Patent Description:
The following abbreviations are herewith defined, at least some of which are referred to within the following description: Third Generation Partnership Project ("3GPP"), <NUM>th Generation ("<NUM>"), <NUM>th Generation ("<NUM>"), <NUM> System ("5GS"), Positive-Acknowledgment ("ACK"), Aggregation Level ("AL"), Access and Mobility Management Function ("AMF"), Access Network ("AN"), Access Point ("AP"), Authentication Server Function ("AUSF"), Beam Failure Detection ("BFD"), Binary Phase Shift Keying ("BPSK"), Base Station ("BS"), Buffer Status Report ("BSR"), Bandwidth ("BW"), Bandwidth Part ("BWP"), Carrier Aggregation ("CA"), Contention-Based Random Access ("CBRA"), Clear Channel Assessment ("CCA"), Control Channel Element ("CCE"), Cyclic Delay Diversity ("CDD"), Code Division Multiple Access ("CDMA"), Control Element ("CE"), Contention-Free Random Access ("CFRA"), Configured Grant ("CG"), Closed-Loop ("CL"), Core Network ("CN"), Coordinated Multipoint ("CoMP"), Cyclic Prefix ("CP"), Cyclical Redundancy Check ("CRC"), Channel State Information ("CSI"), Channel State Information-Reference Signal ("CSI-RS"), Candidate Single-subframe Resources ("CSRs"), Common Search Space ("CSS"), Control Resource Set ("CORESET"), Device-to-Device ("D2D"), Discrete Fourier Transform Spread ("DFTS"), Downlink Control Information ("DCI"), Dynamic Grant ("DG"), Downlink ("DL"), Demodulation Reference Signal ("DMRS"), Data Radio Bearer ("DRB"), Discontinuous Reception ("DRX"), Downlink Pilot Time Slot ("DwPTS"), Enhanced Clear Channel Assessment ("eCCA"), EPS Connection Management ("ECM"), Enhanced Mobile Broadband ("eMBB"), Evolved Node B ("eNB"), Effective Isotropic Radiated Power ("EIRP"), European Telecommunications Standards Institute ("ETSI"), Evolved Packet Core ("EPC"), Evolved Packet System ("EPS"), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Access ("E-UTRA"), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Access Network ("E-UTRAN"), Frame Based Equipment ("FBE"), Frequency Division Duplex ("FDD"), Frequency Division Multiplexing ("FDM"), Frequency Division Multiple Access ("FDMA"), Frequency Division Orthogonal Cover Code ("FD-OCC"), <NUM> Node B or Next Generation Node B ("gNB"), Group Leader ("GL"), General Packet Radio Services ("GPRS"), Guard Period ("GP"), Global System for Mobile Communications ("GSM"), Globally Unique Temporary UE Identifier ("GUTI"), Home AMF ("hAMF"), Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request ("HARQ"), Home Location Register ("HLR"), Home PLMN ("HPLMN"), Home Subscriber Server ("HSS"), Identity or Identifier ("ID"), Information Element ("IE"), Industrial Intemet-of-Things ("IIoT"), International Mobile Equipment Identity ("IMEI"), International Mobile Subscriber Identity ("IMSI"), International Mobile Telecommunications ("IMT"), Internet-of-Things ("IoT"), Intelligent Transportation Systems Application Identifier ("ITS-AID"), Key Performance Indicator ("KPI"), Layer <NUM> ("L1"), Layer <NUM> ("L2"), Layer <NUM> ("L3"), Licensed Assisted Access ("LAA"), Load Based Equipment ("LBE"), Listen-Before-Talk ("LBT"), Logical Channel ("LCH"), Logical Channel Prioritization ("LCP"), Log-Likelihood Ratio ("LLR"), Long Term Evolution ("LTE"), Multiple TRP ("M-TRP"), Multiple Access ("MA"), Medium Access Control ("MAC"), Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services ("MBMS"), Minimum Communication Range ("MCR"), Modulation Coding Scheme ("MCS"), Master Information Block ("MIB"), Multiple Input Multiple Output ("MIMO"), Mobility Management ("MM"), Mobility Management Entity ("MME"), Mobile Network Operator ("MNO"), massive MTC ("mMTC"), Maximum Power Reduction ("MPR"), Machine Type Communication ("MTC"), Multi User Shared Access ("MUSA"), Non Access Stratum ("NAS"), Narrowband ("IVB"), Negative-Acknowledgment or Non-Acknowledgment ("NACK") or ("NAK"), New Data Indicator ("NDI"), Network Entity ("NE"), Network Function ("NF"), Next Generation RAN ("IVG-RAN"), Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access ("NOMA"), New Radio ("NR"), Network Repository Function ("NRF"), Network Slice Instance ("NSI"), Network Slice Selection Assistance Information ("IVSSAI"), Network Slice Selection Function ("NSSF"), Network Slice Selection Policy ("IVSSP"), Operation and Maintenance System ("OAM"), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing ("OFDM"), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access ("OFDMA"), Open-Loop ("OL"), Other System Information ("OSI"), Power Angular Spectrum ("PAS"), Physical Broadcast Channel ("PBCH"), Power Control ("PC"), LTE-to-V2X Interface ("PC5"), Primary Cell ("PCell"), Policy Control Function (ʺʺPCF"), Physical Cell ID ("PCID"), Physical Downlink Control Channel ("PDCCH"), Packet Data Convergence Protocol ("PDCP"), Physical Downlink Shared Channel ("PDSCH"), Pattern Division Multiple Access ("PDMA"), Packet Data Unit ("PDU"), Physical Hybrid ARQ Indicator Channel ("PHICH"), Power Headroom ("PH"), Power Headroom Report ("PHR"), Physical Layer ("PHY"), Platoon Leader ("PL"), Public Land Mobile Network ("PLMN"), Platoon Member ("PM"), Physical Random Access Channel ("PRACH"), Physical Resource Block ("PRB"), Primary Secondary Cell ("PSCell"), Physical Sidelink Control Channel ("PSCCH"), Physical Sidelink Feedback Channel ("PSFCH"), Provider Service Identifier ("PSID"), Physical Uplink Control Channel ("PUCCH"), Physical Uplink Shared Channel ("PUSCH"), Quasi Co-Located ("QCL"), Quality of Service ("QoS"), Quadrature Phase Shift Keying ("QPSK"), Registration Area ("RA"), Radio Access Network ("RAN"), Radio Access Technology ("RAT"), Random Access Procedure ("RACH"), Random Access Response ("RAR"), Resource Element Group ("REG"), Radio Link Control ("RLC"), Radio Link Monitoring ("RLM"), Radio Network Temporary Identifier ("RNTI"), Reference Signal ("RS"), Remaining Minimum System Information ("RMSI"), Radio Resource Control ("RRC"), Radio Resource Management ("RRM"), Resource Spread Multiple Access ("RSMA"), Reference Signal Received Power ("RSRP"), Round Trip Time ("RTT"), Receive ("RX"), Sparse Code Multiple Access ("SCMA"), Space Division Multiplexing ("SDM"), Scheduling Request ("SR"), Sounding Reference Signal ("SRS"), Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access ("SC-FDMA"), Secondary Cell ("SCell"), Shared Channel ("SCH"), Sidelink Control Information ("SCI"), Sub-carrier Spacing ("SCS"), Service Data Unit ("SDU"), System Information Block ("SIB"), SystemInformationBlockTypel ("SIB1"), SystemInformationBlockType2 ("SIB2"), Subscriber Identity/Identification Module ("SIM"), Signal-to-Interference-Plus-Noise Ratio ("SINR"), Sidelink ("SL"), Service Level Agreement ("SLA"), Sidelink Slot Format Indicator ("SL-SFI"), Session Management Function ("SMF"), Special Cell ("SpCell"), Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information ("S-NSSAI"), Shortened TTI ("sTTI"), Semi-Persistent Scheduling ("SPS"), Sidelink RSRP ("S-RSRP"), Synchronization Signal ("SS"), Synchronization Signal Block ("SSB"), Survival Time ("ST"), Scheduling UE ("SUE"), Supplementary Uplink ("SUL"), Subscriber Permanent Identifier ("SUPI"), Candidate Resource Selection Time Window ("T2"), Tracking Area ("TA"), TA Indicator ("TAI"), Transport Block ("TB"), Transport Block Size ("TBS"), Transmission Configuration Indicator ("TCI"), Time-Division Duplex ("TDD"), Time Division Multiplexing ("TDM"), Time Division Orthogonal Cover Code ("TD-OCC"), Time Division Resource Allocation ("TDRA"), Transmission Power Control ("TPC"), Transmission and Reception Point ("TRP"), Time Sensitive Communication ("TSC"), Time Sensitive Communication Assistance Information ("TSCAI"), Transmission Time Interval ("TTI"), Time to Live ("TTL"), Transmit ("TX"), Uplink Control Information ("UCI"), Unified Data Management Function ("UDM"), Unified Data Repository ("UDR"), User Entity/Equipment (Mobile Terminal) ("UE"), Universal Integrated Circuit Card ("UICC"), Uplink ("UL"), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System ("UMTS"), User Plane ("UP"), Uplink Pilot Time Slot ("UpPTS"), Ultra-reliability and Low-latency Communications ("URLLC"), UE Route Selection Policy ("URSP"), LTE Radio Interface ("Uu"), Vehicle-To-Everything ("V2X"), Visiting AMF ("vAMF"), Visiting NSSF ("vNSSF"), Visiting PLMN ("VPLMN"), Interconnecting Interface ("X2") ("Xn"), and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access ("WiMAX").

