Integrated access and backhaul node techniques for unlicensed operations

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. An integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node may include a first component for communications with a parent node and a second component for communications with a child node. The IAB node may perform a first channel access procedure for a first fixed frame period associated with the first component. The IAB node may perform a second channel access procedure for a second fixed frame period associated with the second component, the second fixed frame period staggered in time with respect to the first fixed frame period in accordance with an offset. The IAB node may communicate with one or more wireless devices during a first channel occupancy time associated with the first fixed frame period, during a second channel occupancy time associated with the second fixed frame period, or a combination thereof based on performing the channel access procedures.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, including integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node techniques for unlicensed operations.

BACKGROUND

Some wireless communications systems may support integrated access and backhaul (IAB) communications. For example, an IAB node may include a mobile terminal (MT) component for communications with an IAB parent node (e.g., an IAB donor) and a distributed unit (DU) component for communications with an IAB child node (e.g., one or more UEs or another IAB node). In some cases, communications in such systems may be relatively inefficient or may experience interference.

SUMMARY

The described techniques relate to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses that support integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node techniques for unlicensed operations. Generally, the described techniques provide for an IAB node to implement semi-static channel access procedures (e.g., frame based equipment (FBE) operations) in an IAB system, which may result in improved communications efficiency and reliability, among other advantages. For example, the IAB node may include a first component (e.g., a mobile terminal (MT) component) for communications with at least a parent node and a second component (e.g., a distributed unit (DU)) component for communications with at least a child node. The IAB node may communicate via the first component, the second component, or both in accordance with a configuration for the IAB node. For example, the IAB node may perform a first channel access procedure for a first fixed frame period associated with the first component (e.g., the MT component). Additionally or alternatively, the IAB node may perform a second channel access procedure for a second fixed frame period associated with the second component (e.g., the DU component). The configuration may include one or more parameters for the first fixed frame period, the second fixed frame period, or both. For example, the configuration may indicate that the second fixed frame period is staggered by an offset in time, frequency, or both with respect to the first fixed frame period.

A method of wireless communications at an IAB node including a first component for communications with at least a parent node and a second component for communications with at least a child node is described. The method may include performing a first channel access procedure for a first fixed frame period associated with the first component, performing a second channel access procedure for a second fixed frame period associated with the second component, the second fixed frame period staggered in time with respect to the first fixed frame period in accordance with an offset, and communicating with one or more wireless devices during a first channel occupancy time associated with the first fixed frame period, during a second channel occupancy time associated with the second fixed frame period, or a combination thereof based on performing the first channel access procedure and the second channel access procedure.

An apparatus for wireless communications at an IAB node including a first component for communications with at least a parent node and a second component for communications with at least a child node is described. The apparatus may include a processor, memory coupled with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a first channel access procedure for a first fixed frame period associated with the first component, perform a second channel access procedure for a second fixed frame period associated with the second component, the second fixed frame period staggered in time with respect to the first fixed frame period in accordance with an offset, and communicate with one or more wireless devices during a first channel occupancy time associated with the first fixed frame period, during a second channel occupancy time associated with the second fixed frame period, or a combination thereof based on performing the first channel access procedure and the second channel access procedure.

Another apparatus for wireless communications at an IAB node including a first component for communications with at least a parent node and a second component for communications with at least a child node is described. The apparatus may include means for performing a first channel access procedure for a first fixed frame period associated with the first component, performing a second channel access procedure for a second fixed frame period associated with the second component, the second fixed frame period staggered in time with respect to the first fixed frame period in accordance with an offset, and communicating with one or more wireless devices during a first channel occupancy time associated with the first fixed frame period, during a second channel occupancy time associated with the second fixed frame period, or a combination thereof based on performing the first channel access procedure and the second channel access procedure.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications at an IAB node including a first component for communications with at least a parent node and a second component for communications with at least a child node is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to perform a first channel access procedure for a first fixed frame period associated with the first component, perform a second channel access procedure for a second fixed frame period associated with the second component, the second fixed frame period staggered in time with respect to the first fixed frame period in accordance with an offset, and communicate with one or more wireless devices during a first channel occupancy time associated with the first fixed frame period, during a second channel occupancy time associated with the second fixed frame period, or a combination thereof based on performing the first channel access procedure and the second channel access procedure.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for identifying a configuration for the IAB node, the configuration indicating one or more parameters associated with the first fixed frame period, the second fixed frame period, or both, and identifying the offset between the first fixed frame period and the second fixed frame period based on the identified configuration, where the second fixed frame period staggered in time with respect to the first fixed frame period in accordance with the identified offset.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving, from an IAB donor node, control signaling indicating the configuration.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the one or more parameters include a starting time for the first fixed frame period, a starting time for the second fixed frame period, a duration of the first fixed frame period, a duration of the second fixed frame period, or any combination thereof.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for transmitting, by the first component, communications during an idle period of the second fixed frame period associated with the second component.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for determining that the second component failed to obtain a channel during the second fixed frame period, where transmitting the communications may be based on the determining.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for transmitting, by the second component, communications during an idle period of the first fixed frame period associated with the first component.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for determining that the first component failed to obtain a channel during the first fixed frame period, where transmitting the communications may be based on the determining.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for refraining from communicating at the first component during an idle period of the second fixed frame period associated with the second component.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for determining that the second component may be communicating during the second fixed frame period, where refraining from communicating at the first component may be based on the determining.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for refraining from communicating at the second component during an idle period of the first fixed frame period associated with the first component.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for determining that the first component may be communicating during the first fixed frame period, where refraining from communicating at the second component may be based on the determining.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, a second idle period of the second fixed frame period associated with the second component includes the idle period of the first fixed frame period.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the second idle period begins at a same time as the beginning of the idle period of the first fixed frame period, and where a channel occupancy time of the second fixed frame period may be smaller than a channel occupancy time of the first fixed frame period.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for performing the first channel access procedure for the first component in accordance with a first access mode, and performing the second channel access procedure for the second component in accordance with a second access mode.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the first access mode may be different from the second access mode.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the first access mode may be the same as the second access mode.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the first access mode, the second access mode, or both include a dynamic access mode, a semi-static access mode, or a combination thereof.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, performing the first channel access procedure, the second channel access procedure, or both may include operations, features, means, or instructions for monitoring one or more channels for a time period, where communicating with the one or more wireless devices may be based on the monitoring.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the first channel access procedure, the second channel access procedure, or both include a single slot listen before talk procedure.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the first component includes an MT component and the second component includes a DU component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some wireless communications systems may support integrated access and backhaul (IAB) communications. For example, an IAB node may include a mobile terminal (MT) component (e.g., a first component) for communications with an IAB parent node (e.g., an IAB donor node) and a distributed unit (DU) component (e.g., a second component) for communications with an IAB child node (e.g., one or more UEs or another IAB node). In some cases, such IAB communications may be relatively inefficient. For example, an IAB system may not support unlicensed operations, which may result in relatively low available bandwidth.

