Frequency diversity with carrier hopping in unlicensed spectrum

Wireless communications systems and methods related to providing frequency diversity for communications in an unlicensed spectrum are provided. A first wireless communication device communicates, with a second wireless communication device, an opportunistic frequency-switching configuration for a first frequency band and a second frequency band. The first frequency band and the second frequency band are shared by a first network operating entity and a second network operating entity. The first wireless communication device communicates, with the second wireless communication device, a first communication signal in a first frequency band based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration. The first wireless communication device switches from the first frequency band to a second frequency band based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration. The first wireless communication device communicates, with the second wireless communication device after the switching, a second communication signal in the second frequency band based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to providing frequency diversity for communications in an unlicensed spectrum.

INTRODUCTION

An approach to sharing a communication medium or spectrum among network operating entities is to employ a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure to ensure a particular channel is clear before transmitting a message. One challenge in wireless communication systems that utilize unlicensed spectrum is cell-edge performance. For example, a BS may provide communication coverage over an area of a cell. Two UEs served by the BS may each perform an LBT prior to transmitting a signal to the BS. When the UEs are located at opposite edges of the cell, the UEs may be out of each other's range, and thus may not detect each other's transmissions. As such, both UEs may proceed to transmit a signal to the BS at the same time, interfering or colliding with each other at the BS's receiver. The interference or collision caused by out-of-range transmitters may be referred to as hidden-node interference. The hidden-node interference can cause an outage (e.g., communication failure) event in the network.

While some studies and/or standards, such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11-2016 standards, may define various request-to-send/clear-to-send (RTS/CTS) schemes to reduce the occurrences of hidden-node interference, the schemes can be complex and may be designed to operate with a specific wireless communication technology and/or a specific deployment scenario.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

For example, in an aspect of the disclosure, a method of wireless communication comprising communicating, by a first wireless communication device with a second wireless communication device, an opportunistic frequency-switching configuration for a first frequency band and a second frequency band, the first frequency band and the second frequency band shared by a first network operating entity and a second network operating entity; and communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, a communication signal based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration.

In an additional aspect of the disclosure, a method of wireless communication comprising communicating, by a first wireless communication device with a second wireless communication device, a first communication signal in a first frequency band during a first period based on an opportunistic frequency-switching configuration; switching, by the first wireless communication device, from the first frequency band to a second frequency band based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration, wherein the first frequency band and the second frequency band are shared by a first network operating entity and a second network operating entity; and communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device after the switching, a second communication signal in the second frequency band during a second period based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration.

In an additional aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus comprising a transceiver configured to communicate, with a wireless communication device, an opportunistic frequency-switching configuration for a first frequency band and a second frequency band, the first frequency band and the second frequency band shared by a first network operating entity and a second network operating entity; and communicate, with the wireless communication device, a communication signal based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration.

In an additional aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus comprising a transceiver configured to communicate, with a wireless communication device, a first communication signal in a first frequency band during a first period based on an opportunistic frequency-switching configuration; switch from the first frequency band to a second frequency band based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration, wherein the first frequency band and the second frequency band are shared by a first network operating entity and a second network operating entity; and communicate, with the wireless communication device after the switching, a second communication signal in the second frequency band during a second period based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application describes mechanisms for providing frequency diversity in an unlicensed spectrum by associating multiple unlicensed frequency carriers for communications. For example, a BS may associate or link a first component carrier (e.g., a first frequency band) with a second component carrier (e.g., a second frequency band) in an unlicensed spectrum for communications. The BS may broadcast first system information in the first frequency band to facilitate communications in the first frequency band. The BS may broadcast second system information in the second frequency band to facilitate communications in the second frequency band. The BS may indicate the association or the link between the first frequency band and the second frequency band and a frequency-hopping or carrier-switching pattern to facilitate channel monitoring and communications in the first frequency band and the second frequency band. The switching between the carriers or frequency bands may be performed opportunistically based on needs.

In an embodiment, the first system information may include synchronization signal blocks (SSB) and/or remaining system information (RMSI) corresponding to the first frequency band and/or the cell served by the BS. The second system information may include SSB and/or RMSI corresponding to the second frequency band and/or the cell served by the BS. A UE may perform a random access procedure, a network attachment procedure, and/or a paging procedure using the first frequency band based on the first system information and/or using the second frequency band based on the second system information.

In an embodiment, the opportunistic frequency-switching pattern may indicate a first set of channel monitoring periods in the first frequency band and a second set of channel monitoring periods in the second frequency band. The first set of channel monitoring periods can be non-overlapping and interleaving with the second set of channel monitoring periods in time. The BS may transmit a scheduling grant in a channel monitoring period of the first frequency band or in a channel monitoring period of the second frequency band. The UE may monitor for a scheduling grant from the BS during the first set of channel monitoring periods and/or during the second set of channel monitoring periods. In other words, the UE may switch or hop between the first frequency band and the second frequency band for the monitoring. If the UE detects a scheduling grant in one of the first or second frequency band, the UE may proceed to communicate with the BS in a corresponding frequency band based on the scheduling grant. Otherwise, the UE may switch or hop to the other frequency band and continue with the monitoring.

In some embodiments, the BS may communicate with the UE using one frequency band and may activate the frequency-switching based on channel qualities. For example, when the UE is located at a cell-edge, the channel quality of one frequency band may be higher than another frequency band. Thus, the BS may switch to use the frequency band with the higher channel quality for communications with the UE. As such, the disclosed embodiments can improve cell-edge performance. While the disclosed embodiments are illustrated using two unlicensed or share frequency bands or carriers, the disclosed embodiments can be applied to any suitable number of unlicensed or shared frequency carriers, for example, about three, four, or five or more.

In an embodiment, a UE115attempting to access the network100may perform an initial cell search by detecting a PSS from a BS105. The PSS may enable synchronization of period timing and may indicate a physical layer identity value. The UE115may then receive a SSS. The SSS may enable radio frame synchronization, and may provide a cell identity value, which may be combined with the physical layer identity value to identify the cell. The SSS may also enable detection of a duplexing mode and a cyclic prefix length. Some systems, such as TDD systems, may transmit an SSS but not a PSS. Both the PSS and the SSS may be located in a central portion of a carrier, respectively.

After receiving the PSS and SSS, the UE115may receive a MIB. The MIB may include system information for initial network access and scheduling information for RMSI and/or OSI. After decoding the MIB, the UE115may receive RMSI and/or OSI. The RMSI and/or OSI may include radio resource configuration (RRC) information related to random access channel (RACH) procedures, paging, control resource set (CORESET) for physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring, physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), power control, SRS, and cell barring. After obtaining the MIB, the RMSI and/or the OSI, the UE115can perform a random access procedure to establish a connection with the BS105. After establishing a connection, the UE115and the BS105can enter a normal operation stage, where operational data may be exchanged.

