Patent Description:
Examples of such multiple-access systems include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems (e.g., a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system). A wireless multiple-access communications system may include a number of base stations, each simultaneously supporting communication for multiple communication devices, which may be otherwise known as user equipment (UE).

<CIT> discloses centralized control sharing of spectrum for coexistence of wireless communication systems in unlicensed bands. In one embodiment information is received from one or more wireless networks indicating a request for a listen before transmit mode or a non-listen before transmit mode. In reply it is determined whether the one or more wireless networks is to utilize the listen before transmit mode or the non-listen in an unlicensed frequency band and the one or more wireless networks are informed of the determined mode. Centralized control of spectrum for coexistence of wireless communication systems in unlicensed bands according to exemplary embodiments of the invention can be performed by an enhanced coexistence manager or a network access node with information obtained from one or more base stations or user equipment.

<CIT> describes techniques for wireless communication. A first method includes performing a clear channel assessment (CCA) for a first node associated with a first operator in a deployment of operators over an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, and transmitting data over the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band when the CCA is successful. The data may be transmitted by the first node in accordance with an agreement between the first operator and a second operator in the deployment of operators. A second method includes receiving over an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, at a user equipment (UE), a first transmission from a first node associated with a first operator in a deployment of operators. The first transmission may include data originating from a second operator in the deployment of operators.

The <NPL> focuses on support of flexible bandwidth and makes several proposals:.

Some wireless systems support narrowband communication configurations such as NB-IoT and eMTC in licensed radio frequency spectrum. However, regulatory restrictions for communication in unlicensed spectrum may impose limitations that impact narrowband communications. This may reduce the efficiency of narrowband communications.

There is still a need for a more efficient way of communication in unlicensed spectrum.

The present invention provides a solution according to the subject matter of the independent claims.

A user equipment (UE) and base station may communicate using narrow band internet of things (NB-IoT) techniques or enhanced machine type communication (eMTC) in unlicensed spectrum. The UE may be an eMTC device or another device capable of communication without user direction. The UE may identify a geographic region and select a communication mode that is consistent with regulatory restrictions in that region. For example, in some cases, the communication mode may be based on using time division duplexing (TDD), using frequency hopping, or performing listen-before-talk (LBT) procedures at the base station. A frame structure for TDD may include LBT subframes, uplink portions, downlink portions, special subframes for switching, or any combination of these. The base station may perform LBT procedures in the LBT subframes. If frequency hopping is enabled, a configurable number of TDD frames may be grouped into a hopping frame block.

A method of wireless communication is described, as defined in claim <NUM>.

An apparatus for wireless communication is described, as defined in claim <NUM>.

A computer program for wireless communication is described, as defined in claim <NUM>.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and computer program described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for receiving a system information broadcast in one of the narrowband regions, wherein the communication mode or geographic operating region may be identified based at least in part on the system information broadcast.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and computer program described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting a system information broadcast in one of the narrowband regions, wherein the system information broadcast identifies the communication mode or geographic operating region.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and computer program described above, the communication mode may be selected based at least in part on a capability or category of the wireless device.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and computer program described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for identifying a number of frequency hopping channels based at least in part on the communication mode, wherein communicating in the one or more narrowband regions of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band may be based at least in part on the number of frequency hopping channels.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and computer program described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for identifying a TDD frame structure based at least in part on the LBT configuration, wherein communicating in the one or more narrowband regions of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band may be based at least in part on the TDD frame structure.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and computer program described above, the LBT configuration comprises an active LBT configuration, and the TDD frame structure includes at least one LBT gap.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and computer program described above, the LBT configuration comprises an inactive LBT configuration, and the TDD frame structure includes a combination of uplink or downlink transmission time intervals (TTIs) and excludes an LBT gap.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and computer program described above, the communication comprises communicating in a first narrowband region of the one or more narrowband regions of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band during a first TDD frame having the TDD frame structure. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and computer program described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for communicating in a second narrowband region of the one or more narrowband regions of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band during a second TDD frame having the TDD frame structure.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and computer program described above, the TDD frame structure comprises a downlink portion and an uplink portion separated by at least one special TTI.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and computer program described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for identifying a DTX configuration based at least in part on the DTX duty cycle. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and computer program described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for entering an idle mode based at least in part on the DTX configuration.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate examples of wireless communications systems that support unlicensed spectrum operation for narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT) and enhanced machine type communication (eMTC) in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

Wireless devices and systems may be configurable to support narrowband communication, such as narrow band internet of things (NB-IoT) communication or enhanced machine type communication (eMTC), in unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands in different jurisdictions. Systems and devices within the systems may account for varying regulatory restrictions for communication in unlicensed spectrum that may impose limitations that impact narrowband communications.

