WO2025189582A1

WO2025189582A1 - Communication method, apparatus and system for feedback

Info

Publication number: WO2025189582A1
Application number: PCT/CN2024/097986
Authority: WO
Inventors: Huazi ZHANG; Jianglei Ma; Hua Xu; Yu Cao; Wen Tong
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Current assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Priority date: 2024-03-14
Filing date: 2024-06-07
Publication date: 2025-09-18
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-14

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, apparatus and systemfor feedback. In this method, user equipment receives control informationfrom a base station, where the control information indicates a first physical resource for feedback information, and the first physical resource is associated with a first frequency division duplex (FDD) band; and the user equipment transmits the feedback information on the first FDD bandto the base station. This method guarantees a feedback opportunity for the user equipment, andthe reliability of the feedback can be improved.

Description

COMMUNICATION METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR FEEDBACK

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to, United Statesprovisional patent application Serial No. 63/565, 339, entitled "Method, Apparatus, and System for Crossing FDD-TDD scheduling" , filed onMarch14, 2024 and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method, apparatusand system for feedback.

BACKGROUND

Inwireless communication, feedback mechanism can provide reliable data transmission. For example, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) is atype of feedback mechanism that involves an ACKnowledgement (ACK) signal or a Non-ACKnowledgement (NACK) signal. Abase station (BS) transmits data to user equipment (UE) , if the data is received (or decoded) successfully, the UE may transmit an ACK signal to the BS. If the data is not received (or decoded) successfully, the receiver may transmit a NACK signal to the BS, and the BS may perform the retransmissions.

However, in current feedback mechanism, the UE has to wait for an uplink transmission opportunity to convey the ACK/NACK signal. The waiting period may introduce significant delays.

Therefore, an urgent technical problem to be solved is how toimprove the reliability of feedback.

SUMMARY

This present disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus and systemfor feedback, which can improve the reliability of feedback.

According to a first aspect, a communication method is described. The method may be applied at a terminal side, for example, a terminal or a module in a terminal, a circuit or a chip (for example, a modem (modem) chip, also referred to as a baseband (baseband) chip, or a system on chip (system on chip, SoC) chip or a system in package (system in package, SIP) chip that includes a modem core) that is responsible for a communication function in a terminal. For example, the method is applied to a terminal. In this method, the terminal receives control information, where the control information indicates a first physical resource for feedback information, and the first physical resource is associated with a first frequency division duplex (FDD) band; and the terminal transmits the feedback information on the first FDD band.

According to a second aspect, a method may be applied to a network side, for example, a location server or a component (for example, a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) in a location server on a network side. For example, the method is applied to a location server. In the method, the location server transmits control information, where the control information indicates a first physical resource for feedback information, and the first physical resource is associated with a first frequency division duplex (FDD) band; and the location server receives the feedback information on the first FDD band.

According to the foregoing method, the network side (e.g., the location server) can indicate a dedicated first FDD band to the terminal side (e.g., the terminal) , thus the terminal can use the first FDD band to transmit the feedback information, guaranteeinga feedback opportunity. The reliability of the feedback can be improved.

According to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible design, the control information further indicates a second physical resource for downlink data.

According to the foregoing method, the first physical resource for feedback information and the second physical resource for downlink data can be indicated by the same control information. This enables feedback to be synchronized with the downlink data and the reliability of the feedback can be improved.

According to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible design, the second physical resource is associated withone or more bands, and the one or more bands includeone ormore of: atleast one FDD bandand at least one time division duplex (TDD) band.

According to the foregoing method, the second physical resource can be associated with one or more bands, that is, thedownlink data can be transmitted on one or more bands. This can improve the utilization of spectrum resources.

According to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible design, the control information is received/transmitted on theone or more bands.

According to the foregoing method, the control information andthe downlink data can be received/transmitted on the same one or more bands. This co-location simplifies coordination between the control information and the corresponding downlink data.

According to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible design, the feedback information indicates successful or unsuccessful reception of part or all of downlink data, where the downlink data is associated with at least one band.

According to the foregoing method, the network side may determine whether to perform retransmissions based on whether the downlink data is received successfully. This feedback mechanism can provide more reliable wireless transmission.

According to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible design, the downlink data is associated with multiple bands, and the feedback information further indicates corresponding one or more bands associated with the part or all of downlink data.

According to the foregoing method, the feedback information could identify one or more bands and the corresponding downlink data it acknowledges. This further improves the reliability of the feedback.

According to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible design, the second physical resource is associated with a first TDD band, and the control information is received/transmitted on the first TDD band.

According to the foregoing method, the downlink data and the control information can be received/transmitted on the same first TDD band, the co-location simplifies coordination between the control information and the corresponding downlink data.

According to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible design, the second physical resource is associated with a second TDD band and a third TDD band, and the control information is received/transmitted on the second TDD band or the third TDD band.

According to the foregoing method, the downlink data and the control information can be received/transmitted on the same second TDD band or the third TDD, the co-location simplifies coordination between the control information and the corresponding downlink data.

According to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible design, the second physical resource is associated with a second FDD band, and the control information is received/transmitted on the second FDD band.

According to the foregoing method, the downlink data and the control information can be received/transmitted on the same second FDD band, the co-location simplifies coordination between the control information and the corresponding downlink data.

According to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible design, the second physical resource is associated with afourth TDD band and a third FDD band, and the control information is received/transmitted on the fourthTDD band.

According to the foregoing method, the downlink data and the control information can be received/transmitted on the same fourth TDD band, the co-location simplifies coordination between the control information and the corresponding downlink data.

According to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible design, the control information includes timing information of the feedback information, and the timing information is associated with one or more of: a numerology associated with the first FDD band, and a numerology associated with a band where the control information is received/transmitted on.

According to the foregoing method, the interpretation of the timing information may be associated with the numerology associated with the first FDD band (e.g., the feedback information numerology) and/or the numerology associated with the band where the control information is received on (e.g., control information numerology) , so that the timing information can be properly interpreted.

According to the first aspect, in a possible design, the method further includes: the terminal receives configuration information, where the configuration information indicates a resource setthat includes the first physical resource.

According to the second aspect, in a possible design, the method further includes: the location servertransmits configuration information, where the configuration information indicates a resource setthat includes the first physical resource.

According to the foregoing method, configuration information and the control information can be cooperated to indicate the first physical resource. This method supports a flexible resourcescheduling =.

According to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible design, the feedback information includes ACK or NACK; and/or the feedback information includes channel state information (CSI) .

According to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible design, the control information is downlink control information (DCI) .

According to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible design, the downlink data is carried in at least one physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) .

According to a third aspect, a communication apparatus is described. The communication apparatus has a function of implementing the first aspect. For example, the communication apparatus includes a corresponding module, unit, or means (means) for performing operations in the first aspect. The module, unit, or means may be specifically implemented by using software, may be implemented by using hardware, or may be implemented by using software in combination with hardware.

According to a fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is described. The communication apparatus has a function of implementing the second aspect. For example, the communication apparatus includes a corresponding module, unit, or means (means) for performing operations in the second aspect. The module, unit, or means may be specifically implemented by using software, may be implemented by using hardware, or may be implemented by using software in combination with hardware.

According to a fifth aspect, another communication apparatus is described. The communication apparatus includes a memory and one or more processors. The memory is configured to store a part or all of a necessary computer program or instructions for implementing a function in the first aspect. The one or more processors may execute the computer program or the instructions, and when the computer program or the instructions is/are executed, the communication apparatus is enabled to implement the method in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect.

In some possible implementations, the communication apparatus may further include an interface circuit, and the processor is configured to communicate with another apparatus or component through the interface circuit.

In some possible implementations, the communication apparatus may further include the memory.

The communication apparatus may be a terminal, a module in a terminal, or a chip responsible for a communication function in a terminal, for example, a modem chip (also referred to as a baseband chip) or an SoC chip or an SIP chip that includes a modem module.

According to a sixth aspect, another communication apparatus is described. The communication apparatus includes a memory and one or more processors. The memory is configured to store a part or all of a necessary computer program or instructions for implementing a function in the second aspect. The one or more processors may execute the computer program or the instructions, and when the computer program or the instructions is/are executed, the communication apparatus is enabled to implement the method in any possible design or implementation of the second aspect.

According to a seventh aspect, a communication system is described. The communication system includes a communication apparatus that implements the first aspect and a communication apparatus that implements the second aspect.

According to an eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is described. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-readable instructions, and when a computer reads and executes the computer-readable instructions, the computer is enabled to perform the method in any one of the possible designs of the first aspect to the second aspect.

According to a ninth aspect, this application provides a computer program product. When a computer reads and executes the computer program product, the computer is enabled to perform the method in any one of the possible designs of the first aspect to the second aspect.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario according to this application;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example communications system 100;

FIG. 3 illustrates another example of an ED and a base station;

FIG. 4 illustrates units or modules in a device;

FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 500 according to an embodiment of this application;

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of the first example according to implementations of this application;

FIG. 7illustrates a schematic diagram of the second example according to implementations of this application;

FIG. 8illustrates a schematic diagram of the third example according to implementations of this application;

FIG. 9illustrates a schematic diagram of the fourth example according to implementations of this application

FIGs. 10-11are schematic block diagrams of possible devices according to embodiments of this application.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following describes technical solutions of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario according to an embodiment of the present application.

Referring to FIG. 1, as an illustrative example without limitation, a simplified schematic illustration of a communication system is provided. The communication system 100 (which may be a wireless system) comprises a radio access network 120. The radio access network (RAN) 120 may be anadvanced (or future) radio access network, or a legacy (e.g. 5G, 4G, 3G or 2nd generation (2G) ) radio access network. One or more communication electronic device (ED) 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, 110f, 110g, 110h, 110i, 110j (generically referred to as 110) may be interconnected to one another or connected to one or more network nodes (170a, 170b, generically referred to as 170) in the radio access network 120. A core network 130 may be a part of the communication system and may be dependent or independent of the radio access technology used in the communication system 100. The communication system 100 may also comprise a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the internet 150, and other networks 160.

In general, the communication system 100 enables multiple wireless or wired elements to communicate data and other content. The communication system 100 may provide content, such as voice, data, video, and/or text, via broadcast, multicast, groupcast, unicast, etc. And the communication system 100 may provide a wide range of communication services and applications (such as earth monitoring, remote sensing, passive sensing and positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery and mobility, etc. ) The services and/or applications may be mobile broadband (MBB) services, ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) services, or machine type communication (MTC) services.