In an embodiment, the network100may operate over a shared channel, which may include a licensed spectrum, a shared spectrum, and/or an unlicensed spectrum, and may support dynamic medium sharing. The BSs105and the UEs115may communicate over the shared channel by performing LBT procedures. For example, after a BS105gain access or a transmission opportunity (TXOP) in the shared channel, the BS105may schedule a UE115for a UL transmission or a DL transmission in a certain time period (e.g., a transmission slot within the TXOP). When the schedule is for a UL transmission, the UE115may additionally perform an LBT procedure prior to the scheduled time period. When the LBT is successful or the channel is clear, the UE115may transmit a UL communication signal, such as a PUSCH signal or a PUCCH signal, to the BS105. In some embodiments, the operations can be compliant to European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) document EN 301 893. Thus, the network100can operate over frequency bands around 5 GHz.

In some embodiments, the network100may provide frequency diversity by operating over multiple unlicensed or shared frequency bands. The multiple frequency bands may be associated with each other for communications in the network100. For example, a BS105may broadcast first system information in a first frequency band and may broadcast second system information in a second frequency band. The first system information and the second system information can include SSBs, RMSI, and/or OSI. The BS105may signal an association between the first frequency band and the second frequency band. A UE115may monitor for system information in the first frequency band and/or the second frequency band and receive the association. The UE115may perform cell selection and/or network registration over the first frequency band and/or the second frequency band. The UE115may camp on both the first frequency band and the second frequency band. The BS105and the UE115may communicate with each other by switching between the first frequency band and the second frequency band to provide the frequency diversity. For example, the UE115may fail to communicate with the BS105over one of the first frequency band or the second frequency band at some time instants, but may be able to continue to communicate with the BS105over the other frequency band. Thus, the frequency switching can reduce network outage events, for example, caused by hidden-node interference. Mechanisms for communicating over multiple linked or associated frequency bands with frequency-switching are described in greater detail herein.

FIG. 2is a block diagram of an exemplary UE200according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The UE200may be a UE115as discussed above inFIG. 1. As shown, the UE200may include a processor202, a memory204, a frequency-switching-based communication module208, a transceiver210including a modem subsystem212and a radio frequency (RF) unit214, and one or more antennas216. These elements may be in direct or indirect communication with each other, for example via one or more buses.

The frequency-switching-based communication module208may be implemented via hardware, software, or combinations thereof. For example, the frequency-switching-based communication module208may be implemented as a processor, circuit, and/or instructions206stored in the memory204and executed by the processor202. The frequency-switching-based communication module208may be used for various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, aspects ofFIGS. 4-10. The frequency-switching-based communication module208is configured to monitor for system information (e.g., SSBs, RMSI, and/or OSI) from a BS (e.g., the BSs105) in multiple unlicensed and/or shared frequency bands, receive association information for the multiple frequency bands from the BS, perform cell selection procedures, network attachment or registration procedures, and/or cell camping procedures based on system information obtained from the monitoring and/or the received frequency band association information, obtain frequency-switching configuration information from the system information, performs LBT procedures, and/or communicate with the BS based on the association information, the frequency-switching configuration information, and/or LBT results, as described in greater detail herein.

As shown, the transceiver210may include the modem subsystem212and the RF unit214. The transceiver210can be configured to communicate bi-directionally with other devices, such as the BSs105. The modem subsystem212may be configured to modulate and/or encode the data from the memory204, and/or the frequency-switching-based communication module208according to a modulation and coding scheme (MCS), e.g., a low-density parity check (LDPC) coding scheme, a turbo coding scheme, a convolutional coding scheme, a digital beamforming scheme, etc. The RF unit214may be configured to process (e.g., perform analog to digital conversion or digital to analog conversion, etc.) modulated/encoded data from the modem subsystem212(on outbound transmissions) or of transmissions originating from another source such as a UE115or a BS105. The RF unit214may be further configured to perform analog beamforming in conjunction with the digital beamforming. Although shown as integrated together in transceiver210, the modem subsystem212and the RF unit214may be separate devices that are coupled together at the UE115to enable the UE115to communicate with other devices.

The RF unit214may provide the modulated and/or processed data, e.g. data packets (or, more generally, data messages that may contain one or more data packets and other information), to the antennas216for transmission to one or more other devices. The antennas216may further receive data messages transmitted from other devices. The antennas216may provide the received data messages for processing and/or demodulation at the transceiver210. The antennas216may include multiple antennas of similar or different designs in order to sustain multiple transmission links. The RF unit214may configure the antennas216.

FIG. 3is a block diagram of an exemplary BS300according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The BS300may be a BS105as discussed above inFIG. 1. A shown, the BS300may include a processor302, a memory304, a frequency-switching-based communication module308, a transceiver310including a modem subsystem312and a RF unit314, and one or more antennas316. These elements may be in direct or indirect communication with each other, for example via one or more buses.

The memory304may include a cache memory (e.g., a cache memory of the processor302), RAM, MRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, a solid state memory device, one or more hard disk drives, memristor-based arrays, other forms of volatile and non-volatile memory, or a combination of different types of memory. In some embodiments, the memory304may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The memory304may store instructions306. The instructions306may include instructions that, when executed by the processor302, cause the processor302to perform operations described herein, for example, aspects ofFIGS. 4-10. Instructions306may also be referred to as code, which may be interpreted broadly to include any type of computer-readable statement(s) as discussed above with respect toFIG. 2.

The frequency-switching-based communication module308may be implemented via hardware, software, or combinations thereof. For example, the frequency-switching-based communication module308may be implemented as a processor, circuit, and/or instructions306stored in the memory304and executed by the processor302. The frequency-switching-based communication module308may be used for various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, aspects ofFIGS. 4-10. The frequency-switching-based communication module308is configured to broadcast system information (e.g., SSBs, RMSI, and/or OSI) over multiple unlicensed or shared frequency bands, provide association information and/or frequency-switching configuration information for the multiple frequency bands, perform random access procedures with UEs (e.g., the UEs115) based on the system information, coordinate with various network entities to identify, authenticate, and/or authorize UEs for network attachments or network registrations, perform paging based on the system information, perform LBT procedures, and/or communicate with the UEs based on the association information, the frequency-switching configuration information, and/or LBT results, as described in greater detail herein.

As shown, the transceiver310may include the modem subsystem312and the RF unit314. The transceiver310can be configured to communicate bi-directionally with other devices, such as the UEs115and/or another core network element. The modem subsystem312may be configured to modulate and/or encode data according to a MCS, e.g., a LDPC coding scheme, a turbo coding scheme, a convolutional coding scheme, a digital beamforming scheme, etc. The RF unit314may be configured to process (e.g., perform analog to digital conversion or digital to analog conversion, etc.) modulated/encoded data from the modem subsystem312(on outbound transmissions) or of transmissions originating from another source such as a UE115or200. The RF unit314may be further configured to perform analog beamforming in conjunction with the digital beamforming. Although shown as integrated together in transceiver310, the modem subsystem312and the RF unit314may be separate devices that are coupled together at the BS105to enable the BS105to communicate with other devices.