In accordance with the techniques described herein, an IAB system may implement semi-static channel access procedures for communications (e.g., communications in an unlicensed frequency spectrum), which may result in improved communications efficiency and reliability, among other advantages. For example, an IAB node may identify a configuration for communications using a first component (e.g., an MT component), a second component (e.g., a DU component), or both. In some examples, the configuration may be signaled to the IAB node (e.g., an IAB donor may configure the IAB node with the configuration). Additionally or alternatively, the IAB node may be pre-configured with the configuration. The IAB node may perform one or more channel access procedures to obtain a channel occupancy time for communications via the first component, the second component or both, based on the identified configuration.

As an illustrative example, the configuration may include one or more parameters indicating a channel access mode for the first component or indicating a channel access mode for the second component. In some examples, the IAB node may be configured with a same channel access mode for the first component and the second component (e.g., the MT component and the DU component may both be configured with dynamic channel access modes or semi-static channel access modes). In some other examples, the IAB node may be configured with different channel access modes for the first component and the second component (e.g., the MT component may be configured with a semi-static channel access mode and the DU component may be configured with a dynamic channel access mode).

The IAB node may determine an offset between fixed frame periods corresponding to each component. For example, the IAB node may determine a time offset between at least a first fixed frame period for the MT component and a second fixed frame period for the DU component based on the configuration (e.g., the configuration may include one or more parameters indicating a starting time for the first fixed frame period, a starting time for the second fixed frame period, a duration of the first fixed frame period, a duration of the second fixed frame period, or any combination thereof). Accordingly, the first component may perform a first channel access procedure to obtain a channel occupancy time during the first fixed frame period, and the second component may perform a second channel access procedure to obtain a channel occupancy time during the second fixed frame period. Such staggered fixed frame periods may enable the IAB node to attempt to occupy a channel relatively more frequently, which may improve communications in the system, among other advantages.

In some examples, the first component may refrain from communicating during an idle period corresponding to the first component. Additionally or alternatively, the first component may refrain from communicating during an idle period corresponding to the second component. In some examples, the second component may refrain from communicating during an idle period corresponding to the second component. Additionally or alternatively, the second component may refrain from communicating during an idle period corresponding to the first component.

Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of wireless communications systems. Aspects of the disclosure are then illustrated by and described with reference to an IAB configuration, resource schemes, and process flows. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to integrated access and backhaul node techniques for unlicensed operations.

FIG.1illustrates an example of a wireless communications system100that supports integrated access and backhaul node techniques for unlicensed operations in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system100may include one or more base stations105, one or more UEs115, and a core network130. In some examples, the wireless communications system100may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, or a New Radio (NR) network. In some examples, the wireless communications system100may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (e.g., mission critical) communications, low latency communications, communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices, or any combination thereof.

In some wireless communications systems, such as unlicensed spectrum communications (e.g., NR unlicensed (NR-U) communications), a device may perform a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure (such as, a clear channel assessment (CCA)) to determine whether a channel or frequency is available prior to using the channel/frequency for communications. For example, the LBT procedure may include the device using an energy detection (ED) threshold to determine if the channel is currently occupied, such that if a detected energy is below the ED threshold, the channel is determined to be available, and if the detected energy exceeds the ED threshold, the channel is determined to be occupied. If the LBT procedure indicates the channel/frequency is available, the device may be granted access to the channel/frequency for an amount of time before the channel/frequency is again potentially available for other devices to use. This amount of time may be referred to as a channel occupancy time (COT), where the device is occupying (e.g., using) the channel/frequency.

In some examples, an LBT procedure may be a load based equipment (LBE) LBT procedure (e.g., in accordance with a dynamic channel access mode) or a frame based equipment (FBE) LBT procedure. For example, an FBE LBT procedure may include fixed frame periods that include fixed sensing periods where a device (e.g., a DU component and/or an MT component of an IAB node) senses if the channel is free or not. In some aspects, an FBE LBT procedure may be used to contend for resources in an unlicensed band for a wireless communication device (e.g., a UE115, a base station105, an IAB node, etc.). Accordingly, the resources may be allocated in a consistent manner based on the FBE operation to allow the wireless communication devices to know when and where the resources occur in the unlicensed band (e.g., within a frame). As an illustrative example, a component of an IAB node may be configured with a starting position of FFPs, a duration of FFPs, etc., which may enable the component to contend for channel access in accordance with a semi-static channel access mode. In some examples, an LBT procedure may be an example of a category 1 LBT procedure, a category 2 LBT procedure, a category 3 LBT procedure, a category 4 LBT procedure, a single slot LBT procedure, etc., among other examples of LBT procedures.

The wireless communications system100may support IAB communications. For example, an IAB node may include an MT component (e.g., a first component) for communications with an IAB parent node (e.g., an IAB donor) and a DU component (e.g., a second component) for communications with an IAB child node (e.g., one or more UEs or another IAB node). That is, the IAB node may support both uplink and downlink communications, where the MT component acts as a UE for its parent node and the DU component acts as a base station for its child nodes. However, with both uplink and downlink communications being supported for the IAB node on the corresponding components, if the IAB node attempts to use unlicensed resources for communications, it may be unclear how the IAB node may implement FBE LBT procedures for different components.

The wireless communications system100may support techniques for an IAB node to implement semi-static channel access procedures (e.g., FBE operations) at an MT component and/or a DU component as described herein. For example, the IAB node may identify a configuration indicating one or more access modes, fixed frame periods, or both for the MT component, the DU component, or both. As an illustrative example, the IAB node may perform a first channel access procedure for a first fixed frame period associated with the MT component. Additionally or alternatively, the IAB node may perform a second channel access procedure for a second fixed frame period associated with the DU component.

In some examples, the second fixed frame period is staggered by an offset in time, frequency, or both with respect to the first fixed frame period. In some examples, the MT component and the DU component may be configured to honor their respective idle periods (e.g., a component may refrain from communicating during an idle period of a corresponding fixed frame period). Additionally or alternatively, the MT component may be configured to honor the idle periods of the DU component, the DU component may be configured to honor the idle periods of the MT component, or a combination thereof. Such techniques may result in improved communications efficiency and reliability, among other advantages.

