Techniques for modifying parameters based on assistance information in wireless communications

Aspects described herein relate to transmitting, by a device and to a base station, assistance information to facilitate configuring one or more parameters for communicating with the base station, detecting, by the device, that an assistance response signal including the one or more parameters based on the assistance information is not received from the base station within a threshold period of time, degrading, by the device and based on the detecting that the assistance response signal is not received within the threshold period of time, feedback to be communicated to the base station.

BACKGROUND

Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to wireless communication systems, and more particularly, to utilizing device assistance information.

These multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunication standards to provide a common protocol that enables different wireless devices to communicate on a municipal, national, regional, and even global level. For example, a fifth generation (5G) wireless communications technology (which can be referred to as 5G new radio (5G NR)) is envisaged to expand and support diverse usage scenarios and applications with respect to current mobile network generations. In an aspect, 5G communications technology can include: enhanced mobile broadband addressing human-centric use cases for access to multimedia content, services and data; ultra-reliable-low latency communications (URLLC) with certain specifications for latency and reliability; and massive machine type communications, which can allow a very large number of connected devices and transmission of a relatively low volume of non-delay-sensitive information.

In some wireless communication technologies, devices (e.g., user equipment) can send assistance information to other nodes that schedule communications with the other nodes (e.g., base stations) to allow the other nodes to modify communication parameters based on the assistance information received from the devices. The other nodes (e.g., base stations), however, may not be obligated to modify the parameters based on the assistance information, which may cause undesirable side effects at the devices, such as consumption of power when the battery may have less than a threshold remaining capacity.

SUMMARY

According to an example, a method of wireless communication is provided. The method includes transmitting, by a device and to a base station, assistance information to facilitate configuring one or more parameters for communicating with the base station, detecting, by the device, that an assistance response signal including the one or more parameters based on the assistance information is not received from the base station within a threshold period of time, and degrading, by the device and based on the detecting that the assistance response signal is not received within the threshold period of time, feedback to be communicated to the base station.

In another example, a method for wireless communications is provided. The method includes receiving, by a base station and from a device, assistance information to facilitate configuring one or more parameters for communicating with the base station, detecting, by the base station, a degraded feedback for a signal transmitted to the device that does not include the one or more parameters based on the assistance information, and transmitting, to the device and based on detecting the degraded feedback, an assistance response signal including one or more parameters based on the assistance information.

In another example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided that includes a transceiver, a memory configured to store instructions, and one or more processors communicatively coupled with the transceiver and the memory. The one or more processors are configured to transmit, to a base station, assistance information to facilitate configuring one or more parameters for communicating with the base station, detect that an assistance response signal including the one or more parameters based on the assistance information is not received from the base station within a threshold period of time, and degrade, based on the detecting that the assistance response signal is not received within the threshold period of time, feedback to be communicated to the base station.

In yet another example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided that includes a transceiver, a memory configured to store instructions, and one or more processors communicatively coupled with the transceiver and the memory. The one or more processors are configured to receive, from a device, assistance information to facilitate configuring one or more parameters for communicating with the base station, detect a degraded feedback for a signal transmitted to the device that does not include the one or more parameters based on the assistance information, and transmit, to the device and based on detecting the degraded feedback, an assistance response signal including one or more parameters based on the assistance information.

In a further example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided that includes a transceiver, a memory configured to store instructions, and one or more processors communicatively coupled with the transceiver and the memory. The one or more processors are configured to execute the instructions to perform the operations of methods described herein. In another aspect, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided that includes means for performing the operations of methods described herein. In yet another aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided including code executable by one or more processors to perform the operations of methods described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The described features generally relate to modifying communication parameters based on device assistance information. For example, the assistance information can include recommended parameter values communicated by a first device (e.g., a user equipment (UE)) to a second device (e.g., a base station) to facilitate wireless communications therewith. The first device may provide the assistance information to the second device for various reasons, such as to cause the second device to schedule or otherwise modify communication parameters associated with the first device. For example, the first device may recommend parameter values in certain scenarios, such as to conserve power or resources at the first device. The assistance information may include parameter values such as a number of antennas used by the first device for communicating with the second device, discontinuous receive (DRX) parameter values, control channel (e.g., physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)) monitoring values, and/or the like. The second device can accordingly adjust the communication parameters for the first device, and in one example, can send an assistance response signal to the first device, where the assistance response signal can be a signal that includes an indication that the communication parameters have been or are being modified.

When the first device, such as a UE, transmits assistance information (referred to herein as UE assistance information (UAI)), the second device, such as a base station, receiving the UAI and scheduling the UE for communications may not be obligated to modify communication parameters based on the UAI. Not modifying the parameters may cause the device to enter in an undesirable state, such as a state where the device consumes more power than desired in communicating with the base station (e.g., when the device is in a low battery state). In such cases, the device may desire to inform or otherwise motivate or cause the base station (or underlying network components) to modify the communication parameters, which may be based on the provided UAI. In this regard, for example, the device can operate using a degraded feedback process, which the base station can detect and use to determine to modify the communication parameters based on previously received UAI.

In one specific example, the device can degrade the feedback by refraining from transmitting the feedback until an assistance response signal, which can modify the communication parameters in view of the UAI, is received. For example, the feedback may include hybrid automatic repeat/request (HARQ) feedback, channel quality indicator (CQI) reports, and/or the like. In one example, the device can detect a signal received from the base station after sending the UAI and before receiving a corresponding assistance response signal. In this example, the device can refrain from transmitting HARQ feedback for the signal until the assistance response signal is received, or until a maximum number of retransmissions of the signal is reached. In another example, the device can degrade the feedback by transmitting non-acknowledgement (NACK) feedback for the signal (e.g., regardless of whether the signal is properly received and decoded) until the assistance response signal is received, or until a maximum number of retransmissions of the signal is reached. In yet another example, the device can degrade the feedback by sending other signals to the base station where the assistance response signal is not received, such as a sounding reference signal (SRS), scheduling request (SR), the UAI, a power status signal, or other signals, which may include the UAI.

In another example, the device can degrade the feedback by refraining from sending CQI reports and/or sending CQI reports with degraded CQI values for a period of time until the assistance response signal is received. This may cause the base station to not schedule data signals to the device until the communication parameters are adjusted based on the UAI, or may cause limited downlink data transmission to the device. In any case, in one example, the base station may detect the degraded feedback and can determine, based on the degraded feedback and the outstanding UAI, that the device is sending the degraded feedback for the purpose of requesting that the UAI be considered and used to adjust communication parameters. The base station can accordingly adjust the communication parameters based on the UAI. The base station may also make this determination based on detecting the degraded feedback and evaluating channel quality metrics to determine whether the channel quality could cause the degraded feedback. If the channel quality is of a threshold quality, for example, the base station may determine the device is degrading the channel quality report to request that the UAI be considered and can use the degraded channel quality report to adjust communication parameters. In any case, the device can accordingly motivate or cause the base station to adjust communication parameters based on a provided UAI in certain circumstances.

