WO2020074343A1

WO2020074343A1 - Method for coexistence of internet of things and new radio

Info

Publication number: WO2020074343A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/076698
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rapeepat Ratasuk; Jari Pekka MUSTAJÄRVI; Kari Pekka Pajukoski; Esa Tapani Tiirola; Srinivasan Selvaganapathy; Nitin MANGALVEDHE
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Current assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2018-10-08
Filing date: 2019-10-02
Publication date: 2020-04-16
Anticipated expiration: 2021-04-08

Abstract

In accordance with the example embodiments of the invention there is at least a method and apparatus to perform determining, by a network node, at least one radio frame comprising more than one subframe, wherein the more than one subframe are for use with different radio technologies; identifying at least one invalid subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment; and sending towards the user equipment an indication of the identified at least one invalid subframe for the selective skipping by user equipment. Further, there is at least a method and apparatus to perform receiving, by a user equipment, information for at least one radio frame identifying at least one invalid subframe of the at least one radio frame for selective skipping by user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment; and based on the information, processing the at least one radio frame for communication by the user equipment, wherein the processing comprises skipping the identified at least one invalid subframe of the at least one radio frame.

Description

METHOD FOR COEXISTENCE OF INTERNET OF THINGS AND NEW RADIO

TECHNICAL FIELD:

[0001] The teachings in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention relate generally to marking subframes for skipping by network devices and, more specifically, relate to a radio frame subframe design including markings to enable skipping of particular subframes, symbols, or group of symbols by a network device based on a radio technology used by the network device.

BACKGROUND:

[0002] This section is intended to provide a background or context to the invention that is recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0003] Certain abbreviations that may be found in the description and/or in the

Figures are herewith defined as follows:

3 GPP 3rd generation project partner

LTE Long term evolution

eMTC enhanced Machine Type Communication

eNB enhanced Node-B

IoT Internet of Things

UE User equipment

DL Downlink

UL Uplink

PUSCH Physical uplink shared channel

PRACH Physical random access channel PDCCH Physical downlink control channel

PDSCH Physical downlink shared channel

DCI Downlink control information

CEMode A Coverage extension mode A

CEMode B Coverage extension mode B

RAR Random access response

MBSFN Multicast-broadcast single-frequency network

NB Narrowband

NB-IoT Narrowband Internet of Things

NBO Narrowband operation

PRB Physical resource block

RA-RNTI Random access radio network temporary identifier

Rel-l6 A major 3GPP release 16 of Mobile Broadband Standards

SFI Slot format indicator

TDD Time division duplexing

[0004] 5G is a most recent radio technology implementation offering improvement over even 4G radio technology capabilities. 5G New Radio (NR) provides enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable, low-latency communications (URLLC) to achieve faster data rates and provide lower latency in wireless communications.

[0005] 5G NR is being planned to work alongside 4G and in addition 5G is being implemented, such as while utilizing a 4G core network for data and control in a non- standalone mode (NSA). It is also expected that 5G, 4G, and Wi-Fi will coexist on some carriers and utilize unlicensed bands to increase capacity.

[0006] Thus, an improved common 5G NR framework and a self-contained integrated subframe design will allow network operators to more efficient multiplex diverse services on a unified 5G network, while also ensuring 5G NR forward compatibility to future 5G features and services.

[0007] The example embodiments of the invention at least work to improve such subframe designs in communication networks, such as used by 5G NR devices and other devices using different radio communication technologies in the communication networks.

SUMMARY:

[000S] In an example aspect of the invention, there is a method comprising: determining, by a network node, at least one radio frame comprising more than one subframe, wherein the more than one subframe are for use with different radio technologies; identifying at least one invalid subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment; and sending towards the user equipment an indication of the identified at least one invalid subframe for the selective skipping by user equipment.

[0009] A further example aspect is a method comprising the method of the previous paragraph, wherein the identifying comprises identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment, wherein the at least one bitmap comprises more than one bitmap, and wherein a second bitmap of the more than one bitmap is identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment, wherein the first bitmap is identifying certain uplink and downlink subframes as invalid subframes for selective skipping by legacy user equipment and wherein the second bitmap is identifying subframes identified as invalid by the first bitmap which may be used by user equipment operating in the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies and the radio technologies following the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies; there is determining a symbol- level format indicator to enable the user equipment using the at least one of new radio technology and Internet of Things radio technologies to use the identified invalid subframes in one of a dynamic and semi-static manner in the time division duplex operation; wherein the slot format indicator is using one of a long term evolution special frames configuration, or a new radio slot format definition; there is sending an indication of the symbol-level format indicator towards the user equipment via one of at least one downlink control information, a unicast signaling, and a broadcast channel; wherein the symbol-level format indicator is sent towards the user equipment in downlink control information, wherein one of the symbol-level format indicator applies to the identified invalid subframes for a transmission time indicated by the downlink control information, and the downlink control information comprises a radio network temporary identifier to indicate the at least one subframe bitmap is for more than one radio frame of the at least one radio frame; wherein the at least one downlink control information is using a downlink control information format; there is communicating with a base station associated with one of new radio technology and Internet of Things radio technology to exchange upcoming scheduling information for the user equipment; and based on the exchange, adjusting scheduling of at least one of uplink and downlink communications by the user equipment; wherein the adjusting is based on the information indicating at least one of: the base station has an upcoming scheduled long downlink transmission, and the base station has an upcoming scheduled downlink transmission in a subframe that may be used by the network node for uplink scheduling.

[0010] In an additional example aspect of the invention there is computer readable medium embodying computer program code, the computer program code executable by at least one processor to perform the method according to the paragraphs above.

[0011] In another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a network side apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, where the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: determine at least one radio frame comprising more than one subframe, wherein the more than one subframe are for use with different radio technologies; identify at least one invalid subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment; and send towards the user equipment an indication of the identified at least one invalid subframe for the selective skipping by user equipment.

