Adaptive time-varying frame pattern for frame based equipment (FBE) channel access

Wireless communications systems and methods related to communications in a network are provided. A first wireless communication device may communicate to a second wireless communication device, a modification to a time parameter associated with at least one of a minimum idle period (MIP) of a frame period or a maximum channel occupancy time (MCOT) of the frame period. Additionally, the first wireless communication device may communicate with the second wireless communication device, a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to modifying a frame pattern for frame based equipment (FBE) channel access.

INTRODUCTION

One approach to avoiding collisions when communicating in a shared spectrum or an unlicensed spectrum is to use a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure to ensure that the shared channel is clear before transmitting a signal in the shared channel. For example, a transmitting node may perform LBT to determine whether there are active transmissions in the channel. If the LBT results in a LBT pass, the transmitting node may transmit a preamble to reserve a channel occupancy time (COT) in the shared channel and may communicate with a receiving node during the COT.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

In an aspect of the disclosure, a method of wireless communication includes communicating, by a first wireless communication device with a second wireless communication device, a modification to a time parameter associated with at least one of a minimum idle period (MIP) of a frame period or a maximum channel occupancy time (MCOT) of the frame period; and communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter.

In an aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus of wireless communication includes a transceiver configured to: communicate, by a first wireless communication device with a second wireless communication device, a modification to a time parameter associated with at least one of a minimum idle period (MIP) of a frame period or a maximum channel occupancy time (MCOT) of the frame period; and communicate, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter.

In an additional aspect of the disclosure, a computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon, the program code includes code for causing a first wireless communication device to communicate with a second wireless communication device, a modification to a time parameter associated with at least one of a minimum idle period (MIP) of a frame period or a maximum channel occupancy time (MCOT) of the frame period; and code for causing the first wireless communication device to communicate with the second wireless communication device, a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter.

In an additional aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus includes means for means for communicating, with a second wireless communication device, a modification to a time parameter associated with at least one of a minimum idle period (MIP) of a frame period or a maximum channel occupancy time (MCOT) of the frame period; and means for communicating, with the second wireless communication device, a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In Frame Based Equipment (FBE), channel sensing may be performed at fixed time instants (e.g., contention period or clear channel assessment (CCA)). For example, the channel sensing may be performed once per frame period, and if the channel is busy, the wireless communication device (e.g., BS or UE) backs off for a fixed time period and senses the channel again after this period. If the channel is available, the wireless communication device may use the next fixed frame period (FFP) for communicating DL and/or UL transmissions for up to a maximum channel occupancy time (MCOT). The MCOT may also be referred to as a transmission period, which can be used for UL and/or DL transmissions.

Operators may share a channel and perform LBT before transmitting on the channel. An operator may correspond to a BS (e.g., BSs105). Problems may arise if multiple operators (e.g., a BS A and a BS B) use the same unlicensed bands with FBE, and the FFPs of the operators are the same (or one is a multiple of the other) and about aligned in time. For example, if the FFPs of two operators are synchronized, the start of the FFPs start at about the same time for both operators and the operators may perform LBT at about the same time (e.g., before the start of the next PPP). If the channel is not occupied (e.g., no data transmission on the channel), the LBTs may result in an LBT pass for both operators. Accordingly, each operator may start transmitting data at the start of the next FFP, potentially interfering with the transmission of the other operator. In this example, both operators may interfere with each other during each FFP because the operators may start transmitting data at about the same time for every frame. It may be desirable to reduce the interference between operators.

In another example, if the FFPs of the two operators are not synchronized, the start of the FFPs may start at different times for both operators. The start of the FFPs of a first operator and the start of the FFPs of a second operator may be staggered, such that the first operator may pass LBT and reserve a channel occupancy time (COT) at every frame, and the LBT of the second operator may always fail based on the first operator's transmission. For example, if the first operator passes LBT before a first FFP, then the first operator may start to transmit data during a second FFP, and the channel is now occupied. If the second operator performs LBT after the first operator performs LBT, but before the first operator is finished transmitting the data during the second FFP, the LBT of the second operator may fail. The second operator may determine that the channel is already occupied, and accordingly does not transmit data. This process may repeat every FFP for these two operators, so the second operator may be “starved” from channel access and not able to transmit data on the channel at all. It may be desirable for each of the operators to have access to the channel for data transmission.

The present disclosure provides techniques for reducing interference between multiple operators and/or preventing an operator from being starved and not able to transmit data. In some aspects, the BS105may determine to vary at least one of the frame period, an MCOT, a minimum idle period (MIP), or the MCOT-to-MIP ratio over time to, for example, reduce interference or starvation of network access. The MCOT-to-MIP ratio may refer to a ratio of the MCOT to the MIP. An FBE-frame structure may include a duration of at least one of a frame period, an MCOT, an MIP, and/or the MCOT-to-MIP ratio of a frame in FBE. The FBE-frame structure may be time-varying with respect to a time parameter associated with one or more of the frame period, the MCOT, the MIP, or the MCOT-to-MIP ratio, and the time-varying FBE-frame pattern may be determined by operators independently or in coordination. The time-varying frame patterns across different operators may be different opportunistically, even with no coordination between the operators. An FBE-frame pattern may refer to a time-varying pattern of an FBE-frame structure over time in the present disclosure.

In some implementations, the network100utilizes OFDM-based waveforms for communications. An OFDM-based system may partition the system BW into multiple (K) orthogonal subcarriers, which are also commonly referred to as subcarriers, tones, bins, or the like. Each subcarrier may be modulated with data. In some instances, the SCS between adjacent subcarriers may be fixed, and the total number of subcarriers (K) may be dependent on the system BW. The system BW may also be partitioned into subbands. In other instances, the SCS and/or the duration of TTIs may be scalable.

In some aspects, 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 PSS and the SSS may be located in a central portion of a carrier or any suitable frequencies within the carrier.

After receiving the PSS and SSS, the UE115may receive a MIB, which may be transmitted in the physical broadcast channel (PBCH). 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, OSI, and/or one or more system information blocks (SIBs). The RMSI and/or OSI may include radio resource control (RRC) information related to random access channel (RACH) procedures, paging, control resource set (CORESET) for physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring, physical UL control channel (PUCCH), physical UL shared channel (PUSCH), power control, and SRS. In some aspects, SIB1 may contain cell access parameters and scheduling information for other SIBs.

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. For example, the BS105may schedule the UE115for UL and/or DL communications. The BS105may transmit UL and/or DL scheduling grants to the UE115via a PDCCH. The scheduling grants may be transmitted in the form of DL control information (DCI). The BS105may transmit a DL communication signal (e.g., carrying data) to the UE115via a PDSCH according to a DL scheduling grant. The UE115may transmit an UL communication signal to the BS105via a PUSCH and/or PUCCH according to an UL scheduling grant. In some aspects, the BS105may communicate with a UE115using HARQ techniques to improve communication reliability, for example, to provide a URLLC service.

A network may operate over a licensed frequency band, a shared frequency band, and/or an unlicensed frequency band, for example, at about 3.5 gigahertz (GHz), sub-6 GHz or higher frequencies in the mmWave band. The network100may partition a frequency band into multiple channels, each occupying about 20 megahertz (MHz). The BSs105and the UEs115may be operated by multiple network operating entities sharing resources in the shared or unlicensed frequency spectrum and may perform an LBT procedure (e.g., clear channel assessment (CCA)) prior to communicating to determine whether the channel is available. In some aspects, the BS105may employ an LBT procedure to reserve a COT in the shared medium for communications. A COT may refer to an amount of time a station can send frames when it has won contention for the wireless medium. In some aspects, a COT may also be referred to as a transmission opportunity (TXOP). Each COT may include a plurality of slots and one or more LBT or CCA periods.

The BS105may perform an LBT in the frequency band prior to transmitting in the frequency band and may transmit in one or more channels based on the LBT result. The BS105may perform an LBT based on energy detection and/or signal detection. The LBT may result in an LBT pass if the channel signal energy is below a threshold and/or no reservation signal is detected. Alternatively, the LBT may result in a failure if the channel signal energy is above a threshold and/or a reservation signal is detected. If the channel is available (performance of the LBT results in an LBT pass), the BS105may perform a DL transmission, receive an UL transmission from a UE115, and/or schedule a UE115for data transmission and/or reception within a COT. If the channel is not available (performance of the LBT results in an LBT fail), the BS105may back off and perform the LBT procedure again at a later point in time. Additionally, the UE115may employ an LBT procedure (e.g., based on energy and/or signal detection) to ensure that the shared channel is clear before transmitting a signal in the shared channel. If the channel is available (performance of the LBT results in a LBT pass), the UE may perform an UL transmission. If the channel is not available (performance of the LBT results in a LBT fail), the UE may back off and perform the LBT procedure again at a later point in time.

Two broad types of LBT schemes may include Load Based Equipment (LBE) and FBE. In the LBE approach, the channel sensing may be performed at any time instant and random back-off (with a fixed or variable size contention window) is used if the channel is found busy. In FBE, channel sensing may be performed at fixed time instants (e.g., contention period or CCA). For example, the channel sensing may be performed once per frame period, and if the channel is busy, the wireless communication device (e.g., BS or UE) backs off for a fixed time period and senses the channel again after this period. If the channel is available, the wireless communication device may use the next FFP for communicating DL and/or UL transmissions for up to a MCOT, which may also be referred to as a transmission period and can be used for UL and/or DL transmissions.

FIG.2illustrates an example FBE scheme200. The scheme200may be employed by the BS105and the UE115in a network such as the network100for communications. The x-axis represents time in some constant units. InFIG.2, a fixed frame period (FFP)202includes a maximum channel occupancy time (MCOT)204and a minimum idle period (MIP)206. Each FFP202includes a contention period during which a plurality of operators may contend for the shared medium and perform an LBT208. The contention period may occur during the MIP206of the FFP202.

Additionally, an FFP202may be fixed or configurable by the network100. In some aspects, the FFP is configured from the range of about 1 ms to about 10 ms (e.g., 1, 2, 2.5, 4, 5, or 10 ms). The contention period, the FFP, the MCOT, and/or the MIP may have fixed durations and/or predetermined times. In some aspects, each contention period may include one or more OFDM symbols, and each FFP may include one or more subframes, slots, or TTIs. In some aspects, the FFP may be defined in units of slots (e.g., about 250 microseconds (μs) long). The FFP structure may be pre-determined and known by all network operating entities sharing the shared spectrum. In some aspects, the network operating entities are time-synchronized when operating in the shared spectrum. In some aspects, the network operating entities are not time-synchronized when operating in the shared spectrum.

Before a BS transmits a frame, the BS performs an LBT before the start of the frame. For example, before the BS transmits data during the FFP2022, the BS may perform an LBT2081in a frequency band and contend for the shared medium during a contention period. The BS may perform the LBT2081during the MIP2061in the previous FFP2021. Based on a failed LBT2081(the LBT2081results in an LBT fail, as indicated by the “X” mark corresponding to the LBT2081), the BS skips the MCOT2042of the FFP2022and accordingly does not transmit data during the MCOT2042. The BS waits until the next contention period (during the MIP2062in the FFP2022) to contend for the medium again and performs an LBT2082before the start of the FFP2023. Based on a successful LBT2082(the LBT2082results in an LBT pass, as indicated by the checkmark corresponding to the LBT2082), the BS may reserve a COT210in the frequency band and communicate DL and/or UL signals during the COT210.

The UE115may receive DL data from the BS105and transmit feedback for the DL data to the BS105. The feedback may be an ACK indicating that reception of the DL data by the UE is successful (e.g., received the DL data without error) or may be a NACK indicating that reception of the DL data by the UE is unsuccessful (e.g., including an error or failing an error correction). The pattern-filled boxes ofFIG.2may represent transmissions of DCI, DL data, UL data, an acknowledgement (ACK), and/or a negative-acknowledgement (NACK) in corresponding slots. While an entire slot is pattern-filled, in aspects, a transmission may occur only in a corresponding portion of the slot. The COT210may start at a beginning of the FFP2023and a duration of the COT210may be dependent on the data load. In the example illustrated inFIG.2, the duration of the COT210is not greater than a duration of the MCOT204. Accordingly, an idle period212may be between an end of the COT210and an end of the FFP2023. In other examples, if the BS has a large amount of data to transmit that would exceed the MCOT2043, the BS transmits data until the end of the MCOT2043and then performs LBT again before the start of the next FFP before continuing the data transmission.

