Sidelink Contention Window Reporting for Unlicensed Resource Grants
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Solution Overview
Problem
The contention window size (CWS) for unlicensed operation in wireless communications is internal to a communication device and not known to the network, leading to inefficiencies in mode 1 and mode 2 sidelink grant processes, as the network cannot adjust resource selection based on updated CWS values.
Innovation Solution
A UE reports a minimum time offset value for the CWS to both the physical layer and the base station, allowing the base station to provide sidelink resources based on the updated CWS, thereby aligning network resource allocation with the UE's contention window adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the CWS is kept internal to the UE for autonomous resource selection, then the UE can independently manage its own transmissions, but the network cannot adjust resource allocation based on updated CWS values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports its CWS values to the network. This allows the network to become aware of the UE's contention window state and adjust resource allocation accordingly, resolving the information loss while maintaining autonomous operation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary signaling structures (such as MAC CE elements) that carry CWS information between the UE and network. This intermediary mechanism enables the network to receive and process CWS updates without interfering with the UE's autonomous resource selection process.
2Device complexity
If the CWS is not reported to the network, then the UE maintains simple autonomous operation, but frame collisions increase due to misaligned resource selection
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing feedback of CWS values to the network, the system can coordinate resource allocation to prevent frame collisions. The network uses the reported CWS information to make informed resource grant decisions, improving reliability while adding manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical autonomous selection with a hybrid approach that incorporates network coordination through standardized signaling protocols. This substitution enables collision avoidance through protocol-based coordination rather than relying solely on random autonomous selection.
3Ease of manufacture
If the network provides resources without knowing the UE's CWS, then resource allocation is simplified, but the network cannot optimize for updated contention window sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation where the network adjusts its resource grant decisions based on real-time CWS information from the UE. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize resource allocation in response to changing contention conditions while maintaining a manageable allocation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the network to change its resource allocation parameters (such as granted time resources) based on the UE's reported CWS values. This parameter adjustment capability allows optimization of resource allocation to match the UE's current contention window state.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a UE that obtains a configuration of a candidate resource selection in an unlicensed operation, such as for a sidelink communication. The UE establishes a minimum time offset value for a contention window size (CWS), and can report the minimum time offset value for the CWS, such as to a candidate resource selection procedure for autonomous resource selection by the apparatus, or to a base station (e.g., gNB).