FIG.2illustrates an example of a wireless communications system200that supports contention window updates with IAB nodes for unlicensed operations in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless communications system200may implement aspects of wireless communications system100. For example, wireless communications system200may include an IAB node205that includes both an MT component210(e.g., a first component) and a DU component215(e.g., a second component). Additionally, the MT component210may communicate with a base station105-a(e.g., a parent node, such as an IAB donor) on resources of a carrier220, and the DU component215may communicate with a UE115-a(e.g., a child node, an additional IAB node, etc.) on resources of a carrier225. In some implementations, the communications for the MT component210and the DU component215may occur based on TDM transmissions between the MT component210and the DU component215.

The wireless communications system200may support communications over unlicensed radio frequency spectrums. For example, the IAB node205may attempt to communicate with the base station105-aand the UE115-avia the corresponding components using unlicensed or shared resources, which may provide the IAB node205access to a relatively large bandwidth range, among other advantages. Accordingly, the IAB node may perform CCA procedures (e.g., LBT procedures) to determine whether the shared resources (e.g., shared with one or more radio access technologies) are available prior to using them for communications.

In some examples, the IAB node205may support LBE procedures for channel access. For example, the IAB node205may use contention windows and random counter generation for CCA counting down procedures in order to access unlicensed resources. Such procedures may be referred to as dynamic channel access procedures (e.g., the MT component210, the DU component215, or both may be configured to use dynamic channel access procedures to obtain a COT). In some examples, the IAB node205may support FBE procedures. For example, the IAB node205may contend for a channel in accordance with a fixed grid (e.g., a fixed frame period may be configured to a quantity of time, including an idle period, as described herein and a component of the IAB node205may attempt to obtain a COT at the beginning of each fixed frame period). Such FBE procedures may be referred to as semi-static channel access procedures. For example, the MT component210, the DU component215, or both may be configured to use semi-static channel access procedures to obtain a COT, such as by performing LBT procedures in accordance with a fixed frame period configuration.

Accordingly, one or more components of the IAB node205may implement semi-static channel access procedures for communications as described herein. For example, the IAB node205may identify a configuration for communications using a first component (e.g., the MT component210), a second component (e.g., the DU component215), or both. In some examples, the configuration may be signaled to the IAB node205(e.g., an IAB donor, such as the base station105-a. may configure the IAB node205with the configuration via control signaling). Additionally or alternatively, the IAB node205may be pre-configured with the configuration. The IAB node205may perform one or more channel access procedures to obtain a channel occupancy time for communications via the first component, the second component or both, based on the identified configuration.

As an illustrative example, the configuration may include one or more parameters indicating a channel access mode for the MT component210or indicating a channel access mode for the DU component215. In some examples, the IAB node205may be configured with a same channel access mode for the MT component210and the DU component215(e.g., the MT component210and the DU component215may both be configured with dynamic channel access modes or semi-static channel access modes). In some other examples, the IAB node205may be configured with different channel access modes for the MT component210and the DU component215(e.g., the MT component210may be configured with a semi-static channel access mode and the DU component215may be configured with a dynamic channel access mode).

The IAB node205may determine an offset between fixed frame periods corresponding to each component. For example, the IAB node205may determine a time offset between at least a first fixed frame period for the MT component210and a second fixed frame period for the DU component215based on the configuration (e.g., the configuration may include one or more parameters indicating a starting time for the first fixed frame period, a starting time for the second fixed frame period, a duration of the first fixed frame period, a duration of the second fixed frame period, or any combination thereof). Accordingly, the MT component210may perform a first channel access procedure to obtain a channel occupancy time during the first fixed frame period, and the DU component215may perform a second channel access procedure to obtain a channel occupancy time during the second fixed frame period. Such staggered fixed frame periods may enable the IAB node205to attempt to occupy a channel relatively more frequently, which may improve communications in the system, among other advantages.

In some examples, the MT component210may refrain from communicating during an idle period corresponding to the MT component210. Additionally or alternatively, the MT component210may refrain from communicating during an idle period corresponding to the DU component215. In some examples, the DU component215may refrain from communicating during an idle period corresponding to the DU component215. Additionally or alternatively, the DU component215may refrain from communicating during an idle period corresponding to the MT component210.

FIG.3illustrates an example of an IAB configuration300that supports integrated access and backhaul node techniques for unlicensed operations in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. IAB configuration300may implement aspects of wireless communications systems100and200. For example, the IAB configuration300may include the core network130, one or more IAB nodes310, and one or more UEs115. The core network130may be connected to an IAB parent node305(e.g., a base station105, a network device, etc.), and the IAB parent node305may be connected to one or more IAB nodes310, such as a first IAB node310-a, a second IAB node310-b, and a third IAB node310-c. Each of the IAB nodes310may include an MT component315and a DU component320.

The IAB parent node305(e.g., IAB-donor) may provide a UE interface to the core network130and wireless backhauling functionality to the IAB nodes310. For example, the IAB parent node305may include one or more centralized unit (CU) control plane functions325(e.g., and other functions) to communicate with the core network130(e.g., via wireline internet protocol (IP) connections) and may include one or more DUs330to communicate with the IAB nodes310(e.g., via wireless backhaul links). Each of the IAB nodes310may communicate with the respective child nodes via wireless access links.

As previously described, the IAB nodes310may include different components for different types of communications. For example, the MT component315may act as a UE for the IAB parent node305(e.g., for uplink communications to the IAB parent node305). Additionally, the DU component320may act as a base station for one or more child nodes (e.g., for downlink communications with the one or more child nodes, such as UEs115and other IAB nodes310) with layer-2 functionalities (e.g., MAC scheduler).

Based on including the MT component315and the DU component320that support transmitting uplink communications and downlink communications, respectively, different issues may arise for accommodating the different transmission directions. For example, an MT component315and a DU component320may attempt to communicate inefficiently (e.g., the IAB node310may not support FBE operations and the MT component315may interfere with or be unable to obtain a COT based on communications associated with the DU component320, or vice versa).