In certain wireless communications networks, feedback may be used. In such networks, feedback may not take into account survival time as a QoS requirement.

Methods for consecutive data packet feedback are disclosed. Apparatuses and systems also perform the functions of the method. One embodiment of a method includes receiving a first set of consecutive data packets. In certain embodiments, the method includes transmitting feedback corresponding to the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein the feedback comprises: an error indication in response each data packet in the first set of consecutive data packets failing to be received correctly; a non-error indication in response to at least one data packet in the first set of consecutive data packets being received correctly; a counter value that indicates a consecutive number of data packet failures; or some combination thereof, and receiving a second set of consecutive data packets after receiving the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein the second set of consecutive data packets are transmitted from a plurality of transmission points in response to the feedback comprising the error indication, the counter value being greater than a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof; and the first set of consecutive data packets being transmitted from a single transmission point.

One apparatus for consecutive data packet feedback includes a receiver that receives a first set of consecutive data packets. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a transmitter that transmits feedback corresponding to the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein the feedback comprises: an error indication in response each data packet in the first set of consecutive data packets failing to be received correctly; a non-error indication in response to at least one data packet in the first set of consecutive data packets being received correctly; a counter value that indicates a consecutive number of data packet failures; or some combination thereof, wherein the receiver is further configured to receive a second set of consecutive data packets after receiving the first set of consecutive data packets, and the second set of consecutive data packets are transmitted from a plurality of transmission points in response to the feedback comprising the error indication, the counter value being greater than a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof; and the first set of consecutive data packets being transmitted from a single transmission point.

One embodiment of a method for consecutive data packet feedback includes configuring a first plurality of uplink data packets consecutively. In certain embodiments, the method includes counting a number of consecutive data packets of the first plurality of uplink data packets lost from a user equipment. In some embodiments, the method includes, in response to the number of consecutive data packets reaching a predetermined threshold, configuring repetition of subsequent uplink data packets transmitted from the user equipment; wherein the repetition of subsequent uplink data packets is transmitted from multiple antenna panels of the user equipment in response to the number of consecutive data packets lost reaching the predetermined threshold.

It will be appreciated that the invention is defined by the appended set of claims.

<FIG> depicts an embodiment of a wireless communication system <NUM> for consecutive data packet feedback. In one embodiment, the wireless communication system <NUM> includes remote units <NUM> and network units <NUM>. Even though a specific number of remote units <NUM> and network units <NUM> are depicted in <FIG>, one of skill in the art will recognize that any number of remote units <NUM> and network units <NUM> may be included in the wireless communication system <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the remote units <NUM> may include computing devices, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants ("PDAs"), tablet computers, smart phones, smart televisions (e.g., televisions connected to the Internet), set-top boxes, game consoles, security systems (including security cameras), vehicle on-board computers, network devices (e.g., routers, switches, modems), aerial vehicles, drones, or the like. The remote units <NUM> may communicate directly with one or more of the network units <NUM> via UL communication signals. The remote units <NUM> may also communicate directly with one or more of the other remote units <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a remote unit <NUM> may receive a first set of consecutive data packets. In certain embodiments, the remote unit <NUM> may transmit feedback corresponding to the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein the feedback comprises: an error indication in response each data packet in the first set of consecutive data packets failing to be received correctly; a non-error indication in response to at least one data packet in the first set of consecutive data packets being received correctly; a counter value that indicates a consecutive number of data packet failures; or some combination thereof. Accordingly, the remote unit <NUM> may be used for consecutive data packet feedback.

In another embodiment, a network unit <NUM> may configure a first plurality of uplink data packets consecutively. In certain embodiments, the network unit <NUM> may count a number of consecutive data packets of the first plurality of uplink data packets lost from a user equipment. In some embodiments, the network unit <NUM> may, in response to the number of consecutive data packets reaching a predetermined threshold, configure repetition of subsequent uplink data packets transmitted from the user equipment. Accordingly, the network unit <NUM> may be used for consecutive data packet feedback.

In one embodiment, a remote unit <NUM> and/or a network unit <NUM> may configure a first plurality of data packets to be transmitted consecutively. In certain embodiments, the remote unit <NUM> and/or the network unit <NUM> may determine a number of consecutive data packets of the first plurality of data packets lost. In some embodiments, the remote unit <NUM> and/or the network unit <NUM> may, in response to the number of consecutive data packets being less than a predetermined threshold, reduce a number of subsequent data packets to be transmitted consecutively. Accordingly, the remote unit <NUM> and/or the network unit <NUM> may be used for consecutive data packet feedback.

<FIG> depicts one embodiment of an apparatus <NUM> that may be used for consecutive data packet feedback. The apparatus <NUM> includes one embodiment of the remote unit <NUM>. Furthermore, the remote unit <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a transmitter <NUM>, and a receiver <NUM>. In some embodiments, the input device <NUM> and the display <NUM> are combined into a single device, such as a touchscreen. In certain embodiments, the remote unit <NUM> may not include any input device <NUM> and/or display <NUM>. In various embodiments, the remote unit <NUM> may include one or more of the processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the transmitter <NUM>, and the receiver <NUM>, and may not include the input device <NUM> and/or the display <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the processor <NUM>: configures a first plurality of data packets to be transmitted consecutively; determines a number of consecutive data packets of the first plurality of data packets lost; and, in response to the number of consecutive data packets being less than a predetermined threshold, reduces a number of subsequent data packets to be transmitted consecutively.

The transmitter <NUM> is used to provide UL communication signals to the network unit <NUM> and the receiver <NUM> is used to receive DL communication signals from the network unit <NUM>, as described herein. In some embodiments, the receiver <NUM> receives a first set of consecutive data packets. In some embodiments, the transmitter <NUM> transmits feedback corresponding to the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein the feedback comprises: an error indication in response each data packet in the first set of consecutive data packets failing to be received correctly; a non-error indication in response to at least one data packet in the first set of consecutive data packets being received correctly; a counter value that indicates a consecutive number of data packet failures; or some combination thereof.

