Patent Description:
Generally, the Fifth Generation (<NUM>) New Radio (NR) supports the Sidelink (SL) resource allocation and control.

For example, the <NUM> New Radio Vehicle-to-Everything (NR V2X) communications (starting from 3GPP Release <NUM>) the following are stated:.

Moreover, the NR V2X SL resource allocation are described. For instance, several new resource allocation modes for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications are introduced, as follows:.

Resource allocation Mode <NUM> and Mode <NUM> can be configured at the same time for the UE.

For NR V2X SL Mode <NUM> the following techniques are supported:.

For Mode 2a: sensing and resource selection in a semi-persistent manner.

For Mode 2c: single or multiple SL transmission patterns on each SL resource pool, (pre-)configured by gNB.

For Mode 2d: gNB provides individual resource pool configurations and/or individual resource configurations to each group member UE (M-UE) through another UE (S-UE).

Detailed Mode 2d agreement: in the context of group-based SL communication, it is supported for UE-A to inform its serving gNB about members UE-B, UE-C, and so on of a group, and for the gNB to provide individual resource pool configurations and/or individual resource configurations to each group member through UE-A. UE-A cannot modify the configurations, and there is no direct connection required between any member UE and the gNB. Higher-layer only signalling is used to provide the configurations. Such functionality is up to UE capability (ies).

The interruption of vehicle-to-everything sidelink (V2X SL) may be, for example, the vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) transmissions and receptions, due to intermittent or limited coverage and/or control on the SL resources utilized by the vehicular network entities. Some examples include:.

The V2V communications including the control of communication resources (e.g., resource configuration or allocation) among the network entities is supported by the 3GPP standard LTE-A Releases <NUM> and <NUM>, as well as the upcoming standard NR (New Radio) Release <NUM>.

Moreover, in terms of resource allocation for V2V communications, two modes of operation are defined in general. Using the Rel. <NUM> terminology, the two modes are called: Mode <NUM> where the resources are allocated by the network, i.e., BS, and Mode <NUM>, where the UEs allocates the resources themselves autonomously. Accordingly, Mode <NUM> is suitable for V2V communications without any network coverage.

Furthermore, during the study phase of NR V2X by 3GPP, several sub-modes for Mode <NUM> were introduced. Among them, Mode 2d is defined to be the mode where the BS provides the resources to a group of UEs, through another UE.

In addition, interruption of the RRC connection on the Uu link (between UE and BS) are handled by the UEs operating Mode <NUM> or <NUM> as follows, according to the standard specifications:.

However, the specified conventional method have the disadvantage that the different availability of resources for different modes as well as the random selection of resources could easily and negatively impact the SL communications, e.g., in terms of reliability and latency.

Moreover, the interruption of the RRC connection on the PC5 link (between UEs) under Mode 2d is not yet addressed in the standard specifications. The potential disadvantages are:.

All of these disadvantages would lead to a problem worse than that of Mode <NUM> or Mode <NUM> operation.

"<NPL>, discloses at least two sidelink (SL) resource allocation modes, and how NR and LTE Uu interfaces are used to control/configure SL resource allocation. <NPL>, discloses sidelink resource allocation in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication.

<CIT> discloses a method for allocating radio resources to a transmitting terminal for performing direct communication transmission over a direct link connection.

<CIT> discloses a wireless transmit receive unit (WTRU) that may switch from a first scheduling mode for device-to-device communication to a second scheduling mode for device-to-device communication in response to detecting that a radio link failure timer is running or has been started.

<NPL>, discloses resource allocation mechanisms.

In view of the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages, embodiments of the present invention aim to improve the conventional devices and methods. An objective is to provide a network entity and a UE that are less sensitive to interruptions of a communication link, in particular regarding sidelink transmissions. In particular, the network entity and UE should support utilization of resources and/or resource configuration for sidelink transmission even in case of an interruption of a communication over one or more links.

The objective of the present invention is achieved by the embodiments provided in the enclosed independent claims. Advantageous implementations of the embodiments are further defined in the dependent claims. In the following, parts of the description and drawings referring to embodiments not covered by the claims, are not part of the invention, but are illustrative examples necessary for understanding the invention.