The RF unit314may provide the modulated and/or processed data, e.g. data packets (or, more generally, data messages that may contain one or more data packets and other information), to the antennas316for transmission to one or more other devices. This may include, for example, transmission of information to complete attachment to a network and communication with a camped UE115or200according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The antennas316may further receive data messages transmitted from other devices and provide the received data messages for processing and/or demodulation at the transceiver310. The antennas316may include multiple antennas of similar or different designs in order to sustain multiple transmission links.

FIGS. 4-5illustrate mechanisms for providing network system information over multiple unlicensed and/or shared frequency carriers. InFIGS. 4-5, the x-axes represent time in some constant units, and the y-axes represent frequency in some constant units.

FIG. 4illustrates a broadcast system information transmission scheme400according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The scheme400may be employed by a BS such as the BSs105and300and a UE such as the UEs115and200in a network such as the network100. The scheme400includes a plurality of frequency bands402at frequencies f1to fn. The frequency bands402are shown as402f1to402fn. The frequency bands402may include unlicensed and/or shared frequency bands. In the scheme400, a BS (e.g., BS105inFIG. 1) may provide communications to UEs (e.g., UEs115inFIG. 1) in a coverage area using multiple frequency bands402. For purposes of simplicity of discussion, the scheme400illustrates a BS providing communications over two frequency bands402f2and402f4, though it will be recognized that embodiments of the present disclosure may scale to include any suitable number frequency bands402(e.g., about 3, 4, 5 or more) for communications between a BS and a UE.

To facilitate initial network access procedures and communications in the frequency bands402f2and402f4, the BS transmits system information410ain the frequency band402f2and system information410bin the frequency band402f4. The BS may transmit the system information410ain the frequency band402f2in concurrent with system information410bin the frequency band402f4during a time interval404. The BS can transmit the system information410aand410bperiodically in the frequency bands402f2and402f4, respectively, for example, repeating the transmissions during a time interval406.

In some embodiments, the BS may perform an LBT in the frequency bands402f2and402f4prior to the transmissions of the system information410and the system information410b. When the LBT is successful, the BS may transmit the system information410ain the frequency band402f2and the system information410bin the frequency band402f4.

The system information410can include SSBs and/or RMSI. The system information410amay include information for communicating in the frequency band402f2. For example, the system information410amay include OSI scheduling information, a random access configuration, and/or a paging configuration for the frequency band402f2. The random access configuration can include random access preamble format configurations and/or random access resources in the frequency band402f2. The paging configuration can include paging occasions and/or paging resources in the frequency band402f2. The system information410bmay be substantially similar to the system information410a, but may include information for communicating in the frequency band402f4. In some instances, the system information410aand the system information410bcan carry some identical information, for example, information that is cell-specific, such as PSSs and SSSs.

In the scheme400, the frequency bands402f2and402f4are linked or associated for communications to provide frequency diversity. The BS may indicate an association between the frequency bands402f2and402f4. The association can be semi-static via links or referenced in the system information410aand/or410b. For example, the system information410ain the frequency band402f2may include a pointer or a link408(e.g., a virtual link or a soft link) indicating the presence of the system information410bin the frequency band402f4. The system information410bin the frequency band402f4may alternatively or additionally include a pointer or a link indicating the presence of the system information410ain the frequency band402f2.

In some embodiments, the BS can use more than two frequency bands402for communications to provide further frequency diversity. In such embodiments, the BS may configure the associations or links among the frequency bands402in a sequential order. For example, the BS may use four frequency bands402f2,402f4,402f3, and402f1for communications. The BS may link the frequency bands402f2,402f4,402f3, and402f1in a sequential order. In other words, the system information410bmay further include a link pointing to the next frequency band402f3in the sequence. Similarly, system information410in the frequency band402f3may include a link pointing to the next frequency band402f1in the sequence. In some embodiments, the system information410in each frequency band402may additionally include a reverse link pointing to a frequency band402in the sequence in a reverse order.

In some embodiments, the BS may indicate the association between the frequency bands402f2and402f4using dedicated RRC signaling (e.g., via RRC messages). Alternatively, the BS may indicate the association dynamically via DCI in a PDCCH or a medium access control control element (MAC CE) message. In some instances, the RRC, DCI, or MAC CE message can be UE-specific. In other words, the BS may link certain frequency bands402for communications with the particular UE. In some instances, the message can include timer information associated with transmissions of system information410over the other frequency band402.

A UE (e.g., UE115inFIG. 1) may monitor the frequency bands402for system information410from the BS. The UE may detect the system information410ain the frequency band402f2and/or the system information410bin the frequency band402f4. After receiving the system information410aand/or410b, the UE may perform a cell selection procedure, a random access procedure, a network attachment procedure, and/or a paging procedure with the BS over the frequency band402f2and/or the frequency band402f4based on the received system information410aand/or410b. In some instances, the UE may camp on both the frequency band402f2and the frequency band402f4. In other words, the network and/or the BS may associate the UE with both the frequency band402f2and the frequency band402f4.

In some embodiments, the system information410aand/or the system information410bmay include a frequency-switching configuration or pattern for communications using the frequency band402f2and the frequency band402f4. The frequency-switching pattern can indicate time periods for monitoring the frequency band402f2and time periods for monitoring for monitoring the frequency band402f4. The monitoring can include scheduling information monitoring and/or preamble monitoring (e.g., related medium reservations), as described in greater detail herein.

In some embodiments, the BS may use the frequency band402f2as a primary frequency band for communications with a UE and may use the frequency band402f4as a backup frequency band or a secondary frequency band for communications with the UE, for example, when a failure or an outage is detected in the frequency band402f2. For example, when the channel quality in the frequency band402f2is sufficiently good and reliable, the BS may communicate with the UE using the frequency band402f2without activating frequency-switching between the frequency band402f2and the frequency band402f4. As the channel quality in the frequency band402f2degrades, the BS may activate the frequency-switching and may communicate with the UE by switching between the frequency band402f2and the frequency band402f4. When the channel in the frequency band402f2continues to degrade or fails, the BS may switch to the frequency band402f4for communications with the UE. Subsequently, when the channel quality in the frequency band402f2recovers, the BS may switch back to the frequency band402f2for communications with the UE. Thus, the use of multiple frequency bands402can provide frequency diversity and mitigate outages due to hidden-node interference. Mechanisms for scheduling and/or switching between multiple frequency bands402for communications are described in greater detail herein.

