UE-Initiated COT Sharing for Network-Controlled Downlink Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In NR networks, the existing UE-initiated COT sharing mechanism for unlicensed spectrum lacks network control, leading to potential system performance degradation due to inefficient UL-to-DL sharing, as the base station has to wait for UE-initiated AUL transmissions, especially when urgent DL traffic data needs to be transmitted.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism is introduced where the base station can request a UE to share a UE-initiated COT for both scheduled and configured grant PUSCH transmissions, allowing the base station to dynamically control the UL-to-DL sharing by indicating a COT sharing request and selecting a channel access priority class (CAPC) value, enabling efficient LBT procedures and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If UE-initiated COT sharing mechanism is used for unlicensed spectrum, then spectrum usage efficiency is improved, but system performance deteriorates due to lack of network control and inefficient UL-to-DL sharing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional COT initiation role by allowing UE to initiate COT for uplink transmission, while the base station shares this UE-initiated COT for downlink transmission. This inversion enables the base station to control UL-to-DL sharing dynamically by selecting whether to share the COT and determining the sharing duration, thus maintaining network control while improving spectrum efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control mechanisms where the base station can adaptively decide whether to share the UE-initiated COT for downlink transmission based on traffic conditions. The base station determines the COT sharing duration dynamically and can adjust the UL-to-DL sharing ratio according to urgent downlink traffic requirements, making the system flexible and responsive to changing conditions
2Ease of operation
If base station waits for UE-initiated AUL transmissions, then autonomous uplink transmission is enabled, but downlink transmission delay increases when urgent DL traffic data needs to be transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the base station to perform preliminary action by initiating downlink transmission within the UE-initiated COT before the uplink transmission occurs. By sharing the COT and transmitting downlink data promptly during the shared period, the base station eliminates waiting delays and ensures urgent downlink traffic is transmitted without delay
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by allowing the base station to utilize the UE-initiated COT for downlink transmission without interruption. The COT sharing mechanism enables the base station to continuously transmit downlink data during the shared period, maintaining continuous useful action rather than waiting for uplink transmission to complete
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a method and apparatus for sharing channel occupancy time. One embodiment of the subject application provides a method performed by a User Equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising: receiving, from a base station (BS), a first indicator requesting the UE to share a channel occupancy time (COT) for downlink transmission within the COT, wherein the COT is initiated by the UE for transmitting uplink data; determining a first channel access priority class (CAPC) value; initiating the COT by performing a channel access procedure using the first CAPC value; and transmitting, to the BS, at least a part of the uplink data in the COT.