The communication system 100 may operate by sharing resources, such as carrier spectrum bandwidth, between its constituent elements.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a communication system.

The communication system 100 may include a terrestrial communication system and/or a non-terrestrial communication system. The communication system 100 may provide a high degree of availability and robustness through a joint operation of a terrestrial communication system and a non-terrestrial communication system. For example, integrating a non-terrestrial communication system (or components thereof) into a terrestrial communication system can result in what may be considered a heterogeneous network comprising multiple layers. The heterogeneous network may achieve better overall performance through efficient multi-link joint operation, more flexible functionality sharing, and faster physical layer link switching between terrestrial networks and non-terrestrial networks.

The terrestrial communication system and the non-terrestrial communication system could be considered sub-systems of the communication system.

Same as in the example shown in FIG. 1, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the communication system 100 may include ED 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d (generically referred to as ED 110) , and RAN 120a, 120b. In addition, the communication system 100 may also include a non-terrestrial communication network 120c. The communication system 100 may also include one or more of a core network 130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. The RANs 120a, 120b include respective RAN nodes such as base stations (BSs) 170a, 170b, which may be generically referred to as terrestrial transmit and receive points (T-TRPs) 170a, 170b. In one implementation, the non-terrestrial communication network 120c includes a RAN node such as an access node (or base station) 172, which may be generically referred to as a non-terrestrial transmit and receive point (NT-TRP) 172. As may be surmised on the basis of similarity in reference numerals, the non-terrestrial communication network 120c may be considered to be a radio access network, with operational aspects in common with the RANs 120a, 120b. In another implementations, the non-terrestrial communication network 120c may include at least one non-terrestrial network (NTN) device and at least one corresponding terrestrial network device, wherein the at least one non-terrestrial network device works as a transport layer device and the at least one corresponding terrestrial network device works as a RAN node, which communicates with the ED via the non-terrestrial network device. In addition, there may be a NTN gateway in the ground (i.e., referred as a terrestrial network device) also as a transport layer device to communication with both the NTN device, and the RAN node communicates with the ED via the NTN device and the NTN gateway. In some implementations, the NTN gateway and the RAN node may be located in the same device.

Any ED 110 may be alternatively or additionally configured to interface, access, or communicate with any T-TRP 170a, 170b and NT-TRP 172, the Internet 150, the core network 130, the PSTN 140, the other networks 160, or any combination of the preceding. In some examples, ED 110a may communicate an uplink (UL) and/or downlink (DL) transmission over a terrestrial air interface 190a with T-TRP 170a. In some examples, the EDs 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d may also communicate directly with one another via one or more sidelink (SL) air interfaces 190b. In some examples, ED 110d may communicate an uplink and/or downlink transmission over a non-terrestrial air interface 190c with NT-TRP 172.

The air interfaces 190a and 190b may use similar communication technology, such as any suitable radio access technology. For example, the communication system 100 may implement one or more channel access methods, such as code division multiple access (CDMA) , space division multiple access (SDMA) , time division multiple access (TDMA) , frequency division multiple access (FDMA) , orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) , or single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA, also known as discrete Fourier transform spread OFDMA, DFT-s-OFDMA) in the air interfaces 190a and 190b. The air interfaces 190a and 190b may utilize other higher dimension signal spaces, which may involve a combination of orthogonal and/or non-orthogonal dimensions.

The non-terrestrial air interface 190c can enable communication between the ED 110d and one or multiple NT-TRPs 172 via a wireless link or simply a link. For some examples, the link is a dedicated connection for unicast transmission, a connection for broadcast transmission, or a connection between a group of EDs 110 and one or multiple NT-TRPs 172 for multicast transmission.

The RANs 120a and 120b are in communication with the core network 130 to provide the EDs 110a 110b, and 110c with various services such as voice, data, and other services. The RANs 120a and 120b and/or the core network 130 may be in direct or indirect communication with one or more other RANs (not shown) , which may or may not be directly served by core network 130, and may or may not employ the same radio access technology as RAN 120a, RAN 120b or both. The core network 130 may also serve as a gateway access between (i) the RANs 120a and 120b or EDs 110a 110b, and 110c or both, and (ii) other networks (such as the PSTN 140, the Internet 150, and the other networks 160) . In addition, some or all of the EDs 110a 110b, and 110c may include functionality for communicating with different wireless networks over different wireless links using different wireless technologies and/or protocols. Instead of wireless communication (or in addition thereto) , the EDs 110a 110b, and 110c may communicate via wired communication channels to a service provider or switch (not shown) , and to the Internet 150. PSTN 140 may include circuit switched telephone networks for providing plain old telephone service (POTS) . Internet 150 may include a network of computers and subnets (intranets) or both, and incorporate protocols, such as Internet Protocol (IP) , Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) , User Datagram Protocol (UDP) . EDs 110a 110b, and 110c may be multimode devices capable of operation according to multiple radio access technologies, and incorporate multiple transceivers necessary to support such.

In addition, the communication system 100 may comprising a sensing agent (not shown in the figure) to manage the sensed data from ED110 and or the T-TRP 170 and/or NT-TRP 172. In one implementation, the sensing agent is located in the T-TRP 170 and/or NT-TRP 172. In another implementation, the sensing agent is a separate node which has interface to communicate with the core network 130 and/or the RAN 120 (e.g., the T-TRP 170 and/or NT-TRP 172) .

FIG. 3 illustrates another example of an electronic device (ED) and a base station.

FIG. 3 illustrates example of an Apparatus 310 wirelessly communicating with at least one of two apparatuses (e.g., Apparatus 320a and Apparatus 320b, referred as Apparatus 320) in a communication system, e.g., the communication system 100, according to one embodiment. The Apparatus 310 may be a UE (e.g., ED 110 in FIG. 3) . The Apparatus 320a may be a terrestrial network device (e.g., T-TRP 170 as shown in FIG. 3) , and Apparatus 320b may be a non-terrestrial network device (e.g., NT-TRP 172 as shown in FIG. 3) . However, this is not necessary. For example, Apparatus 320a may be a NT-TRP, and 320b may be a T-TRP, both Apparatus 320a and 320b may be T-TRPs or NT-TRPs, according to present disclosure. In the following, the ED 110 as an example of the Apparatus 310 is described, and T-TRP 170 as an example of Apparatus 320a is described, and NT-TRP 172 as an example of Apparatus 320a is described. Although only one Apparatus 310, one Apparatus 320a and one Apparatus 320b Please note that the number of Apparatus 310 (e.g. ED 110) could be one or more, and the number of Apparatus 320a and/or 320b could be one or more. For example, one ED110 may be served by only one T-TRP 170 (or one NT-TRP172) , by more than one T-TRP 170, by more than one NT-TRP 172, or by one or more T-TRP 170 and one or more NT-TRP172.

The ED 110 is used to connect persons, objects, machines, etc. The ED 110 may be widely used in various scenarios including, for example, cellular communications, device-to-device (D2D) , vehicle to everything (V2X) , peer-to-peer (P2P) , machine-to-machine (M2M) , MTC, internet of things (IoT) , virtual reality (VR) , augmented reality (AR) , mixed reality (MR) , metaverse, digital twin, industrial control, self-driving, remote medical, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearable, smart transportation, smart city, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery and mobility, etc.

Each ED 110 represents any suitable end user device for wireless operation and may include such devices (or may be referred to but not limited to) as a user equipment/terminal device (UE) , a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) , a mobile station, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a cellular telephone, a station (STA) , a MTC device, a personal digital assistant (PDA) , a smartphone, a laptop, a computer, a tablet, a wireless sensor, a consumer electronics device, a smart book, a vehicle, a car, a truck, a bus, a train, or an IoT device, wearable devices (such as a watch, a pair of glasses, head mounted equipment, etc. ) , an industrial device, or an apparatus in (e.g. communication module, modem, or chip) or comprising the forgoing devices, among other possibilities. Future generation EDs 110 may be referred to using other terms. The base station 170a and 170b is a T-TRP and will hereafter be referred to as T-TRP 170. Also shown in FIG. 3, a non-terrestrial (NT) device will hereafter be referred to as NT-TRP 172. Each ED 110 connected to T-TRP 170 and/or NT-TRP 172 can be dynamically or semi-statically turned-on (i.e., established, activated, or enabled) , turned-off (i.e., released, deactivated, or disabled) and/or configured in response to one of more of: connection availability and connection necessity.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ED 110 include at least one processor 210. Only one processor 210 is illustrated to avoid congestion in the drawing. The ED 110 may further include a transmitter 201 and a receiver 203 coupled to one or more antennas 204. Only one antenna 204 is illustrated to avoid congestion in the drawing. One, some, or all of the antennas 204 may alternatively be panels. The transmitter 201 and the receiver 203 may be integrated, e.g. as a transceiver. The transceiver is configured to modulate data or other content for transmission by at least one antenna 204 or network interface controller (NIC) . The transceiver is also configured to demodulate data or other content received by the at least one antenna 204. Each transceiver includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission and/or processing signals received wirelessly or by wire. Each antenna 204 includes any suitable structure for transmitting and/or receiving wireless or wired signals. The ED 110 may include at least one memory 208. Only the transmitter 201, receiver 203, processor 210, memory 208, and antenna 204 is illustrated for simplicity, but the ED 110 may include one or more other components.

The memory 208 stores instructions. The memory 208 may also stores data used, generated, or collected by the ED 110. For example, the memory 208 could store software instructions or modules configured to implement some or all of the functionality and/or embodiments described herein and that are executed by one or more processing unit (s) (e.g., a processor 210) . Each memory 208 includes any suitable volatile and/or non-volatile storage and retrieval device (s) . Any suitable type of memory may be used, such as random access memory (RAM) , read only memory (ROM) , hard disk, optical disc, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, secure digital (SD) memory card, on-processor cache, and the like.

The ED 110 may further include one or more input/output devices (not shown) or interfaces (such as a wired interface to the Internet 150 in FIG. 1) . The input/output devices or interfaces permit interaction with a user or other devices in the network. Each input/output device or interface includes any suitable structure for providing information to or receiving information from a user, and/or for network interface communications. Suitable structures include, for example, a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display, touch screen, etc.

