Sidelink Frame Timing Coordination for Shared-Spectrum Channel Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems lack efficient techniques for configuring frame-based equipment (FBE) in sidelink communications using shared spectrum, particularly in managing frame structure timing and collision avoidance during channel access.
Innovation Solution
A first UE configures a fixed frame period (FFP) for sidelink communications and coordinates an idle period configuration with a second UE, transmitting an indication of the FFP configuration to initiate a channel access procedure, monitoring the sidelink channel during the idle period, and transmitting communications based on the channel access procedure, with collision avoidance mechanisms like joint patterns and blanking requests to avoid collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If frame-based equipment (FBE) operates in sidelink communications using shared spectrum, then resource utilization is improved, but collisions between different FFP configurations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity configures FFP parameters (frame length, idle period, active period) for multiple FBEs in advance before they begin communications. This preliminary configuration ensures that FBEs with different initial frame timings are pre-coordinated to avoid collisions during channel access procedures, allowing efficient shared spectrum utilization without conflicts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different FBEs use different FFP configurations, then adaptability is improved, but channel access coordination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity monitors the channel access procedures of different FBEs and adjusts their FFP configurations dynamically. When collisions are detected or resource utilization is suboptimal, the network entity provides feedback to reconfigure frame lengths, idle periods, or active periods, thereby maintaining both adaptability and coordination efficiency in the shared spectrum environment.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described, in which devices may operate in a frame based equipment (FBE) mode for sidelink communications. One or more fixed frame period (FFP) configurations may be used by different sidelink devices, and a first device (e.g., a first user equipment UE)) may transmit to one or more other devices an indication of a FFP configuration for sidelink communications. The FFP configuration may include an idle period configuration that is coordinated across multiple devices for initiation of a channel access procedure. Alternatively different sidelink devices may have different FFP configurations, and a joint pattern may be provided for performing the channel access procedure at each of the sidelink devices.