The present disclosure provides techniques for reducing interference between multiple operators and/or preventing an operator from being starved and not able to transmit data. In some aspects, the BS105may determine to vary at least one of the frame period, the MCOT, the MIP, or the MCOT-to-MIP ratio over time to, for example, reduce interference or starvation of network access. The MCOT-to-MIP ratio may refer to a ratio of the MCOT to the MIP. An FBE-frame structure may include a duration of at least one of a frame period, an MCOT, an MIP, and/or the MCOT-to-MIP ratio of a frame in FBE. The FBE-frame structure may be time-varying with respect to a time parameter associated with one or more of the frame period, the MCOT, the MIP, or the MCOT-to-MIP ratio, and the time-varying FBE-frame pattern may be determined by operators independently or in coordination. The time-varying frame patterns across different operators may be different opportunistically, even with no coordination between the operators. An FBE-frame pattern may refer to a time-varying pattern of an FBE-frame structure over time in the present disclosure.

In some aspects, the BS105may transmit to the UE115, a modification to a time parameter associated with at least one of an MIP of a frame period or an MCOT of the frame period. A time parameter associated with an MIP may indicate a duration of the MIP, and a modification to the time parameter may modify a duration of the MIP of one or more frame periods. For example, the modification to the time parameter associated with the MIP may increase or decrease the MIP of one or more frame periods compared to a previous MIP. Additionally, a time parameter associated with an MCOT may indicate a duration of the MCOT, and a modification to the time parameter may modify a duration of the MCOT of one or more frame periods. For example, the modification to the time parameter associated with the MCOT may increase or decrease the MCOT of one or more frame periods compared to a previous MCOT.

A time-varying frame period, MCOT, MIP, and MCOT-to-MIP ratio may refer to a duration of the frame period, MCOT, MIP, and MCOT-to-MIP ratio, respectively, varying with time. The BS105may transmit a time-varying frame pattern to the UE115in the cell using a variety of techniques. For example, the BS105may transmit the modification to the time parameter associated with the MIP of the frame period and/or the MCOT of the frame period via RMSI, a UE-specific RRC message, etc. The UE115may receive the modification to the time parameter and determine, based on the modification, the FBE-frame pattern. In some instances, the UE115may transmit to the BS105, an UL communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter. The BS105may receive the UL communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter. In some instances, the BS105may transmit to the UE115, a DL communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter. The UE115may receive the DL communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter.

The randomization of the frame period, MCOT, MIP, and/or MCOT-to-MIP ratio of a frame pattern used by a first operator (e.g., a BS105) may increase the likelihood that a second operator operating in the same channel may pass an LBT and be able to transmit a communication signal in the channel. For example, the first operator's MCOT and/or MIP of a frame period may be shorter or longer than the second operator's MCOT and/or MIP of a frame period at random times, thus reducing the likelihood that the first and second operators will transmit communication signals at about the same time and interfere with each other and/or reducing the likelihood that one operator will starve the other operator from transmitting any communication signals in the channel.

FIG.3is a block diagram of an example BS300according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The BS300may be a BS105as discussed above in relation toFIG.1. As shown, the BS300may include a processor302, a memory304, a modification module308, a communication module309, a transceiver310including a modem subsystem312and radio frequency (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), random access memory (RAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, solid state memory device, hard disk drives, other forms of volatile and non-volatile memory, or a combination of different types of memory. In an aspect, the memory304includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The memory304may store, or have recorded thereon, instructions306. The instructions306may include instructions that, when executed by the processor302, cause the processor302to perform the operations described herein with reference to the BSs105(e.g., BS105) in connection with aspects of the present disclosure, for example, aspects ofFIGS.1,2,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12, and/or13. Instructions306may also be referred to as program code. The program code may be for causing a wireless communication device to perform these operations, for example by causing one or more processors (such as processor302) to control or command the wireless communication device to do so. The terms “instructions” and “code” should be interpreted broadly to include any type of computer-readable statement(s). For example, the terms “instructions” and “code” may refer to one or more programs, routines, sub-routines, functions, procedures, etc. “Instructions” and “code” may include a single computer-readable statement or many computer-readable statements.

The modification module308and/or the communication module309may be implemented via hardware, software, or combinations thereof. For example, the modification module308and/or the communication module309may be implemented as a processor, circuit, and/or instructions306stored in the memory304and executed by the processor302. In some instances, the modification module308and/or the communication module309can be integrated within the modem subsystem312. For example, the modification module308and/or the communication module309can be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or a general processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuitry) within the modem subsystem312.

The modification module308and/or the communication module309may be used for various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, aspects ofFIGS.1,2,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12, and/or13. In some aspects, the modification module308may be configured to communicate, with a second wireless communication device (e.g., UE115), a modification to a time parameter associated with at least one of an MIP of a frame period or an MCOT of the frame period. For instance, the modification module308may transmit to the UE115, a modification to a time parameter associated with an MIP of a frame period and/or a modification to a time parameter associated with an MCOT of a frame period. In some aspects, the communication module309may be configured to communicate, with the second wireless communication device (e.g., UE115), a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter. For instance, the modification module308may receive an UL communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter and/or may transmit a DL communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter.

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 UE115and/or another core network element. The modem subsystem312may be configured to modulate and/or encode the data from the memory304, the modification module308and/or the communication module309according 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 polar 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 (e.g., values for the frame period, MCOT, MIP, and/or MCOT-to-MIP ratio, modifications to the time parameter associated with the frame period, MCOT, MIP, and/or MCOT-to-MIP ratio, interference information (e.g., LBT result history, data reception performance between the first and second wireless communication devices, an MIP pattern, an MCOT pattern, etc.) from the modem subsystem312(on outbound transmissions) or of transmissions originating from another source such as a UE115or a BS105. 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/or 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 UE115according to one or more aspects 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 transceiver310may provide the demodulated and decoded data (e.g., values for the frame period, MCOT, MIP, and/or MCOT-to-MIP ratio, modifications to the time parameter associated with the frame period, MCOT, MIP, and/or MCOT-to-MIP ratio, interference information (e.g., LBT result history, data reception performance between the first and second wireless communication devices, an MIP pattern, an MCOT pattern, etc.) to the modification module308and/or the communication module309for processing. The antennas316may include multiple antennas of similar or different designs in order to sustain multiple transmission links. The RF unit314may configure the antennas316.

In some aspects, the transceiver310may coordinate with the modification module308to transmit to the UE, a modification to a first time parameter associated with an MIP of a frame period and/or a modification to a second time parameter associated with an MCOT of the frame period. In some aspects, the transceiver310may coordinate with the communication module308to receive from the UE, a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the first time parameter and/or the second time parameter. In an aspect, the BS300can include multiple transceivers310implementing different RATs (e.g., NR and LTE). In an aspect, the BS300can include a single transceiver310implementing multiple RATs (e.g., NR and LTE). In an aspect, the transceiver310can include various components, where different combinations of components can implement different RATs.

FIG.4is a block diagram of an example UE400according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The UE400may be a UE115as discussed above inFIG.1. As shown, the UE400may include a processor402, a memory404, a modification module408, a communication module409, a transceiver410including a modem subsystem412and an RF unit414, and one or more antennas416. These elements may be in direct or indirect communication with each other, for example via one or more buses.

The memory404may include a cache memory (e.g., a cache memory of the processor402), 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 aspects, the memory404includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The memory404may store, or have recorded thereon, instructions406. The instructions406may include instructions that, when executed by the processor402, cause the processor402to perform the operations described herein with reference to the UEs115in connection with aspects of the present disclosure, for example, aspectsFIGS.1,2,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12, and/or13. Instructions406may also be referred to as program code. The program code may be for causing a wireless communication device to perform these operations, for example by causing one or more processors (such as processor402) to control or command the wireless communication device to do so. The instructions406may 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.3.

The modification module408and/or the communication module409may be implemented via hardware, software, or combinations thereof. For example, the modification module408and/or the communication module409may be implemented as a processor, circuit, and/or instructions406stored in the memory404and executed by the processor402. In some instances, the modification module408and/or the communication module409can be integrated within the modem subsystem412. For example, the modification module408and/or the communication module409can be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or a general processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuitry) within the modem subsystem412.

The modification module408and/or the communication module409may be used for various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, aspects ofFIGS.1,2,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12, and/or13. In some aspects, the modification module408may be configured to communicate, with a second wireless communication device (e.g., BS105), a modification to a time parameter associated with at least one of an MIP of a frame period or an MCOT of the frame period. For instance, the modification module408may receive from the BS105, a modification to a time parameter associated with an MIP of a frame period and/or a modification to a time parameter associated with an MCOT of a frame period. In some aspects, the communication module409may be configured to communicate, with a second wireless communication device (e.g., BS105), a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter. For instance, the modification module408may transmit an UL communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter and/or may receive a DL communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter.

As shown, the transceiver410may include the modem subsystem412and the RF unit414. The transceiver410can be configured to communicate bi-directionally with other devices, such as the BSs105and/or another core network element. The modem subsystem412may be configured to modulate and/or encode the data from the memory404, the modification module408and/or the communication module409according to an MCS, e.g., a LDPC coding scheme, a turbo coding scheme, a convolutional coding scheme, a polar coding scheme, a digital beamforming scheme, etc. The RF unit414may be configured to process (e.g., perform analog to digital conversion or digital to analog conversion, etc.) modulated/encoded data (e.g., values for the frame period, MCOT, MIP, and/or MCOT-to-MIP ratio, modifications to the time parameter associated with the frame period, MCOT, MIP, and/or MCOT-to-MIP ratio, interference information (e.g., LBT result history, data reception performance between the first and second wireless communication devices, an MIP pattern, an MCOT pattern, etc.) from the modem subsystem412(on outbound transmissions) or of transmissions originating from another source such as a UE115or a BS105. The RF unit414may be further configured to perform analog beamforming in conjunction with the digital beamforming. Although shown as integrated together in transceiver410, the modem subsystem412and/or the RF unit414may be separate devices that are coupled together at the UE115to enable the UE115to communicate with other devices.

The RF unit414may 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 antennas416for transmission to one or more other devices. The antennas416may further receive data messages transmitted from other devices. The antennas416may provide the received data messages for processing and/or demodulation at the transceiver410. The transceiver410may provide the demodulated and decoded data (e.g., values for the frame period, MCOT, MIP, and/or MCOT-to-MIP ratio, modifications to the time parameter associated with the frame period, MCOT, MIP, and/or MCOT-to-MIP ratio, interference information (e.g., LBT result history, data reception performance between the first and second wireless communication devices, an MIP pattern, an MCOT pattern, etc.) to the modification module408and/or the communication module409for processing. The antennas416may include multiple antennas of similar or different designs in order to sustain multiple transmission links. The RF unit414may configure the antennas416.

In some aspects, the transceiver410may coordinate with the modification module408to receive from the BS, a modification to a first time parameter associated with an MIP of a frame period and/or a modification to a second time parameter associated with an MCOT of the frame period. In some aspects, the transceiver410may coordinate with the communication module409to transmit to BS, a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter. In some aspects, the UE400can include multiple transceivers410implementing different RATs (e.g., NR and LTE). In an aspect, the UE400can include a single transceiver410implementing multiple RATs (e.g., NR and LTE). In an aspect, the transceiver410can include various components, where different combinations of components can implement different RATs.

FIG.5illustrates a table500providing a plurality of time-varying frame patterns according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Any of the time-varying frame patterns provided in the table500may be employed by BSs such as the BSs105and UEs such as the UEs115in a network such as the network100for communications. In particular, the BS105may communicate with the UE115using one or more of the time-varying frame patterns provided in the table500. A time-varying frame pattern can be generated by varying at least one of a frame period, a MCOT duration, a MIP duration, or a MCOT-to-MIP ratio from one frame period to another frame period.