Different regions or countries may impose different or changing restrictions on a duty cycle for discontinuous transmission (DTX), frequency hopping, or listen-before-talk (LBT) procedures. If a device operates using a communication mode designed to comply with one set of restrictions, it may operate inefficiently, or violate different restrictions, if it subsequently moves to another geographic region. Thus, a narrowband user equipment (UE) may select one mode from a number of different communication modes for operating in unlicensed spectrum in different geographic regions.

By way of example, a UE may first identify a geographic region and then select a communication mode that is consistent with regulatory restrictions in that region. In some cases, the communication mode may be based on using time division duplexing (TDD), using frequency hopping, or performing an LBT procedure at the base station. A fixed frame structure for TDD may include LBT subframes, uplink portions, downlink portions, and special subframes for switching. The base station may perform LBT in the LBT subframes. If frequency hopping is enabled, a configurable number of TDD frames may be grouped into a hopping frame block.

Aspects of the disclosure introduced above are described below in the context of a wireless communications system. An example of a TDD frame structure and an example process flow for selection of a narrowband communication mode are then described. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a wireless communications system <NUM> that supports unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system <NUM> includes base stations <NUM>, UEs <NUM>, and a core network <NUM>. In some examples, the wireless communications system <NUM> may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network. The wireless communication system <NUM> may support unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC between UEs <NUM> and base stations <NUM>.

Each base station <NUM> may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area <NUM>. Communication links <NUM> shown in wireless communications system <NUM> may include uplink transmissions from a UE <NUM> to a base station <NUM> or downlink transmissions from a base station <NUM> to a UE <NUM>.

A UE <NUM> may also be referred to as a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communications device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable terminology.

A UE <NUM> may be capable of narrowband communication, and may be a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a personal electronic device, a personal computer, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, a machine type communication (MTC) device, an appliance, an automobile, or the like. Some UEs <NUM> may be wearable devices, such as personal biometric or fitness monitors, location tracking devices, sensors, monitors, or the like.

Time intervals in LTE may be expressed in multiples of a basic time unit (which may be a sampling period of Ts= <NUM>/<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> seconds). Time resources may be organized according to radio frames of length of <NUM> (Tf = 307200Ts), which may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>. Each frame may include ten <NUM> subframes numbered from <NUM> to <NUM>. A subframe may be further divided into two. <NUM> slots, each of which contains <NUM> or <NUM> modulation symbol periods (depending on the length of the cyclic prefix prepended to each symbol). Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol contains <NUM> sample periods. In some cases the subframe may be the smallest scheduling unit, also known as a transmission time interval (TTI). In other cases, a TTI may be shorter than a subframe or may be dynamically selected (e.g., in short TTI bursts or in selected component carriers using short TTIs).

In some cases, wireless system <NUM> may utilize both licensed and unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands. For example, wireless system <NUM> may employ LTE License Assisted Access (LTE-LAA) or LTE Unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology in an unlicensed band, such as the <NUM> Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. When operating in unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands, wireless devices such as base stations <NUM> and UEs <NUM> may employ LBT procedures to ensure the channel is clear before transmitting data. Operations in unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, or both. Duplexing in unlicensed spectrum may be based on frequency division duplexing (FDD), TDD, or a combination of both.

Devices operating in a shared or unlicensed frequency spectrum may perform an LBT procedure such as a clear channel assessment (CCA) prior to communicating in order to determine whether the channel is available. A CCA may include an energy detection procedure of the channel to determine whether there are any other active transmissions on the channel. For example, the device may infer that a change in a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of a power meter indicates that a channel is occupied. Specifically, signal power that is concentrated in a certain bandwidth and exceeds a predetermined noise floor may indicate another wireless transmitter. A CCA may also include detection of specific sequences that indicate use of the channel. For example, another device may transmit a specific preamble prior to transmitting a data sequence.

Some types of wireless devices may provide for automated communication. Automated wireless devices may include those implementing Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication or MTC.

