Patent Description:
The wireless communication industry and the manufacturing industries are currently seeking solutions to the problem of how to evolve industrial networks and utilize Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Fourth Generation (<NUM>) and Fifth Generation (<NUM>) technologies in the next industrial evolution. A group within the 3GPP is currently working on the specification of <NUM> (<NUM> is also referred to as "New Radio" (NR)). In an effort to adapt <NUM> to industrial applications, 3GPP is identifying use cases as well as a number of different work items to support what is called non-public networks (NPN).

An NPN is typically a network that provides <NUM> network services exclusively to a clearly defined organization or group of organizations, which defines a closed set of users/devices in a factory or other industrial deployment. There are two alternative versions of NPN that are currently specified: Public Network-Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN) and Stand Alone NPN (SNPN).

In the PNI-NPN solution, an operator may use its own Public Land Mobile Network Identity (PLMN-ID) to also integrate an NPN, setting up something similar to the Closed Subscriber Group concept in evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) to limit access to the NPN.

In the SNPN solution, a non-public network is able to use a PLMN ID that is shared among several deployments as well as a unique PLMN ID. The PLMN ID is coupled with a Network Identity (NID), which may be locally assigned or globally unique.

Common to any NPN solutions, it may be assumed that the non-public network will be deployed on a separate frequency from a public macro network, providing nation-wide mobile broadband (MBB) services. A reason for this assumption is that for a deployed cochannel, the closed set of subscribers of an NPN network may cause interference to other wireless devices in public macro networks. Likewise, NPN may be susceptible to interference from public macro networks. On the other hand, on separate, or adjacent frequency channels, the interference may be more manageable. However, even if NPN and public macro networks are deployed in different frequency bands, there may still be mutual residual interference, due to out-of-band radiation caused by imperfect filters. Regulatory bodies set maximum levels of out-of-band radiation between different bands that must not be exceeded.

Another NPN problem is related to the different deployment goals between the Macro Public networks and the NPNs. For example, an NPN serving an industrial complex or a factory might have strict latency requirements specific to ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC), which in turn may require a different time division duplex (TDD) configuration vs a macro MBB deployment. In the TDD mode, one spectrum allocation, e.g., <NUM>, will be shared for both the uplink and downlink directions and the uplink (UL) is separated from the downlink (DL) by the allocation of different time slots in the same frequency band, as opposed to frequency division duplex (FDD) where uplink and downlink are separated in the frequency domain. For example, in Long Term Evolution (LTE), the standards define a number of different UL and DL allocation schemes. The 3GPP supported, uplink-downlink configurations for LTE are defined in 3GPP standards such as in Table <NUM>-<NUM> of 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) <NUM>, reproduced below as Table <NUM>. In Table <NUM>, U and D refer to uplink and downlink, respectively, while S refers to a special subframe, which includes uplink and downlink slots as well as a guard time that allows for switching between downlink and uplink.

For <NUM>, similar downlink and uplink transmission configurations are possible. Some <NUM> (New Radio) (NR) TDD configurations used in NR-only bands are listed as examples below (D = Downlink slot; U = Uplink slot; S = Special slot containing both downlink and uplink symbols and a gap between them), including:.

For industrial URLLC, where latency requirements are important, the following NR TDD pattern may be used:.

For the bands where <NUM> LTE and <NUM> NR need to coexist, the NR TDD pattern can be configured to match the LTE TDD pattern to avoid uplink-downlink symbol conflicts. Assuming LTE is using a sub-carrier spacing (SCS) of <NUM> and NR is using a SCS of <NUM>, some examples of popular NR TDD patterns include:.

In a traditional Mobile Broadband (MBB) scenario, the traffic profile is dominated by downlink traffic and hence in such a scenario the network may be configured to transmit more downlink (sub)frames/slots than uplink (sub)frames/slots, e.g., for LTE/<NUM> configuration <NUM> in Table <NUM> would be suitable with <NUM> downlink subframes and <NUM> uplink subframes (<NUM>:<NUM> ratio).

In an industrial deployment, the traffic profile is, however, expected to be more balanced between uplink and downlink. Then a more balanced uplink-downlink ratio would be more suitable. LTE/<NUM> configuration <NUM> in Table <NUM> gives <NUM> uplink frames and <NUM> downlink frames (<NUM>:<NUM> ratio). In addition to the traffic profile, latency requirements may put additional constraints on the chosen configuration, since shortening uplink/downlink slots reduces the round-trip time, and is, therefore, an aspect to improving latency. Hence, in industrial deployments, there is a need to re-configure the TDD configuration.

In scenarios where a local industrial deployment needs to choose a TDD configuration that differs from the MBB configuration in public networks (PN), co-existence issues between the two networks may arise.

If NPN and PN are synchronized and using the same TDD configuration (i.e., the same UL and DL pattern), there are <NUM> interference scenarios that may occur: DL to DL and UL to UL as depicted in <FIG>.