<FIG> depicts one embodiment of an apparatus <NUM> that may be used for consecutive data packet feedback. The apparatus <NUM> includes one embodiment of the network unit <NUM>. Furthermore, the network unit <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a transmitter <NUM>, and a receiver <NUM>. As may be appreciated, the processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the input device <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the transmitter <NUM>, and the receiver <NUM> may be substantially similar to the processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the input device <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the transmitter <NUM>, and the receiver <NUM> of the remote unit <NUM>, respectively.

In some embodiments, the processor <NUM>: configures a first plurality of uplink data packets consecutively; counts a number of consecutive data packets of the first plurality of uplink data packets lost from a user equipment; and, in response to the number of consecutive data packets reaching a predetermined threshold, configures repetition of subsequent uplink data packets transmitted from the user equipment.

In various embodiments, the processor <NUM>: configures a first plurality of data packets to be transmitted consecutively; determines a number of consecutive data packets of the first plurality of data packets lost; and, in response to the number of consecutive data packets being less than a predetermined threshold, reduces a number of subsequent data packets to be transmitted consecutively. Although only one transmitter <NUM> and one receiver <NUM> are illustrated, the network unit <NUM> may have any suitable number of transmitters <NUM> and receivers <NUM>.

Certain configurations, such as <NUM> networks, may be adopted for connectivity and wireless automation in a factory floor in which a variety of machines, robots, actuators, and terminals may communicate and serve different applications such as control-to-control communication, motion control, mobile control panels, mobile robots, and/or process automation applications. Some of these applications may have strict performance KPIs and service requirements in terms of end-to-end latency, reliability, cycle time, ST, and so forth. ST may indicate a time that an application consuming a communication service may continue without an anticipated message. For cyclic traffic, ST may be defined as a maximum number of consecutive incorrectly received or lost messages or in terms of loss tolerance. Once a message is not successfully delivered, the loss of the next messages within an ST is tolerable. For many stringent IIoT use cases, the ST is equal to the cycle time, which means only the loss of one message can be tolerated. However, the ST may span several messages for other use cases. Accordingly, in certain embodiments that have ST as a QoS requirement, loss of every data packet may not be equally crucial for maintaining an uninterrupted flow of an application.

Loss tolerance may relax performance requirements in terms of reliability and in relation to a service availability that indicates whether a system is ready for use at a given time or is unavailable. Therefore, ST >= a transfer interval may lead to an available service despite the unavailability of the communication. In some embodiments, survival time may be managed outside a RAN (e.g., by a CN); however, considering very short reaction times of most stringent IIoT use cases, CN or application-based handling of survival time may be impractical.

In some embodiments, if survival time is considered a QoS requirement in RAN, then a high-resolution feedback may be used (e.g., a single feedback - implicit or explicit - may be sent after a number of consecutive data packets) if a number of consecutive data packets lost is within a loss tolerance and the feedback may report whether all data packets within a burst are in error (e.g., "NACK" or "<NUM>" bit ) or at least one of the data packets is successfully received and therefore not in error (e.g., "ACK" or "<NUM>" bit).

In such embodiments, before the loss tolerance is reached, a number of points (e.g., after transmission of every N packets) at which the feedback is sent may be either dynamically configured by a network or semi-statically configured. The feedback interval may either be the same or vary depending up on feedback scheduling. One example is shown in <FIG> in which the loss tolerance is <NUM> data packets and feedback is scheduled after every <NUM> packets.

Specifically, <FIG> is a timing diagram <NUM> illustrating one embodiment of high-resolution feedback having a fixed interval. The timing diagram <NUM> is illustrated over time <NUM>. At a first time <NUM> a first DL data packet P1 is received correctly, at a second time <NUM> a second DL data packet P2 is not received correctly, at a third time <NUM> a third DL data packet P3 is not received correctly, and at a fourth time <NUM> an UL ACK is transmitted because at least one of data packets P1, P2, and P3 was received correctly. Moreover, at a fifth time <NUM> a fourth DL data packet P4 is not received correctly, at a sixth time <NUM> a fifth DL data packet P5 is not received correctly, at a seventh time <NUM> a sixth DL data packet P6 is not received correctly, and at an eighth time <NUM> an UL NACK is transmitted because all of the data packets P4, P5, and P6 were not received correctly. Furthermore, at a ninth time <NUM> a seventh DL data packet P7 is not received correctly, at a tenth time <NUM> an eighth DL data packet P8 is not received correctly, at an eleventh time <NUM> a ninth DL data packet P9 is received correctly, and at a twelfth time <NUM> an UL ACK is transmitted because at least one of data packets P7, P8, and P9 was received correctly. At a thirteenth time <NUM> a tenth DL data packet P10 is not received correctly. Thus, loss tolerance can be monitored by reporting after every three DL data packets instead of after every DL data packet, thereby reducing feedback resources used.

Another example of a feedback interval in shown in <FIG> in which the loss tolerance is <NUM> data packets and the feedback is scheduled at irregular intervals (e.g., first feedback after the first <NUM> data packets, then second feedback after <NUM> subsequent data packets, and third feedback after <NUM> subsequent data packets).

Specifically, <FIG> is a timing diagram <NUM> illustrating one embodiment of high-resolution feedback having a variable interval. The timing diagram <NUM> is illustrated over time <NUM>. At a first time <NUM> a first DL data packet P1 is received correctly, at a second time <NUM> a second DL data packet P2 is not received correctly, at a third time <NUM> a third DL data packet P3 is not received correctly, at a fourth time <NUM> a fourth DL data packet P4 is not received correctly, and at a fifth time <NUM> an UL ACK is transmitted because at least one of data packets P1, P2, P3, and P4 was received correctly. Moreover, at a sixth time <NUM> a fifth DL data packet P5 is not received correctly, at a seventh time <NUM> a sixth DL data packet P6 is not received correctly, at an eighth time <NUM> a seventh DL data packet P7 is not received correctly, and at a ninth time <NUM> an UL NACK is transmitted because all of the data packets P5, P6, and P7 were not received correctly. Furthermore, at a tenth time <NUM> an eighth DL data packet P8 is not received correctly, at an eleventh time <NUM> a ninth DL data packet P9 is received correctly, and at a twelfth time <NUM> an UL ACK is transmitted because at least one of data packets P8 and P9 was received correctly. At a thirteenth time <NUM> a tenth DL data packet P10 is not received correctly. Thus, loss tolerance can be monitored by reporting after an interval of DL data packets instead of after every DL data packet, thereby reducing feedback resources used.

As may be appreciated, regarding the embodiments described in relation to <FIG>, feedback signaling is reduced and power consumed may also be reduced.

In some embodiments, if survival time is a QoS requirement in RAN, then feedback may be enhanced so that a receiver reports a counter to a transmitter. In such embodiments, a number of consecutive data packets lost to be reported may be within a loss tolerance and the counter may indicate a last consecutive number of packets lost.

In certain embodiments, before a loss tolerance is reached, a number of points (e.g., after transmission of every N packets) at which feedback is sent may be either dynamically configured by a network or semi-statically configured. The feedback interval may either be the same or may vary depending up on feedback scheduling. The feedback includes a number of last consecutive data packets loss so that the transmitter may use this information to avoid reaching the loss tolerance by scheduling more frequent feedback for subsequent data packets. In such embodiments, dynamic configuration may be used. <FIG> illustrates one example in which the loss tolerance is <NUM> data packets.