The processor 210 performs (or controlling the ED110 to perform) operations described herein as being performed by the ED110. As illustrated below and elsewhere in the present disclosure. For example, the processor 210 performs or controls the ED110 to perform receiving transport blocks (TBs) , using a resource for decoding of one of the received TBs, releasing the resource for decoding of another of the received TBs, and/or receiving configuration information configuring a resource. In details, the operation may include those operations related to preparing a transmission for uplink transmission to the NT-TRP 172 and/or the T-TRP 170; those operations related to processing downlink transmissions received from the NT-TRP 172 and/or the T-TRP 170; and those operations related to processing sidelink transmission to and from another ED 110. Processing operations related to preparing a transmission for uplink transmission may include operations such as encoding, modulating, transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing downlink transmissions may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulating and decoding received symbols. Processing operations related to processing sidelink transmissions may include operations such as transmit/receive beamforming, modulating/demodulating and encoding/decoding symbols. Depending upon the embodiment, a downlink transmission may be received by the receiver 203, possibly using receive beamforming, and the processor 210 may extract signaling from the downlink transmission (e.g. by detecting and/or decoding the signaling) . An example of signaling may be a reference signal transmitted by the NT-TRP 172 and/or by the T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, the processor 210 implements the transmit beamforming and/or the receive beamforming based on the indication of beam direction, e.g. beam angle information (BAI) , received from the T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, the processor 210 may perform operations relating to network access (e.g. initial access) and/or downlink synchronization, such as operations relating to detecting a synchronization sequence, decoding and obtaining the system information, etc. In some embodiments, the processor 210 may perform channel estimation, e.g. using a reference signal received from the NT-TRP 172 and/or from the T-TRP 170.

Although not illustrated, the processor 210 may form part of the transmitter 201 and/or part of the receiver 203. Although not illustrated, the memory 208 may form part of the processor 210.

The processor 210, the processing components of the transmitter 201, and the processing components of the receiver 203 may each be implemented by the same or different one or more processors that are configured to execute instructions stored in a memory (e.g. in the memory 208) . Alternatively, some or all of the processor 210, the processing components of the transmitter 201, and the processing components of the receiver 203 may each be implemented using dedicated circuitry, such as a programmed field-programmable gate array (FPGA) , an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) , or a hardware accelerator such as a graphics processing unit (GPU) or an artificial intelligence (AI) accelerator.

In some implementations, the ED 110 may an apparatus (also called component) for example, communication module, modem, chip, or chipset, it includes at least one processor 210, and an interface or at least one pin. In this scenario, the transmitter 201 and receiver 203 may be replaced by the interface or at least one pin, wherein the interface or at least one pin is to connect the apparatus (e.g., chip) and other apparatus (e.g., chip, memory, or bus) . Accordingly, the transmitting information to the NT-TRP 172 and/or the T-TRP 170 and/or another ED 110 may be referred as transmitting information to the interface or at least one pin, or as transmitting information to the NT-TRP 172 and/or the T-TRP 170 and/or another ED 110 via the interface or at least one pin, and receiving information from the NT-TRP 172 and/or the T-TRP 170 and/or another ED 110 may be referred as receiving information from the interface or at least one pin, or as receiving information from the NT-TRP 172 and/or the T-TRP 170 and/or another ED 110 via the interface or at least one pin. The information may include control signaling and/or data.

As shown in FIG. 3, the T-TRP 170 include at least one processor 260. Only one processor 260 is illustrated to avoid congestion in the drawing. The T-TRP 170 may further include at least one transmitter 252 and at least one receiver 254 coupled to one or more antennas 256. Only one antenna 256 is illustrated to avoid congestion in the drawing. One, some, or all of the antennas 256 may alternatively be panels. The transmitter 252 and the receiver 254 may be integrated as a transceiver. The T-TRP 170 may further include at least one memory 258. The T-TRP 170 may further include scheduler 253. Only the transmitter 252, receiver 254, processor 260, memory 258, antenna 256 and scheduler 253 are illustrated for simplicity, but the T-TRP may include one or more other components.

The T-TRP 170 may be known by other names in some implementations, such as a base station, a base transceiver station (BTS) , a radio base station, a network node, a network device, a device on the network side, a transmit/receive node, a Node B, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB) , a Home eNodeB, a future Generation NodeB (gNB) , a transmission point (TP) , a site controller, an access point (AP) , a wireless router, a relay station, a terrestrial node, a terrestrial network device, a terrestrial base station, a base band unit (BBU) , a remote radio unit (RRU) , an active antenna unit (AAU) , a remote radio head (RRH) , a central unit (CU) , a distributed unit (DU) , a positioning node, among other possibilities. The T-TRP 170 may be a macro base station (BS) , a pico BS, a relay node, a donor node, or the like, or combinations thereof. The T-TRP 170 may refer to the forgoing devices or refer to apparatus (e.g. a communication module, a modem, or a chip) in the forgoing devices.

In some embodiments, the parts of the T-TRP 170 may be distributed. For example, some of the modules of the T-TRP 170 may be located remote from the equipment that houses the antennas 256 for the T-TRP 170, and may be coupled to the equipment that houses the antennas 256 over a communication link (not shown) sometimes known as front haul, such as common public radio interface (CPRI) . Therefore, in some embodiments, the term T-TRP 170 may also refer to modules on the network side that perform processing operations, such as determining the location of the ED 110, resource allocation (scheduling) , message generation, and encoding/decoding, and that are not necessarily part of the equipment that houses the antennas 256 of the T-TRP 170. The modules may also be coupled to other T-TRPs. In some embodiments, the T-TRP 170 may actually be a plurality of T-TRPs that are operating together to serve the ED 110, e.g. through the use of coordinated multipoint transmissions.

The processor 260 performs operations including those related to: preparing a transmission for downlink transmission to the ED 110, processing an uplink transmission received from the ED 110, preparing a transmission for backhaul transmission to the T-TRP 170 and/or NT-TRP 172, and processing a transmission received over backhaul from the T-TRP 170 and/or NT-TRP 172. Processing operations related to preparing a transmission for downlink or backhaul transmission may include operations such as encoding, modulating, precoding (e.g. multiple input multiple output (MIMO) precoding) , transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing received transmissions in the uplink or over backhaul may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulating received symbols, and decoding received symbols. The processor 260 may also perform operations relating to network access (e.g. initial access) and/or downlink synchronization, such as generating the content of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) , generating the system information, etc. In some embodiments, the processor 260 also generates an indication of beam direction, e.g. BAI, which may be scheduled for transmission by a scheduler 253. The processor 260 performs other network-side processing operations described herein, such as determining the location of the ED 110, determining where to deploy the NT-TRP 172, etc. In some embodiments, the processor 260 may generate signaling, e.g. to configure one or more parameters of the ED 110 and/or one or more parameters of the NT-TRP 172. Any signaling generated by the processor 260 is sent by the transmitter 252.

The scheduler 253 may be coupled to the processor 260 or integrated in the processor 260. The scheduler 253 may be included within or operated separately from the T-TRP 170. The scheduler 253 may schedule uplink, downlink, sidelink, and/or backhaul transmissions, including issuing scheduling grants and/or configuring scheduling-free (e.g., “configured grant” ) resources.

The memory 258 is configured to store information, and optionally data. The memory 258 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by the T-TRP 170. For example, the memory 258 could store software instructions or modules configured to implement some or all of the functionality and/or embodiments described herein and that are executed by the processor 260.

Although not illustrated, the processor 260 may form part of the transmitter 252 and/or part of the receiver 254. Also, although not illustrated, the processor 260 may implement the scheduler 253. Although not illustrated, the memory 258 may form part of the processor 260.

The processor 260, the scheduler 253, the processing components of the transmitter 252, and the processing components of the receiver 254 may each be implemented by the same or different one or more processors that are configured to execute instructions stored in a memory, e.g. in the memory 258. Alternatively, some or all of the processor 260, the scheduler 253, the processing components of the transmitter 252, and the processing components of the receiver 254 may be implemented using dedicated circuitry, such as a programmed FPGA, a hardware accelerator (e.g., a GPU or AI accelerator) , or an ASIC.

When the T-TRP 170 is an apparatus (also called as component, for example, communication module, modem, chip, or chipset in a device, it includes at least one processor, and an interface or at least one pin. In this scenario, the transmitter 252 and receiver 254 may be replaced by the interface or at least one pin, wherein the interface or at least one pin is to connect the apparatus (e.g., chip) and other apparatus (e.g., chip, memory, or bus) . Accordingly, the transmitting information to the NT-TRP 172 and/or the T-TRP 170 and/or ED 110 may be referred as transmitting information to the interface or at least one pin, and receiving information from the NT-TRP 172 and/or the T-TRP 170 and/or ED 110 may be referred as receiving information from the interface or at least one pin. The information may include control signaling and/or data.

Although the NT-TRP 172 is illustrated as a drone only as an example, the NT-TRP 172 may be implemented in any suitable non-terrestrial form, such as satellites and highaltitude platforms, including international mobile telecommunication base stations and unmanned aerial vehicles, for example. Also, the NT-TRP 172 may be known by other names in some implementations, such as a non-terrestrial node, a non-terrestrial network device, or a non-terrestrial base station.

As shown in FIG. 3, The T-TRP 170 may further include at least one transmitter 252 and at least one receiver 254 coupled to one or more antennas 256. Only one antenna 256 is illustrated to avoid congestion in the drawing. One, some, or all of the antennas 256 may alternatively be panels. The transmitter 252 and the receiver 254 may be integrated as a transceiver. The T-TRP 170 may further include at least one memory 258. The T-TRP 170 may further include scheduler 253. Only the transmitter 252, receiver 254, processor 260, memory 258, antenna 256 and scheduler 253 are illustrated for simplicity, but the T-TRP may include one or more other components.

As shown in FIG. 3, the NT-TRP 172 include at least one processor 276. Only one processor 276 is illustrated to avoid congestion in the drawing. The NT-TRP 172 may include a transmitter 272 and a receiver 274 coupled to one or more antennas 280. Only one antenna 280 is illustrated to avoid congestion in the drawing. One, some, or all of the antennas may alternatively be panels. The transmitter 272 and the receiver 274 may be integrated as a transceiver. The NT-TRP 172 may further include at least one memory 278. The NT-TRP 172 may further include scheduler. Only the transmitter 272, receiver 274, processor 276, memory 278, antenna 280 are illustrated for simplicity, but the NT-TRP may include one or more other components.

