Patent ID: 12206592

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Wireless communications systems may utilize different scheduling configurations for scheduling communications between the network and user equipments (UEs), including “proportional fair (PF)” and “round robin (RR)” scheduling configurations. For example, using a PF scheduling configuration, a base station may schedule communications at UEs based on an average throughput and an instantaneous achievable data rate for each respective UE. However, conventional wireless communications systems do not support “deadline-aware scheduling” (DAS) configurations which take into account deadline information (e.g., expiration information) of data packets at the UE. In particular, data packets generated by a UE may be associated with packet expiration times, which indicate a duration of time in which each respective data packet is valid and must be sent before the data packet becomes expired and is “dropped.” Without taking packet expiration information at UEs into account, conventional scheduling techniques may result in large quantities of data packets being dropped by the UEs, which may lead to increased latency and wasted communications resources.

Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to techniques which enable UEs to signal packet expiration times (e.g., packet deadline information) to the network. In particular, aspects of the present disclosure support techniques for signaling packet expiration time to the network, which may enable the network to perform DAS. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term “DAS” may be used to refer to configurations and techniques for scheduling wireless communications which take into account packet expiration times (e.g., packet deadline information).

For example, a UE may generate a set of data packets, where each data packet is associated with a packet expiration time. The UE may then transmit expiration information to the base station, where the packet expiration information is calculated based on the packet expiration times (e.g., calculated as a minimum, maximum, median, mean of the packet expiration times). The UE may then receive scheduling information which is determined based on the packet expiration information, and may transmit the data packets in accordance with the scheduling information and the packet expiration times. As such, by enabling UEs to signal packet expiration information to the network, the network may be able to take packet deadline information into account when scheduling communications at the respective UEs, which may reduce dropped packets, decrease latency, and improve resource utilization.

In some cases, the UE may be configured to transmit packet expiration information in response to a request from the base station, periodically within pre-configured transmission occasions, and/or aperiodically based on some trigger condition (e.g., significant change in packet expiration information). The UE may calculate the packet expiration information based on the packet expiration times using a “packet expiry configuration,” which may be pre-configured at the UE, signaled to the UE via radio resource control (RRC) and/or downlink control information (DCI) signaling, or both. Moreover, the network may be configured to calculate a DAS metric for each UE based on packet expiration information received from each UE and other characteristics (e.g., average throughput, instantaneous achievable data rate), and may rank and schedule the UEs based on their corresponding DAS metrics.

Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of wireless communications systems. Additional aspects of the disclosure are described in the context of an example process flow. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described herein with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to techniques for DAS.

FIG.1illustrates an example of a wireless communications system100that supports techniques for DAS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system100may include one or more base stations105, one or more UEs115, and a core network130. In some examples, the wireless communications system100may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, or a New Radio (NR) network. In some examples, the wireless communications system100may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable communications, low latency communications, communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices, or any combination thereof.

The base stations105may be dispersed throughout a geographic area to form the wireless communications system100and may be devices in different forms or having different capabilities. The base stations105and the UEs115may wirelessly communicate via one or more communication links125. Each base station105may provide a geographic coverage area110over which the UEs115and the base station105may establish one or more communication links125. The geographic coverage area110may be an example of a geographic area over which a base station105and a UE115may support the communication of signals according to one or more radio access technologies.

The UEs115may be dispersed throughout a geographic coverage area110of the wireless communications system100, and each UE115may be stationary, or mobile, or both at different times. The UEs115may be devices in different forms or having different capabilities. Some example UEs115are illustrated inFIG.1. The UEs115described herein may be able to communicate with various types of devices, such as other UEs115, the base stations105, or network equipment (e.g., core network nodes, relay devices, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, or other network equipment), as shown inFIG.1.

The base stations105may communicate with the core network130, or with one another, or both. For example, the base stations105may interface with the core network130through one or more backhaul links120(e.g., via an S1, N2, N3, or other interface). The base stations105may communicate with one another over the backhaul links120(e.g., via an X2, Xn, or other interface) either directly (e.g., directly between base stations105), or indirectly (e.g., via core network130), or both. In some examples, the backhaul links120may be or include one or more wireless links.

One or more of the base stations105described herein may include or may be referred to by a person having ordinary skill in the art as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next-generation NodeB or a giga-NodeB (either of which may be referred to as a gNB), a Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or other suitable terminology.

A UE115may include or may be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other suitable terminology, where the “device” may also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, among other examples. A UE115may also include or may be referred to as a personal electronic device such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, a UE115may include or be referred to as a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a machine type communications (MTC) device, among other examples, which may be implemented in various objects such as appliances, or vehicles, meters, among other examples.

The UEs115described herein may be able to communicate with various types of devices, such as other UEs115that may sometimes act as relays as well as the base stations105and the network equipment including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, or relay base stations, among other examples, as shown inFIG.1.

The UEs115and the base stations105may wirelessly communicate with one another via one or more communication links125over one or more carriers. The term “carrier” may refer to a set of radio frequency spectrum resources having a defined physical layer structure for supporting the communication links125. For example, a carrier used for a communication link125may include a portion of a radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., a bandwidth part (BWP)) that is operated according to one or more physical layer channels for a given radio access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). Each physical layer channel may carry acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals, system information), control signaling that coordinates operation for the carrier, user data, or other signaling. The wireless communications system100may support communication with a UE115using carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. A UE115may be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers according to a carrier aggregation configuration. Carrier aggregation may be used with both frequency division duplexing (FDD) and time division duplexing (TDD) component carriers.

In some examples (e.g., in a carrier aggregation configuration), a carrier may also have acquisition signaling or control signaling that coordinates operations for other carriers. A carrier may be associated with a frequency channel (e.g., an evolved universal mobile telecommunication system terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) absolute radio frequency channel number (EARFCN)) and may be positioned according to a channel raster for discovery by the UEs115. A carrier may be operated in a standalone mode where initial acquisition and connection may be conducted by the UEs115via the carrier, or the carrier may be operated in a non-standalone mode where a connection is anchored using a different carrier (e.g., of the same or a different radio access technology).

The communication links125shown in the wireless communications system100may include uplink transmissions from a UE115to a base station105, or downlink transmissions from a base station105to a UE115. Carriers may carry downlink or uplink communications (e.g., in an FDD mode) or may be configured to carry downlink and uplink communications (e.g., in a TDD mode).

A carrier may be associated with a particular bandwidth of the radio frequency spectrum, and in some examples the carrier bandwidth may be referred to as a “system bandwidth” of the carrier or the wireless communications system100. For example, the carrier bandwidth may be one of a number of determined bandwidths for carriers of a particular radio access technology (e.g., 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, or 80 megahertz (MHz)). Devices of the wireless communications system100(e.g., the base stations105, the UEs115, or both) may have hardware configurations that support communications over a particular carrier bandwidth or may be configurable to support communications over one of a set of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, the wireless communications system100may include base stations105or UEs115that support simultaneous communications via carriers associated with multiple carrier bandwidths. In some examples, each served UE115may be configured for operating over portions (e.g., a sub-band, a BWP) or all of a carrier bandwidth.

Signal waveforms transmitted over a carrier may be made up of multiple subcarriers (e.g., using multi-carrier modulation (MCM) techniques such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)). In a system employing MCM techniques, a resource element may consist of one symbol period (e.g., a duration of one modulation symbol) and one subcarrier, where the symbol period and subcarrier spacing are inversely related. The number of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme, the coding rate of the modulation scheme, or both). Thus, the more resource elements that a UE115receives and the higher the order of the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate may be for the UE115. A wireless communications resource may refer to a combination of a radio frequency spectrum resource, a time resource, and a spatial resource (e.g., spatial layers or beams), and the use of multiple spatial layers may further increase the data rate or data integrity for communications with a UE115.

One or more numerologies for a carrier may be supported, where a numerology may include a subcarrier spacing (Δ/f) and a cyclic prefix. A carrier may be divided into one or more BWPs having the same or different numerologies. In some examples, a UE115may be configured with multiple BWPs. In some examples, a single BWP for a carrier may be active at a given time and communications for the UE115may be restricted to one or more active BWPs.

The time intervals for the base stations105or the UEs115may be expressed in multiples of a basic time unit which may, for example, refer to a sampling period of Ts=1/(Δfmax·Nf) seconds, where Δfmaxmay represent the maximum supported subcarrier spacing, and Nfmay represent the maximum supported discrete Fourier transform (DFT) size. Time intervals of a communications resource may be organized according to radio frames each having a specified duration (e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms)). Each radio frame may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) (e.g., ranging from 0 to 1023).

Each frame may include multiple consecutively numbered subframes or slots, and each subframe or slot may have the same duration. In some examples, a frame may be divided (e.g., in the time domain) into subframes, and each subframe may be further divided into a number of slots. Alternatively, each frame may include a variable number of slots, and the number of slots may depend on subcarrier spacing. Each slot may include a number of symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of the cyclic prefix prepended to each symbol period). In some wireless communications systems100, a slot may further be divided into multiple mini-slots containing one or more symbols. Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may contain one or more (e.g., Nf) sampling periods. The duration of a symbol period may depend on the subcarrier spacing or frequency band of operation.

A subframe, a slot, a mini-slot, or a symbol may be the smallest scheduling unit (e.g., in the time domain) of the wireless communications system100and may be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In some examples, the TTI duration (e.g., the number of symbol periods in a TTI) may be variable. Additionally or alternatively, the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communications system100may be dynamically selected (e.g., in bursts of shortened TTIs (sTTIs)).

Physical channels may be multiplexed on a carrier according to various techniques. A physical control channel and a physical data channel may be multiplexed on a downlink carrier, for example, using one or more of time division multiplexing (TDM) techniques, frequency division multiplexing (FDM) techniques, or hybrid TDM-FDM techniques. A control region (e.g., a control resource set (CORESET)) for a physical control channel may be defined by a number of symbol periods and may extend across the system bandwidth or a subset of the system bandwidth of the carrier. One or more control regions (e.g., CORESETs) may be configured for a set of the UEs115. For example, one or more of the UEs115may monitor or search control regions for control information according to one or more search space sets, and each search space set may include one or multiple control channel candidates in one or more aggregation levels arranged in a cascaded manner. An aggregation level for a control channel candidate may refer to a number of control channel resources (e.g., control channel elements (CCEs)) associated with encoded information for a control information format having a given payload size. Search space sets may include common search space sets configured for sending control information to multiple UEs115and UE-specific search space sets for sending control information to a specific UE115.

In some examples, a base station105may be movable and therefore provide communication coverage for a moving geographic coverage area110. In some examples, different geographic coverage areas110associated with different technologies may overlap, but the different geographic coverage areas110may be supported by the same base station105. In other examples, the overlapping geographic coverage areas110associated with different technologies may be supported by different base stations105. The wireless communications system100may include, for example, a heterogeneous network in which different types of the base stations105provide coverage for various geographic coverage areas110using the same or different radio access technologies.

The wireless communications system100may be configured to support ultra-reliable communications or low-latency communications, or various combinations thereof. For example, the wireless communications system100may be configured to support ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). The UEs115may be designed to support ultra-reliable, low-latency, or critical functions. Ultra-reliable communications may include private communication or group communication and may be supported by one or more services such as push-to-talk, video, or data. Support for ultra-reliable, low-latency functions may include prioritization of services, and such services may be used for public safety or general commercial applications. The terms ultra-reliable, low-latency, and ultra-reliable low-latency may be used interchangeably herein.

