WO2025148274A1

WO2025148274A1 - Dynamic spectrum sharing between current and emerging cellular networks

Info

Publication number: WO2025148274A1
Application number: PCT/CN2024/107453
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jianqiang DAI; Bo Dai; Mengzhu CHEN; Jun Xu
Original assignee: ZTE Corp
Current assignee: ZTE Corp
Priority date: 2024-07-25
Filing date: 2024-07-25
Publication date: 2025-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2027-01-25

Abstract

Methods and systems for dynamic spectrum sharing between current cellular networks (e.g., Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) ) and emerging cellular network (e.g., Sixth Generation (6G) ) are described. The described embodiments improve the system capacity of the 6G system and ensure extended coverage of the 6G network, while also providing solutions for the smooth evolution of the 5G network to the 6G network. A example method of wireless communication, in accordance with the described technology, includes receiving, by a wireless device from a network node, a message comprising information indicative of an existence of a first resource for the 6G wireless system operating according to the 6G communication protocol, and performing, using the first resource, a transmission or a reception of a signal that is associated with the 5G wireless system operating according to the 5G communication protocol that is different from the 6G communication protocol.

Description

DYNAMIC SPECTRUM SHARING BETWEEN CURRENT AND EMERGING CELLULAR NETWORKS

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is directed generally to digital wireless communications.

BACKGROUND

Mobile telecommunication technologies are moving the world toward an increasingly connected and networked society. In comparison with the existing wireless networks, next generation systems and wireless communication techniques will need to support a much wider range of use-case characteristics and provide a more complex and sophisticated range of access requirements and flexibilities.

Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is a standard for wireless communication for mobile devices and data terminals developed by 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) . LTE Advanced (LTE-A) is a wireless communication standard that enhances the LTE standard. The 5th generation of wireless system, known as 5G, advances the LTE and LTE-Awireless standards and is committed to supporting higher data-rates, large number of connections, ultra-low latency, high reliability and other emerging business needs.

SUMMARY

Techniques are disclosed for dynamic spectrum sharing between current cellular networks (e.g., Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) ) and emerging cellular network (e.g., Sixth Generation (6G) ) . The described embodiments provide, for example, methods and techniques for a 6G User Equipment (UE) using 5G signals or resources when the 6G and 5G resources overlap, when certain resources are unavailable, and when 6G and 5G resources are multiplexed, which advantageously improve networked communications.

In an example aspect, a wireless communication method includes receiving, by a wireless device from a network node, a message comprising information indicative of an existence of a first resource for a first wireless system operating according to a first communication protocol, and performing, using the first resource, a transmission or a reception of a signal that is associated with a second wireless system operating according to a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol.

In another example aspect, a wireless communication method includes transmitting, by a network node to a wireless device, a message comprising information indicative of an existence of a first resource for a first wireless system operating according to a first communication protocol. In this example, the wireless device is configured to perform a transmission or a reception of a signal using the first resource, and the signal is associated with a second wireless system operating according to a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol.

In yet another example aspect, a wireless communication method includes receiving, by a wireless device from a network node, a message indicative of a set of resources being unavailable for communication using a first communication protocol of a first wireless system, and performing, using resources that exclude the set of resources, a signal transmission or a signal reception. In this example, the set of resources is associated with a second wireless system operating according to a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol.

In yet another example aspect, a wireless communication method includes transmitting, by a network node to a wireless device, a message indicative of a set of resources being unavailable for communication using a first communication protocol of a first wireless system. In this example, the set of resources are associated with a second wireless system operating according to a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol, and the wireless device is configured to perform, using resources that exclude the set of resources, a signal transmission or a signal reception.

In the above example aspects, the first wireless system comprises a 6G network, the second wireless system comprises a 5G NR network, and the wireless device is operating according to a 6G communication protocol.

In yet another example aspect, the above-described methods are embodied in the form of processor-executable code and stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The code included in the computer readable storage medium when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement the methods described in this patent document.

In yet another example aspect, a device that is configured or operable to perform the above-described methods is disclosed.