The table500includes a first column storing a time-varying frame pattern502, in which the frame period is fixed, the MCOT is time-varying, the MIP is time-varying, and the MCOT-to-MIP ratio is time-varying for one or more frame periods. The table500includes a second column storing a time-varying frame pattern504, in which the frame period is time-varying, the MCOT is fixed, the MIP is time-varying, and the MCOT-to-MIP ratio is time-varying for one or more frame periods. The table500includes a third column storing a time-varying frame pattern506, in which the frame period is time-varying, the MCOT is time-varying, the MIP is fixed, and the MCOT-to-MIP ratio is time-varying for one or more frame periods. The table500includes a fourth column storing a time-varying frame pattern508, in which the frame period is time-varying, the MCOT is time-varying, the MIP is time-varying, and the MCOT-to-MIP ratio is fixed for one or more frame periods. The table500includes a fifth column storing a time-varying frame pattern510, in which the frame period is time-varying, the MCOT is time-varying, the MIP is time-varying, and the MCOT-to-MIP ratio is time-varying for one or more frame periods.

These different time-varying frame patterns may have tradeoffs between design freedom and signaling overhead for announcing the time-varying frame pattern. For example, the time-varying frame pattern510has a lot of freedom in terms of design because each of the frame period, the MCOT, the MIP, and the MCOT-to-MIP ratio may vary over time for one or more frame periods. The BS105transmits information for each of these time parameters to the UE115, potentially resulting in higher signaling overhead compared to the other time-varying frame patterns provided in the table500because the other time-varying frame patterns have at least one fixed variable. For example, the time-varying frame pattern502has a FFP, the time-varying frame pattern504has a fixed MCOT, the time-varying frame pattern506has a fixed MIP, and the time-varying frame pattern508has a fixed MCOT-to-MIP ratio. Accordingly, it may be unnecessary for the BS105to transmit information (e.g., at every frame) for the fixed frame period in time-varying frame pattern502, for the fixed MCOT in the time-varying frame pattern504, for the fixed MIP in the time-varying frame pattern506, or for the fixed MCOT-to-MIP ratio in the time-varying frame pattern508, potentially resulting in less signaling overhead compared to the time-varying frame pattern510.

In some examples, a BS105may determine a first frame pattern (e.g., the time-varying frame patterns502,504,506,508, and/or510) for one or more frame periods and transmit information on the first frame pattern to the UE115. For example, the first frame pattern may be the time-varying frame pattern504and apply to multiples of N1frames (e.g., N1=eight frames), in which the fixed MCOT is X ms, the time-varying frame period is: {Z1ms for the first frame period of the N1frames, Z2ms for the second frame period of the N1frames, Z3ms for the third frame period of the N1frames, . . . , and Znms for the Nth frame period of the N1frames}, the time-varying MIP is: {Y1ms for the first frame period of the N1frames, Y2ms for the second frame period of the N1frames, Y3ms for the third frame period of the N1frames, . . . , and Ynms for the Nth frame period of the N1frames}, where X, Y, and Z are numbers greater than 0. The first frame pattern information (e.g., the time-varying frame period, the fixed MCOT, the time-varying MIP, and/or the MCOT-to-MIP ratio) may be transmitted to the UE115, and the first frame pattern may be repeated for every N1frames. The BS105may transmit the first frame pattern information via, for example, RRC, MAC-CE, or DCI. The UE115may receive the first frame pattern information and determine the first frame pattern for multiples of N1frames, where the first frame pattern is repeated for every N1frames.

The BS105may determine to modify the frame pattern applied to the frames and accordingly may determine a second frame pattern different from the first frame pattern. For example, the BS105may determine to modify a time parameter associated with the MIP such that the time-varying MIP in the second frame pattern is: {W1ms for the first frame period of the N1frames, W2ms for the second frame period of the N1frames, W3ms for the third frame period of the N1frames, . . . , and Wnms for the Nth frame period of the N1frames}, where W is a number greater than 0. Additionally or alternatively, the BS105may determine to modify a time parameter associated with the fixed MCOT such that the MCOT in the second frame pattern is V ms, where V is a number greater than 0. The second frame pattern may be the time-varying frame pattern504and apply to multiples of N2frames (e.g., eight frames). The second frame pattern information (e.g., the time-varying frame period, the fixed MCOT, the time-varying MIP, and/or the MCOT-to-MIP ratio) may be transmitted to the UE115, and the second frame pattern may be repeated for every N2frames. The BS105may transmit the second frame pattern information via, for example, RRC, MAC-CE, or DCI. The UE115may receive the second frame pattern information and determine the second frame pattern for multiples of N2frames, where the second frame pattern is repeated for every N2frames. The UE115may receive the first frame pattern information and determine the first frame pattern for multiples of N1frames, where the first frame pattern is repeated for every N1frames

In some aspects, the BS105may transmit information for a first frame pattern to the UEs for multiples of N frames (e.g., the same frame pattern can be repeated for every N frames) and then modify one or more time parameters associated with the first frame pattern to determine a second frame pattern. For example, the frame pattern may be defined for N frames at a time. In some aspects, the BS105may transmit information for a first frame pattern to the UEs for every frame and then modify one or more time parameters associated with the first frame pattern to determine a second frame pattern for a next frame. For example, the frame pattern may be defined for one frame at a time. The BS105may transmit time-varying frame pattern information via, for example, RRC, MAC-CE, or DCI.

In the present disclosure, reference to a frame period, an MCOT, an MIP, and an MCOT-to-MIP ratio being fixed in a frame pattern may refer to the frame period, the MCOT, the MIP, and the MCOT-to-MIP ratio, respectively, being fixed for N frames in which the frame pattern is repeated, where N is a number greater than zero. For example, the BS105may determine and set a time parameter associated with the fixed frame period, the fixed MCOT, the fixed MIP, and/or the fixed MCOT-to-MIP ratio in a first frame pattern, where the respective time parameter is the same for the next N frames. The BS105may determine to modify any one of the fixed frame period, the fixed MCOT, the fixed MIP, and/or the fixed MCOT-to-MIP ratio in the first frame pattern and transmit a modification to a time parameter associated with the fixed frame period, the fixed MCOT, the fixed MIP, and/or the fixed MCOT-to-MIP ratio, where the respective modified time parameter applies to and is the same for the next N frames. Using an example provided above, the BS105may determine that a first frame pattern including the fixed MCOT for N1frames is: {X ms}. In this example, the BS105may transmit a time parameter specifying a fixed MCOT of X ms for N1frames, where the first frame pattern may be repeated for every N1frames. The BS105may determine to modify the MCOT in a second frame pattern and accordingly may transmit a modification to the time parameter specifying a fixed MCOT of W ms for N2frames, where the second frame pattern may be repeated for every N2frames. The BS105may use similar techniques to modify any one of the fixed frame period, the fixed MIP, and/or the fixed MCOT-to-MIP ratio in one or more frame patterns.

Additionally, reference to a frame period, an MCOT, an MIP, and an MCOT-to-MIP ratio being time-varying in a frame pattern may refer to the frame period, the MCOT, the MIP, and the MCOT-to-MIP ratio, respectively, varying with time for N frames in which the frame pattern is repeated, where N is a number greater than zero. For example, the BS105may determine and set a time parameter associated with a time-varying MIP, where the time parameter may be different for each frame of the N frames. The BS105may transmit a modification to the time parameter for each frame of the N frames. Using an example provided above, the BS105may determine that the time-varying MIP for the first frame pattern is: {Y1ms for the first frame period of the N1frames, Y2ms for the second frame period of the N1frames, Y3ms for the third frame period of the N1frames, . . . , and Ynms for the Nth frame period of the N1frames}. In this example, the BS105may modify the time parameter associated with the MIP for each frame of the N frames, where the BS105may transmit a time parameter specifying a MIP of Y1ms for the first frame period of the N1frames, may transmit a modification to the time parameter specifying a MIP of Y2ms for the second frame period of the N1frames, may transmit a modification to the time parameter specifying a MIP of Y3ms for the third frame period of the N1frames, and may transmit a modification to the time parameter specifying a MIP of Ynms for the Nth frame period of the N1frames. The BS105may use similar techniques to modify any one of the time-varying frame period, the time-varying MCOT, and/or the time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratio in one or more frame patterns.

An operator may determine to use any of the time-varying frame patterns502,504,506,508, and/or510inFIG.5. Additionally, operators sharing a channel may use the same or different time-varying frame patterns as each other. In some aspects, the network100and/or technical specification for operating in the network100imposes no time limitation on the time-varying frame period for one or more of the time-varying frame patterns502,504,506,508, and/or510. In some aspects, the network100and/or technical specification for operating in the network100specifies that a sum of N time-varying frame periods is fixed for one or more of the time-varying frame patterns504,506,508, and/or510. Each of the time-varying frame patterns provided in the table500will be discussed in further detail below with respect to, for example, aspects ofFIGS.6-11.

FIG.6illustrates a time-varying frame pattern600according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The time-varying frame pattern600may be employed by BSs such as the BSs105and UEs such as the UEs115in a network such as the network100for communications. In particular, the BS105may communicate with the UE115using the time-varying frame pattern600. Additionally, the time-varying frame pattern600may correspond to the time-varying frame pattern502inFIG.5. The x-axis represents time in some constant units.

In the example illustrated inFIG.6, operators601and603may share a channel and perform LBT before transmitting on the channel. The operator601and/or the operator603may correspond to a BS (e.g., BSs105). Although two operators are shown as sharing the channel, it should be understood that in other examples, more than two operators may share the channel and perform LBT on the channel. The time-varying frame pattern600may include FFPs, time-varying MCOTs of the FFP, time-varying MIPs of the FFP, and/or time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratios of the FFP. In some aspects, the operators601and603are not asynchronized, and a variation of the duration of the MCOTs and/or the duration of the MIPs specified in a frame pattern by the operators may be large such that the operators do not perform LBT at about the same time and accordingly to not attempt to transmit communication signals (e.g., DL and/or UL communication signals) at about the same time. In some aspects, the frame periods are fixed, and an operator may transmit a modification to a first time parameter associated with an MIP of a FFP, transmit a modification to a second time parameter associated with an MCOT of the FFP, and/or transmit a modification to a third time parameter associated with an MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the FFP.

The time-varying frame pattern600may include an FFP602including a time-varying MCOT604, and a time-varying MIP606. The operator601may perform LBT608during the time-varying MIPs606. The operator601may specify the durations of the MCOT6042, the MCOT6043, and/or the MCOT6044via a time parameter. Accordingly, the durations of the MCOT6042, the MCOT6043, and the MCOT6044may vary with time and may be the same as or different from each other. The UE115may determine a time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT6042of the FFP6022. The time parameter may indicate a duration of the MCOT6042, which may vary with time. The UE115may determine the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT in various ways. In some aspects, the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT may be a default value that is defined in a technical specification. In some aspects, the operator601may transmit the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT to the UE115. For example, the operator601may transmit a frame pattern of the FFP6022specifying the MCOT6042and/or an MIP6062to the UE115. The operator601may transmit the frame pattern, for example, via RRC, MAC-CE, or DCI.

The operator601may determine to modify the time parameter associated with the MCOT of the FFP and accordingly may transmit a first modification to the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT. The first modification may, for example, indicate an increase or a decrease to the time parameter associated with the MCOT6042of the FFP6022immediately preceding the FFP6023and/or may indicate the time parameter (e.g., a duration) of the MCOT6043of the FFP6023. A first FFP immediately precedes a second FFP if the first FFP precedes the second FFP and no FFPs are between the first and second FFPs. The operator601may transmit a time-varying frame pattern of the FFP6023specifying the time-varying MCOT6043to, for example, the UE115. The operator601may transmit the time-varying frame pattern, for example, via RRC, MAC-CE, or DCI.