As mentioned, some UEs <NUM> may be MTC devices, such as those designed to collect information or enable automated behavior of machines. An MTC device may operate using half-duplex (one-way) communications at a reduced peak rate. MTC devices may also be configured to enter a power saving deep sleep mode when not engaging in active communications.

An eMTC device may operate using half-duplex (one-way) communications at a reduced peak rate. eMTC devices may also be configured to enter a power saving "deep sleep" mode when not engaging in active communications. An eMTC deployment may provide resource flexibility and may use some channels associated with an LTE/LTE-A system and other channels in an unlicensed spectrum. In some examples, eMTC devices may communicate over a scalable bandwidth (e.g., between one (<NUM>) resource block (RB) and six (<NUM>) RBs), and eMTC devices may have a maximum data rate of one (<NUM>) Mbps. eMTC devices may be power limited and may support features that limit power usage. However, an acquisition procedure for the transition of an eMTC device from an idle mode to a connected mode may be power consuming. Additionally, an eMTC device may be designed for operation in an in-band deployment mode, and physical (PHY) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, and upper layer procedures at the eMTC device may be cumbersome and power consuming when operating in a standalone deployment mode (e.g., in an unlicensed spectrum).

NB-IoT devices may include a subset of low power devices that support a higher maximum coupling loss (MCL) and may include synchronization channels that support power boosting for faster cell acquisition and searching when compared to eMTC devices. These features may allow for increased efficiency for operation of NB-IoT devices in a standalone deployment mode (e.g., in an unlicensed spectrum) when compared to eMTC devices. Additionally, an acquisition procedure for the transition of an NB-IoT device from an idle mode to a connected mode may not be as power consuming as the same procedure for an eMTC device. Accordingly, in some cases, it may be appropriate to support NB-IoT processes for eMTC devices.

Some NB-IoT devices may not support communication over a scalable bandwidth. Instead, NB-IoT devices may communicate using a range of resources between one (<NUM>) subcarrier (or tone) and one (<NUM>) RB with a maximum data rate of <NUM> Kbps for uplink communication. In some cases, this range of resources may not conform to the minimum bandwidth requirement for operation in an unlicensed spectrum. Additionally, this range of resources may not allow a device to transmit within the maximum allowable power for transmission in an unlicensed spectrum. NB-IoT devices and eMTC devices may be regionally configured for licensed spectrum transmission, but the devices may not be regionally configured for unlicensed spectrum. Therefore, wireless communications system <NUM> may introduce unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC communications.

In some cases a UE <NUM>, such as a NB-IoT device may identify a geographic region and select a communication mode that is consistent with regulatory restrictions in that region. For example, in some cases, the communication mode may be based on using TDD, using frequency hopping, or performing an LBT procedure at the base station. A fixed frame structure for TDD may include LBT subframes, uplink portions, downlink portions, and special subframes for switching. A base station <NUM> may perform an LBT procedure in the LBT subframes. If frequency hopping is enabled, a configurable number of TDD frames may be grouped into a hopping frame block.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a wireless communications system <NUM> that supports unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless communications system <NUM> may include UE <NUM>-a and base stations <NUM>-a and <NUM>-b, which may be respective examples of a UE <NUM> and base stations <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG>. UE <NUM>-a may be located within geographic coverage area <NUM>-a for base station <NUM>-a. UE <NUM>-a and base station <NUM>-a may determine a communication mode for communication and communicate (e.g., over communication link <NUM>) using unlicensed spectrum NB-IoT or eMTC based on the communication mode. For example, they may operate in a sub-<NUM> radio frequency or at <NUM> radio frequency. In some cases, narrowband operation in unlicensed spectrum may be constrained by legal regulations that vary by location.

For example, UE <NUM>-a may operate with a configurable duty cycle (that corresponds to local restrictions), and may have a configurable discontinuous transmission (DTX) cycle period based on the duty cycle. Some wireless systems may regulate the duty cycle of UE <NUM>-a. For example, if regulations permit UE <NUM>-a a <NUM>% duty cycle, UE <NUM>-a may operate for a relatively short time, and UE <NUM>-a may be in DTX and barred from transmission for the rest of the time. In some examples, UE <NUM>-a may not perform LBT procedures when operating under a DTX configuration.

Base station <NUM>-a may perform LBT procedures based on regional regulations (e.g., to detect signals sent or received at neighboring base station <NUM>-b). Base station <NUM>-a may perform LBT procedures in LBT designated subframes. The LBT parameters may be configurable based on regional regulations and a frequency band of operation. Base station <NUM>-a may also have a configurable DTX period based on the duty cycle.