The above and other aspects and their implementations are described in greater detail in the drawings, the descriptions, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIGS. 1A–1C show examples of resource multiplexing for 5G and 6G systems.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a time-frequency (T-F) resource plane with a 6G data channel overlapping with a 5G Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) /Reference Signal (RS) in a shared spectrum.

FIG. 3 shows an example where the 6G data channel reuses the 5G SSB/RS in the shared spectrum.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a T-F resource plane wherein the 6G data and control channel resources include non-available resources.

FIGS. 5-8 show flowcharts for example wireless communication methods.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of an example hardware platform that may be a part of a network device or a communication device.

FIG. 10 shows an example of wireless communication including a base station (BS) and user equipment (UE) based on some implementations of the disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The demand for wireless spectrum use has been growing rapidly with the dramatic development of the mobile telecommunication industry in the last decades. In order to fully utilize the scarce spectrum resources, with the development of cognitive radio technologies, dynamic spectrum sharing becomes a promising approach to increase the efficiency of spectrum usage. Dynamic spectrum sharing, which is responsible for providing efficient and fair spectrum allocation or scheduling solutions among primary and secondary users, also provides a very useful migration path from 5G NR to 6G Air Radio by allowing 5G NR and 6G to share the same frequency resource.

The following table overviews the legacy design and potential issues.

FIGS. 1A–1C show various examples of dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) between a flexible 6G system and a 5G time division duplex (TDD) band. FIG. 1A shows the 6G system sharing the 5G TDD band in a time-division multiplexed (TDM) manner, FIG. 1B shows the 6G system sharing the 5G TDD band in a frequency-division multiplexed (FDM) manner (e.g., the 6G carrier and the 5G carrier in one band are aggregated for one UE) , and FIG. 1C shows the 6G system sharing the 5G TDD and FDD bands in a hybrid TDM and FDM manner.

Embodiments of the disclosed technology provide, for example, methods and techniques for a 6G User Equipment (UE) using 5G signals or resources when the 6G and 5G resources overlap, when certain resources are unavailable, and when 6G and 5G resources are multiplexed, which advantageously improve the system capacity of the 6G system and ensure extended coverage of the 6G network, while also providing solutions for the smooth evolution of the 5G network to the 6G network.

The following terminology is used in this patent document.

–The secondary cell (SCell) is equivalent to a primary cell, a cell, a serving cell, a carrier, a frequency band, a bandwidth part (BWP) , or a frequency resource element (RE) .

–A primary cell (PCell) is equivalent to a cell, a serving cell, a carrier, a frequency band, a bandwidth part (BWP) , or a frequency resource element (RE) .

–A carrier is equivalent to a cell, a serving cell, a frequency band, a bandwidth part (BWP) , or a frequency resource element (RE) .

–A synchronization signal block (SSB) is equivalent to a secondary synchronization signal (SSS) , a primary synchronization signal (PSS) , a synchronization signal (SS) , a signal for measurement, a signal for an idle or inactive mode UE, a signal for a connected mode UE, a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) , or a master information block (MIB) .

The example headings for the various sections below are used to facilitate the understanding of the disclosed subject matter and do not limit the scope of the claimed subject matter in any way. Accordingly, one or more features of one example section can be combined with one or more features of another example section. Furthermore, 5G terminology is used for the sake of clarity of explanation, but the techniques disclosed in the present document are not limited to 5G technology only, and may be used in wireless systems that implemented other protocols.

1 5G signal/resource used by 6G UE when 6G resource overlap 5G SSB/RS

In existing implementations, if there are neither 5G SSB nor 5G RS in 6G resources (e.g., gNB does not transmit or configure these signals within this time period) , 6G UE receives or transmits a 6G signal and does not use the 5G signal or the 5G resource.

