Service-Based Channel Acquisition for Low-Latency COT Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiencies in channel sharing in wireless communication networks, particularly in unlicensed spectrum, lead to increased latency and resource wastage due to listen-before-talk (LBT) operations, which affect the utilization of radio resources and network coexistence.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for configuring a channel acquisition function per service, allowing flexible and efficient COT sharing between uplink and downlink bursts by determining the need for channel acquisition based on service-specific parameters, such as latency requirements and quality of service indicators, to reduce latency and improve resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If COT sharing between UL and DL bursts is implemented without LBT operation, then transmission latency is reduced, but the gap requirement (≤16 μs) is tight and some terminal devices cannot fulfill it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic COT sharing mechanisms that adapt to different terminal capabilities. The base station can dynamically adjust the gap duration between UL and DL bursts based on terminal device performance, allowing flexible COT sharing for capable terminals while providing LBT opportunities for terminals that cannot meet the tight gap requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of gap duration from a fixed tight constraint (≤16 μs) to a flexible parameter that can be adjusted based on service requirements and terminal capabilities. This allows the system to optimize between latency reduction and terminal fulfillment capability by adjusting gap duration dynamically.
2Reliability
If additional signaling or data transfer for channel acquisition during COT is performed, then channel acquisition is achieved, but system resources are wasted and network coexistence is negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs channel acquisition in advance through LBT operations before COT sharing begins. The base station acquires the channel beforehand and maintains it throughout the COT period, eliminating the need for additional channel acquisition signaling during UL-DL bursts. This preliminary action ensures reliable channel access while avoiding resource waste during the shared COT.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the channel acquisition function from the periodic UL-DL burst transitions and consolidates it at the beginning of the COT period. By separating channel acquisition from regular data transmission, the system performs LBT only when necessary, removing unnecessary acquisition operations during COT sharing and reducing system resource consumption.
3Reliability
If LBT operations are performed before transmitting on unlicensed spectrum, then channel availability is determined, but extra transmission latency is introduced and radio resource utilization is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple LBT operations into a single COT acquisition event. Instead of performing LBT before each UL and DL burst, the system performs one LBT operation to acquire the COT, then shares this channel occupancy across multiple UL-DL bursts without repeated LBT. This combining approach maintains reliable channel availability determination while significantly reducing cumulative latency.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for sharing a channel. The method which may be performed in a first communication device comprises determining, according to one or more property parameters of a service, whether to enable a channel acquisition function of the first communication device for the service. The channel acquisition function allows the first communication device to acquire a channel for communications between the first communication device and a second communication device. The method further comprises performing traffic transmission for the service between the first communication device and the second communication device, based at least in part on the determination. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the channel acquisition during channel occupation time can be implemented adaptively and flexibly, so that the latency performance and the resource utilization can be improved.