After transmitting the first modification to the time parameter associated with MCOT, the operator601may determine to modify the time parameter again and accordingly may transmit a second modification to the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT. The second modification may, for example, indicate an increase or a decrease to the time parameter associated with the MCOT6043of the FFP6023immediately preceding the FFP6064and/or may indicate the time parameter (e.g., a duration) of the MCOT6044of the FFP6024. The operator601may transmit a time-varying frame pattern of the FFP6024specifying the time-varying MCOT6044to, for example, the UE115.

The operator601may continue to modify the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOTs in subsequent FFPs in the time-varying frame pattern600. The operator603may perform similar actions to modify a time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOTs of the FFPs (e.g., MCOT6045of the FFP6025, MCOT6046of the FFP6026, and/or MCOT6047of the FFP6027). The UE115may receive the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT of the FFPs and/or modifications to the time parameter and accordingly may determine the time-varying MCOTs of the FFPs in the time-varying frame pattern600.

Additionally or alternatively, the operator601may specify the durations of the MIP6062, the MIP6063, and the MIP6064via a time parameter. Accordingly, the durations of the MIP6062, the MIP6063, and the MIP6064may vary with time and may be the same as or different from each other. The UE115may determine a time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP6062of the FFP6022. The time parameter may indicate a duration of the MIP6062, which may vary with time. The UE115may determine the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP in various ways. In some aspects, the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP may be a default value that is defined in the specification. In some aspects, the operator601may transmit the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP to the UE115.

The operator601may determine to modify the time parameter associated with the MIP of the FFP and accordingly may transmit a first modification to the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP606. The first modification may, for example, indicate an increase or a decrease to the time parameter associated with the MIP6062of the FFP6022immediately preceding the FFP6063and/or may indicate the time parameter (e.g., a duration) of the MIP6063of the FFP6023. The operator601may transmit a time-varying frame pattern of the FFP6023specifying the time-varying MIP6063to, for example, the UE115.

After transmitting the first modification to the time parameter associated with MIP, the operator601may determine to modify the time parameter again and accordingly may transmit a second modification to the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP. The second modification may, for example, indicate an increase or a decrease to the time parameter associated with the MIP6063of the FFP6023immediately preceding the FFP6064and/or may indicate the time parameter (e.g., a duration) of the MIP6064of the FFP6024. The operator601may transmit a time-varying frame pattern of the FFP6024specifying the time-varying MIP6064to, for example, the UE115.

The operator601may continue to modify the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIPs in subsequent FFPs in the time-varying frame pattern600. The operator603may perform similar actions to modify a time parameter associated with the time-varying MIPs of the FFPs (e.g., MIP6065of the FFP6025, MIP6066of the FFP6026, and/or MIP6067of the FFP6027). The UE115may receive the time parameter associated with the MIPs of the FFPs and/or modifications to the time parameter and accordingly may determine the time-varying MIPs of the FFPs in the time-varying frame pattern600.

The operator601may determine a time parameter in the form of the MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the frame period6022, the frame period6023, and/or the frame period6024. Accordingly, the MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the frame period6022, the frame period6023, and/or the frame period6024may vary with time and may be the same as or different from each other. The UE115may determine a time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the frame period6022. The time parameter may indicate the MCOT-to-MIP ratio, which may vary with time. The UE115may determine the time parameter associated with the MCOT-to-MIP ratio in various ways. In some aspects, the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratio may be a default value that is defined in the specification. In some aspects, the operator601may transmit the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratio to the UE115. For example, the operator601may transmit a frame pattern specifying the MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the frame period6022to the UE115.

The operator601may determine to modify the time parameter associated with the MCOT-to-MIP ratio and accordingly may transmit a first modification to the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratio. The first modification may, for example, indicate an increase or a decrease to the time parameter associated with the MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the frame period6022immediately preceding the frame period6023and/or may indicate the time parameter of the MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the frame period6023. The operator601may transmit the MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the frame period6023to, for example, the UE115.

After transmitting the first modification to the time parameter associated with MCOT-to-MIP ratio, the operator601may determine to modify the time parameter again and accordingly may transmit a second modification to the time parameter associated with the MCOT-to-MIP ratio. The second modification may, for example, indicate an increase or a decrease to the time parameter associated with the MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the frame period6023immediately preceding the frame period6024and/or may indicate the time parameter of the MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the frame period6024. The operator601may transmit a time-varying frame pattern specifying the time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the frame period6024to, for example, the UE115.

The operator601may continue to modify the time parameter associated with the MCOT-to-MIP ratio in subsequent frame periods in the time-varying frame pattern600. The operator603may perform similar actions to modify a time parameter associated with the MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the frame periods (e.g., frame period6026, frame period6027, and/or frame period6028). The UE115may receive the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratio and/or modifications to the time parameter and accordingly may determine the time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the frame periods in the time-varying frame patterns600.

In the example illustrated inFIG.6, before the operator601transmits a communication signal during the FFP6022, the operator601may perform an LBT6081in an FFP immediately preceding the FFP6022. As indicated by the checkmark corresponding to the LBT6081, the LBT6081results in an LBT pass. Based on the successful LBT6081(LBT pass), the operator601may transmit a communication signal (e.g., an UL and/or DL communication signal) during the MCOT6042of the FFP6022. The MCOT6042is followed by the MIP6062and ends before the operator603performs an LBT6085in the FFP6025immediately preceding the FFP6026. Before the operator603transmits a communication signal during the FFP6026, the operator603may perform an LBT6085in the FFP6025. As indicated by the checkmark corresponding to the LBT6085, the LBT6085results in an LBT pass. Based on the successful LBT6085, the operator603may transmit a communication signal (e.g., an UL and/or DL communication signal) during the MCOT6046of the FFP6026. Accordingly, the operator603is not starved and is able to access the channel to transmit a communication signal.

The likelihood of the operator603's LBT6085resulting in an LBT pass may increase due to the utilization of time-varying MCOTs and/or MIPs of the FFPs (e.g., FFP6022(operator601) and the FFP6025(operator603)). For example, a duration of the MIP6062(operator601) is greater than a duration of the MIP6065(operator603), and the operator601does not occupy the channel during the MIP6062. Accordingly, the operator603may have a higher likelihood of an LBT pass if the operator603performs LBT during the operator601's MIP6062. Accordingly, both the operators601and603may transmit a communication signal without interfering with each other at every FFP and may have access to the channel quite fairly, without starving the other from transmitting communication signals.

While the operator603transmits a communication signal (e.g., an UL and/or DL communication signal) during the MCOT6046, the operator601may perform an LBT6082in the FFP6022. The LBT6082results in an LBT fail, as indicated by the “X” mark corresponding to the LBT6082. The operator601may wait until the next FFP6023and perform an LBT6083during the FFP6023, which may result in an LBT fail as indicated by the “X” mark corresponding to the LBT6083. The LBT6083results in the LBT fail based on the operator603's data transmission during the time-varying MCOT6047of the FFP6027. To transmit during the MCOT6047, the operator603performed an LBT6086of the FFP6026that resulted in an LBT pass. Although the LBTs6082and6083performed by the operator601resulted in an LBT fail, the operator601performs a subsequent LBT6084during the FFP6024that results in an LBT pass and accordingly transmits a communication signal during the next FFP. Accordingly, the operator601is not starved and is able to access the channel to transmit a communication signal.

The likelihood of the operator601's LBT6084resulting in the LBT pass may increase due to the time-varying nature of the MCOTs and/or MIPs of the FFPs (e.g., FFP6024(operator601) and the FFP6027(operator603)). For example, a duration of the MCOT6047of the FFP6027is shorter than a duration of the MCOT6044of the FFP6024, and the operator603ceases to transmit after an end of the MCOT6047. A time-varying MIP6067may start at the end of the MCOT6047and accordingly, the operator601may have a higher likelihood of an LBT pass if the operator601performs LBT after the shorter time-varying MCOT6047and longer time-varying MIP6067. A duration of the MCOT6047(operator603) is less than a duration of the MCOT6044(operator601), a duration of the MIP6067(operator603) is greater than a duration of the MIP6064(operator601), and the operator603does not occupy the channel during the MIP6067. Accordingly, the operator601may have a higher likelihood of an LBT pass if the operator601performs LBT during the operator603's MIP6067. Accordingly, both the operators601and603may transmit a communication signal without interfering with each other at every FFP and may have access to the channel quite fairly, without starving the other from transmitting communication signals.

Limitations may be imposed on the time-varying MCOTs of the FFPs and/or the time-varying MIPs of the FFPs of the time-varying frame pattern600. In some aspects, an operator (e.g., the operator601and/or the operator603) may determine the MIP per frame period, where the MIP per frame period is greater than a time threshold. The time threshold may be, for example, 100 microseconds (μs) or about 100 μs. In some aspects, the operator may determine the MIP per frame period, where an average of the MIP per K frame periods is greater than a percentage threshold of an average of the MCOT per K frame periods, and K is a number greater than one. The percentage threshold may be, for example, five percent or about five percent.

In some aspects, the operator may transmit a modification to a time parameter associated with a ratio of the MCOT to the MIP. The operator may communicate a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter associated with the ratio and/or the modification to the time parameter associated with at least one of an MIP of a frame period or an MCOT of the frame period.

FIG.7illustrates a time-varying frame pattern700including a MIP pattern according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The time-varying frame pattern700may be employed by BSs such as the BSs105and UEs such as the UEs115in a network such as the network100for communications. In particular, the BS105may communicate with the UE115using the time-varying frame pattern700. Additionally, the time-varying frame pattern700may correspond to the time-varying frame pattern502inFIG.5. The x-axis represents time in some constant units.

The time-varying frame pattern700may include a FFP702including a time-varying MCOT704and a time-varying MIP706. In some aspects, the time-varying frame pattern700may include an MIP pattern including a first MIP of a first set of frame periods and a second MIP of a second set of frame periods. The first MIP of the first set of frame periods may have a longer duration than the second MIP of the second set of frame periods. The first MIP may be referred to as an extended MIP and may correspond to extended MIPs7062and7065. The second MIP may be referred to as a standard MIP and may correspond to standard MIPs7063and7064and standard MIPs7066and7067. Additionally, an operator701may transmit communication signals during the first and second sets of frame periods based on the MIP pattern. The UE115may receive the communication signals during the first and second sets of frame periods based on the MIP pattern. Each of the first set and second set of frame periods may include one or more frame periods. In some instances, the first set of frame periods includes one frame period, and the second set of frame periods includes two or more frame periods. The second set of frame periods may immediately succeed the first set of frame periods.

In some aspects, the operator701may transmit a modification to a time parameter by transmitting the modification to the time parameter associated with at least one of the first MIP or the first set of frame periods. For example, the operator701may modify the time parameter of the first MIP and/or the first set of frame periods. In another example, the operator701may modify the time parameter of the second MIP and/or the second set of frame periods.

The operator701may correspond to a BS (e.g., BSs105) and may determine the MIP pattern. The operator701may transmit the MIP pattern to a UE115and may perform an LBT708during the time-varying MIP706. The MIP pattern specified in the time-varying frame pattern700may be an extended MIP for one FFP, a standard MIP for the next two FFPs, and the MIP pattern may repeat for subsequent FFPs until the operator701transmits a modification to the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP.

These MIP patterns are not intended to be limiting, and other examples of MIP patterns are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, although two different MIP durations (e.g., extended and standard MIPs) are shown as being included in an MIP pattern, this is not intended to be limiting, and in other examples, an MIP pattern may include more than two MIP durations. For example, a third duration of an MIP may be shorter than the extended and standard MIPs and may be referred to as a shortened MIP. Accordingly, an MIP pattern may include an extended MIP for a first set of FFPs, a standard MIP for a second set of FFPs, and a shortened MIP for a third set of FFPs, where each of the first, second, and third sets of FFPs may include one or more FFPs.

The discussion of MIP patterns may extend to MCOT patterns. In some aspects, a time-varying frame pattern may include an MCOT pattern including a first MCOT of a first set of frame periods and a second MCOT of a second set of frame periods. The first MCOT of the first set of frame periods may have a longer duration than the second MCOT of the second set of frame periods. The first MCOT may be referred to as an extended MCOT, and the second MCOT may be referred to as a standard MIP. Additionally, the operator701may transmit communication signals during the first and second sets of frame periods based on the MCOT pattern. The UE115may receive the communication signals during the first and second sets of frame periods based on the MCOT pattern. Each of the first set and second set of frame periods may include one or more frame periods. In some instances, the first set of frame periods includes one frame period, and the second set of frame periods includes two or more frame periods. The second set of frame periods may immediately succeed the first set of frame periods.