In particular, embodiments of the invention propose a network entity and an UE that are able to continue transmitting/receiving on the SL, irrespective of any interruption of coverage and/or interruption of control in terms of radio resources, either by using their already existing SL communication resource and/or resource configuration, or by using a new SL communication resource and/or resource configuration, at least until a first threshold condition is met, for example, irrespective of the resource-allocation mode(s) they operate (e.g., Mode <NUM>, Mode <NUM>, Mode 2d, simultaneous modes, mode switching periods, etc.).

The main advantages of the embodiments of the invention can be summarized as follows:.

A first aspect of the invention provides a network entity comprising a processor configured to determine a first threshold indicating the end of utilization, by one or more User Equipments, UEs, of one or more sidelink resources and/or sidelink resource configuration, for performing sidelink transmission, based on a probability value of a link interruption, wherein the network entity is configured to send the first threshold and the one or more sidelink resources and/or the sidelink resource configuration to the one or more UEs.

The network entity may be, for example, a BS, eNB (Evolved Node B), gNB (Next Generation Node B), RSU (Road Side Unit), UE, etc. In particular, the network entity (hereinafter also referred to as the BS) may determine the first threshold and provide it along with the resources and/or resource configuration.

The resources /configurations may be, e.g., pool, TFRP, etc., and may further be associated with an interruption, etc..

In some embodiments, the first threshold and the one or more sidelink resources and/or the sidelink resource configuration may be provided for an interruption of a communication over a link, such as intermittent coverage and control under PC5 and/or Uu RRC connection interruption.

The first threshold indicates the end of utilization. The end of utilization may be a time information, a distance information, a location information, etc..

In an implementation form of the first aspect, wherein the processor is further configured to determine a second threshold indicating the start of utilization, by the one or more UEs, of the one or more sidelink resources and/or the sidelink resource configuration for performing sidelink transmission, wherein the network entity is further configured to send the second threshold to the one or more UEs.

The second threshold may indicate the start of utilization. The start of utilization may be a time information, a distance information, a location information, etc. In some embodiments, the second threshold may be determined for an expected interruption of a communication over a link e.g., OOC.

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the second threshold is indicative of an expected link interruption.

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the first threshold and/or the second threshold further based on one or more of:.

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, a link interruption includes one or more of:.

In particular, the determined UE may be, for example, a scheduling UE (S-UE). The one or more UEs may be member UEs (M-UEs).

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the one or more sidelink resources and/or the sidelink resource configuration comprises at least one of:.

A second aspect of the invention provides a UE configured to determine one or more sidelink resources and/or sidelink resource configuration for one or more UEs for performing sidelink transmission; determine a first threshold indicating the end of utilization, by the one or more UEs, of the one or more sidelink resources and/or a sidelink resource configuration for sidelink transmission, based on a probability value of a link interruption; send, the one or more sidelink resources and/or the sidelink resource configuration to the one or more UEs, to be used in case of a link interruption; and send the first threshold to the one or more UEs and/or a network entity.

The UE may be an S-UE. In some embodiments, the S-UE may be at the same time an M-UE.

In some embodiments, the UE (e.g., the S-UE) may obtain the one or more sidelink resources and/or the sidelink resource configuration from the network entity, and may further forward them to the one or more UEs.

In some embodiments, a determined UE (e.g., an M-UE) may obtain the one or more sidelink resources and/or the sidelink resource configuration from another UE (e.g., an S-UE), and may further forward them to the one or more UEs.

In some embodiments, the one or more sidelink resources and/or the sidelink resource configuration may be provided for an interruption of a communication, under the PC5 and/or Uu the RRC connection interruption.

In an implementation form of the second aspect, a link interruption includes one or more of:.

In some embodiments, the first threshold that is determined by the UE (e.g., S-UE) may be different from the first threshold that is determined by the network entity.

In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the UE is further configured to determine a second threshold indicating the start of utilization, by the one or more UEs, of the one or more sidelink resources and/or the sidelink resource configuration for performing sidelink transmission; and send the second threshold to the one or more UEs and/or the network entity.

The second threshold may indicate the start of utilization. The start of utilization may be a time information, a distance information, a location information, etc..