In some examples, a UE115may also be able to communicate directly with other UEs115over a device-to-device (D2D) communication link135(e.g., using a peer-to-peer (P2P) or D2D protocol). One or more UEs115utilizing D2D communications may be within the geographic coverage area110of a base station105. Other UEs115in such a group may be outside the geographic coverage area110of a base station105or be otherwise unable to receive transmissions from a base station105. In some examples, groups of the UEs115communicating via D2D communications may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system in which each UE115transmits to every other UE115in the group. In some examples, a base station105facilitates the scheduling of resources for D2D communications. In other cases, D2D communications are carried out between the UEs115without the involvement of a base station105.

The core network130may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network130may be an evolved packet core (EPC) or 5G core (5GC), which may include at least one control plane entity that manages access and mobility (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF)) and at least one user plane entity that routes packets or interconnects to external networks (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a Packet Data Network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)). The control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management for the UEs115served by the base stations105associated with the core network130. User IP packets may be transferred through the user plane entity, which may provide IP address allocation as well as other functions. The user plane entity may be connected to IP services150for one or more network operators. The IP services150may include access to the Internet, Intranet(s), an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or a Packet-Switched Streaming Service.

Some of the network devices, such as a base station105, may include subcomponents such as an access network entity140, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). Each access network entity140may communicate with the UEs115through one or more other access network transmission entities145, which may be referred to as radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmission/reception points (TRPs). Each access network transmission entity145may include one or more antenna panels. In some configurations, various functions of each access network entity140or base station105may be distributed across various network devices (e.g., radio heads and ANCs) or consolidated into a single network device (e.g., a base station105).

The wireless communications system100may operate using one or more frequency bands, typically in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). Generally, the region from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is known as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band because the wavelengths range from approximately one decimeter to one meter in length. The UHF waves may be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features, but the waves may penetrate structures sufficiently for a macro cell to provide service to the UEs115located indoors. The transmission of UHF waves may be associated with smaller antennas and shorter ranges (e.g., less than 100 kilometers) compared to transmission using the smaller frequencies and longer waves of the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portion of the spectrum below 300 MHz.

The wireless communications system100may utilize both licensed and unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands. For example, the wireless communications system100may employ License Assisted Access (LAA), LTE-Unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology in an unlicensed band such as the 5 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band. When operating in unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands, devices such as the base stations105and the UEs115may employ carrier sensing for collision detection and avoidance. In some examples, operations in unlicensed bands may be based on a carrier aggregation configuration in conjunction with component carriers operating in a licensed band (e.g., LAA). Operations in unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, P2P transmissions, or D2D transmissions, among other examples.

A base station105or a UE115may be equipped with multiple antennas, which may be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications, or beamforming. The antennas of a base station105or a UE115may be located within one or more antenna arrays or antenna panels, which may support MIMO operations or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be co-located at an antenna assembly, such as an antenna tower. In some examples, antennas or antenna arrays associated with a base station105may be located in diverse geographic locations. A base station105may have an antenna array with a number of rows and columns of antenna ports that the base station105may use to support beamforming of communications with a UE115. Likewise, a UE115may have one or more antenna arrays that may support various MIMO or beamforming operations. Additionally or alternatively, an antenna panel may support radio frequency beamforming for a signal transmitted via an antenna port.

The base stations105or the UEs115may use MIMO communications to exploit multipath signal propagation and increase the spectral efficiency by transmitting or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers. Such techniques may be referred to as spatial multiplexing. The multiple signals may, for example, be transmitted by the transmitting device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Likewise, the multiple signals may be received by the receiving device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Each of the multiple signals may be referred to as a separate spatial stream and may carry bits associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams (e.g., different codewords). Different spatial layers may be associated with different antenna ports used for channel measurement and reporting. MIMO techniques include single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO), where multiple spatial layers are transmitted to the same receiving device, and multiple-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), where multiple spatial layers are transmitted to multiple devices.

Beamforming, which may also be referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception, is a signal processing technique that may be used at a transmitting device or a receiving device (e.g., a base station105, a UE115) to shape or steer an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam, a receive beam) along a spatial path between the transmitting device and the receiving device. Beamforming may be achieved by combining the signals communicated via antenna elements of an antenna array such that some signals propagating at particular orientations with respect to an antenna array experience constructive interference while others experience destructive interference. The adjustment of signals communicated via the antenna elements may include a transmitting device or a receiving device applying amplitude offsets, phase offsets, or both to signals carried via the antenna elements associated with the device. The adjustments associated with each of the antenna elements may be defined by a beamforming weight set associated with a particular orientation (e.g., with respect to the antenna array of the transmitting device or receiving device, or with respect to some other orientation).

A base station105or a UE115may use beam sweeping techniques as part of beam forming operations. For example, a base station105may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays (e.g., antenna panels) to conduct beamforming operations for directional communications with a UE115. Some signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be transmitted by a base station105multiple times in different directions. For example, the base station105may transmit a signal according to different beamforming weight sets associated with different directions of transmission. Transmissions in different beam directions may be used to identify (e.g., by a transmitting device, such as a base station105, or by a receiving device, such as a UE115) a beam direction for later transmission or reception by the base station105.

Some signals, such as data signals associated with a particular receiving device, may be transmitted by a base station105in a single beam direction (e.g., a direction associated with the receiving device, such as a UE115). In some examples, the beam direction associated with transmissions along a single beam direction may be determined based on a signal that was transmitted in one or more beam directions. For example, a UE115may receive one or more of the signals transmitted by the base station105in different directions and may report to the base station105an indication of the signal that the UE115received with a highest signal quality or an otherwise acceptable signal quality.

In some examples, transmissions by a device (e.g., by a base station105or a UE115) may be performed using multiple beam directions, and the device may use a combination of digital precoding or radio frequency beamforming to generate a combined beam for transmission (e.g., from a base station105to a UE115). The UE115may report feedback that indicates precoding weights for one or more beam directions, and the feedback may correspond to a configured number of beams across a system bandwidth or one or more sub-bands. The base station105may transmit a reference signal (e.g., a cell-specific reference signal (CRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS)), which may be precoded or unprecoded. The UE115may provide feedback for beam selection, which may be a precoding matrix indicator (PMI) or codebook-based feedback (e.g., a multi-panel type codebook, a linear combination type codebook, a port selection type codebook). Although these techniques are described herein with reference to signals transmitted in one or more directions by a base station105, a UE115may employ similar techniques for transmitting signals multiple times in different directions (e.g., for identifying a beam direction for subsequent transmission or reception by the UE115) or for transmitting a signal in a single direction (e.g., for transmitting data to a receiving device).

A receiving device (e.g., a UE115) may try multiple receive configurations (e.g., directional listening) when receiving various signals from the base station105, such as synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals. For example, a receiving device may try multiple receive directions by receiving via different antenna subarrays, by processing received signals according to different antenna subarrays, by receiving according to different receive beamforming weight sets (e.g., different directional listening weight sets) applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, or by processing received signals according to different receive beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, any of which may be referred to as “listening” according to different receive configurations or receive directions. In some examples, a receiving device may use a single receive configuration to receive along a single beam direction (e.g., when receiving a data signal). The single receive configuration may be aligned in a beam direction determined based on listening according to different receive configuration directions (e.g., a beam direction determined to have a highest signal strength, highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), or otherwise acceptable signal quality based on listening according to multiple beam directions).

The wireless communications system100may be a packet-based network that operates according to a layered protocol stack. In the user plane, communications at the bearer or Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer may be IP-based. A Radio Link Control (RLC) layer may perform packet segmentation and reassembly to communicate over logical channels. A Medium Access Control (MAC) layer may perform priority handling and multiplexing of logical channels into transport channels. The MAC layer may also use error detection techniques, error correction techniques, or both to support retransmissions at the MAC layer to improve link efficiency. In the control plane, the RRC protocol layer may provide establishment, configuration, and maintenance of an RRC connection between a UE115and a base station105or a core network130supporting radio bearers for user plane data. At the physical layer, transport channels may be mapped to physical channels.

The UEs115and the base stations105may support retransmissions of data to increase the likelihood that data is received successfully. Hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback is one technique for increasing the likelihood that data is received correctly over a communication link125. HARQ may include a combination of error detection (e.g., using a cyclic redundancy check (CRC)), forward error correction (FEC), and retransmission (e.g., automatic repeat request (ARQ)). HARQ may improve throughput at the MAC layer in poor radio conditions (e.g., low signal-to-noise conditions). In some examples, a device may support same-slot HARQ feedback, where the device may provide HARQ feedback in a specific slot for data received in a previous symbol in the slot. In other cases, the device may provide HARQ feedback in a subsequent slot, or according to some other time interval.

In some aspects, the UEs115, base stations105, and other wireless devices of the wireless communications system100may support techniques which enable UEs115and other wireless devices (e.g., IAB nodes) to signal packet expiration times (e.g., packet deadline information) to the network. In particular, the wireless devices of the wireless communications system100may support techniques for signaling packet expiration time to the network, which may enable the network to perform DAS.

For example, a UE115of the wireless communications system100may generate a set of data packets (e.g., data packets to be transmitted to a base station105), where each data packet is associated with a packet expiration time. The UE115may then transmit expiration information to the base station, where the packet expiration information is calculated based on the packet expiration times (e.g., calculated as a minimum, maximum, median, mean of the packet expiration times). The UE115may then receive scheduling information which is determined based on the packet expiration information, and may transmit the data packets in accordance with the scheduling information and the packet expiration times. As such, by enabling UEs115to signal packet expiration information to the network, the network may be able to take packet deadline information into account when scheduling communications at the respective UEs115, which may reduce dropped packets, decrease latency, and improve resource utilization.

In some cases, the UE115may be configured to transmit packet expiration information in response to a request from the base station, periodically within pre-configured transmission occasions, and/or aperiodically based on some trigger condition (e.g., significant change in packet expiration information). The UE115may calculate the packet expiration information based on the packet expiration times using a “packet expiry configuration,” which may be pre-configured at the UE115, signaled to the UE115via RRC and/or DCI signaling, or both. Moreover, the network may be configured to calculate a DAS metric for each UE115based on packet expiration information received from each UE115and other characteristics (e.g., average throughput, instantaneous achievable data rate), and may rank and schedule the UEs115based on their corresponding DAS metrics.

Techniques described herein may enable the wireless communications system100to support DAS. In particular, by enabling UEs115to indicate packet expiration information (e.g., packet deadline information) to the base station105, techniques described herein may enable the base station105to take the packet expiration information for each respective UE115into account when scheduling wireless communications at the respective UEs115, which may reduce a quantity and/or frequency of dropped packets at the respective UEs115. Moreover, by reducing a quantity and frequency of dropped packets, techniques described herein may reduce a latency of wireless communications, and may lead to more efficient scheduling and a more efficient use of wireless resources. Further, by reducing a quantity and frequency of dropped packets, techniques described herein may improve system capacity within the wireless communications system100by enabling the network to support larger quantities of UEs115within a given cell.

FIG.2illustrates an example of a wireless communications system200that supports techniques for DAS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, wireless communications system200may implement, or be implemented by, aspects of wireless communications system100. The wireless communications system200may include a base station105-a, a first UE115-a, and a second UE115-b, which may be examples of base stations105and UEs115described herein with reference toFIG.1.

Each of the UEs115-a,115-bmay communicate with the base station105-ausing one or more communication links205. For example, the first UE115-amay communicate with the base station105-avia a communication link205-a, and the second UE115-bmay communicate with the base station105-bvia a communication link205-b. In some cases, the communication links205-a,205-bmay include examples of access links (e.g., Uu links). The communication links205-a,205-bmay include bi-directional links that can include both uplink and downlink communication. For example, the first UE115-amay transmit uplink transmissions, such as uplink control signals or uplink data signals, to the base station105-avia communication link205-a, and the base station105-amay transmit downlink transmissions, such as downlink control signals or downlink data signals, to the first UE115-avia the communication link205-a.