Accordingly, the techniques described herein may enable an IAB node310to perform LBT procedures for the MT component315and the DU component320, such as semi-static channel access procedures (e.g., FBE operations), which may reduce a processing overhead, improve communications efficiency, increase a quantity of times that the IAB node310can contend for channel access, etc., among other advantages. For example, the IAB node310may communicate via a first component (e.g., a MT component315), a second component (e.g., a DU component320), or both in accordance with a configuration for the IAB node310. The IAB node310may perform a first channel access procedure for a first fixed frame period associated with the first component. Additionally or alternatively, the IAB node may perform a second channel access procedure for a second fixed frame period associated with the second component. The configuration may include one or more parameters for the first fixed frame period, the second fixed frame period, or both. For example, the configuration may indicate that the second fixed frame period is staggered by an offset in time, frequency, or both with respect to the first fixed frame period. In some examples, the offset may be zero. In some other examples, the offset may be any other value or quantity.

FIG.4illustrates an example of a resource scheme400that supports integrated access and backhaul node techniques for unlicensed operations in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the resource scheme400may implement aspects of wireless communications systems100or200, the IAB configuration300, or any combination thereof. For example, the resource scheme400may illustrate a wireless device implementing fixed frame periods405for performing semi-static channel access procedures. In some examples, the wireless device may be an example of an IAB node, a UE, a base station, or any combination thereof as described herein.

The resource scheme400may illustrate time frequency resources, such as resources in an unlicensed spectrum, among other examples. For example, the wireless device may attempt to secure the COT415-afor communications in the fixed frame period405-aby performing an LBT procedure. In some examples, the wireless device may be an example of a base station (e.g., a DU component of an IAB node, a gNB, etc.) contending for channel access (e.g., the COT415-amay be referred to as a gNB initiated COT). Additionally or alternatively, or the wireless device may be an example of a UE (e.g., an MT component, a UE115, etc.) contending for channel access (e.g., the COT415-amay be referred to as a UE initiated COT).

The wireless device may be configured with the fixed frame periods405. For example, the wireless device may determine a configuration with one or more parameters indicating a duration of each fixed frame period405(e.g., the fixed frame periods405-aand405-bmay have a duration of 1 ms, 2 ms, 2.5 ms, 4 ms, 5 ms, 10 ms, etc., including the idle periods410), a starting time for the fixed frame period405-a, among other examples of parameters, or any combination thereof. For instance, the starting positions for the fixed frame periods405may begin from an even radio frame, which may be represented by i*P, where i={0, 1, . . . , (20/p−1)} and P represents the fixed frame period (e.g., in ms).

The wireless device may implement the fixed frame periods405for semi-static channel access procedures (e.g., the wireless device may be operating in an FBE mode). For example, the wireless device may contend for the channel at a fixed time grid segmented by the fixed frame periods405-aand405-b, although any quantity of fixed frame periods405may be used. In other words, the wireless device may perform a channel access procedure at or near the beginning of each fixed frame period405-a(e.g., the wireless device may listen to the channel during the idle period410-ain order to determine whether the wireless device can obtain the COT415-bof the fixed frame period405-b). In some examples, the channel access procedures may be examples of LBT procedures. For example, the LBT procedure may be a single-slot LBT procedure (e.g., a gNB or UE or an IAB node may perform sensing for evaluating a channel availability, and the sensing may be performed at least during a sensing slot duration Tsl=9 us), category 1 LBT procedure, a category 2 LBT procedure, a category 3 LBT procedure, a category 4 LBT procedure, or any combination thereof, among other examples of channel access procedures.

The wireless device may communicate during the COT415-aor the COT415-bbased on a result of the one or more channel access procedures. For example, the wireless device may perform a first channel access procedure prior to or at the beginning of the fixed frame period405-a(e.g., the wireless device may perform an LBT procedure during an idle period previous to the fixed frame period405-a). If the wireless device determines that the channel is available based on a result of the procedure, the wireless device may obtain the COT415-a(e.g., the wireless device may transmit or receive communications during the COT415-a). Alternatively, the wireless device may determine that the channel is occupied based on a result of the procedure, and the wireless device may refrain from communicating during the COT415-aand reattempt an LBT procedure prior to or during the fixed frame period405-b. For example, regardless of whether the wireless device obtained the COT415-a, the wireless device may refrain from communicating during the idle period410-aand may perform a channel access procedure during the idle period410-ato determine whether the channel is occupied. If the channel is available, the wireless device may secure the COT415-bfor communications, and so on.

FIG.5illustrates an example of a resource scheme500that supports integrated access and backhaul node techniques for unlicensed operations in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the resource scheme500may implement aspects of the wireless communications systems100or200, the IAB configuration300, the resource scheme400, or any combination thereof. For example, the resource scheme500may illustrate a wireless device, such as an IAB node, implementing fixed frame periods505for performing semi-static channel access procedures.

For example, the wireless device may include a first component (e.g., an MT component) for communications with at least a parent node and a second component (e.g., a DU component) for communications with at least a child node. The second component may be configured with the fixed frame period505-aand the fixed frame period505-b. Additionally or alternatively, the first component may be configured with the fixed frame period505-cand the fixed frame period505-d. For example, the wireless device may be configured (e.g., via control signaling from a parent node and/or preconfigured) with a configuration. The configuration may include one or more parameters associated with the components, the fixed frame periods505, the idle periods510, or any combination thereof. The configuration may indicate an offset525(e.g., an offset of zero or any value in time or frequency between different fixed frame periods505). For example, the parameters may indicate different starting periods, resources, durations, or a combination thereof of the fixed frame period505-aand the fixed frame period505-c, resulting in a time offset or a frequency offset or both between the fixed frame periods505associated with the DU component and the fixed frame period505associated with the MT component. In other words, the fixed frame periods for the MT component may be staggered with respect to the fixed frame periods for the DU component. Such staggering between the fixed frame period505-aand the fixed frame period505-cmay enable the IAB node to contend for channel access (e.g., at different components) at different time instances, which may allow multiple sensing opportunities for IAB node transmissions or receptions.

In some examples, the components may be configured to “honor” their respective idle periods510. For example, the first component may refrain from communicating during the idle period510-cand the idle period510-d. Additionally or alternatively, the second component may refrain from communicating during the idle period510-aand the idle period510-b. In some such examples, the first component may communicate during idle periods510associated with the second component (e.g., the idle periods510-aand510-b), and vice versa (e.g., the second component may communicate during the idle periods510-cand510-d).

FIGS.6A and6Billustrate examples of resource schemes600and601, respectively, that support integrated access and backhaul node techniques for unlicensed operations in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the resource schemes600and601may implement aspects of the wireless communications systems100or200, the IAB configuration300, the resource schemes400or500, or any combination thereof. For example, the resource schemes600and601may illustrate idle period configurations for semi-static channel access procedures at an IAB node.