In some embodiments, the second threshold that is determined by the UE (e.g., S-UE) may be different from the second threshold that is determined by the network entity.

In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the second threshold is indicative of a link interruption that is expected.

In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the UE is further configured to determine the first threshold and/or the second threshold further based on one or more of:.

In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the UE is further configured to indicate to the one or more UEs, a link interruption.

In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the one or more sidelink resources and/or the sidelink resource configuration comprises at least one of:.

In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the UE is further configured to obtain from the network entity and/or another UE (e.g., an S-UE), one or more of:.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method for network entity, the method comprising determining a first threshold indicating the end of utilization, by one or more User Equipments, UEs, of one or more sidelink resources and/or sidelink resource configuration, for performing sidelink transmission, based on a probability value of a link interruption; and sending the first threshold and the one or more sidelink resources and/or the sidelink resource configuration to the one or more UEs.

In an implementation form of the fourth aspect, the method further comprises determining a second threshold indicating the start of utilization, by the one or more UEs, of the one or more sidelink resources and/or the sidelink resource configuration for performing sidelink transmission; and sending the second threshold to the one or more UEs.

In a further implementation form of the fourth aspect, the second threshold is indicative of an expected link interruption.

In a further implementation form of the fourth aspect, the method further comprises determining the first threshold and/or the second threshold further based on one or more of:.

In a further implementation form of the fourth aspect, a link interruption includes one or more of:.

In a further implementation form of the fourth aspect, the one or more sidelink resources and/or the sidelink resource configuration comprises at least one of:.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a method for UE, the method comprising determining one or more sidelink resources and/or sidelink resource configuration for one or more UEs for performing sidelink transmission; determining a first threshold indicating the end of utilization, by the one or more UEs, of the one or more sidelink resources and/or a sidelink resource configuration for sidelink transmission, based on a probability value of a link interruption; sending, the one or more sidelink resources and/or the sidelink resource configuration to the one or more UEs, to be used in case of a link interruption, and sending the first threshold to the one or more UEs and/or a network entity.

In an implementation form of the fifth aspect, a link interruption includes one or more of:.

In a further implementation form of the fifth aspect, the method further comprises determining a second threshold indicating the start of utilization, by the one or more UEs, of the one or more sidelink resources and/or the sidelink resource configuration for performing sidelink transmission; and sending the second threshold to the one or more UEs and/or the network entity.

In a further implementation form of the fifth aspect, the second threshold is indicative of a link interruption that is expected.

In a further implementation form of the fifth aspect, the method further comprises determining the first threshold and/or the second threshold further based on one or more of.

In a further implementation form of the fifth aspect, the method further comprises indicating to the one or more UEs, a link interruption.

In a further implementation form of the fifth aspect, the one or more sidelink resources and/or the sidelink resource configuration comprises at least one of:.

In a further implementation form of the fifth aspect, the method further comprises obtaining from the network entity and/or another UE (e.g., an S-UE), one or more of:.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a network entity <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The network entity comprises a processor (not shown in <FIG>).

The processor is configured to determine a first threshold <NUM> indicating the end of utilization T1, by one or more User Equipments, UEs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, of one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM>, for performing sidelink transmission, based on a probability value of a link interruption.

The network entity <NUM> is configured to send the first threshold <NUM> and the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or the sidelink resource configuration <NUM> to the one or more UEs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The network entity <NUM> may comprise a circuitry (not shown in <FIG>) which may comprise hardware and software. The hardware may comprise analog or digital circuitry, or both analog and digital circuitry. In some embodiments, the circuitry comprises one or more processors and a non-volatile memory connected to the one or more processors. The non-volatile memory may carry executable program code which, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the device to perform the operations or methods described herein.

The following embodiment is not encompassed by the wording of the claims but is considered as useful for understanding the invention.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a UE, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The UE <NUM> (it may be S-UE, or S-UE and M-UE at the same time) is configured to determine one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> for one or more UEs <NUM>, <NUM> for performing sidelink transmission.

The UE <NUM> is configured to send, in case of a link interruption, the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or the sidelink resource configuration <NUM> to the one or more UEs <NUM>, <NUM>.