As noted previously herein, wireless communications systems may utilize different scheduling configurations for scheduling communications between the network and UEs115, including PF scheduling configurations and RR scheduling configurations. In particular, according to some scheduling configurations, UEs115may be scheduled to transmit and/or receive within respective transmission time intervals (TTIs), where the base station105schedules one UE115for each respective TTI. Different scheduling configurations may schedule wireless communications based on different scheduling metrics. For example, using a PF scheduling configuration, a base station may schedule communications at UEs115based on an average throughput (e.g., average throughput for past T period) and an instantaneous achievable data rate (e.g., instantaneous achievable data rate at the current time/current TTI) for each respective UE115.

However, conventional wireless communications systems do not support DAS configurations which take into account deadline information (e.g., expiration information) of data packets at each respective UE115. In other words, some scheduling configurations implemented by some wireless communications systems do not take into account remaining times to packet expiry for data packets generated at the respective UEs115. Data packets with a deadline (e.g., packets with a packet expiration time) which are not transmitted (or received) by the deadline will be dropped. For the purposes of the present disclosure, to data packet may be said to be “dropped” if the data packet is removed from a transmission buffer (e.g., not transmitted), not successfully received by the receiver, ignored or otherwise disregarded by the receiver, or any combination thereof. As such, wireless communications systems which do not take into account packet expiration information at a UE115may schedule wireless communications which are inconsistent with the packet expiration information (e.g., schedule data packets after they are already expired), which may result in a higher proportion and/or higher frequency of dropped data packets. F

Accordingly, the UEs115-a,115-band the base station105-aof the wireless communications system200may support techniques which enable the UEs115to signal packet expiration information to the base station105-a, which may enable the base station105-ato perform DAS. By signaling packet expiration information to the base station105-a, techniques described herein may enable the base station105-ato take the packet expiration information into account when scheduling wireless communications at each of the respective UEs115-a,115-b, which may reduce a quantity/frequency of dropped data packets, reduce latency, and improve resource utilization.

For example, as shown inFIG.2, the base station105-amay transmit control signaling210to the first UE115-a, the second UE115-b, or both. The control signaling210may include RRC signaling, synchronization signal block (SSB) signaling, DCI messaging, MAC-CE messaging, and the like. In some aspects, the control signaling210may include information associated with reporting packet expiration information240associated with data packets220within a transmission buffer225of each respective UE115. In this regard, the control signaling210may indicate resources for reporting packet expiration information240, trigger conditions for reporting packet expiration information240, packet expiry configurations usable by the UEs115for calculating packet expiration information240, or any combination thereof.

For example, in some cases, the control signaling210may indicate resources (e.g., time resources, frequency resources, spatial resources) usable by the UEs115for reporting packet expiration information240to the base station105-a. In this regard, the control signaling210may schedule uplink messages including packet expiration information240. For instance, the control signaling210may indicate a set of transmission occasions for transmitting packet expiration information240to the base station105-a. In this example, the control signaling210may indicate a periodicity associated with the set of transmission occasions. In other cases, the transmission occasions may be associated with an irregular periodicity.

By way of another example, the control signaling210may indicate a set of trigger conditions for reporting packet expiration information240. In other words, the base station105-amay configure the UEs115with a set of trigger conditions that, if satisfied, trigger the UEs115to transmit packet expiration information240associated with data packets220generated by the respective UEs115. Trigger conditions may be associated with any number of parameters or characteristics associated with the UEs115and/or the wireless communications system200, including durations of packet expiration times230associated with data packets220generated by the UEs115, changes in packet expiration information240determined by the respective UEs115, quality of service (QoS) requirements at the UEs115, processing capabilities of the UEs115, or any combination thereof.

In some aspects, the control signaling210may indicate one or more packet expiry configurations for calculating packet expiration information240at the UEs115. Each packet expiry configuration may define a set of rules or mathematical operations which may be used to calculate packet expiration information240based on data packets220within a transmission buffer225at each respective UE115. In this regard, the base station105-amay configure the UEs115with one or more packet expiry configurations which may be used to calculate packet expiration information240based on packet expiration times230of generated data packets220. In additional or alternative implementations, the UEs115may be configured (e.g., pre-configured) with one or more packet expiry configurations, and may therefore be enabled to calculate packet expiration information240without explicit indications of packet expiry configurations from the base station105-a.

As will be described in further detail herein, the base station105-amay calculate DAS metrics for each respective UE115in order to facilitate DAS. DAS metrics calculated by the base station105-amay be based on any number of parameters or characteristics, including packet expiration information240for each UE115(“e”), an instantaneous achievable data rate for the current TTI (“r”), and an average throughput of each UE115for the past T TTIs (“a”), and such, each DAS metric may be a function of e, r, and a (e.g., DASMetric=f (r, a, e)). In some cases, r and a may be estimated/calculated by the base station105-a, where e (e.g., packet expiration information240) may have to be reported by the UEs115.

In some implementations, the first UE115-a, the second UE115-b, or both, may transmit feedback information215to the base station105-a. In some cases, the feedback information215may be responsive to the control signaling210. In additional or alternative implementations, the UEs115may transmit the feedback information215based on (in response to) other signaling received from the base station105-a. The feedback information215may include, but is not limited to, modulation and coding scheme (MCS) feedback information, CSI-RS feedback, and the like.

In some aspects, the feedback information215may include information which enables the base station105-ato determine DAS metrics for the respective UEs115. For example, in some implementations, the feedback information215may indicate (or may enable the base station105-ato calculate/estimate) an average throughput (e.g., a) and/or an instantaneous achievable data rate (e.g., r) for each respective UE115. In such cases, the feedback information215(e.g., average throughput, instantaneous achievable data rate) may enable the base station105-ato determine DAS metrics for each respective UE115, which may facilitate DAS at the base station105-a.

The first UE115-a, the second UE115-b, or both, may generate data packets220. Data packets220generated by each UE115may be contained or otherwise included within a transmission buffer225(e.g., data buffer, data packet buffer) for each respective UE115. For example, as shown and described inFIG.2, the first UE115-amay generate a set of data packets220which are to be transmitted to the base station105-a, where the data packets220are stored in a transmission buffer225of the first UE115-a.

In some aspects, data packets220generated by the UEs115may be associated with different deadline information. In other words, each generated data packet220may be associated with a respective packet expiration time230. For example, as shown inFIG.2, data packets220generated by the first UE115-amay be associated with a packet expiration time230-a(e.g., 2 ms), a second packet expiration time230-b(e.g., 3 ms), or a third packet expiration time230-c(e.g., 3 ms). Each where the packet expiration time230indicates a time interval or duration in which the respective data packet220is valid (e.g., time interval/duration until the respective data packet is dropped). For example, a data packet220associated with the first packet expiration time230-amay have to be transmitted within 2 ms of being generated before the data packet220is dropped (e.g., 2 ms before the data packet220is removed from the transmission buffer225).

In some cases, packet expiration times230may be associated with a relative priority of the respective data packet220. For example, in some cases, higher priority data packets220may be associated with smaller/shorter packet expiration times230, whereas lower priority data packets220may be associated with larger/longer packet expiration times230.

In some aspects, the base station105-amay transmit a request235to the first UE115-a, the second UE115-b, or both, where the request235includes a request235for packet expiration information240associated with the respective UEs115. The request235may include a DCI message, a MAC-CE message, or both. In some aspects, the request235may indicate a set of resources for transmitting packet expiration information240to the base station105-a. In this regard, resources for reporting packet expiration information240may be indicated via the control signaling210, the request235(e.g., DCI, MAC-CE), or both.

In some aspects, the first UE115-a, the second UE115-b, or both, may determine packet expiration information240(e.g., values of e for calculating DAS metrics) associated with the respective UEs115. Each of the UEs115may determine the packet expiration information240for the respective UEs115based on receiving the control signaling210, transmitting the feedback information215, generating the data packets220, receiving the request235, or any combination thereof. For example, in some implementations, the first UE115-amay determine packet expiration information240for the first UE115-abased on receiving the request235.

In some aspects, the UEs115may determine packet expiration information240(e.g., values of e for calculating DAS metrics) corresponding to the respective UEs115in accordance with one or more packet expiry configurations. Packet expiry configurations may be signaled to the UEs115by the network, pre-configured at the UEs115, or both. For example, in some cases, the first UE115-amay determine packet expiration information240in accordance with a packet expiry configuration which was indicated via the control signaling210. In cases where the control signaling210indicated multiple packet expiry configurations, subsequent signaling from the base station105-amay dynamically indicate which packet expiry configuration is to be used. For example, the control signaling210may include RRC signaling which indicates multiple packet expiry configurations. In this example, the request235and/or other control signaling210(e.g., other DCI message, other MAC-CE message) may indicate or select which of the packet expiry configurations is to be used.

There may be multiple potential packet expiry configuration options which may be used to determine/characterize remaining time to packet expiry information for each UE115. In other words, there may be multiple options for determining/characterizing the value of e (e.g., packet expiration information240) which will be used to determine DAS metrics for the respective UEs115. In particular, each packet expiry configuration may indicate rules, mathematical operations, or both, for determining packet expiration information240based on packet expiration times230of generated data packets220. In this regard, packet expiration information240may be determined using any number of mathematical operations, including an average/mean, median, maximum, minimum, and the like.

For example, in some implementations, the first UE115-amay determine packet expiration information240in accordance with an indicated/configured packet expiry configuration by determining an average remaining time to packet expiry of all packets in queue at the UE115-a. For instance, in accordance with a first packet expiry configuration, the first UE115-amay determine an average packet expiration time across all data packets220within the transmission buffer225. In this example, the packet expiration information240may be determined as 2.83 ms (e.g., e=(2 ms*4)+(3 ms*6)+(4 ms*2)/12=2.83 ms).

In accordance with a second packet expiry configuration, the first UE115-amay determine the packet expiration information240as a median packet expiration time of all data packets220in the transmission buffer225(e.g., e=median{remaining time to expiry}). For instance, in accordance with the second packet expiry configuration, the first UE115-amay determine the packet expiration information240to be 3 ms (e.g., e=median{2,2,2,2,3,3,3,3,3,3,4,4}=3 ms).

In accordance with a third packet expiry configuration, the first UE115-amay determine the packet expiration information240as a maximum packet expiration time of all data packets220in the transmission buffer225(e.g., e=max{remaining time to expiry}). For instance, in accordance with the third packet expiry configuration, the first UE115-amay determine the packet expiration information240to be 4 ms (e.g., e=max{2,2,2,2,3,3,3,3,3,3,4,4}=4 ms).

Comparatively, in accordance with a fourth packet expiry configuration, the first UE115-amay determine the packet expiration information240as a minimum packet expiration time of all data packets220in the transmission buffer225(e.g., e=min{remaining time to expiry}). For instance, in accordance with the fourth packet expiry configuration, the first UE115-amay determine the packet expiration information240to be 4 ms (e.g., e=min{2,2,2,2,3,3,3,3,3,3,4,4}=2 ms). It is noted herein that the packet expiration information240(e.g., value of e) may be calculated using any number or type of mathematical operation or function (e.g., e=f (remaining time to expiry of each packet in queue)).

In some aspects, the first UE115-a, the second UE115-b, or both, may identify a satisfaction of one or more trigger conditions for reporting packet expiration information240. In other words, the UEs115may identify a satisfaction of one or more trigger conditions for aperiodically reporting packet expiration information240. The UEs115may identify a satisfaction of a trigger condition for reporting packet expiration information240which were configured via the control signaling210and/or the request235. In this regard, the UEs115may identify the satisfaction of the trigger condition(s) based on receiving the control signaling210, transmitting the feedback information215, generating the data packets220, receiving the request235, determining the packet expiration information240, or any combination thereof.