UE <NUM>-a and base station <NUM>-a may use a TDD waveform with a fixed frame structure. The fixed TDD frame may be a configurable length. The fixed TDD frame may include LBT subframes, downlink subframes, uplink subframes, and special subframes. The LBT subframes may include LBT gaps and channel reservation signaling from a base station <NUM>. The LBT subframes may provide sufficient time for an LBT procedure before frequency hopping. The fixed frame structure may include a configurable number of LBT subframes. For example, if base station <NUM>-a does not perform LBT procedures, the LBT subframes may be used as downlink subframes. The LBT subframes may be used as uplink subframes if the LBT subframes follow uplink subframes.

The fixed TDD frame may include bursts of uplink and downlink subframes. The ratio of downlink subframes to uplink subframes may be configurable, and the length of the downlink subframe portion may be based on a specified channel occupancy time. The fixed TDD frame may include bursts of uplink and downlink subframes to reduce a number of switches between uplink and downlink, which may reduce switching costs for low cost UEs <NUM>. The fixed TDD frame may include special subframes used for downlink to uplink switching.

Base station <NUM>-a may configure frequency hopping for NB-IoT or eMTC. In some cases, wireless communication regulations may restrict frequency hopping in some frequency bands. A number of hopping channels may be configurable. If hopping is enabled, a configurable number of TDD frames may be grouped into a hopping frame block. Each hopping frame block may be at a static frequency (e.g., UE <NUM>-a or base station <NUM>-a initiates frequency hopping before or after the hopping frame block). The number of frames in the hopping frame block may be based on a maximum dwell time of each hopping channel. A hopping sequence may be known by UE <NUM>-a and base station <NUM>-a.

Table <NUM> details exemplary configurations for NB-IoT communication and eMTC in <NUM> radio frequency based on possible regional regulations.

Table <NUM> details exemplary configurations for NB-IoT communication and eMTC in sub <NUM> radio frequency based on possible regional regulations.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a TDD frame structure <NUM> that supports unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. A TDD frame structure <NUM> may be used for NB-IoT communication between a UE <NUM> and a base station <NUM>. In some examples, a TDD frame may be enabled for frequency hopping.

Frequency hopping may occur within a frequency hopping bandwidth <NUM>. Certain regional regulations may restrict frequency hopping of an allocated bandwidth. A TDD frame <NUM> may have a configurable duration. The TDD frame <NUM> may include a configurable set of subframes. If frequency hopping is enabled, one or more TDD frames <NUM> may be grouped as a hopping frame block <NUM>.

Hopping frame block <NUM>-a may be at a first frequency in the frequency hopping bandwidth <NUM>. A number of TDD frames <NUM> in hopping frame block <NUM>-a may be based on a maximum dwell time of the channel. Hopping frame block <NUM>-a may include a configurable set of subframes (e.g., LBT, downlink, special, and uplink).

Hopping frame block <NUM>-b may be at a second frequency in the frequency hopping bandwidth <NUM>. As depicted, hopping frame block <NUM>-b may include a configurable number of TDD frames <NUM> including a configurable set of subframes.

Hopping frame block <NUM>-b may include downlink/LBT subframes <NUM>. The downlink/LBT subframes <NUM> may include LBT gaps and allow for channel reservation signaling from a base station <NUM>. The downlink/LBT subframes <NUM> may allow for LBT sensing prior to hopping to a new frequency in the frequency hopping bandwidth <NUM>. The number of LBT subframes (e.g., included in the downlink/LBT subframes <NUM> and uplink/downlink/LBT subframes <NUM>) may be configurable based on regional regulations. If a base station does not enable LBT procedures, the downlink/LBT subframes <NUM> may be used as downlink subframes instead.

Downlink subframes <NUM> (e.g., downlink subframes <NUM>-a and downlink subframes <NUM>-b) may include bursts of downlink subframes. The burst of downlink subframes may, for example, facilitate a downlink channel with high repetition and reduced UL/DL switching in the TDD frame <NUM>. Similarly, uplink subframes <NUM> may include bursts of uplink subframes. The burst of uplink subframes may, for example, facilitate an uplink channel with high repetition and reduced UL/DL switching in the TDD frame <NUM>. Within a TDD frame <NUM>, the ratio of downlink subframes <NUM>-a to uplink subframes <NUM> may be configurable. A number of downlink subframes <NUM> included in the TDD frame <NUM> may be based on a channel occupancy duration (e.g., a duration of hopping frame block <NUM>-b).