The NT-TRP 172 include a processor 276 for performing operations including those related to: preparing a transmission for downlink transmission to the ED 110, processing an uplink transmission received from the ED 110, preparing a transmission for backhaul transmission to T-TRP 170 and/or another NT-TRP 172, and processing a transmission received over backhaul from the T-TRP 170 and/or another NT-TRP 172. Processing operations related to preparing a transmission for downlink or backhaul transmission may include operations such as encoding, modulating, precoding (e.g. MIMO precoding) , transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing received transmissions in the uplink or over backhaul may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulating received symbols, and decoding received symbols. In some embodiments, the processor 276 implements the transmit beamforming and/or receive beamforming based on beam direction information (e.g. BAI) received from the T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, the processor 276 may generate signaling, e.g. to configure one or more parameters of the ED 110. In some embodiments, the NT-TRP 172 implements physical layer processing, but does not implement higher layer functions such as functions at the medium access control (MAC) or radio link control (RLC) layer. As this is only an example, more generally, the NT-TRP 172 may implement higher layer functions in addition to physical layer processing.

The memory 278 is configured to store information and optionally data. The memory 258 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by the NT-TRP 172. For example, the memory 278 could store software instructions or modules configured to implement some or all of the functionality and/or embodiments described herein and that are executed by the processor 276.

Although not illustrated, the processor 276 may form part of the transmitter 272 and/or part of the receiver 274. Although not illustrated, the memory 278 may form part of the processor 276.

The processor 276, the processing components of the transmitter 272, and the processing components of the receiver 274 may each be implemented by the same or different one or more processors that are configured to execute instructions stored in a memory, e.g. in the memory 278. Alternatively, some or all of the processor 276, the processing components of the transmitter 272, and the processing components of the receiver 274 may be implemented using dedicated circuitry, such as a programmed FPGA, a hardware accelerator (e.g., a GPU or AI accelerator) , or an ASIC. In some embodiments, the NT-TRP 172 may actually be a plurality of NT-TRPs that are operating together to serve the ED 110, e.g. through coordinated multipoint transmissions.

When the NT-TRP 172 is an apparatus (e.g. communication module, modem, chip, or chipset) in a device, it includes at least one processor, and an interface or at least one pin. In this scenario, the transmitter 272 and receiver 257 may be replaced by the interface or at least one pin, wherein the interface or at least one pin is to connect the apparatus (e.g., chip) and other apparatus (e.g., chip, memory, or bus) . Accordingly, the transmitting information to the T-TRP 170 and/or another NT-TRP 172 and/or ED 110 may be referred as transmitting information to the interface or at least one pin, and receiving information from the T-TRP 170 and/or another NT-TRP 172 and/or ED 110 may be referred as receiving information from the interface or at least one pin. The information may include control signaling and/or data.

Note that “transmit/receive point (TRP) ” , as used herein, may refer to a T-TRP or a NT-TRP. A T-TRP may alternatively be called a terrestrial network TRP ( “TN TRP” ) and a NT-TRP may alternatively be called a non-terrestrial network TRP ( “NTN TRP” ) . The T-TRP 170, the NT-TRP 172, and/or the ED 110 may include other components, but these have been omitted for the sake of clarity.

Note that “signaling” , as used herein, may alternatively be called control signaling, control message, control information, or message for simplicity. Signaling between a BS (e.g., the network node 170) and a terminal or sensing device (e.g., ED 110) , or signaling between different terminal or sensing device (e.g., between ED 110i and ED110j) may be carried in physical layer signaling (also called as dynamic signaling) , which is transmitted in a physical layer control channel. For downlink the physical layer signaling may be known as downlink control information (DCI) which is transmitted in a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) . For uplink, the physical layer signaling may be known as uplink control information (UCI) which is transmitted in a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) . For sidelink, signaling between different terminal or sensing device (e.g., between ED 110i and ED110j) may be known as sidelink control information (SCI) which is transmitted in a physical sidlink control channel (PSCCH) . Signaling may be carried in a higher-layer (e.g., higher than physical layer) signaling, which is transmitted in a physical layer data channel, e.g. in a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) for downlink signaling, in a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) for uplink signaling, and in a physical slidelink shared channel (PSSCH) for sidelink signaling. Higher-layer signaling may also called static signaling, or semi-static signaling. Higher-layer signaling may be radio resource control (RRC) protocol signaling or media access control –control element (MAC-CE) signaling. Signaling may be included in a combination of physical layer signaling and higher layer signaling.

It should be noted that in present disclosure, “information” , when different from “message” , may be carried in one single message, or be carried in more than one separate message.

FIG. 4 is an example of network system conceptual structure.

One or more steps of the methods provided in this disclosure herein may be performed by corresponding units or modules, according to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 illustrates units or modules in a device or apparatus, such as in the ED 110, in the T-TRP 170, or in the NT-TRP 172. For example, a signal may be transmitted by a transmitting unit or by a transmitting module. A signal may be received by a receiving unit or by a receiving module. A signal may be processed by a processing unit or a processing module. Other steps may be performed by an artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) module. The respective units or modules may be implemented using hardware, one or more components or devices that execute software, or a combination thereof. For instance, one or more of the units or modules may be a circuit such as an integrated circuit. Examples of an integrated circuit includes a programmed FPGA, a GPU, or an ASIC. For instance, one or more of the units or modules may be logical such as a logical function performed by a circuit, by a portion of an integrated circuit, or by software instructions executed by a processor. It will be appreciated that where the modules are implemented using software for execution by a processor for example, the modules may be retrieved by a processor, in whole or part as needed, individually or together for processing, in single or multiple instances, and that the modules themselves may include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

Additional details regarding the EDs 110, the T-TRP 170, and the NT-TRP 172 are known to those of skill in the art. As such, these details are omitted here.

Wireless communications system such as fourth generation (4G) system (for example, Long-Term Evolution (LTE) system) , fifth generation (5G) system (for example, New Radio (NR) system) have been deployed to provide various types of applications, such as message, voice, video and other data.

This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present disclosure. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present disclosure.

The present disclosure is aimed at devices such as UEs, IoT devices, cars, etc. The type of network scenarios envisioned may include terrestrial TRPs such as base-stations and/or non-terrestrial TRPs such as drones, balloons, high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) , satellites, and any such devices that support radio access technologies such as 5G NR, advanced, future or other technologies.

For illustrative purposes, specific example embodiments will now be explained in greater detail in conjunction with the figures and above mentioned system, ED and TRP.

The embodiments set forth herein represent information sufficient to practice the claimed subject matter and illustrate ways of practicing such subject matter. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying figures, those of skill in the art will understand the concepts of the claimed subject matter and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims.

In traditional cellular systems such as 5G NR, the UE can receive, detect and measure reference signals such as SS/PBCH blocks and NZP-CSI-RS. Such reference signals are based on pseudo random noise (PRN) binary sequences such as Gold sequences and those sequences may be initialized using common or UE-specific scrambling identities. As an example, primary synchronization signal (PSS) and secondary synchronization signal (SSS) sequences are initialized using the physical cell identity (PCI) value, which is a common scrambling identity. NZP-CSI-RS sequences are initialized using UE-specific scrambling identities, which are configured by the network to the UE.

5G NR Rel-17 introduces support for non-terrestrial networks by introducing several enhancements on the timing relationships for the Timing Advance, the reference timing for channel state information (CSI) resources, the transmission timing of DCIs scheduling PUSCH, the transmission timing of Random Access response carried by a PUSCH, the transmission timing of HARQ-ACK on a PUCCH.

In 5G NR Rel-17, NTN support was introduced allowing UEs to support DL/UL communication with satellites using the so-called "bent-pipe" scenario, where a ground station transmits signals towards satellites in space, and satellites reflect signals back to UEs on the ground. Dedicating signaling related to NTN was introduced in order to assist UEs with NTN operation. Higher-layer signaling such as RRC introduces signaling satellite ephemeris, satellite position, satellite signal polarization, timing advance offsets, satellite System Information Block (SIB) , satellite epochs in order to support NTN operation. Other features that were introduced were the extension of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes to 32 in order to accommodate for large propagation delay scenarios and the disabling of HARQ-ACK feedback.

Before introducing the communication method provided by this application, some concepts are introduced for better understanding.

(1) feedbackmechanism

The transmission and reception process may involve: a) a transmittertransmits datato a receiver; b) the receiver transmits feedback information to the transmitter; c) the transmitter determines whether to perform retransmissionsbased on the feedback information. Notably, the feedback information mayindicate that whether the data is received (or decoded) successfully. If the feedback information indicates that the datais received (or decoded) successfully, the transmitter may not perform the retransmissions. If the feedback information indicates that the data is not received (or decoded) successfully, the transmitter may perform the corresponding retransmissions.

In some implementations, the feedback information may includean ACKnowledgement (ACK) signal or a Non-ACKnowledgement (NACK) signal. The steps a) , b) and c) may be referred to as hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process.

HARQ is a mechanism to provide reliable wireless transmission. It combines forward error correction (FEC) and automatic repeat request (ARQ) . In HARQ, the initial transmission is a FEC code word with cyclic redundancy check (CRC) bits to support error detection at the receiver. If a decoding error is detected, the receiver will send back a NACK signaling to inform the transmitter of the error, and request for a retransmission. The retransmitted bits can be directly selected from the initially transmitted bits, or incrementally generated code bits which form a longer code word with the initially transmitted bits. The former is called chase-combining HARQ (CC-HARQ) and the latter is called incremental-redundancy HARQ (IR-HARQ) . Typically, IR-HARQ outperforms CC-HARQ with the additional coding gain from incremental redundancy.

In 5GNR, HARQ plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable data transmission. The HARQ process relies on a feedback mechanism between the base station (gNB) and the UE to identify and rectify errors. Here's a summary of 5G HARQ feedback mechanism:

Data transmission and channel coding (step 1) : The gNB transmits data to the UE using a format called a transport block (TB) . Before transmission, the payload data is encoded by channel coding. The redundancy introduced during channel coding to help the UE detect and potentially correct errors.

Decoding at the UE (step 2) : The UE receives the data and attempts to decode it using the forward error correction (FEC) codes.

Feedback from the UE (step 3) :

ACK/NACK: If the UE successfully decodes the data, it sends an ACK signal back to the gNB. If errors are detected and can't be corrected, a NACK is sent.

HARQ retransmission (step 3) : If a NACK is received, the gNB retransmits the data (or specific CBGs) using a different coding scheme or higher power to improve reception. The number of retransmission attempts is limited to avoid excessive delay and decoding complexity. The HARQ process concludes when an ACK is received for the data, or after the maximum number of retransmissions is reached.