Trigger conditions for reporting packet expiration information240may be associated with any number of parameters or characteristics associated with the UEs115and/or the wireless communications system, including durations of packet expiration times230associated with data packets220generated by the UEs115, changes in packet expiration information240determined by the respective UEs115, QoS requirements at the UEs115, processing capabilities of the UEs115, or any combination thereof.

For example, in some cases, the first UE115-amay identify a satisfaction of a trigger condition based on one or more packet expiration times230(PETs) at the first UE115-asatisfying some duration threshold (PETThresh) (e.g., PET≤PETThresh). By way of another example, the first UE115-amay identify a satisfaction of a trigger condition/event based on a change in the packet expiration information240satisfying some change threshold (e.g., based on a significant change in determined packet expiration information240at the first UE115-a). In other words, a change in the value of e at the UE115may trigger aperiodic reporting of e (e.g., aperiodic reporting of packet expiration information240). By way of yet another example, the first UE115-amay identify a satisfaction of a trigger condition based on a QoS requirement at the UE115-asatisfying some threshold quality (e.g., QoS≥QoSThresh), a processing capability of the first UE115-asatisfying a processing capability threshold, or any combination thereof.

In some aspects, the first UE115-a, the second UE115-b, or both, may transmit packet expiration information240to the base station105-a(e.g., report the value of e). In other words, the UEs115may transmit packet expiration information240which was determined by the respective UEs115. In this regard, the UEs115may transmit the packet expiration information240based on receiving the control signaling210, transmitting the feedback information215, generating the data packets220, receiving the request235, determining the packet expiration information240, identifying the satisfaction of a trigger condition(s), or any combination thereof. The UEs115may be configured to transmit indications of packet expiration information240via an uplink control information (UCI) message, a MAC-CE message, or both.

In some aspects, the UEs115may transmit the packet expiration information240within resources which were signaled/configured via the control signaling210and/or the request235. For example, in cases where the control signaling210indicates a periodicity associated with a set of transmission occasions for reporting packet expiration information240, the first UE115-amay transmit the packet expiration information240within an indicated transmission occasion and in accordance with the indicated periodicity. In additional or alternative implementations, the UEs115may transmit the packet expiration information240in response to the request235, in response to a satisfaction of one or more trigger conditions, or both. In this regard, the UEs115may be configured to transmit packet expiration information240periodically, aperiodically, or both.

Subsequently, the base station105-amay be configured to determine DAS metrics for the first UE115-a, the second UE115-b, or both. In general, the base station105-dmay be configured to determine/calculate a DAS metric for each respective UE115which is served by the base station105-a. For example, the base station105-amay be configured to determine a first DAS metric for the first UE115-a, and a second DAS metric for the second UE115-b.

The base station105-amay be configured to utilize received packet expiration information240and any number of other parameters or characteristics to determine a DAS metric for each respective UE115. For example, in some implementations, the base station105-amay determine a DAS metric for the first UE115-abased on packet expiration information240for the first UE115-a(e), an instantaneous achievable data rate at the first UE115-a(r), an average throughput at the first UE115-b(a), or any combination thereof.

For example, the base station105-amay be configured to determine a DAS metric for the first UE115-ain accordance with Equation 1:
DASMetric=A*(r/a)+B(e)
where e is the packet expiration information240reported by the first UE115-a, r is the instantaneous achievable data rate of the first UE115-awithin the current TTI, A is the average throughput at the first UE115-aacross some quantity of past TTIs, and A and B are constants which are greater than zero. In this example, the base station105-amay be configured to determine the instantaneous achievable data rate (r), the average throughput, or both, based on the feedback information215(e.g., MCS feedback, CSI-RS feedback) received from the first UE115-a. Moreover, in the case of aperiodic reporting (e.g., reporting based on a satisfaction of a trigger condition/event), the base station105-amay be configured to utilize a previously-reported value of e (e.g., previously reported packet expiration information240) in order to calculate the DAS metric.

In some aspects, the base station105-amay be configured to schedule wireless communications at the respective UEs115based on determined DAS metrics corresponding to each respective UE115. In other words, the base station105-amay be configured to rank or otherwise order UEs115based on (e.g., in accordance with) corresponding DAS metrics in order to prioritize scheduling and resource allocations provided to each respective UE115.

The base station105-amay transmit scheduling information245to the first UE115-a, the second UE115-b, or both. In particular, the base station105-amay be configured to transmit the scheduling information245based on (e.g., in accordance with) the DAS metric(s) for the respective UEs115. In this regard, the UEs115may receive the scheduling information245based on receiving the control signaling210, transmitting the feedback information215, generating the data packets220, receiving the request235, determining the packet expiration information240, identifying the satisfaction of the trigger condition(s), transmitting the packet expiration information240, the determination of the DAS metric(s) at the base station105-a, or any combination thereof.

The scheduling information245may include grants or resource allocations for transmitting one or more of the data packets220generated at the respective UEs115. In this regard, the scheduling information245may be communicated via any message, including a DCI message, a MAC-CE message, and the like. For example, the scheduling information245received by the first UE115-amay schedule at least a subset of the data packets220generated by the first UE115-a. In some implementations, the scheduling information245may indicate individual data packets220(or sets of data packets220) which are to be transmitted. In additional or alternative implementations, the scheduling information245may include a grant of resources which may be used by the first UE115-ato transmit any generated data packet(s).

The first UE115-a, the second UE115-b, or both, may determine whether one or more data packets220generated by the respective UEs115are valid. For example, the first UE115-amay determine whether a generated data packet is valid based on the received scheduling information245, the packet expiration time230corresponding to the generated data packet, or both. Subsequently, the first UE115-a, the second UE115-b, or both, may discard (e.g., drop) expired data packets220. For example, the first UE115-a, may be configured to drop an expired data packet from the transmission buffer225at the first UE115-abased on identifying that the data packet is not valid (e.g., expired).

In some aspects, the first UE115-a, the second UE115-b, or both, may transmit at least one data packet220to the base station105-ain accordance with the scheduling information245received by each respective UE115. For example, the first UE115-amay transmit at least one generated data packet220in accordance with time and frequency resources which were allocated to the first UE115-avia the scheduling information245.

In some implementations, the base station105-amay be configured to activate/deactivate reporting of packet expiration information240(e.g., via MAC-CE and/or DCI signaling). The base station105-amay be configured to activate/deactivate remaining time to packet expiry reporting based on UE115capabilities, traffic QoS requirements, channel conditions, and the like. Conversely, UEs115may be configured to request activation/deactivation of packet expiration information240reporting (e.g., via MAC-CE and/or UCI signaling) based on UE115capabilities, traffic QoS requirements, channel conditions, and the like.

Techniques described herein may enable the wireless communications system to support DAS. In particular, by enabling the UEs115to indicate packet expiration information240(e.g., packet deadline information) to the base station105-a, techniques described herein may enable the base station105-ato take the packet expiration information240for each respective UE115into account when scheduling wireless communications at the respective UEs115, which may reduce a quantity and/or frequency of dropped packets at the respective UEs115. Moreover, by reducing a quantity and frequency of dropped packets, techniques described herein may reduce a latency of wireless communications, and may lead to more efficient scheduling and a more efficient use of wireless resources.

FIG.3illustrates an example of a process flow300that supports techniques for DAS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, process flow300may implement, or be implemented by, aspects of wireless communications system100, wireless communications system200, or both. In particular, the process flow300illustrates configurations and signaling which may support DAS. For example, the process flow300illustrates a UE115-ctransmitting packet expiration information associated with data packets generated at the UE115-c, a base station determining DAS metrics for UEs115based on received packet expiration information, the UE115-creceiving scheduling information based on the determined DAS metrics, and transmitting data packets in accordance with the received scheduling information, as described as described herein with reference toFIGS.1-2, among other aspects.

The process flow300may include a first UE115-c, a second UE115-d, and a base station105-b, which may be examples of UEs115and base stations105as described herein with reference toFIGS.1-2. For example, the first UE115-cand the base station105-billustrated inFIG.3may be examples of the first UE115-aand the base station105-a, respectively, as illustrated inFIG.2.

In some examples, the operations illustrated in process flow300may be performed by hardware (e.g., including circuitry, processing blocks, logic components, and other components), code (e.g., software or firmware) executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. Alternative examples of the following may be implemented, where some steps are performed in a different order than described or are not performed at all. In some cases, steps may include additional features not mentioned below, or further steps may be added.

At305, the base station105-bmay transmit control signaling to the first UE115-c, the second UE115-b, or both. The control signaling may include RRC signaling, SSB signaling, DCI messaging, MAC-CE messaging, and the like. In some aspects, the control signaling may include information associated with reporting packet expiration information to the base station105-b, including resources for reporting packet expiration information, trigger conditions for reporting packet expiration information, packet expiry configurations usable by the UEs115for calculating packet expiration information, or any combination thereof.

For example, in some cases, the control signaling may indicate resources (e.g., time resources, frequency resources, spatial resources) usable by the UEs115for reporting packet expiration information to the base station105-b. The control signaling may schedule uplink messages. For instance, the control signaling may indicate a set of transmission occasions for transmitting packet expiration information to the base station105-b. In this example, the control signaling may indicate a periodicity associated with the set of transmission occasions (e.g., signaling period T). In other cases, the transmission occasions may be associated with an irregular periodicity.

By way of another example, the control signaling may indicate a set of trigger conditions for reporting packet expiration information. In other words, the base station105-bmay configure the UEs115with a set of trigger conditions that, if satisfied, trigger the UEs115to transmit packet expiration information associated with data packets generated by the respective UEs115. Trigger conditions may be associated with any number of parameters or characteristics associated with the UEs115and/or the wireless communications system, including durations of packet expiration times associated with data packets generated by the UEs115, changes in packet expiration information determined by the respective UEs115, traffic QoS requirements at the UEs115, processing capabilities of the UEs115, channel conditions, or any combination thereof.

In some aspects, the control signaling may indicate one or more packet expiry configurations for calculating packet expiration information at the UEs115. Each packet expiry configuration may define a set of rules or mathematical operations which may be used to calculate packet expiration information. In this regard, the base station105-bmay configure the UEs115with one or more packet expiry configurations which may be used to calculate packet expiration information. In additional or alternative implementations, the UEs115may be configured (e.g., pre-configured) with one or more packet expiry configurations, and may therefore be enabled to calculate packet expiration information without explicit indications of packet expiry configurations from the base station105-b.

At310, the first UE115-c, the second UE115-b, or both, may transmit feedback information to the base station105-b. In some cases, the feedback information at310may be responsive to the control signaling. In additional or alternative implementations, the UEs115may transmit the feedback information based on (in response to) other signaling received from the base station105-b. The feedback information may include, but is not limited to, MCS feedback information, CSI-RS feedback, and the like.

In some aspects, the feedback information may include information which enables the base station105-bto determine DAS metrics for the respective UEs115. For example, in some implementations, the feedback information may indicate (or may enable the base station105-bto calculate) an average throughput and/or an instantaneous achievable data rate for each respective UE115. In such cases, the feedback information (e.g., average throughput, instantaneous achievable data rate) may enable the base station105-bto determine DAS metrics for each respective UE115, which may facilitate DAS at the base station105-b.

At315, the first UE115-c, the second UE115-d, or both, may generate data packets. Data packets generated by each UE115may be contained or otherwise included within a transmission buffer (e.g., data buffer, data packet buffer) for each respective UE115. For example, as shown and described inFIG.2, the first UE115-cmay generate a set of data packets which are to be transmitted to the base station105-b, where the data packets are stored in a transmission buffer of the first UE115-c. In some aspects, data packets generated by the UEs115may be associated with a respective packet expiration time, where the packet expiration time indicates a time interval or duration in which the respective data packet is valid (e.g., time interval/duration until the respective data packet is dropped). In some cases, packet expiration times may be associated with a relative priority of the respective data packet. For example, in some cases, higher priority data packets may be associated with smaller/shorter packet expiration times, whereas lower priority data packets may be associated with larger/longer packet expiration times.