However, given the different requirements between PN and NPN, the NPN operator may choose a different TDD configuration to meet requirements specific to, for example, ultra reliable, low latency communications (URLLC), or to adapt to a more uplink heavy traffic demand. In this case, two new interference scenarios are created for the slots and symbols, where one network is in UL mode and the other network is in DL mode.

Due to the new interference scenarios, the wireless devices of the victim network will potentially experience higher interference levels and, as consequence, lower performance levels. These interference levels may exceed the maximum limit of adjacent channel interference (ACI) allowed by regulatory bodies.

A prior art example is <CIT>. Another prior art example is <CIT>.

The aspects of the present invention are defined by the appended independent claims. These aspects provide methods and network nodes for coexistence of a public network and a non-public network.

In some embodiments, to mitigate adjacent channel interference between two network deployments that are using different TDD configurations (i.e., different UL/DL patterns) one network is configured to mute the slots that are in conflict with slots used by the other network, which may allow the other network to use these slots without DL-UL or UL-DL interference. Assuming the NPN network has more stringent latency requirements than the PN network, in some embodiments, the PN network may mute the DL slots that are conflicting with the NPN UL slots, hence allowing for good UL performance for NPN networks, i.e., UL performance meeting predefined performance threshold.

In another embodiment, where the DL traffic demand of the PN network is high and the NPN does not have very stringent latency requirements, the UL slot of the NPN network that conflicts with the DL slot of the PN network may be muted.

In order to mitigate the disadvantages of blocking transmission opportunities through muting, some embodiments might include one or more of the following steps:.

One advantage is that a Macro Public Network operating in proximity to a Non-Public Network may be able to operate without injecting DL to UL interference into the Non-Public Network. Likewise, the Non-Public Network may operate without inducing UL to DL interference in a Macro Public Network, allowing for a mutually beneficial co-existence scenario.

Strategically placing small cells of the PN within the coverage area of the NPN, as well as placing NPN small cells near the NPN borders, at least partly mitigates the drawback of missed transmission opportunities due to muting. In some embodiments, placement of a PN small cell within a coverage area in combination with muting of selected slots of these small cells provide one way to mitigate impact on a wide area PN deployment while still mitigating interference in local network deployments.

According to claim <NUM>, that is a first aspect, a network node for use in a public network, PN, configured to be operable in a presence of a non-public network, NPN, is provided. The network node includes processing circuitry configured to perform at least one of the following: selectively muting downlink transmissions to the PN when the downlink transmissions would interfere with an uplink transmission of the NPN if the downlink transmissions were not muted; and selectively muting uplink transmissions of the NPN when the uplink transmissions would interfere with a downlink transmission of the PN.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, selective muting is during time slots when the downlink transmission would interfere with an uplink transmission. In some embodiments, the downlink muting is restricted to beams of the downlink transmissions that would interfere with the uplink transmission of the NPN. In some embodiments, the downlink muting is restricted to downlink transmissions to wireless devices, WDs, in communication with the PN that are within a coverage area of the NPN. In some embodiments, the network node is positioned within the coverage area of the NPN. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to determine coverage areas of the network node that overlap a coverage area of the NPN and to restrict the muting to the overlapping coverage areas. In some embodiments, determining coverage areas of the network node that overlap a coverage area of the NPN is based at least in part on reporting by wireless devices, WDs, within the coverage area of the NPN. In this aspect according to claim <NUM>, the selective muting is based at least in part on detected interference between the PN and the NPN. Further, in this aspect according to claim <NUM>, the selective muting is based at least in part on whether the PN uses a time division duplex, TDD, configuration that is different than a TDD configuration of the NPN.

According to independent claim <NUM>, that is a second aspect, a method performed by a network node for use in a public network, PN, configured to be operable in a presence of a non-public network, NPN, is provided. The method includes performing at least one of the following: selectively muting downlink transmissions to the PN when the downlink transmissions would interfere with an uplink transmission of the NPN if the downlink transmissions were not muted; and selectively muting uplink transmissions of the NPN when the uplink transmissions would interfere with a downlink transmission of the PN.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, selective muting is during time slots when the downlink transmission would interfere with an uplink transmission. In some embodiments, downlink muting is restricted to beams of the downlink transmissions that would interfere with the uplink transmission of the NPN. In some embodiments, the downlink muting is restricted to downlink transmissions to wireless devices, WDs, in communication with the PN that are within a coverage area of the NPN. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining coverage areas of the network node that overlap a coverage area of the NPN and restricting the muting to the overlapping coverage areas. In some embodiments, determining coverage areas of the network node that overlap a coverage area of the NPN is based at least in part on reporting by wireless devices, WDs, within the coverage area of the NPN. In this aspect according to independent claim <NUM>, the selective muting is based at least in part on detected interference between the PN and the NPN. Further, in this aspect according to independent claim <NUM>, the selective muting is based at least in part on whether the PN uses a time division duplex, TDD, configuration that is different than a TDD configuration of the NPN.