Embodiments of the disclosed technology assume that 5G SSB or 5G RS exists in 6G resources, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2, and that the 5G SSB/RS are continuously transmitted by 5G gNB within the time period with a predetermined period, and provide methods and techniques for a 6G UE to use these 5G signals and resources. This advantageously reduces the impact on 5G (or legacy) UE during the 6G slots, while simultaneously minimizing the interference from 5G signals on the 6G system. For example, this configuration enables the legacy UE to receives 5G SSB or SIB1 during the shared spectrum (i.e., a 5G UE in an idle state can detect or measure this cell at the frequency, and may then camp on this carrier) , which results in the network being able to set up a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection soon after the end of that shared spectrum, and enables the UE to receive or transmit data. FIG. 3 shows an example where the reception of the 6G data channel relies on using the 5G SSB/RS in the shared spectrum (and with the SSB during the 6G secondary cell (SCell) being skipped) .

In the described embodiments, there is one interface that is used for coordination between the 5G base station and the 6G base station. In one of the examples described below, this one interface is used by the 6G base station to send a request for additional reference signals to the 5G base station. In another example, this interface is used by the 6G base station to acquire information related to the configuration of 5G signal or resource.

In some embodiments, 5G SSB is one component of 6G SSB. In some examples, 6G SSB is at a same location as 5G SSB (e.g., 6G SSB replaces 5G SSB) . Herein, the SSB carries the synchronization signal and/or Master Information Block (MIB) information of 5G SSB.

In some embodiments, UE receives 6G SSB and SIB1 in a shared frequency, and the information in SIB1 indicates whether or not a reference signal from the 5G network has been configured. In some examples, the additional reference signal is 5G SSB. In other examples, 6G SIB indicates whether 5G SSB configuration is muted within the shared spectrum.

In some embodiments, 6G SIB indicates 6G SSB configuration and 5G SSB configuration, e.g., 6G SSB is associated with 5G SSB. In some examples, they are at the same time-domain location. In other examples, when both 6G SSB and 5G SSB are configured, one or more 6G SSB indices are associated with one 5G SSB.

In some embodiments, the additional reference signal is a component of 5G SSB. In some examples, the component of 5G SSB is a SS (synchronization signal) . In other examples, the component of 5G SSB can provide a reference quasi co-located (QCL) spatial relationship for the data channel. In yet other examples, the additional reference signal is used for timing synchronization and/or channel measurement. In yet other examples, the component of 5G SSB is a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) /Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) , which can be the additional reference signal of the 6G serving cell. In yet other examples, a Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS) can be the additional reference signal of 6G serving cell. In yet other examples, DMRS/Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) can be the additional reference signal of the 6G serving cell. In this last example, the DMRS port configuration of 6G downlink (DL) BWP contains multiple DMRS ports, and a set of DMRS ports corresponds to 5G DMRS ports.

In some embodiments, the reference signal is a 6G reference signal.

In the described embodiments, the availability of the additional reference signal can be indicated dynamically. Herein, the dynamic indications are in contrast to using RRC signaling that correspond to static indications. In some examples, Downlink Control Information (DCI) indicates the availability of the additional reference signal for a 6G connected UE. In other examples, Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) provides an indication to activate or deactivate the additional reference signal for a 6G connected UE. In yet other examples, System Information Block (SIB) /DCI indicates the availability of the additional reference signal for a 6G idle or inactive UE.

In some embodiments, 6G UE monitors 5G SSB in a certain carrier (e.g., within the shared spectrum with 5G) , and the 5G SSB includes MIB which indicates the PDCCH for scheduling SIB1 signal (which is shared between 5G and 6G) . Herein, the 5G PDCCH schedules 6G SIB1 (and, consequently, there may be no 6G SSB in this carrier) . Alternatively, 6G UE monitors 5G SSB and 5G SIB1 in a certain carrier (e.g., within the shared spectrum with 5G) , and the 5G SIB1 schedules 6G SIB1 in an on-demand manner.

In some embodiments, UE monitors a new SSB, which includes both 5G MIB and 6G MIB. Herein, 6G MIB indicates the 6G PDCCH which can schedule 6G SIB1. In this scenario, a 5G UE may also receive the 5G MIB within the SSB.