FIG. 5illustrates a broadcast system information transmission scheme500according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The scheme500may be employed by a BS such as the BSs105and300and a UE such as the UEs115and200in a network such as the network100. The scheme500is substantially similar to the scheme400, and may use the same reference numerals as inFIG. 4for simplicity sake. However, in the scheme500, a BS (e.g., BS105inFIG. 1) may transmit system information410over different frequency bands402during non-overlapping time intervals. For example, the BS may transmit the system information410ain the frequency band402f2during a time interval502and may transmit the system information410bin the frequency band402f4during a time interval504offset from the time interval502. In the scheme500, the BS may perform LBTs separately in the frequency bands402f2and402f4. Similar to the scheme400, the BS may repeat the transmissions of the system information410ain frequency band402f2and the system information410bin the frequency band402f4, for example, during time intervals506and508, respectively, based on a predetermined periodicity. In addition, the system information410aand/or the system information410bmay indicate the link408or the association between the frequency band402f2and the frequency band402f4.

In some embodiments, a BS (e.g., BS105inFIG. 1) may select between the scheme400and the scheme500based on the RF capability of the BS. For example, a BS capable of transmitting over multiple frequency carriers at the same time may use the schemes400and/or500. Conversely, a BS that does not support simultaneous transmissions over multiple frequency carriers may use the scheme500.

When a BS (e.g., BS105inFIG. 1) uses the scheme400or500to broadcast system information over multiple frequency carriers, a UE (e.g., UE115inFIG. 1) may select one or more of the frequency carriers for an initial network access and/or a network attachment. Subsequently, the BS may communicate with the UE using one or more of the frequency carriers. Mechanisms for performing initial network access procedures, network attachment procedures, idle mode procedures, and data transfer are described in greater detail herein.

FIGS. 6-7illustrate mechanisms for schedule monitoring and data communications over multiple unlicensed and/or shared frequency carriers. InFIGS. 6-7, the x-axes represent time in some constant units, and the y-axes represent frequency in some constant units.

FIG. 6illustrates a schedule monitoring and data communication scheme600with frequency-switching according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The scheme600may be employed by a BS such as the BSs105and300and a UE such as the UEs115and200in a network such as the network100. The scheme600can be used in conjunction with the schemes400and/or500. The scheme600is illustrated using the same frequency band configuration as in the schemes400and500, where a BS may broadcast system information410in the frequency bands402f2and402f4, and may use the same reference numerals as inFIGS. 4 and 5for simplicity sake. As described above, the system information410may include a frequency-switching configuration or pattern for channel monitoring. For example, the frequency-switching configuration may indicate a set of channel monitoring periods610in the frequency bands402f2and a set of channel monitoring periods620in the frequency band402f4. The channel monitoring periods610may have the same periodicity as the channel monitoring periods620. The channel monitoring periods610may time-interleave with the channel monitoring periods620such that channel monitoring periods610are non-overlapping with the channel monitoring periods620.

In the scheme600, a BS (e.g., BS105inFIG. 1) may transmit a scheduling grant in a channel monitoring period610to schedule a communication with a UE (e.g., UE115inFIG. 1) in the frequency band402f2. Alternatively, the BS may transmit a scheduling grant in a channel monitoring period620to schedule a communication with the UE in the frequency band402f4. The transmission of a scheduling grant may depend on an LBT result in a corresponding frequency band402f2or402f4.

For example, the BS may perform an LBT in the frequency band402f2prior to a channel monitoring period610a. Upon a successful LBT, the BS may transmit a scheduling grant612in the channel monitoring period610ato schedule a communication614with the UE in the frequency band402f2. The communication614can be a UL data communication or a DL data communication. The BS may perform similar LBT operations in the frequency band402f4prior to transmitting scheduling grants622in the channel monitoring periods620a(1)and620a(2).

A UE may monitor for a scheduling grant from the BS in the frequency band402f2during the channel monitoring periods610. The UE may also monitor for a scheduling grant from the BS in the frequency band402f4during the channel monitoring periods620. For example, the UE may switch or hop between the frequency band402f2and the frequency band402f4during the monitoring when no scheduling grant is received from the BS as shown by the dotted arrows. To facilitate the switching, the UE may be time-synchronized to the BS. In other words, the UE and the BS may use a common timeline for communications. The synchronization can be established during an initial network access procedure and can be tracked, for example, based on reference pilot signals received from the BS.

Upon detecting a scheduling grant612in the channel monitoring period610a, the UE may proceed to communicate with the BS in the frequency band402f2based on the scheduling grant612as shown by the communication614. In some embodiments, when the scheduling grant612is for a UL communication, the UE may perform an LBT prior to the communication614. After completing the communication614, the UE may continue to monitor for a scheduling grant from the BS and may switch between the frequency band402f2and the frequency band402f4for the monitoring based on the frequency-switching configuration. While the communication614is ongoing in the frequency band402f2, the UE can skip the monitoring in the frequency band402f4. Similarly, upon detecting a scheduling grant622in the channel monitoring period620a(1)or620a(2), the UE may proceed to communicate with the BS in the frequency band402f4based on the scheduling grant622as shown by the communication624. While the communication624is ongoing in the frequency band402f4, the UE can skip the monitoring in the frequency band402f2.

In some embodiments, when communications in the frequency band402f2is reliable, the BS may continue to schedule the UE for communications in the frequency band402f2without activating the switching to the other frequency band402f4. The switching from the frequency band4022to the frequency band402f4for the scheduling of the communication624(shown by the arrow602) may be based on a threshold comparison. For example, the BS may detect that the channel quality in the frequency band402f2falls below a certain threshold and determine the switch based on the detection. The switching can also be based on some statistical performance measures in the frequency band402f2. For example, the performance measures can include bit-error-rate (BER), packet-error-rate (PER), and/or the number of acknowledgements/negative-acknowledgements (ACKs/NAKs) received from the UE or number of ACKs/NAKs transmitted to the UEs.

While the scheme600describes the channel monitoring in the channel monitoring periods610and620as scheduling grant monitoring, the scheme600can include reservation preamble signal monitoring in the channel monitoring. For example, a BS may perform an LBT in a channel. When the LBT is successful, the BS may transmit a reservation preamble (e.g., a predetermined sequence) in the channel to indicate that the BS has gained access to the channel Subsequently, the BS may transmit a scheduling grant to provide a UE with scheduling information. Thus, a UE may monitor the frequency bands for a reservation preamble in a channel monitoring period610or620. Upon detecting a reservation preamble in the frequency band402f2or402f4from the BS, the UE may continue to monitor the corresponding frequency band402f2or402f4for a scheduling grant from the BS.

In some embodiments, a BS may associate more than two frequency bands402for communications with a UE, where the frequency bands402may be associated in a particular order. In such embodiments, each associated frequency band402may include a set of channel monitoring periods (e.g., the channel monitoring periods610and620). The UE may hop from one frequency band402to a next frequency band402for channel monitoring according to the association order.