Special subframes <NUM> may be used for downlink to uplink switching. Uplink/downlink/LBT subframes <NUM> may be similar to downlink/LBT subframes <NUM>. However, an LBT subframe may only be used for uplink communication if the LBT subframe occurs after an uplink portion. The LBT functionalities of the uplink/downlink/LBT subframes <NUM> may be the same as the LBT functionalities of the downlink/LBT subframes <NUM>. The uplink/downlink/LBT subframes <NUM> may be the start of a TDD frame <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a process flow <NUM> that supports unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Process flow <NUM> may include UE <NUM>-b and base station <NUM>-c, which may be respective examples of a UE <NUM> and base station <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-b and base station <NUM>-c may establish narrowband communication on unlicensed spectrum. UE <NUM>-b or base station <NUM>-c may identify one or more narrowband regions of an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band.

At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-b may identify a geographic operating region of communication. In some examples, a communication mode of the communication system may be based on the geographic operating region or a regulatory restriction of the geographic operating region. In some examples, base station <NUM>-c may identify the geographic operating region of communication (e.g., using a global positioning system (GPS)).

At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-b may select a communication mode for unlicensed spectrum NB-IoT communication or eMTC. UE <NUM>-b may select the communication mode from multiple communication modes for communication in the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, where the communication mode includes at least one of a frequency hopping configuration, an LBT configuration, or a DTX duty cycle. The communication mode may be based on a geographic operating region determined at <NUM>. The communication mode may be based on a regulatory restriction of the geographic operating region. In some cases, the communication mode may be selected based on a capability or category of a wireless device (e.g., UE <NUM>-b or base station <NUM>-c). In some cases, base station <NUM>-c may instead select the communication mode for unlicensed spectrum NB-IoT communication or eMTC. For example, UE <NUM>-b may transmit one or more capabilities of UE <NUM>-b (e.g., via radio resource control (RRC) signaling) to base station <NUM>-c, and base station <NUM>-c may select the communication mode based on the capabilities.

At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-b and base station <NUM>-c may communication using NB-IoT communication or eMTC based on the selected communication mode.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a wireless device <NUM> that supports unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG>. Wireless device <NUM> may include receiver <NUM>, narrowband communication manager <NUM>, and transmitter <NUM>. Wireless device <NUM> may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Receiver <NUM> may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information related to unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the transceiver <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. Receiver <NUM> may communicate in one or more narrowband regions of an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band using a selected communication mode. In some cases, the communication includes communicating in a first narrowband region of one or more narrowband regions of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band during a first TDD frame having a certain TDD frame structure, and communicating in a second narrowband region of the one or more narrowband regions of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band during a second TDD frame having the certain TDD frame structure.

Narrowband communication manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the UE narrowband communication manager <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. Narrowband communication manager <NUM> may identify the one or more narrowband regions of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band and select the communication mode from a set of communication modes for communication in the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, where the communication mode includes at least one of a frequency hopping configuration, an LBT configuration, or a DTX duty cycle.

In some cases, the transmitter <NUM> may communicate in the one or more narrowband regions of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band using the selected communication mode.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a wireless device <NUM> that supports unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a wireless device <NUM> or a UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. Wireless device <NUM> may include receiver <NUM>, narrowband communication manager <NUM>, and transmitter <NUM>. Wireless device <NUM> may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Receiver <NUM> may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information related to unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the transceiver <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG>.

Narrowband communication manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the narrowband communication manager <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG>. Narrowband communication manager <NUM> may also include unlicensed spectrum component <NUM> and communication mode component <NUM>. Unlicensed spectrum component <NUM> may identify one or more narrowband regions of an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band.

Communication mode component <NUM> may select a communication mode from a set of communication modes for communication in the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, where the communication mode includes at least one of a frequency hopping configuration, an LBT configuration, or a DTX duty cycle.

In some cases, the communication mode is based on a regulatory restriction of the geographic operating region. In some cases, the communication mode is selected based on a capability or category of a wireless device. In some cases, the LBT configuration includes an active LBT configuration, and the TDD frame structure includes at least one LBT gap, which may be a period of time during which a base station or UE performs a CCA procedure or otherwise confirms that a transmission medium is available. In some cases, the LBT configuration includes an inactive LBT configuration (i.e., LBT procedure is not performed in the inactive LBT configuration), and the TDD frame structure includes a combination of uplink or downlink transmission time intervals (TTIs) and excludes an LBT TTI.