2 Data/control channel rate-matched around non-available resources

In the described embodiments, non-available resources correspond to 5G SSB symbols, 5G RS symbols, and/or 5G PDCCH symbols that overlap with the 6G channel. Herein, resources may be indicated or designated as non-available resources to minimize interference between 5G and 6G systems (and assuming that 6G base station is aware of information related to 5G signal or resource configuration within the shared spectrum) .

In some embodiments, a time-domain resource allocation for a data or control channel, e.g., 10 symbols for PDSCH RE mapping, can be configured to exclude a non-available resource, e.g., one symbol of 5G signal. In some examples, this feature is indicated via an RRC parameter.

In some embodiments, a frequency-domain resource allocation for a data or control channel, e.g., a number of Resource Block Groups (RBGs) , should exclude a non-available resource, e.g., 1 RBG of 5G signal. In some examples, this feature is indicated via an RRC parameter.

In some embodiments, one allocated RBG, the REs or RBs that convey the 5G signal (e.g., RS) are excluded when performing data or control channel RE mapping. In some examples, this feature is indicated via an RRC parameter. However, other than the one allocation RBG, RBs, and REs, the frequency-domain resource at 5G RS/PDCCH symbol can be allocated to a 6G data channel or a 6G control channel.

In some embodiments, non-available frequency-domain resource are indicated or configured using continuous Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) , a bitmap, continuous RE within one PRB, or discontinuous RE within one PRB. Herein, one bit in the bitmap indicates that the corresponding RBG, PRB, or RE is used or unused.

In some embodiments, non-available time-domain resources are indicated or configured using a time window, a period of the time window (or one or more alternative configurations of periodicity) , a slot index, or a symbol location in a slot. FIG. 4 shows an example of the 6G data and control channel resources including non-available resources, which are defined using a time window and are periodic, as shown therein.

In some embodiments, if SIB1 indicates that additional reference signals are configured, then 6G data channel or control channel is rate matched around non-available resources that include an additional reference signal, e.g., 5G SSB.

In some embodiments, indications for reconfiguring (e.g., increasing the periodicity) the non-available resources are signaling via a unified indication, and not on a per-signal (or per-non-available resource) basis as is the case in existing implementations. In some examples, time-domain symbols or slots are used to indicate all non-available resources in the time-domain symbols or slots that are muted in the network. In other examples, frequency-domain RBGs, RBs, and/or REs can be used to indicate all non-available resources in the frequency-domain are skipped in the network.

3 Multiplexing 6G PDCCH and 5G SSB/RS

In some embodiments, the configuration of CORESET for 6G PDCCH is multiplexed with 5G RS/SSB in either an FDM or TDM manner. In some examples, RRC signaling can indicate the configuration of multiplexing pattern between 6G PDCCH and 5G SSB/RS.

In some embodiments, additional PDCCH resource positions can be configured. Herein, if 6G PDCCH CORESET overlaps with 5G RS/SSB in either the time domain or the frequency domain, the additional PDCCH occasion position is offset in either the time domain or the frequency domain from the initially configured PDCCH resource. In some examples, the offset is predefined, e.g., the offset is 1 symbol. The purpose of offset is to ensure that the allocated PDCCH resource does not overlap with 5G RS/SSB. In other examples, the offset is greater than 1 symbol.

In existing implementations, 5G PDCCH search space can be reused, and typically, the network implementation scrambles the 5G PDCCH by 6G-UE-specific RNTI to schedule 6G data. However, 5G UE continues to monitor the PDCCH occasion, which results in wasted power of 5G UE. In the described embodiments, there is one interface that is used for coordination between the 5G base station and the 6G base station. In some examples, this one interface is used by the 6G base station to send information to the 5G network, thereby informing it that the PDCCH resource is not applicable for legacy UEs. Alternatively, the indication can indicate that PDCCH resource is applicable for legacy UE.

4 Additional dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) examples

In some embodiments, when 6G system shares spectrum with a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, a 7.5 kHz shift is applied to the 6G UL carrier in order to align the 6G UL carrier with the LTE UL carrier. In some examples, the LTE band operates at a central frequency of 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 2.1 GHz, or 2.6 GHz.