The described features will be presented in more detail below with reference toFIGS.1-10.

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communications system and an access network100. The wireless communications system (also referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) can include base stations102, UEs104, an Evolved Packet Core (EPC)160, and/or a 5G Core (5GC)190. The base stations102may include macro cells (high power cellular base station) and/or small cells (low power cellular base station). The macro cells can include base stations. The small cells can include femtocells, picocells, and microcells. In an example, the base stations102may also include gNBs180, as described further herein. In one example, some nodes of the wireless communication system may have a modem240and communicating component242for providing assistance information (e.g., UAI) and/or communicating degraded feedback, and some nodes may have a modem340and scheduling component342for receiving assistance information (e.g., UAI) and configuring devices with associated communication parameters, as described herein. Though a UE104is shown as having the modem240and communicating component242and a base station102/gNB180is shown as having the modem340and scheduling component342, this is one illustrative example, and substantially any node or type of node may include a modem240and communicating component242and/or a modem340and scheduling component342for providing corresponding functionalities described herein.

The 5GC190may include a Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)192, other AMFs193, a Session Management Function (SMF)194, and a User Plane Function (UPF)195. The AMF192may be in communication with a Unified Data Management (UDM)196. The AMF192can be a control node that processes the signaling between the UEs104and the 5GC190. Generally, the AMF192can provide QoS flow and session management. User Internet protocol (IP) packets (e.g., from one or more UEs104) can be transferred through the UPF195. The UPF195can provide UE IP address allocation for one or more UEs, as well as other functions. The UPF195is connected to the IP Services197. The IP Services197may include the Internet, an intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), a PS Streaming Service, and/or other IP services.

The base station may also be referred to as a gNB, Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), an access point, a base transceiver station, a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), a transmit reception point (TRP), or some other suitable terminology. The base station102provides an access point to the EPC160or 5GC190for a UE104. Examples of UEs104include a cellular phone, a smart phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a satellite radio, a global positioning system, a multimedia device, a video device, a digital audio player (e.g., MP3 player), a camera, a game console, a tablet, a smart device, a wearable device, a vehicle, an electric meter, a gas pump, a large or small kitchen appliance, a healthcare device, an implant, a sensor/actuator, a display, or any other similar functioning device. Some of the UEs104may be referred to as IoT devices (e.g., parking meter, gas pump, toaster, vehicles, heart monitor, etc.). IoT UEs may include machine type communication (MTC)/enhanced MTC (eMTC, also referred to as category (CAT)-M, Cat M1) UEs, NB-IoT (also referred to as CAT NB1) UEs, as well as other types of UEs. In the present disclosure, eMTC and NB-IoT may refer to future technologies that may evolve from or may be based on these technologies. For example, eMTC may include FeMTC (further eMTC), eFeMTC (enhanced further eMTC), mMTC (massive MTC), etc., and NB-IoT may include eNB-IoT (enhanced NB-IoT), FeNB-IoT (further enhanced NB-IoT), etc. The UE104may also be referred to as a station, a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communications device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable terminology.

In an example, communicating component242of a UE104can send UAI to one or more base stations102serving the UE104to assist in setting communication parameters for the UE104. Scheduling component342of the base station102can receive the UAI and may not be obligated to set corresponding communication parameters. As described further herein, where the base station102does not adjust the communication parameters for the UE104based on the UAI, communicating component242can degrade feedback to be transmitted to the base station102, which may cause scheduling component342to adjust the communication parameters for the UE104based on the previously received UAI. For example, communicating component242can degrade the feedback by at least one of refraining from transmitting the feedback, transmitting degraded values for the feedback, etc.

Referring toFIG.2, one example of an implementation of UE104may include a variety of components, some of which have already been described above and are described further herein, including components such as one or more processors212and memory216and transceiver202in communication via one or more buses244, which may operate in conjunction with modem240and/or communicating component242to transmit UAI and/or degrade feedback for one or more signals.

In an aspect, the one or more processors212can include a modem240and/or can be part of the modem240that uses one or more modem processors. Thus, the various functions related to communicating component242may be included in modem240and/or processors212and, in an aspect, can be executed by a single processor, while in other aspects, different ones of the functions may be executed by a combination of two or more different processors. For example, in an aspect, the one or more processors212may include any one or any combination of a modem processor, or a baseband processor, or a digital signal processor, or a transmit processor, or a receiver processor, or a transceiver processor associated with transceiver202. In other aspects, some of the features of the one or more processors212and/or modem240associated with communicating component242may be performed by transceiver202.

Also, memory216may be configured to store data used herein and/or local versions of applications275or communicating component242and/or one or more of its subcomponents being executed by at least one processor212. Memory216can include any type of computer-readable medium usable by a computer or at least one processor212, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), tapes, magnetic discs, optical discs, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and any combination thereof. In an aspect, for example, memory216may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores one or more computer-executable codes defining communicating component242and/or one or more of its subcomponents, and/or data associated therewith, when UE104is operating at least one processor212to execute communicating component242and/or one or more of its subcomponents.

Transceiver202may include at least one receiver206and at least one transmitter208. Receiver206may include hardware, firmware, and/or software code executable by a processor for receiving data, the code comprising instructions and being stored in a memory (e.g., computer-readable medium). Receiver206may be, for example, a radio frequency (RF) receiver. In an aspect, receiver206may receive signals transmitted by at least one base station102. Additionally, receiver206may process such received signals, and also may obtain measurements of the signals, such as, but not limited to, Ec/Io, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), reference signal received power (RSRP), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), etc. Transmitter208may include hardware, firmware, and/or software code executable by a processor for transmitting data, the code comprising instructions and being stored in a memory (e.g., computer-readable medium). A suitable example of transmitter208may including, but is not limited to, an RF transmitter.

Moreover, in an aspect, UE104may include RF front end288, which may operate in communication with one or more antennas265and transceiver202for receiving and transmitting radio transmissions, for example, wireless communications transmitted by at least one base station102or wireless transmissions transmitted by UE104. RF front end288may be connected to one or more antennas265and can include one or more low-noise amplifiers (LNAs)290, one or more switches292, one or more power amplifiers (PAs)298, and one or more filters296for transmitting and receiving RF signals.

In an aspect, LNA290can amplify a received signal at a desired output level. In an aspect, each LNA290may have a specified minimum and maximum gain values. In an aspect, RF front end288may use one or more switches292to select a particular LNA290and its specified gain value based on a desired gain value for a particular application.

Further, for example, one or more PA(s)298may be used by RF front end288to amplify a signal for an RF output at a desired output power level. In an aspect, each PA298may have specified minimum and maximum gain values. In an aspect, RF front end288may use one or more switches292to select a particular PA298and its specified gain value based on a desired gain value for a particular application.