For example, the transmitter <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the transceiver <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a narrowband communication manager <NUM> that supports unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The narrowband communication manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a narrowband communication manager <NUM>, a narrowband communication manager <NUM>, or a narrowband communication manager <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The narrowband communication manager <NUM> may include unlicensed spectrum component <NUM>, communication mode component <NUM>, geographic region component <NUM>, system information component <NUM>, category indication component <NUM>, frequency hopping component <NUM>, frame structure component <NUM>, and DTX component <NUM>. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Unlicensed spectrum component <NUM> may identify one or more narrowband regions of an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band. Communication mode component <NUM> may select a communication mode from a set of communication modes for communication in the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, where the communication mode includes at least one of a frequency hopping configuration, an LBT configuration, or a DTX duty cycle.

Geographic region component <NUM> may determine a geographic operating region for a wireless device, where the communication mode is selected based on the geographic operating region. System information component <NUM> may receive a system information broadcast in the one or more narrowband regions, where the communication mode or geographic operating region is identified based on the system information broadcast, and may transmit a system information broadcast in the one or more narrowband regions, where the system information broadcast identifies the communication mode or geographic operating region.

Category indication component <NUM> may transmit an indication of the capability or category of the wireless device. In some cases, the capability or category of the wireless device includes an NB-IoT or eMTC capability or category.

Frequency hopping component <NUM> may identify a number of frequency hopping channels based on the selected communication mode, where communicating in the one or more narrowband regions of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band is based on the number of frequency hopping channels.

Frame structure component <NUM> may identify a TDD frame structure based on the LBT configuration, where communicating in the one or more narrowband regions of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band is based on the TDD frame structure. In some cases, the TDD frame structure includes a downlink portion and an uplink portion separated by at least one special TTI.

DTX component <NUM> may identify a DTX configuration based on the DTX duty cycle and enter an idle mode based on the DTX configuration.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a system <NUM> including a device <NUM> that supports unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Device <NUM> may be an example of or include the components of wireless device <NUM>, wireless device <NUM>, or a UE <NUM> as described above, e.g., with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Device <NUM> may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including UE narrowband communication manager <NUM>, processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, software <NUM>, transceiver <NUM>, antenna <NUM>, and I/O controller <NUM>. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more busses (e.g., bus <NUM>). Device <NUM> may communicate wirelessly with one or more base stations <NUM> (e.g., base station <NUM>-d).

UE narrowband communication manager <NUM> may be an example of a narrowband communication manager <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, as described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, and may perform some or all of the processes described above.

Processor <NUM> may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, processor <NUM> may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into processor <NUM>. Processor <NUM> may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC).

Software <NUM> may include code to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including code to support unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC. Software <NUM> may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other memory. In some cases, the software <NUM> may not be directly executable by the processor but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

Transceiver <NUM> may communicate bi-directionally, via one or more antennas <NUM>, wired, or wireless links as described above. The transceiver <NUM> may also include a modem to modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets to the antennas <NUM> for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the antennas <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a block diagram of a system <NUM> including a device <NUM> that supports unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Device <NUM> may be an example of or include the components of wireless device <NUM>, wireless device <NUM>, or a base station <NUM> as described above, e.g., with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Device <NUM> may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including base station narrowband communication manager <NUM>, processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, software <NUM>, transceiver <NUM>, antenna <NUM>, network communications manager <NUM>, and base station communications manager <NUM>. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more busses (e.g., bus <NUM>). Device <NUM> may communicate wirelessly with one or more UEs <NUM> (e.g., UE <NUM>-c and UE <NUM>-d).

Base station narrowband communication manager <NUM> may be an example of a narrowband communication manager <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, as described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, and may perform some or all of the processes described above.

Processor <NUM> may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, processor <NUM> may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into processor <NUM>. Processor <NUM> may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC).

Network communications manager <NUM> may manage communications with the core network <NUM>-a (e.g., via one or more wired backhaul links).