[0012] A further example aspect is an apparatus comprising the apparatus of the previous paragraph, wherein the identifying comprises identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment, wherein the at least one bitmap comprises more than one bitmap, and wherein a second bitmap of the more than one bitmap is identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment, wherein the first bitmap is identifying certain uplink and downlink subframes as invalid subframes for selective skipping by legacy user equipment and wherein the second bitmap is identifying subframes identified as invalid by the first bitmap which may be used by user equipment operating in the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies and the radio technologies following the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies; wherein the subframes identified by the second subframe bitmap are for use in a time division duplex operation by the user equipment operating in the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies and the radio technologies following the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies; there is determining a symbol- level format indicator to enable the user equipment using the at least one of new radio technology and Internet of Things radio technologies to use the identified invalid subframes in one of a dynamic and semi-static manner in the time division duplex operation; wherein the slot format indicator is using one of a long term evolution special frames configuration, or a new radio slot format definition; there is sending an indication of the symbol- level format indicator towards the user equipment via one of at least one downlink control information, a unicast signaling, and a broadcast channel; wherein the symbol-level format indicator is sent towards the user equipment in downlink control information, wherein one of the symbol-level format indicator applies to the identified invalid subframes for a transmission time indicated by the downlink control information, and the downlink control information comprises a radio network temporary identifier to indicate the at least one subframe bitmap is for more than one radio frame of the at least one radio frame; wherein the at least one downlink control information is using a downlink control information format; there is communicating with a base station associated with one of new radio technology and Internet of Things radio technology to exchange upcoming scheduling information for the user equipment; and based on the exchange, adjusting scheduling of at least one of uplink and downlink communications by the user equipment; wherein the adjusting is based on the information indicating at least one of: the base station has an upcoming scheduled long downlink transmission , and the base station has an upcoming scheduled downlink transmission in a subframe that may be used by the network node for uplink scheduling.

[0013] In an example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a network side apparatus, comprising: means for determining at least one radio frame comprising more than one subframe, wherein the more than one subframe are for use with different radio technologies; means for identifying at least one invalid subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment; and means for sending towards the user equipment an indication of the identified at least one invalid subframe for the selective skipping by user equipment.

[0014] A further example aspect is an apparatus comprising the apparatus of the previous paragraph, wherein the identifying comprises identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment, wherein the at least one bitmap comprises more than one bitmap, and wherein a second bitmap of the more than one bitmap is identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment, wherein the first bitmap is identifying certain uplink and downlink subframes as invalid subframes for selective skipping by legacy user equipment and wherein the second bitmap is identifying subframes identified as invalid by the first bitmap which may be used by user equipment operating in the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies and the radio technologies following the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies; wherein the subframes identified by the second subframe bitmap are for use in a time division duplex operation by the user equipment operating in the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies and the radio technologies following the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies; there is means for determining a symbol- level format indicator to enable the user equipment using the at least one of new radio technology and Internet of Things radio technologies to use the identified invalid subframes in one of a dynamic and semi-static manner in the time division duplex operation; wherein the slot format indicator is using one of a long term evolution special frames configuration, or a new radio slot format definition; there is means for sending an indication of the symbol-level format indicator towards the user equipment via one of at least one downlink control information, a unicast signaling, and a broadcast channel; wherein the symbol-level format indicator is sent towards the user equipment in downlink control information, wherein one of the symbol-level format indicator applies to the identified invalid subframes for a transmission time indicated by the downlink control information, and the downlink control information comprises a radio network temporary identifier to indicate the at least one subframe bitmap is for more than one radio frame of the at least one radio frame; wherein the at least one downlink control information is using a downlink control information format; there is means for communicating with a base station associated with one of new radio technology and Internet of Things radio technology to exchange upcoming scheduling information for the user equipment; and based on the exchange, adjusting scheduling of at least one of uplink and downlink communications by the user equipment; wherein the adjusting is based on the information indicating at least one of: the base station has an upcoming scheduled long downlink transmission, and the base station has an upcoming scheduled downlink transmission in a subframe that may be used by the network node for uplink scheduling.

[0015] In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described in the paragraphs above there is an apparatus comprising: means for determining (Memory(ies) 155 storing Computer Program Code 153 executed by Processors 152 and/or RF Module 150-1 and/or RF Module 150-2 as in FIG. 2), by a network node (gNB 170 as in FIG. 2), at least one radio frame comprising more than one subframe, wherein the more than one subframe are for use with different radio technologies; means for identifying (Memory(ies) 155 storing Computer Program Code 153 executed by Processors 152 and/or RF Module 150-1 and/or RF Module 150-2 as in FIG. 2) at least one invalid subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment; and means for sending (one or more transceivers 160 interconnected through one or more buses 157, and one or more network interfaces 161 communicating over a network such as via the links 176 and 131) towards the user equipment (UE 110 as in FIG 2) an indication of the identified at least one invalid subframe for the selective skipping by user equipment. [0016] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein at least the means for determining, identifying, and sending comprises a non- transitory computer readable medium [Memory(ies) 155 as in FIG. 2] encoded with a computer program [Computer Program Code 153 as in FIG. 2] executable by at least one processor [Processors 152 and/or RF Module 150-1 and/or RF Module 150-2 as in FIG. 2] ·

[0017] In another example aspect of the invention, there is a method which may be performed by a network apparatus, such as a user equipment, comprising: receiving information for at least one radio frame identifying at least one invalid subframe of the at least one radio frame for selective skipping by user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment; and based on the information, processing the at least one radio frame for communication by the user equipment, wherein the processing comprises skipping the identified at least one invalid subframe of the at least one radio frame.

[0018] A further example aspect is a method comprising the method of the previous paragraph, wherein the identifying comprises identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment, wherein the at least one bitmap comprises more than one bitmap, and wherein a second bitmap of the more than one bitmap is identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment, wherein the first bitmap is identifying certain uplink and downlink subframes as invalid subframes for selective skipping by legacy user equipment and wherein the second bitmap is identifying subframes identified as invalid by the first bitmap which may be used by user equipment operating in the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies and the radio technologies following the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies, there is determining a symbol- level format indicator to enable the user equipment using the at least one of new radio technology and Internet of Things radio technologies to use the identified invalid subframes in one of a dynamic and semi-static manner in the time division duplex operation; wherein the slot format indicator is using one of a long term evolution special frames configuration, or a new radio slot format definition; there is receiving an indication of the symbol-level format indicator by the user equipment via one of at least one downlink control information, a unicast signaling, and a broadcast channel; wherein the symbol-level format indicator is received by the user equipment in downlink control information, wherein one of the symbol-level format indicator applies to the identified invalid subframes for a transmission time indicated by the downlink control information, and the downlink control information comprises a radio network temporary identifier to indicate the at least one subframe bitmap is for more than one radio frame of the at least one radio frame; wherein the at least one downlink control information is using a downlink control information format.