The UE <NUM> may comprise a circuitry (not shown in <FIG>) which may comprise hardware and software. The hardware may comprise analog or digital circuitry, or both analog and digital circuitry. In some embodiments, the circuitry comprises one or more processors and a non-volatile memory connected to the one or more processors. The non-volatile memory may carry executable program code which, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the device to perform the operations or methods described herein.

<FIG> is a schematic view of another UE, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The UE <NUM> (it may be M-UE, or S-UE and M-UE at the same time) is configured to obtain a first threshold <NUM> and/or a second threshold <NUM> and one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM>, for performing sidelink transmission.

The UE <NUM> is configured to utilize, in case of a link interruption, the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or the sidelink resource configuration <NUM> for sidelink transmission, from determining a link interruption or from the start of utilization T0 as indicated by the second threshold <NUM>, until the end of utilization T1 as indicated by the first threshold <NUM>.

In the following, several exemplarily embodiments are presented for performing a sidelink transmission in case of interruption that could potentially occur in the network system, without limiting the present disclosure to these specific conditions.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, the interruptions of the link between UE <NUM> and the BS <NUM> are discussed. Moreover, in <FIG> and <FIG>, the interruptions on the direct link between the UEs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are discussed.

Additionally, <FIG> and <FIG> present exemplarily embodiments, in which the interruption is not expected beforehand (i.e., unexpected interruption). Also, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrates embodiments, in which the interruption is expected beforehand (expected interruption), which may be expected beforehand by any one of the network entity <NUM> and/or the S-UE <NUM> and/or the M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM>.

To illustrate, such diverse conditions may especially arise under a mode where the network entity <NUM> is providing the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> to a group of UEs (e.g., the M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM>), which engage in the SL communications. The one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> may be provided to them (e.g., to the M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM>) via another UE (called the S-UE <NUM>) that is configured to forward it from the BS <NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which is a schematic view of performing a sidelink transmission in case of an interruption of a communication over a link between the network entity <NUM> and the S-UE <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Interruption of the link (e.g., Uu RRC) may occur between the network entity <NUM> (i.e., the BS <NUM>) and the S-UE <NUM> (i.e., the UE that is configured to forward the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> to the M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM> (another set of UEs)).

The precondition may be, for example, that the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> of the M-UE(s) <NUM>, <NUM> are provided to the S-UE <NUM> and/or the M-UE(s) <NUM>, <NUM> by the BS <NUM>. For example, the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> may be provided when the S-UE <NUM> and/or the M-UE(s) <NUM>, <NUM> are/were in the coverage of the BS <NUM>.

The possible solution may be, for example, in the cases of the S-UE <NUM> having a connection interruption to the BS <NUM>, (e.g., on the Uu RRC connection) or going (temporarily) out of coverage (OOC), since the S-UE already received the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM>, from the BS <NUM>, the S-UE <NUM> should still be able to inform the M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM> of the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM>. Moreover, the M-UE(s) <NUM>, <NUM> should still be able to utilize the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM>, at least until the end of utilization as indicated by the first threshold <NUM>. The end of utilization (T1) may be, for example, time, distance, location information, etc..

Moreover, the end of utilization T1 may be determined (e.g., configured and further sent/forwarded) by the BS <NUM> (gNB) to the S-UE <NUM> and/or the M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM>. The end of utilization T1 may also be determined (configured and further sent/forwarded) by any UE, or may be pre-configured.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which is a schematic view of performing a sidelink transmission in case of an expected interruption of a communication over a link between the network entity <NUM> and the S-UE <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

For example, the expected interruption may be the interruption of the link (e.g., Uu RRC) between the BS <NUM> and the S-UE <NUM>, i.e., the UE that is configured to forward the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> to the M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM> (another set of UEs). Moreover, one or more of the network entities and/or the UEs (e.g., BS <NUM> and/or the S-UE <NUM> and/or the M-UE <NUM>, <NUM>) may be aware of the interruption or the OOC condition beforehand. The interruption may be expected, i.e. it may be known in advanced that the interruption may occur, etc..

The precondition may be, for example, the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> of the M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM> are provided to the S-UE <NUM> by the BS <NUM>.