According to independent claim <NUM>, that is a third aspect, a network node for use in a non-public network, NPN, configured to be operable in a presence of a public network, PN, is provided. The network node includes processing circuitry configured to selectively mute uplink transmissions to the network node when the uplink transmissions would interfere with a downlink transmission of the PN if the uplink transmissions were not muted.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the selective muting is during time slots when the uplink transmission would interfere with a downlink transmission. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to mute downlink transmissions while the PN is muting uplink transmissions. In some embodiments, the network node is placed at a border of the NPN.

According to independent claim <NUM>, that is a fourth aspect, a method performed by a network node for use in a non-public network, NPN, configured to be operable in a presence of a public network, PN, is provided. The method includes selectively muting uplink transmissions to the NPN when the uplink transmissions would interfere with a downlink transmission of the PN if the uplink transmissions were not muted.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes muting downlink transmissions while the PN is muting uplink transmissions. In some embodiments, the network node is placed at a border of the NPN.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components and processing steps related to coexistence of a public network and a non-public network. Accordingly, components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that multiple components may interoperate, and modifications and variations are possible of achieving the electrical and data communication.

The term "network node" used herein can be any kind of network node comprised in a radio network which may further comprise any of base station (BS), radio base station, base transceiver station (BTS), base station controller (BSC), radio network controller (RNC), g Node B (gNB), evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB), Node B, multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, multi-cell/multicast coordination entity (MCE), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, relay node, donor node controlling relay, radio access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH), a core network node (e.g., mobile management entity (MME), self-organizing network (SON) node, a coordinating node, positioning node, MDT node, etc.), an external node (e.g., 3rd party node, a node external to the current network), nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), a spectrum access system (SAS) node, an element management system (EMS), etc. The network node may also comprise test equipment. The term "radio node" used herein may be used to also denote a wireless device (WD) such as a wireless device (WD) or a radio network node.

The term "muting" may refer to not scheduling transmission in one or more specific slots such that muting is an action and/or determination that may be performed to not schedule one or more transmissions in the one or more slots.

Some embodiments provide for coexistence of a public network and a non-public network. According to one aspect, a method includes selectively muting a downlink transmission to a non-public network (NPN) based at least in part on whether the downlink transmission interferes with an NPN uplink transmission; and/or selectively muting an uplink transmission from the NPN based at least in part on whether the uplink transmission interferes with a public network (PN) downlink transmission.

Returning now to the drawing figures, in which like elements are referred to by like reference numerals, there is shown in <FIG> a schematic diagram of a communication system <NUM>, according to an embodiment, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network that may support standards such as LTE and/or NR (<NUM>), which comprises an access network <NUM>, such as a radio access network, and a core network <NUM>. The access network <NUM> comprises a plurality of network nodes 16a, 16b, 16c (referred to collectively as network nodes <NUM>), such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 18a, 18b, 18c (referred to collectively as coverage areas <NUM>). Each network node 16a, 16b, 16c is connectable to the core network <NUM> over a wired or wireless connection <NUM>. A first wireless device (WD) 22a located in coverage area 18a is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding network node 16a. A second WD 22b in coverage area 18b is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding network node 16b. While a plurality of WDs 22a, 22b (collectively referred to as wireless devices <NUM>) are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole WD is in the coverage area or where a sole WD is connecting to the corresponding network node <NUM>. Note that although only two WDs <NUM> and three network nodes <NUM> are shown for convenience, the communication system may include many more WDs <NUM> and network nodes <NUM>. Note that in some embodiments, one or more network nodes may be employed to form a PN and/or an NPN.

A network node <NUM> is configured to include a muting unit <NUM> which is configured to selectively mute a downlink transmission to the PN based at least in part on whether the downlink transmission interferes with an NPN uplink transmission, and/or selectively mute an uplink transmission from the NPN based at least in part on whether the uplink transmission interferes with a PN downlink transmission. Note that the muting unit <NUM> may be implemented in or as a scheduler. Such scheduler may be located in another network node having network management functions or may be located in the cloud. For example, the scheduler may be configured to implement a muting function to avoid scheduling traffic in slots of the downlink and/or uplink.

The host application <NUM> may be operable to provide a service to a remote user, such as a WD <NUM> connecting via an OTT connection <NUM> terminating at the WD <NUM> and the host computer <NUM>. The "user data" may be data and information described herein as implementing the described functionality. In one embodiment, the host computer <NUM> may be configured for providing control and functionality to a service provider and may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. The processing circuitry <NUM> of the host computer <NUM> may enable the host computer <NUM> to observe, monitor, control, transmit to and/or receive from the network node <NUM> and or the wireless device <NUM>.