Base station communications manager <NUM> may manage communications with other base station <NUM> (e.g., base stations <NUM>-e and <NUM>-f), and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with UEs <NUM> in cooperation with other base stations <NUM>. For example, the base station communications manager <NUM> may coordinate scheduling for transmissions to UEs <NUM> for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, base station communications manager <NUM> may provide an X2 interface within an LTE/LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communication between base stations <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> for unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method <NUM> may be implemented by a UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method <NUM> may be performed by a narrowband communication manager as described with reference to <FIG>. In some examples, a UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may identify one or more narrowband regions of an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by an unlicensed spectrum component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may select a communication mode from a plurality of communication modes for communication in the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, wherein the communication mode comprises at least one of a frequency hopping configuration, an LBT configuration, or a DTX duty cycle. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a communication mode component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may communicate in the one or more narrowband regions of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band using the communication mode. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a receiver or a transmitter as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may determine a geographic operating region for a wireless device, wherein a communication mode is selected based at least in part on the geographic operating region. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a geographic region component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may select the communication mode from a plurality of communication modes for communication in the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, wherein the communication mode comprises at least one of a frequency hopping configuration, an LBT configuration, or a DTX duty cycle. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a communication mode component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may identify a number of frequency hopping channels based at least in part on the selected communication mode, wherein communicating in the one or more narrowband regions of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band is based at least in part on the number of frequency hopping channels. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a frequency hopping component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may identify a TDD frame structure based at least in part on the LBT configuration associated with the selected communication mode, wherein communicating in the one or more narrowband regions of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band is based at least in part on the TDD frame structure. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a frame structure component as described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> for unlicensed spectrum operation for NB-IoT and eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method <NUM> may be implemented by a UE <NUM> or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method <NUM> may be performed by a narrowband communication manager as described with reference to <FIG>. In some examples, a UE <NUM> may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE <NUM> may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> may identify one or more narrowband regions of an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by an unlicensed spectrum component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> may select a communication mode from a plurality of communication modes for communication in the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, wherein the communication mode comprises at least one of a frequency hopping configuration, an LBT configuration, or a DTX duty cycle. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a communication mode component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> may communicate in the one or more narrowband regions of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band using the communication mode. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a receiver or a transmitter as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> may identify a DTX configuration based at least in part on the DTX duty cycle. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a DTX component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> may enter an idle mode based at least in part on the DTX configuration. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a DTX component as described with reference to <FIG>.

Techniques described herein may be used for various wireless communications systems such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), single carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably.

An OFDMA system may implement a radio technology such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) <NUM> (Wi-Fi), IEEE <NUM> (WiMAX), IEEE <NUM>, Flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunications system (UMTS). 3GPP LTE and LTE-A are releases of UMTS that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, and GSM are described in documents from the organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP). While aspects of an LTE system may be described for purposes of example, and LTE terminology may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein are applicable beyond LTE applications.

In LTE/LTE-A networks, including such networks described herein, the term eNB may be generally used to describe the base stations. The wireless communications system or systems described herein may include a heterogeneous LTE/LTE-A network in which different types of eeNBs provide coverage for various geographical regions. For example, each eNB or base station may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a small cell, or other types of cell. The term "cell" may be used to describe a base station, a carrier or component carrier associated with a base station, or a coverage area (e.g., sector, etc.) of a carrier or base station, depending on context.

Base stations may include or may be referred to by those skilled in the art as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, an eNB, a Home eNodeB, or some other suitable terminology. The geographic coverage area for a base station may be divided into sectors making up a portion of the coverage area. The wireless communications system or systems described herein may include base stations of different types (e.g., macro or small cell base stations). The UEs described herein may be able to communicate with various types of base stations and network equipment including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, relay base stations, and the like. There may be overlapping geographic coverage areas for different technologies.

A UE may be able to communicate with various types of base stations and network equipment including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, relay base stations, and the like.

For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields of particles, optical fields of particles, or any combination thereof.

Claim 1:
A method for wireless communication, wherein the method is performed by a user equipment, UE, (<NUM>) adapted to select a communication mode from a plurality of communication modes and wherein the method comprises:
identifying one or more narrowband regions of an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for communication with a wireless device (<NUM>);
determining a geographic operating region for the wireless device (<NUM>);
selecting a communication mode from the plurality of communication modes for communication in the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band based at least in part on a regulatory restriction of the geographic operating region for the wireless device (<NUM>), wherein the selected communication mode comprises at least one of a frequency hopping configuration, a LBT configuration, and a DTX duty cycle; and
communicating with the wireless device (<NUM>) in the one or more narrowband regions of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band using the communication mode.