The resource scheme600, the resource scheme601, or both may implement one or more aspects of the resource scheme500. For example, the fixed frame periods605-cand605-dmay be associated with a first component of an IAB node (e.g., an MT component) and the fixed frame periods605-aand605-bmay be associated with a second component of the IAB node (e.g., a DU component). In some examples, the fixed frame periods605associated with the first component may be staggered in time, frequency, or both with respect to the fixed frame periods605associated with the second component (e.g., the fixed frame period605-amay start at a different time than the fixed frame period605-cin accordance with an identified offset).

In some examples, the first component and the second component may be configured to “honor” at least a portion of the other components idle periods610. As an illustrative example, the resource scheme600may show an example where each component refrains from communications during the idle periods610of both components. For instance, the first component may be configured with a first set of idle periods610associated with the first component (e.g., the idle periods610-e,610-g, and610-i). The first component may refrain from communicating during the first set of idle periods. Additionally or alternatively, the first component may be configured with a second set of idle periods610associated with the second component (e.g., idle periods610-fand610-h). That is, the first component may be configured with idle periods at the end of each fixed frame period605-cand605-d, and the first component may also refrain from communicating during idle periods occurring at the end of the fixed frame periods605-aand605-b. Likewise, the second component may be configured with the second set of idle periods associated with the second component (e.g., the idle periods610-band610-d), in addition or alternative to the idle periods associated with the first component (e.g., the idle periods610-aand610-c).

As another illustrative example, the resource scheme601may show an example where the idle periods610of at least one component are extended to include the idle periods610of another component. For example, the first component (e.g., the MT component) may have an idle period610-1with a duration long enough to also include a duration of the idle period610-jassociated with the second component.

Such examples may enable the components to avoid interference. For example, by refraining from communicating during each other's idle periods610, the components may increase a likelihood of successfully obtaining a DU COT615or a MT COT620for a respective fixed frame period605.

In some examples, the IAB node may determine whether a channel is occupied by one or more components. The IAB node may be configured to honor an idle period based on a result of the determination. For example, a DU component may refrain from communications during an idle period610of an MT component if the MT component is occupying a corresponding MT COT620(e.g., if the MT has obtained the MT COT620-a, the DU may refrain from communicating during the idle period610-gor610-c). Additionally or alternatively, an MT component may refrain from communications during an idle period610of a DU component if the DU component is occupying a corresponding DU COT615(e.g., if the DU component has obtained the DU COT615-a, the MT component may refrain from communicating during the idle period610-bor610-f). In other words, in some cases an idle period610may be honored if the channel is occupied or the idle period610may be ignored (e.g., a component may transmit or receive communications during the idle period610) if the channel is not occupied. In some examples, any combination of idle period configurations may be applied. As merely one example, the idle period610-1may be shortened if the DU component fails to obtain the DU COT615-c(e.g., the MT component may use a shortened MT COT620-cif the DU COT615-cwas obtained and may use a relatively longer MT COT620-cif the DU COT615-cwas not obtained by the DU component).

FIG.7illustrates an example of a resource scheme700that supports integrated access and backhaul node techniques for unlicensed operations in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the resource scheme700may implement aspects of the wireless communications systems100or200, the IAB configuration300, the resource schemes400,500,600,601, or any combination thereof. For example, the resource scheme700may illustrate a wireless device, such as an IAB node, implementing one or more channel access modes for one or more components.

The wireless device may be an IAB node with an MT component and a DU component as described herein. The device may determine a configuration indicating a channel access mode for one or both of the components. In some examples, the device may be configured with a same channel access mode. For example, the device may be configured to use dynamic channel access modes for both the MT component and the DU component, or the device may be configured to use semi-static channel access modes for both the MT component and the DU component. In some other examples, the device may be configured with different channel access modes. For example, as shown for illustrative clarity in the resource scheme700, the MT component may be configured with a semi-static channel access mode (e.g., FBE operations) and the DU component may be configured with a dynamic channel access mode (e.g., LBE operations), although any combination or quantity of access modes and components may be used.

For example, the DU component may attempt to obtain a DU COT705-aor a DU COT705-busing a dynamic channel access procedure as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the MT component may attempt to obtain a MT COT710-aor a MT COT710-busing a semi-static channel access procedure (e.g., using fixed frame periods with idle periods715-aand715-b) as described herein. Thus, the DU component may use a dynamic channel access mode while the MT component may use semi-static channel access mode, which may enable the MT component to implement (e.g., support) single-slot LBT procedures (e.g., category 2 LBT procedure) irrespective of an LBT functionality supported by the DU component, although it is to be understood that any component may be configured with any channel access mode (e.g., the MT component may use a dynamic mode and the DU component may use a semi-static channel access mode).

FIG.8illustrates an example of a process flow800that supports integrated access and backhaul node techniques for unlicensed operations in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the process flow800may implement aspects of wireless communications systems100and200, IAB configuration300, resource schemes400-700, or any combination thereof. For example, the process flow800may include an IAB node805, a parent node810, and a child node815. The IAB node805may include a first component (e.g., an MT component) that communicates with at least the parent node810and a second component (e.g., a DU component) that communicates with at least the child node815. In some implementations, the parent node810may be a base station, an additional IAB node (e.g., an IAB donor node), or another type of network device, and the child node may be a UE, an additional IAB node, or another type of receiving device. As such, the first component of the IAB node805may communicate with the parent node810, and the second component of the IAB node805may communicate with the child node815.

In the following description of the process flow800, the operations between the IAB node805, the parent node810, and the child node815may be transmitted in a different order than the exemplary order shown, or the operations performed by the IAB node805, the parent node810, and the child node815may be performed in different orders or at different times. Certain operations may also be left out of the process flow800, or other operations may be added to the process flow800. It is to be understood that while the IAB node805, the parent node810, and the child node815are shown performing a number of the operations of process flow800, any wireless device may perform the operations shown.

At820, the IAB node805may identify a configuration. For example, the parent node810may configure the IAB node805with one or more parameters of the configuration via control signaling, such as RRC signaling, MAC-CE signaling, downlink control information (DCI) messaging, among other examples of control signaling, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the IAB node805may be pre-configured with one or more parameters of the configuration. For example, the IAB node may determine a channel access mode for the MT component, a channel access mode for the DU component, a fixed frame configuration for one or both components (e.g., a starting position, duration, etc., for fixed frame periods for a respective component), an offset between a fixed frame period of the MT component with respect to a fixed frame period of the DU component, etc.