[0019] In an additional example aspect of the invention there is computer readable medium embodying computer program code, the computer program code executable by at least one processor to perform the method according to the paragraphs above.

[0020] In an example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a user equipment side apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, where the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: receive at least one radio frame comprising information identifying at least one invalid subframe of the at least one radio frame for selective skipping by user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment; and based on the information, process the at least one radio frame for communication by the user equipment, wherein the processing comprises skipping the identified at least one invalid subframe of the at least one radio frame.

[0021] A further example aspect is an apparatus comprising the apparatus of the previous paragraph, wherein the identifying comprises identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment, wherein the at least one bitmap comprises more than one bitmap, and wherein a second bitmap of the more than one bitmap is identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment, wherein the first bitmap is identifying certain uplink and downlink subframes as invalid subframes for selective skipping by legacy user equipment and wherein the second bitmap is identifying subframes identified as invalid by the first bitmap which may be used by user equipment operating in the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies and the radio technologies following the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies, there is determining a symbol- level format indicator to enable the user equipment using the at least one of new radio technology and Internet of Things radio technologies to use the identified invalid subframes in one of a dynamic and semi-static manner in the time division duplex operation; wherein the slot format indicator is using one of a long term evolution special frames configuration, or a new radio slot format definition; there is receiving an indication of the symbol-level format indicator by the user equipment via one of at least one downlink control information, a unicast signaling, and a broadcast channel; wherein the symbol-level format indicator is received by the user equipment in downlink control information, wherein one of the symbol-level format indicator applies to the identified invalid subframes for a transmission time indicated by the downlink control information, and the downlink control information comprises a radio network temporary identifier to indicate the at least one subframe bitmap is for more than one radio frame of the at least one radio frame; wherein the at least one downlink control information is using a downlink control information format.

[0022] In another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a user equipment side apparatus, comprising: means for receiving information for at least one radio frame identifying at least one invalid subframe of the at least one radio frame for selective skipping by user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment; and means, based on the information, for processing the at least one radio frame for communication by the user equipment, wherein the processing comprises skipping the identified at least one invalid subframe of the at least one radio frame.

[0023] A further example aspect is an apparatus comprising the apparatus of the previous paragraph, wherein the identifying comprises identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment, wherein the at least one bitmap comprises more than one bitmap, and wherein a second bitmap of the more than one bitmap is identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment, wherein the first bitmap is identifying certain uplink and downlink subframes as invalid subframes for selective skipping by legacy user equipment and wherein the second bitmap is identifying subframes identified as invalid by the first bitmap which may be used by user equipment operating in the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies and the radio technologies following the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies, there is means for determining a symbol-level format indicator to enable the user equipment using the at least one of new radio technology and Internet of Things radio technologies to use the identified invalid subframes in one of a dynamic and semi-static manner in the time division duplex operation; wherein the slot format indicator is using one of a long term evolution special frames configuration, or a new radio slot format definition; there is means for receiving an indication of the symbol-level format indicator by the user equipment via one of at least one downlink control information, a unicast signaling, and a broadcast channel; wherein the symbol-level format indicator is received by the user equipment in downlink control information, wherein one of the symbol-level format indicator applies to the identified invalid subframes for a transmission time indicated by the downlink control information, and the downlink control information comprises a radio network temporary identifier to indicate the at least one subframe bitmap is for more than one radio frame of the at least one radio frame; wherein the at least one downlink control information is using a downlink control information format.

[0024] In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means for receiving (one or more transceivers 120 and one or more antennas 128, Memory(ies) 125 storing Computer Program Code 123 executed by Processors 120 and/or RF Module 140-1 and/or RF Module 140-2 as in FIG. 2), by a user equipment (UE 110 as in FIG. 2), at least one radio frame comprising information identifying at least one invalid subframe of the at least one radio frame for selective skipping by user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment; and based on the information, processing (Memory(ies) 125 storing Computer Program Code 123 executed by Processors 120 and/or RF Module 140-1 and/or RF Module 140-2 as in FIG. 2) the at least one radio frame for communication by the user equipment, wherein the processing comprises skipping the identified at least one invalid subframe of the at least one radio frame.

[0025] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein at least the means for receiving and processing comprises one or more transceivers and one or more antennas and a non-transitory computer readable medium [one or more transceivers 130 and one or more antennas 128, Memory(ies) 125 as in FIG. 2] encoded with a computer program [Computer Program Code 123 as in FIG. 2] executable by at least one processor [Processors 120 and/or RF Module 140-1 and/or RF Module 140-2 as in FIG. 2]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0026] The foregoing and other aspects of embodiments of this invention are made more evident in the following Detailed Description, when read in conjunction with the attached Drawing Figures, wherein:

[0027] FIG. 1 shows a re-farming of LTE spectrum to (a) NR with eMTC carrier in-band and (b) separate NR and eMTC carriers - 1 narrowband needed for eMTC;

[0028] FIG. 2 shows a high level block diagram of various devices used in carrying out various aspects of the invention;

[0029] FIG. 3 shows a Table 1 of FTE TDD Uplink-downlink configurations;

[0030] FIG. 4 shows a Table 1 of Slot Format Indicators;

[0031] FIG. 5 shows a radio frame example using a slot format indicator as in accordance with example embodiments of the invention; and

[0032] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B each show a method in accordance with example embodiments of the invention which may be performed by an apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0033] In example embodiments of this invention, there is proposed at least a radio frame subframe design including markings to enable skipping of particular subframes (that is, UE will not transmit or receive particular subframes symbols, or group of symbols) by a network device based on a radio technology used by the network device.

[0034] At the time of this application, it is expected that IoT LTE (eMTC and

NB-IoT) UES will be around for a long time (e.g. water/power meters can have a lifetime of 10- 15 years or more). As LTE systems are re-farmed to NR, there would be no need to support broadband LTE UEs. However, IoT LTE UEs would still need to be supported. Thus, IoT carrier can be deployed as a separate carrier or within an NR carrier as shown in FIG. 1 (example shown for eMTC technology).

