Patent ID: 12245234

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

Several aspects of telecommunication systems will now be presented with reference to various apparatus and methods. These apparatus and methods will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, components, circuits, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as “elements”). These elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

By way of example, an element, or any portion of an element, or any combination of elements may be implemented as a “processing system” that includes one or more processors. Examples of processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), application processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, systems on a chip (SoC), baseband processors, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functionality described throughout this disclosure. One or more processors in the processing system may execute software. Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software components, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

Accordingly, in one or more example embodiments, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or encoded as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes computer storage media. Storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, other magnetic storage devices, combinations of the types of computer-readable media, or any other medium that can be used to store computer executable code in the form of instructions or data structures that can be accessed by a computer.

While aspects and implementations are described in this application by illustration to some examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases may come about in many different arrangements and scenarios. Innovations described herein may be implemented across many differing platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and packaging arrangements. For example, implementations and/or uses may come about via integrated chip implementations and other non-module-component based devices (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail/purchasing devices, medical devices, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled devices, etc.). While some examples may or may not be specifically directed to use cases or applications, a wide assortment of applicability of described innovations may occur. Implementations may range a spectrum from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level implementations and further to aggregate, distributed, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices or systems incorporating one or more aspects of the described innovations. In some practical settings, devices incorporating described aspects and features may also include additional components and features for implementation and practice of claimed and described aspect. For example, transmission and reception of wireless signals necessarily includes a number of components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antenna, RF-chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffer, processor(s), interleaver, adders/summers, etc.). It is intended that innovations described herein may be practiced in a wide variety of devices, chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, aggregated or disaggregated components, end-user devices, etc. of varying sizes, shapes, and constitution.

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communications system and an access network100. The wireless communications system (also referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) includes base stations102, UEs104, an Evolved Packet Core (EPC)160, and another core network190(e.g., a 5G Core (5GC)). The base stations102may include macrocells (high power cellular base station) and/or small cells (low power cellular base station). The macrocells include base stations. The small cells include femtocells, picocells, and microcells.

The base stations102configured for 4G LTE (collectively referred to as Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)) may interface with the EPC160through first backhaul links132(e.g., S1 interface). The base stations102configured for 5G NR (collectively referred to as Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN)) may interface with core network190through second backhaul links184. In addition to other functions, the base stations102may perform one or more of the following functions: transfer of user data, radio channel ciphering and deciphering, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection setup and release, load balancing, distribution for non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, radio access network (RAN) sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment trace, RAN information management (RIM), paging, positioning, and delivery of warning messages. The base stations102may communicate directly or indirectly (e.g., through the EPC160or core network190) with each other over third backhaul links134(e.g., X2 interface). The first backhaul links132, the second backhaul links184, and the third backhaul links134may be wired or wireless.

The base stations102may wirelessly communicate with the UEs104. Each of the base stations102may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area110. There may be overlapping geographic coverage areas110. For example, the small cell102′ may have a coverage area110′ that overlaps the coverage area110of one or more macro base stations102. A network that includes both small cell and macrocells may be known as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include Home Evolved Node Bs (eNBs) (HeNBs), which may provide service to a restricted group known as a closed subscriber group (CSG). The communication links120between the base stations102and the UEs104may include uplink (UL) (also referred to as reverse link) transmissions from a UE104to a base station102and/or downlink (DL) (also referred to as forward link) transmissions from a base station102to a UE104. The communication links120may use multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and/or transmit diversity. The communication links may be through one or more carriers. The base stations102/UEs104may use spectrum up to Y MHz (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 100, 400, etc. MHz) bandwidth per carrier allocated in a carrier aggregation of up to a total of Yx MHz (x component carriers) used for transmission in each direction. The carriers may or may not be adjacent to each other. Allocation of carriers may be asymmetric with respect to DL and UL (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated for DL than for UL). The component carriers may include a primary component carrier and one or more secondary component carriers. A primary component carrier may be referred to as a primary cell (PCell) and a secondary component carrier may be referred to as a secondary cell (SCell).