At825, the IAB node805may perform a first channel access procedure. For example, the IAB node805may perform a LBT procedure using the MT component in accordance with the configuration (e.g., the LBT procedure may be performed in accordance with a channel access mode, a fixed frame configuration, etc.) as described herein.

At830, the IAB node805may perform a second channel access procedure. For example, the IAB node805may perform a LBT procedure using the DU component in accordance with the configuration (e.g., the LBT procedure may be performed in accordance with a channel access mode, a fixed frame configuration, etc.) as described herein. In some examples, a fixed frame period associated with the MT component may be staggered by an offset in time with reference to the fixed frame period associated with the DU component.

At835, the IAB node805may communicate with the child node815based on a result of the second channel access procedure and at840the IAB node805may communicate with the parent node810based on a result of the first channel access procedure. For example, if the components determine that a channel associated with such communications is available based on a respective channel access procedure, the components may obtain a channel occupancy time for the communications. In some examples, the components may be configured to honor each other's idle periods as described herein. In some other examples, the components may be configured to honor their own idle periods as described herein.

FIG.9shows a block diagram900of a device905that supports integrated access and backhaul node techniques for unlicensed operations in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device905may be an example of aspects of an IAB node, a UE115(e.g., DU component), or a base station105(e.g., MT component) as described herein. The device905may include a receiver910, a communications manager915, and a transmitter920. The device905may also include one or more processors, memory coupled with the one or more processors, and instructions stored in the memory that are executable by the one or more processors to enable the one or more processors to perform unlicensed operation features, as discussed herein. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Receiver910may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to integrated access and backhaul node techniques for unlicensed operations, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device905. The receiver910may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1220or1320as described with reference toFIGS.12and13. The receiver910may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The communications manager915may perform a first channel access procedure for a first fixed frame period associated with the first component, perform a second channel access procedure for a second fixed frame period associated with the second component, the second fixed frame period staggered in time with respect to the first fixed frame period in accordance with an offset, and communicate with one or more wireless devices during a first channel occupancy time associated with the first fixed frame period, during a second channel occupancy time associated with the second fixed frame period, or a combination thereof based on performing the first channel access procedure and the second channel access procedure. The communications manager915may be an example of aspects of the communications manager1210or1310as described herein.

The communications manager915as described herein may be implemented to realize one or more potential advantages. One implementation may allow the device905to implement semi-static channel access procedures (e.g., FBE operations) for one or more components (e.g., MT component or DU component). Such operations may provide improvements to reliability and efficiency in communications for a wireless communications system, among other benefits.

Transmitter920may transmit signals generated by other components of the device905. In some examples, the transmitter920may be collocated with a receiver910in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter920may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1220or1320as described with reference toFIGS.12and13. The transmitter920may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

FIG.10shows a block diagram1000of a device1005that supports integrated access and backhaul node techniques for unlicensed operations in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1005may be an example of aspects of a device905, an IAB node, a UE115(e.g., DU component), or a base station105(e.g., MT component) as described herein. The device1005may include a receiver1010, a communications manager1015, and a transmitter1035. The device1005may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Receiver1010may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to integrated access and backhaul node techniques for unlicensed operations, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device1005. The receiver1010may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1220or1320as described with reference toFIGS.12and13. The receiver1010may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The communications manager1015may be an example of aspects of the communications manager915as described herein. The communications manager1015may include a first channel access component1020, a second channel access component1025, and a communications component1030. The communications manager1015may be an example of aspects of the communications manager1210or1310as described herein.

The first channel access component1020may perform a first channel access procedure for a first fixed frame period associated with the first component.

The second channel access component1025may perform a second channel access procedure for a second fixed frame period associated with the second component, the second fixed frame period staggered in time with respect to the first fixed frame period in accordance with an offset.

The communications component1030may communicate with one or more wireless devices during a first channel occupancy time associated with the first fixed frame period, during a second channel occupancy time associated with the second fixed frame period, or a combination thereof based on performing the first channel access procedure and the second channel access procedure.

Transmitter1035may transmit signals generated by other components of the device1005. In some examples, the transmitter1035may be collocated with a receiver1010in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter1035may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1220or1320as described with reference toFIGS.12and13. The transmitter1035may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

In some cases, the first channel access component1020, the second channel access component1025, and the communications component1030may each be or be at least a part of a processor (e.g., a transceiver processor, or a radio processor, or a transmitter processor, or a receiver processor). The processor may be coupled with memory and execute instructions stored in the memory that enable the processor to perform or facilitate the features of the first channel access component1020, the second channel access component1025, and the communications component1030as discussed herein. A transceiver processor may be collocated with and/or communicate with (e.g., direct the operations of) a transceiver of the device. A radio processor may be collocated with and/or communicate with (e.g., direct the operations of) a radio (e.g., an NR radio, an LTE radio, a Wi-Fi radio) of the device. A transmitter processor may be collocated with and/or communicate with (e.g., direct the operations of) a transmitter of the device. A receiver processor may be collocated with and/or communicate with (e.g., direct the operations of) a receiver of the device.

FIG.11shows a block diagram1100of a communications manager1105that supports integrated access and backhaul node techniques for unlicensed operations in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager1105may be an example of aspects of a communications manager915, a communications manager1015, or a communications manager1210described herein. The communications manager1105may include a first channel access component1110, a second channel access component1115, a communications component1120, a configuration component1125, an offset identification component1130, a control signaling component1135, an idle period component1140, a channel component1145, and a monitoring component1150. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The first channel access component1110may perform a first channel access procedure for a first fixed frame period associated with the first component. In some examples, the first channel access component1110may perform the first channel access procedure for the first component in accordance with a first access mode.

The second channel access component1115may perform a second channel access procedure for a second fixed frame period associated with the second component, the second fixed frame period staggered in time with respect to the first fixed frame period in accordance with an offset. In some examples, the second channel access component1115may perform the second channel access procedure for the second component in accordance with a second access mode. In some cases, the first access mode is different from the second access mode. In some cases, the first access mode is the same as the second access mode. In some cases, the first access mode, the second access mode, or both include a dynamic access mode, a semi-static access mode, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the first component includes a mobile terminal component and the second component includes a distributed unit component.