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1 there is shown an LTE 110, NR 120, and NR 130 resources for a carrier bandwidth and one millisecond duration (called as subframe in LTE). The LTE 110 resources include a PDCCH region (spanning the entire carrier bandwidth) and an eMTC carrier. As shown in FIG. 1 there is a re-farming 115 operation from the LTE 110 to the NR 120. Two scenarios for refarming are shown in Figure 1. In the scenario depicted in NR 120, eMTC carrier is deployed within an NR carrier, and in the scenario NR 130, eMTC carrier is deployed as a separate carrier, respectively. Example embodiments of the invention work to make such a re-farming operation more efficient for all type of radio communication technology network devices.

[0036] Note that deploying IoT carrier within NR carrier may be more desirable compared to deploying separate IoT and NR carriers as NR does not support bandwidth smaller than 5 MHz. For instance, in FIG. 1, 10 MHz LTE carrier can be re-farmed to 10 MHz NR carrier with eMTC taking up 1.4 MHz (thus leaving 8.6 MHz to NR). However, if separate carriers are used, eMTC will take up 1.4 MHz while NR can only use 5 MHz, leaving almost 4 MHz unused. Furthermore, deploying IoT carrier within NR carrier also allow load-balancing so NR can use more spectrum when IoT load is low.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows Table 1 which shows LTE TDD uplink-downlink configurations. These configurations as shown in FIG. 3 include an uplink-downlink configuration number, a do wnlink-to -uplink switch-point periodicity, and a subframe number. In Table 1 of FIG. 3 uplink is denoted with a“U”, Downlink is denoted or referenced with a“D”, and a special subframe containing a switch point is denoted with an “S”. As will be described further with reference to FIG. 4 below, in accordance with example embodiments of the invention special subframes“S” contain DL part (DwPTS), Guard period (GP) as well as UL part (UpPTS). Depending on the special subframe configuration (defined e.g. according to the propagation conditions), the length of different portions of the special subframe (DwPTS, GP, UpPTS) can vary. It is noted that NB-IoT can only support some TDD configurations. In this regard, to address at least this issue, re-farming to 5G or NR in a dynamic TDD manner is one embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Example embodiments of the invention work to solve how carriers for at least eMTC and NB-IoT can be modified to support more dynamic TDD while supporting legacy (i.e., Rel-l5 and prior) UEs.

[0039] As LTE is re-farmed for NR, IoT UEs (eMTC and NB-IoT) would need to still be supported. It is more efficient to deploy IoT (eMTC and NB-IoT) in-band inside NR carrier than to deployed separate NR and IoT carriers. For NR, dynamic TDD is a key feature. However, eMTC and NB-IoT can only support semi- static LTE UL-DL TDD configurations. This would either restrict how NR TDD can be deployed or very large guard-bands would be required to minimize UL/DL interference. Both approaches will reduce NR system performance significantly. Furthermore, LTE and NR may be served with a common hardware at the base station (such as Nokia AirScale).

[0040] Therefore, example embodiments of the invention provide at least a method to modify existing eMTC and NB-IoT systems to support more dynamic TDD while still supporting legacy (i.e. Rel-l5 and prior) UEs and smooth coexistence between LTE/NR.

[0041] In accordance with example embodiments of the invention there are novel inventive steps including:

• In an example embodiment there is using a first invalid subframe bitmap to mark certain UL and DL LTE subframes, symbols, or group of symbols. as invalid subframes, symbols, or group of symbols. These subframes will be skipped by legacy IoT UEs and can be used in a dynamic TDD manner (and/or according to semi- static TDD configuration not supported by NB-IoT Rel-l5 and prior) by NR and Rel- 16 IoT UE. For valid subframes, NR and Rel- 16 IoT follow link direction of SIB- 1 defined LTE UL/DL configuration;

• In another embodiment, two bitmaps are used. The first bitmap is used to mark certain UL and DL subframes as invalid subframes, symbols, or group of symbols for legacy UEs, while second bitmap it used to mark subframes indicated as invabd in the first bitmap that can be used for Rel- 16 IoT UE (- part of invalid for Rel- 15 become valid for Rel- 16);

• Define symbol-level slot format indicator (SFI) or format indicator (for example symbol- level bitmap) to allow Rel- 16 IoT UE to use the invalid subframes, symbols, or group of symbols in a dynamic or semi-static TDD manner:

— In one embodiment, the SFI definition can reuse the special subframe configurations in LTE;

— In another embodiment, the SFI definition can reuse the NR slot format definition with X replaced by switching guard time (G);

• The SFI can be indicated to UE via DCI, unicast, or via broadcast channel. If transmitted on the unicast/broadcast channel (e.g. DL-DCCH, NPBCH), it can be updated on a slower time scale (e.g. lOms): - If SFI in indicated via DCI, it is used for or applies to invalid subframes, symbols, or group of symbols for the transmission time indicated by the DCI (including repetition);

— In one embodiment, the SFI is broadcast using DL-DCCH (e.g. DL- DCCH->RRCReconfig->cellGroupConfig->spCellConfig->PDCCH- ServingCellConfig); and

• NR-IoT coordination: NR gNB and IoT eNB can exchange information about upcoming or pending scheduling information, so both sides can adjust the DL/UL split or configuration accordingly.

[0042] Before describing the example embodiments of the invention in further detail reference is made to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of one possible and non limiting exemplary system in which the exemplary embodiments may be practiced. In FIG. 2, a user equipment (UE) 110 is in wireless communication with a wireless network 100. A UE is a wireless or wired device, typically mobile device that can access a wireless network. The UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected through one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver Rx, 132 and a transmitter Tx 133. The one or more buses 127 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, and the like. The one or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. The UE 110 can include a page processor for user device radio frame (RF) module 140 which is configured to perform the example embodiments of the invention as described herein. The RF module 140 comprising one of or both parts 140-1 and/or 140-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The RF module 140 may be implemented in hardware as RF module 140-1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 120. The RF module 140- 1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the RF module 140 may be implemented as RF module 140-2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and is executed by the one or more processors 120. For instance, the one or more memories 125 and the computer program code 123 may be configured, with the one or more processors 120, to cause the user equipment 110 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The UE 110 communicates with gNB 170 via a wireless link 111.