Specifically, <FIG> is a timing diagram <NUM> illustrating one embodiment of dynamically adjusted high-resolution feedback. The timing diagram <NUM> is illustrated over time <NUM>. At a first time <NUM> a first DL data packet P1 is received correctly and a counter that indicates a last consecutive number of packets lost is zero, at a second time <NUM> a second DL data packet P2 is not received correctly and the counter increments to one, at a third time <NUM> a third DL data packet P3 is not received correctly and the counter increments to two, at a fourth time <NUM> the counter value of two is transmitted because that is the last consecutive number of packets lost. Moreover, at a fifth time <NUM> a fourth DL data packet P4 is received correctly so the counter is reset to zero, and at a sixth time <NUM> the counter value of zero is transmitted because that is the last consecutive number of packets lost. At a seventh time <NUM> a fifth DL data packet P5 is received correctly so the counter stays at zero, at an eighth time <NUM> a sixth DL data packet P6 is received correctly so the counter stays at zero, at a ninth time <NUM> a seventh DL data packet P7 is not received correctly so the counter increments to one, and at a tenth time <NUM> the counter value of one is transmitted because that is the last consecutive number of packets lost. Furthermore, at an eleventh time <NUM> an eighth DL data packet P8 is not received correctly so the counter increments to two, at a twelfth time <NUM> a ninth DL data packet P9 is received correctly so the counter resets to zero, and at a thirteenth time <NUM> the counter value of zero is transmitted because that is the last consecutive number of packets lost. At a fourteenth time <NUM> a tenth DL data packet P10 is received correctly so the counter stays at zero. Thus, loss tolerance can be monitored by reporting after an interval of DL data packets instead of after every DL data packet, thereby reducing feedback resources used.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first feedback is scheduled after the first <NUM> data packets. As explained above, the first data packet was a success, but the second and third data packets were failures, so the receiver reported a counter value of <NUM>. Based on this, the transmitter knows that if there are <NUM> more continuous data packets lost, then the application will go to downtime. Therefore, the transmitter may use this information and schedule the next feedback before that, which is after <NUM> subsequent data packet. Now this data packet (data packet <NUM>) was a success and so the receiver sends back the counter value <NUM> that means now the loss tolerance is avoided, the counter is reset, and the transmitted may again have a coarse feedback (e.g., after the next <NUM> data packets) as shown.

In embodiments such as found in <FIG>, additional information is reported back to a transmitter via a counter, and the transmitter may use this information to more efficiently schedule feedback and/or other transmissions.

In various embodiments, if survival time is a QoS requirement in a RAN and a loss tolerance is approaching, then a reliability of scheduling DCI, transmission of packets, and/or transmission of feedback may be increased by adaptively increasing a higher number of repetitions and/or retransmissions in comparison to a last burst of transmission.

In some embodiments, when and how to configure repetitions and/or retransmissions for efficient resource scheduling may be determined based on feedback. In such embodiments, as the loss tolerance approaches due to an increasing number of consecutive lost data packets, a number of repetitions and/or retransmissions may be increased to have more robust transmissions and avoid further failures. Such embodiments may facilitate resource efficient repetitions and/or retransmission depending upon a closeness of a number of consecutive lost data packets to a loss tolerance. As may be appreciated, embodiments described herein may be individually applied or applied in combination.

In certain embodiments, if multiple DL packets are transmitted from multiple TRPs to a UE, and if a number of consecutive data packets lost reaches a certain threshold, then repetition may be applied to subsequent data packets from multiple TRPs.

In one embodiment, a gNB schedules consecutive new DL packets of a radio bearer from multiple TRPs to a UE in which one UL feedback resource is configured for joint and/or single feedback to be transmitted to a primary TRP or one of the TRPs for multiple DL packets.

One implementation of this embodiment is illustrated in <FIG> in which each TRP transmits different DL packet to a UE and a number of TRPs configured depends on a loss tolerance.

Specifically, <FIG> is a communication diagram <NUM> illustrating one embodiment of communications in which multiple TRPs transmit consecutive DL packets. The communications <NUM> may include communications between a first TRP <NUM>, a second TRP <NUM>, a third TRP <NUM>, a fourth TRP <NUM>, and a UE <NUM>. As may be appreciated, descriptions of communications <NUM> contained herein may refer to one or more messages transmitted between devices.

In one embodiment, in a first communication <NUM> transmitted from the first TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> may transmit a first data packet to the UE <NUM>. In some embodiments, in a second communication <NUM> transmitted from the second TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the second TRP <NUM> may transmit a second data packet to the UE <NUM>. In various embodiments, in a third communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit a low-resolution feedback to the first TRP <NUM>. The first TRP <NUM> may be configured as a primary TRP that receives all feedback messages from the UE <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, in a fourth communication <NUM> transmitted from the third TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the third TRP <NUM> may transmit a third data packet to the UE <NUM>. In some embodiments, in a fifth communication <NUM> transmitted from the fourth TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the fourth TRP <NUM> may transmit a fourth data packet to the UE <NUM>. In various embodiments, in a sixth communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit a low-resolution feedback to the first TRP <NUM>.

In one embodiment, in a seventh communication <NUM> transmitted from the first TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> may transmit a fifth data packet to the UE <NUM>. In some embodiments, in an eighth communication <NUM> transmitted from the second TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the second TRP <NUM> may transmit a sixth data packet to the UE <NUM>. In various embodiments, in a ninth communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit a low-resolution feedback to the first TRP <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, in a tenth communication <NUM> transmitted from the third TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the third TRP <NUM> may transmit a seventh data packet to the UE <NUM>. In some embodiments, in an eleventh communication <NUM> transmitted from the fourth TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the fourth TRP <NUM> may transmit an eighth data packet to the UE <NUM>. In various embodiments, in a twelfth communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit a low-resolution feedback to the first TRP <NUM>.

As may be appreciated, the feedback resource used for the low-resolution feedback may not necessarily be related to L1 HARQ feedback or a request for retransmission, but the feedback resource may be related to an error state or downtime of a communication system after failing to receive n consecutive DL packets.

In certain embodiments, each feedback resource is configured after n DL packets wherein n < loss tolerance. The feedback resource may be an L1 feedback that may be periodically configured in PUCCH, L2 feedback as part of a MAC CE, L3 feedback as part of RLC, or a PDCP status report.

In some embodiments, a repetition may be dynamically configured or semi-statically configured repetitions may be activated after a number of consecutive lost data packets reaches a certain threshold.

In various embodiments, a primary TRP may be defined or assumed by a UE as follows: <NUM>) for single DCI based M-TRP operation, a TRP associated with transmission of DCI may be the primary TRP (e.g., by associating DCI with a CORESETPOOLIndex and with TRP (e.g., TCI state)); <NUM>) for multi DCI based M-TRP operation and joint feedback, the primary TRP may be defined as one that is associated with the CORESETPOOLIndex that has CORESET with a DCI having PUCCH resources (and related parameters such as DAI) for joint feedback transmission; and/or <NUM>) the primary TRP may be assumed to be the TRP associated with a first TCI state that is indicated in the DCI.

In the feedback resource, the UE <NUM> reports a '<NUM>' or 'no error' if one of n data packets was correctly received and reports '<NUM>' or `error' if all n data packets were lost. Upon receiving the feedback '<NUM>' or error from the UE <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> may configure repetitions for an (n+<NUM>)th DL data packet from multiple TRPs to enhance the reliability as shown in <FIG>.

Specifically, <FIG> is a communication diagram illustrating one embodiment of communications <NUM> in which packet repetition is used in response to a feedback error. The communications <NUM> may include communications between a first TRP <NUM>, a second TRP <NUM>, a third TRP <NUM>, a fourth TRP <NUM>, and a UE <NUM>. As may be appreciated, descriptions of communications <NUM> contained herein may refer to one or more messages transmitted between devices.