Thus, the network node <NUM> further has software <NUM> stored internally in, for example, memory <NUM>, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the network node <NUM> via an external connection. The processing circuitry <NUM> may be configured to control any of the methods and/or processes described herein and/or to cause such methods, and/or processes to be performed, e.g., by network node <NUM>. Processor <NUM> corresponds to one or more processors <NUM> for performing network node <NUM> functions described herein. The memory <NUM> is configured to store data, programmatic software code and/or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software <NUM> may include instructions that, when executed by the processor <NUM> and/or processing circuitry <NUM>, causes the processor <NUM> and/or processing circuitry <NUM> to perform the processes described herein with respect to network node <NUM>. For example, processing circuitry <NUM> of the network node <NUM> may include muting unit <NUM> which is configured to selectively mute a downlink transmission to the NPN based at least in part on whether the downlink transmission interferes with an NPN uplink transmission, and/or selectively mute an uplink transmission from the NPN based at least in part on whether the uplink transmission interferes with a PN downlink transmission.

The processing circuitry <NUM> may be configured to control any of the methods and/or processes described herein and/or to cause such methods, and/or processes to be performed, e.g., by WD <NUM>. The processor <NUM> corresponds to one or more processors <NUM> for performing WD <NUM> functions described herein. The WD <NUM> includes memory <NUM> that is configured to store data, programmatic software code and/or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software <NUM> and/or the client application <NUM> may include instructions that, when executed by the processor <NUM> and/or processing circuitry <NUM>, causes the processor <NUM> and/or processing circuitry <NUM> to perform the processes described herein with respect to WD <NUM>.

Although <FIG> and <FIG> show various "units" such as muting unit <NUM> as being within a respective processor, it is contemplated that these units may be implemented such that a portion of the unit is stored in a corresponding memory within the processing circuitry. In other words, the units may be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software within the processing circuitry.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment of a network node <NUM>, which implements the method of selectively muting a downlink and/or uplink transmission described earlier. The network node, <NUM>, comprises an interface <NUM>, one or more processors <NUM>, and a memory, <NUM>. The memory, <NUM>, contains instructions executable by at least one of the processors <NUM>, such that the network node, <NUM>, is operative to carry out the operations of one or more of the methods described herein.

The network node, <NUM>, may include processing circuitry (which may include one or more processors <NUM>), coupled to one or more interfaces <NUM> and to the memory <NUM>. By way of example, the interface(s) <NUM>, the processor(s) <NUM>, and the memory <NUM> may be connected in series as illustrated in <FIG>. Alternatively, these components may be coupled to an internal bus system of the network node, <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system, such as, for example, the communication system of <FIG> and <FIG>, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system may include a host computer <NUM>, a network node <NUM> and a WD <NUM>, which may be those described with reference to <FIG>. In a first step of the method, the host computer <NUM> provides user data (Block S100). In an optional substep of the first step, the host computer <NUM> provides the user data by executing a host application, such as, for example, the host application <NUM> (Block S102). In a second step, the host computer <NUM> initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the WD <NUM> (Block S104). In an optional third step, the network node <NUM> transmits to the WD <NUM> the user data which was carried in the transmission that the host computer <NUM> initiated, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure (Block S106). In an optional fourth step, the WD <NUM> executes a client application, such as, for example, the client application <NUM>, associated with the host application <NUM> executed by the host computer <NUM> (Block S108).

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system, such as, for example, the communication system of <FIG>, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system may include a host computer <NUM>, a network node <NUM> and a WD <NUM>, which may be those described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In a first step of the method, the host computer <NUM> provides user data (Block S110). In an optional substep (not shown) the host computer <NUM> provides the user data by executing a host application, such as, for example, the host application <NUM>. In a second step, the host computer <NUM> initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the WD <NUM> (Block S112). In an optional third step, the WD <NUM> receives the user data carried in the transmission (Block S114).

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system, such as, for example, the communication system of <FIG>, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system may include a host computer <NUM>, a network node <NUM> and a WD <NUM>, which may be those described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In an optional first step of the method, the WD <NUM> receives input data provided by the host computer <NUM> (Block S116). In an optional substep of the first step, the WD <NUM> executes the client application <NUM>, which provides the user data in reaction to the received input data provided by the host computer <NUM> (Block S118). Additionally or alternatively, in an optional second step, the WD <NUM> provides user data (Block S120). In an optional substep of the second step, the WD provides the user data by executing a client application, such as, for example, client application <NUM> (Block S122). In providing the user data, the executed client application <NUM> may further consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner in which the user data was provided, the WD <NUM> may initiate, in an optional third substep, transmission of the user data to the host computer <NUM> (Block S124). In a fourth step of the method, the host computer <NUM> receives the user data transmitted from the WD <NUM>, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure (Block S126).

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system, such as, for example, the communication system of <FIG>, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system may include a host computer <NUM>, a network node <NUM> and a WD <NUM>, which may be those described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In an optional first step of the method, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the network node <NUM> receives user data from the WD <NUM> (Block S128). In an optional second step, the network node <NUM> initiates transmission of the received user data to the host computer <NUM> (Block S130). In a third step, the host computer <NUM> receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the network node <NUM> (Block S132).

<FIG> is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a network node <NUM> for coexistence of a public network and a non-public network. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of network node <NUM> such as by one or more of processing circuitry <NUM> (including the muting unit <NUM>), processor <NUM>, radio interface <NUM> and/or communication interface <NUM>. Network node <NUM>, such as via processing circuitry <NUM> and/or processor <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM> and/or communication interface <NUM>, is configured to selectively mute a downlink transmission to the PN based at least in part on whether the downlink transmission interferes with an NPN uplink transmission (Block S134).