Certain UEs104may communicate with each other using device-to-device (D2D) communication link158. The D2D communication link158may use the DL/UL WWAN spectrum. The D2D communication link158may use one or more sidelink channels, such as a physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH), a physical sidelink discovery channel (PSDCH), a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), and a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH). D2D communication may be through a variety of wireless D2D communications systems, such as for example, WiMedia, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, LTE, or NR.

The wireless communications system may further include a Wi-Fi access point (AP)150in communication with Wi-Fi stations (STAs)152via communication links154, e.g., in a 5 GHz unlicensed frequency spectrum or the like. When communicating in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, the STAs152/AP150may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) prior to communicating in order to determine whether the channel is available.

The small cell102′ may operate in a licensed and/or an unlicensed frequency spectrum. When operating in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, the small cell102′ may employ NR and use the same unlicensed frequency spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz, or the like) as used by the Wi-Fi AP150. The small cell102′, employing NR in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, may boost coverage to and/or increase capacity of the access network.

The electromagnetic spectrum is often subdivided, based on frequency/wavelength, into various classes, bands, channels, etc. In 5G NR, two initial operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz-7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz-52.6 GHz). Although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “sub-6 GHz” band in various documents and articles. A similar nomenclature issue sometimes occurs with regard to FR2, which is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “millimeter wave” band in documents and articles, despite being different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz-300 GHz) which is identified by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as a “millimeter wave” band.

The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are often referred to as mid-band frequencies. Recent 5G NR studies have identified an operating band for these mid-band frequencies as frequency range designation FR3 (7.125 GHz-24.25 GHz). Frequency bands falling within FR3 may inherit FR1 characteristics and/or FR2 characteristics, and thus may effectively extend features of FR1 and/or FR2 into mid-band frequencies. In addition, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operation beyond 52.6 GHz. For example, three higher operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz-71 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz-114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz-300 GHz). Each of these higher frequency bands falls within the EHF band.

With the above aspects in mind, unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be understood that the term “sub-6 GHz” or the like if used herein may broadly represent frequencies that may be less than 6 GHz, may be within FR1, or may include mid-band frequencies. Further, unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be understood that the term “millimeter wave” or the like if used herein may broadly represent frequencies that may include mid-band frequencies, may be within FR2, FR4, FR4-a or FR4-1, and/or FR5, or may be within the EHF band.

A base station102, whether a small cell102′ or a large cell (e.g., macro base station), may include and/or be referred to as an eNB, gNodeB (gNB), or another type of base station. Some base stations, such as gNB180may operate in a traditional sub 6 GHz spectrum, in millimeter wave frequencies, and/or near millimeter wave frequencies in communication with the UE104. When the gNB180operates in millimeter wave or near millimeter wave frequencies, the gNB180may be referred to as a millimeter wave base station. The millimeter wave base station180may utilize beamforming182with the UE104to compensate for the path loss and short range. The base station180and the UE104may each include a plurality of antennas, such as antenna elements, antenna panels, and/or antenna arrays to facilitate the beamforming.

The base station180may transmit a beamformed signal to the UE104in one or more transmit directions182′. The UE104may receive the beamformed signal from the base station180in one or more receive directions182″. The UE104may also transmit a beamformed signal to the base station180in one or more transmit directions. The base station180may receive the beamformed signal from the UE104in one or more receive directions. The base station180/UE104may perform beam training to determine the best receive and transmit directions for each of the base station180/UE104. The transmit and receive directions for the base station180may or may not be the same. The transmit and receive directions for the UE104may or may not be the same.

The EPC160may include a Mobility Management Entity (MME)162, other MMEs164, a Serving Gateway166, a Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) Gateway168, a Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BM-SC)170, and a Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway172. The MME162may be in communication with a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)174. The MME162is the control node that processes the signaling between the UEs104and the EPC160. Generally, the MME162provides bearer and connection management. All user Internet protocol (IP) packets are transferred through the Serving Gateway166, which itself is connected to the PDN Gateway172. The PDN Gateway172provides UE IP address allocation as well as other functions. The PDN Gateway172and the BM-SC170are connected to the IP Services176. The IP Services176may include the Internet, an intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), a PS Streaming Service, and/or other IP services. The BM-SC170may provide functions for MBMS user service provisioning and delivery. The BM-SC170may serve as an entry point for content provider MBMS transmission, may be used to authorize and initiate MBMS Bearer Services within a public land mobile network (PLMN), and may be used to schedule MBMS transmissions. The MBMS Gateway168may be used to distribute MBMS traffic to the base stations102belonging to a Multicast Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) area broadcasting a particular service, and may be responsible for session management (start/stop) and for collecting eMBMS related charging information.

