before talk (LBT) messages with the communication network through a Radio Access Network (RAN) based on the mode of operation.