FIG. 7illustrates a schedule monitoring and data communication scheme700with frequency-switching according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The scheme700may be employed by a BS such as the BSs105and300and a UE such as the UEs115and200in a network such as the network100. The scheme700can be used in conjunction with the schemes400and/or500. The scheme700is illustrated using the same frequency band configuration as in the schemes400and500, where a BS may broadcast system information410in the frequency bands402f2and402f4, and may use the same reference numerals as inFIGS. 4 and 5for simplicity sake. The scheme700is substantially similar to the scheme600, but may include channel monitoring periods of different periodicities in different frequency bands402. As shown, the frequency band402f4includes a set of channel monitoring periods720with a longer periodicity than the set of channel monitoring periods610in the frequency band4022. Thus, in the scheme700, a UE may monitor the frequency band402f4less frequently than the frequency band402f2.

FIG. 8is a signaling diagram of a communication method800that uses multiple frequency carriers to provide frequency diversity according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method800is implemented by a BS (e.g., the BSs105and300) and a UE (e.g., the UEs115and200) in a network (e.g., the network100). The method800may use similar mechanisms as in the schemes400,500,600, and700described above with respect toFIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7. Steps of the method800can be executed by computing devices (e.g., a processor, processing circuit, and/or other suitable component) of the BS and the UE. As illustrated, the method800includes a number of enumerated steps, but embodiments of the method800may include additional steps before, after, and in between the enumerated steps. In some embodiments, one or more of the enumerated steps may be omitted or performed in a different order.

At step805, the BS configures a frequency-switching pattern for opportunistic switching between a first frequency band and a second frequency band. The first frequency band and the second frequency band may be unlicensed or shared frequency bands. For example, the first frequency band may correspond to the frequency band402f2. The second frequency band may correspond to the frequency band402f4.

At step810, the BS transmits first system information (e.g., the system information410a) in the first frequency band. At step815, the BS transmits second system information (e.g., the system information410a) in the second frequency band. The BS may associate the first frequency band with the second frequency band. The BS may generate a soft link (e.g., the links408) between the first system information and the second system information. For example, the BS may include a pointer in the first system information referencing the second system information in the second frequency band. The pointer functions as an indication of the association between the first frequency and the second frequency band. The first system information may include a random access configuration and/or a paging configuration for performing random access and/or paging, respectively, in the first frequency band. The second system information may include a random access configuration and/or a paging configuration for performing random access and/or paging, respectively, in the second frequency band. The first system information and/or the second system information may include a frequency-switching configuration for switching between the first frequency band and the second frequency band. For example, the frequency-switching configuration may include a similar schedule monitoring pattern as in the schemes600and700.

At step820, the UE monitors for system information from the BS. Upon detecting the first system information and/or the second system information, the UE may synchronize to the BS (e.g., based on synchronization signals in the system information). The UE may perform cell selection based on the reception qualities of the first system information and/or the second system information. For example, the UE may determine to proceed with an initial network access procedure with the BS.

At step825, the UE performs a network random access procedure with the BS. The UE may initiate the random access procedure by transmitting a random access preamble to the BS. In some embodiments, the UE may select the frequency band with the higher signal quality based on the receptions of the first system information and the second system information for the random access procedure. In some other embodiments, the UE may perform the random access procedure over both the first and second frequency bands, for example, switching between the first and second frequency bands using the schemes600and/or700.

To transmit a random access preamble in the first frequency band, the UE may generate a random access preamble based on a random access preamble format in the first system information and transmit the random access preamble using a random access resource indicated in the first system information. Similarly, to transmit a random access preamble in the second frequency band, the UE may generate a random access preamble based on a random access preamble format in the second system information and transmit the random access preamble using a random access resource indicated in the second system information.

The BS may respond to a random access preamble by transmitting a random access response to the UE. The BS may transmit a random access response in the same frequency band where the BS received the random access preamble. For example, the BS may transmit a random access response in the first frequency band when the random access preamble is received from the first frequency band. Alternatively, the BS may transmit the random access response by switching to the second frequency band, for example, depending on the channel quality of the first frequency band. After receiving the random access response, the UE may transmit an RRC connection request to the BS. The BS may respond to the connection request by transmitting a contention resolution and an RRC connection setup response to the UE.

During the random access procedure, the BS and the UE may establish a common timeline for communications. The BS and the UE may exchange the random access response, the RRC connection request, and/or the contention resolution and RRC connection setup response in the first frequency band and/or the second frequency band using the schemes600and/or700.

At step830, after completing the random access procedure, the UE may perform a network attachment procedure with the BS to register with the network. The UE may initiate the registration by transmitting an attachment request to the BS. The BS may coordinate with various network entities or next generation core (NGC) entities, such as access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), and/or user plane function (UPF), to complete the network attachment procedure. For example, the BS may coordinate with the network entities in the NGC to identify the UE, authenticate the UE, and/or authorize the UE for sending and/or receiving data in the network. The network attachment procedure may be performed over the first frequency band, the second frequency band, or switching between the first and second frequency bands. At the end of the attachment procedure, the UE is known to the network and an association between the UE, the first frequency band, and the second frequency band may be established.

At step835, after completing the network attachment procedure, the UE may enter an active mode and exchange data with the BS, for example, using the schemes600and/or700. In some embodiments, the BS may schedule the UE using one of the first and second frequency bands. For example, the BS may configure the first frequency band as a primary band and may configure the second frequency band as a secondary or backup band. For example, the BS may communicate with the UE over the first frequency band in a time period802and may switch to communicate with the UE in the second frequency band in a time period804. The switching can be based on a channel quality of the first frequency band falling below a certain threshold and/or an increase in packet error rates (PERs). In some embodiments, the BS may switch back to first frequency band for communications with the UE when the channel quality of the first frequency band recovers (e.g., meeting a certain threshold).

At step840, after completing the data transfer, the UE may enter an idle mode. The UE may sleep based on a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle, for example, configured in the first system information and/or the second system information. The UE may periodically wake up to monitor for scheduling grants related to paging messages.

At step845, while the UE is in an idle mode, the BS may page the UE, for example, triggered by an arrival of network data for the UE. The BS may transmit a paging message to the UE over the first frequency band and/or the second frequency band, for example, based on paging occasions and/or resources configured in the first system information and/or the second system information.

FIG. 9is a flow diagram of a communication method900according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Steps of the method900can be executed by a computing device (e.g., a processor, processing circuit, and/or other suitable component) of a wireless communication device or other suitable means for performing the steps. For example, a wireless communication device, such as the UE115or UE200, may utilize one or more components, such as the processor202, the memory204, the frequency-switching-based communication module208, the transceiver210, the modem212, and the one or more antennas216, to execute the steps of method900. In another example, a wireless communication device, such as the BS105or BS300, may utilize one or more components, such as the processor302, the memory304, the frequency-switching-based communication module308, the transceiver310, the modem312, and the one or more antennas316, to execute the steps of method900. The method900may employ similar mechanisms as in the schemes400,500,600, and700and the method800described above with respect toFIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, respectively. As illustrated, the method900includes a number of enumerated steps, but embodiments of the method900may include additional steps before, after, and in between the enumerated steps. In some embodiments, one or more of the enumerated steps may be omitted or performed in a different order.