In some aspects, the operator701may transmit a modification to a time parameter by transmitting the modification to the time parameter associated with at least one of the first MCOT or the first set of frame periods. For example, the operator701may modify the time parameter of the first MCOT and/or the first set of frame periods. In another example, the operator701may modify the time parameter of the second MCOT and/or the second set of frame periods.

The operator701may determine the MCOT pattern and transmit the MCOT pattern to a UE115. The MCOT pattern specified in the time-varying frame pattern may be an extended MCOT for one FFP, a standard MCOT for the next four FFPs, and the MCOT pattern may repeat for subsequent FFPs until the operator701transmits a modification to the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT.

These MCOT patterns are not intended to be limiting, and other examples of MCOT patterns are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, although two different MCOT durations (e.g., extended and standard MCOT) are discussed as being included in an MCOT pattern, this is not intended to be limiting, and in other examples, an MCOT pattern may include more than two MCOT durations. For example, a third duration of an MCOT may be shorter than the extended and standard MCOTs and may be referred to as a shortened MCOT. Accordingly, an MCOT pattern may include an extended MCOT for a first set of FFPs, a standard MCOT for a second set of FFPs, and a shortened MCOTs for a third set of FFPs, where each of the first, second, and third sets of FFPs may include one or more FFPs.

FIG.8illustrates a time-varying frame pattern800according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The time-varying frame pattern800may be employed by BSs such as the BSs105and UEs such as the UEs115in a network such as the network100for communications. In particular, the BS105may communicate with the UE115using the time-varying frame pattern800. Additionally, the time-varying frame pattern800may correspond to the time-varying frame pattern504inFIG.5. The x-axis represents time in some constant units.

In the example illustrated inFIG.8, operators801and803may share a channel and perform LBT before transmitting on the channel. The operator801and/or the operator803may correspond to a BS (e.g., BSs105). Although two operators are shown as sharing the channel, it should be understood that in other examples, more than two operators may share the channel and perform LBT on the channel. The time-varying frame pattern800may include time-varying frame periods, fixed MCOTs of the frame period, time-varying MIPs of the frame period, and/or time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratios of the frame period. In some aspects, the operators801and803are not asynchronized, and a variation of the duration of the frame periods and/or the duration of the MIPs may be large such that the operators do not perform LBT at about the same time and accordingly to not attempt to transmit communication signals (e.g., DL and/or UL communication signals) at about the same time. In some aspects, the MCOTs of the frame periods are fixed, and an operator may transmit a modification to a first time parameter associated with an MIP of a frame period, transmit a modification to a second time parameter associated with the frame period, and/or transmit a modification to a third time parameter associated with an MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the frame period.

The time-varying frame pattern800may include a time-varying frame period802including a fixed MCOT804and a time-varying MIP806. The operator801may perform LBT808during the time-varying MIPs806. The operator801may specify the durations of the frame period8022, the frame period8023, and/or the frame period8024via a time parameter. Accordingly, the durations of the frame period8022, the frame period8023, and/or the frame period8024may vary with time and may be the same as or different from each other. The UE115may determine a time parameter associated with the time-varying frame period8022. The time parameter may indicate a duration of the frame period8022, which may vary with time. The UE115may determine the time parameter associated with the time-varying frame period in various ways. In some aspects, the time parameter associated with the time-varying frame period may be a default value that is defined in the specification. In some aspects, the operator801may transmit the time parameter associated with the time-varying frame period to the UE115. For example, the operator801may transmit a frame pattern specifying the frame period8022and/or the MIP8062to the UE115.

The operator801may determine to modify the time parameter associated with the frame period and accordingly may transmit a first modification to the time parameter associated with the time-varying frame period. The first modification may, for example, indicate an increase or a decrease to the time parameter associated with the frame period8022immediately preceding the frame period8023and/or may indicate the time parameter (e.g., a duration) of the frame period8023. The operator801may transmit a time-varying frame pattern specifying the time-varying frame period8023to, for example, the UE115.

After transmitting the first modification to the time parameter associated with frame period, the operator801may determine to modify the time parameter again and accordingly may transmit a second modification to the time parameter associated with the time-varying frame period. The second modification may, for example, indicate an increase or a decrease to the time parameter associated with the frame period8023immediately preceding the frame period8024and/or may indicate the time parameter (e.g., a duration) of the frame period8024. The operator801may transmit a time-varying frame pattern specifying the time-varying frame period8024to, for example, the UE115.

The operator801may continue to modify the time parameter associated with the time-varying frame periods in subsequent frame periods in the time-varying frame pattern800. The operator803may perform similar actions to modify a time parameter associated with the time-varying frame periods (e.g., frame period8026, frame period8027, and/or frame period8028). The UE115may receive the time parameter associated with the time-varying frame period and/or modifications to the time parameter and accordingly may determine the time-varying frame periods in the time-varying frame patterns800.

Additionally or alternatively, the operator801may specify the durations of the MIP8062, the MIP8063, and the MIP8064via a time parameter. Accordingly, the durations of the MIP8062, the MIP8063, and the MIP8064may vary with time and may be the same as or different from each other. The UE115may determine a time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP8062of the frame period8022. The time parameter may indicate a duration of the MIP8062, which may vary with time. The UE115may determine the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP in various ways, as discussed in relation to aspects ofFIG.6. Additionally or alternatively, the operators801and803may use similar techniques as discussed in above in relation to aspects ofFIG.6to determine to modify the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP806and/or to transmit modifications to the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP806.

In the example illustrated inFIG.8, the operator803may perform an LBT8085in a frame period8025immediately preceding the frame period8026. As indicated by the checkmark corresponding to the LBT8085, the LBT8085results in an LBT pass. Based on the successful LBT8085(LBT pass), the operator801may transmit a communication signal (e.g., an UL and/or DL communication signal) during the fixed MCOT8046of the frame period8026.

Additionally, before the operator801transmits a communication signal during the frame period8023, the operator801may perform an LBT8082in a frame period8022immediately preceding the frame period8032. As indicated by the checkmark corresponding to the LBT8082, the LBT8082results in an LBT pass. Based on the successful LBT8082(LBT pass), the operator801may transmit a communication signal (e.g., an UL and/or DL communication signal) during the fixed MCOT8043of the frame period8023. The likelihood of the operator801's LBT8082resulting in an LBT pass may increase due to the time-varying nature of the frame periods and/or MIPs. For example, a duration of the MIP8066(operator803) is greater than a duration of the MIP8062(operator801), and the operator803does not occupy the channel during the MIP8066. Accordingly, the operator801may have a higher likelihood of an LBT pass if the operator801performs LBT during the operator803's MIP8066. Accordingly, the operator801may transmit a communication signal without interfering with the operator803at every frame period. Additionally, the operators801and803may have access to the channel quite fairly, without starving the other from transmitting communication signals.

While the operator801transmits the communication signal (e.g., an UL and/or DL communication signal) during the MCOT8043, the operator803may perform an LBT8086in the frame period8026. The LBT8086results in an LBT fail, as indicated by the “X” mark corresponding to the LBT8086. The operator803may wait until the next frame period8027and perform an LBT8087during the frame period8027. As indicated by the checkmark corresponding to the LBT8087, the LBT8087results in an LBT pass. Based on the successful LBT8087(LBT pass), the operator801may transmit a communication signal (e.g., an UL and/or DL communication signal) during the fixed MCOT8048of the frame period8028. The likelihood of the operator803's LBT8087resulting in the LBT pass may increase due to the time-varying nature of the frame periods and/or MIPs of the frame periods. For example, a duration of the MIP8063(operator801) is greater than a duration of the MIP8067(operator803), and the operator801does not occupy the channel during the MIP8063. Accordingly, the operator803may have a higher likelihood of an LBT pass if the operator803performs LBT during the operator801's MIP8063. Accordingly, both the operators801and803may transmit a communication signal without interfering with each other at every FFP and may have access to the channel quite fairly, without starving the other from transmitting communication signals.

Additionally or alternatively, the operator801may specify the durations of the MIP8062, the MIP8063, and the MIP8064via a time parameter. Accordingly, the durations of the MIP8062, the MIP8063, and the MIP8064may vary with time and may be the same as or different from each other. The UE115may determine a time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP8062of the frame period8022. The time parameter may indicate a duration of the MIP8062, which may vary with time. The UE115may determine the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP in various ways, as discussed in relation to aspects ofFIG.6. Additionally or alternatively, the operators801and803may use similar techniques as discussed in above in relation to aspects ofFIG.6to determine to modify the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP806and/or to transmit modifications to the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP806.

Additionally or alternatively, the operator801may specify the MCOT-to-MIP ratios of the frame periods8022,8023, and/or8024via a time parameter. Accordingly, the MCOT-to-MIP ratios of the frame periods8022,8023, and8024may vary with time and may be the same as or different from each other. The UE115may determine a time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the frame period8022. The time parameter may indicate the MCOT-to-MIP ratio, which may vary with time. The UE115may determine the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratio in various ways, as discussed in relation to aspects ofFIG.6. Additionally or alternatively, the operators801and803may use similar techniques as discussed in above in relation to aspects ofFIG.6to determine to modify the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratio and/or to transmit modifications to the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratio.

Limitations may be imposed on the fixed MCOTs and/or the time-varying MIPs of the frame periods of the time-varying frame pattern800. In some aspects, an operator (e.g., the operator801and/or the operator803) may determine the MIP per frame period, where the MIP per frame period is greater than a time threshold. The time threshold may be, for example, 100 μs or about 100 μs. In some aspects, the operator may determine the MIP per frame period, where an average of the MIP per K frame periods is greater than a percentage threshold of the fixed MCOT, and K is a number greater than one. The percentage threshold may be, for example, five percent or about five percent.

In some aspects, the operator may transmit a modification to a time parameter associated with a ratio of the MCOT to the MIP. The operator may communicate a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter associated with the ratio and/or the modification to the time parameter associated with at least one of an MIP of a frame period or the frame period. In some aspects, the operator801may transmit to the UE115, a modification to a time parameter associated with the frame period, where a sum of a first number of time-varying frame periods is fixed.

FIG.9illustrates a time-varying frame pattern900according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The time-varying frame pattern900may be employed by BSs such as the BSs105and UEs such as the UEs115in a network such as the network100for communications. In particular, the BS105may communicate with the UE115using the time-varying frame pattern900. Additionally, the time-varying frame pattern900may correspond to the time-varying frame pattern506inFIG.5. The x-axis represents time in some constant units.

In the example illustrated inFIG.9, an operator901may share a channel with one or more other operators and may perform LBT before transmitting on the channel. The operators may correspond to a BS (e.g., BSs105). The time-varying frame pattern900may include time-varying frame periods, time-varying MCOTs of a frame period, fixed MIPs of the frame period, and/or time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratios of the frame period. In some aspects, the operators are not asynchronized, and a variation of the duration of the frame periods and/or the duration of the MCOTs may be large such that the operators do not perform LBT at about the same time and accordingly to not attempt to transmit communication signals (e.g., DL and/or UL communication signals) at about the same time. In some aspects, the MIPs of the frame periods are fixed, and an operator may transmit a modification to a first time parameter associated with a frame period, transmit a modification to a second time parameter associated with an MCOT of the time-varying frame period, and/or transmit a modification to a third time parameter associated with an MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the time-varying frame period.

The time-varying frame pattern900may include a time-varying frame period902, which may include a time-varying MCOT904and a fixed MIP906. The operator901may perform LBT during the time-varying MIPs906. The operator901may specify the durations of the frame period9021, the frame period9022, and/or the frame period9023via a time parameter. Accordingly, the durations of the frame period9021, the frame period9022, and/or the frame period9023may vary with time and may be the same as or different from each other. The UE115may determine a time parameter associated with the time-varying frame period9021. The time parameter may indicate a duration of the frame period9021, which may vary with time. The UE115may determine the time parameter associated with the time-varying frame period in various ways, as discussed in relation to aspects ofFIG.8.