Also, for example, one or more filters296can be used by RF front end288to filter a received signal to obtain an input RF signal. Similarly, in an aspect, for example, a respective filter296can be used to filter an output from a respective PA298to produce an output signal for transmission. In an aspect, each filter296can be connected to a specific LNA290and/or PA298. In an aspect, RF front end288can use one or more switches292to select a transmit or receive path using a specified filter296, LNA290, and/or PA298, based on a configuration as specified by transceiver202and/or processor212.

As such, transceiver202may be configured to transmit and receive wireless signals through one or more antennas265via RF front end288. In an aspect, transceiver may be tuned to operate at specified frequencies such that UE104can communicate with, for example, one or more base stations102or one or more cells associated with one or more base stations102. In an aspect, for example, modem240can configure transceiver202to operate at a specified frequency and power level based on the UE configuration of the UE104and the communication protocol used by modem240.

In an aspect, modem240can be a multiband-multimode modem, which can process digital data and communicate with transceiver202such that the digital data is sent and received using transceiver202. In an aspect, modem240can be multiband and be configured to support multiple frequency bands for a specific communications protocol. In an aspect, modem240can be multimode and be configured to support multiple operating networks and communications protocols. In an aspect, modem240can control one or more components of UE104(e.g., RF front end288, transceiver202) to enable transmission and/or reception of signals from the network based on a specified modem configuration. In an aspect, the modem configuration can be based on the mode of the modem and the frequency band in use. In another aspect, the modem configuration can be based on UE configuration information associated with UE104as provided by the network during cell selection and/or cell reselection.

In an aspect, communicating component242can optionally include a UAI component252for generating and reporting UAI to one or more base stations102for use in modifying one or more communication parameters for the UE104and/or a feedback degrading component254for degrading feedback for one or more signals where a response to the UAI (e.g., an assistance response signal with one or more communication parameter adjustments) is not received.

In an aspect, the processor(s)212may correspond to one or more of the processors described in connection with the UE inFIG.10. Similarly, the memory216may correspond to the memory described in connection with the UE inFIG.10.

Referring toFIG.3, one example of an implementation of base station102(e.g., a base station102and/or gNB180, as described above) may include a variety of components, some of which have already been described above, but including components such as one or more processors312and memory316and transceiver302in communication via one or more buses344, which may operate in conjunction with modem340and scheduling component342for receiving UAI and/or adjusting communication parameters for a corresponding UE104.

The transceiver302, receiver306, transmitter308, one or more processors312, memory316, applications375, buses344, RF front end388, LNAs390, switches392, filters396, PAs398, and one or more antennas365may be the same as or similar to the corresponding components of UE104, as described above, but configured or otherwise programmed for base station operations as opposed to UE operations.

In an aspect, scheduling component342can optionally include a parameter configuring component352for configuring communication parameters for a UE, which may be based on received UAI, and/or a feedback processing component354for processing feedback for one or more signals that is received (or not received) from the UE.

In an aspect, the processor(s)312may correspond to one or more of the processors described in connection with the base station inFIG.10. Similarly, the memory316may correspond to the memory described in connection with the base station inFIG.10.

FIG.4illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method400for degrading feedback based on not receiving an indication of communication parameter adjustment or other signals in response to reported UAI. In an example, a UE104can perform the functions described in method400using one or more of the components described inFIGS.1-2.

In method400, at Block402, UAI can be transmitted, to a base station, to facilitate configuring one or more parameters for communicating with the base station. In an aspect, UAI component252, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)212, memory216, transceiver202, communicating component242, etc., can transmit, to the base station, UAI to facilitate configuring one or more parameters for communicating with the base station (e.g., base station102and/or other base stations in the network). For example, the UAI can assist the base station in configuring one or more parameters for the UE104to use in communicating with the base station102. For example, UAI component252can transmit the UAI as part of establishing a connection with the base station102(e.g., in a random access channel (RACH) signal, in another signal once communications are established with the base station102, and/or the like. For example, the UAI can be sent in a signal configured for UAI notifications.

In an example, UAI can include UEAssistanceInformation as defined and described in third generation partnership project (3GPP) technical specification (TS) 36.331, section 5.6.10. For example, the UAI may include power saving preferences of the UE104, such as a number of antennas supported by the UE104, one or more discontinuous receive (DRX) parameters (such as a supported or desired DRX cycle length), one or more control channel (e.g., physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)) monitoring parameters, semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) assistance information, maximum shared channel (e.g., physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and/or physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) bandwidth configuration preferences, overheating assistance information, link delay budget report, and/or the like. The base station102can use the UAI to configure resources over which the UE104can receive signals from the base station102, resources over which the UE104can transmit signals to the base station102, DRX scheduling parameters, and/or the like.

As previously described, the base station102may not be obligated to adjust the communication parameters to recommended values indicated in UAI messages and/or may not be obligated to respond to the UAI messages transmitted by UEs with assistance response signals indicating modified communication parameters based on the UAI. Where the base station102does not respond, in this regard, it may lead to undesirable consequences at the UE104, such as running out of battery life (e.g., supporting more demanding communication parameters when the battery life at the UE104is below a threshold). In this regard, for example, where the base station102does not respond to the received UAI with an assistance response signal in this regard, it may be beneficial for the UE104to take certain actions to motivate the base station102(or underlying network) to modify the communication parameters based on the UAI, so that the UE104does not experience undesirable conditions.

In method400, at Block404, it can be detected that an assistance response signal to the UAI is not received from the base station within a threshold period of time. In an aspect, UAI component252, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)212, memory216, transceiver202, communicating component242, etc., can detect that the assistance response signal to the UAI is not received from the base station within the threshold period of time. For example, an assistance response signal may include a signal that may indicate the one or more parameters adjusted based on the UAI. For example, the assistance response signal can include a signal received from the base station102as (or part of) a RACH response message (e.g., in response to the UAI transmitted in a RACH response message) or in another message (e.g., over a control channel) where communications are established with the UE104. The assistance response signal may include an indication of an adjustment for one or more communication parameters that are based on the received UAI, where the indication may include an indication that the one or more communication parameters are adjusted (e.g., a binary value or other indication of adjustment), which may include a value for each of one or more communication parameters or a value representative of all of the one or more communication parameters. In another example, the indication can include a list of the adjusted communication parameter(s), associated adjustment values, and/or the like. Where it is detected that this signal is not received, however, this may cause the UE104to degrade feedback, as described further herein.

Detecting that the assistance response signal is not received, for example, may include the UAI component252determining that a period of time expires (e.g., from transmitting the UAI) before an assistance response signal is received. During this period of time, other signals may or may not be received from the base station102, but the UE104can degrade feedback, as described herein, until the assistance response signal is received. In another example, detecting that the assistance response signal is not received, for example, may include the UAI component252determining that another signal that is not an assistance response signal (e.g., a signal such as a different control signal or data signal that does not include associated communication parameter adjustment indications) is received before an assistance response signal. In this example, the UE104can similarly degrade feedback, as described herein, until the assistance response signal is received.