The communications component1120may communicate with one or more wireless devices during a first channel occupancy time associated with the first fixed frame period, during a second channel occupancy time associated with the second fixed frame period, or a combination thereof based on performing the first channel access procedure and the second channel access procedure.

The configuration component1125may identify a configuration for the integrated access and backhaul node, the configuration indicating one or more parameters associated with the first fixed frame period, the second fixed frame period, or both. In some cases, the one or more parameters include a starting time for the first fixed frame period, a starting time for the second fixed frame period, a duration of the first fixed frame period, a duration of the second fixed frame period, or any combination thereof.

The offset identification component1130may identify the offset between the first fixed frame period and the second fixed frame period based on the identified configuration, where the second fixed frame period staggered in time with respect to the first fixed frame period in accordance with the identified offset.

The control signaling component1135may receive, from an integrated access and backhaul donor node, control signaling indicating the configuration.

The idle period component1140may transmit, by the first component, communications during an idle period of the second fixed frame period associated with the second component. In some examples, the idle period component1140may transmit, by the second component, communications during an idle period of the first fixed frame period associated with the first component. In some examples, the idle period component1140may refrain from communicating at the first component during an idle period of the second fixed frame period associated with the second component. In some examples, the idle period component1140may refrain from communicating at the second component during an idle period of the first fixed frame period associated with the first component.

In some cases, a second idle period of the second fixed frame period associated with the second component includes the idle period of the first fixed frame period. In some cases, the second idle period begins at a same time as the beginning of the idle period of the first fixed frame period, and where a channel occupancy time of the second fixed frame period is smaller than a channel occupancy time of the first fixed frame period.

The channel component1145may determine that the second component failed to obtain a channel during the second fixed frame period, where transmitting the communications is based on the determining. In some examples, the channel component1145may determine that the first component failed to obtain a channel during the first fixed frame period, where transmitting the communications is based on the determining. In some examples, the channel component1145may determine that the second component is communicating during the second fixed frame period, where refraining from communicating at the first component is based on the determining. In some examples, the channel component1145may determine that the first component is communicating during the first fixed frame period, where refraining from communicating at the second component is based on the determining.

The monitoring component1150may monitor one or more channels for a time period, where communicating with the one or more wireless devices is based on the monitoring. In some cases, the first channel access procedure, the second channel access procedure, or both include a single slot listen before talk procedure.

In some cases, the communications manager1105, the first channel access component1110, the second channel access component1115, the communications component1120, the configuration component1125, the offset identification component1130, the control signaling component1135, the idle period component1140, the channel component1145, and the monitoring component1150may each be or be at least a part of a processor (e.g., a transceiver processor, or a radio processor, or a transmitter processor, or a receiver processor). The processor may be coupled with memory and execute instructions stored in the memory that enable the processor to perform or facilitate the features of the communications manager1105, the first channel access component1110, the second channel access component1115, the communications component1120, the configuration component1125, the offset identification component1130, the control signaling component1135, the idle period component1140, the channel component1145, and the monitoring component1150discussed herein.

FIG.12shows a diagram of a system1200including a device1205that supports integrated access and backhaul node techniques for unlicensed operations in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1205may be an example of or include the components of a device905, a device1005, an IAB node, or a UE115(e.g., DU component) as described herein. The device1205may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a communications manager1210, a transceiver1220, an antenna1225, memory1230, a processor1240, and an I/O controller1250. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus1255).

The communications manager1210may perform a first channel access procedure for a first fixed frame period associated with the first component, perform a second channel access procedure for a second fixed frame period associated with the second component, the second fixed frame period staggered in time with respect to the first fixed frame period in accordance with an offset, and communicate with one or more wireless devices during a first channel occupancy time associated with the first fixed frame period, during a second channel occupancy time associated with the second fixed frame period, or a combination thereof based on performing the first channel access procedure and the second channel access procedure.

The memory1230may include RAM, ROM, or a combination thereof. The memory1230may store computer-readable code1235including instructions that, when executed by a processor (e.g., the processor1240) cause the device to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory1230may contain, among other things, a basic input/output system (BIOS) which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

The I/O controller1250may manage input and output signals for the device1205. The I/O controller1250may also manage peripherals not integrated into the device1205. In some cases, the I/O controller1250may represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral. In some cases, the I/O controller1250may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS/2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. In other cases, the I/O controller1250may represent or interact with a modem, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, or a similar device. In some cases, the I/O controller1250may be implemented as part of a processor. In some cases, a user may interact with the device1205via the I/O controller1250or via hardware components controlled by the I/O controller1250.

FIG.13shows a diagram of a system1300including a device1305that supports integrated access and backhaul node techniques for unlicensed operations in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1305may be an example of or include the components of a device905, a device1005, an IAB node, or a base station105(e.g., MT component) as described herein. The device1305may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a communications manager1310, a network communications manager1315, a transceiver1320, an antenna1325, memory1330, a processor1340, and an inter-station communications manager1345. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus1355).

The communications manager1310may perform a first channel access procedure for a first fixed frame period associated with the first component, perform a second channel access procedure for a second fixed frame period associated with the second component, the second fixed frame period staggered in time with respect to the first fixed frame period in accordance with an offset, and communicate with one or more wireless devices during a first channel occupancy time associated with the first fixed frame period, during a second channel occupancy time associated with the second fixed frame period, or a combination thereof based on performing the first channel access procedure and the second channel access procedure.

The memory1330may include RAM, ROM, or a combination thereof. The memory1330may store computer-readable code1335including instructions that, when executed by a processor (e.g., the processor1340) cause the device to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory1330may contain, among other things, a BIOS which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

FIG.14shows a flowchart illustrating a method1400that supports integrated access and backhaul node techniques for unlicensed operations in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1400may be implemented by an IAB node, a UE115(e.g., DU component), or a base station105(e.g., MT component) or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1400may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference toFIGS.9through13. In some examples, a UE or base station may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE or base station to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, a UE or base station may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At1405, the UE or base station may perform a first channel access procedure for a first fixed frame period associated with the first component. The operations of1405may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1405may be performed by a first channel access component as described with reference toFIGS.9through13.

At1410, the UE or base station may perform a second channel access procedure for a second fixed frame period associated with the second component, the second fixed frame period staggered in time with respect to the first fixed frame period in accordance with an offset. The operations of1410may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1410may be performed by a second channel access component as described with reference toFIGS.9through13.