Additionally or alternatively, the operators901may use similar techniques as discussed in above in relation to aspects ofFIG.8to determine to modify the time parameter associated with the time-varying frame periods902and/or to transmit modifications to the time parameter associated with the time-varying frame periods902.

Additionally or alternatively, the operator901may specify the durations of the MCOT9041, the MCOT9042, and/or the MCOT9043via a time parameter. Accordingly, the durations of the MCOT9041, the MCOT9042, and/or the MCOT9043may vary with time and may be the same as or different from each other. The UE115may determine a time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT9041of the frame period9021. The time parameter may indicate a duration of the MCOT9041, which may vary with time. The UE115may determine the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT in various ways, as discussed in relation to aspects ofFIG.6. The operators901may use similar techniques as discussed in above in relation to aspects ofFIG.6to determine to modify the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOTs904and/or to transmit modifications to the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOTs904. The likelihood of the operator901's LBT resulting in the LBT pass may increase due to the time-varying nature of the frame periods and/or MCOTs of the frame periods.

Additionally or alternatively, the operator901may specify the MCOT-to-MIP ratios of the frame periods9021,9022, and/or9023via a time parameter. Accordingly, the MCOT-to-MIP ratios of the frame periods9021,9022, and/or9023may vary with time and may be the same as or different from each other. The UE115may determine a time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the frame period9021. The time parameter may indicate the MCOT-to-MIP ratio, which may vary with time. The UE115may determine the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratio in various ways, as discussed in relation to aspects ofFIG.6. Additionally or alternatively, the operators901may use similar techniques as discussed in above in relation to aspects ofFIG.6to determine to modify the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratio and/or to transmit modifications to the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratio.

Limitations may be imposed on the time-varying MCOTs and/or the fixed MIPs of the frame periods of the time-varying frame pattern900. In some aspects, the operator901may determine the fixed MIP per frame period, where the MIP per frame period is greater than a time threshold. The time threshold may be, for example, 100 microseconds (μs) or about 100 μs. In some aspects, the operator901may determine the MCOT per frame period, where the fixed MIP is greater than a percentage threshold an average of the MCOT per K frame periods, and K is a number greater than one. The percentage threshold may be, for example, five percent or about five percent.

In some aspects, the operator may transmit a modification to a time parameter associated with a ratio of the MCOT to the MIP. The operator may communicate a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter associated with the ratio and/or the modification to the time parameter associated with at least one of an MCOT of a frame period or the frame period. In some aspects, the operator901may transmit to the UE115, a modification to a time parameter associated with the frame period, where a sum of a first number of time-varying frame periods is fixed.

FIG.10illustrates a time-varying frame pattern1000according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The time-varying frame pattern1000may be employed by BSs such as the BSs105and UEs such as the UEs115in a network such as the network100for communications. In particular, the BS105may communicate with the UE115using the time-varying frame pattern1000. Additionally, the time-varying frame pattern1000may correspond to the time-varying frame pattern508inFIG.5. The x-axis represents time in some constant units.

In the example illustrated inFIG.10, an operator1001may share a channel with one or more other operators and may perform LBT before transmitting on the channel. The operators may correspond to a BS (e.g., BSs105). The time-varying frame pattern1000may include time-varying frame periods, time-varying MCOTs of a frame period, time-varying MIPs of the frame period, and/or fixed MCOT-to-MIP ratios of the frame period. In some aspects, the operators are not asynchronized, and a variation of the duration of the frame periods, the duration of the MCOTs, and/or the duration of the MIPs may be large such that the operators do not perform LBT at about the same time and accordingly to not attempt to transmit communication signals (e.g., DL and/or UL communication signals) at about the same time. In some aspects, the MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the frame periods is fixed, and an operator may transmit a modification to a first time parameter associated with a frame period, transmit a modification to a second time parameter associated with an MCOT of the time-varying frame period, and/or transmit a modification to a third time parameter associated with an MIP of the time-varying frame period.

The time-varying frame pattern1000may include a time-varying frame period1002, which may include a time-varying MCOT1004and a time-varying MIP1006. The operator1001may perform LBT during the time-varying MIPs1006. The operator1001may specify the durations of the frame period10021, the frame period10022, and/or the frame period10023via a time parameter. Accordingly, the durations of the frame period10021, the frame period10022, and/or the frame period10023may vary with time and may be the same as or different from each other. The UE115may determine a time parameter associated with the time-varying frame period10021. The time parameter may indicate a duration of the frame period10021, which may vary with time. The UE115may determine the time parameter associated with the time-varying frame period in various ways, as discussed in relation to aspects ofFIG.8.

Additionally or alternatively, the operators1001may use similar techniques as discussed in above in relation to aspects ofFIG.8to determine to modify the time parameter associated with the time-varying frame periods1002and/or to transmit modifications to the time parameter associated with the time-varying frame periods1002. The likelihood of the operator1001's LBT resulting in the LBT pass may increase due to the time-varying nature of the frame periods.

Additionally or alternatively, the operator1001may specify the durations of the MCOT10041, the MCOT10042, and/or the MCOT10043via a time parameter. Accordingly, the durations of the MCOT10041, the MCOT10042, and/or the MCOT10043may vary with time and may be the same as or different from each other. The UE115may determine a time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT10041of the frame period10021. The time parameter may indicate a duration of the MCOT10041, which may vary with time. The UE115may determine the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT in various ways, as discussed in relation to aspects ofFIG.6. Additionally or alternatively, the operators1001may use similar techniques as discussed in above in relation to aspects ofFIG.6to determine to modify the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOTs1004and/or to transmit modifications to the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOTs1004. The likelihood of the operator1001's LBT resulting in the LBT pass may increase due to the time-varying nature of the MCOTs of the frame periods.

Additionally or alternatively, the operator1001may specify the durations of the MIP10061, the MIP10062, and/or the MIP10063via a time parameter. Accordingly, the durations of the MIP10061, the MIP10062, and/or the MIP10063may vary with time and may be the same as or different from each other. The UE115may determine a time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP10061of the frame period10021. The time parameter may indicate a duration of the MIP10061, which may vary with time. The UE115may determine the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP in various ways, as discussed in relation to aspects ofFIG.8. Additionally or alternatively, the operators1001may use similar techniques as discussed in above in relation to aspects ofFIG.8to determine to modify the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIPs1006and/or to transmit modifications to the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIPs1006. The likelihood of the operator1001's LBT resulting in the LBT pass may increase due to the time-varying nature of the MIPs of the frame periods.

Limitations may be imposed on the time-varying MCOTs of the frame periods and/or the time-varying MIPs of the frame periods of the time-varying frame pattern1000. In some aspects, the operator1001may determine the MIP per frame period, where the MIP per frame period is greater than a time threshold. The time threshold may be, for example, 100 microseconds (μs) or about 100 μs. In some aspects, the operator1001may determine the fixed MCOT-to-MIP ratio per frame period, where the MIP of the frame period is greater than a percentage threshold of MCOT of the frame period. The percentage threshold may be, for example, five percent or about five percent.

In some aspects, the operator may communicate a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter associated with the frame period and/or the modification to the time parameter associated with at least one of an MCOT of a frame period or an MIP of the frame period. In some aspects, the operator1001may transmit to the UE115, a modification to a time parameter associated with the frame period, where a sum of a first number of time-varying frame periods is fixed.

FIG.11illustrates a time-varying frame pattern1100according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The time-varying frame pattern1100may be employed by BSs such as the BSs105and UEs such as the UEs115in a network such as the network110for communications. In particular, the BS105may communicate with the UE115using the time-varying frame pattern1100. Additionally, the time-varying frame pattern1100may correspond to the time-varying frame pattern510inFIG.5. The x-axis represents time in some constant units.

In the example illustrated inFIG.11, an operator1101may share a channel with one or more other operators and may perform LBT before transmitting on the channel. The operators may correspond to a BS (e.g., BSs105). The time-varying frame pattern1100may include time-varying frame periods, time-varying MCOTs of a frame period, time-varying MIPs of the frame period, and/or time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratios of the frame period. In some aspects, the operators are not asynchronized, and a variation of the duration of the frame periods, the duration of the frame periods, the MCOTs, the MIPs, and/or the MCOT-to-MIP ratio may be large such that the operators do not perform LBT at about the same time and accordingly to not attempt to transmit communication signals (e.g., DL and/or UL communication signals) at about the same time. In some aspects, an operator may transmit a modification to a first time parameter associated with a frame period, transmit a modification to a second time parameter associated with an MCOT of the time-varying frame period, transmit a modification to a third time parameter associated with an MIP of the time-varying frame period, and/or transmit a modification to a fourth time parameter associated with an MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the time-varying frame period.

The time-varying frame pattern1100may include a time-varying frame period1102, which may include a time-varying MCOT1104and a time-varying MIP1106. Additionally, the MCOT-to-MIP ratio of each frame period of the time-varying frame pattern1100may vary with time. The operator1101may perform LBT during the time-varying MIPs1106.

Additionally or alternatively, the operator1101may specify the durations of the MCOT11041, the MCOT11042, and/or the MCOT11043via a time parameter. Accordingly, the durations of the MCOT11041, the MCOT11042, and/or the MCOT11043may vary with time and may be the same as or different from each other. The UE115may determine a time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT11041of the frame period11021. The time parameter may indicate a duration of the MCOT11041, which may vary with time. The UE115may determine the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT in various ways, as discussed in relation to aspects ofFIG.6. Additionally or alternatively, the operators1101may use similar techniques as discussed in above in relation to aspects ofFIG.6to determine to modify the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOTs1104and/or to transmit modifications to the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOTs1104. The likelihood of the operator1101's LBT resulting in the LBT pass may increase due to the time-varying nature of the MCOTs of the frame periods.

Additionally or alternatively, the operator1101may specify the durations of the MIP11061, the MIP11062, and/or the MIP11063via a time parameter. Accordingly, the durations of the MIP11061, the MIP11062, and/or the MIP11063may vary with time and may be the same as or different from each other. The UE115may determine a time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP11061of the frame period11021. The time parameter may indicate a duration of the MIP11061, which may vary with time. The UE115may determine the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIP in various ways, as discussed in relation to aspects ofFIG.8. Additionally or alternatively, the operators1101may use similar techniques as discussed in above in relation to aspects ofFIG.8to determine to modify the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIPs1106and/or to transmit modifications to the time parameter associated with the time-varying MIPs1106. The likelihood of the operator1101's LBT resulting in the LBT pass may increase due to the time-varying nature of the MIPs of the frame periods.

Additionally or alternatively, the operator1101may specify the MCOT-to-MIP ratios of the frame periods11021,11022, and11023via a time parameter. Accordingly, the MCOT-to-MIP ratios of the frame periods11021,11022, and11023may vary with time and may be the same as or different from each other. The UE115may determine a time parameter associated with the MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the frame period11021. The UE115may determine the time parameter associated with the MCOT-to-MIP ratio in various ways, as discussed in relation to aspects ofFIG.6. Additionally or alternatively, the operators1101may use similar techniques as discussed in above in relation to aspects ofFIG.6to determine to modify the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratio and/or to transmit modifications to the time parameter associated with the time-varying MCOT-to-MIP ratio. The likelihood of the operator1101's LBT resulting in the LBT pass may increase due to the time-varying nature of the MCOT-to-MIP ratio of the frame periods.

Limitations may be imposed on the time-varying MCOTs of the frame periods and/or the time-varying MIPs of the frame periods of the time-varying frame pattern1100. In some aspects, the operator1101may determine the MIP per frame period, where the MIP per frame period is greater than a time threshold. The time threshold may be, for example, 110 microseconds (μs) or about 110 μs. In some aspects, the operator1101may determine the MCOT-to-MIP ratio per frame period, where average of the MIP per K frame periods is greater than a percentage threshold of an average of the MCOT per K frame periods, and K is a number greater than one. The percentage threshold may be, for example, five percent or about five percent.