[0043] The gNB 170 (NR/5G Node B or possibly an evolved NB) is abase station

(e.g., for LTE, long term evolution, for GSM/(E)GPRS) that provides access by wireless devices such as the UE 110 to the wireless network 100. The gNB 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N/W I/F(s)) 161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected through one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver Rx 162 and a transmitter Tx 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. The gNB 170 includes a page processor for gNB radio frame (RE) module 150 which is configured to perform example embodiments of the invention as described herein. The RE module 150 comprising one of or both parts 150-1 and/or 150-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The RE module 150 may be implemented in hardware as RE module 150-1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 152. The RE module 150-1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the RE module 150 may be implemented as RE module 150-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 and is executed by the one or more processors 152. For instance, the one or more memories 155 and the computer program code 153 are configured to cause, with the one or more processors 152, the gNB 170 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The one or more network interfaces 161 communicate over a network such as via the links 176 and 131. Two or more gNB 170 may communicate using, e.g., link 176. The link 176 may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, e.g., an X2 interface. [0044] The one or more buses 157 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, and the like. For example, the one or more transceivers 160 may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH) 195, with the other elements of the gNB 170 being physically in a different location from the RRH, and the one or more buses 157 could be implemented in part as fiber optic cable to connect the other elements of the gNB 170 to the RRH 195.

[0045] It is noted that description herein indicates that“cells” perform functions, but it should be clear that the gNB that forms the cell will perform the functions. The cell makes up part of a gNB. That is, there can be multiple cells per gNB.

[0046] The wireless network 100 may include a network control element (NCE)

190 that may include MME (Mobility Management Entity)/SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality, and which provides connectivity with a further network, such as a telephone network and/or a data communications network (e.g., the Internet). The gNB 170 is coupled via a link 131 to the NCE 190. The link 131 may be implemented as, e.g., an Sl interface. The NCE 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N/W I/F(s)) 180, interconnected through one or more buses 185. The one or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. The one or more memories 171 and the computer program code 173 are configured to, with the one or more processors 175, cause the NCE 190 to perform one or more operations.

[0047] The wireless network 100 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as either external, combining many networks, or parts of networks, into a virtual unit, or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities that result from the network virtualization are still implemented, at some level, using hardware such as processors 152 or 175 and memories 155 and 171, and also such virtualized entities create technical effects.

[0048] The computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be means for performing storage functions. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non limiting examples. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be means for performing functions, such as controlling the UE 110, gNB 170, and other functions as described herein.

[0049] In general, the various embodiments of the user equipment 110 can include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones such as smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback appliances having wireless communication capabilities, Internet appliances permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions.

[0050] Embodiments herein may be implemented in software (executed by one or more processors), hardware (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit), or a combination of software and hardware. In an example of an embodiment, the software (e.g., application logic, an instruction set) is maintained on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a“computer- readable medium” may be any media or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer, with one example of a computer described and depicted, e.g., in FIG. 2. A computer-readable medium may comprise a computer-readable storage medium or other device that may be any media or means that can contain or store the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer.

[0051] In accordance with example embodiments of the invention there are novel inventive steps including:

• Using an invalid subframe bitmap to mark certain UL and DL LTE subframes, symbols, or group of symbols as invalid subframes, symbols, or group of symbols. These subframes will be skipped by legacy IoT UEs and can be used in a dynamic TDD manner by NR and Rel-l6 IoT UE. For valid subframes, NR and Rel-l6 IoT follow link direction of SIB-l defined LTE UL/DL configuration;

• In another example embodiment of the invention, there is using two bitmaps to perform the markings. The first bitmap is used to mark certain UL and DL subframes, symbols, or group of symbols as invalid subframes, symbols, or group of symbols for legacy UEs, while second bitmap it used to mark subframes indicated as invalid in the first bitmap that can be used for Rel-l6 IoT UE; and

• Defining symbol-level slot format indicator (SFI) to allow Rel-l6 IoT UE to use the invalid subframes, symbols, or group of symbols in a dynamic or semi-static TDD manner:

— In one example embodiment, the SFI definition can reuse the special subframe configurations in LTE; and

— In another example embodiment, the SFI definition can reuse the NR slot format definition with X replaced by switching guard time (G). See non limiting examples as shown in FIG. 4. [0052] FIG. 4 shows Table 2 showing slot format indications in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 4 there are slot formats 0-255. Of these slot formats, slots 56-255 are reserved. The remaining slot formats include indications of uplink and downlink subframes. As shown in slots 53-55 of Table 2 in FIG. 4, there are guard time intervals“G” between uplink“U” and downlink“D” symbols in the related slot definitions.

[0053] In accordance with the example embodiments of the invention as at least described above, a network device, such as but not limited to gNB 170 as in FIG. 2, may use a new and/or an existing at least one subframe bitmap or indication to mark certain UL and DL LTE subframes, symbols, or group of symbols as invalid subframes, symbols, or group of symbols. In accordance with example embodiments of the invention this indication can include a slot format indicator (SFI) definition, such as shown in FIG. 4 and/or at least one bitmap. In accordance with example embodiments of the invention the SFI definition by the network device, such as the gNB 170 as in FIG. 2, can a new radio (NR) slot format definition with X replaced by switching guard time.

[0054] Further, in accordance with an example embodiment the SFI can be indicated to UE, such as UE 110 as in FIG. 2, via DCI signaling and/or via a unicast, or broadcast channel. If transmitted on the unicast/broadcast channel (e.g. DL-DCCH, NPBCH), it can be updated on a slower time scale (e.g. lOms).