In method400, at Block406, feedback to be communicated to the base station can be degraded based on detecting that the assistance response signal is not received within the threshold period of time. In an aspect, feedback degrading component254, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)212, memory216, transceiver202, communicating component242, etc., can degrade, based on the detecting that the assistance response signal is not received within the threshold period of time, feedback to be communicated to the base station. For example, feedback degrading component254can degrade the feedback by refraining from transmitting the feedback, transmitting degraded values for the feedback, etc., and may do so until the assistance response signal is received, until a number of retransmissions has occurred at the base station102, and/or the like. As described, in one example, the degraded feedback can be an indication to the base station102to adjust communication parameters of the UE104based on the UAI and send a corresponding assistance response signal.

In one example, feedback degrading component254can transmit the degraded feedback based on UAI component252determining that the threshold period of time has passed (e.g., based on detecting expiration of a timer set to the threshold period of time from when the UAI is transmitted). In another example, as described further herein, feedback degrading component254can transmit the degraded feedback based on additional detections as well, as described further herein, such as detecting that a received signal is not the assistance response signal.

In one example, in method400, optionally at Block408, it can be detected that a different signal, not including the one or more parameters, is received after the threshold period of time and without first receiving the assistance response signal. In an aspect, UAI component252, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)212, memory216, transceiver202, communicating component242, etc., can detect that the different signal not including the one or more parameters (e.g., a signal that is not the assistance response signal) is received after the threshold period of time and without first receiving the assistance response signal. In an example, this signal may include PDSCH or may otherwise not include parameters related to the transmitted UAI, such to indicate that the base station102did not receive and/or did not process the UAI transmitted by the UE104. In this case or otherwise, feedback degrading component254can transmit degraded feedback for this different signal, as described further herein.

In this example, in degrading the feedback at Block408, optionally at Block410, the feedback transmitted in response to the different signal can be degraded. In an aspect, feedback degrading component254, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)212, memory216, transceiver202, communicating component242, etc., can degrade the feedback transmitted in response to the different signal. Thus, in some examples, feedback degrading component254can degrade HARQ feedback transmitted for signals actually received from the base station102, or in other examples, can transmit degraded feedback without receiving other signals from the base station102, as described further herein.

In one specific example, in degrading the feedback at Block406, optionally at Block412, transmitting HARQ feedback can be refrained from. In an aspect, feedback degrading component254, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)212, memory216, transceiver202, communicating component242, etc., can refrain from transmitting HARQ feedback. For example, based on detecting that the assistance response signal is not received from the base station102, feedback degrading component254can refrain from transmitting the HARQ feedback at least for a period of time. In one example, UAI component252can determine that the assistance response signal is not received within a threshold time period from sending the UAI, after which feedback degrading component254can refrain from transmitting the HARQ feedback for other signals that may be received from the base station102(e.g., the different signal detected at Block408) until after the assistance response signal is received from the base station102. In another example, feedback degrading component254can refrain from transmitting the HARQ feedback for other signals that may be received from the base station102until the base station102has sent a number of retransmissions of another signal (e.g., a maximum number of retransmissions before dropping the other signal).

An example is shown inFIG.5, which illustrates an example of a system500for refraining from transmitting HARQ feedback where it is determined that an assistance response signal is not received before receiving other signals that are not assistance response signals. System500includes a UE104communicating with a gNB102. The UE104can send UAI502to the gNB102, which may include sending over a control channel (e.g., physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)), data channel (e.g., physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)), etc. gNB102can receive the UAI502, but may not be obligated to modify communication parameters based on the UAI, as described. In the depicted example, gNB102sends another signal504, which is not an assistance response signal, to the UE104(e.g., without first transmitting an assistance response signal), where the other signal may be transmitted over a control channel (e.g., physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)) including downlink control information (DCI) for a downlink shared channel (e.g., physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)) with PUCCH. gNB102may also begin transmitting data signals506(e.g., PDSCH signals) to the UE104.

In an example, the UE104can determine that the signals504/506are not assistance response signals and may refrain from transmitting HARQ feedback at508over a PUCCH (e.g., HARQ feedback for the PDCCH and/or PDSCH transmissions received at504and/or506). In one example, UE104can set a parameter modification timer510based on transmitting the UAI, which can allow for a period of time for receiving an assistance response signal. In this example, determining to refrain from transmitting HARQ feedback at508may be based on this parameter modification timer510. In one example, determining to refrain from transmitting the HARQ feedback508may be based on determining that the parameter modification timer510has expired. Thus, in this example, UE104can also receive PDCCH with DCI for PDSCH with PUCCH signal512and PDSCH data signal514, and can accordingly refrain from transmitting HARQ feedback for these additional signals512/514at516(e.g., based on the parameter modification timer510being expired). In another example, the UE104can refrain from transmitting HARQ feedback based on detecting other signals504/506until the parameter modification timer510(or a different timer) expires.

In any case, for example, the gNB102can decide that parameter modification may be needed at518, which can be based on the gNB102transmitting M number of transmissions of the signals504/506,512/514without receiving feedback from the UE104, as the UE104has degraded the feedback process. In this example, gNB102can transmit the assistance response signal520as a PDCCH (with DCI for PDSCH, parameter configuration based on UAI with accompanying PUCCH grant). Based on receiving the assistance response signal520, the UE104can transmit normal (e.g., non-degraded) feedback signal522(e.g., HARQ acknowledgement (ACK)) to the gNB102.

InFIG.5, for example, scenarios where the UE is dire need of resources (e.g. power) can be represented. In this example, if after certain duration and the UE does not receive modified configurations (e.g., assistance response signals), the UE chooses not send any feedback to the network even though there are pending UE measurement reports (e.g. CSI-RS report) or HARQ ACK/NACK feedback.FIG.5shows how the UE does not transmit the HARQ ACK/NACK for a number of control and data transmissions. The UE may also stop reception/decoding of data packets during this period to save power. In addition, the UE may also cease monitoring of control packets only or may even decreased control channel monitoring with modified periodicity. Based on the observations of these actions from the UE, the gNB may decide, after a number of transmissions (or maximum number of transmissions) without any HARQ-ACK.NACK feedback, to send the modified parameters. After that, the UE can respond back with a valid ACK assuming correct detection and “good” channel conditions.

In one specific example, in degrading the feedback at Block406, optionally at Block414, NACK feedback can be transmitted. In an aspect, feedback degrading component254, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)212, memory216, transceiver202, communicating component242, etc., can transmit NACK feedback. For example, based on detecting that another signal other than the assistance response signal is received from the base station102, feedback degrading component254can transmit NACK feedback for the other signal, though the signal may have been properly received and/or decoded by the UE104(e.g., such that the UE104would otherwise indicate ACK for the signal). In one example, UAI component252can determine that the signal received after sending UAI (or a signal received after a timer related to transmitting the UAI is expired) is not the assistance response signal. In response to this determination, for example feedback degrading component254can transmit NACK as feedback for other signals that may be received from the base station102(e.g., the different signal detected at Block408) until after the assistance response signal is received from the base station102, or until the base station102has sent a number of retransmissions of another signal (e.g., a maximum number of retransmissions before dropping the other signal).