<FIG> is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a network node <NUM> for mitigation of interference in a public network integrated - non-public network (PNI-NPN). In this embodiment, network node <NUM> such as by one or more of processing circuitry <NUM> (including the muting unit <NUM>), processor <NUM>, radio interface <NUM> and/or communication interface <NUM> is configured to selectively mute NPN and/or PN downlink and/or uplink transmissions (Block S136).

<FIG> is a flowchart of another process for mitigating interference between a PN and an NPN according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the process may be performed by one or more elements of network node <NUM> such as by one or more of processing circuitry <NUM> (including the muting unit <NUM>), processor <NUM>, radio interface <NUM> and/or communication interface <NUM>. The process includes deploying PN small cells in close proximity to the NPN, the PN small cells being deployed to substantially match the coverage area of at least one NPN cell (Block S138), and/or deploying the at least one NPN cell at a border of the NPN (Block S140). The process further includes selectively muting slots in at least one of the PN small cells (Block S142).

<FIG> is a flowchart of another process for mitigating interference between a PN and an NPN according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the process may be performed by one or more elements of network node <NUM> such as by one or more of processing circuitry <NUM> (including the muting unit <NUM>), processor <NUM>, radio interface <NUM> and/or communication interface <NUM>. The process includes deploying PN small cells in close proximity to the NPN, the PN small cells being deployed to match coverage area of at least one NPN cell (Block S <NUM>), and/or deploying the at least one NPN cell at a border of the NPN (Block S146). The process further includes selectively muting slots in the at least one NPN cell (Block S148).

<FIG> is a flowchart of another process for mitigating interference between PN and NPN according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the process may be performed by one or more elements of network node <NUM> such as by one or more of processing circuitry <NUM> (including the muting unit <NUM>), processor <NUM>, radio interface <NUM> and/or communication interface <NUM>. The process includes configuring a first network node to mute slots that are in conflict with slots used by a second network node (Block S <NUM>) and configuring the second network node to use the muted slots (Block S152).

<FIG> is a flowchart of an example process for use in a PN configured to be operable in a presence of an NPN. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of network node <NUM> such as by one or more of processing circuitry <NUM> (including the muting unit <NUM>), processor <NUM>, radio interface <NUM> and/or communication interface <NUM>. Network node <NUM>, such as via processing circuitry <NUM> and/or processor <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM> and/or communication interface <NUM>, is configured to perform at least one of: selectively muting downlink transmissions to the PN when the downlink transmissions would interfere with an uplink transmission of the NPN if the downlink transmissions were not muted (Block S154); and selectively muting uplink transmissions of the NPN when the uplink transmissions would interfere with a downlink transmission of the PN (Block S156).

<FIG> is a flowchart of an example process for use in an NPN configured to be operable in a presence of a PN. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of network node <NUM> such as by one or more of processing circuitry <NUM> (including the muting unit <NUM>), processor <NUM>, radio interface <NUM> and/or communication interface <NUM>. Network node <NUM>, such as via processing circuitry <NUM> and/or processor <NUM> and/or radio interface <NUM> and/or communication interface <NUM>, is configured to mute uplink transmissions to the network node when the uplink transmissions would interfere with a downlink transmission of the PN if the uplink transmissions were not muted (Block S158).

Having described the general process flow of arrangements of the disclosure and having provided examples of hardware and software arrangements for implementing the processes and functions of the disclosure, the sections below provide details and examples of arrangements for coexistence of a public network and a non-public network.

To help improve the coexistence between a Macro Public Network (PN) and the Non-Public Network (NPN) operating in the same shared band or in adjacent bands, a method of muting the PN DL slots that are in conflict with the NPN UL slots is provided.

<FIG> illustrates a deployment scenario where a PN network, served by gNB1 (i.e., network node <NUM>) and gNB2, has overlapping coverage with the NPN deployed in a factory, served by gNB1.

In some embodiments, it may be assumed that the PN and NPN networks are time synchronized and are using the same sub-carrier spacing (SCS), but they are using different TDD configurations (different UL-DL pattern).

For example, when the PN is using TDD configuration <NUM> (<NUM>:<NUM>) that is favorable for MBB deployments scenarios, while the NPN is using a TDD configuration <NUM> (<NUM>:<NUM>) that is favorable to URLLC deployments, there may be slots/subframes that are in conflict, as depicted in <FIG>.

Embodiment <NUM>: Mute PN DL slots/sub-frames that are in conflict with NPN UL slots/sub-frames.