[0055] In accordance with example embodiments of the invention:

- If SFI in indicated via DCI, at least these two options are possible:

• SFI applies for invalid subframes for the transmission time indicated by the DCI (including repetition);

• Separate DCI with its own RNTI (SFI-RNTI like elMTA RNTI) can indicate bitmap for every radio frame or multiple radio frames. Short DCI format can be used here, but this dedicated DCI cannot have repetitions. Only usable by UE in good coverage conditions;

— In one embodiment, the SFI is broadcast using DL-DCCH (e.g. DL- DCCH->RRCReconfig->cellGroupConfig->spCellConfig->PDCCH- ServingCellConfig) :

• SFI may be derived from more than one slot format combinations in case of different sub-carrier spacing between IoT and NR;

• Slot format used the NR cell is aligned with SFI configured for Rel-l6 IoT (and vice versa). This means that at least UF and DF portions between NR and Rel-l6 IoT are aligned with each other;

• Invalid subframes, symbols, or group of symbols that are enabled by SFI can only be used for data channels (PDSCH/PUSCH for eMTC and NPDSCH/NPUSCH for NB-IoT);

• Concept can be extended to FDD to provide time-domain load balancing between eMTC/NB-IoT and NR;

• NR-IoT coordination: NR gNB and IoT eNB can exchange information about upcoming or pending scheduling information, so both sides can adjust the DF/UF split accordingly;

— Example 1 : If IoT eNB has scheduled long DF transmission (e.g. because of repetition) in the next l6ms, it can let gNB know that those DF subframes are to be used, so gNB can adjust allocation accordingly; and

— Example 2: If IoT eNB has scheduled a DF transmission in a subframe that may be used by gNB for UF, it can let gNB know so that gNB can leave larger guard band (e.g. not scheduling UF transmission in several PRBs near the IoT carrier);

• LTE UL-DL Configuration 0 used for IoT;

• Invalid bitmap configures certain subframes as invalid and therefore not used by legacy IoT UE;

• eNB can configure SFI for invalid subframe to indicate the more dynamic TDD configuration that can be used by Rel-l6 IoT UEs for data channel transmission/reception; and

• For invalid subframes:

— UL portion of the LTE subffame(s) can be used for both DL and UL by NR & Rel-l6 IoT UEs;

— DL portion of the LTE subframe can be used only for DL by NR & Rell6 IoT; and/or

— MBSFN configuration can be used to have further flexibility for DL

[0056] FIG. 5 shows a radio frame 510 example using a slot format indicator as in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 5 the radio frame includes a valid set of subframes 520 and after that there is an invalid set of subframes 530 that is not to be used by a legacy IoT UE. In FIG. 5 the valid subframes are shaded darker than the invalid subframes. Within the set of subframes that are configured as invalid subframes for legacy UEs, some may be indicated as valid subframes for Rel-l6 and beyond UEs. For example, in FIG. 5 there is an uplink subframe 540 that has been marked as valid for Rel-l6 and beyond UEs. This subframe has a SFI configured to indicate how each symbol is to be used. In case this, the SFI configuration for this subframe indicates DDDDDDGGUUUUUU which means the first 6 symbols are used for Downlink, the next 2 symbols are used as Guard (i.e. as switching time), and the last 6 symbols are used for Uplink. As another example, a special subframe 550 that has been configured as invalid subframe for legacy UEs can be marked as valid for Rel-l6 and beyond UEs via SFI configuration. In this case, the SFI configuration for this subframe indicates DDDGUUUUUUUUUU which means the first 2 symbols are used for Downlink, the next symbol is used as Guard, and the last 10 symbols are used for Uplink

[0057] Example embodiments of the invention provide clear distinctions between art at the time of this application at least in that:

• NR TDD slot format - key difference is that we have adopted the flexible TDD slot format from NR which has been adapted here in combination with invalid subframe bitmap indication to provide better coexistence between NR and IoT; and

• elMTA flexible subframe concept and adaptation - key difference is in the use of invalid subframe bitmap indication together with symbol- level indication to line up with NR.

[0058] Advantages of practicing example embodiments of the invention as described herein, include:

• Significant improvement in NR-IoT coexistence for TDD, allowing IoT to support semi-dynamic TDD and limit interference between NR and IoT;

• More efficient use of IoT as previously, IoT subframes that are not aligned with NR TDD slot format would have to be blanked (i.e. marked as invalid);

• Method is backward compatible to legacy (i.e. pre Rel-l6 IoT) UE; and

• Method may be adapted to support FDD semi-dynamic time-domain and symbol- level load balancing between NR and IoT. [0059] FIG. 6A illustrates operations which may be performed by a network device such as, but not limited to, a network node gNB 170 as in FIG. 2 or an access node such as a base station. As shown in step 610 of FIG. 6 A determining, by a network node, at least one radio frame comprising more than one subframe, wherein the more than one subframe are for use with different radio technologies. As shown in step 620 of FIG. 6A there is identifying at least one invalid subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment. Then as shown in step 630 of FIG. 6A there is sending towards the user equipment an indication of the identified at least one invalid subframe for the selective skipping by user equipment.

[0060] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein the identifying is using at least one bitmap for each of the more than one subframe.

[0061] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the identifying comprises identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment.

[0062] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one bitmap comprises more than one bitmap, and wherein a second bitmap of the more than one bitmap is identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment.

[0063] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the first bitmap is identifying certain uplink and downlink subframes as invalid subframes for selective skipping by legacy user equipment and wherein the second bitmap is identifying subframes identified as invalid by the first bitmap which may be used by user equipment operating in the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies and the radio technologies following the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies.

[0064] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the subframes identified by the second subframe bitmap are for use in a time division duplex operation by the user equipment operating in the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies and the radio technologies following the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies.

[0065] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, comprising determining a symbol-level format indicator to enable the user equipment using the at least one of new radio technology and Internet of Things radio technologies to use the identified invalid subframes in one of a dynamic and semi static manner in the time division duplex operation.

[0066] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the slot format indicator is using one of a long term evolution special frames configuration, or a new radio slot format definition.

[0067] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, there is sending an indication of the symbol-level format indicator towards the user equipment via one of at least one downlink control information, a unicast signaling, and a broadcast channel.

[0068] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the symbol-level format indicator is sent towards the user equipment in downlink control information, wherein one of the symbol-level format indicator applies to the identified invalid subframes for a transmission time indicated by the downlink control information, and the downlink control information comprises a radio network temporary identifier to indicate the at least one subframe bitmap is for more than one radio frame of the at least one radio frame.

[0069] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one downlink control information is using a downlink control information format.

[0070] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, there is communicating with a base station associated with one of new radio technology and Internet of Things radio technology to exchange upcoming scheduling information for the user equipment; and based on the exchange, adjusting scheduling of at least one of uplink and downlink communications by the user equipment.