An example is shown inFIG.6, which illustrates an example of a system600for transmitting HARQ NACK feedback where it is determined that an assistance response signal is not received before receiving other signals that are not assistance response signals. System600includes a UE104communicating with a gNB102. The UE104can send UAI602to the gNB102, which may include sending over a control channel (e.g., PUCCH), data channel (e.g., PUSCH), etc. gNB102can receive the UAI602, but may not be obligated to modify communication parameters based on the UAI, as described. In the depicted example, gNB102sends another signal604, which is not an assistance response signal, to the UE104, where the other signal may be transmitted over a control channel (e.g., PDCCH) including DCI for a downlink shared channel (e.g., PDSCH) with PUCCH. gNB102may also begin transmitting data signals606(e.g., PDSCH signals) to the UE104.

In an example, the UE104can determine that the signals604/606are not assistance response signals and may transmit NACK feedback at608(e.g., over a PUCCH). In one example, UE104can set a parameter modification timer610based on transmitting the UAI, which can allow for a period of time for receiving an assistance response signal. In this example, determining to transmit HARQ NACK feedback at608may be based on this parameter modification timer610. In one example, determining to transmit the HARQ NACK feedback608may be based on determining that the parameter modification timer610has expired. Thus, in this example, UE104can also receive PDCCH with DCI for PDSCH with PUCCH signal612and PDSCH data signal614, and can accordingly transmit HARQ NACK feedback for these additional signals612/614at616(e.g., based on the parameter modification timer610being expired). In another example, the UE104can transmit HARQ NACK feedback based on detecting other signals604/606until the parameter modification timer610(or a different timer) expires.

In any case, for example, the gNB102can decide that parameter modification may be needed at618, which can be based on the gNB102transmitting M number of transmissions of the signals604/606,612/614and receiving HARQ NACK feedback from the UE104for a threshold number of the signals, as the UE104has degraded the feedback process. In this example, gNB102can transmit the assistance response signal620as a PDCCH (with DCI for PDSCH, parameter configuration based on UAI with accompanying PUCCH grant). Based on receiving the assistance response signal620, the UE104can transmit normal (e.g., non-degraded) feedback signal622(e.g., HARQ acknowledgement (ACK)) to the gNB102.

InFIG.6, for example, instead of the no HARQ-NACK feedback (e.g., as inFIG.5), the UE could choose to send a NACK for all data transmission until the maximum number of retransmissions for a packet is reached. Reception of multiple NACKs from the UE could trigger the gNB to modify parameters according to the recommended UAI as shown inFIG.6. The gNB may be triggered in situations where the payload size is small and channel conditions are good and hence a NACK is not expected from the UE. The UE may then respond back with a valid HARQ-ACK after receiving the modified parameters.

In another example, in degrading the feedback at Block406, optionally at Block416, other signals with device information can be transmitted. In an aspect, feedback degrading component254, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)212, memory216, transceiver202, communicating component242, etc., can transmit other signals with device information. For example, based on detecting that another signal other than the assistance response signal is received from the base station102, feedback degrading component254can transmit other signals with device information (e.g., along with the NACK feedback for the other signal, after transmitting a certain number of NACK feedbacks without receiving the assistance response signal, etc.). In one example, the other signals may include a sounding reference signal (SRS), scheduling request (SR), an additional UAI signal, a power status signal, and/or the like. Transmitting such a signal, for example, can prevent an out-of-synchronization event from being triggered by the network (e.g., where the UE104sends a certain number of consecutive NACKs to the base station102, as in Block414). In an example, feedback degrading component254may transmit the signals with device information after or based on detecting that the threshold period of time for receiving an assistance response signal has expired or based on detecting that a different signal (e.g., the different signal detected at Block408) is received before receiving the assistance response signal, etc.

An example is shown inFIG.7, which illustrates an example of a system700for transmitting other signals with device information where it is determined that an assistance response signal is not received before receiving other signals that are not assistance response signals. System700includes a UE104communicating with a gNB102. The UE104can send UAI702to the gNB102, which may include sending over a control channel (e.g., PUCCH), data channel (e.g., PUSCH), etc. gNB102can receive the UAI702, but may not be obligated to modify communication parameters based on the UAI, as described. In the depicted example, gNB102sends another signal704, which is not an assistance response signal, to the UE104, where the other signal may be transmitted over a control channel (e.g., PDCCH) including DCI for a downlink shared channel (e.g., PDSCH) with PUCCH. gNB102may also begin transmitting data signals706(e.g., PDSCH signals) to the UE104.

In an example, the UE104can determine that the signals704/706are not assistance response signals and may transmit NACK feedback at708(e.g., over a PUCCH). In one example, UE104can set a parameter modification timer710based on transmitting the UAI, which can allow for a period of time for receiving an assistance response signal. In this example, determining to transmit HARQ NACK feedback at708may be based on this parameter modification timer710. In one example, determining to transmit the HARQ NACK feedback708may be based on determining that the parameter modification timer710has expired. Thus, in this example, UE104can also receive PDCCH with DCI for PDSCH with PUCCH signal612and PDSCH data signal714, and can accordingly transmit HARQ NACK feedback for these additional signals712/714at716(e.g., based on the parameter modification timer710being expired). In addition, for example, the UE104can transmit (e.g., periodically based on a configured time period for the type of signal or at otherwise determined time instances) the other device information signal(s) (e.g., SRS, SR, UAI, power status signal, etc.), which can allow for avoiding an out-of-synchronization state that may otherwise be caused by transmitting a number of NACKs.

In any case, for example, the gNB102can decide that parameter modification may be needed at718, which can be based on the gNB102transmitting M number of transmissions of the signals704/706,712/714and receiving HARQ NACK feedback from the UE104for a threshold number of the signals, as the UE104has degraded the feedback process, and/or may be based on the other device information signals. In this example, gNB102can transmit the assistance response signal720as a PDCCH (with DCI for PDSCH, parameter configuration based on UAI with accompanying PUCCH grant). Based on receiving the assistance response signal720, the UE104can transmit normal (e.g., non-degraded) feedback signal722(e.g., HARQ acknowledgement (ACK)) to the gNB102.

InFIG.7, for example, in addition to the UE send NACKs for the data packets (e.g., as inFIG.6), after some transmissions, N, of the packet, the UE can send some info on the uplink inform of SRS, SR, UAI, power status signal. This signal can prevent the “out-of-synch” from being triggered. This signal could be used to send UAI re-transmission and/or to otherwise remind the gNB of the previously transmitted UAI. After the receiving such a signal and the NACKs for previously transmitted PDSCHs, the gNB may respond modifying the parameters are recommended in the UAI. Note that there may be cases where there is no uplink grant and the UE can send a RACH to access the network to trigger the modification of parameters by the gNB.