In some embodiments, during the shared spectrum, there are no individual 6G SSB or 6G SIB1. Herein, one SIBx can be scheduled by 5G SIB1, and the SIBx conveys the information of 6G SIB. In some examples, the SIBx conveys information that is not present in 5G SIB1.

In some embodiments, 5G paging configuration is shared (e.g., in case of network-triggered paging, it is assumed the 6G UE was known by one gNB via coordination between 5G base station and 6G base station or 6G core network) . Herein, 6G UE can get the location of the paging occasion through the unique 6G UE_ID or 5G paging configuration. In some examples, 6G UE can receive paging information at a paging occasion, thereby saving paging resources.

In some embodiments, 5G PRACH configuration is shared (e.g., and it is assumed that SIB1 is not shared) . Herein, 6G UE uses 5G PRACH resource. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the legacy UE is informed that the PRACH resource is not applicable for that (legacy) 5G UE. In some examples, separate PRACH resources in one resource pool are allocated for 5G UE access and 6G UE access.

5 Example methods and implementations of the disclosed technology

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart for an example wireless communication method 500. The method 500 includes, at operation 510, receiving, by a wireless device from a network node, a message comprising information indicative of an existence of a first resource for a first wireless system operating according to a first communication protocol. In example method 500, the wireless device operates according to the first communication protocol.

The method 500 includes, at operation 520, performing, using the first resource, a transmission or a reception of a signal that is associated with a second wireless system operating according to a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart for an example wireless communication method 600. The method 600 includes, at operation 610, transmitting, by a network node to a wireless device, a message comprising information indicative of an existence of a first resource for a first wireless system operating according to a first communication protocol. In example method 600, the wireless device operates according to the first communication protocol and is configured to perform a transmission or a reception of a signal using the first resource, and the signal is associated with a second wireless system operating according to a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart for an example wireless communication method 700. The method 700 includes, at operation 710, receiving, by a wireless device from a network node, a message indicative of a set of resources being unavailable for communication using a first communication protocol of a first wireless system. In example method 700, the wireless device is operated according to the first communication protocol, and the set of resources is associated with a second wireless system operating according to a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol.

The method 700 includes, at operation 720, performing, using resources that exclude the set of resources, a signal transmission or a signal reception.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart for an example wireless communication method 800. The method 800 includes, at operation 810, transmitting, by a network node to a wireless device, a message indicative of a set of resources being unavailable for communication using a first communication protocol of a first wireless system. In example method 800, the wireless device is operating according to the first communication protocol, the set of resources are associated with a second wireless system operating according to a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol, and the wireless device is configured to perform, using resources that exclude the set of resources, a signal transmission or a signal reception.

The described features can be implemented to further provide one or more of the following technical solutions:

1. A method of wireless communication, comprising: receiving, by a wireless device from a network node, a message comprising information indicative of an existence of a first resource for a first wireless system operating according to a first communication protocol, wherein the wireless device is operating according to the first communication protocol; and performing, using the first resource, a transmission or a reception of a signal that is associated with a second wireless system operating according to a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol.

2. A method of wireless communication, comprising: transmitting, by a network node to a wireless device, a message comprising information indicative of an existence of a first resource for a first wireless system operating according to a first communication protocol, wherein the wireless device is operating according to the first communication protocol and configured to perform a transmission or a reception of a signal using the first resource, and wherein the signal is associated with a second wireless system operating according to a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol.

3. The method of solution 1 or 2, wherein the message comprises a Signal Synchronization Block (SSB) or a System Information Block 1 (SIB1) associated with the first communication protocol, and wherein the signal comprises a reference signal associated with the second communication protocol.

4. The method of solution 3, wherein the reference signal comprises an SSB associated with the second communication protocol, a component of the SSB associated with the second communication protocol, a Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) associated with the second communication protocol, or a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) associated with the second communication protocol.

5. The method of solution 3, wherein the reference signal provides the wireless device with a reference quasi co-located (QCL) spatial relationship for a physical channel, a timing synchronization, or a channel measurement for a serving cell operating according to the first communication protocol.