At320, the base station105-bmay transmit a request to the first UE115-c, the second UE115-d, or both, where the request includes a request for packet expiration information associated with the respective UEs115. The request may include a DCI message, a MAC-CE message, or both. In some aspects, the request may indicate a set of resources for transmitting packet expiration information to the base station105-b. In this regard, resources for reporting packet expiration information may be indicated via the control signaling at305, the request (e.g., DCI, MAC-CE) at320, or both.

At325, the first UE115-c, the second UE115-d, or both, may determine packet expiration information associated with the respective UEs115. Each of the UEs115may determine the packet expiration information for the respective UEs115based on receiving the control signaling at305, transmitting the feedback information at310, generating the data packets at315, receiving the request at320, or any combination thereof. For example, in some implementations, the first UE115-cmay determine packet expiration information for the first UE115-cbased on receiving the request at320. In this example, the packet expiration information for the first UE115-cmay be based on the data packets generated by the first UE115-cat315.

In some aspects, the UEs115may determine packet expiration information corresponding to the respective UEs115in accordance with one or more packet expiry configurations. Packet expiry configurations may be signaled to the UEs115by the network, pre-configured at the UEs115, or both. For example, in some cases, the first UE115-cmay determine packet expiration information in accordance with a packet expiry configuration which was indicated via the control signaling at305. In cases where the control signaling at305indicated multiple packet expiry configurations, subsequent signaling from the base station105-bmay dynamically indicate which packet expiry configuration is to be used. For example, the control signaling may include RRC signaling which indicates multiple packet expiry configurations. In this example, the request and/or other control signaling (e.g., other DCI message, other MAC-CE message) may indicate or select which of the packet expiry configurations is to be used.

As noted previously herein, packet expiry configurations may indicate rules, mathematical operations, or both, for determining packet expiry information based on packet expiration times of generated data packets. In this regard, packet expiration information may be determined using any number of mathematical operations, including an average/mean, median, maximum, minimum, and the like. For example, in some implementations, the first UE115-cmay determine packet expiration information in accordance with an indicated/configured packet expiry configuration by determining an average/mean packet expiration time of the generated data packets, a median packet expiration time of the generated data packets, a minimum or maximum packet expiration time of the generated data packets, or any combination thereof.

At330, the first UE115-c, the second UE115-d, or both, may identify a satisfaction of one or more trigger conditions for reporting packet expiration information. In other words, the UEs115may identify a satisfaction of a trigger condition for reporting packet expiration information which were configured via the control signaling at305and/or the request at320. In this regard, the UEs115may identify the satisfaction of the trigger condition(s) at325based on receiving the control signaling at305, transmitting the feedback information at310, generating the data packets at315, receiving the request at320, determining the packet expiration information at325, or any combination thereof.

As noted previously herein, trigger conditions for reporting packet expiration information may be associated with any number of parameters or characteristics associated with the UEs115and/or the wireless communications system, including durations of packet expiration times associated with data packets generated by the UEs115, changes in packet expiration information determined by the respective UEs115, traffic QoS requirements at the UEs115, processing capabilities of the UEs115, channel conditions or any combination thereof.

For example, in some cases, the first UE115-cmay identify a satisfaction of a trigger condition based on one or more packet expiration times at the first UE115-csatisfying some duration threshold (e.g., PET≤PETThresh). By way of another example, the first UE115-cmay identify a satisfaction of a trigger condition based on a change in the packet expiration information determined at325satisfying some change threshold (e.g., based on a significant change in determined packet expiration information at the first UE115-c). By way of yet another example, the first UE115-amay identify a satisfaction of a trigger condition based on a QoS requirement at the UE115-asatisfying some threshold quality (e.g., QoS≥QoSThresh), a processing capability of the first UE115-asatisfying a processing capability threshold, or any combination thereof.

At335, the first UE115-c, the second UE115-d, or both, may transmit packet expiration information to the base station105-b. In other words, the UEs115may transmit packet expiration information which was determined by the respective UEs115at325. In this regard, the UEs115may transmit the packet expiration information at335based on receiving the control signaling at305, transmitting the feedback information at310, generating the data packets at315, receiving the request at320, determining the packet expiration information at325, identifying the satisfaction of a trigger condition(s) at330, or any combination thereof. The UEs115may be configured to transmit indications of packet expiration information via a UCI message, a MAC-CE message, or both.

In some aspects, the UEs115may transmit the packet expiration information within resources which were signaled/configured via the control signaling at305and/or the request at320. For example, in cases where the control signaling indicates a periodicity associated with a set of transmission occasions for reporting packet expiration information, the first UE115-amay transmit the packet expiration information within an indicated transmission occasion and in accordance with the indicated periodicity (e.g., in accordance with the indication of the periodicity). In additional or alternative implementations, the UEs115may transmit the packet expiration information in response to the request at320, in response to a satisfaction of one or more trigger conditions at330, or both.

At340, the base station105-bmay be configured to determine DAS metrics for the first UE115-c, the second UE115-d, or both. In general, the base station105-dmay be configured to determine/calculate a DAS metric for each respective UE115which is served by the base station105-b. For example, the base station105-bmay be configured to determine a first DAS metric for the first UE115-c, and a second DAS metric for the second UE115-d.

The base station105-bmay be configured to utilize received packet expiration information and any number of other parameters or characteristics to determine a DAS metric for each respective UE115. For example, in some implementations, the base station105-bmay determine a DAS metric for the first UE115-cbased on packet expiration information for the first UE115-c, an instantaneous achievable data rate at the first UE115-c, an average throughput at the first UE115-d, or any combination thereof. In this example, the base station105-bmay be configured to determine the instantaneous achievable data rate, the average throughput, or both, based on the feedback information (e.g., MCS feedback, CSI-RS feedback) received from the first UE115-cat310.

In some aspects, the base station105-bmay be configured to schedule wireless communications at the respective UEs115based on determined DAS metrics corresponding to each respective UE115. In other words, the base station105-bmay be configured to rank or otherwise order UEs115based on (e.g., in accordance with) corresponding DAS metrics in order to prioritize scheduling and resource allocations provided to each respective UE115.

At345, the base station105-bmay transmit scheduling information to the first UE115-c, the second UE115-b, or both. In particular, the base station105-bmay be configured to transmit the scheduling information based on (e.g., in accordance with) the DAS metric(s) for the respective UEs115which were determined at340. In this regard, the UEs115may receive the scheduling information at345based on receiving the control signaling at305, transmitting the feedback information at310, generating the data packets at315, receiving the request at320, determining the packet expiration information at325, identifying the satisfaction of the trigger condition(s) at330, transmitting the packet expiration information at335, the determination of the DAS metric(s) at340, or any combination thereof.

The scheduling information may include grants or resource allocations for transmitting one or more of the data packets generated at the respective UEs115. In this regard, the scheduling information may be communicated via any message, including a DCI message, a MAC-CE message, and the like. For example, the scheduling information received by the first UE115-cmay schedule at least a subset of the data packets generated by the first UE115-cat315. In some implementations, the scheduling information may indicate individual data packets (or sets of data packets) which are to be transmitted. In additional or alternative implementations, the scheduling information may include a grant of resources which may be used by the first UE115-cto transmit any generated data packet(s).

At350, the first UE115-c, the second UE115-b, or both, may determine whether one or more data packets generated by the respective UEs115are valid. For example, the first UE115-cmay determine whether a generated data packet is valid based on the received scheduling information, the packet expiration time corresponding to the generated data packet, or both. In this regard, the UEs115may evaluate a validity of data packets based on generating the data packets at315, packet expiration times of each respective data packet, receiving the scheduling information at345, or any combination thereof.

At355, the first UE115-c, the second UE115-d, or both, may discard (e.g., drop) expired data packets. For example, the first UE115-c, may be configured to drop an expired data packet from a transmission buffer at the first UE115-cbased on identifying that the data packet is not valid (e.g., expired) at350.

At360, the first UE115-c, the second UE115-d, or both, may transmit at least one data packet to the base station105-bin accordance with the scheduling information received by each respective UE115at345. For example, the first UE115-cmay transmit at least one generated data packet in accordance with time and frequency resources which were allocated to the first UE115-cvia the scheduling information at345. The UEs115may be configured to transmit the data packet(s) at360based on receiving the control signaling at305, transmitting the feedback information at310, generating the data packets at315, receiving the request at320, determining the packet expiration information at325, identifying the satisfaction of the trigger condition(s) at330, transmitting the packet expiration information at335, the determination of the DAS metric(s) at340, receiving the scheduling information at345, evaluating the validity of data packets at350, dropping expired data packets at355, or any combination thereof.

Techniques described herein may enable the wireless communications system to support DAS. In particular, by enabling the UEs115to indicate packet expiration information (e.g., packet deadline information) to the base station105-b, techniques described herein may enable the base station105-bto take the packet expiration information for each respective UE115into account when scheduling wireless communications at the respective UEs115, which may reduce a quantity and/or frequency of dropped packets at the respective UEs115. Moreover, by reducing a quantity and frequency of dropped packets, techniques described herein may reduce a latency of wireless communications, and may lead to more efficient scheduling and a more efficient use of wireless resources.

FIG.4shows a block diagram400of a device405that supports techniques for DAS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device405may be an example of aspects of a UE115as described herein. The device405may include a receiver410, a transmitter415, and a communications manager420. The device405may also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver410may provide a means for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for DAS). Information may be passed on to other components of the device405. The receiver410may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The transmitter415may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device405. For example, the transmitter415may transmit information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for DAS). In some examples, the transmitter415may be co-located with a receiver410in a transceiver module. The transmitter415may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The communications manager420, the receiver410, the transmitter415, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of techniques for DAS as described herein. For example, the communications manager420, the receiver410, the transmitter415, or various combinations or components thereof may support a method for performing one or more of the functions described herein.

In some examples, the communications manager420, the receiver410, the transmitter415, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in communications management circuitry). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, a processor and memory coupled with the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by executing, by the processor, instructions stored in the memory).

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communications manager420, the receiver410, the transmitter415, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code (e.g., as communications management software or firmware) executed by a processor. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communications manager420, the receiver410, the transmitter415, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a central processing unit (CPU), an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices (e.g., configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure).

In some examples, the communications manager420may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver410, the transmitter415, or both. For example, the communications manager420may receive information from the receiver410, send information to the transmitter415, or be integrated in combination with the receiver410, the transmitter415, or both to receive information, transmit information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

The communications manager420may support wireless communication at a UE in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager420may be configured as or otherwise support a means for generating a set of multiple data packets that are to be transmitted to a base station, where each data packet of the set of multiple data packets is associated with a respective packet expiration time. The communications manager420may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the base station, an indication of packet expiration information associated with the set of multiple data packets, where the packet expiration information is based on a set of multiple packet expiration times associated with the set of multiple data packets. The communications manager420may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from the base station, scheduling information associated with at least a subset of the set of multiple data packets, where the scheduling information is based on the packet expiration information. The communications manager420may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting at least one data packet of the subset of the set of multiple data packets to the base station in accordance with the scheduling information.

By including or configuring the communications manager420in accordance with examples as described herein, the device405(e.g., a processor controlling or otherwise coupled to the receiver410, the transmitter415, the communications manager420, or a combination thereof) may support techniques which enable wireless communications systems to support DAS. In particular, by enabling the UEs115to indicate packet expiration information (e.g., packet deadline information) to the base station105-b, techniques described herein may enable the base station105-bto take the packet expiration information for each respective UE115into account when scheduling wireless communications at the respective UEs115, which may reduce a quantity and/or frequency of dropped packets at the respective UEs115. Moreover, by reducing a quantity and frequency of dropped packets, techniques described herein may reduce a latency of wireless communications, and may lead to more efficient scheduling and a more efficient use of wireless resources.