In another example, in transmitting the other signals at Block416, communicating component242can transmit a RACH request to the base station102, which can be based on not receiving the assistance response signal within a period of time (e.g., before expiration of a parameter modification timer described above). For example, the RACH request can allow the base station102to determine to obtain a UAI configuration after one or more RACH transmissions by the UE, and the base station102can accordingly obtain the previously transmitted UAI. In this regard, the base station102can accordingly send an assistance response signal to the UE104based on applying the UAI as part of the RACH process, and the UE104can receive the assistance response signal, e.g., as described in reference to Block422below.

In one specific example, in degrading the feedback at Block406, optionally at Block418, transmitting CQI reports can be refrained from, or at Block420, CQI reports can be transmitted with degraded CQI values. In an aspect, feedback degrading component254, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)212, memory216, transceiver202, communicating component242, etc., can refrain from transmitting CQI reports or can transmit CQI reports with degraded values. For example, based on detecting that the assistance response signal is not received from the base station102, feedback degrading component254can refrain from transmitting the CQI reports or can transmit CQI reports with degraded CQI values (e.g., nominal CQI values, CQI values that are less than those measured for channel state information (CSI) reference signals (RS), values configured to be used to indicate that assistance response signals are not received, etc.) at least for a period of time. In one example, UAI component252can determine that the assistance response signal is not received within a threshold time period from sending the UAI, after which feedback degrading component254can refrain from transmitting the CQI reports or can transmit degraded CQI reports until after the assistance response signal is received from the base station102. In another example, UAI component252can determine that different signals (other than assistance response signals) are received, and may refrain from transmitting the CQI reports, or may transmit degraded CQI reports, based on receiving the different signals.

An example is shown inFIG.8, which illustrates an example of a system800for refraining from transmitting CQI reports or for transmitting degraded CQI reports where it is determined that an assistance response signal is not received from the base station102before the scheduled CQI report is to be transmitted. System800includes a UE104communicating with a gNB102. The gNB102can send a CSI-RS802to the UE104for generating a CQI report. The UE104can send UAI804to the gNB102, which may include sending over a control channel (e.g., PUCCH), data channel (e.g., PUSCH), etc. gNB102can receive the UAI804, but may not be obligated to modify communication parameters based on the UAI, as described. In the depicted example, the UE can decide to send no CQI or a degraded CQI report to the gNB102at806and may do so at808, which can be based on determining that the assistance response signal is not received before the CQI reporting opportunity based on CSI-RS802. In addition, in an example, the UE104can send other device information signals to the gNB102at808(e.g., SRS, SR, UAI, power status signal, etc.) to prevent out-of-synchronization state that may be otherwise caused by not sending CQI reports, or low CQI reports, in reporting opportunities.

In any case, after not receiving CQI reports or receiving a number of degraded CQI reports, for example, the gNB102can decide that parameter modification may be needed at812. In this example, gNB102can transmit the assistance response signal814as a PDCCH (with DCI for PDSCH, parameter configuration based on UAI with accompanying PUCCH grant). In addition, the gNB102can send another CSI-RS816to the UE104. Based on receiving the assistance response signal814and the CSI-RS816, the UE104can transmit normal (e.g., non-degraded) CQI report818to the gNB102.

InFIG.8, for example, it can be assumed that the gNB had configured CQI reports based on previously transmitted CSI-RS. However, since the UE did not receive a response to the UAI after a period of time (e.g., defined by the parameter modification timer), the UE sends no CQI or degraded CQI to the gNB. With no CQI, the gNB might not be able to schedule any PDSCH to the UE. With degraded CQI, the gNB is only able to limited DL data to the UE. The UE can send some info on the uplink inform of SRS, SR, UAI, power status signal in this example as well to prevent the “out-of-synch” from being triggered. This signal could be used to send UAI re-transmission and/or to otherwise remind the gNB of the previously transmitted UAI.

In the examples ofFIGS.5-8, the UE104can eventually receive the assistance response signal from the base station102based on degrading the feedback using one or more of the processes described above. In method400, optionally at Block422, the assistance response signal can be received from the base station. In an aspect, UAI component252, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)212, memory216, transceiver202, communicating component242, etc., can receive the assistance response signal from the base station (e.g., after degrading the feedback). As described, the assistance response signal can include an indication that one or more parameters are adjusted (or can be adjusted where the parameter is configured by the UE104), an indication of one or more parameters to adjust as part of communicating with the base station102, one or more values for adjusting the one or more parameters, etc., which can be based on the UAI.

In method400, optionally at Block424, one or more communication parameters can be applied from the assistance response signal. In an aspect, UAI component252, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)212, memory216, transceiver202, communicating component242, etc., can apply the one or more parameters from the assistance response signal. As described, this can include adjusting values of the one or more parameters described above, such as a number of antennas over which to communicate with the base station102or other base stations, adjusting one or more DRX parameters, adjusting parameters for receiving PDCCH, and/or the like. In addition, feedback degrading component254can refrain from degrading feedback at least until a next UAI is sent and a corresponding assistance response signal is not received.

In method400, optionally at Block426, non-degraded feedback can be transmitted. In an aspect, communicating component242, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)212, memory216, transceiver202, etc., can transmit the non-degraded feedback. In this regard, based on receiving the assistance response signal from the base station and/or based modifying associated communication parameters (or communicating based on modified communication parameters), communicating component242can return to using a normal non-degraded feedback process to transmit normal feedback (e.g., HARQ, CQI reports, etc.) to the base station102, and may do so at least until another instance where an assistance response signal is not received for a transmitted UAI.

FIG.9illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method900for transmitting assistance response signals in response to receiving UAI and/or degraded feedback. In an example, a base station102(e.g., which may include a gNB180) can perform the functions described in method900using one or more of the components described inFIGS.1and3.

In method900, at Block902, UAI can be received, from a device, to facilitate configuring the device with one or more parameters for communicating. In an aspect, parameter configuring component352, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)312, memory316, transceiver302, scheduling component342etc., can receive, from the device (e.g., UE104), UAI to facilitate configuring the device with one or more parameters (e.g., configuring one or more parameters for use by the device) for communicating (e.g., with base station102and/or other base stations in the network). As described, for example, the one or more parameters can include a number of antennas, DRX parameters, PDCCH monitoring parameters, etc., as described. Moreover, as described, parameter configuring component352can receive the UAI as part of a RACH procedure, in a control communication over an established control channel, etc.