In one embodiment, in a first communication <NUM> transmitted from the first TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> may transmit a first data packet to the UE <NUM> that the UE <NUM> does not successfully receive. In some embodiments, in a second communication <NUM> transmitted from the second TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the second TRP <NUM> may transmit a second data packet to the UE <NUM> that the UE <NUM> does not successfully receive. In various embodiments, in a third communication <NUM> transmitted from the third TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the third TRP <NUM> may transmit a third data packet to the UE <NUM> that the UE <NUM> does not successfully receive. In certain embodiments, in a fourth communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit a low-resolution feedback to the first TRP <NUM>. The first TRP <NUM> may be configured as a primary TRP that receives all feedback messages from the UE <NUM>. The low-resolution feedback may indicate a '<NUM>' or an error because the UE <NUM> did not receive any of the first, second, and third data packets correctly.

In some embodiments, in response to the error indication, in a fifth communication <NUM> transmitted (e.g., concurrently and/or simultaneously) from the first TRP <NUM>, the second TRP <NUM>, the third TRP <NUM>, and the fourth TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM>, the second TRP <NUM>, the third TRP <NUM>, and the fourth TRP <NUM> may transmit a fourth data packet to the UE <NUM> from the multiple TRPs to facilitate redundancy and a high likelihood that that data packet is received correctly. In this embodiment, at least one repetition of the data packet is received correctly. In various embodiments, in a sixth communication <NUM> transmitted from the first TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> may transmit a fifth data packet to the UE <NUM> that the UE <NUM> successfully receives. In one embodiment, in a seventh communication <NUM> transmitted from the second TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the second TRP <NUM> may transmit a sixth data packet to the UE <NUM> that the UE <NUM> successfully receives. In some embodiments, in an eighth communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit a low-resolution feedback to the first TRP <NUM>. The low-resolution feedback may indicate a '<NUM>' or no error because the UE <NUM> received at least one of the fourth, fifth, and sixth data packets correctly.

In various embodiments, in a ninth communication <NUM> transmitted from the third TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the third TRP <NUM> may transmit a seventh data packet to the UE <NUM> that the UE <NUM> successfully receives. In certain embodiments, in a tenth communication <NUM> transmitted from the fourth TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the fourth TRP <NUM> may transmit an eighth data packet to the UE <NUM> that the UE <NUM> does not successfully receive. In some embodiments, in an eleventh communication <NUM> transmitted from the first TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> may transmit a ninth data packet to the UE <NUM> that the UE <NUM> successfully receives. In various embodiments, in a twelfth communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit a low-resolution feedback to the first TRP <NUM>. The low-resolution feedback may indicate a '<NUM>' or no error because the UE <NUM> received at least one of the seventh, eighth, and ninth data packets correctly.

In certain embodiments, a gNB may derive an error state based only on ACK/NACK of n consecutive data packets. If HARQ is configured, the gNB may declare an error state after consuming all HARQ retransmissions for the n packets, as shown in <FIG>.

Specifically, <FIG> is a communication diagram illustrating one embodiment of communications <NUM> including error state extraction based on HARQ. The communications <NUM> may include communications between a first TRP <NUM>, a second TRP <NUM>, a third TRP <NUM>, a fourth TRP <NUM>, and a UE <NUM>. As may be appreciated, descriptions of communications <NUM> contained herein may refer to one or more messages transmitted between devices.

In one embodiment, in a first communication <NUM> transmitted from the first TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> may transmit a first data packet to the UE <NUM>. In some embodiments, in a second communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit ACK/NACK to indicate whether the data packet was received correctly. The first TRP <NUM> may be configured as a primary TRP that receives all feedback messages from the UE <NUM>. In this example, the UE <NUM> transmits NACK to indicate that the data packet was not received correctly. In various embodiments, in a third communication <NUM> transmitted from the first TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> may also transmit the first data packet to the UE <NUM>. In certain embodiments, in a fourth communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit ACK/NACK to indicate whether the data packet was received correctly. In this example, the UE <NUM> transmits NACK to indicate that the data packet was not received correctly.

In one embodiment, in a fifth communication <NUM> transmitted from the first TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> may also transmit the first data packet to the UE <NUM>. In some embodiments, in a sixth communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit ACK/NACK to indicate whether the data packet was received correctly. In this example, the UE <NUM> transmits NACK to indicate that the data packet was not received correctly. In various embodiments, in a seventh communication <NUM> transmitted from the first TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> may also transmit the first data packet to the UE <NUM>. In certain embodiments, in an eighth communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit ACK/NACK to indicate whether the data packet was received correctly. In this example, the UE <NUM> transmits NACK to indicate that the data packet was not received correctly. The first TRP <NUM> may determine <NUM> a number of consecutive data packets lost and compare this to a number n. For this example, n = <NUM> and the number of consecutive data packets lost is <NUM>, so no change in action is made.

In one embodiment, in a ninth communication <NUM> transmitted from the first TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> may transmit a second data packet to the UE <NUM>. In some embodiments, in a tenth communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit ACK/NACK to indicate whether the data packet was received correctly. In this example, the UE <NUM> transmits NACK to indicate that the data packet was not received correctly. In various embodiments, in an eleventh communication <NUM> transmitted from the first TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> may also transmit the second data packet to the UE <NUM>. In certain embodiments, in a twelfth communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit ACK/NACK to indicate whether the data packet was received correctly. In this example, the UE <NUM> transmits NACK to indicate that the data packet was not received correctly.

In one embodiment, in a thirteenth communication <NUM> transmitted from the first TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> may also transmit the second data packet to the UE <NUM>. In some embodiments, in a fourteenth communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit ACK/NACK to indicate whether the data packet was received correctly. In this example, the UE <NUM> transmits NACK to indicate that the data packet was not received correctly. In various embodiments, in a fifteenth communication <NUM> transmitted from the first TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> may also transmit the second data packet to the UE <NUM>. In certain embodiments, in a sixteenth communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit ACK/NACK to indicate whether the data packet was received correctly. In this example, the UE <NUM> transmits NACK to indicate that the data packet was not received correctly. The first TRP <NUM> may determine <NUM> a number of consecutive data packets lost and compare this to a number n. For this example, n = <NUM> and the number of consecutive data packets lost is <NUM>, so the first TRP triggers an error state. In a seventeenth communication <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> indicates the error state to the second TRP <NUM> so that the following data packets are transmitted from different TRPs. In an eighteenth communication <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> indicates the error state to the third TRP <NUM> so that the following data packets are transmitted from different TRPs. In a nineteenth communication <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> indicates the error state to the fourth TRP <NUM> so that the following data packets are transmitted from different TRPs.

In one embodiment, in a twentieth communication <NUM> transmitted from the first TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> may transmit a third data packet to the UE <NUM>. In various embodiments, in a twenty-first communication <NUM> transmitted from the second TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the second TRP <NUM> may also transmit the third data packet to the UE <NUM>. In one embodiment, in a twenty-second communication <NUM> transmitted from the third TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the third TRP <NUM> may also transmit the third data packet to the UE <NUM>. In various embodiments, in a twenty-third communication <NUM> transmitted from the fourth TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the fourth TRP <NUM> may also transmit the third data packet to the UE <NUM>. In certain embodiments, in a twenty-fourth communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit ACK/NACK to indicate whether the third data packet was received correctly. In this example, the UE <NUM> transmits ACK to indicate that the third data packet was received correctly.