The core network190may include an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)192, other AMFs193, a Session Management Function (SMF)194, and a User Plane Function (UPF)195. The AMF192may be in communication with a Unified Data Management (UDM)196. The AMF192is the control node that processes the signaling between the UEs104and the core network190. Generally, the AMF192provides QoS flow and session management. All user Internet protocol (IP) packets are transferred through the UPF195. The UPF195provides UE IP address allocation as well as other functions. The UPF195is connected to the IP Services197. The IP Services197may include the Internet, an intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), a Packet Switch (PS) Streaming (PSS) Service, and/or other IP services.

The base station may include and/or be referred to as a gNB, Node B, eNB, an access point, a base transceiver station, a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), a transmit reception point (TRP), or some other suitable terminology. The base station102provides an access point to the EPC160or core network190for a UE104. Examples of UEs104include a cellular phone, a smart phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a satellite radio, a global positioning system, a multimedia device, a video device, a digital audio player (e.g., MP3 player), a camera, a game console, a tablet, a smart device, a wearable device, a vehicle, an electric meter, a gas pump, a large or small kitchen appliance, a healthcare device, an implant, a sensor/actuator, a display, or any other similar functioning device. Some of the UEs104may be referred to as IoT devices (e.g., parking meter, gas pump, toaster, vehicles, heart monitor, etc.). The UE104may also be referred to as a station, a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communications device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable terminology. In some scenarios, the term UE may also apply to one or more companion devices such as in a device constellation arrangement. One or more of these devices may collectively access the network and/or individually access the network.

Referring again toFIG.1, in certain aspects, the UE104may be configured to request assistance with sidelink communication with at least another UE. For example, the UE104may comprise a request component198configured to request assistance with sidelink communication with at least another UE. The UE104may receive, from a base station180, an AN configuration for one or more ANs103associated with the base station. The UE104may transmit, to the base station180, an AR to request assistance with communication with a second UE from at least one AN103associated with the base station180. The UE104may receive, from the base station180, a grant to schedule sidelink transmission with the second UE. The sidelink transmission with the second UE is assisted by at least one AN103of the one or more ANs associated with the base station180. The UE104may communicate with the second UE, via the at least one AN103, using allocated resources of the grant from the base station180.

Referring again toFIG.1, in certain aspects, the base station180may be configured to configure a UE to request assistance with sidelink communication with at least another UE. For example, the base station180may comprise a configuration component199configured to configure a UE104to request assistance with sidelink communication with at least another UE. The base station180may transmit, to at least a first UE104, an AN configuration for one or more ANs103associated with the base station180. The base station180may receive, from the first UE104, an AR to request assistance with communication with a second UE from at least one AN103associated with the base station180. The base station180may transmit, to the first UE104, a grant to schedule sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE. The sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE is assisted by at least one AN103of the one or more ANs associated with the base station180.

Although the following description may be focused on 5G NR, the concepts described herein may be applicable to other similar areas, such as LTE, LTE-A, CDMA, GSM, and other wireless technologies.

FIG.2Ais a diagram200illustrating an example of a first subframe within a 5G NR frame structure.FIG.2Bis a diagram230illustrating an example of DL channels within a 5G NR subframe.FIG.2Cis a diagram250illustrating an example of a second subframe within a 5G NR frame structure.FIG.2Dis a diagram280illustrating an example of UL channels within a 5G NR subframe. The 5G NR frame structure may be frequency division duplexed (FDD) in which for a particular set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within the set of subcarriers are dedicated for either DL or UL, or may be time division duplexed (TDD) in which for a particular set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within the set of subcarriers are dedicated for both DL and UL. In the examples provided byFIGS.2A,2C, the 5G NR frame structure is assumed to be TDD, with subframe 4 being configured with slot format 28 (with mostly DL), where D is DL, U is UL, and F is flexible for use between DL/UL, and subframe 3 being configured with slot format 1 (with all UL). While subframes 3, 4 are shown with slot formats 1, 28, respectively, any particular subframe may be configured with any of the various available slot formats 0-61. Slot formats 0, 1 are all DL, UL, respectively. Other slot formats 2-61 include a mix of DL, UL, and flexible symbols. UEs are configured with the slot format (dynamically through DL control information (DCI), or semi-statically/statically through radio resource control (RRC) signaling) through a received slot format indicator (SFI). Note that the description infra applies also to a 5G NR frame structure that is TDD.