FIG.5shows a block diagram500of a device505that supports techniques for DAS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device505may be an example of aspects of a device405or a UE115as described herein. The device505may include a receiver510, a transmitter515, and a communications manager520. The device505may also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver510may provide a means for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for DAS). Information may be passed on to other components of the device505. The receiver510may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The transmitter515may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device505. For example, the transmitter515may transmit information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for DAS). In some examples, the transmitter515may be co-located with a receiver510in a transceiver module. The transmitter515may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The device505, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of techniques for DAS as described herein. For example, the communications manager520may include a data packet generating manager525, a packet expiration information manager530, a scheduling information receiving manager535, a data packet transmitting manager540, or any combination thereof. The communications manager520may be an example of aspects of a communications manager420as described herein. In some examples, the communications manager520, or various components thereof, may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver510, the transmitter515, or both. For example, the communications manager520may receive information from the receiver510, send information to the transmitter515, or be integrated in combination with the receiver510, the transmitter515, or both to receive information, transmit information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

The communications manager520may support wireless communication at a UE in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The data packet generating manager525may be configured as or otherwise support a means for generating a set of multiple data packets that are to be transmitted to a base station, where each data packet of the set of multiple data packets is associated with a respective packet expiration time. The packet expiration information manager530may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the base station, an indication of packet expiration information associated with the set of multiple data packets, where the packet expiration information is based on a set of multiple packet expiration times associated with the set of multiple data packets. The scheduling information receiving manager535may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from the base station, scheduling information associated with at least a subset of the set of multiple data packets, where the scheduling information is based on the packet expiration information. The data packet transmitting manager540may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting at least one data packet of the subset of the set of multiple data packets to the base station in accordance with the scheduling information.

FIG.6shows a block diagram600of a communications manager620that supports techniques for DAS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager620may be an example of aspects of a communications manager420, a communications manager520, or both, as described herein. The communications manager620, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of techniques for DAS as described herein. For example, the communications manager620may include a data packet generating manager625, a packet expiration information manager630, a scheduling information receiving manager635, a data packet transmitting manager640, a control signaling receiving manager645, a request receiving manager650, a transmission buffer manager655, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The communications manager620may support wireless communication at a UE in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The data packet generating manager625may be configured as or otherwise support a means for generating a set of multiple data packets that are to be transmitted to a base station, where each data packet of the set of multiple data packets is associated with a respective packet expiration time. The packet expiration information manager630may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the base station, an indication of packet expiration information associated with the set of multiple data packets, where the packet expiration information is based on a set of multiple packet expiration times associated with the set of multiple data packets. The scheduling information receiving manager635may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from the base station, scheduling information associated with at least a subset of the set of multiple data packets, where the scheduling information is based on the packet expiration information. The data packet transmitting manager640may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting at least one data packet of the subset of the set of multiple data packets to the base station in accordance with the scheduling information.

In some examples, the control signaling receiving manager645may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from the base station, control signaling including an indication of a periodicity associated with a set of multiple transmission occasions for communicating the packet expiration information, where the indication of the packet expiration information is transmitted in accordance with the indicated periodicity (e.g., in accordance with the indication of the periodicity) and within a transmission occasion of the set of multiple transmission occasions.

In some examples, the control signaling receiving manager645may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from the base station, control signaling including an indication of one or more trigger conditions for communicating the packet expiration information, where transmitting the indication of the packet expiration information is based on a satisfaction of the one or more trigger conditions.

In some examples, the satisfaction of the one or more trigger conditions is based on a packet expiration time of the set of multiple packet expiration times satisfying a duration threshold, a change in the packet expiration information satisfying some change threshold, a QoS requirement at the UE satisfying a threshold quality, a processing capability of the UE satisfying a processing capability threshold, or any combination thereof.

In some examples, the request receiving manager650may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from the base station, a request for the packet expiration information, where the indication of the packet expiration information is transmitted in response to the request. In some examples, the request is received via a DCI message, a MAC-CE message, or both.

In some examples, the packet expiration information manager630may be configured as or otherwise support a means for determining the packet expiration information in accordance with a packet expiry configuration, the packet expiry configuration including one or more mathematical operations for determining the packet expiration information based on the set of multiple packet expiration times.

In some examples, the control signaling receiving manager645may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from the base station, a control message indicating the packet expiry configuration, where determining the packet expiration information is based on receiving the control message. In some examples, the control signaling receiving manager645may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from the base station, additional control signaling indicating a set of multiple packet expiry configurations including the packet expiry configuration, where the control message is received based on receiving the additional control signaling, and where determining the packet expiration information is based on receiving the additional control signaling.

In some examples, to support determining the packet expiration information in accordance with the packet expiry configuration, the packet expiration information manager630may be configured as or otherwise support a means for determining an average of the set of multiple packet expiration times, a median of the set of multiple packet expiration times, a minimum of the set of multiple packet expiration times, a maximum of the set of multiple packet expiration times, or any combination thereof.

In some examples, to support transmitting the at least one data packet of the set of multiple data packets, the transmission buffer manager655may be configured as or otherwise support a means for identifying that a first data packet of the set of multiple data packets is valid based on the scheduling information and a first packet expiration time corresponding to the first data packet. In some examples, to support transmitting the at least one data packet of the set of multiple data packets, the data packet transmitting manager640may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting the first data packet based on identifying that the first data packet is valid, where the at least one transmitted data packet includes the first data packet.

In some examples, the transmission buffer manager655may be configured as or otherwise support a means for identifying that a second data packet of the set of multiple data packets is expired based on the scheduling information and a second packet expiration time corresponding to the second data packet. In some examples, the data packet transmitting manager640may be configured as or otherwise support a means for refraining from transmitting the second data packet based on identifying that the second data packet is expired.

In some examples, the transmission buffer manager655may be configured as or otherwise support a means for discarding the second data packet from a transmission buffer at the UE based on identifying that the second data packet is expired, where refraining from transmitting the second data packet is based on discarding the second data packet. In some examples, the indication of the packet expiration information is transmitted via a UCI message, a MAC-CE message, or both.

FIG.7shows a diagram of a system700including a device705that supports techniques for DAS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device705may be an example of or include the components of a device405, a device505, or a UE115as described herein. The device705may communicate wirelessly with one or more base stations105, UEs115, or any combination thereof. The device705may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, such as a communications manager720, an input/output (I/O) controller710, a transceiver715, an antenna725, a memory730, code735, and a processor740. These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., a bus745).

The I/O controller710may manage input and output signals for the device705. The I/O controller710may also manage peripherals not integrated into the device705. In some cases, the I/O controller710may represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral. In some cases, the I/O controller710may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS/2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. Additionally or alternatively, the I/O controller710may represent or interact with a modem, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, or a similar device. In some cases, the I/O controller710may be implemented as part of a processor, such as the processor740. In some cases, a user may interact with the device705via the I/O controller710or via hardware components controlled by the I/O controller710.

In some cases, the device705may include a single antenna725. However, in some other cases, the device705may have more than one antenna725, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The transceiver715may communicate bi-directionally, via the one or more antennas725, wired, or wireless links as described herein. For example, the transceiver715may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver715may also include a modem to modulate the packets, to provide the modulated packets to one or more antennas725for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the one or more antennas725. The transceiver715, or the transceiver715and one or more antennas725, may be an example of a transmitter415, a transmitter515, a receiver410, a receiver510, or any combination thereof or component thereof, as described herein.

The memory730may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory730may store computer-readable, computer-executable code735including instructions that, when executed by the processor740, cause the device705to perform various functions described herein. The code735may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. In some cases, the code735may not be directly executable by the processor740but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein. In some cases, the memory730may contain, among other things, a basic I/O system (BIOS) which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

The processor740may 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, the processor740may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into the processor740. The processor740may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory730) to cause the device705to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting techniques for DAS). For example, the device705or a component of the device705may include a processor740and memory730coupled to the processor740, the processor740and memory730configured to perform various functions described herein.

The communications manager720may support wireless communication at a UE in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager720may be configured as or otherwise support a means for generating a set of multiple data packets that are to be transmitted to a base station, where each data packet of the set of multiple data packets is associated with a respective packet expiration time. The communications manager720may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the base station, an indication of packet expiration information associated with the set of multiple data packets, where the packet expiration information is based on a set of multiple packet expiration times associated with the set of multiple data packets. The communications manager720may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from the base station, scheduling information associated with at least a subset of the set of multiple data packets, where the scheduling information is based on the packet expiration information. The communications manager720may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting at least one data packet of the subset of the set of multiple data packets to the base station in accordance with the scheduling information.

By including or configuring the communications manager720in accordance with examples as described herein, the device705may support techniques which enable wireless communications systems to support DAS. In particular, by enabling the UEs115to indicate packet expiration information (e.g., packet deadline information) to the base station105-b, techniques described herein may enable the base station105-bto take the packet expiration information for each respective UE115into account when scheduling wireless communications at the respective UEs115, which may reduce a quantity and/or frequency of dropped packets at the respective UEs115. Moreover, by reducing a quantity and frequency of dropped packets, techniques described herein may reduce a latency of wireless communications, and may lead to more efficient scheduling and a more efficient use of wireless resources.

In some examples, the communications manager720may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the transceiver715, the one or more antennas725, or any combination thereof. Although the communications manager720is illustrated as a separate component, in some examples, one or more functions described herein with reference to the communications manager720may be supported by or performed by the processor740, the memory730, the code735, or any combination thereof. For example, the code735may include instructions executable by the processor740to cause the device705to perform various aspects of techniques for DAS as described herein, or the processor740and the memory730may be otherwise configured to perform or support such operations.

FIG.8shows a block diagram800of a device805that supports techniques for DAS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device805may be an example of aspects of a base station105as described herein. The device805may include a receiver810, a transmitter815, and a communications manager820. The device805may also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver810may provide a means for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for DAS). Information may be passed on to other components of the device805. The receiver810may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The transmitter815may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device805. For example, the transmitter815may transmit information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for DAS). In some examples, the transmitter815may be co-located with a receiver810in a transceiver module. The transmitter815may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The communications manager820, the receiver810, the transmitter815, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of techniques for DAS as described herein. For example, the communications manager820, the receiver810, the transmitter815, or various combinations or components thereof may support a method for performing one or more of the functions described herein.

In some examples, the communications manager820, the receiver810, the transmitter815, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in communications management circuitry). The hardware may include a processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, a processor and memory coupled with the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by executing, by the processor, instructions stored in the memory).

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communications manager820, the receiver810, the transmitter815, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code (e.g., as communications management software or firmware) executed by a processor. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communications manager820, the receiver810, the transmitter815, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices (e.g., configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure).

In some examples, the communications manager820may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver810, the transmitter815, or both. For example, the communications manager820may receive information from the receiver810, send information to the transmitter815, or be integrated in combination with the receiver810, the transmitter815, or both to receive information, transmit information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

The communications manager820may support wireless communication at a base station in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager820may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from a UE, an indication of packet expiration information associated with a set of multiple data packets generated by the UE, where the packet expiration information is based on a set of multiple packet expiration times associated with the set of multiple data packets. The communications manager820may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the UE, scheduling information associated with at least a subset of the set of multiple data packets, where the scheduling information is based on the packet expiration information. The communications manager820may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving at least one data packet of the subset of the set of multiple data packets from the UE in accordance with the scheduling information.