At1415, the UE or base station may communicate with one or more wireless devices during a first channel occupancy time associated with the first fixed frame period, during a second channel occupancy time associated with the second fixed frame period, or a combination thereof based on performing the first channel access procedure and the second channel access procedure. The operations of1415may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1415may be performed by a communications component as described with reference toFIGS.9through13.

FIG.15shows a flowchart illustrating a method1500that supports integrated access and backhaul node techniques for unlicensed operations in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1500may be implemented by an IAB node, a UE115(e.g., DU component), or a base station105(e.g., MT component) or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1500may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference toFIGS.9through13. In some examples, a UE or base station may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE or base station to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, a UE or base station may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At1505, the UE or base station may identify a configuration for the integrated access and backhaul node, the configuration indicating one or more parameters associated with a first fixed frame period, a second fixed frame period, or both. The operations of1505may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1505may be performed by a configuration component as described with reference toFIGS.9through13.

At1510, the UE or base station may identify the offset between the first fixed frame period and the second fixed frame period based on the identified configuration, where the second fixed frame period staggered in time with respect to the first fixed frame period in accordance with the identified offset. The operations of1510may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1510may be performed by an offset identification component as described with reference toFIGS.9through13.

At1515, the UE or base station may perform a first channel access procedure for the first fixed frame period associated with the first component. The operations of1515may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1515may be performed by a first channel access component as described with reference toFIGS.9through13.

At1520, the UE or base station may perform a second channel access procedure for the second fixed frame period associated with the second component, the second fixed frame period staggered in time with respect to the first fixed frame period in accordance with an offset. The operations of1520may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1520may be performed by a second channel access component as described with reference toFIGS.9through13.

At1525, the UE or base station may communicate with one or more wireless devices during a first channel occupancy time associated with the first fixed frame period, during a second channel occupancy time associated with the second fixed frame period, or a combination thereof based on performing the first channel access procedure and the second channel access procedure. The operations of1525may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1525may be performed by a communications component as described with reference toFIGS.9through13.

Aspect 1: A method for wireless communications at an integrated access and backhaul node comprising a first component for communications with at least a parent node and a second component for communications with at least a child node, comprising: performing a first channel access procedure for a first fixed frame period associated with the first component; performing a second channel access procedure for a second fixed frame period associated with the second component, the second fixed frame period staggered in time with respect to the first fixed frame period in accordance with an offset; and communicating with one or more wireless devices during a first channel occupancy time associated with the first fixed frame period, during a second channel occupancy time associated with the second fixed frame period, or a combination thereof based at least in part on performing the first channel access procedure and the second channel access procedure.

Aspect 2: The method of aspect 1, further comprising: identifying a configuration for the integrated access and backhaul node, the configuration indicating one or more parameters associated with the first fixed frame period, the second fixed frame period, or both; and identifying the offset between the first fixed frame period and the second fixed frame period based at least in part on the identified configuration, wherein the second fixed frame period staggered in time with respect to the first fixed frame period in accordance with the identified offset.

Aspect 3: The method of aspect 2, further comprising: receiving, from an integrated access and backhaul donor node, control signaling indicating the configuration.

Aspect 4: The method of any of aspects 2 through 3, wherein the one or more parameters comprise a starting time for the first fixed frame period, a starting time for the second fixed frame period, a duration of the first fixed frame period, a duration of the second fixed frame period, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 5: The method of any of aspects 1 through 4, further comprising: transmitting, by the first component, communications during an idle period of the second fixed frame period associated with the second component.

Aspect 6: The method of aspect 5, further comprising: determining that the second component failed to obtain a channel during the second fixed frame period, wherein transmitting the communications is based at least in part on the determining.

Aspect 7: The method of any of aspects 1 through 6, further comprising: transmitting, by the second component, communications during an idle period of the first fixed frame period associated with the first component.

Aspect 8: The method of aspect 7, further comprising: determining that the first component failed to obtain a channel during the first fixed frame period, wherein transmitting the communications is based at least in part on the determining.

Aspect 9: The method of any of aspects 1 through 8, further comprising: refraining from communicating at the first component during an idle period of the second fixed frame period associated with the second component.

Aspect 10: The method of aspect 9, further comprising: determining that the second component is communicating during the second fixed frame period, wherein refraining from communicating at the first component is based at least in part on the determining.

Aspect 11: The method of any of aspects 1 through 10, further comprising: refraining from communicating at the second component during an idle period of the first fixed frame period associated with the first component.

Aspect 12: The method of aspect 11, further comprising: determining that the first component is communicating during the first fixed frame period, wherein refraining from communicating at the second component is based at least in part on the determining.

Aspect 13: The method of any of aspects 11 through 12, wherein a second idle period of the second fixed frame period associated with the second component comprises the idle period of the first fixed frame period.

Aspect 14: The method of aspect 13, wherein the second idle period begins at a same time as the beginning of the idle period of the first fixed frame period, and a channel occupancy time of the second fixed frame period is smaller than a channel occupancy time of the first fixed frame period.

Aspect 15: The method of any of aspects 1 through 14, further comprising: performing the first channel access procedure for the first component in accordance with a first access mode; and performing the second channel access procedure for the second component in accordance with a second access mode.

Aspect 16: The method of aspect 15, wherein the first access mode is different from the second access mode.

Aspect 17: The method of any of aspects 15 through 16, wherein the first access mode is the same as the second access mode.

Aspect 18: The method of any of aspects 15 through 17, wherein the first access mode, the second access mode, or both comprise a dynamic access mode, a semi-static access mode, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 19: The method of any of aspects 1 through 18, wherein performing the first channel access procedure, the second channel access procedure, or both comprises: monitoring one or more channels for a time period, wherein communicating with the one or more wireless devices is based at least in part on the monitoring.

Aspect 20: The method of aspect 19, wherein the first channel access procedure, the second channel access procedure, or both comprise a single slot listen before talk procedure.

Aspect 21: The method of any of aspects 1 through 20, wherein the first component comprises a mobile terminal component and the second component comprises a distributed unit component.

Aspect 22: An apparatus for wireless communications at an integrated access and backhaul node comprising a first component for communications with at least a parent node and a second component for communications with at least a child node, comprising a processor; memory coupled with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method of any of aspects 1 through 21.

Aspect 23: An apparatus for wireless communications at an integrated access and backhaul node comprising a first component for communications with at least a parent node and a second component for communications with at least a child node, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 1 through 21.

Aspect 24: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications at an integrated access and backhaul node comprising a first component for communications with at least a parent node and a second component for communications with at least a child node, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of aspects 1 through 21.