In method900, at Block904, a degraded feedback can be detected for a signal transmitted to the device that is not a response to the UAI. In an aspect, feedback processing component354, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)312, memory316, transceiver302, scheduling component342etc., can detect the degraded feedback for the signal transmitted to the device that is not a response to the UAI. In an example, feedback processing component354can determine that the signal transmitted to the device is not a response to the UAI based on determining that the signal is not an assistance response signal or otherwise does not include indicate that parameters in UAI are applied and/or does not include the one or more parameters and/or values thereof. For example, feedback processing component354can have transmitted a data signal, CSI-RS, or other signal to the device that is not an assistance response signal to the UE104, and can accordingly receive degraded feedback (e.g., a degraded feedback value or no feedback, as described above) from the UE.

For example, in detecting degraded feedback at Block904, optionally at Block906, one or more feedback opportunities for which no feedback is received for the signal can be detected. In an aspect, feedback processing component354, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)312, memory316, transceiver302, scheduling component342etc., can detect the one or more feedback opportunities for which no feedback is received for the signal. For example, scheduling component342can transmit the other signal, which is not an assistance response signal, and can retransmit the signal where no feedback is received from the UE104. After detecting one or more feedback opportunities without detecting HARQ feedback, however, feedback processing component354can determine that the feedback is being degraded. This is additionally described with reference toFIG.5, above.

For example, in detecting degraded feedback at Block904, optionally at Block908, one or more feedback opportunities for which NACK feedback is received for the signal can be detected. In an aspect, feedback processing component354, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)312, memory316, transceiver302, scheduling component342etc., can detect the one or more feedback opportunities for which NACK feedback is received for the signal. For example, scheduling component342can transmit the other signal, which is not an assistance response signal, and can retransmit the signal where NACK feedback is received from the UE104. After detecting one or more feedback opportunities with HARQ NACK feedback, however, feedback processing component354can determine that the feedback is being degraded. This is additionally described with reference toFIG.6, above.

For example, in detecting degraded feedback at Block904, optionally at Block910, it can be detected that channel conditions of a channel with the device achieve a threshold level. In an aspect, feedback processing component354, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)312, memory316, transceiver302, scheduling component342etc., can detect that the channel conditions of the channel with the device achieve the threshold level. For example, feedback processing component354can use this determination in conjunction with detecting certain feedback (e.g., in conjunction with detecting feedback opportunities with no feedback or detecting multiple NACK feedback) to determine the feedback is indeed degraded (e.g., where channel conditions are good), as described above.

For example, in detecting degraded feedback at Block904, optionally at Block912, one or more CQI opportunities for which no CQI report is received for the signal can be detected, or at Block914, one or more CQI opportunities for which a CQI report having a degraded CQI value is received can be detected. In an aspect, feedback processing component354, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)312, memory316, transceiver302, scheduling component342etc., can detect the one or more CQI opportunities for which no CQI report is received for the signal or can detect the one or more CQI opportunities for which a CQI report having a degraded CQI value is received. For example, scheduling component342can transmit CSI-RS and can detect that no CQI is being received, or degraded CQI is being received, from the UE104in associated reporting opportunities. After detecting one or more CQI opportunities without detecting a CQI report or detecting a degraded CQI report, however, feedback processing component354can determine that the feedback is being degraded. This is additionally described with reference toFIG.8, above.

In method900, at Block916, an assistance response signal including one or more parameters based on the UAI can be transmitted based on detecting the degraded feedback. In an aspect, scheduling component342, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s)312, memory316, transceiver302, etc., can transmit, based on detecting the degraded feedback, the assistance response signal including the one or more parameters based on the UAI. As described, for example, the one or more parameters may specify, to the UE104, a number of antennas to use in communicating with the base station102, one or more DRX parameters, one or more PDCCH monitoring parameters, and/or the like. In this regard, the base station102can be influenced or caused to modify communication parameters for the UE104in view of the received UAI.

FIG.10is a block diagram of a MIMO communication system1000including a base station102and a UE104. The MIMO communication system1000may illustrate aspects of the wireless communication access network100described with reference toFIG.1. The base station102may be an example of aspects of the base station102described with reference toFIG.1. The base station102may be equipped with antennas1034and1035, and the UE104may be equipped with antennas1052and1053. In the MIMO communication system1000, the base station102may be able to send data over multiple communication links at the same time. Each communication link may be called a “layer” and the “rank” of the communication link may indicate the number of layers used for communication. For example, in a 2×2 MIMO communication system where base station102transmits two “layers,” the rank of the communication link between the base station102and the UE104is two.

At the base station102, a transmit (Tx) processor1020may receive data from a data source. The transmit processor1020may process the data. The transmit processor1020may also generate control symbols or reference symbols. A transmit MIMO processor1030may perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on data symbols, control symbols, or reference symbols, if applicable, and may provide output symbol streams to the transmit modulator/demodulators1032and1033. Each modulator/demodulator1032through1033may process a respective output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modulator/demodulator1032through1033may further process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and upconvert) the output sample stream to obtain a DL signal. In one example, DL signals from modulator/demodulators1032and1033may be transmitted via the antennas1034and1035, respectively.

The UE104may be an example of aspects of the UEs104described with reference toFIGS.1-2. At the UE104, the UE antennas1052and1053may receive the DL signals from the base station102and may provide the received signals to the modulator/demodulators1054and1055, respectively. Each modulator/demodulator1054through1055may condition (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and digitize) a respective received signal to obtain input samples. Each modulator/demodulator1054through1055may further process the input samples (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain received symbols. A MIMO detector1056may obtain received symbols from the modulator/demodulators1054and1055, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols, if applicable, and provide detected symbols. A receive (Rx) processor1058may process (e.g., demodulate, deinterleave, and decode) the detected symbols, providing decoded data for the UE104to a data output, and provide decoded control information to a processor1080, or memory1082.

The processor1080may in some cases execute stored instructions to instantiate a communicating component242(see e.g.,FIGS.1and2).

On the uplink (UL), at the UE104, a transmit processor1064may receive and process data from a data source. The transmit processor1064may also generate reference symbols for a reference signal. The symbols from the transmit processor1064may be precoded by a transmit MIMO processor1066if applicable, further processed by the modulator/demodulators1054and1055(e.g., for SC-FDMA, etc.), and be transmitted to the base station102in accordance with the communication parameters received from the base station102. At the base station102, the UL signals from the UE104may be received by the antennas1034and1035, processed by the modulator/demodulators1032and1033, detected by a MIMO detector1036if applicable, and further processed by a receive processor1038. The receive processor1038may provide decoded data to a data output and to the processor1040or memory1042.

The processor1040may in some cases execute stored instructions to instantiate a scheduling component342(see e.g.,FIGS.1and3).

The components of the UE104may, individually or collectively, be implemented with one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) adapted to perform some or all of the applicable functions in hardware. Each of the noted modules may be a means for performing one or more functions related to operation of the MIMO communication system1000. Similarly, the components of the base station102may, individually or collectively, be implemented with one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all of the applicable functions in hardware. Each of the noted components may be a means for performing one or more functions related to operation of the MIMO communication system1000.