At step910, the method900includes communicating, by a first wireless communication device with a second wireless communication device, an opportunistic frequency-switching configuration for a first frequency band (e.g., the first frequency band402f2) and a second frequency band (e.g., the second frequency band402f4). The first frequency band and the second frequency band are shared by a first network operating entity and a second network operating entity.

At step920, the method900includes communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, a communication signal based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration.

In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may correspond to a BS and the second wireless communication device may correspond to a UE. In such embodiments, the first wireless communication device may transmit the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration to the second wireless communication device. In some other embodiments, the first wireless communication device may correspond to a UE and the second wireless communication device may correspond to a BS. In such embodiments, the first wireless communication device may receive the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration from the second wireless communication device.

In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may communicate first system information (e.g., system information410a) including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration with the second wireless communication device in the first frequency band. The first wireless communication may communicate second system information (e.g., system information410b) including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration with the second wireless communication device in the second frequency band.

In some embodiments, the first system information may be communicated in the first frequency band concurrent with the second system information in the second frequency band, for example, as shown in the scheme400.

In some embodiments, the first system information may be communicated in the first frequency band during a first time period (e.g., the period502) and the second system information may be communicated in the second frequency band during a second time period (e.g., the period504) different from the first time period, for example, as shown in the scheme500.

In some embodiments, the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration may indicate a first set of schedule monitoring periods (e.g., the channel monitoring periods610) in the first frequency band and a second set of schedule monitoring periods (e.g., the channel monitoring periods620and720) in the second frequency band.

In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may communicate the communication signal with the second wireless communication device by communicating, with the second wireless communication device, a first scheduling grant (e.g., the scheduling grant612) in a schedule monitoring period (e.g., the channel monitoring periods610a) of the first set and a second scheduling grant (e.g., the scheduling grant622) in a schedule monitoring period (e.g., the channel monitoring periods620aand720a) of the second set based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration.

In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may communicate the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration with the second wireless communication via an RRC message, a MAC CE, or DCI. In some embodiments, the RRC message, the DCI, or the MAC CE can be a UE-specific message destined to the second wireless communication.

FIG. 10is a flow diagram of a communication method1000according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Steps of the method1000can be executed by a computing device (e.g., a processor, processing circuit, and/or other suitable component) of a wireless communication device or other suitable means for performing the steps. For example, a wireless communication device, such as the UE115or UE200, may utilize one or more components, such as the processor202, the memory204, the frequency-switching-based communication module208, the transceiver210, the modem212, and the one or more antennas216, to execute the steps of method1000. In another example, a wireless communication device, such as the BS105or BS300, may utilize one or more components, such as the processor302, the memory304, the frequency-switching-based communication module308, the transceiver310, the modem312, and the one or more antennas316, to execute the steps of method1000. The method1000may employ similar mechanisms as in the schemes400,500,600, and700and the method800described above with respect toFIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, respectively. As illustrated, the method1000includes a number of enumerated steps, but embodiments of the method1000may include additional steps before, after, and in between the enumerated steps. In some embodiments, one or more of the enumerated steps may be omitted or performed in a different order.

At step1010, the method1000includes communicating, by a first wireless communication device with a second wireless communication device, a first communication signal in a first frequency band (e.g., the first frequency band402f2) during a first period based on an opportunistic frequency-switching configuration.

At step1020, the method1000includes switching, by the first wireless communication device, from the first frequency band to a second frequency band (e.g., the first frequency band402f4) based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration. The first frequency band and the second frequency band are shared by a first network operating entity and a second network operating entity.

At step1030, the method1000includes communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device after the switching, a second communication signal in the second frequency band during a second period based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration.

In some embodiments, the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration may indicate a first set of schedule monitoring periods (e.g., the channel monitoring periods610) in the first frequency band and a second set of schedule monitoring periods (e.g., the channel monitoring periods620and720) in the second frequency band. The first period (e.g., the channel monitoring period610a) may be a schedule monitoring period of the first set. The second period (e.g., the channel monitoring period620aor720a) may be a schedule monitoring period of the second set. In some embodiments, the first set of schedule monitoring periods may interleave with the second set of schedule monitoring periods in time.

In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may correspond to a UE. IN such embodiments, the first wireless communication device may monitor for a first scheduling grant (e.g., the scheduling grant612) from the second wireless communication device in the first frequency band during the first period, where the first communication signal may be communicated based on the first scheduling grant. After the switching, the first wireless communication device may monitor for a second scheduling grant (e.g., the scheduling grant622) from the second wireless communication device in the second frequency band during the second period, where the second communication signal may be communicated based on the second scheduling grant. In some embodiments, the monitoring for the first scheduling grant may be performed in response to determining that there is no scheduling grant detected in the second frequency band during a preceding schedule monitoring period of the second set.

In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may correspond to a BS and the second wireless communication may correspond to a UE. In such embodiments, the first wireless communication device may communicate the first communication signal by transmitting a first scheduling grant to the second wireless communication device in the first frequency band during the first period. The first wireless communication device may communicate the second communication signal by transmitting a second scheduling grant to the second wireless communication device in the second frequency band during the second period. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may transmit the second scheduling grant when determining that the communicating the first communication signal is unsuccessful. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may perform a first LBT in the first frequency band, where the first scheduling grant may be transmitted based on the first LBT. Similarly, the first wireless communication device may perform a second LBT in the second frequency band, where the second scheduling grant may be transmitted based on the second LBT.

In some embodiments, the first communication signal and the second communication signal may be associated with at least one of a network system information broadcast, a random access procedure, a network attachment procedure, or a paging procedure.

Further embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of wireless communication, comprising communicating, by a first wireless communication device with a second wireless communication device, an opportunistic frequency-switching configuration for a first frequency band and a second frequency band, the first frequency band and the second frequency band shared by a first network operating entity and a second network operating entity; and communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, a communication signal based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration.

In some embodiments, wherein the communicating the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration includes communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device in the first frequency band, first system information including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration; and communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device in the second frequency band, second system information including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration. In some embodiments, wherein the first system information is communicated in the first frequency band concurrent with the second system information in the second frequency band. In some embodiments, wherein the first system information is communicated in the first frequency band during a first time period, and wherein the second system information is communicated in the second frequency band during a second time period different from the first time period. In some embodiments, wherein the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration indicates a first set of schedule monitoring periods in the first frequency band and a second set of schedule monitoring periods in the second frequency band. In some embodiments, wherein the communicating the communication signal includes communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, a first scheduling grant in a schedule monitoring period of the first set based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration; and communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, a second scheduling grant in a schedule monitoring period of the second set based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration. In some embodiments, wherein the communicating the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration includes communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, at least one of a radio resource control (RRC) message including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration, a downlink control information (DCI) message including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration, or a media access control (MAC) control element (CE) message including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration. In some embodiments, wherein at least one of the RRC message, the DCI message, or the MAC CE message is destined to the second wireless communication device.