Notably, this application does not limit the type of feedback information. The UE may utilize multiple feedback types. This may allow for fine-granularity feedback beyond a simple ACK/NACK. For example, the feedback information may include channel stateinformation (CSI) . This provides the gNB with details about the signal quality experienced by the UE. This information is valuable for adapting future transmissions based on real-time channel conditions.

In some implementations, the UE may transmit more Specific ACK/NACK Formats. These formats can indicate which portions of the TB were received correctly or incorrectly. For example, a TB is further divided into multiple CB groups (CBG) , and each CBG comprises a number of CBs. This allows for more targeted retransmissions.

In wireless communication, for data channel, HARQ process is implemented to allow re-transmission and hybrid combining of original and re-transmission of the same data to counterattack the channel impairment and improve the robustness of the system performance.

(2) time division duplex (TDD) , and frequency division duplex (FDD)

Both TDD and FDD are two spectrum usage technologies. The TDD is a communication technology that both the transmitter and receiver use the same frequency band (which may be referred to as a TDD band) but transmit and receive traffic at different times. The FDD is afull-duplex technology that usestwo different frequencies (which may be referred to as FDD bands) for transmit and receive operations.

(3) cross-carrier scheduling

Traditional scheduling involves allocating resources (e.g., resource blocks (RBs) ) on a single carrier for user data transmission. In cross-carrier scheduling, the gNB (base station) coordinates scheduling across different carriers that the UE is camped on.

Scheduling information:

The gNB determines which UE needs data to be transmitted and on which carriers resources are available.

Scheduling information, including which carrier to use and the allocated resources, is conveyed to the UE.

Two alternatives:

Self-scheduling: The scheduling information (Scheduling Grant (SG) ) and the actual data (Scheduling Assignment (SA) ) are transmitted on the same carrier. The UE receives both on the same carrier.

Cross-carrier scheduling (CCS) : The SG is transmitted on a different carrier than the actual data. The UE receives the SG on one carrier, instructing it to tune into another carrier for the data transmission.

In current feedback mechanisms, a PDSCH-ACK/NACK timing indicator defines a time gap between PDSCH transmission and the reception of the PUCCH that carries ACK/NACK for the PDSCH.

Current uplink feedback mechanisms suffer from several limitations that can hinder efficiency and responsiveness in advanced (or future) networks.

Delayed feedback due to uplink transmission opportunities: The user equipment (UE) must wait for a designated uplink transmission opportunity to convey feedback information. This waiting period can introduce significant delays, particularly in scenarios with limited uplink scheduling opportunities.

Uncertain feedback timing in TDD frame structure: Given the inherent frame structure of time division duplex (TDD) frames, which alternate between uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) slots, there is no guarantee of a rapid feedback opportunity (which has to be an UL slot) . This can lead to inefficiencies in the feedback process.

Insufficient Timeliness with Slot-Level Scheduling: Existing slot-level scheduling approaches for feedback are deemed insufficiently timely for the demands of future networks. These methods may not provide the necessary granularity to ensure prompt and effective feedback delivery.

There are several motivations for faster uplink feedback in advanced link adaptation techniques.

Therefore, this application provides a methodto allocate dedicated resources tofeedback information, guarantee feedback opportunities, and improve feedback reliability.

In some implementations, the present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications. Particularly, it relates to a method, apparatus and system for crossing FDD-TDD scheduling.

In the following specific example embodiments of this disclosure will now be explained.

Implementations of this application can be applied to any communication scenario described above. For example, the method at network side is illustrated as BS, and the method at terminal side is illustrated as UE.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 500 according to an embodiment of this application.

At step 510, aBS transmits control information to UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the control information from the BS.

The control information indicates a first physical resource for feedback information, and thefirstphysical resource is associated with a first FDD band. Thus, the UE can transmit the feedback information on the first FDD band. In other words, the first physical resourcemay be dedicated to the transmission of the feedback information, the feedback opportunity may be guaranteedand the feedback reliability can be improved.

Notably, in implementations of this application, a physical resourceis associated with a band (e.g., the first physical resource is associated with the first FDD band) , it means that the physical resource is within the band. For example, for UL FDD band (or DL FDD band) , the physical resource in a frequency domain is a UL frequency (or a DL frequency) of the FDD band, and UL information (or DL information) is transmitted with the UL frequency (or a DL frequency) . For another example, for TDD band, the physical resource in a time domain is a UL slot (ora DL slot) of the TDD band, and UL information (or DL information) is transmitted in the UL slot (orthe DL slot) .

The feedback information can be of various types. As aforementioned, thefeedback information may include an ACK or NACK and/orthe feedback information may include CSI. This application does not exclude other possible types of feedback information.

In some implementations, the feedback information indicates successful or unsuccessful reception of part or all of downlink data, where the downlink data is associated with at least one band.

Notably, the first FDD band isa UL FDD band, whichmeansthat theuplink feedback information and downlink dataare transmitted on differentbands. The first FDD may be dedicated to the transmission of the feedback information. This dedicated first FDD band may guarantee a transmission opportunity for feedback informationand provide a timely feedback.

In some implementations, the feedback information may be included in PUCCH and/or PUSCH. By example:

Dedicated channels for feedback:

In someimplementations, specific control channels are designated for HARQ feedback transmission from the UE to the gNB (base station) . These channels are separate from the channels used for user data transmission.

Types of feedback channels:

PUCCH: HARQ feedback may be transmitted on the PUCCH. This might be used for short feedback messages for a few TBs or CBGs.

PUSCH: UCI including HARQ feedback may be transmitted on the PUSCH, and multiplexed with data packets if there happens to be uplink data transmission.

Advanced link adaptation techniques rely heavily on timely feedback transmitted via the uplink channel. This implementation details the benefits of faster uplink feedback for two key HARQ feedback mechanisms: ACK/NACK and Channel State Information (CSI) . By example:

Reduced interference and power consumption with faster ACK/NACK: when the base station (BS) receives an ACK (Acknowledgement) signal quickly, it can immediately terminate the transmission of a packet that has already been successfully decoded by the user equipment (UE) . This reduces unnecessary airtime usage, leading to:

Lower overall interference in the network, benefiting all users;

Reduced transmission power consumption at the BS, improving energy efficiency; and

Decreased decoding complexity at the UE, as it no longer needs to process redundant information.

Improved spectral efficiency with faster CSI feedback: faster CSI feedback allows the BS to more accurately track the dynamic changes in channel conditions. With real-time information about the channel state, the BS can optimize:

Modulation and coding scheme (MCS) selection: choosing the most appropriate MCS based on the current channel quality ensures efficient data transmission without errors; and

Precoding schemes: these techniques can be dynamically adjusted to mitigate channel impairments and improve signal reception at the UE.

The control information mayindicate the first physical resource in a variety of ways. In some implementations, the control information may indicate the first physical resource implicitly. For example, the control information may include indication (e.g., index) of the first physical resource. The UEcan determine the first physical resource based on the indication and other parameters that are known by the UE. In some implementations, the control information may indicate the first physical resource explicitly. For example, the control information may include a first field and a second field, where the first field indicates a position of the first physical resource in a frequency domain, and the second field indicates a position of the first physical resource in a time domain. This is not limited to this application.

Notably, the feedback information and the downlink data may be transmitted on different bands. Therefore, the control information may indicate the band where the feedback information is received/transmitted on. For example, the control information may include frequency information that indicates a band, a carrier or other frequency unitof the feedback information. This is not limited to this application.

In some implementations, the control information may include timing information of the feedback information, and the timing information is associated with one or more of: a numerology associated with the first FDD band, and a numerology associated with a band where the control information is received on. The timing informationmay indicate feedback timing when the UE receives the feedback information.

Notably, anumerology may refer to physical waveform characteristics in terms of subcarrier spacing and corresponding time domain length. Different bands may correspond to different numerologies. Sincethe feedback information and the control informationmay be transmitted on different bands, the timing information may be interpreted in a variety of ways.

For example, the timing information may be obtained from reference timing and afirst offset. The reference timing may be referred to as a basis position in a time domain for some timing offsets to be added on. By example:

The reference timing position may serve as beginning time position in terms of slot index or symbol index. It may be indicated by a DCI field “Reference timing indicator” , also sometimes referred to as n0, which specifies the beginning position as a basis for any timing offset values to be added on n0.

The first offset may be defined based on the receiving timing of the control information or the receiving timing of the downlink data. For example, thefeedback timing may be denoted as the first offset with respect to the control information (e.g., DCI) timing or downlink data (e.g., PDSCH) timing.

In some implementations, the control information may include an indicator of the reference timing and/or an indicator of the first offset.

Notably, interpretations of the indicators of the reference timing and the first offset may be related to the numerology associated with the first FDD band (also referred to as feedback numerology hereinafter) and/or the numerology associated with the band where the control information is received on (also referredto as DCI numerology hereinafter) .

For example, reference timing indicated as the referent time position with respect to the DCI timing or PDSCH transmission, and the reference timing unit depends on the numerology.

The reference timing indicator can be defined using the DCI numerology, or the feedback numerology.

For example, feedback timing indicated as offset with respect to the DCI timing or PDSCH transmission, and the offset unit depends on the numerology.

The DCI field “PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback timing indicator” , also sometimes referred to as k1, specifies the delay between the end of the slot used to transmit data (PDSCH) and the start of the slot where the UE sends an ACK/NACK (HARQ feedback) for that data. By example:

Timing offset unit:

Indicate offset k1 in terms of slots, TTIs, or other time resource unit; or

Indicate offset k1 in terms of sub-slots or symbols for finer-granularity and low latency feedback.

Timing offset numerology:

Indicate offset k1 using the DCI numerology μ1, convert to the feedback numerology μ2, i.e., actual feedback timing on feedback band isIn cases where μ1 > μ2, the result may be a fractional number and needs to be changed to an integer through floor/round/ceiling operation; or

Directly indicate offset k1’ using the feedback numerology μ2, according to the above conversion.

A method of time alignment and feedback timing indication based on numerology is provided.

In some implementations, the control information further indicates a second physical resource for downlink data. The first physical resource and the second physical resource may be indicated by the same control information, which enables feedback to be synchronized with the downlink dataand the reliability of the feedback can be improved.

The downlink data may be included in at least on PDSCH. Although not illustrated, the BS can use the second physical resource to transmit the downlink data, correspondingly, the UE can receive the downlink data on the second physical resource based on the control information.