By including or configuring the communications manager820in accordance with examples as described herein, the device805(e.g., a processor controlling or otherwise coupled to the receiver810, the transmitter815, the communications manager820, or a combination thereof) may support techniques which enable wireless communications systems to support DAS. In particular, by enabling the UEs115to indicate packet expiration information (e.g., packet deadline information) to the base station105-b, techniques described herein may enable the base station105-bto take the packet expiration information for each respective UE115into account when scheduling wireless communications at the respective UEs115, which may reduce a quantity and/or frequency of dropped packets at the respective UEs115. Moreover, by reducing a quantity and frequency of dropped packets, techniques described herein may reduce a latency of wireless communications, and may lead to more efficient scheduling and a more efficient use of wireless resources.

FIG.9shows a block diagram900of a device905that supports techniques for DAS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device905may be an example of aspects of a device805or a base station105as described herein. The device905may include a receiver910, a transmitter915, and a communications manager920. The device905may also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver910may provide a means for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for DAS). Information may be passed on to other components of the device905. The receiver910may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The transmitter915may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device905. For example, the transmitter915may transmit information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for DAS). In some examples, the transmitter915may be co-located with a receiver910in a transceiver module. The transmitter915may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The device905, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of techniques for DAS as described herein. For example, the communications manager920may include a packet expiration information receiving manager925, a scheduling information transmitting manager930, a data packet receiving manager935, or any combination thereof. The communications manager920may be an example of aspects of a communications manager820as described herein. In some examples, the communications manager920, or various components thereof, may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver910, the transmitter915, or both. For example, the communications manager920may receive information from the receiver910, send information to the transmitter915, or be integrated in combination with the receiver910, the transmitter915, or both to receive information, transmit information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

The communications manager920may support wireless communication at a base station in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The packet expiration information receiving manager925may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from a UE, an indication of packet expiration information associated with a set of multiple data packets generated by the UE, where the packet expiration information is based on a set of multiple packet expiration times associated with the set of multiple data packets. The scheduling information transmitting manager930may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the UE, scheduling information associated with at least a subset of the set of multiple data packets, where the scheduling information is based on the packet expiration information. The data packet receiving manager935may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving at least one data packet of the subset of the set of multiple data packets from the UE in accordance with the scheduling information.

FIG.10shows a block diagram1000of a communications manager1020that supports techniques for DAS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager1020may be an example of aspects of a communications manager820, a communications manager920, or both, as described herein. The communications manager1020, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of techniques for DAS as described herein. For example, the communications manager1020may include a packet expiration information receiving manager1025, a scheduling information transmitting manager1030, a data packet receiving manager1035, a DAS metric manager1040, a feedback information receiving manager1045, a control signaling transmitting manager1050, a request transmitting manager1055, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The communications manager1020may support wireless communication at a base station in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The packet expiration information receiving manager1025may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from a UE, an indication of packet expiration information associated with a set of multiple data packets generated by the UE, where the packet expiration information is based on a set of multiple packet expiration times associated with the set of multiple data packets. The scheduling information transmitting manager1030may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the UE, scheduling information associated with at least a subset of the set of multiple data packets, where the scheduling information is based on the packet expiration information. The data packet receiving manager1035may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving at least one data packet of the subset of the set of multiple data packets from the UE in accordance with the scheduling information.

In some examples, the DAS metric manager1040may be configured as or otherwise support a means for determining a DAS metric associated with the UE based on the packet expiration information, an instantaneous achievable data rate at the UE, an average throughput at the UE, or any combination thereof, where transmitting the scheduling information is based on the DAS metric.

In some examples, the feedback information receiving manager1045may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving feedback information from the UE, where the instantaneous achievable data rate, the average throughput, or both, are based on the feedback information.

In some examples, to support receiving the indication of the packet expiration information, the packet expiration information receiving manager1025may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving an indication of packet expiration information associated with a set of multiple UEs including the UE. In some examples, to support receiving the indication of the packet expiration information, the DAS metric manager1040may be configured as or otherwise support a means for determining a set of multiple DAS metrics associated with the set of multiple UEs based on received packet expiration information corresponding to each UE of the set of multiple UEs, where transmitting the scheduling information is based on the set of multiple DAS metrics.

In some examples, the control signaling transmitting manager1050may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the UE, control signaling including an indication of a periodicity associated with a set of multiple transmission occasions for communicating the packet expiration information, where the indication of the packet expiration information is received in accordance with the indicated periodicity and within a transmission occasion of the set of multiple transmission occasions.

In some examples, the control signaling transmitting manager1050may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the UE, control signaling including an indication of one or more trigger conditions for communicating the packet expiration information, where receiving the indication of the packet expiration information is based on a satisfaction of the one or more trigger conditions. In some examples, the satisfaction of the one or more trigger conditions is based on a packet expiration time of the set of multiple packet expiration times satisfying a duration threshold, a change in the packet expiration information satisfying some change threshold, a QoS requirement at the UE satisfying a threshold quality, a processing capability of the UE satisfying a processing capability threshold, or any combination thereof.

In some examples, the request transmitting manager1055may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the UE, a request for the packet expiration information, where the indication of the packet expiration information is received in response to the request. In some examples, the request is transmitted via a DCI message, a MAC-CE message, or both.

In some examples, the control signaling transmitting manager1050may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the UE, a control message indicating a packet expiry configuration, where the packet expiration information is determined in accordance with the packet expiry configuration, the packet expiry configuration including one or more mathematical operations for determining the packet expiration information based on the set of multiple packet expiration times. In some examples, the control signaling transmitting manager1050may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the UE, additional control signaling indicating a set of multiple packet expiry configurations including the packet expiry configuration, where the control message is transmitted based on transmitting the additional control signaling. In some examples, the indication of the packet expiration information is received via a UCI message, a MAC-CE message, or both.

FIG.11shows a diagram of a system1100including a device1105that supports techniques for DAS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1105may be an example of or include the components of a device805, a device905, or a base station105as described herein. The device1105may communicate wirelessly with one or more base stations105, UEs115, or any combination thereof. The device1105may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, such as a communications manager1120, a network communications manager1110, a transceiver1115, an antenna1125, a memory1130, code1135, a processor1140, and an inter-station communications manager1145. These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., a bus1150).

The network communications manager1110may manage communications with a core network130(e.g., via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communications manager1110may manage the transfer of data communications for client devices, such as one or more UEs115.

In some cases, the device1105may include a single antenna1125. However, in some other cases the device1105may have more than one antenna1125, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The transceiver1115may communicate bi-directionally, via the one or more antennas1125, wired, or wireless links as described herein. For example, the transceiver1115may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver1115may also include a modem to modulate the packets, to provide the modulated packets to one or more antennas1125for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the one or more antennas1125. The transceiver1115, or the transceiver1115and one or more antennas1125, may be an example of a transmitter815, a transmitter915, a receiver810, a receiver910, or any combination thereof or component thereof, as described herein.

The memory1130may include RAM and ROM. The memory1130may store computer-readable, computer-executable code1135including instructions that, when executed by the processor1140, cause the device1105to perform various functions described herein. The code1135may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. In some cases, the code1135may not be directly executable by the processor1140but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein. In some cases, the memory1130may contain, among other things, a BIOS which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

The processor1140may 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, the processor1140may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into the processor1140. The processor1140may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory1130) to cause the device1105to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting techniques for DAS). For example, the device1105or a component of the device1105may include a processor1140and memory1130coupled to the processor1140, the processor1140and memory1130configured to perform various functions described herein.

The inter-station communications manager1145may manage communications with other base stations105, and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with UEs115in cooperation with other base stations105. For example, the inter-station communications manager1145may coordinate scheduling for transmissions to UEs115for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, the inter-station communications manager1145may provide an X2 interface within an LTE/LTE-A wireless communications network technology to provide communication between base stations105.

The communications manager1120may support wireless communication at a base station in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager1120may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from a UE, an indication of packet expiration information associated with a set of multiple data packets generated by the UE, where the packet expiration information is based on a set of multiple packet expiration times associated with the set of multiple data packets. The communications manager1120may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the UE, scheduling information associated with at least a subset of the set of multiple data packets, where the scheduling information is based on the packet expiration information. The communications manager1120may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving at least one data packet of the subset of the set of multiple data packets from the UE in accordance with the scheduling information.

By including or configuring the communications manager1120in accordance with examples as described herein, the device1105may support techniques which enable wireless communications systems to support DAS. In particular, by enabling the UEs115to indicate packet expiration information (e.g., packet deadline information) to the base station105-b, techniques described herein may enable the base station105-bto take the packet expiration information for each respective UE115into account when scheduling wireless communications at the respective UEs115, which may reduce a quantity and/or frequency of dropped packets at the respective UEs115. Moreover, by reducing a quantity and frequency of dropped packets, techniques described herein may reduce a latency of wireless communications, and may lead to more efficient scheduling and a more efficient use of wireless resources.

In some examples, the communications manager1120may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the transceiver1115, the one or more antennas1125, or any combination thereof. Although the communications manager1120is illustrated as a separate component, in some examples, one or more functions described herein with reference to the communications manager1120may be supported by or performed by the processor1140, the memory1130, the code1135, or any combination thereof. For example, the code1135may include instructions executable by the processor1140to cause the device1105to perform various aspects of techniques for DAS as described herein, or the processor1140and the memory1130may be otherwise configured to perform or support such operations.

FIG.12shows a flowchart illustrating a method1200that supports techniques for DAS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method1200may be implemented by a UE or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method1200may be performed by a UE115as described herein with reference toFIGS.1through7. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

At1205, the method may include generating a plurality of data packets that are to be transmitted to a base station, where each data packet of the plurality of data packets is associated with a respective packet expiration time. The operations of1205may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1205may be performed by a data packet generating manager625as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

At1210, the method may include transmitting, to the base station, an indication of packet expiration information associated with the plurality of data packets, where the packet expiration information is based at least in part on a plurality of packet expiration times associated with the plurality of data packets. The operations of1210may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1210may be performed by a packet expiration information manager630as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

At1215, the method may include receiving, from the base station, scheduling information associated with at least a subset of the plurality of data packets, where the scheduling information is based at least in part on the packet expiration information. The operations of1215may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1215may be performed by a scheduling information receiving manager635as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

At1220, the method may include transmitting at least one data packet of the subset of the plurality of data packets to the base station in accordance with the scheduling information. The operations of1220may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1220may be performed by a data packet transmitting manager640as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

FIG.13shows a flowchart illustrating a method1300that supports techniques for DAS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method1300may be implemented by a UE or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method1300may be performed by a UE115as described herein with reference toFIGS.1through7. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

At1305, the method may include receiving, from the base station, control signaling including an indication of a periodicity associated with a plurality of transmission occasions for communicating the packet expiration information. The operations of1305may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1305may be performed by a control signaling receiving manager645as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

At1310, the method may include generating a plurality of data packets that are to be transmitted to a base station, where each data packet of the plurality of data packets is associated with a respective packet expiration time. The operations of1310may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1310may be performed by a data packet generating manager625as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

At1315, the method may include transmitting, to the base station, an indication of packet expiration information associated with the plurality of data packets, where the packet expiration information is based at least in part on a plurality of packet expiration times associated with the plurality of data packets, where the indication of the packet expiration information is transmitted in accordance with the indicated periodicity and within a transmission occasion of the plurality of transmission occasions. The operations of1315may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1315may be performed by a packet expiration information manager630as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

At1320, the method may include receiving, from the base station, scheduling information associated with at least a subset of the plurality of data packets, where the scheduling information is based at least in part on the packet expiration information. The operations of1320may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1320may be performed by a scheduling information receiving manager635as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

At1325, the method may include transmitting at least one data packet of the subset of the plurality of data packets to the base station in accordance with the scheduling information. The operations of1325may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1325may be performed by a data packet transmitting manager640as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

FIG.14shows a flowchart illustrating a method1400that supports techniques for DAS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method1400may be implemented by a UE or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method1400may be performed by a UE115as described herein with reference toFIGS.1through7. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