Further embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of wireless communication, comprising communicating, by a first wireless communication device with a second wireless communication device, a first communication signal in a first frequency band during a first period based on an opportunistic frequency-switching configuration; switching, by the first wireless communication device, from the first frequency band to a second frequency band based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration, wherein the first frequency band and the second frequency band are shared by a first network operating entity and a second network operating entity; and communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device after the switching, a second communication signal in the second frequency band during a second period based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration.

In some embodiments, wherein the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration indicates a first set of schedule monitoring periods in the first frequency band and a second set of schedule monitoring periods in the second frequency band, wherein the first period is a schedule monitoring period of the first set, and wherein the second period is a schedule monitoring period of the second set. In some embodiments, wherein the first set of schedule monitoring periods interleaves with the second set of schedule monitoring periods in time. In some embodiments, the method further comprises monitoring, by the first wireless communication device, for a first scheduling grant from the second wireless communication device in the first frequency band during the first period, wherein the first communication signal is communicated based on the first scheduling grant; and monitoring, by the first wireless communication device after the switching, for a second scheduling grant from the second wireless communication device in the second frequency band during the second period, wherein the second communication signal is communicated based on the second scheduling grant. In some embodiments, wherein the monitoring for the first scheduling grant is performed in response to determining that there is no scheduling grant detected in the second frequency band during a preceding schedule monitoring period of the second set. In some embodiments, wherein the communicating the first communication signal includes transmitting, by the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device, a first scheduling grant in the first frequency band during the first period, and wherein the communicating the second communication signal includes transmitting, by the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device, a second scheduling grant in the second frequency band during the second period. In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining, by the first wireless communication device, that the communicating the first communication signal is unsuccessful, wherein the transmitting the second scheduling grant is based on the determining. In some embodiments, the method further comprises performing, by the first wireless communication device, a first listen-before-talk (LBT) in the first frequency band, wherein the first scheduling grant is transmitted based on first LBT; and performing, by the first wireless communication device, a second LBT in the second frequency band, wherein the second scheduling grant is transmitted based on second LBT. In some embodiments, wherein the first communication signal and the second communication signal are associated with at least one of a network system information broadcast, a random access procedure, a network attachment procedure, or a paging procedure.

Further embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus comprising a transceiver configured to communicate, with a wireless communication device, an opportunistic frequency-switching configuration for a first frequency band and a second frequency band, the first frequency band and the second frequency band shared by a first network operating entity and a second network operating entity; and communicate, with the wireless communication device, a communication signal based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration.

In some embodiments, wherein the transceiver is further configured to communicate the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration by communicating, with the wireless communication device in the first frequency band, first system information including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration; and communicating, with the wireless communication device in the second frequency band, second system information including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration. In some embodiments, wherein the first system information is communicated in the first frequency band concurrent with the second system information in the second frequency band. In some embodiments, wherein the first system information is communicated in the first frequency band during a first time period, and wherein the second system information is communicated in the second frequency band during a second time period different from the first time period. In some embodiments, wherein the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration indicates a first set of schedule monitoring periods in the first frequency band and a second set of schedule monitoring periods in the second frequency band. In some embodiments, wherein the transceiver is further configured to communicate the communication signal by communicating, with the wireless communication device, a first scheduling grant in a schedule monitoring period of the first set based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration; and communicating, with the wireless communication device, a second scheduling grant in a schedule monitoring period of the second set based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration. In some embodiments, wherein the transceiver is further configured to communicate the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration by communicating, with the wireless communication device, at least one of a radio resource control (RRC) message including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration, a downlink control information (DCI) message including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration, or a media access control (MAC) control element (CE) message including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration. In some embodiments, wherein at least one of the RRC message, the DCI message, or the MAC CE message is destined to the wireless communication device.

Further embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus comprising a transceiver configured to communicate, with a wireless communication device, a first communication signal in a first frequency band during a first period based on an opportunistic frequency-switching configuration; switch from the first frequency band to a second frequency band based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration, wherein the first frequency band and the second frequency band are shared by a first network operating entity and a second network operating entity; and communicate, with the wireless communication device after the switching, a second communication signal in the second frequency band during a second period based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration.

In some embodiments, wherein the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration indicates a first set of schedule monitoring periods in the first frequency band and a second set of schedule monitoring periods in the second frequency band, wherein the first period is a schedule monitoring period of the first set, and wherein the second period is a schedule monitoring period of the second set. In some embodiments, wherein the first set of schedule monitoring periods interleaves with the second set of schedule monitoring periods in time. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a processor configured to monitor for a first scheduling grant from the wireless communication device in the first frequency band during the first period, wherein the first communication signal is communicated based on the first scheduling grant; and monitor, after the switching, for a second scheduling grant from the wireless communication device in the second frequency band during the second period, wherein the second communication signal is communicated based on the second scheduling grant. In some embodiments, wherein the first scheduling grant is monitored in response to a determination that there is no scheduling grant detected in the second frequency band during a preceding schedule monitoring period of the second set. In some embodiments, wherein the transceiver is further configured to communicate the first communication signal by transmitting, to the wireless communication device, a first scheduling grant in the first frequency band during the first period; and communicate the second communication signal by transmitting, to the wireless communication device, a second scheduling grant in the second frequency band during the second period. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprising a processor configured to determine whether the communicating the first communication signal is successful, wherein the second scheduling grant is transmitted when the communicating the first communication signal is determined to be unsuccessful. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a processor configured to perform a first listen-before-talk (LBT) in the first frequency band, wherein the first scheduling grant is transmitted based on first LBT; and perform a second LBT in the second frequency band, wherein the second scheduling grant is transmitted based on second LBT. In some embodiments, wherein the first communication signal and the second communication signal are associated with at least one of a network system information broadcast, a random access procedure, a network attachment procedure, or a paging procedure.

Further embodiments of the present disclosure include a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon, the program code comprising code for causing a first wireless communication device to communicate, with a second wireless communication device, an opportunistic frequency-switching configuration for a first frequency band and a second frequency band, the first frequency band and the second frequency band shared by a first network operating entity and a second network operating entity; and code for causing the first wireless communication device to communicate, with the second wireless communication device, a communication signal based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration.