6. The method of solution 3, wherein an availability of the reference signal associated with the second communication protocol is carried in a Downlink Control Information (DCI) when the wireless device is in a connected state and operating according to the first communication protocol.

7. The method of solution 3, wherein an indication for activating or deactivating the reference signal associated with the second communication protocol is carried in a Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) when the wireless device is in a connected state and operating according to the first communication protocol.

8. The method of solution 3, wherein an availability of the reference signal associated with the second communication protocol is carried in a System Information Block (SIB) /Downlink Control Information (DCI) when the wireless device is in an idle or inactive state and operating according to the first communication protocol.

9. The method of solution 1 or 2, wherein the message comprises a signaling from a core network associated with the first communication protocol, and wherein the signal comprises a first System Information Block 1 (SIB1) associated with the second communication protocol, and wherein the first SIB1 is configured to schedule a second SIB associated with the first communication protocol.

10. The method of solution 1 or 2, wherein the message comprises a signaling from a core network associated with the first communication protocol, and wherein the signal comprises a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) associated with the second communication protocol, and wherein the PDCCH is configured to schedule a System Information Block 1 (SIB1) associated with the first communication protocol.

In some examples, solutions 1 to 10 are described in Section 1, which is directed to 5G signals or resources being used by a 6G UE when 6G slots overlap 5G SSB/RS.

11. A method of wireless communication, comprising: receiving, by a wireless device from a network node, a message indicative of a set of resources being unavailable for communication using a first communication protocol of a first wireless system, wherein the wireless device is operating according to the first communication protocol, wherein the set of resources is associated with a second wireless system operating according to a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol; and performing, using resources that exclude the set of resources, a signal transmission or a signal reception.

12. A method of wireless communication, comprising: transmitting, by a network node to a wireless device, a message indicative of a set of resources being unavailable for communication using a first communication protocol of a first wireless system, wherein the wireless device is operating according to the first communication protocol, wherein the set of resources are associated with a second wireless system operating according to a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol, and wherein the wireless device is configured to perform, using resources that exclude the set of resources, a signal transmission or a signal reception.

13. The method of solution 11 or 12, wherein the set of resources comprises a first resource associated with the second communication protocol that overlaps a second resource associated with the first communication protocol.

14. The method of solution 13, wherein the first resource comprises at least one of a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) symbol, a Reference Signal (RS) symbol, or a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) symbol, and wherein the second resource comprises a downlink channel or an uplink channel.

15. The method of solution 13, wherein a subset of the set of resources is excluded based on a single indication.

16. The method of solution 13, wherein the set of resources is excluded based on a single indication.

17. The method of solution 11 or 12, wherein enabling or disabling an exclusion of the set of resources is indicated using Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

18. The method of solution 11 or 12, wherein the set of resources in a time-domain resource allocation are indicated or configured using a time window, a period of the time window, a slot index, and/or a symbol location in a slot.

19. The method of solution 11 or 12, wherein the set of resources in a frequency-domain resource allocation are indicated or configured using a continuous Physical Resource Block (PRB) , a bitmap, a continuous Resource Element (RE) within one PRB, and/or a discontinuous RE within the one PRB.

In some examples, solutions 11 to 19 are described in Section 2, which is directed to data and/or control channels being rate-matched around non-available resources.

20. The method of solution 1 or 2, wherein the signal comprises a multiplexing of a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) associated with the first communication protocol and a Reference Signal (RS) /Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) associated with the second communication protocol.

21. The method of solution 1 or 2, wherein a first Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) resource associated with the first communication protocol is inferred from a non-zero offset when the first resource overlaps with a second PDCCH resource that was previously configured by the first wireless system.

22. The method of solution 21, wherein the non-zero offset is predefined.

In some examples, solutions 20 to 22 are described in Section 3 , which is directed to multiplexing 6G PDCCH and 5G SSB/RS.

23. The method of any of solutions 1 to 22, wherein the first wireless system comprises a Sixth Generation (6G) network and the second wireless system comprises a Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) network.