In various embodiments, if DL packets are transmitted from single TRPs to a UE and if a number of consecutive data packets lost reaches a certain threshold, then either repetition is applied to subsequent data packets from multiple TRPs or the subsequent packet is transmitted from a different TRP.

In one embodiment, a gNB schedules consecutive new DL packets of a radio bearer from a single TRP to a UE in which one UL feedback resource is configured for a single and/or joint feedback for multiple packets. In certain embodiments, a TRP transmits DL packets to a UE.

As may be appreciated, a feedback resource may not necessarily be related to L1 HARQ feedback or a request for retransmissions, but the feedback resource may be related to an error state or downtime of a communication system after failing to receive n consecutive DL packets.

In various embodiments, in the feedback resource a UE reports '<NUM>' or 'no error' which means that one of n packets was correctly received, and reports '<NUM>' or 'error' if all n packets are lost.

Upon receiving the feedback '<NUM>' or error from the UE, a TRP may enable other TRPs to jointly transmit (n+<NUM>)th DL data packet to enhance reliability. In such embodiments, the TRP may transmit (n+<NUM>)th DL data packet from another TRP that has better link quality based on a CSI report from a UE, wherein the CSI report may be either separately or jointly sent to corresponding TRPs or the primary TRP.

In some embodiments, a TRP may derive an error state based only on ACK/NACK from n consecutive data packets. If HARQ is configured, the TRP declares an error state after consuming all HARQ retransmissions for the n packets and may configure M-TRP joint transmission of the following packet or apply different time or frequency repetitions, as described in <FIG>.

In various embodiments, a TRP may intentionally discard or preempt transmission of one or more DL data packets if the previous data packets were successfully received, as shown in <FIG>.

Specifically, <FIG> is a communication diagram illustrating one embodiment of communications <NUM> that may include DL packet discarding. The communications <NUM> may include communications between a first TRP <NUM>, a second TRP <NUM>, a third TRP <NUM>, a fourth TRP <NUM>, and a UE <NUM>. As may be appreciated, descriptions of communications <NUM> contained herein may refer to one or more messages transmitted between devices.

In one embodiment, in a first communication <NUM> transmitted from the first TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> may transmit a first data packet to the UE <NUM>. In some embodiments, in a second communication <NUM> transmitted from the second TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the second TRP <NUM> may transmit a second data packet to the UE <NUM>. In various embodiments, in a third communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit a low-resolution feedback to the first TRP <NUM>. The first TRP <NUM> may be configured as a primary TRP that receives all feedback messages from the UE <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the feedback may indicate that there is no error.

In certain embodiments, in a fourth communication <NUM> transmitted from the third TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the third TRP <NUM> may transmit a third data packet to the UE <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the fourth communication <NUM> may be skipped (e.g., discarded, preempted, bypassed) because the third communication <NUM> indicated that there was no error. In such an embodiment, the loss tolerance may be <NUM> data packets, so if there is no error in <NUM> data packets, <NUM> data packet may be skipped. In some embodiments, in a fifth communication <NUM> transmitted from the fourth TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the fourth TRP <NUM> may transmit a fourth data packet to the UE <NUM>. In various embodiments, in a sixth communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit a low-resolution feedback to the first TRP <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the feedback may indicate that there is no error.

In one embodiment, in a seventh communication <NUM> transmitted from the first TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the first TRP <NUM> may transmit a fifth data packet to the UE <NUM>. In some embodiments, in an eighth communication <NUM> transmitted from the second TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the second TRP <NUM> may transmit a sixth data packet to the UE <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the eighth communication <NUM> may be skipped (e.g., discarded, preempted, bypassed) because the sixth communication <NUM> indicated that there was no error. In such an embodiment, the loss tolerance may be <NUM> data packets, so if there is no error in <NUM> data packets, <NUM> data packet may be skipped. In various embodiments, in a ninth communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit a low-resolution feedback to the first TRP <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the feedback may indicate that there is no error.

In certain embodiments, in a tenth communication <NUM> transmitted from the third TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the third TRP <NUM> may transmit a seventh data packet to the UE <NUM>. In some embodiments, in an eleventh communication <NUM> transmitted from the fourth TRP <NUM> to the UE <NUM>, the fourth TRP <NUM> may transmit an eighth data packet to the UE <NUM>. In various embodiments, in a twelfth communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit a low-resolution feedback to the first TRP <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the feedback may indicate that there is no error.

In certain embodiments, a gNB schedules consecutive new DL packets of a radio bearer from multiple TRPs to a UE. In such embodiments, one UL feedback resource may be configured for joint and/or single feedback to be transmitted to a primary TRP or one of the TRPs for multiple DL packets.

In some embodiments, each TRP transmits different DL packet to the UE and the number of TRPs configured depends on a loss tolerance.

In various embodiments, a feedback resource is not related to L1 HARQ feedback or request for retransmissions but the feedback is related to an error state or downtime of a communication system after failing to receive n consecutive DL packets.

In certain embodiments, each feedback resource is configured after n DL packets wherein n < loss tolerance. The feedback resource may be an L1 feedback which could be periodically configured in PUCCH, L2 feedback as part of a MAC CE, L3 feedback as part of RLC, or a PDCP status report.

In some embodiments, a primary TRP may be defined or assumed by a UE as follows: <NUM>) for single DCI based M-TRP operation, a TRP associated with transmission of DCI may be considered the primary TRP, where the principle of associating DCI with a CORESETPOOLIndex and with TRP (e.g., TCI state) may be applied; <NUM>) for multi DCI based M-TRP operation and joint feedback, the primary TRP may be defined as one that is associated with the CORESETPOOLIndex that has CORESET with DCI having PUCCH resources (and related parameters such as DAI) for joint feedback transmission; and/or <NUM>) the primary TRP may be assumed to be the TRP associated with a first TCI state that is indicated in the DCI.

In various embodiments, a UE reports in a feedback resource '<NUM>' or 'no error' if one of n packets was correctly received and reports '<NUM>' or `error' if all n packets are lost. Upon receiving a feedback of '<NUM>' or error from the UE, a gNB may configure joint transmission for (n+<NUM>)th DL packet from multiple TRPs to enhance reliability. Upon receiving feedback '<NUM>' or 'no error' from a UE, the gNB may discard some of the following messages and allocate the resources for another UE that is in an error state.

In certain embodiments, a gNB may derive an error state based only on ACK/NACK of n consecutive data packets. If HARQ is configured, the gNB may declare an error state after consuming all HARQ retransmissions for the n packets. It should be noted that as used herein gNB may refer to a TRP and/or a TRP may be a gNB.

In some embodiments, single and/or joint feedback may be repeated using M-TRP after n consecutive DL packets are lost. In such embodiments, the repetition may either be in SDM, FDM, or TDM manner.

In various embodiments, if DL packets are transmitted from single TRPs to a UE and if a number of consecutive data packets lost reaches a certain threshold, then a number of repetition and/or retransmissions may be increased in L1 for subsequent DL packets.

In certain embodiments, L1 repetition and/or retransmission is not enabled in L1 and if a low-resolution feedback indicates an error, then repetition and/or retransmission is enabled for at least a subsequent DL packet. In some embodiments, repetition and/or retransmission is done using the same transmission parameters, such as the same MCS, used for previous DL packets.

In various embodiments, repetition and/or retransmission is done using at least some different transmission parameters, such as a lower MCS, in comparison to previous DL packets. In certain embodiments, repetition and/or retransmission is done from a single TRP. In some embodiments, repetition and/or retransmission is done from multiple TRPs.

In various embodiments, multiple threshold values for a number of consecutive data packets lost are configured by a network. In such embodiments, with every increasing threshold value, a number of repetitions and/or retransmissions may be increased.