FIGS.2A-2Dillustrate a frame structure, and the aspects of the present disclosure may be applicable to other wireless communication technologies, which may have a different frame structure and/or different channels. A frame (10 ms) may be divided into 10 equally sized subframes (1 ms). Each subframe may include one or more time slots. Subframes may also include mini-slots, which may include 7, 4, or 2 symbols. Each slot may include 14 or 12 symbols, depending on whether the cyclic prefix (CP) is normal or extended. For normal CP, each slot may include 14 symbols, and for extended CP, each slot may include 12 symbols. The symbols on DL may be CP orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) (CP-OFDM) symbols. The symbols on UL may be CP-OFDM symbols (for high throughput scenarios) or discrete Fourier transform (DFT) spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbols (also referred to as single carrier frequency-division multiple access (SC-FDMA) symbols) (for power limited scenarios; limited to a single stream transmission). The number of slots within a subframe is based on the CP and the numerology. The numerology defines the subcarrier spacing (SCS) and, effectively, the symbol length/duration, which is equal to 1/SCS.

SCSμΔf = 2μ· 15[kHz]Cyclic prefix015Normal130Normal260Normal, Extended3120Normal4240Normal

For normal CP (14 symbols/slot), different numerologies μ 0 to 4 allow for 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 slots, respectively, per subframe. For extended CP, the numerology 2 allows for 4 slots per subframe. Accordingly, for normal CP and numerology μ, there are 14 symbols/slot and 2μslots/subframe. The subcarrier spacing may be equal to 2μ*15 kHz, where μ is the numerology 0 to 4. As such, the numerology μ=0 has a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz and the numerology μ=4 has a subcarrier spacing of 240 kHz. The symbol length/duration is inversely related to the subcarrier spacing.FIGS.2A-2Dprovide an example of normal CP with 14 symbols per slot and numerology μ=2 with 4 slots per subframe. The slot duration is 0.25 ms, the subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz, and the symbol duration is approximately 16.67 μs. Within a set of frames, there may be one or more different bandwidth parts (BWPs) (seeFIG.2B) that are frequency division multiplexed. Each BWP may have a particular numerology and CP (normal or extended).

A resource grid may be used to represent the frame structure. Each time slot includes a resource block (RB) (also referred to as physical RBs (PRBs)) that extends 12 consecutive subcarriers. The resource grid is divided into multiple resource elements (REs). The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

As illustrated inFIG.2A, some of the REs carry reference (pilot) signals (RS) for the UE. The RS may include demodulation RS (DM-RS) (indicated as R for one particular configuration, but other DM-RS configurations are possible) and channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) for channel estimation at the UE. The RS may also include beam measurement RS (BRS), beam refinement RS (BRRS), and phase tracking RS (PT-RS).

FIG.2Billustrates an example of various DL channels within a subframe of a frame. The physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carries DCI within one or more control channel elements (CCEs) (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 CCEs), each CCE including six RE groups (REGs), each REG including 12 consecutive REs in an OFDM symbol of an RB. A PDCCH within one BWP may be referred to as a control resource set (CORESET). A UE is configured to monitor PDCCH candidates in a PDCCH search space (e.g., common search space, UE-specific search space) during PDCCH monitoring occasions on the CORESET, where the PDCCH candidates have different DCI formats and different aggregation levels. Additional BWPs may be located at greater and/or lower frequencies across the channel bandwidth. A primary synchronization signal (PSS) may be within symbol 2 of particular subframes of a frame. The PSS is used by a UE104to determine subframe/symbol timing and a physical layer identity. A secondary synchronization signal (SSS) may be within symbol 4 of particular subframes of a frame. The SSS is used by a UE to determine a physical layer cell identity group number and radio frame timing. Based on the physical layer identity and the physical layer cell identity group number, the UE can determine a physical cell identifier (PCI). Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the locations of the DM-RS. The physical broadcast channel (PBCH), which carries a master information block (MIB), may be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form a synchronization signal (SS)/PBCH block (also referred to as SS block (SSB)). The MIB provides a number of RBs in the system bandwidth and a system frame number (SFN). The physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information not transmitted through the PBCH such as system information blocks (SIBs), and paging messages.