For example, the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> may be provided when the S-UE <NUM> and/or the M-UE(s) <NUM>, <NUM> were in the coverage of the BS <NUM>.

The possible solution may be, for example, that the BS <NUM> also provides the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> (which may be the same or different from those used when the interruption is not known beforehand, i.e., unexpected interruption) to be utilized upon the S-UE <NUM> encountering the expected interruption (e.g., the OOC).

The possible solution may be, for example, in the cases of the S-UE <NUM> having expected an interruption (e.g., the OOC), which may be for example, on the Uu RRC connection, that the S-UE <NUM> may still be able to inform the M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM> by sending the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM>. Moreover, the M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM> may be able to utilize the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration 103at least until the end of utilization (T1, which may be a distance information, a time information, a location information, etc.) as indicated by the first threshold <NUM>.

In addition, the second threshold <NUM> may be determined, which indicates the start of the utilization T0 (which may be the start time, a location information for starting the utilization, a distance information, etc.). The utilization starts with the T0 (indicated by the second threshold <NUM>), instead of the condition of "upon encountering the OOC", and continues until the end of utilization T1 as indicated by the first threshold <NUM>.

Furthermore, both first threshold <NUM> and second threshold (and/or the T0 and/or the T1) may be determined (and further sent/forwarded) by the BS <NUM> (e.g., gNB) to the S-UE <NUM> and/or the M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM>. The first threshold <NUM> and/or the second threshold <NUM> may also be determined (configured and further sent/forwarded) by any UE, or may be pre-configured.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which is a schematic view of performing a sidelink transmission in case of an interruption of a communication over a link between the S-UE <NUM> and the M-UE <NUM>, <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The interruption of the link (e.g., PC5 RRC) may occur between the S-UE <NUM> (i.e., the UE that is configured to forward the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> to the M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM> (another set of UEs)) and one or more of M-UEs.

The precondition may be, for example, that the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> of the M-UE(s) <NUM>, <NUM> are provided by the BS <NUM> (gNB) and/or the S-UE <NUM>, when S-UE <NUM> and the M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM> are connected.

The possible solution may be, for example, in the cases of M-UE <NUM>, <NUM> having interruptions of coverage of S-UE <NUM>, (e.g., on the PC5 RRC connection), that the M-UE <NUM>, <NUM> should still be able to utilize the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> at least until the end of utilization (e.g., a time) T1 as indicated by the first threshold <NUM>.

For example, if the M-UE still has V2V traffic to transmit, it will continue utilizing the resources it was assigned in coverage, during the intermittent coverage.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which is a schematic view of performing a sidelink transmission in case of an expected interruption of a communication over a link between the S-UE and the M-UE, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

For example, the expected interruption may be the interruption of the link (e.g., PC5 RRC) between the UE that is configured to forward one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> (S-UE <NUM>) to another set of UEs (M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM>), and one of these UEs (M-UE <NUM>, <NUM>), where the S-UE <NUM> and/or the BS <NUM> are aware of the interruption or the OOC condition beforehand.

The precondition may be, for example, that the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> of the M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM> are provided (e.g., configured and/or forwarded) by the S-UE <NUM>, when SUE <NUM> and M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM> are connected.

The possible solution may be, for example, that the BS <NUM> and/or S-UE <NUM> also provide the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> to be utilized upon M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM> encountering the interruption/OOC of the link to the S-UE <NUM>.

Moreover, in the cases of M-UE <NUM>, <NUM> having interruptions/OOC, (e.g., on the PC5 RRC connection), the M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM> may be able to utilize the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> at least until the end of utilization (T1, which may be a distance information, a time information, a location information, etc.) as indicated by the first threshold <NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which is a schematic view of a configured grant (e.g., the configured grant is based on a semi-persistent scheduling configuration) by the network entity <NUM>.

The scheme <NUM> and implementation illustrated in <FIG> is exemplarily illustrated for the embodiment of <FIG> in which an expected interruption of a communication over a link between the network entity <NUM> and the S-UE <NUM>.

