Sidelink COT Acknowledgment for Low-Power RedCap Channel Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In sidelink communication systems operating in unlicensed frequency bands, reduced-capability (RedCap) user equipment (UE) faces high power consumption due to the need for continuous channel sensing during channel access, which is inefficient and energy-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A communication method where a first terminal can request and acknowledge channel occupancy time (COT) to a second terminal, allowing the first terminal to initiate the COT for use by the second terminal, thereby reducing the need for power-intensive Type 1 LBT procedures in RedCap UE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RedCap UE performs Type 1 LBT to initiate COT, then channel access is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly due to continuous channel sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a first terminal as an intermediary that has already initiated COT. The second terminal (RedCap UE) uses this existing COT without needing to perform its own Type 1 LBT, thereby avoiding the power-intensive channel sensing process while still achieving reliable channel access
Solution Approach 2:
The first terminal performs the preliminary action of initiating COT before the second terminal needs to transmit. By preparing the channel occupancy in advance, the system eliminates the need for RedCap UE to perform power-consuming Type 1 LBT procedures
2Reliability
If RedCap UE contiguously performs channel sensing for long duration, then channel access is secured, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first terminal serves as a mediator that has already secured channel access through its own LBT success. The second terminal leverages this intermediary's achieved channel occupancy, eliminating the need for redundant continuous channel sensing and the associated energy consumption
3Device complexity
If terminal determines COT initiation based on own data transmission need, then simple decision logic is used, but flexibility to share COT is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the second terminal sends request information to the first terminal, and the first terminal responds with acknowledgment information. This feedback loop enables flexible COT sharing decisions while maintaining relatively simple decision logic at each terminal
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts COT initiation based on real-time conditions and terminal requests. The first terminal can choose to initiate COT for itself alone or share it with the second terminal based on feedback information, providing adaptability without excessive complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method and terminals are provided. The communication method includes the following. A first terminal receives request information of first channel occupancy time (COT) from a second terminal. The first terminal transmits first response information to the second terminal, where the first response information includes first acknowledgement information and/or second acknowledgement information. The first acknowledgement information indicates or acknowledges that the first terminal is to initiate the first COT, and the second acknowledgement information indicates or acknowledges that the first terminal is not to initiate the first COT.