At1405, the method may include receiving, from the base station, control signaling including an indication of one or more trigger conditions for communicating the packet expiration information. The operations of1405may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1405may be performed by a control signaling receiving manager645as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

At1410, the method may include generating a plurality of data packets that are to be transmitted to a base station, where each data packet of the plurality of data packets is associated with a respective packet expiration time. The operations of1410may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1410may be performed by a data packet generating manager625as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

At1415, the method may include transmitting, to the base station, an indication of packet expiration information associated with the plurality of data packets, where the packet expiration information is based at least in part on a plurality of packet expiration times associated with the plurality of data packets, where transmitting the indication of the packet expiration information is based at least in part on a satisfaction of the one or more trigger conditions. The operations of1415may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1415may be performed by a packet expiration information manager630as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

At1420, the method may include receiving, from the base station, scheduling information associated with at least a subset of the plurality of data packets, where the scheduling information is based at least in part on the packet expiration information. The operations of1420may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1420may be performed by a scheduling information receiving manager635as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

At1425, the method may include transmitting at least one data packet of the subset of the plurality of data packets to the base station in accordance with the scheduling information. The operations of1425may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1425may be performed by a data packet transmitting manager640as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

FIG.15shows a flowchart illustrating a method1500that supports techniques for DAS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method1500may be implemented by a UE or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method1500may be performed by a UE115as described herein with reference toFIGS.1through7. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

At1505, the method may include generating a plurality of data packets that are to be transmitted to a base station, where each data packet of the plurality of data packets is associated with a respective packet expiration time. The operations of1505may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1505may be performed by a data packet generating manager625as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

At1510, the method may include receiving, from the base station, a request for the packet expiration information. The operations of1510may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1510may be performed by a request receiving manager650as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

At1515, the method may include transmitting, to the base station, an indication of packet expiration information associated with the plurality of data packets, where the packet expiration information is based at least in part on a plurality of packet expiration times associated with the plurality of data packets, where the indication of the packet expiration information is transmitted in response to the request. The operations of1515may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1515may be performed by a packet expiration information manager630as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

At1520, the method may include receiving, from the base station, scheduling information associated with at least a subset of the plurality of data packets, where the scheduling information is based at least in part on the packet expiration information. The operations of1520may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1520may be performed by a scheduling information receiving manager635as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

At1525, the method may include transmitting at least one data packet of the subset of the plurality of data packets to the base station in accordance with the scheduling information. The operations of1525may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1525may be performed by a data packet transmitting manager640as described herein with reference toFIG.6.

FIG.16shows a flowchart illustrating a method1600that supports techniques for DAS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method1600may be implemented by a base station or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method1600may be performed by a base station105as described herein with reference toFIGS.1through3and8through11. In some examples, a base station may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the base station may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

At1605, the method may include receiving, from a UE, an indication of packet expiration information associated with a plurality of data packets generated by the UE, where the packet expiration information is based at least in part on a plurality of packet expiration times associated with the plurality of data packets. The operations of1605may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1605may be performed by a packet expiration information receiving manager1025as described herein with reference toFIG.10.

At1610, the method may include transmitting, to the UE, scheduling information associated with at least a subset of the plurality of data packets, where the scheduling information is based at least in part on the packet expiration information. The operations of1610may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1610may be performed by a scheduling information transmitting manager1030as described herein with reference toFIG.10.

At1615, the method may include receiving at least one data packet of the subset of the plurality of data packets from the UE in accordance with the scheduling information. The operations of1615may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1615may be performed by a data packet receiving manager1035as described herein with reference toFIG.10.

The following provides an overview of aspects of the present disclosure:

Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication at a UE, comprising: generating a plurality of data packets that are to be transmitted to a base station, wherein each data packet of the plurality of data packets is associated with a respective packet expiration time; transmitting, to the base station, an indication of packet expiration information associated with the plurality of data packets, wherein the packet expiration information is based at least in part on a plurality of packet expiration times associated with the plurality of data packets; receiving, from the base station, scheduling information associated with at least a subset of the plurality of data packets, wherein the scheduling information is based at least in part on the packet expiration information; and transmitting at least one data packet of the subset of the plurality of data packets to the base station in accordance with the scheduling information.

Aspect 2: The method of aspect 1, further comprising: receiving, from the base station, control signaling including an indication of a periodicity associated with a plurality of transmission occasions for communicating the packet expiration information, wherein the indication of the packet expiration information is transmitted in accordance with the indicated periodicity and within a transmission occasion of the plurality of transmission occasions.

Aspect 3: The method of any of aspects 1 through 2, further comprising: receiving, from the base station, control signaling including an indication of one or more trigger conditions for communicating the packet expiration information, wherein transmitting the indication of the packet expiration information is based at least in part on a satisfaction of the one or more trigger conditions.

Aspect 4: The method of aspect 3, wherein the satisfaction of the one or more trigger conditions is based at least in part on a packet expiration time of the plurality of packet expiration times satisfying a duration threshold, a change in the packet expiration information satisfying some change threshold, a QoS requirement at the UE satisfying a threshold quality, a processing capability of the UE satisfying a processing capability threshold, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 5: The method of any of aspects 1 through 4, further comprising: receiving, from the base station, a request for the packet expiration information, wherein the indication of the packet expiration information is transmitted in response to the request.

Aspect 6: The method of aspect 5, wherein the request is received via a DCI message, a MAC-CE message, or both.

Aspect 7: The method of any of aspects 1 through 6, further comprising: determining the packet expiration information in accordance with a packet expiry configuration, the packet expiry configuration comprising one or more mathematical operations for determining the packet expiration information based at least in part on the plurality of packet expiration times.

Aspect 8: The method of aspect 7, further comprising: receiving, from the base station, a control message indicating the packet expiry configuration, wherein determining the packet expiration information is based at least in part on receiving the control message.

Aspect 9: The method of aspect 8, further comprising: receiving, from the base station, additional control signaling indicating a plurality of packet expiry configurations including the packet expiry configuration, wherein the control message is received based at least in part on receiving the additional control signaling, and wherein determining the packet expiration information is based at least in part on receiving the additional control signaling.

Aspect 10: The method of any of aspects 7 through 9, wherein determining the packet expiration information in accordance with the packet expiry configuration comprises: determining an average of the plurality of packet expiration times, a median of the plurality of packet expiration times, a minimum of the plurality of packet expiration times, a maximum of the plurality of packet expiration times, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 11: The method of any of aspects 1 through 10, wherein transmitting the at least one data packet of the plurality of data packets comprises: identifying that a first data packet of the plurality of data packets is valid based at least in part on the scheduling information and a first packet expiration time corresponding to the first data packet; and transmitting the first data packet based at least in part on identifying that the first data packet is valid, wherein the at least one transmitted data packet includes the first data packet.

Aspect 12: The method of aspect 11, further comprising: identifying that a second data packet of the plurality of data packets is expired based at least in part on the scheduling information and a second packet expiration time corresponding to the second data packet; and refraining from transmitting the second data packet based at least in part on identifying that the second data packet is expired.

Aspect 13: The method of aspect 12, further comprising: discarding the second data packet from a transmission buffer at the UE based at least in part on identifying that the second data packet is expired, wherein refraining from transmitting the second data packet is based at least in part on discarding the second data packet.

Aspect 14: The method of any of aspects 1 through 13, wherein the indication of the packet expiration information is transmitted via a UCI message, a MAC-CE message, or both.

Aspect 15: A method for wireless communication at a base station, comprising: receiving, from a UE, an indication of packet expiration information associated with a plurality of data packets generated by the UE, wherein the packet expiration information is based at least in part on a plurality of packet expiration times associated with the plurality of data packets; transmitting, to the UE, scheduling information associated with at least a subset of the plurality of data packets, wherein the scheduling information is based at least in part on the packet expiration information; and receiving at least one data packet of the subset of the plurality of data packets from the UE in accordance with the scheduling information.

Aspect 16: The method of aspect 15, further comprising: determining a DAS metric associated with the UE based at least in part on the packet expiration information, an instantaneous achievable data rate at the UE, an average throughput at the UE, or any combination thereof, wherein transmitting the scheduling information is based at least in part on the DAS metric.

Aspect 17: The method of aspect 16, further comprising: receiving feedback information from the UE, wherein the instantaneous achievable data rate, the average throughput, or both, are based at least in part on the feedback information.

Aspect 18: The method of any of aspects 15 through 17, wherein receiving the indication of the packet expiration information comprises: receiving an indication of packet expiration information associated with a plurality of UEs including the UE; determining a plurality of DAS metrics associated with the plurality of UEs based at least in part on received packet expiration information corresponding to each UE of the plurality of UEs, wherein transmitting the scheduling information is based at least in part on the plurality of DAS metrics.

Aspect 19: The method of any of aspects 15 through 18, further comprising: transmitting, to the UE, control signaling including an indication of a periodicity associated with a plurality of transmission occasions for communicating the packet expiration information, wherein the indication of the packet expiration information is received in accordance with the indicated periodicity and within a transmission occasion of the plurality of transmission occasions.

Aspect 20: The method of any of aspects 15 through 19, further comprising: transmitting, to the UE, control signaling including an indication of one or more trigger conditions for communicating the packet expiration information, wherein receiving the indication of the packet expiration information is based at least in part on a satisfaction of the one or more trigger conditions.

Aspect 21: The method of aspect 20, wherein the satisfaction of the one or more trigger conditions is based at least in part on a packet expiration time of the plurality of packet expiration times satisfying a duration threshold, a change in the packet expiration information satisfying some change threshold, a QoS requirement at the UE satisfying a threshold quality, a processing capability of the UE satisfying a processing capability threshold, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 22: The method of any of aspects 15 through 21, further comprising: transmitting, to the UE, a request for the packet expiration information, wherein the indication of the packet expiration information is received in response to the request.

Aspect 23: The method of aspect 22, wherein the request is transmitted via a DCI message, a MAC-CE message, or both.

Aspect 24: The method of any of aspects 15 through 23, further comprising: transmitting, to the UE, a control message indicating a packet expiry configuration, wherein the packet expiration information is determined in accordance with the packet expiry configuration, the packet expiry configuration comprising one or more mathematical operations for determining the packet expiration information based at least in part on the plurality of packet expiration times.

Aspect 25: The method of aspect 24, further comprising: transmitting, to the UE, additional control signaling indicating a plurality of packet expiry configurations including the packet expiry configuration, wherein the control message is transmitted based at least in part on transmitting the additional control signaling.

Aspect 26: The method of any of aspects 15 through 25, wherein the indication of the packet expiration information is received via a UCI message, a MAC-CE message, or both.

Aspect 27: An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE, comprising a processor; memory coupled with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method of any of aspects 1 through 14.

Aspect 28: An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 1 through 14.

Aspect 29: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a UE, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of aspects 1 through 14.

Aspect 30: An apparatus for wireless communication at a base station, comprising a processor; memory coupled with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method of any of aspects 15 through 26.

Aspect 31: An apparatus for wireless communication at a base station, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 15 through 26.

Aspect 32: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a base station, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of aspects 15 through 26.

It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible. Further, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

Although aspects of an LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR system may be described for purposes of example, and LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR terminology may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein are applicable beyond LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR networks. For example, the described techniques may be applicable to various other wireless communications systems such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, as well as other systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

Information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

The various illustrative blocks and components described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed with a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a CPU, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations.

Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of computer-readable medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of”) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on.”

The term “determine” or “determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions and, therefore, “determining” can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (such as via looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining” can include receiving (such as receiving information), accessing (such as accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, “determining” can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing and other such similar actions.

In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label, or other subsequent reference label.

The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term “example” used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

The description herein is provided to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.