As illustrated inFIG.2C, some of the REs carry DM-RS (indicated as R for one particular configuration, but other DM-RS configurations are possible) for channel estimation at the base station. The UE may transmit DM-RS for the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and DM-RS for the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). The PUSCH DM-RS may be transmitted in the first one or two symbols of the PUSCH. The PUCCH DM-RS may be transmitted in different configurations depending on whether short or long PUCCHs are transmitted and depending on the particular PUCCH format used. The UE may transmit sounding reference signals (SRS). The SRS may be transmitted in the last symbol of a subframe. The SRS may have a comb structure, and a UE may transmit SRS on one of the combs. The SRS may be used by a base station for channel quality estimation to enable frequency-dependent scheduling on the UL.

FIG.2Dillustrates an example of various UL channels within a subframe of a frame. The PUCCH may be located as indicated in one configuration. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as scheduling requests, a channel quality indicator (CQI), a precoding matrix indicator (PMI), a rank indicator (RI), and hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgment (ACK) (HARQ-ACK) feedback (i.e., one or more HARQ ACK bits indicating one or more ACK and/or negative ACK (NACK)). The PUSCH carries data, and may additionally be used to carry a buffer status report (BSR), a power headroom report (PHR), and/or UCI.

FIG.3is a block diagram of a base station310in communication with a UE350in an access network. In the DL, IP packets from the EPC160may be provided to a controller/processor375. The controller/processor375implements layer 3 and layer 2 functionality. Layer 3 includes a radio resource control (RRC) layer, and layer 2 includes a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, and a medium access control (MAC) layer. The controller/processor375provides RRC layer functionality associated with broadcasting of system information (e.g., MIB, SIBs), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter radio access technology (RAT) mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression/decompression, security (ciphering, deciphering, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functionality associated with the transfer of upper layer packet data units (PDUs), error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

In some aspects, communication may be provided between the base station and the UE by an AN103(e.g., reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) or smart repeater), such as described in connection with any ofFIG.1orFIGS.4A-15. In some instances, the communication may be relayed or intelligently reflected by the AN103(e.g., RIS or smart repeater).

The transmit (TX) processor316and the receive (RX) processor370implement layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1, which includes a physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on the transport channels, forward error correction (FEC) coding/decoding of the transport channels, interleaving, rate matching, mapping onto physical channels, modulation/demodulation of physical channels, and MIMO antenna processing. The TX processor316handles mapping to signal constellations based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase-shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), M-phase-shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The coded and modulated symbols may then be split into parallel streams. Each stream may then be mapped to an OFDM subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., pilot) in the time and/or frequency domain, and then combined together using an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying a time domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM stream is spatially precoded to produce multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from a channel estimator374may be used to determine the coding and modulation scheme, as well as for spatial processing. The channel estimate may be derived from a reference signal and/or channel condition feedback transmitted by the UE350. Each spatial stream may then be provided to a different antenna320via a separate transmitter318TX. Each transmitter318TX may modulate a radio frequency (RF) carrier with a respective spatial stream for transmission.

At the UE350, each receiver354RX receives a signal through its respective antenna352. Each receiver354RX recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to the receive (RX) processor356. The TX processor368and the RX processor356implement layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. The RX processor356may perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial streams destined for the UE350. If multiple spatial streams are destined for the UE350, they may be combined by the RX processor356into a single OFDM symbol stream. The RX processor356then converts the OFDM symbol stream from the time-domain to the frequency domain using a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The frequency domain signal comprises a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols on each subcarrier, and the reference signal, are recovered and demodulated by determining the most likely signal constellation points transmitted by the base station310. These soft decisions may be based on channel estimates computed by the channel estimator358. The soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the data and control signals that were originally transmitted by the base station310on the physical channel. The data and control signals are then provided to the controller/processor359, which implements layer 3 and layer 2 functionality.