In some implementations, the second physical resource is associated withone or more bands, and the one or more bands includeone ormore of: atleast one FDD bandand at least one time division duplex (TDD) band. The second physical resource is allocated to downlink data, and the downlink data can be carried in the at least one FDD band and at least one TDD band. The BS may transmit downlink data to the UE using a format called a transport block (TB) . The TB may be allocated to the one or more bands. This facilitates spectrum utilization.

In some implementations, a codeword may be mapped with part or all of the one or more bandsassociated with the second physical resource. A codeword may correspond to a TB or a code block group (CBG) . Asingle codeword maybe assigned to the at least one FDD band, at least one TDD band, or a combination of at least one TDD band and at least one FDD band. For example, a singer codeword may be mapped to multiple TDD bandsconcurrently. This flexible codewordmapping mechanism can facilitate efficient resource utilization. This is not limited to this application.

For example, flexible codeword mapping: during codeword mapping, a single codeword (e.g., a TB or a CBG) can be mapped with greater flexibility. It can be assigned to:

A single TDD band;

A single FDD band;

Multiple TDD bands concurrently; and

A combination of TDD and FDD bands.

This flexibility facilitates efficient resource utilization and adapts to diverse network conditions.

Accordingly, a method is provided in the disclosure. in the method, a feedback scheme cross FDD-TDD band is provided. I. e., joint TDD downlink and FDD uplink transmission is provided which may include the following features:

Downlink datatraffic: downlink data traffic is transmitted on either TDD and/or FDD bands, offering flexibility in spectrum utilization; and

Uplink feedback on a dedicated FDD band (e.g., the first band) : uplink feedback information is transmitted onthe dedicated FDD band, independent of the downlink data channels. This separation allows for more timely and efficient feedback delivery.

Notably, the number and the type of the one or more bands associated with the downlink data are not limited in this application.

The control information may indicate the second physical resource implicitly or explicitly. For example, the control information may include an indicator of the second physical resource. For another example, the control information may include a third field and a fourth field, where the third field indicates a position of the second physical resource in a frequency domain, and the fourth field indicates a position of the second physical resource in a time domain. This is not limited to this application.

Notably, in some implementations, the control information may include at least two sets of parameters, one of them indicates the first physicalresource, and the rest of them indicates the second physical resource. The number of the sets of parameters indicating the second physical resource is related to the number of bands associated with the second physical resource. This is not limited to this application. By example:

DCI-based resource allocation information (i.e., control information) : The DCI message carries specific time and frequency resource allocation information for both downlink and uplink transmissions. Notably, the DCI includes at least two sets of fields: one dedicated to PDSCH resource allocation and another for PUCCH resource allocation.

For example, the second physical resource is associated with aFDD band and a TDD band. Enhanced DCI resource allocation information: The DCI message is extended to provide more comprehensive time and frequency resource allocation information. Specifically, the DCI now includes at least three sets of fields:

Two sets dedicated to PDSCH resource allocation, one for each utilized TDD band and one for the FDD band; and

One set for PUCCH resource allocation. This expansion allows for precise scheduling of downlink transmissions across both TDD and FDD bands.

In some implementations, the control information may be DCI, and thecontrol information may be included inaPDCCH. Singlecontrol information (e.g., DCI) may be used for scheduling both the first physical resource (for feedback information) and the second resource (for downlink data) , thus signaling overhead can be reduced.

In some implementations, the control information can indicate the first physical resource and/or the second physical resource based onvarious granularity. For example, the firstphysical resource and/or the second physical resource may be allocated based on a slot, a symbol, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol or other time unit in the time domain. A frequency unitof the first physical resource and/or the second physical resource maybe subcarrier, asub-band, etc. This is not limited to this application.

For example, mini-slot/symbol scheduling: PUSCH resources may be further divided into smaller time units called mini-slots. This allows for more granular scheduling of feedback transmissions, especially when dealing with a high number of UEs.

In some implementations, the control information is received (or transmitted) on the one or more bands associated with the second physical resource. For example, the control information may be carried in any one of the one or more bands. The control information and the downlink data can be received/transmitted on the same one or more bands. This co-location simplifies coordination between the control information and the corresponding downlink data.

In some embodiments, when the one or more bands associated with the second physical resource include atleast one TDD band, the control information can be transmittedon the at least one TDD band. By example:

The scheduling of both downlink data traffic and uplink feedback opportunities is achieved dynamically through a single downlink DCI message (e.g., control information) . However, the transmission of this DCI message itself varies depending on the chosen downlink band:

DCI on TDD Bands: When downlink data utilizes TDD bands, the DCI message itself may be also transmitted on these TDD bands.

DCI relative position in FDD/PUCCH numerology: If the downlink data leverages FDD bands, the relative timing positions (including reference timing position and feedback timing position) of the DCI message within the FDD/PUCCH numerology is pre-defined.

For ease of understanding implementations of this application, some examples are given below.

In a first example, the second physical resource is associated with a first TDD band, and the control information is received on the first TDD band. Details of this examplewill be given in conjunction with FIG. 6.

In a second example, the second physical resource is associated with a second TDD band and a third TDD band, and the control information is received on the second TDD band or the third TDD band. Details of this examplewill be given in conjunction with FIG. 7.

In a third example, the second physical resource is associated with a second FDD band, and the control information is received on the second FDD band. Details of this examplewill be given in conjunction with FIG. 8.

In a fourth example, the second physical resource is associated with afourth TDD band and a third FDD band, and the control information is received on the fourth TDD. Details of this examplewill be given in conjunction with FIG. 9.

Notably, the above examples are given for an illustrative purpose, and this is not limited in this application.

At step 520, the UE transmits feedback information to the BS. Correspondingly, the BS receives the feedback information from the UE.

In some implementations, the downlink data is associated with multiple bands, and the feedback information further indicates corresponding one or more bands associated with the part or all of downlink data.

As aforementioned, in some implementations, multipleTBs (for downlink data) may be mapped to multiple bands. Multiple TBs from different bands may be decoded simultaneously. Therefore, the feedback information can identify the specific band (s) and the corresponding downlink data it acknowledges. By example:

Multiplexed uplink feedback with band identification: in scenarios where a single TB is mapped to a single band (TDD or FDD) , there is a possibility of multiple TBs from different bands (TDD or FDD) being decoded simultaneously. To address this, the system may support a mechanism to multiplex the corresponding uplink feedback messages on the PUCCH. Each feedback message may include a flag that identifies the specific band (TDD or FDD) and the corresponding PDSCH transmission it acknowledges. These flags can potentially be embedded within the Uplink Control Information (UCI) payload if a dedicated feedback opportunity is reserved for TBs mapped across multiple TDD and FDD bands.

As aforementioned, the UE can obtain parameters (e.g., parameter (s) in frequency domain, parameter (s) in time domain, etc. ) related to thefirstphysical resource and/or the second physical resource in a variety of ways. In some implementations, the related parameters may be signaled by the BS dynamically, e.g. in physical layer control signaling such as DCI, or semi-statically, e.g. in radio resource control (RRC) signaling or in the medium access control (MAC) layer, or be predefined based on the application scenario; or be determined by the UE as a function of other parameters that are known by the UE, or may be fixed, e.g. by a standard. This is not limited to this application.

For example, a combination of dynamic signaling and semi-statically signaling may be implemented. Exemplary, the control information may be carried in dynamic signaling, and the BS may further transmit semi-statically signaling before the control information. That is, the BS and the UE may further perform the step 530 before the step 510.

Optionally, at step 530, the BS transmits configuration information to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the configuration information from the BS.

The configuration information may indicate a resource set that comprises the first physical resource.

In some implementations, the configuration information may be included in RRC signaling. By example:

RRC to configure resource set:

A set of feedback time/frequency resources can be pre-configured by the RRC. The resource set may comprise multiple pairs of carrier indicators and feedback timing offsets as candidate feedback resources. Specifically, a configuration may include several tables, in which each row corresponds to a time and frequency domain resources.

A DCI field “HARQ_feedback resource indicator” (e.g., the control information) may be used to further specify which resource to use. Specifically, a row index in the above-mentioned RRC resource configuration table can be signaled in DCI to indicate the actual physical resource to be used for feedback.

Using resource set provides much flexibility for resource allocation: in the multi-feedback case, if one resource has been occupied, the UE can try to put the feedback on other candidate resources that are available.

Furthermore, in some implementations, some semi-static scheduling information, such as bandwidth part and carrier index, is pre-configured via RRC to enhance overall efficiency.

Forexample, dynamic scheduling: The gNBmay control the scheduling of feedback transmissions on the PUCCH/PUSCH. The resource allocation may be pre-configured by RRC and further indicated by DCI.

In some implementations, the configuration information may further indicate a resource set that comprises the second physical resource. Details can be referred to the above description about the first physical resource, and are omitted here for brevity.

In some implementations, the configuration information may further indicate a numerology associated with the first band and/or a numerology associated with a band where the control information is received/transmitted on. By example:

Both DCI numerology μ1 and feedback numerology μ2 are configured in RRC (SIB1) .

According to the above technical solution, a first physical resourceassociated with aFDD bandmay be dedicated to the transmission of the feedback information, the feedback opportunity may be guaranteedand the feedback reliability can be improved.

As aforementioned, the second physically resource may be associated withat least one FDD band and/or at least one TDD band. For ease of understanding embodiments of this application, some detailed examples are givenin conjunction with FIGs. 6-9 for illustrative purposes.

The followings give several detailed examples.

In FIGs. 6-9, a block with symbol “U” denotes uplink physical resource, and a block with symbol “D” denotes downlink physical resource. The downlink data is illustrated as a PDSCH, feedback information is illustrated as a PUCCH, and control information is illustrated as DCI which is located in a control resource set (CORESET) .

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of the first example according to implementations of this application. the second physical resource is associated with a first TDD band, and the control information is received on the first TDD band. By example:

In one possible implementation, a method of data transmission on one TDD band and feedback on one FDD band is provided.

The main features of this method are described below, which is shown in FIG. 6.

Scheduling via DCI on PDCCH

This approach leverages a single DCI message transmitted on the PDCCH to schedule both downlink data transmission and uplink control information (e.g., ACK/NACK) . This combined scheduling offers several key benefits:

Efficiency: By incorporating both downlink and uplink scheduling information within a single DCI message, the system reduces signaling overhead and enhances overall efficiency; and

Synchronization: Scheduling information for both transmissions resides within the same DCI, ensuring proper synchronization between downlink data and uplink feedback.