The various illustrative blocks and components described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed with a specially programmed device, such as but not limited to a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A specially programmed processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A specially programmed processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

In the Following, an Overview of Further Examples is Provided:1. A method for wireless communications, comprising:transmitting, by a device and to a base station, assistance information to facilitate configuring one or more parameters for communicating with the base station;detecting, by the device, that an assistance response signal including the one or more parameters based on the assistance information is not received from the base station within a threshold period of time; anddegrading, by the device and based on the detecting that the assistance response signal is not received within the threshold period of time, feedback to be communicated to the base station.2. The method of example 1, wherein detecting that the assistance response signal is not received further comprises detecting, by the device, that a different signal not including the one or more parameters is received after the threshold period of time and without first receiving the assistance response signal, and wherein degrading the feedback comprises degrading the feedback to be communicated to the base station for the different signal.3. The method of any of examples 1 or 2, wherein degrading the feedback comprises refraining from transmitting the feedback in one or more feedback transmission opportunities.4. The method of example 3, wherein refraining from transmitting the feedback comprises refraining from transmitting the feedback at least until the assistance response signal is received or until a maximum number of retransmissions is reached.5. The method of any of examples 3 or 4, further comprising refraining, based on detecting that the assistance response signal is not received, from decoding data packets in the different signal.6. The method of example 5, wherein refraining from decoding the data packets is based on determining that the assistance information is not received from the base station within the threshold period of time.7. The method of any of examples 2 to 6, wherein degrading the feedback comprises transmitting negative acknowledgement (NACK) feedback for the different signal.8. The method of example 7, wherein transmitting the NACK feedback comprises transmitting the NACK feedback at least until the assistance response signal is received or until a maximum number of retransmissions is reached.9. The method of any of examples 2 to 8, wherein degrading the feedback comprises, after transmitting negative acknowledgement (NACK) feedback for the different signal a threshold number of times, transmitting one or more of a sounding reference signal (SRS), a scheduling request (SR), the assistance information, or a power status signal.10. The method of example 9, wherein transmitting the NACK feedback comprises transmitting the NACK feedback and/or transmitting the one or more of the SRS, the SR, the assistance information, or the power status signal, at least until the assistance response signal is received or until a maximum number of retransmissions is reached.11. The method of any of examples 1 to 10, wherein degrading the feedback comprises refraining from transmitting a channel quality indicator (CQI) report configured by the base station at least until the assistance response signal is received.12. The method of any of examples 1 to 11, wherein degrading the feedback comprises transmitting, to the base station, a channel quality indicator (CQI) report based on a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) received from the base station and having a degraded CQI value at least until the assistance response signal is received.13. The method of example 12, further comprising transmitting, after transmitting a number of degraded CQI reports, one or more of a sounding reference signal (SRS), a scheduling request (SR), the assistance information, or a power status signal.14. The method of any of examples 1 to 13, wherein the feedback is one of hybrid automatic repeat/request (HARD) feedback for a received shared channel signal or a pilot signal with a channel state information (CSI) report.15. The method of any of examples 1 to 14, wherein the assistance information includes one or more of a number of antennas, a discontinuous receive (DRX) parameter, or a control channel monitoring parameter.16. A method for wireless communications, comprising:receiving, by a base station and from a device, assistance information to facilitate configuring one or more parameters for communicating with the base station;detecting, by the base station, a degraded feedback for a signal transmitted to the device that does not include the one or more parameters based on the assistance information; andtransmitting, to the device and based on detecting the degraded feedback, an assistance response signal including one or more parameters based on the assistance information.17. The method of example 16, wherein detecting the degraded feedback comprises detecting one or more feedback opportunities for which no feedback is received for the signal.18. The method of any of examples 16 or 17, wherein detecting the degraded feedback comprises receiving, in one or more feedback opportunities, negative acknowledgement (NACK) feedback for the signal.19. The method of example 18, wherein detecting the degraded feedback further comprises detecting that channel conditions of a channel with the device achieve a threshold level.20. The method of any of examples 16 to 19, wherein detecting the degraded feedback comprises detecting one or more channel quality indicator (CQI) reporting opportunities for which no CQI report is received from the device.21. The method of any of examples 16 to 20, wherein detecting the degraded feedback comprises receiving, in one or more channel quality indicator (CQI) reporting opportunities, a channel quality indicator (CQI) report based on a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) transmitted by the base station as having a degraded CQI value.22. The method of any of examples 16 to 21, wherein the assistance information includes one or more of a number of antennas, a discontinuous receive (DRX) parameter, or a control channel monitoring parameter, and further comprising modifying the one or more parameters based on the assistance information.23. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising:a transceiver;a memory configured to store instructions; andone or more processors communicatively coupled with the transceiver and the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to:transmit, to a base station, assistance information to facilitate configuring one or more parameters for communicating with the base station;detect that an assistance response signal including the one or more parameters based on the assistance information is not received from the base station within a threshold period of time; anddegrade, based on the detecting that the assistance response signal is not received within the threshold period of time, feedback to be communicated to the base station.24. The apparatus of example 23, wherein the one or more processors are configured to detect that the assistance response signal is not received at least in part by further detecting that a different signal not including the one or more parameters is received after the threshold period of time and without first receiving the assistance response signal, and wherein the one or more processors are configured to degrade the feedback to be communicated to the base station for the different signal.25. The apparatus of example 24, wherein the at least one processor is configured to degrade the feedback at least in part by refraining from transmitting the feedback in one or more feedback transmission opportunities.26. The apparatus of any of examples 24 to 25, wherein the at least one processor is configured to degrade the feedback at least in part by transmitting negative acknowledgement (NACK) feedback for the other signal.27. The apparatus of any of examples 24 to 26, wherein the at least one processor is configured to degrade the feedback at least in part by, after transmitting negative acknowledgement (NACK) feedback for the other signal a threshold number of times, transmitting one or more of a sounding reference signal (SRS), a scheduling request (SR), the assistance information, or a power status signal.28. The apparatus of any of examples 23 to 27, wherein the at least one processor is configured to degrade the feedback at least in part by refraining from transmitting a channel quality indicator (CQI) report configured by the base station at least until the assistance response signal is received.29. The apparatus of any of examples 23 to 28, wherein the at least one processor is configured to degrade the feedback at least part by transmitting, to the base station, a channel quality indicator (CQI) report based on a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) received from the base station and having a degraded CQI value at least until the assistance response signal is received.30. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising:a transceiver;a memory configured to store instructions; andone or more processors communicatively coupled with the transceiver and the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to:receive, from a device, assistance information to facilitate configuring one or more parameters for communicating with the apparatus;detect a degraded feedback for a signal transmitted to the device that does not include the one or more parameters based on the assistance information; andtransmit, to the device and based on detecting the degraded feedback, an assistance response signal including one or more parameters based on the assistance information.