In some aspects, the operator may communicate a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter associated with the frame period, the modification to the time parameter associated with the MCOT-to-MIP ratio, and/or the modification to the time parameter associated with at least one of an MCOT of a frame period or an MIP of the frame period.

Limitations may be imposed on the time-varying MCOTs and/or the fixed MIPs of the frame periods of the time-varying frame pattern1000. In some aspects, the operator1001may determine the fixed MIP per frame period, where the MIP per frame period is greater than a time threshold. The time threshold may be, for example, 100 microseconds (μs) or about 100 μs. In some aspects, the operator1001may determine the MCOT per frame period, where the fixed MIP is greater than a percentage threshold an average of the MCOT per K frame periods, and K is a number greater than one. The percentage threshold may be, for example, five percent or about five percent.

In some aspects, the operator may transmit a modification to a time parameter associated with a ratio of the MCOT to the MIP. The operator may communicate a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter associated with the ratio and/or the modification to the time parameter associated with at least one of an MCOT of a frame period or the frame period. In some aspects, the operator1101may transmit to the UE115, a modification to a time parameter associated with the frame period, where a sum of a first number of time-varying frame periods is fixed.

In some aspects, the operators do not coordinate amongst each other. Accordingly, there is still a possibility that two operators may continue to collide with each or one operator starves another operator from transmitting communication signals in the channel. Additionally or alternatively, in the single-operator scenario, the interference from an unknown source may be periodic and its period may be similar to the FBE-frame period. It may be desirable for the network (e.g., the BS) to modify the FBE-frame pattern based on the interference environment.

FIG.12is a flow diagram of a communication method1200for modifying an FBE-frame pattern based on the interference environment according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Blocks of the method1200can be executed by a computing device (e.g., a processor, processing circuit, and/or other suitable component) of a wireless communication device. In some aspects, the wireless communication device is a BS (e.g., BSs105and/or BS300) that may utilize one or more components, such as the processor302, the memory304, the modification module308, the communication module309, the transceiver310, and/or the antennas316to execute the blocks of the method1200. In some aspects, the wireless communication device is a UE (e.g., UEs115and/or UE400) that may utilize one or more components, such as the processor402, the memory404, the modification module408, the communication module409, the transceiver410, and/or the antennas416to execute the blocks of the method1200. The method1200may employ similar mechanisms as in the FBE scheme200inFIG.2, the various time-varying frame patterns in the table500inFIG.5, the time-varying frame pattern600inFIG.6, the time-varying frame pattern700inFIG.7, the time-varying frame pattern800inFIG.8, the time-varying frame pattern900inFIG.9, the time-varying frame pattern1000inFIG.10, and/or the time-varying frame pattern1100inFIG.11. As illustrated, the method1200includes a number of enumerated blocks, but aspects of the method1200may include additional blocks before, after, and/or in between the enumerated blocks. In some aspects, one or more of the enumerated blocks may be omitted or performed in a different order.

At block1210, the method1200includes determining, by the first wireless communication device, interference information. At block1220, the method1200includes determining, based on the interference information, whether to modify the time parameter.

In an example, the first wireless communication device is a BS105, and the second wireless communication device is a UE115. The BS105may determine the interference information by detecting the interference information (e.g., via an LBT procedure as discussed in the present disclosure). In another example, the first wireless communication device is a UE115, and the second wireless communication device is BS105. The UE115may detect the interference information and transmit a report including the interference information to the BS105. The BS105may determine the interference information by receiving the interference information (e.g., in a report including the interference information) from the UE115and determine whether to modify the time parameter based on the interference information in the report.

The interference information may include an LBT result history including, for example, an LBT success rate and/or LBT failure rate. In some aspects, a BS105may perform a number of LBTs over time (e.g., for different frame periods) and store the result of each LBT as an LBT result history (e.g., in a memory such as the memory304). The BS105may determine, based on the LBT result history, whether an LBT success rate is less than a performance threshold during a time period. The BS105may determine to modify the time parameter in response to a determination that the LBT success rate is less than the performance threshold during the time period. In some aspects, a BS105may determine, based on the LBT result history, whether an LBT procedure has failed M times in succession, where M is a number greater than one. The BS105may determine to modify the time parameter in response to a determination that the LBT procedure has failed M times in succession.

Additionally or alternatively, the interference information may include a data reception performance between the first and second wireless communication devices. The data reception performance may indicate a first measurement in a first frequency band and a second measurement in a second frequency band. In some aspects, the first frequency band may include one of an unlicensed band or a licensed band, and the second frequency band may include the other of the unlicensed band or the licensed band. In some aspects, the first frequency band is different from the second frequency band. In some aspects, the first frequency band is the same as the second frequency band.

The BS105may determine whether interference is present in an unlicensed band. In some aspects, the BS105may determine a first measurement on a first frequency band and a second measurement on a second frequency band. The first frequency band may be an unlicensed band, and the second frequency band may be an unlicensed band or a licensed band. The BS105may compare the first and second measurements and determine whether interference is present in the unlicensed band based on the comparison. In some aspects, the BS105may compare the past and current measurements on an unlicensed band to determine whether interference is present in the unlicensed band. For example, the BS105may determine a first measurement at time T0and a second measurement at time T1on the unlicensed band, where time T0precedes time T1. The BS105may compare the first and second measurements and determine whether interference is present in the unlicensed band based on the comparison.

A first communication associated with the first measurement may be received before or after a second communication associated with the second measurement, and the first wireless communication device may compare the first and second measurements between the past and the present in the (same) unlicensed frequency band. The first wireless communication device may determine to modify the time parameter in response to a determination that the first measurement is lower than the second measurement. The first wireless communication device may determine to modify the time parameter in response to a determination that the first measurement is greater than the second measurement.

The first wireless communication device may determine to modify the time parameter based on a comparison of the first measurement and the second measurement. In some aspects, the first measurement includes a signal-to-noise ratio (SINR) of at least one of a first PDCCH or a first PDSCH, and the second measurement includes an SINR of at least one of a second PDCCH or a second PDSCH. In some aspects, the first measurement may include an SINR of at least one of a first PUCCH or a first PUSCH, and the second measurement includes an SINR of at least one of a second PUCCH or a second PUSCH. In some aspects, the first measurement includes a first NACK performance metric associated with the first frequency band, and the second measurement includes a second NACK performance metric associated with the second frequency band. In some instances, the first NACK performance metric may include a first percentage of NACKs associated with the first frequency band, and the second NACK performance metric may include a second percentage of NACKs associated with the second frequency band. In some instances, the first NACK performance metric may include a first number of NACKs communicated (e.g., transmitted or received) over a time period, and the second NACK performance metric may include a second number of NACKs communicated (e.g., transmitted or received) over the time period. The first number of NACKs and/or the second number of NACKs may be consecutive or non-consecutive NACKs and may be based on one HARQ process or over all HARQ processes. In some aspects, the first measurement includes a first MCS associated with a first communication in the first frequency band, and the second measurement includes a second MCS associated with a second communication in the second frequency band. In some aspects, the first measurement includes a first decoding failure rate associated with the first frequency band, and the second measurement includes a second decoding failure rate associated with the second frequency band.

It may be undesirable to modify the FBE-frame pattern too frequently. In some aspects, the BS105does not change the FBE-frame structure within T ms (e.g., about 200 ms).

FIG.13is a flow diagram of a communication method1300for modifying a time parameter associated with an FBE-frame pattern according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Blocks of the method1300can be executed by a computing device (e.g., a processor, processing circuit, and/or other suitable component) of a wireless communication device. In some aspects, the wireless communication device is a BS (e.g., BSs105and/or BS300) that may utilize one or more components, such as the processor302, the memory304, the modification module308, the communication module309, the transceiver310, and/or the antennas316to execute the blocks of the method1300. In some aspects, the wireless communication device is a UE (e.g., UEs115and/or UE400) that may utilize one or more components, such as the processor402, the memory404, the modification module408, the communication module409, the transceiver410, and/or the antennas416to execute the blocks of the method1300. The method1300may employ similar mechanisms as in the FBE scheme200inFIG.2, the various time-varying frame patterns in the table500inFIG.5, the time-varying frame pattern600inFIG.6, the time-varying frame pattern700inFIG.7, the time-varying frame pattern800inFIG.8, the time-varying frame pattern900inFIG.9, the time-varying frame pattern1000inFIG.10, the time-varying frame pattern1100inFIG.11, and/or the method of1200inFIG.12. As illustrated, the method1300includes a number of enumerated blocks, but aspects of the method1300may include additional blocks before, after, and/or in between the enumerated blocks. In some aspects, one or more of the enumerated blocks may be omitted or performed in a different order.

At block1310, the method1300includes communicating, by a first wireless communication device with a second wireless communication device, a modification to a time parameter associated with at least one of an MIP of a frame period or an MCOT of the frame period. The first wireless communication device may communicate the modification to the time parameter as discussed in relation to, for example, aspects ofFIGS.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11, and/or12.

In some instances, the first wireless communication device is a BS105, and the second wireless communication device is a UE115. The BS105may communicate the modification by transmitting the modification to the time parameter to the UE115. The BS105may determine and transmit any of the time-varying frame patterns provided in the table500inFIG.5(e.g., the time-varying frame pattern600inFIG.6, the time-varying frame pattern700inFIG.7, the time-varying frame pattern800inFIG.8, the time-varying frame pattern900inFIG.9, the time-varying frame pattern1000inFIG.10, and/or the time-varying frame pattern1100inFIG.11) to the UE115. The BS105may execute the communication method1200inFIG.12, and/or the communication method1300inFIG.13.

In some instances, the first wireless communication device is a UE115, and the second wireless communication device is a BS105. The UE115may communicate the modification by receiving the modification to the time parameter from the BS105. The UE115may receive and determine any of the time-varying frame patterns provided in the table500inFIG.5(e.g., the time-varying frame pattern600inFIG.6, the time-varying frame pattern700inFIG.7, the time-varying frame pattern800inFIG.8, the time-varying frame pattern900inFIG.9, the time-varying frame pattern1000inFIG.10, and/or the time-varying frame pattern1100inFIG.11). pattern1000inFIG.10, and/or the time-varying frame pattern1100inFIG.11) to the UE115. The UE115may execute the communication method1200inFIG.12, and/or the communication method1300inFIG.13.

At block1320, the method1300includes communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter. In some instances, the first wireless communication device is a BS105, and the second wireless communication device is a UE115. The BS105may communicate the communication signal by transmitting the communication signal to the UE115as discussed in relation to, for example, aspects ofFIGS.1,2,5,6,7,8,9,10,11, and/or12. In some instances, the first wireless communication device is a UE115, and the second wireless communication device is a BS105. The UE115may communicate the communication signal by receiving the communication signal from the BS105as discussed in relation to, for example, aspects ofFIGS.1,2,5,6,7,8,9,10,11, and/or12.

In some aspects, a method of wireless communication includes: communicating, by a first wireless communication device with a second wireless communication device, a modification to a time parameter associated with at least one of a minimum idle period (MIP) of a frame period or a maximum channel occupancy time (MCOT) of the frame period; and communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter. In some examples, communicating a modification to a time parameter includes communicating a modification to a first time parameter associated with the MIP of the frame period and communicating a modification to a second time parameter associated with the MCOT of the frame period. In some cases, the method of wireless communication further includes determining the MIP per frame period, where the MIP per frame period is greater than a time threshold. In some cases, the method of wireless communication further includes determining the MIP per frame period, where an average of the MIP per K frame periods is greater than a percentage threshold of an average of the MCOT per K frame periods, where K is a number greater than one. In some examples, the frame period is fixed.

In some cases, the method of wireless communication further includes communicating a modification to a third time parameter associated with a ratio of the MCOT to the MIP, where communicating the communication signal includes communicating the communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the third time parameter. In some examples, communicating the modification to the time parameter includes communicating a modification to the time parameter associated with the MIP of the frame period, where the MCOT of the frame period is fixed.