In certain embodiments, a single TRP is used for multiple repetitions and/or retransmissions. In some embodiments, a number of TRPs used for repetition for subsequent data packets may gradually increase with every increased threshold value. For example, the number TRPs may be directly proportional to the number of repetitions and/or retransmissions.

In various embodiments, if multiple threshold values are configured by a network in terms of a number of consecutive data packets lost and if feedback received by a gNB at a given threshold value is not in error, then a threshold counter may be reset and a number of repetitions for subsequent data packets may be reduced.

In certain embodiments, if multiple UL packets are transmitted from multiple panels of a UE (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) and if a number of consecutive data packets lost reaches a certain threshold, then repetition may be applied to subsequent data packets from at least more than one panel.

Specifically, <FIG> is a communication diagram illustrating one embodiment of communications <NUM> in which there is consecutive UL packet transmission to multiple TRPs. The communications <NUM> may include communications between a first TRP <NUM>, a second TRP <NUM>, a third TRP <NUM>, a fourth TRP <NUM>, and a UE <NUM>. As may be appreciated, descriptions of communications <NUM> contained herein may refer to one or more messages transmitted between devices.

In one embodiment, in a first communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the first TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit a first data packet to the first TRP <NUM>. In some embodiments, in a second communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the second TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit a second data packet to the second TRP <NUM>. In various embodiments, in a third communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the third TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit a third data packet to the third TRP <NUM>. In certain embodiments, in a fourth communication <NUM> transmitted from the UE <NUM> to the fourth TRP <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit a fourth data packet to the fourth TRP <NUM>.

In various embodiments, for UL transmission, a UE may transmit consecutive UL packets from multiple panels to single or multiple TRPs. Whether the UL packets are transmitted to single or multiple TRPs may depend on an UL-ST, a number of UE panels, and a current link quality corresponding to the multiple TRPs. There could be different options for reacting after there are m UL failed messages, where m < UL ST. For example, in a first option, a lower MCS may be applied for following packets. As another example, in a second option, there may be repetition (e.g., FDM, SDM) in which a packet m+<NUM> is sent from multiple panels to a single or multiple TRPs, or TDM if a cycle time allows for repetition in intra or inter slot. To benefit from space diversity, a UE may switch a TX panel for each repetition.

In certain embodiments, if multiple UL packets are scheduled or enabled (e.g., for a configured grant) by a single DCI to be transmitted from a UE in a consecutive slots and/or mini-slots and if a number of consecutive data packets lost reaches a certain threshold, then repetition may be applied to subsequent data packets in which a number of repetitions and resources are scheduled or enabled by a single DCI.

In various embodiments, a single panel of a UE may be used for transmitting multiple packets to a single TRP before a certain threshold is reached in terms of a number of consecutive data packets lost, after which, multi-panel UL transmission may be enabled to: <NUM>) use multiple panels for repetition of a subsequent packet from all active panels; <NUM>) use multiple panels for transmitting different data packets from all active panels; and/or <NUM>) use some panels for repetitions and some panels for different data packets. As may be appreciated, various method of repetition from multiple active panels may be transmitted to a single or multiple TRPs. Furthermore, certain methods of repetition may also be implemented by activating a configured grant from multiple antenna panels after a certain threshold is reached. The threshold may be based on receiving a single or consecutive non-toggled NDI from a gNB UL grant or based on ACK/NACK feedback from the gNB. It should be noted that some methods of repetition from multiple antenna panels may be implicitly activated based on the threshold or explicitly activated in an UL grant.

In some embodiments, a beamFailureInstanceMaxCount from a TRP may be within a survival time or loss tolerance value. In certain embodiments, there may be a beam loss indication from lower layers or BFI_COUNTER above certain threshold that may enable repetition of UL packets from a single or multiple active antenna panels to single or multiple TRPs.

In various embodiments, feedback may be enhanced by, instead of transmitting only error or no error, a UE reports a counter value. In such embodiments, the counter may indicate a last consecutive number of DL packets lost.

In certain embodiments, only a counter value is reported by a UE instead of error or no error. In some embodiments, both a counter value and a bit indicating error or no error is reported.

In various embodiments, multiple thresholds may be defined along with counter type feedback. In such embodiments, the threshold values may be dynamically changed depending on a counter feedback value. In a first example, if a loss tolerance is <NUM>, then a UE may report first feedback after <NUM> data packets. If the counter feedback is <NUM>, for example, then the UE may report second feedback after the next <NUM> data packets. In a second example, if a loss tolerance is <NUM>, then a UE may report first feedback after <NUM> data packets. If the counter feedback is <NUM>, for example, then the UE may report second feedback after the next <NUM> data packets.

As described in various embodiments found herein: <NUM>) ST based error-handling feedback may be different than L1 HARQ, wherein a gNB may configure a UE to trigger an error state after a certain number of failed packets n (n < ST in terms of maximum allowed consecutive lost packets - for example, n may be less than the survival time); <NUM>) an iterative repetition scheme may be used in which a number of repetitions is increased gradually depending upon a number of consecutive lost packets (this may enable efficient resource utilization by avoiding an unnecessary number of repetitions if the number of packets lost is lower than configured threshold values; <NUM>) ST based switching between single TRP and multi-TRP operation may be used for DL transmission; and/or <NUM>) ST based switching between single panel and multi-panel operation may be used for UL transmission.

<FIG> is a flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method <NUM> for consecutive data packet feedback. In some embodiments, the method <NUM> is performed by an apparatus, such as the remote unit <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the method <NUM> may be performed by a processor executing program code, for example, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, an auxiliary processing unit, a FPGA, or the like.

The method <NUM> may include receiving <NUM> a first set of consecutive data packets. In certain embodiments, the method <NUM> includes transmitting <NUM> feedback corresponding to the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein the feedback comprises: an error indication in response each data packet in the first set of consecutive data packets failing to be received correctly; a non-error indication in response to at least one data packet in the first set of consecutive data packets being received correctly; a counter value that indicates a consecutive number of data packet failures; or some combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the method <NUM> further comprises receiving a second set of consecutive data packets after receiving the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein the second set of consecutive data packets are transmitted from a plurality of transmission points in response to: the feedback comprising the error indication, the counter value being greater than a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof; and the first set of consecutive data packets being transmitted from a single transmission point. In some embodiments, the method <NUM> further comprises receiving a second set of consecutive data packets after receiving the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein the second set of consecutive data packets are repeatedly transmitted from a single transmission point in response to the feedback comprising the error indication, the counter value being greater than a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof.

In various embodiments, the method <NUM> further comprises receiving a second set of consecutive data packets after receiving the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein the second set of consecutive data packets are repeatedly transmitted from a plurality of transmission points in response to: the feedback comprising the error indication, the counter value being greater than a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof; and the first set of consecutive data packets being transmitted from the plurality of transmission points. In one embodiment, the method <NUM> further comprises receiving a second set of consecutive data packets after receiving the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein the second set of consecutive data packets are repeatedly transmitted from a plurality of transmission points in response to the feedback comprising the error indication, the counter value being greater than a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the method <NUM> further comprises configuring a plurality of thresholds that each indicate a number of consecutive data packets possible in the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein a number of times the second set of consecutive data packets is retransmitted corresponds to each threshold of the plurality of thresholds. In some embodiments, the method <NUM> further comprises reducing or maintaining a number of retransmissions of the second set of consecutive data packets in response to the feedback comprising the non-error indication, the counter value being less than a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof.

<FIG> is a flow chart diagram illustrating another embodiment of a method <NUM> for consecutive data packet feedback. In some embodiments, the method <NUM> is performed by an apparatus, such as the network unit <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the method <NUM> may be performed by a processor executing program code, for example, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, an auxiliary processing unit, a FPGA, or the like.