Channel Allocation

PDCCH and PDSCH: The PDCCH, responsible for transmitting the DCI message, and thePDSCH, used for downlink data transmission, are both located on the same TDD band. This co-location simplifies coordination between scheduling information and the corresponding downlink data.

PUCCH: on which uplink control information (ACK/NACK) is transmitted, resides on a separate FDD band. This distinct allocation allows for dedicated and timely transmission of uplink feedback, independent of downlink data traffic on the TDD band.

Several key aspects contribute to the functionality of this design:

Scheduling Granularity: The subblocks depicted in the FIG. 6can represent various time-domain transmission units depending on the desired scheduling granularity. These units could be slots, orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, or other relevant time divisions.

Pre-configuration via RRC: The specific TDD band, FDD band, and carrier configurations (e.g., bandwidth part -BWP) are pre-defined through RRC signaling. This pre-configuration establishes the overall framework for resource allocation.

Timing offset interpretation: In scenarios where the PDCCH schedules PUCCH transmission on a carrier with a different numerology (subcarrier spacing) compared to the PDCCH itself, any timing offsets specified in the scheduling assignment are interpreted relative to the PUCCH numerology, ensuring proper synchronization.

Please note that PDCCH corresponds to a control resource set (CORESET) , which means a PDCCH carrying DCI is mapped to the resources of a CORESET.

FIG. 7illustrates a schematic diagram of the second example according to implementations of this application. The second physical resource is associated with a second TDD band and a third TDD band, and the control information is received on the second TDD. Although not illustrated, the control information may be received on the third TDD bandalternatively. By example:

In another one possible implementation, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a method of data transmission on multiple TDD band and feedback on one FDD band is provided.

Two features that enhance flexibility and resource utilization may be used:

Downlink carrier aggregation (CA) : The downlink transmission leverages carrier aggregation, enabling the utilization of multiple TDD bands concurrently. This approach maximizes spectrum efficiency by exploiting available resources across different bands.

Multiplexed uplink feedback: A single PUCCH on the FDD band can be associated with transmissions on multiple PDSCH across various TDD bands. This UCI multiplexing capability allows for efficient uplink feedback, even in scenarios involving downlink transmissions on multiple TDD bands.

Optionally, the additional design considerations are further described below:

Enhanced DCI resource allocation information: The DCI message is extended to carry more granular time and frequency resource allocation information. Specifically, the DCI now includes at least three sets of fields: two sets dedicated to PDSCH resource allocation for each utilized TDD band, and one set for PUCCH resource allocation. This expansion allows for precise scheduling of downlink transmissions across multiple TDD bands.

Codeword mapping and multiplexing: During the codeword mapping process, a single codeword (Transport Block -TB or Code Block Group -CBG) can be mapped to either a single TDD band or multiple TDD bands concurrently. This flexibility facilitates efficient resource utilization.

Multiplexed uplink feedback with band identification: In scenarios where a single TB is mapped to only one TDD band, there is a possibility of multiple TBs from different TDD bands being decoded simultaneously. To address this, the system requires a mechanism to multiplex the corresponding uplink feedback messages on the PUCCH. Each feedback message should include a flag that identifies the specific TDD band's PDSCH transmission it acknowledges. These flags can potentially be embedded within the UCI payload if a dedicated feedback opportunity is reserved for TBs mapped across multiple TDD bands.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of the third example according to implementations of this application. The second physical resource is associated with a second FDD band, and the control information is received on the second FDD band. By example:

In another one possible implementation, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a method of data transmission on one FDD band and feedback on another FDD band is provided.

This method leverages a single DCI message transmitted on the PDCCH to schedule both downlink data transmission on the PDSCH and uplink control information (specifically, ACK/NACK) on the PUCCH. Notably, the PDCCH and PDSCH reside on the same FDD band, facilitating coordinated scheduling and transmission. Conversely, the PUCCH occupies a separate FDD band, enabling dedicated and timely transmission of uplink feedback independent of downlink data traffic. The distinct allocation of PUCCH on a separate FDD band guarantees timely and reliable transmission of uplink control information, even in scenarios with congested downlink traffic on the PDSCH.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of the fourth example according to implementations of this application. The second physical resource is associated with afourth TDD band and a third FDD band, and the control information is received on the fourth TDD. By example:

In another one possible implementation, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a method of data transmission on multiple TDD and FDD bands and feedback on one FDD band is provided.

In this method, two features that enhance resource utilization and flexibility may be used:

Downlink Carrier Aggregation: The downlink transmission leverages carrier aggregation, enabling the utilization of multiple TDD bands concurrently. Additionally, the system can incorporate FDD bands for downlink transmissions, offering further flexibility in spectrum usage. This combined approach maximizes spectrum efficiency by exploiting available resources across different bands.

Multiplexed uplink feedback on a single FDD PUCCH: A single PUCCH on the FDD band can be associated with transmissions on multiple PDSCH across various TDD and FDD bands. This multiplexing capability allows for efficient uplink feedback, even in scenarios involving downlink transmissions on a combination of TDD and FDD bands.

DCI fields to indicate feedback timing and carrier index:

A “Feedback band/carrier indicator” to specify uplink feedback frequency resource:

Because feedback may be on a different band/carrier, it needs to be specified in DCI as a HARQ-related field; and

FDD band and/or TDD band.

The methods according to embodiments of this application are described above in detail with reference to FIGS. 6-9. The apparatuses provided in embodiments of this application are described below in detail with reference to FIGS. 10-11. The description of apparatus embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for content that is not described in detail, refer to the foregoing method embodiments. For brevity, details are not described herein again.

Referring to FIG. 10 a schematic block diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The communication apparatus 10 includes a transceiver unit 11 and a processing unit 12. The transceiver unit 11 may implement a corresponding communication function, and the processing unit 11 is configured to perform data processing. The transceiver unit 11 may also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit.

In some implementations, the communication apparatus 10 may further include a storage unit. The storage unit may be configured to store instructions and/or data. The processing unit 12 may read instructions and/or data in the storage unit, to enable the communication apparatus to implement the foregoing method embodiments.

The communication apparatus 10 may be configured to perform actions performed by the UE in the foregoing method embodiments. In this case, the communication apparatus 10 may be the UE or a component that can be configured in the UE. The transceiver unit 11 is configured to perform communicating-related (e.g., receiving/transmitting-related) operations on the UE side in the foregoing method embodiments. The processing unit 12 is configured to perform processing-related operations on the UE side in the foregoing method embodiments.

The communication apparatus 10 may implement steps or procedures performed by the UE in FIGS. 6-9 according to embodiments of this application. The communication apparatus 10 may include units configured to perform the method performed by the UE in FIGS. 6-9. In addition, the units in the communication apparatus 10 and the foregoing other operations and/or functions are separately used to implement corresponding procedures in FIGS. 6-9.

Alternatively, the communication apparatus 10 may be configured to perform actions performed by the BS in the foregoing method embodiments. In this case, the communication apparatus 10 may be the BS or a component that can be configured in the BS. The transceiver unit 11 is configured to perform communicating-related (e.g., receiving/transmitting-related) operations on the BS side in the foregoing method embodiments. The processing unit 12 is configured to perform processing-related operations on the BS side in the foregoing method embodiments.

The communication apparatus 10 may implement steps or procedures performed by the BS in FIGS. 6-9 according to embodiments of this application. The communication apparatus 10 may include units configured to perform the method performed by the BS in FIGS. 6-9. In addition, the units in the communication apparatus 10 and the foregoing other operations and/or functions are separately used to implement corresponding procedures in FIGS. 10-15.

A specific process in which the units perform the foregoing corresponding steps is described in detail in the foregoing method embodiments. For brevity, details are not described herein again.

Referring to FIG. 11, a schematic block diagram of another communication apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The communication apparatus 20 includes a processor 21. The processor 21 is coupled to a memory 22. The memory 22 is configured to store a computer program or instructions and/or data. The processor 21 is configured to execute the computer program or instructions and/or data stored in the memory 22, so that the methods in the foregoing method embodiments are executed.

In some embodiments, the communication apparatus 20 includes one or more processors 21.

In an example, as shown in FIG. 11, the communication apparatus 20 may further include the memory 22.

In some embodiments, the communication apparatus 20 may include one or more memories 22.

In an example, the memory 22 may be integrated with the processor 21, or disposed separately from the processor 21.

In an example, as shown in FIG. 11, the communication apparatus 20 may further include a transceiver 23, where the transceiver 23 is configured to receive and/or transmit a signal. For example, the processor 21 may be configured to control the transceiver 23 to receive and/or transmit a signal.

In some embodiments, the communication apparatus 20 may be UE or a component (e.g., a chip, a circuit, or a processing system) that can be configured in the UE; or the communication apparatus 20 may be a BS or a component (e.g., a chip, a circuit, or a processing system) that can be configured in the BS.

In a solution, the communication apparatus 20 is configured to perform the operations performed by the UE in the foregoing method embodiments.

For example, the processor 21 may be configured to perform a processing-related operation performed by the UE in the foregoing method embodiments, and the transceiver 23 may be configured to perform a communicating-related (e.g., receiving/transmitting-related) operation performed by the UE in the foregoing method embodiments.

In another solution, the communication apparatus 20 is configured to perform the operations performed by the BS in the foregoing method embodiments.

For example, the processor 21 may be configured to perform a processing-related operation performed by the BS in the foregoing method embodiments, and the transceiver 23 may be configured to perform a communicating-related (e.g., receiving/transmitting-related) operation performed by the BS in the foregoing method embodiments.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus/chipset system comprising means (e.g., at least one processor) to implement a method implemented by (or at) UE of the present disclosure. The apparatus/chipset system may be the UE (that is, a terminal device) or a module/component in the UE. In details, the at least one processor may execute instructions stored in a computer-readable medium to implement the method.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus/chipset system comprising means (e.g., at least one processor) to implement the method implemented by (or at) a BS (e.g., satellite) of the present disclosure. The apparatus/chipset system may be the BS or a module/component in the BS. In details, the at least one processor may execute instructions stored in a computer-readable medium to implement the method.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided a system comprising at least one of an apparatus in (or at) UE of the present disclosure, or an apparatus in (or at) a BS of the present disclosure.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided a method performed by a system comprising at least one of an apparatus in (or at) UE of the present disclosure, and an apparatus in (or at) a BS of the present disclosure.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions. The instructions, when executed by a processor, may cause the processor to implement a method of the present disclosure.

An embodiment of this application further provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions used to implement the method performed by the UE or the method performed by the BS in the foregoing method embodiments.