24. An apparatus for wireless communication comprising one or more processors, configured to cause the apparatus to implement the method recited in one or more of solutions 1 to 23.

25. A non-transitory computer readable program storage medium having code stored thereon, the code, when executed by one or more processors, causing the one or more processors to implement the method recited in one or more of solutions 1 to 23.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of an example hardware platform 900 that may be a part of a network device (e.g., base station) or a communication device (e.g., a user equipment (UE) ) . The hardware platform 900 includes at least one processor 910 and a memory 905 having instructions stored thereupon. The instructions upon execution by the processor 910 configure the hardware platform 900 to perform the operations described in FIGS. 5 to 8 and in the various embodiments described in this patent document. The transmitter 915 transmits or sends information or data to another device. For example, a network device transmitter can send a message to a user equipment. The receiver 920 receives information or data transmitted or sent by another device. For example, a user equipment can receive a message from a network device.

The implementations as discussed above will apply to a wireless communication. FIG. 10 shows an example of a wireless communication system (e.g., a 5G or NR cellular network) that includes a base station 1020 and one or more user equipment (UE) 1011, 1012 and 1013. In some embodiments, the UEs access the BS (e.g., the network) using a communication link to the network (sometimes called uplink direction, as depicted by dashed arrows 1031, 1032, 1033) , which then enables subsequent communication (e.g., shown in the direction from the network to the UEs, sometimes called downlink direction, shown by arrows 1041, 1042, 1043) from the BS to the UEs. In some embodiments, the BS send information to the UEs (sometimes called downlink direction, as depicted by arrows 1041, 1042, 1043) , which then enables subsequent communication (e.g., shown in the direction from the UEs to the BS, sometimes called uplink direction, shown by dashed arrows 1031, 1032, 1033) from the UEs to the BS. The UE may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile computer, a machine to machine (M2M) device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, and so on.

Some of the embodiments described herein are described in the general context of methods or processes, which may be implemented in one embodiment by a computer program product, embodied in a computer-readable medium, including computer-executable instructions, such as program code, executed by computers in networked environments. A computer-readable medium may include removable and non-removable storage devices including, but not limited to, Read Only Memory (ROM) , Random Access Memory (RAM) , compact discs (CDs) , digital versatile discs (DVD) , etc. Therefore, the computer-readable media can include a non-transitory storage media. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-or processor-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

Some of the disclosed embodiments can be implemented as devices or modules using hardware circuits, software, or combinations thereof. For example, a hardware circuit implementation can include discrete analog and/or digital components that are, for example, integrated as part of a printed circuit board. Alternatively, or additionally, the disclosed components or modules can be implemented as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and/or as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) device. Some implementations may additionally or alternatively include a digital signal processor (DSP) that is a specialized microprocessor with an architecture optimized for the operational needs of digital signal processing associated with the disclosed functionalities of this application. Similarly, the various components or sub-components within each module may be implemented in software, hardware or firmware. The connectivity between the modules and/or components within the modules may be provided using any one of the connectivity methods and media that is known in the art, including, but not limited to, communications over the Internet, wired, or wireless networks using the appropriate protocols.

While this document contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of an invention that is claimed or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this document in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination. Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.

Only a few implementations and examples are described and other implementations, enhancements and variations can be made based on what is described and illustrated in this disclosure.

Claims

A method of wireless communication, comprising:

receiving, by a wireless device from a network node, a message comprising information indicative of an existence of a first resource for a first wireless system operating according to a first communication protocol, wherein the wireless device is operating according to the first communication protocol; and

performing, using the first resource, a transmission or a reception of a signal that is associated with a second wireless system operating according to a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol.
A method of wireless communication, comprising:

transmitting, by a network node to a wireless device, a message comprising information indicative of an existence of a first resource for a first wireless system operating according to a first communication protocol,