The controller/processor359can be associated with a memory360that stores program codes and data. The memory360may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller/processor359provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, deciphering, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets from the EPC160. The controller/processor359is also responsible for error detection using an ACK and/or NACK protocol to support HARQ operations.

Similar to the functionality described in connection with the DL transmission by the base station310, the controller/processor359provides RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIBs) acquisition, RRC connections, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression/decompression, and security (ciphering, deciphering, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functionality associated with the transfer of upper layer PDUs, error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs, re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto TBs, demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

Channel estimates derived by a channel estimator358from a reference signal or feedback transmitted by the base station310may be used by the TX processor368to select the appropriate coding and modulation schemes, and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial streams generated by the TX processor368may be provided to different antenna352via separate transmitters354TX. Each transmitter354TX may modulate an RF carrier with a respective spatial stream for transmission.

The UL transmission is processed at the base station310in a manner similar to that described in connection with the receiver function at the UE350. Each receiver318RX receives a signal through its respective antenna320. Each receiver318RX recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to a RX processor370.

The controller/processor375can be associated with a memory376that stores program codes and data. The memory376may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller/processor375provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, deciphering, header decompression, control signal processing to recover IP packets from the UE350. IP packets from the controller/processor375may be provided to the EPC160. The controller/processor375is also responsible for error detection using an ACK and/or NACK protocol to support HARQ operations.

At least one of the TX processor368, the RX processor356, and the controller/processor359may be configured to perform aspects in connection with198ofFIG.1.

At least one of the TX processor316, the RX processor370, and the controller/processor375may be configured to perform aspects in connection with198ofFIG.1.

In wireless communications systems, for example sidelink communication systems, a Mode 1 and Mode 2 resource allocation configuration may be utilized. For example, with reference to diagram400ofFIG.4A, in a Mode 1 resource allocation configuration, a base station404may allocate resources to a transmitting UE402for sidelink data channel transmission. The transmitting UE402may receive the allocated resources from the base station404over a Uu link. The transmitting UE402may transmit a sidelink transmission to the receiving UE406over a sidelink connection (e.g., PC5). With reference to diagram410ofFIG.4B, in a Mode 2 resource allocation configuration, the transmitting UE412may perform resource allocation autonomously, on its own, for sidelink transmission with the receiving UE414. Mode 2 may support reservation-based scheduling. The transmitting UE412may reserve a number of resources in a number of future slots for a future transmission. The reservation may be indicated in sidelink control information (SCI). The transmitting UE412may make the reservation based on monitoring of sidelink transmissions from other UEs.

An assisting node (AN) may be utilized to enhance or extend wireless coverage. For example, the AN may be used to duplicate data packets in order to increase reliability. A type of an AN may comprise a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS). A RIS may comprise a phased array without a transceiver and may include a plurality of uniformly distributed electrically controllable elements. Each RIS element may have a reconfigurable electromagnetic characteristic, e.g., a reflection coefficient. Depending on the combination of configured states of the elements, the RIS may reflect and modify the incident radio waveform in a controlled manner, such as changing a reflected direction, changing a beam width, etc. The RIS may function as a near passive device, and a reflection configuration of the RIS may be controlled by the base station. The RIS may reflect an impinging wave based on the reflection configuration indicated by the base station to a UE.

