Sidelink Resource Pool Cross-RAT Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently supporting sidelink communications between devices using a sidelink resource pool configured for a different radio access technology (RAT), particularly in transitioning between LTE and NR, due to differences in subcarrier spacing and resource allocation strategies.
Innovation Solution
The described techniques enable sidelink communications by allowing a receiving UE to determine a set of time and frequency resources indicated by a sidelink message in a sidelink control channel configured for a first RAT, and then monitoring for a second sidelink message associated with a different RAT, such as NR, using these resources. This involves overlapping transmission time intervals and utilizing excess resources for retransmissions or additional communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a sidelink resource pool is configured for a first RAT (LTE) with specific subcarrier spacing and resource allocation, then communication efficiency for LTE is improved, but compatibility and usability for a second RAT (NR) with different subcarrier spacing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a sidelink resource pool configured for LTE to be used for both LTE and NR sidelink communications. The core innovation lies in allowing the same resource pool to serve multiple RATs by implementing NR-specific adaptations within the LTE-configured pool, including NR-style subcarrier spacing, resource allocation, and transmission time interval structures. This multi-functional usage resolves the contradiction by making the resource pool universal across different RATs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters within the sidelink resource pool to support NR communications. Specifically, it applies NR subcarrier spacing values (e.g., 30 kHz, 60 kHz) within the LTE-configured pool, adjusts resource allocation patterns to match NR requirements, and modifies transmission time interval structures. These parameter changes enable the resource pool to accommodate NR's different numerical characteristics while maintaining LTE compatibility.
2Reliability
If separate sidelink resource pools are configured for different RATs (LTE and NR), then each RAT achieves optimal performance, but device complexity and resource management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of separate LTE and NR sidelink resource pools into a single unified resource pool. Instead of maintaining distinct pools for each RAT, the invention combines them by allowing NR communications to operate within the LTE-configured pool through parameter adaptations. This merging reduces the total number of resource pools, simplifies device complexity, and decreases resource management overhead while maintaining reliable communication for both RATs.
3Productivity
If LTE sidelink control channel messages are used to indicate resources for NR sidelink communications, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but message interpretation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses LTE sidelink control channel messages as an intermediary mechanism to allocate resources for NR sidelink communications. The LTE control messages serve as a mediator that carries resource allocation information that can be interpreted and used by NR communications. This approach improves resource allocation efficiency by leveraging existing LTE control infrastructure while enabling NR resource usage, with receiving devices interpreting the messages according to NR requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A transmitting device and a receiving device may communicate sidelink messages of a second radio access technology (RAT) using a sidelink resource pool signaled using a first RAT. For example, the receiving UE may receive a sidelink control channel associated with the first RAT (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE)), may determine a set of time and frequency resources indicated by the sidelink control channel, and then may monitor the set of time and frequency resources to receive a sidelink message associated with the second RAT (e.g., New Radio (NR)). In some implementations, the set of time and frequency resource may be indicated that they may be used for the second RAT via a field in the sidelink control channel or via an additional sidelink message associated with the second RAT transmitted with the sidelink control channel.