Unlicensed Spectrum Operation Modes for Channel Sensing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing unlicensed spectrum due to varying regulatory requirements and technical constraints, particularly in switching between downlink and uplink transmissions without mandated channel sensing procedures.
Innovation Solution
A base station and user equipment are configured with operation modes that include information on whether channel sensing is required before transmission on shared spectrum channel access, allowing for explicit or implicit indications of these modes to manage channel access procedures and associated parameters such as numerology, bandwidth, and synchronization signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If channel sensing is implemented before transmission on unlicensed spectrum, then regulatory compliance and collision avoidance are improved, but transmission latency and channel access overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the base station perform channel sensing before initiating downlink transmission, and having the UE perform channel sensing before uplink transmission. This advance preparation ensures regulatory compliance is met before actual data transmission occurs, resolving the contradiction between reliability and time loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operation modes with different channel sensing requirements are implemented, then flexibility and adaptability to regulatory requirements are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the system to switch between different operation modes (first operation mode requiring channel sensing, second operation mode not requiring channel sensing) based on regulatory requirements and transmission direction. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to adjust its behavior without permanent complexity, as the same hardware supports multiple modes through configuration.
3Ease of operation
If explicit indication of operation modes is provided through higher layer parameters, then ease of operation and mode configuration are improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using higher layer parameters to indicate operation modes, where the signaling overhead is minimized by changing the state of existing parameters rather than adding new signaling elements. The base station and UE interpret these parameter changes to determine whether channel sensing is required, providing ease of operation without excessive overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for operation modes on unlicensed spectrum in a wireless communication system including a carrier operating with shared spectrum channel access. A method of operating a UE includes receiving a set of higher layer parameters from a BS over the carrier and determining, from the set of higher layer parameters, a first operation mode for the BS. The method further includes determining, from the set of higher layer parameters, a second operation mode for the UE and transmitting to the BS based on the second operation mode. The first operation mode and the second operation mode include information on whether channel sensing is required before transmission on the carrier operating with shared spectrum channel access.