For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer may be enabled to implement the method performed by the UE or the method performed by the BS in the foregoing method embodiments.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided a method performed by a system comprising at least one of an apparatus in (or at) a UE of the present disclosure, and an apparatus in (or at) a network device of the present disclosure.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by a processor, may cause the processor to implement a method of the present disclosure.

For explanations and beneficial effects of related content of any communication apparatus provided above, refer to a corresponding method embodiment provided above. Details are not described herein again.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus/chipset system comprising means (e.g., at least one processor) to implement a method implemented by (or at) a UE of the present disclosure. The apparatus/chipset system may be the UE (that is, a terminal device) or a module/component in the UE. In details, the at least one processor may execute instructions stored in a computer-readable medium to implement the method.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus/chipset system comprising means (e.g., at least one processor) to implement the method implemented by (or at) a network device (e.g., base station) of the present disclosure. The apparatus/chipset system may be the network device or a module/component in the network device. In details, the at least one processor may execute instructions stored in a computer-readable medium to implement the method. In some aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided a system comprising at least one of an apparatus in (or at) a UE of the present disclosure, or an apparatus in (or at) a network device of the present disclosure.

The solutions described in the disclosure is applicable to anadvanced (or future) ) network, or a legacy (e.g. 5G, 4G, 3G or 2G) network.

It will be appreciated that any module, component, or device disclosed herein that executes instructions may include, or otherwise have access to, a non-transitory computer/processor readable storage medium or media for storage of information, such as computer/processor readable instructions, data structures, program modules and/or other data. A non-exhaustive list of examples of non-transitory computer/processor readable storage media includes magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, optical disks such as compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) , digital video discs or digital versatile discs (i.e., DVDs) , Blu-ray Disc^TM, or other optical storage, volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology, random-access memory (RAM) , read-only memory (ROM) , electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) , flash memory or other memory technology. Any such non-transitory computer/processor storage media may be part of a device/apparatus or accessible or connectable thereto. Computer/processor readable/executable instructions to implement a method, an application or a module described herein may be stored or otherwise held by such non-transitory computer/processor readable storage media.

It could be noted that the message in the disclosure could be replaced with information, which may be carried in one single message, or be carried in more than one separate message.

Without special noting, the terms “apparatus” and “device” are used exchangeable, and the terms “identity” and “identifier” are sued exchangeable.

In the disclosure, the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” or “including” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one” , but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more” , “at least one” , and “one or more than one” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, the word “another” may mean at least a second or more unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

In the disclosure, the words “first” , “second” , etc., when used before a same term (e.g., UE, or an operating step) does not mean an order or a sequence of the term. For example, the “first UE” and the “second UE” , means two different UEs without specially indicated, and similarly, the “first step” and the “second step” means two different operating steps without specially indicated, but does not mean the first step have to happen before the second step. The real order depends on the logic of the two steps.

The terms “coupled” , “coupling” or “connected” as used herein can have several different meanings depending on the context in which these terms are used. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled, coupling, or connected can indicate that two elements or devices are directly connected to one another or connected to one another through one or more intermediate elements or devices via a mechanical element depending on the particular context.

Note that the expression “at least one of A or B” , as used herein, is interchangeable with the expression “Aand/or B” . It refers to a list in which you may select A or B or both A and B. Similarly, “at least one of A, B, or C” , as used herein, is interchangeable with “Aand/or B and/or C” or “A, B, and/or C” . It refers to a list in which you may select: A or B or C, or both A and B, or both A and C, or both B and C, or all of A, B and C. The same principle applies for longer lists having a same format.

The present disclosure encompasses various implementations, including not only method implementations, but also other implementations such as apparatus implementations and implementations related to non-transitory computer readable storage media. Implementations may incorporate, individually or in combinations, the features disclosed herein.

The term “receive” , “detect” and “decode” as used herein can have several different meanings depending on the context in which these terms are used. For example, without special note, the term “receive” may indicate that information (e.g., DCI, or MAC-CE, RRC signaling or TB) is received successfully by the receiving node, which means the receiving side correctly detect and decode it. In this scenario, “receive” may cover “detect” and “decode” or may indicates same thing, e.g., “receive paging” means decoding paging correctly and obtaining the paging successfully, accordingly, “the receiving side does not receive paging” means the receiving side does not detect and/or decoding the paging. “paging is not received” means the receiving side tries to detect and/or decoding the paging, but not obtain the paging successfully. The term “receive” may sometimes indicate that a signal arrives at the receiving side, but does not mean the information in the signal is detected and decoded correctly, then the receiving side need perform detecting and decoding on the signal to obtain the information carried in the signal. In this scenario, “receive” , “detect” and “decode” may indicate different procedure at receiving side to obtain the information.

Although this disclosure refers to illustrative implementations, this is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative implementations, as well as other implementations of the disclosure, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. When combining two or more implementations, not all the features in the implementations to be combined are necessary for the combination.

Features disclosed herein in the context of any particular implementations may also or instead be implemented in other implementations. Method implementations, for example, may also or instead be implemented in apparatus, system, and/or computer program product implementations. In addition, although implementations are described primarily in the context of methods and apparatus, other implementations are also contemplated, as instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, for example. Such media could store programming or instructions to perform any of various methods consistent with the present disclosure.

Claims

A communication method, comprising:

receiving control information, wherein the controlinformation indicatesa first physical resource for feedback information, and the first physical resource is associated with a first frequency division duplex (FDD) band; and

transmitting the feedback information on the first FDD band.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the control information further indicatesa second physical resource for downlink data.
The method according to claim 2, wherein the second physical resource is associatedwithone or more bands, and the one or more bands compriseone ormore of: atleast oneFDD bandand at least one time division duplex (TDD) band.
The method according to claim 3, wherein the control information is receivedon theone or more bands.
The method according to any one of claims1to 4, wherein the feedback information indicates successful or unsuccessful reception of part or all of downlink data, wherein the downlink data is associated with at least one band.
The method according to claim 5, wherein the downlink data is associated with multiple bands, and the feedback information further indicates correspondingone or more bandsassociated with the part or all of downlink data.
The method according to any one of claims3 to 6, wherein the second physical resource is associated with a first TDD band, and the control information is receivedon the first TDD band.
The method according to any one of claims3 to 6, wherein the second physical resource is associated with a second TDD band and a third TDD band, and the control information is receivedon the second TDD band or the third TDD band.
The method according to any one of claims3 to 6, wherein the second physical resource is associated with a second FDD band, and the control information is receivedon the second FDD band.
The method according to any one of claims3 to 6, wherein the second physical resource is associated with afourth TDD band and a third FDD band, and the control information is receivedon the fourthTDD band.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, whereinthe control information comprises timing information of the feedback information, and the timing information is associated with one or more of: a numerology associated with the first FDD band, and a numerology associated with a band where the control information is receivedon.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the method further comprises:

receiving configuration information, wherein the configuration information indicates a resource setthat comprises the first physical resource.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the feedback information comprises ACK or NACK; and/or the feedback information comprises channel state information (CSI) .
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the control information is downlink control information (DCI) .
The method according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein the downlink data is carriedin at least one physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) .
A communication method, comprising:

transmitting control information, wherein the control informationindicatesa first physical resource for feedback information, and the first physical resource is associated with a first frequency division duplex (FDD) band; and

receiving the feedback information on the first FDD band.
The method according to claim 16, wherein the control information further indicates a second physical resource for downlink data.
The method according to claim 17, wherein the second physical resource is associated withone or more bands, and the one or more bands compriseone ormore of: atleast one FDD bandand at least one time division duplex (TDD) band.
The method according to claim 18, wherein the control information is transmitted on theone or more bands.
The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the feedback information indicates successful or unsuccessful reception of part or all of downlink data, wherein the downlink data is associated with at least one band.
The method according to claim 20, wherein the downlink data is associated with multiple bands, and the feedback information further indicates corresponding one or more bands associated with the part or all of downlink data.
The method according to any one of claims18 to 21, wherein the second physical resource is associated with a first TDD band, and the control information is transmitted on the first TDD band.
The method according to any one of claims18 to 21, wherein the second physical resource is associated with a second TDD band and a third TDD band, and the control information is transmitted on the second TDD band or the third TDD band.
The method according to any one of claims18 to 21, wherein the second physical resource is associated with a second FDD band, and the control information is transmitted on the second FDD band.
The method according to any one of claims18 to 21, wherein the second physical resource is associated with afourth TDD band and a third FDD band, and the control information is transmitted on the fourth TDD band.
The method according to any one of claims 16 to 25, whereinthe control information comprises timing information of the feedback information, and the timing information is associated with one or more of: a numerology associated with the first FDD band, and a numerology associated with a band where the control information is transmitted on.
The method according to any one of claims 16 to 26, wherein the method further comprises:

transmitting configuration information, wherein the configuration information indicates a resource setthat comprises the first physical resource.
The method according to any one of claims 16 to 27, wherein the feedback information comprises ACK or NACK; and/or the feedback information comprises channel state information (CSI) .
The method according to any one of claims 16 to 28, wherein the control information is downlink control information (DCI) .
The method according to any one of claims 17 to 29, wherein the downlink data is carriedin at least one physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) .
A communication apparatus, configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15 or 16 to 30.
The communication apparatus of claim 31, wherein comprising:

receiving unit, configured to receive control information, wherein the control information indicates a first physical resource for feedback information, and the first physical resource is associated with a first frequency division duplex (FDD) band;

transmitting unit, configured to transmit the feedback information on the first FDD band.
The communication apparatus of claim 31, comprising:

transmitting unit, configured to transmit the control information, wherein the control information indicates a first physical resource for feedback information, and the first physical resource is associated with a first frequency division duplex (FDD) band;

receiving unit, configured to receive the feedback information on the first FDD band.
The communication apparatus of claim 31, comprising:

one or more processors, configured to perform processing step according to any one of claims 1 to 15 or 16 to 30;

an interface circuit, configure to perform transmitting or receiving step according to any one of claims 1 to 15 or 16 to 30.
The communication apparatus of claim 34, the interface circuit comprises one or more transceivers.
An apparatus comprising:

one or more processors; and

a memory storing instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to: perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 15 or 16 to 30.
A communication system, wherein the communication system comprises a first communication apparatus configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 15 and a second communication apparatus configured to perform the method of any one of claims 16 to 30.
A computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of 1 to 15 or 16 to 30.
A computer program product having instructions which, when executed, cause an apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 15 or 16 to 30.