In some embodiments, the network node <NUM> of the PN such as by one or more of processing circuitry <NUM> (including the muting unit <NUM>), processor <NUM>, radio interface <NUM> and/or communication interface <NUM> determines the cells/sectors that are overlapping with the NPN deployment, and mutes the slot that is in conflict for those particular cells and/or sectors, as illustrated, for example, in <FIG>. The network node <NUM> may <NUM> such as by one or more of processing circuitry <NUM> (including the muting unit <NUM>), processor <NUM>, radio interface <NUM> and/or communication interface <NUM> infer cells/sectors that are overlapping with the NPN deployment by WDs <NUM> reporting that they are within the coverage area of the closed subscriber group of the NPN. Moreover, WDs <NUM> served by the network node <NUM> may such as via radio interface <NUM> report poor channel quality indicators (CQI) due to strong adjacent channel interference (ACI) from the NPN UL transmissions that collide with the PN DL slots. The PN network may suffer a <NUM>% DL performance degradation for those cells, but the coexistence with the NPN is improved, and the NPN may be able to fulfil the low-latency requirements. Note that the determining of overlap may be performed by a network element other than the network node <NUM>. Or one or more different network elements may provide information to the network node <NUM> from which the overlap may be determined by network node <NUM>. Thus, in some embodiments, the only PN downlink resources on cells that are muted by the network node <NUM> are those that may potentially interfere with the NPN network.

Embodiment <NUM>: Mute NPN UL slots/sub-frames that are in conflict with PN DL slots/sub-frames.

Some embodiments include muting the UL slots/sub-frames of the NPN that are in conflict with the DL slots/sub-frames of the PN. This muting may be instead of or contemporaneous with the muting of PN DL slots/sub-frames as described above for Embodiment <NUM>. In some embodiments, the NPN may also, or in the alternative, mute DL slots/sub-frames while the PN mutes UL slots/sub-frames.

In some embodiments, if the NPN network is a PNI-NPN, then the PN operator may be aware of the PN cells that are overlapping with NPN cells. For example, <FIG> illustrates that the PN cell served, for example, by a network node <NUM> such as a gNB, overlaps with the NPN cell served by the network node <NUM>, e.g., gNB, and can configure slot muting for the impacted PN cells.

In case of a PNI-NPN, the slot muting of the network node <NUM> of the PN could also be part of the network node <NUM> scheduler, providing increased flexibility as to when muting is used or not.

In cases where the NPN is an SNPN, there may be a collaboration between the PN and NPN operators to determine the PN cells where the slot muting may be required.

In cases of SNPN and separate network deployments, the muting of PN slots by the network node <NUM> may be configurable.

Embodiment <NUM>: coexistence of an NR NPN with LTE.

In another embodiment, the networks deployed may need to be coordinated with existing 3GPP LTE services, either due to the legacy network or service capabilities. In such a scenario, a <NUM> TDD configuration that facilitates co-existence with LTE Configuration <NUM> is depicted in <FIG>.

In such a scenario, the public network nodes <NUM> may be configured according to the configuration of <FIG> and/or <FIG> where <FIG> illustrates a NR PN co-existence with NR URLLC NPN, and an NPN network may need to co-exist with these configurations. For example, <FIG> depicts an example NR configuration compatible with the LTE configuration <NUM> for the PN, as well as a the URLLC (<NUM>: <NUM> Ratio) configuration in NR for the NPN. In order to protect the URLLC service of the NPN, conflicting slots that would be subject to muting are shaded in <FIG>. The special slots in the NPN may be used with mostly UL symbols, so that all special slots potentially conflict with the PN. Hence, the slots to be blanked may be selected based on the network to protect.

Embodiment <NUM>: Restrict the slot/sub-frame muting only to PN beams that are interfering or overlapping with NPN cells.

If the network node <NUM> of the PN network employs an active antenna system (AAS), muting the DL slot may be restricted only to beams that potentially interfere or that are subject to interference with the NPN network. A feature of this embodiment is that when a macro PN network node <NUM> employs an advanced antenna system (AAS), the selected beams of the macro PN network node <NUM> are unlikely to point towards the NPN coverage area; hence reducing mutual interference between NPN and macro PN.

Embodiment <NUM>: Deploy PN small cells that match the coverage of the NPN network and selectively mute slots in a PN small cell.

In this embodiment, small cells of the PN network are placed in close physical vicinity to the NPN. These PN small cells may be placed such they match or substantially match (or overlap) a coverage area of the NPN. The small cells may be configured to serve the PN WDs <NUM> that are potential victims to the uplink transmissions of the NPN WDs <NUM>. By selectively muting the downlink slot of the PN small cells, interference scenarios (<NUM>) and (<NUM>) in <FIG> are avoided. At the same time, restrictions due to blocked transmission opportunities by muting, via the network node <NUM>, may be substantially reduced to WDs <NUM> within the coverage area of the NPN. This allows the macro cells of the PN to operate without any restrictions on slot muting.

Embodiment <NUM>: Through muting of selected slots in the NPN network, e.g., if the NPN is deployed outdoors, the PN service can be protected from interference.