wherein the wireless device is operating according to the first communication protocol and configured to perform a transmission or a reception of a signal using the first resource, and wherein the signal is associated with a second wireless system operating according to a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol.
The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the message comprises a Signal Synchronization Block (SSB) or a System Information Block 1 (SIB1) associated with the first communication protocol, and wherein the signal comprises a reference signal associated with the second communication protocol.
The method of claim 3, wherein the reference signal comprises an SSB associated with the second communication protocol, a component of the SSB associated with the second communication protocol, a Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) associated with the second communication protocol, or a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) associated with the second communication protocol.
The method of claim 3, wherein the reference signal provides the wireless device with a reference quasi co-located (QCL) spatial relationship for a physical channel, a timing synchronization, or a channel measurement for a serving cell operating according to the first communication protocol.
The method of claim 3, wherein an availability of the reference signal associated with the second communication protocol is carried in a Downlink Control Information (DCI) when the wireless device is in a connected state and operating according to the first communication protocol.
The method of claim 3, wherein an indication for activating or deactivating the reference signal associated with the second communication protocol is carried in a Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) when the wireless device is in a connected state and operating according to the first communication protocol.
The method of claim 3, wherein an availability of the reference signal associated with the second communication protocol is carried in a System Information Block (SIB) /Downlink Control Information (DCI) when the wireless device is in an idle or inactive state and operating according to the first communication protocol.
The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the message comprises a signaling from a core network associated with the first communication protocol, and wherein the signal comprises a first System Information Block 1 (SIB1) associated with the second communication protocol, and wherein the first SIB1 is configured to schedule a second SIB associated with the first communication protocol.
The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the message comprises a signaling from a core network associated with the first communication protocol, and wherein the signal comprises a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) associated with the second communication protocol, and wherein the PDCCH is configured to schedule a System Information Block 1 (SIB1) associated with the first communication protocol.
A method of wireless communication, comprising:

receiving, by a wireless device from a network node, a message indicative of a set of resources being unavailable for communication using a first communication protocol of a first wireless system, wherein the wireless device is operating according to the first communication protocol, wherein the set of resources is associated with a second wireless system operating according to a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol; and

performing, using resources that exclude the set of resources, a signal transmission or a signal reception.
A method of wireless communication, comprising:

transmitting, by a network node to a wireless device, a message indicative of a set of resources being unavailable for communication using a first communication protocol of a first wireless system, wherein the wireless device is operating according to the first communication protocol, wherein the set of resources are associated with a second wireless system operating according to a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol, and

wherein the wireless device is configured to perform, using resources that exclude the set of resources, a signal transmission or a signal reception.
The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the set of resources comprises a first resource associated with the second communication protocol that overlaps a second resource associated with the first communication protocol.
The method of claim 13, wherein the first resource comprises at least one of a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) symbol, a Reference Signal (RS) symbol, or a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) symbol, and wherein the second resource comprises a downlink channel or an uplink channel.
The method of claim 13, wherein a subset of the set of resources is excluded based on a single indication.
The method of claim 13, wherein the set of resources is excluded based on a single indication.
The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein enabling or disabling an exclusion of the set of resources is indicated using Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.
The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the set of resources in a time-domain resource allocation are indicated or configured using a time window, a period of the time window, a slot index, and/or a symbol location in a slot.
The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the set of resources in a frequency-domain resource allocation are indicated or configured using a continuous Physical Resource Block (PRB) , a bitmap, a continuous Resource Element (RE) within one PRB, and/or a discontinuous RE within the one PRB.
The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the signal comprises a multiplexing of a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) associated with the first communication protocol and a Reference Signal (RS) /Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) associated with the second communication protocol.
The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein a first Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) resource associated with the first communication protocol is inferred from a non-zero offset when the first resource overlaps with a second PDCCH resource that was previously configured by the first wireless system.
The method of claim 21, wherein the non-zero offset is predefined.
The method of any of claims 1 to 22, wherein the first wireless system comprises a Sixth Generation (6G) network and the second wireless system comprises a Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) network.
An apparatus for wireless communication comprising one or more processors, configured to cause the apparatus to implement the method recited in one or more of claims 1 to 23.
A non-transitory computer readable program storage medium having code stored thereon, the code, when executed by one or more processors, causing the one or more processors to implement the method recited in one or more of claims 1 to 23.