In some embodiments, wherein the code for causing the first wireless communication device to communicate the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration is further configured to communicate, with the second wireless communication device in the first frequency band, first system information including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration; and communicate, with the second wireless communication device in the second frequency band, second system information including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration. In some embodiments, wherein the first system information is communicated in the first frequency band concurrent with the second system information in the second frequency band. In some embodiments, wherein the first system information is communicated in the first frequency band during a first time period, and wherein the second system information is communicated in the second frequency band during a second time period different from the first time period. In some embodiments, wherein the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration indicates a first set of schedule monitoring periods in the first frequency band and a second set of schedule monitoring periods in the second frequency band. In some embodiments, wherein the code for causing the first wireless communication device to communicate the communication signal is further configured to communicate, with the second wireless communication device, a first scheduling grant in a schedule monitoring period of the first set based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration; and communicate, with the second wireless communication device, a second scheduling grant in a schedule monitoring period of the second set based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration. In some embodiments, wherein the code for causing the first wireless communication device to communicate the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration is further configured to communicate, with the second wireless communication device, at least one of a radio resource control (RRC) message including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration, a downlink control information (DCI) message including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration, or a media access control (MAC) control element (CE) message including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration. In some embodiments, wherein at least one of the RRC message, the DCI message, or the MAC CE message is destined to the second wireless communication device.

Further embodiments of the present disclosure include a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon, the program code comprising code for causing a first wireless communication device to communicate, with a second wireless communication device, a first communication signal in a first frequency band during a first period based on an opportunistic frequency-switching configuration; code for causing the first wireless communication device to switch from the first frequency band to a second frequency band based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration, wherein the first frequency band and the second frequency band are shared by a first network operating entity and a second network operating entity; and code for causing the first wireless communication device to communicate, with the second wireless communication device after the switching, a second communication signal in the second frequency band during a second period based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration.

In some embodiments, wherein the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration indicates a first set of schedule monitoring periods in the first frequency band and a second set of schedule monitoring periods in the second frequency band, wherein the first period is a schedule monitoring period of the first set, and wherein the second period is a schedule monitoring period of the second set. In some embodiments, wherein the first set of schedule monitoring periods interleaves with the second set of schedule monitoring periods in time. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable medium further comprises code for causing the first wireless communication device to monitor for a first scheduling grant from the second wireless communication device in the first frequency band during the first period, wherein the first communication signal is communicated based on the first scheduling grant; and code for causing the first wireless communication device to monitor, after the switching, for a second scheduling grant from the second wireless communication device in the second frequency band during the second period, wherein the second communication signal is communicated based on the second scheduling grant. In some embodiments, wherein the first scheduling grant is monitored in response to a determination that there is no scheduling grant detected in the second frequency band during a preceding schedule monitoring period of the second set. In some embodiments, wherein the code for causing the first wireless communication device to communicate the first communication signal is further configured to transmit, to the second wireless communication device, a first scheduling grant in the first frequency band during the first period, and wherein the code for causing the first wireless communication device to communicate the second communication signal is further configured to transmit, to the second wireless communication device, a second scheduling grant in the second frequency band during the second period. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable medium further comprises code for causing the first wireless communication device to determine whether the communicating the first communication signal is successful, wherein the second scheduling grant is transmitted when the communicating the first communication signal is determined to be unsuccessful. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable medium further comprises code for causing the first wireless communication device to perform a first listen-before-talk (LBT) in the first frequency band, wherein the first scheduling grant is transmitted based on first LBT; and code for causing the first wireless communication device to perform a second LBT in the second frequency band, wherein the second scheduling grant is transmitted based on second LBT. In some embodiments, wherein the first communication signal and the second communication signal are associated with at least one of a network system information broadcast, a random access procedure, a network attachment procedure, or a paging procedure.

Further embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus comprising means for communicating, with a wireless communication device, an opportunistic frequency-switching configuration for a first frequency band and a second frequency band, the first frequency band and the second frequency band shared by a first network operating entity and a second network operating entity; and means for communicating, with the wireless communication device, a communication signal based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration.

In some embodiments, wherein the means for communicating the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration is further configured to communicate, with the wireless communication device in the first frequency band, first system information including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration; and communicate, with the wireless communication device in the second frequency band, second system information including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration. In some embodiments, wherein the first system information is communicated in the first frequency band concurrent with the second system information in the second frequency band. In some embodiments, wherein the first system information is communicated in the first frequency band during a first time period, and wherein the second system information is communicated in the second frequency band during a second time period different from the first time period. In some embodiments, wherein the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration indicates a first set of schedule monitoring periods in the first frequency band and a second set of schedule monitoring periods in the second frequency band. In some embodiments, wherein the means for communicating the communication signal is further configured to communicate, with the wireless communication device, a first scheduling grant in a schedule monitoring period of the first set based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration; and communicate, with the wireless communication device, a second scheduling grant in a schedule monitoring period of the second set based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration. In some embodiments, wherein the means for communicating the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration is further configured to communicate, with the wireless communication device, at least one of a radio resource control (RRC) message including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration, a downlink control information (DCI) message including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration, or a media access control (MAC) control element (CE) message including the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration. In some embodiments, wherein at least one of the RRC message, the DCI message, or the MAC CE message is destined to the wireless communication device.

Further embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus comprising means for communicating, with a wireless communication device, a first communication signal in a first frequency band during a first period based on an opportunistic frequency-switching configuration; means for switching from the first frequency band to a second frequency band based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration, wherein the first frequency band and the second frequency band are shared by a first network operating entity and a second network operating entity; and means for communicating, with the wireless communication device after the switching, a second communication signal in the second frequency band during a second period based on the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration.

In some embodiments, wherein the opportunistic frequency-switching configuration indicates a first set of schedule monitoring periods in the first frequency band and a second set of schedule monitoring periods in the second frequency band, wherein the first period is a schedule monitoring period of the first set, and wherein the second period is a schedule monitoring period of the second set. In some embodiments, wherein the first set of schedule monitoring periods interleaves with the second set of schedule monitoring periods in time. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for monitoring for a first scheduling grant from the wireless communication device in the first frequency band during the first period, wherein the first communication signal is communicated based on the first scheduling grant; and means for monitoring, after the switching, for a second scheduling grant from the wireless communication device in the second frequency band during the second period, wherein the second communication signal is communicated based on the second scheduling grant. In some embodiments, wherein the first scheduling grant is monitored in response to a determination that there is no scheduling grant detected in the second frequency band during a preceding schedule monitoring period of the second set. In some embodiments, wherein the means for communicating the first communication signal is further configured to transmit, to the wireless communication device, a first scheduling grant in the first frequency band during the first period, and wherein the means for communicating the second communication signal is further configured to transmit, to the wireless communication device, a second scheduling grant in the second frequency band during the second period. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for determining whether the communicating the first communication signal is successful, wherein the second scheduling grant transmitted when the communicating the first communication signal is determined to be unsuccessful. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for performing a first listen-before-talk (LBT) in the first frequency band, wherein the first scheduling grant is transmitted based on first LBT; and means for performing a second LBT in the second frequency band, wherein the second scheduling grant is transmitted based on second LBT. In some embodiments, wherein the first communication signal and the second communication signal are associated with at least one of a network system information broadcast, a random access procedure, a network attachment procedure, or a paging procedure.