This embodiments allows the Macro Public Network (PN) node <NUM> to use the same band at an adjacent frequency as the Non-Public Network (NPN), while allowing the NPN to use a different TDD Configuration (i.e., different UL-DL pattern) that may allow those NPN network nodes deployed indoors to meet strict latency requirements of URLLC. Note that NPN network nodes deployed indoors may have the outer walls to insulate from PN to NPN interference. Hence, indoor deployments may be more robust towards DL interference from the PN towards the NPN. With such an embodiment, basic services may be possible for outdoor NPN deployments, while URLLC would be enabled for indoor NPN deployments.

Embodiment <NUM>: Deploy border NPN cells to limit NPN performance impact due to UL slots/sub-fame muting.

At selected locations near the border of the NPN network, some small cells of the NPN network may be deployed. By muting the uplink slots that may collide with downlink slots of the PN, UL to DL interference from NPN to PN, as well as DL to UL interference from PN to NPN is further reduced.

According to claim <NUM>, that is the first aspect of the claimed invention, a network node <NUM> for use in a public network, PN, configured to be operable in a presence of a non-public network, NPN, is provided. The network node <NUM> includes processing circuitry <NUM> configured to perform at least one of the following: selectively muting downlink transmissions to the PN when the downlink transmissions would interfere with an uplink transmission of the NPN if the downlink transmissions were not muted; and selectively muting uplink transmissions of the NPN when the uplink transmissions would interfere with a downlink transmission of the PN.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, selective muting is during time slots when the downlink transmission would interfere with an uplink transmission. In some embodiments, the downlink muting is restricted to beams of the downlink transmissions that would interfere with the uplink transmission of the NPN. In some embodiments, the downlink muting is restricted to downlink transmissions to wireless devices, WDs, <NUM> in communication with the PN that are within a coverage area of the NPN. In some embodiments, the network node <NUM> is positioned within the coverage area of the NPN. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry <NUM> is further configured to determine coverage areas of the network node <NUM> that overlap a coverage area of the NPN and to restrict the muting to the overlapping coverage areas. In some embodiments, determining coverage areas of the network node <NUM> that overlap a coverage area of the NPN is based at least in part on reporting by wireless devices, WDs, within the coverage area of the NPN. In this aspect according to claim <NUM>, the selective muting is based at least in part on detected interference between the PN and the NPN. Further, in this aspect according to claim <NUM>, the selective muting is based at least in part on whether the PN uses a time division duplex, TDD, configuration that is different than a TDD configuration of the NPN.

According to independent claim <NUM>, that is the second aspect of the claimed invention, a method performed by a network node <NUM> for use in a public network, PN, configured to be operable in a presence of a non-public network, NPN, is provided. The method includes performing at least one of the following: selectively muting downlink transmissions to the PN when the downlink transmissions would interfere with an uplink transmission of the NPN if the downlink transmissions were not muted; and selectively muting uplink transmissions of the NPN when the uplink transmissions would interfere with a downlink transmission of the PN.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, selective muting is during time slots when the downlink transmission would interfere with an uplink transmission. In some embodiments, downlink muting is restricted to beams of the downlink transmissions that would interfere with the uplink transmission of the NPN. In some embodiments, the downlink muting is restricted to downlink transmissions to wireless devices, WDs, in communication with the PN that are within a coverage area of the NPN. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining coverage areas of the network node <NUM> that overlap a coverage area of the NPN and restricting the muting to the overlapping coverage areas. In some embodiments, determining coverage areas of the network node <NUM> that overlap a coverage area of the NPN is based at least in part on reporting by wireless devices, WDs, within the coverage area of the NPN. In this aspect according to independent claim <NUM>, the selective muting is based at least in part on detected interference between the PN and the NPN. Further, in this aspect according to independent claim <NUM>, the selective muting is based at least in part on whether the PN uses a time division duplex, TDD, configuration that is different than a TDD configuration of the NPN.

According to independent claim <NUM>, that is the third aspect of the claimed invention, a network node <NUM> for use in a non-public network, NPN, configured to be operable in a presence of a public network, PN, is provided. The network node <NUM> includes processing circuitry <NUM> configured to selectively mute uplink transmissions to the network node <NUM> when the uplink transmissions would interfere with a downlink transmission of the PN if the uplink transmissions were not muted.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the selective muting is during time slots when the uplink transmission would interfere with a downlink transmission. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry <NUM> is further configured to mute downlink transmissions while the PN is muting uplink transmissions. In some embodiments, the network node <NUM> is placed at a border of the NPN.

According to independent claim <NUM>, that is the fourth aspect of the claimed invention, a method performed by a network node <NUM> for use in a non-public network, NPN, configured to be operable in a presence of a public network, PN, is provided. The method includes selectively muting uplink transmissions to the NPN when the uplink transmissions would interfere with a downlink transmission of the PN if the uplink transmissions were not muted.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes muting downlink transmissions while the PN is muting uplink transmissions. In some embodiments, the network node <NUM> is placed at a border of the NPN.