[0071] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the adjusting is based on the information indicating at least one of: the base station has an upcoming scheduled long downlink transmission, and the base station has an upcoming scheduled downlink transmission in a subframe that may be used by the network node for uplink scheduling.

[0072] In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means for determining (Memory(ies) 155 storing Computer Program Code 153 executed by Processors 152 and/or RF Module 150-1 and/or RF Module 150-2 as in FIG. 2), by a network node (gNB 170 as in FIG. 2), at least one radio frame comprising more than one subframe, wherein the more than one subframe are for use with different radio technologies; means for identifying (Memory(ies) 155 storing Computer Program Code 153 executed by Processors 152 and/or RF Module 150-1 and/or RF Module 150-2 as in FIG. 2) at least one invalid subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment; and means for sending (one or more transceivers 160 interconnected through one or more buses 157, and one or more network interfaces 161 communicating over a network such as via the links 176 and 131) towards the user equipment (UE 110 as in FIG 2) an indication of the identified at least one invalid subframe for the selective skipping by user equipment

[0073] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein at least the means for determining, identifying, and sending comprises a non- transitory computer readable medium [Memory(ies) 155 as in FIG. 2] encoded with a computer program [Computer Program Code 153 as in FIG. 2] executable by at least one processor [Processors 152 and/or RF Module 150-1 and/or RF Module 150-2 as in FIG. 2] ·

[0074] FIG. 6B illustrates operations which may be performed by a network device such as, but not limited to, a user equipment such as a UE 110 as in FIG. 2. As shown in step 650 there is receiving, by a user equipment, information for at least one radio frame identifying at least one invalid subframe of the at least one radio frame for selective skipping by user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment; and as shown in step 660 of FIG. 6B there is, based on the information, processing the at least one radio frame for communication by the user equipment, wherein the processing comprises skipping the identified at least one invalid subframe of the at least one radio frame.

[0075] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein the identifying is using at least one bitmap for each of the more than one subframe.

[0076] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the identifying comprises identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment.

[0077] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one bitmap comprises more than one bitmap, and wherein a second bitmap of the more than one bitmap is identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment.

[0078] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the first bitmap is identifying certain uplink and downlink subframes as invalid subframes for selective skipping by legacy user equipment and wherein the second bitmap is identifying subframes identified as invalid by the first bitmap which may be used by user equipment operating in the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies and the radio technologies following the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies

[0079] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraphs above, there is determining a symbol- level format indicator to enable the user equipment using the at least one of new radio technology and Internet of Things radio technologies to use the identified invalid subframes in one of a dynamic and semi-static manner in the time division duplex operation.

[00S0] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the slot format indicator is using one of a long term evolution special frames configuration, or a new radio slot format definition.

[0081] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraphs above, there is receiving an indication of the symbol- level format indicator by the user equipment via one of at least one downlink control information, a unicast signaling, and a broadcast channel.

[0082] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the symbol-level format indicator is received by the user equipment in downlink control information, wherein one of the symbol-level format indicator applies to the identified invalid subframes for a transmission time indicated by the downlink control information, and the downlink control information comprises a radio network temporary identifier to indicate the at least one subframe bitmap is for more than one radio frame of the at least one radio frame.

[0083] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one downlink control information is using a downlink control information format. [0084] In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means for receiving (one or more transceivers 120 and one or more antennas 128, Memory(ies) 125 storing Computer Program Code 123 executed by Processors 120 and/or RF Module 140-1 and/or RF Module 140-2 as in FIG. 2), by a user equipment (UE 110 as in FIG. 2), at least one radio frame comprising information identifying at least one invalid subframe of the at least one radio frame for selective skipping by user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment; and based on the information, processing (Memory(ies) 125 storing Computer Program Code 123 executed by Processors 120 and/or RF Module 140-1 and/or RF Module 140-2 as in FIG. 2) the at least one radio frame for communication by the user equipment, wherein the processing comprises skipping the identified at least one invalid subframe of the at least one radio frame.

[0085] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein at least the means for receiving and processing comprises one or more transceivers and one or more antennas and a non-transitory computer readable medium [one or more transceivers 130 and one or more antennas 128, Memory(ies) 125 as in FIG. 2] encoded with a computer program [Computer Program Code 123 as in FIG. 2] executable by at least one processor [Processors 120 and/or RF Module 140-1 and/or RF Module 140-2 as in FIG. 2]

[0086] In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof. [0087] Example embodiments of the invention may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0088] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the example embodiments described in this Detailed Description are provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims.

[0089] The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non limiting examples a full and informative description of the best method and apparatus presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention.

[0090] It should be noted that the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements, and may encompass the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" together. The coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As employed herein two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" together by the use of one or more wires, cables and/or printed electrical connections, as well as by the use of electromagnetic energy, such as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency region, the microwave region and the optical (both visible and invisible) region, as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples. [0091] Furthermore, some of the features of the preferred embodiments of this invention could be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, and not in limitation thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method, comprising:

determining, by a network node, at least one radio frame comprising more than one subframe, wherein the more than one subframe are for use with different radio technologies;

identifying at least one invalid subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment; and

sending towards the user equipment an indication of the identified at least one invalid subframe for the selective skipping by user equipment.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the identifying is using at least one bitmap for each of the more than one subframe.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the identifying comprises identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the at least one bitmap comprises more than one bitmap, and wherein a second bitmap of the more than one bitmap is identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first bitmap is identifying certain uplink and downlink subframes as invalid subframes for selective skipping by legacy user equipment and wherein the second bitmap is identifying subframes identified as invalid by the first bitmap which may be used by user equipment operating in the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies and the radio technologies following the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies.

6. The method according to any one of claims 4 or 5, comprising determining a symbol-level format indicator to enable the user equipment using the at least one of new radio technology and Internet of Things radio technologies to use the identified invalid subframes in one of a dynamic and semi-static manner in the time division duplex operation.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the slot format indicator is using one of a long term evolution special frames configuration, or new radio slot format definition.