The precondition is that an interruption on the link between the BS <NUM> and S-UE <NUM> happens, where the BS <NUM> is aware of the interruption beforehand. Moreover, the BS <NUM> configures and provides the first threshold <NUM> and the second threshold <NUM> (e.g., the end of utilization T1 and the start of utilization T0 as timers), and indicates them (for example at <NUM> in scheme <NUM> of <FIG>) in the SL type-<NUM> configured grant configuration which is provided to S-UE <NUM> in coverage to be forwarded to one of the M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM>.

Accordingly, the M-UE <NUM>, <NUM> utilizes this configured grant during the period between T0 and T1 corresponding to the interruption time of the link.

Moreover, the first threshold <NUM> and the second threshold <NUM> may be provided within the 3GPP NR Uu ConfiguredGrantConfig information element, indicated at <NUM> in scheme <NUM> of <FIG>. Note that the NR SL configured grants would have a similar set of parameters, however the final version of related specification is not yet available in the standard in Release <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a method <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention for network entity <NUM>. The method <NUM> may be carried out by the network entity <NUM>, as it described above.

The method <NUM> comprises a step <NUM> of determining a first threshold <NUM> indicating the end of utilization T1, by one or more User Equipments, UEs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, of one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM>, for performing sidelink transmission.

Generally, determining the first threshold <NUM> is based on a probability value of a link interruption.

The method <NUM> further comprises a step <NUM> of sending the first threshold <NUM> and the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or the sidelink resource configuration <NUM> to the one or more UEs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a method <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention for UE <NUM>. The method <NUM> may be carried out by the UE <NUM> (and/or UE <NUM> and/or UE <NUM>), as it described above.

The method <NUM> comprises a step <NUM> of determining one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> for one or more UEs <NUM>, <NUM> for performing sidelink transmission.

The method <NUM> further comprises a step <NUM> of sending, the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or the sidelink resource configuration <NUM> to the one or more UEs <NUM>, <NUM>, to be used in case of a link interruption.

The method <NUM> comprises a step <NUM> of obtaining a first threshold <NUM> and/or a second threshold <NUM> and one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM>, for performing sidelink transmission.

The method <NUM> further comprises a step <NUM> of utilizing, in case of a link interruption, the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or the sidelink resource configuration <NUM> for sidelink transmission, from determining a link interruption or from the start of utilization T0 as indicated by the second threshold <NUM>, until the end of utilization T1 as indicated by the first threshold <NUM>.

The present invention has been described in conjunction with various embodiments as examples as well as implementations. However, other variations can be understood and effected by those persons skilled in the art and practicing the claimed invention, from the studies of the drawings, this disclosure and the independent claims. In the claims as well as in the description the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several entities or items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in the mutual different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used in an advantageous implementation.

The precondition may be, for example, that the one or more sidelink resources <NUM> and/or sidelink resource configuration <NUM> of the M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM> are provided (e.g., configured and/or forwarded) by the S-UE <NUM>, when S-UE <NUM> and M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM> are connected.

The precondition is that an interruption on the link between the BS <NUM> and S-UE <NUM> happens, where the BS <NUM> is aware of the interruption beforehand. Moreover, the BS <NUM> configures and provides the first threshold <NUM> and the second threshold <NUM> (e.g., the end of utilization T1 and the start of utilization T0 as timers), and indicates them (for example at <NUM> in scheme <NUM> of <FIG>) in the SL type-<NUM> configured grant configuration which is provided to S-UE <NUM> in coverage to be forwarded to one of the M-UEs <NUM>, <NUM>. Accordingly, the M-UE <NUM>, <NUM> utilizes this configured grant during the period between T0 and T1 corresponding to the interruption time of the link.

Claim 1:
Network entity (<NUM>) comprising a processor configured to:
determine a first threshold (<NUM>) indicating the end of utilization (T1), by one or more User Equipments, UEs (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), of one or more sidelink resources (<NUM>) and/or sidelink resource configuration (<NUM>), for performing sidelink transmission, based on a probability value of a link interruption,
wherein the network entity is configured to:
send the first threshold (<NUM>) and the one or more sidelink resources (<NUM>) and/or the sidelink resource configuration (<NUM>) to the one or more UEs (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).