According to yet another aspect, not claimed, a method for mitigating interference between a public network (PN) and a non-public network (NPN), is provided. The method includes deploying PN small cells in close proximity to the NPN, the PN small cells deployed to match a coverage area of at least one NPN cell. The method includes deploying the at least one NPN cell at a border of the NPN, and selectively muting transmissions in at least one of the PN small cells.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the muting is of downlink transmissions when the NPN has stricter latency requirements than the PN. In some embodiments, the method also includes selectively muting uplink transmissions when downlink traffic of the PN is greater than the downlink traffic of the NPN.

According to yet another aspect, not claimed, a network node <NUM> of a public network (PN), the network node <NUM> configured to communicate with a wireless device (WD <NUM>) served by a non-public network (NPN) is provided. The network node <NUM> includes processing circuitry <NUM> configured to selectively mute a downlink transmission to the PN based at least in part on whether the downlink transmission interferes with an NPN uplink transmission.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the selectively muting, via the processing circuitry <NUM>, is based at least in part on whether interference between the PN and the NPN is detected. In some embodiments, the selective muting is based at least in part on whether a beam transmitted by the network node <NUM> interferes with or is interfered with by a transmission of the NPN. In some embodiments, this interference may otherwise occur only in certain slots of the transmitted beam. In some embodiments, the selective muting is based at least in part on whether the NPN uses a time division duplex (TDD) configuration that is different than a TDD configuration used by the PN. In some embodiments, the selective muting is on a per cell basis in the PN.

According to yet another aspect, not claimed, a method includes selectively muting, via the muting unit <NUM> of the processing circuitry <NUM>, a downlink transmission to the NPN based at least in part on whether the downlink transmission interferes with an NPN uplink transmission.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the selective muting is based at least in part on whether interference between the PN and the NPN is detected. In some embodiments, the selective muting is based at least in part on whether a beam of the network node <NUM> interferes with or is interfered with by a transmission of the NPN. In some embodiments, the selective muting is based at least in part on whether the NPN uses a time division duplex (TDD) configuration that is different than a TDD configuration used by the PN. In some embodiments, this interference may otherwise occur only in certain slots of the transmitted beam.

According to yet another aspect, not claimed, a method includes deploying PN small cells in close proximity to the NPN, the PN small cells deployed to substantially match a coverage area of at least one NPN cell, deploying the at least one NPN cell at a border of the NPN and selectively muting slots in at least one of the PN small cells. In some embodiments, the selective muting includes muting uplink slots and downlink slots.

According to yet another aspect, not claimed, a method for mitigating interference between a public network (PN) and a non-public network (NPN) is provided. The method includes deploying PN small cells in close proximity to the NPN, the PN small cells deployed to match a coverage area of at least one NPN cell. The method further includes deploying the at least one NPN cell at a border of the NPN. The method also includes selectively muting slots in the at least one NPN cell. In some embodiments, the selective muting includes muting uplink slots and downlink slots.

According to yet another aspect, not claimed, a first network node <NUM> is configured to mitigate adjacent channel interference. The first network node16 is configured to mute slots that are in conflict with slots used by a second network node <NUM> configured to use the muted slots. In some embodiments, the first network node <NUM> is selected based at least in part on having lower latency requirements than the second network node <NUM>.

According to yet another aspect, not claimed, a method for mitigating adjacent channel interference between two network deployments that use different time division duplex (TDD) configurations is provided. The includes configuring a first network node <NUM> to mute slots that are in conflict with slots used by a second network node <NUM>, and configuring the second network node <NUM> to use the muted slots. In some embodiments, the first network node <NUM> is in a first network having lower latency requirements than a second network that includes the second network node <NUM>.

According to yet another aspect, not claimed, a network node <NUM> of a non-public network (NPN) is provided. The network node <NUM> includes a radio interface <NUM> and/or processing circuitry <NUM> configured to selectively mute an uplink transmission from the NPN based at least in part on whether the uplink transmission interferes with a PN downlink transmission. In some embodiments, the network node <NUM> is in a public network integrated-non-public network (PNI-NPN). In some embodiments, the network node <NUM> is in a standalone non public network (SNPN).

According to yet another aspect, not claimed, a method implemented in a network node <NUM> of a non-public network (NPN) is provided. The method includes selectively muting an uplink transmission from the NPN based at least in part on whether the uplink transmission interferes with a PN downlink transmission. In some embodiments, the network node <NUM> is in a public network integrated-non-public network (PNI-NPN). In some embodiments, the network node <NUM> is in a standalone nonpublic network (SNPN).

Claim 1:
A network node (<NUM>) for use in a public network, PN, configured to be operable in a presence of a non-public network, NPN, the network node (<NUM>) comprising processing circuitry (<NUM>) configured to perform at least one of the following:
selectively muting (S154) downlink transmissions to the PN when the downlink transmissions would interfere with an uplink transmission of the NPN if the downlink transmissions were not muted; and
selectively muting (S156) uplink transmissions of the NPN when the uplink transmissions would interfere with a downlink transmission of the PN,
wherein the selective muting is based at least in part on detected interference between the PN and the NPN and whether the PN uses a time division duplex, TDD, configuration that is different than a TDD configuration of the NPN.