The method <NUM> may include configuring <NUM> a first plurality of uplink data packets consecutively. In certain embodiments, the method <NUM> includes counting <NUM> a number of consecutive data packets of the first plurality of uplink data packets lost from a user equipment. In some embodiments, the method <NUM> includes, in response to the number of consecutive data packets reaching a predetermined threshold, configuring <NUM> repetition of subsequent uplink data packets transmitted from the user equipment.

In certain embodiments, the first plurality of uplink data packets is configured in a configured grant resource or using downlink control information. According to the invention as claimed, the repetition of subsequent uplink data packets is transmitted from multiple panels of the user equipment in response to the number of consecutive data packets reaching the predetermined threshold. In various embodiments, a second plurality of uplink data packets is transmitted from multiple panels of the user equipment in response to the number of consecutive data packets reaching the predetermined threshold.

<FIG> is a flow chart diagram illustrating a further embodiment of a method <NUM> for consecutive data packet feedback. In some embodiments, the method <NUM> is performed by an apparatus, such as the remote unit <NUM> and/or the network unit <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the method <NUM> may be performed by a processor executing program code, for example, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, an auxiliary processing unit, a FPGA, or the like.

The method <NUM> may include configuring <NUM> a first plurality of data packets to be transmitted consecutively. In certain embodiments, the method <NUM> includes determining <NUM> a number of consecutive data packets of the first plurality of data packets lost. In some embodiments, the method <NUM> includes, in response to the number of consecutive data packets being less than a predetermined threshold, reducing <NUM> a number of subsequent data packets to be transmitted consecutively.

In certain embodiments, the first plurality of data packets comprises uplink data packets. In some embodiments, the first plurality of data packets comprises downlink data packets.

In one embodiment, a method comprises: receiving a first set of consecutive data packets; and transmitting feedback corresponding to the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein the feedback comprises: an error indication in response each data packet in the first set of consecutive data packets failing to be received correctly; a non-error indication in response to at least one data packet in the first set of consecutive data packets being received correctly; a counter value that indicates a consecutive number of data packet failures; or some combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the method further comprises receiving a second set of consecutive data packets after receiving the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein the second set of consecutive data packets are transmitted from a plurality of transmission points in response to: the feedback comprising the error indication, the counter value being greater than a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof; and the first set of consecutive data packets being transmitted from a single transmission point.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving a second set of consecutive data packets after receiving the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein the second set of consecutive data packets are repeatedly transmitted from a single transmission point in response to the feedback comprising the error indication, the counter value being greater than a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises receiving a second set of consecutive data packets after receiving the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein the second set of consecutive data packets are repeatedly transmitted from a plurality of transmission points in response to: the feedback comprising the error indication, the counter value being greater than a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof; and the first set of consecutive data packets being transmitted from the plurality of transmission points.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises receiving a second set of consecutive data packets after receiving the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein the second set of consecutive data packets are repeatedly transmitted from a plurality of transmission points in response to the feedback comprising the error indication, the counter value being greater than a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the method further comprises configuring a plurality of thresholds that each indicate a number of consecutive data packets possible in the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein a number of times the second set of consecutive data packets is retransmitted corresponds to each threshold of the plurality of thresholds.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises reducing or maintaining a number of retransmissions of the second set of consecutive data packets in response to the feedback comprising the non-error indication, the counter value being less than a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises: a receiver that receives a first set of consecutive data packets; and a transmitter that transmits feedback corresponding to the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein the feedback comprises: an error indication in response each data packet in the first set of consecutive data packets failing to be received correctly; a non-error indication in response to at least one data packet in the first set of consecutive data packets being received correctly; a counter value that indicates a consecutive number of data packet failures; or some combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the receiver receives a second set of consecutive data packets after receiving the first set of consecutive data packets, and the second set of consecutive data packets are transmitted from a plurality of transmission points in response to: the feedback comprising the error indication, the counter value being greater than a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof; and the first set of consecutive data packets being transmitted from a single transmission point.

In some embodiments, the receiver receives a second set of consecutive data packets after receiving the first set of consecutive data packets, and the second set of consecutive data packets are repeatedly transmitted from a single transmission point in response to the feedback comprising the error indication, the counter value being greater than a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof.

In various embodiments, the receiver receives a second set of consecutive data packets after receiving the first set of consecutive data packets, and the second set of consecutive data packets are repeatedly transmitted from a plurality of transmission points in response to: the feedback comprising the error indication, the counter value being greater than a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof; and the first set of consecutive data packets being transmitted from the plurality of transmission points.

In one embodiment, the receiver receives a second set of consecutive data packets after receiving the first set of consecutive data packets, and the second set of consecutive data packets are repeatedly transmitted from a plurality of transmission points in response to the feedback comprising the error indication, the counter value being greater than a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a processor that configures a plurality of thresholds that each indicate a number of consecutive data packets possible in the first set of consecutive data packets, and a number of times the second set of consecutive data packets is retransmitted corresponds to each threshold of the plurality of thresholds.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a processor that reduces or maintains a number of retransmissions of the second set of consecutive data packets in response to the feedback comprising the non-error indication, the counter value being less than a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, a method comprises: configuring a first plurality of uplink data packets consecutively; counting a number of consecutive data packets of the first plurality of uplink data packets lost from a user equipment; and, in response to the number of consecutive data packets reaching a predetermined threshold, configuring repetition of subsequent uplink data packets transmitted from the user equipment.

In certain embodiments, the first plurality of uplink data packets is configured in a configured grant resource or using downlink control information.

In some embodiments, the repetition of subsequent uplink data packets is transmitted from multiple panels of the user equipment in response to the number of consecutive data packets reaching the predetermined threshold.

In various embodiments, a second plurality of uplink data packets is transmitted from multiple panels of the user equipment in response to the number of consecutive data packets reaching the predetermined threshold.

In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises: a processor that: configures a first plurality of uplink data packets consecutively; counts a number of consecutive data packets of the first plurality of uplink data packets lost from a user equipment; and, in response to the number of consecutive data packets reaching a predetermined threshold, configures repetition of subsequent uplink data packets transmitted from the user equipment.

In one embodiment, a method comprises: configuring a first plurality of data packets to be transmitted consecutively; determining a number of consecutive data packets of the first plurality of data packets lost; and, in response to the number of consecutive data packets being less than a predetermined threshold, reducing a number of subsequent data packets to be transmitted consecutively.

In certain embodiments, the first plurality of data packets comprises uplink data packets.

In some embodiments, the first plurality of data packets comprises downlink data packets.

In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises: a processor that: configures a first plurality of data packets to be transmitted consecutively; determines a number of consecutive data packets of the first plurality of data packets lost; and, in response to the number of consecutive data packets being less than a predetermined threshold, reduces a number of subsequent data packets to be transmitted consecutively.

Claim 1:
A method (<NUM>) comprising:
receiving (<NUM>) a first set of consecutive data packets;
transmitting (<NUM>) feedback corresponding to the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein the feedback comprises:
an error indication in response to each data packet in the first set of consecutive data packets failing to be received correctly;
a non-error indication in response to at least one data packet in the first set of consecutive data packets being received correctly;
a counter value that indicates a consecutive number of data packet failures; or
some combination thereof; characterized by further comprising:
receiving a second set of consecutive data packets after receiving the first set of consecutive data packets, wherein the second set of consecutive data packets are transmitted from a plurality of transmission points in response to:
the feedback comprising the error indication, the counter value being greater than a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof; and
the first set of consecutive data packets being transmitted from a single transmission point.