In some cases, the method of wireless communication further includes determining the MIP per frame period, where the MIP per frame period is greater than a time threshold. In some cases, the method of wireless communication further includes determining the MIP per frame period, where an average of the MIP per K frame periods is greater than a percentage threshold of the fixed MCOT, and where K is a number greater than one. In some cases, the method of wireless communication further includes communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, a modification to a second time parameter associated with the frame period. In some examples, communicating the modification to the time parameter includes communicating a modification to the time parameter associated with the MCOT of the frame period, where the MIP of the frame period is fixed. In some cases, the method of wireless communication further includes determining the fixed MIP per frame period, where the MIP per frame period is greater than a time threshold. In some cases, the method of wireless communication further includes determining the MCOT per frame period, where the fixed MIP is greater than a percentage threshold of an average of the MCOT per K frame periods, and where K is a number greater than one. In some cases, the method of wireless communication further includes communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, a modification to a second time parameter associated with the frame period.

In some examples, communicating the modification to the time parameter includes communicating a modification to a first time parameter associated with the MIP of the frame period and communicating a modification to a second time parameter associated with the MCOT of the frame period, wherein a ratio of the MCOT to the MIP per frame period is fixed. In some cases, the method of wireless communication further includes determining the MIP per frame period, where the MIP per frame period is greater than a time threshold. In some cases, the method of wireless communication further includes determining the ratio of the MCOT to the MIP of the frame period, where the MIP of the frame period is greater than a percentage threshold of the MCOT of the frame period. In some cases, the method of wireless communication further includes communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, a second modification to a third time parameter associated with the frame period.

In some examples, communicating the modification to the time parameter includes communicating a modification to a first time parameter associated with the MIP of the frame period and communicating a modification to a second time parameter associated with the MCOT of the frame period, where a ratio of the MCOT to the MIP is based on a third time parameter. In some cases, the method of wireless communication further includes determining the MIP per frame period, where the MIP per frame period is greater than a time threshold. In some cases, the method of wireless communication further includes determining the ratio of the MCOT to the MIP of the frame period, where an average of the MIP per K frame periods is greater than a percentage threshold of an average of the MCOT per K frame periods, and where K is a number greater than one. In some cases, the method of wireless communication further includes communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, a modification to a third time parameter associated with the frame period.

In some examples, the first wireless communication device is a BS, and communicating the modification includes transmitting the modification via remaining minimum system information (RMSI). In some examples, the first wireless communication device is a BS, and communicating a modification includes transmitting the modification via a UE-specific radio resource control (RRC) message. In some examples, the method of wireless communication further includes: determining, by the first wireless communication device, interference information; and determining, based on the interference information, whether to modify the time parameter. In some cases, determining interference information includes detecting the interference information. In some cases, determining interference information includes receiving a reporting including the interference information. In some examples, the interference information includes a listen-before-talk (LBT) result history. In some cases, the method of wireless communication further includes: determining, based on the LBT result history, whether an LBT success rate is less than a performance threshold during a time period; and determining, by the first wireless communication device, to modify the time parameter in response to a determination that the LBT success rate is less than the performance threshold during the time period. In some cases, the method of wireless communication further includes: determining, based on the LBT result history, whether an LBT procedure has failed M times in succession, where M is a number greater than one; and determining, by the first wireless communication device, to modify the time parameter in response to a determination that the LBT procedure has failed M times in succession. In some cases, the interference information includes a data reception performance between the first and second wireless communication devices.

In some examples, the data reception performance indicates a first measurement in a first frequency band and a second measurement in a second frequency band, the method further including: determining, by the first wireless communication device, to modify the time parameter based on a comparison of the first measurement and the second measurement. In some cases, the first frequency band includes one of an unlicensed band or a licensed band, and the second frequency band includes the other of the unlicensed band or the licensed band. In some cases, the first measurement includes a signal-to-noise ratio (SINR) of at least one of a first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) or a first physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), and the second measurement includes an SINR of at least one of a second PDCCH or a second PDSCH. In some cases, the first measurement includes an SINR of at least one of a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a first physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), and the second measurement includes an SINR of at least one of a second PUCCH or a second PUSCH. In some cases, the first measurement includes a first NACK performance metric associated with the first frequency band, and the second measurement includes a second NACK performance associated with the second frequency band. In some cases, the first measurement includes a first modulation and coding scheme (MCS) associated with a first communication in the first frequency band, and the second measurement includes a second MCS associated with a second communication in the second frequency band. In some cases, the first measurement includes a first decoding failure rate associated with the first frequency band, and the second measurement includes a second decoding failure rate associated with the second frequency band. In some cases, the first frequency band is different from the second frequency band. In some cases, the first frequency band is the same as the second frequency band.

In some examples, the method of wireless communication further includes: communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, an MIP pattern including a first MIP of a first set of frame periods and a second MIP of a second set of frame periods, where the communicating a modification to a time parameter includes communicating the modification to the time parameter associated with at least one of the first MIP or the first set of frame periods; and communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, communication signals during the first and second sets of frame periods based on the MIP pattern. In some cases, the first MIP has a longer duration than the second MIP. In some examples, the method of wireless communication further includes: communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, an MCOT pattern including a first MCOT of a first set of frame periods and a second MCOT of a second set of frame periods, where the communicating a modification to a time parameter includes communicating the modification to the time parameter associated with at least one of the first MCOT or the first set of frame periods; and communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, communication signals during the first and second sets of frame periods based on the MCOT pattern. In some cases, the first MCOT has a longer duration than the second MCOT. In some examples, the method of wireless communication further includes communicating, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, a second modification to a time parameter associated with the frame period, where a sum of a first number of time-varying frame periods is fixed.

In some aspects, an apparatus includes a transceiver configured to: communicate, by a first wireless communication device with a second wireless communication device, a modification to a time parameter associated with at least one of a minimum idle period (MIP) of a frame period or a maximum channel occupancy time (MCOT) of the frame period; and communicate, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter. In some cases, the transceiver communicates a modification to a first time parameter associated with the MIP of the frame period and communicates a modification to a second time parameter associated with the MCOT of the frame period. In some cases, the transceiver communicates a modification to the time parameter associated with the MIP of the frame period, and wherein the MCOT of the frame period is fixed. In some cases, the transceiver communicates a modification to a second time parameter associated with the frame period. In some cases, the transceiver communicates a modification to a first time parameter associated with the MIP of the frame period and communicates a modification to a second time parameter associated with the MCOT of the frame period, where a ratio of the MCOT to the MIP per frame period is fixed. In some cases, the transceiver communicates a modification to a first time parameter associated with the MIP of the frame period and communicates a modification to a second time parameter associated with the MCOT of the frame period, where a ratio of the MCOT to the MIP is based on a third time parameter. In some cases, the transceiver communicates the modification via downlink control information (DCI). In some cases, the transceiver communicates the modification via a medium access control-control element (MAC-CE).

In some cases, the apparatus further includes a processor configured to: determine, by the first wireless communication device, interference information; and determine, based on the interference information, whether to modify the time parameter. In some examples, the interference information includes a listen-before-talk (LBT) result history. In some examples, the processor is further configured to: determine, based on the LBT result history, whether an LBT success rate is less than a performance threshold during a time period; and determine, by the first wireless communication device, to modify the time parameter in response to a determination that the LBT success rate is less than the performance threshold during the time period. In some cases, the processor is further configured to: determine, based on the LBT result history, whether an LBT procedure has failed M times in succession, wherein M is a number greater than one; and determine, by the first wireless communication device, to modify the time parameter in response to a determination that the LBT procedure has failed M times in succession.

In some examples, the interference information includes a data reception performance between the first and second wireless communication devices, and the data reception performance indicates a first measurement in a first frequency band and a second measurement in a second frequency band, where the processor is configured to determine, by the first wireless communication device, to modify the time parameter based on a comparison of the first measurement and the second measurement. In some examples, the first frequency band includes an unlicensed band, and the second frequency band includes one of the unlicensed band or the licensed band. In some examples, the first measurement includes a signal-to-noise ratio (SINR) of at least one of a first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) or a first physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), and the second measurement includes an SINR of at least one of a second PDCCH or a second PDSCH. In some examples, the first measurement includes an SINR of at least one of a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a first physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), and the second measurement includes an SINR of at least one of a second PUCCH or a second PUSCH. In some examples, the first measurement includes a first negative-acknowledgement (NACK) performance metric associated with the first frequency band, and the second measurement includes a second NACK performance associated with the second frequency band. In some examples, the first measurement includes a first modulation and coding scheme (MCS) associated with a first communication in the first frequency band, and the second measurement includes a second MCS associated with a second communication in the second frequency band. In some examples, the first measurement includes a first decoding failure rate associated with the first frequency band, and the second measurement includes a second decoding failure rate associated with the second frequency band. In some examples, the first frequency band is different from the second frequency band. In some examples, the first frequency band is the same as the second frequency band.

In some examples, the transceiver is further configured to: communicate, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, an MIP pattern including a first MIP of a first set of frame periods and a second MIP of a second set of frame periods; communicate, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, the modification to the time parameter associated with at least one of the first MIP or the first set of frame periods; and communicate, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, communication signals during the first and second sets of frame periods based on the MIP pattern. In some cases, the first MIP has a longer duration than the second MIP. In some examples, the transceiver is further configured to: communicate, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, an MCOT pattern including a first MCOT of a first set of frame periods and a second MCOT of a second set of frame periods; communicate the modification to the time parameter associated with at least one of the first MCOT or the first set of frame periods; and communicate, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, communication signals during the first and second sets of frame periods based on the MCOT pattern. In some cases, the first MCOT has a longer duration than the second MCOT. In some examples, the transceiver is further configured to communicate, by the first wireless communication device with the second wireless communication device, a second modification to a time parameter associated with the frame period, where a sum of a first number of time-varying frame periods is fixed.

In some aspects, a computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon, the program code including: code for causing a first wireless communication device to communicate with a second wireless communication device, a modification to a time parameter associated with at least one of a minimum idle period (MIP) of a frame period or a maximum channel occupancy time (MCOT) of the frame period; and code for causing the first wireless communication device to communicate with the second wireless communication device, a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter. In some examples, the program code further includes: code for causing the first wireless communication device to determine interference information; and code for causing the first wireless communication device to determine, based on the interference information, whether to modify the time parameter. In some cases, the interference information includes a listen-before-talk (LBT) result history. In some examples, the program code further includes: code for causing the first wireless communication device to determine, based on the LBT result history, whether an LBT success rate is less than a performance threshold during a time period; and code for causing the first wireless communication device to determine to modify the time parameter in response to a determination that the LBT success rate is less than the performance threshold during the time period. In some examples, the program code further includes: code for causing the first wireless communication device to determine, based on the LBT result history, whether an LBT procedure has failed M times in succession, wherein M is a number greater than one; and code for causing the first wireless communication device to determine to modify the time parameter in response to a determination that the LBT procedure has failed M times in succession. In some cases, the interference information includes a data reception performance between the first and second wireless communication devices, and the data reception performance indicates a first measurement in a first frequency band and a second measurement in a second frequency band, the program code further including: code for causing the first wireless communication device to determine to modify the time parameter based on a comparison of the first measurement and the second measurement.

In some aspects, an apparatus includes: means for communicating, with a second wireless communication device, a modification to a time parameter associated with at least one of a minimum idle period (MIP) of a frame period or a maximum channel occupancy time (MCOT) of the frame period; and means for communicating, with the second wireless communication device, a communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the time parameter. In some examples, the apparatus further includes means for communicating, with a second wireless communication device, a modification to a third time parameter associated with a ratio of the MCOT to the MIP, where the means for communicating a communication signal includes means for communicating the communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the third time parameter. In some cases, the apparatus further includes means for communicating, with a second wireless communication device, a modification to a third time parameter associated with the frame period, where the means for communicating a communication signal includes means for communicating the communication signal during the frame period based on the modification to the third time parameter. In some cases, the apparatus further includes means for determining, by the first wireless communication device, interference information; and means for determining, based on the interference information, whether to modify the time parameter.

Information and signals may be represented μsing any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. In some aspects, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.