8. The method of claim 6, comprising sending an indication of the symbol- level format indicator towards the user equipment via one of at least one downlink control information, a unicast signaling, and a broadcast channel.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the symbol- level format indicator is sent towards the user equipment in downlink control information, wherein one of the symbol-level format indicator applies to the identified invalid subframes for a transmission time indicated by the downlink control information, and the downlink control information comprises a radio network temporary identifier to indicate the at least one subframe bitmap is for more than one radio frame of the at least one radio frame.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one downlink control information is using a downlink control information format.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, comprising:

communicating with a base station associated with one of new radio technology and Internet of Things radio technology to exchange upcoming scheduling information for the user equipment; and

based on the exchange, adjusting scheduling of at least one of uplink and downlink communications by the user equipment.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the adjusting is based on the information indicating at least one of: the base station has an upcoming scheduled long downlink transmission , and the base station has an upcoming scheduled downlink transmission in a subframe that may be used by the network node for uplink scheduling.

13. An apparatus, comprising : at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, where the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: determine, by a network node, at least one radio frame comprising more than one subframe, wherein the more than one subframe are for use with different radio technologies;

identify at least one invalid subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment;

send towards the user equipment an indication of the identified at least one invalid subframe for the selective skipping by user equipment.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the identifying is using at least one bitmap for each of the more than one subframe.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the identifying comprises identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment.

16. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one bitmap comprises more than one bitmap, and wherein a second bitmap of the more than one bitmap is identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first bitmap is identifying certain uplink and downlink subframes as invalid subframes for selective skipping by legacy user equipment and wherein the second bitmap is identifying subframes identified as invalid by the first bitmap which may be used by user equipment operating in the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies and the radio technologies following the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein the at least one memory including the computer program code is configured with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to determine a symbol-level format indicator to enable the user equipment using the at least one of new radio technology and Internet of Things radio technologies to use the identified invalid subframes in one of a dynamic and semi-static manner in the time division duplex operation.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the slot format indicator is using one of a long term evolution special frames configuration, or a new radio slot format definition.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, comprising sending an indication of the symbol- level format indicator towards the user equipment via one of at least one downlink control information, a unicast signaling, and a broadcast channel.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the symbol- level format indicator is sent towards the user equipment in downlink control information, wherein one of the symbol-level format indicator applies to the identified invalid subframes for a transmission time indicated by the downlink control information, and the downlink control information comprises a radio network temporary identifier to indicate the at least one subframe bitmap is for more than one radio frame of the at least one radio frame.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the at least one downlink control information is using a downlink control information format.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the at least one memory including the computer program code is configured with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to:

communicate with a base station associated with one of new radio technology and Internet of Things radio technology to exchange upcoming scheduling information for the user equipment; and

based on the exchange, adjust scheduling of at least one of uplink and downlink communications by the user equipment.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the adjusting is based on the information indicating at least one of: the base station has an upcoming scheduled long downlink transmission and the base station has an upcoming scheduled downlink transmission in a subframe that may be used by the network node for uplink scheduling.

25. A method, comprising :

receiving, by a user equipment, information for at least one radio frame identifying at least one invalid subframe of the at least one radio frame for selective skipping by user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment; and

based on the information, processing the at least one radio frame for communication by the user equipment, wherein the processing comprises skipping the identified at least one invalid subframe of the at least one radio frame.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the identifying is using at least one bitmap for each of the more than one subframe.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the identifying comprises identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the at least one bitmap comprises more than one bitmap, and wherein a second bitmap of the more than one bitmap is identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the first bitmap is identifying certain uplink and downlink subframes as invalid subframes for selective skipping by legacy user equipment and wherein the second bitmap is identifying subframes identified as invalid by the first bitmap which may be used by user equipment operating in the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies and the radio technologies following the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies.

30. The method according to any one of claims 28 or 29, comprising determining a symbol-level format indicator to enable the user equipment using the at least one of new radio technology and Internet of Things radio technologies to use the identified invalid subframes in one of a dynamic and semi-static manner in the time division duplex operation.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the slot format indicator is using one of a long term evolution special frames configuration, or a new radio slot format definition.

32. The method of claim 30, comprising receiving an indication of the symbol-level format indicator by the user equipment via one of at least one downlink control information, a unicast signaling, and a broadcast channel.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the symbol-level format indicator is received by the user equipment in downlink control information, wherein one of the symbol- level format indicator applies to the identified invalid subframes for a transmission time indicated by the downlink control information, and the downlink control information comprises a radio network temporary identifier to indicate the at least one subframe bitmap is for more than one radio frame of the at least one radio frame.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the at least one downlink control information is using a downlink control information format.

35. An apparatus, comprising : at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, where the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: receive, by a user equipment, information for at least one radio frame identifying at least one invalid subframe of the at least one radio frame for selective skipping by user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment; and

based on the information, process the at least one radio frame for

communication by the user equipment, wherein the processing comprises skipping the identified at least one invalid subframe of the at least one radio frame.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the identifying is using at least one bitmap for each of the more than one subframe.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the identifying comprises identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment.

38. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the at least one bitmap comprises more than one bitmap, and wherein a second bitmap of the more than one bitmap is identifying at least one subframe of the more than one subframe for selective skipping by the user equipment based on a radio technology used by the user equipment

39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the first bitmap is identifying certain uplink and downlink subframes as invalid subframes for selective skipping by legacy user equipment and wherein the second bitmap is identifying subframes identified as invalid by the first bitmap which may be used by user equipment operating in the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies and the radio technologies following the Rel-l6 Internet of Things radio technologies.

40. The apparatus according to any one of claims 38 or 39, wherein the at least one memory including the computer program code is configured with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to determine a symbol-level format indicator to enable the user equipment using the at least one of new radio technology and Internet of Things radio technologies to use the identified invalid subframes in one of a dynamic and semi-static manner in the time division duplex operation.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the slot format indicator is using one of a long term evolution special frames configuration, or a new radio slot format definition.

42. The method of claim 40, wherein the at least one memory including the computer program code is configured with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to receive an indication of the symbol-level format indicator by the user equipment via one of at least one downlink control information, a unicast signaling, and a broadcast channel.

43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the symbol- level format indicator is received by the user equipment in downlink control information, wherein one of the symbol-level format indicator applies to the identified invalid subframes for a transmission time indicated by the downlink control information, and the downlink control information comprises a radio network temporary identifier to indicate the at least one subframe bitmap is for more than one radio frame of the at least one radio frame.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the at least one downlink control information is using a downlink control information format.