An RIS may be deployed in wireless communication systems, including cellular systems, such as LTE, NR, etc. An RIS may alter the channel realization in a controlled manner, which may improve channel diversity. The increased diversity may provide robustness to channel blocking/fading, which may be of particular importance for mmWave communication. An RIS may improve network coverage, throughput, or reduce power consumption. For example, the RIS may reflect signals towards coverage holes with a reduced power requirement. An RIS may have a controller and one or more antenna arrays. The controller may control the antenna array to receive or reflect signals towards desired directions. The controller may communicate with other nodes, such as base stations. With reference toFIG.5, the base station502may have a connection with a RIS controller510of the RIS508to provide a control signal518which may comprise a RIS configuration. The base station502may provide the control signal518to change the reflection configuration at the RIS508, such that the signal512from the base station502may be reflected at signal514towards UE504. In some aspects, the control signal518may instruct the RIS508to change the reflection configuration such that the signal512from the base station502may be reflected to another direction.

At least another type of AN may comprise a smart repeater. A smart repeater may amplify a received signal and forwards the received signal. The smart repeater may be able to control its receiving beam direction and/or forwarding beam direction.

ANs (e.g., RIS or smart repeater) may assist in sidelink communication (e.g., vehicle to everything (V2X)). ANs may be deployed to improve sidelink communication performance. ANs may be deployed to assist Uu and may be used for sidelink communications. For example, when part of the resources are configured for sidelink communication and within those resources there are no Uu transmissions, then the AN may provide sidelink communication assistance in the configured sidelink resources. However, there may be some challenges in exploiting ANs for V2X communications. For example, the locations of the transmitter UE and receiver UE, for sidelink communications, may be dynamic, such that determining the signal directions for both incoming and outgoing beam directions may be difficult.

Aspects presented herein provide a configuration for on demand assistance for sidelink communication. In some instances, a UE may be configured to request assistance with sidelink communication with at least another UE. A base station may manage the configuration of one or more ANs associated with the base station. For example, the base station may configure at least one AN to assist a transmitting UE with sidelink transmission with a receiving UE, in response to receiving an assistance request from the UE.

FIG.6is a diagram600of an AN assisted sidelink communication. The diagram600includes a first UE602, a base station604, a second UE606, and an AN608. The UE602may be a transmitting UE and UE606may be a receiving UE. The UE602may not have a line of sight or connection612that would support sidelink transmission. The UE602may be blocked by obstructions610that block sidelink transmissions from the UE602to the UE606. The obstructions610may comprise a building, walls, obstacles, or interference sources that prevent or degrade sidelink transmissions from the UE602to the UE606.

The UE602may have a Uu link614with the base station604. In such instances, the base station604may transmit, to the UE602, AN support and capability information over the Uu link614. For example, the base station604may broadcast a signal indicating an AN configuration. The AN configuration may indicate that the one or more ANs are associated with the base station604, location information for the one or more ANs, or incoming or outgoing signal directions supported by each of the one or more ANs. In some instances, the base station604may transmit the AN configuration in dedicated RRC signaling.

The UE602, in response to receipt of the AN configuration, may determine whether any of the one or more ANs associated with the base station604may provide assistance with sidelink communications with the UE606. For example, the UE602may determine that it is located within at least one incoming signal direction of the AN608, and that the UE606is located within at least one outgoing signal direction of the AN608, such that the AN608may be identified, by the UE602, as being capable of providing assistance in sidelink communication between the UE602and UE606. In some instances, the UE602may take into the quality of the link612between the UE602and UE606to identify an AN associated with the base station604that may provide sidelink communication assistance. The quality of the link612may be based on at least one of low signal to noise ratio (SNR), low reference signal received power (RSRP), increased block error rate, or low modulation and coding scheme (MCS) index. The UE602may have location information of the UE606in order to make a determination based on the quality of the link612.

The UE602may transmit an AR to the base station604via the Uu link614. The AR may request assistance for sidelink communication with the UE606from the AN608. The AR transmitted to the base station604may indicate a desired incoming/outgoing signal directions, or a desired AN. The desired incoming/outgoing signal directions may correspond to a location of the UE602and a location of the UE606. The AR may comprise a dedicated MAC-CE, may be part of a scheduling request (SR), or within a buffer status report (BSR) used in Mode 1 sidelink communication. In some aspects, the UE602may indicate, within the AR, location information for the UE602and an intended location of the UE606.

The base station604, in response to receipt of the AR from UE602, may allocate resources to schedule sidelink transmission between the UE602and the UE606, with the assistance of AN608. The base station604, in allocating the resources to schedule the sidelink transmission, may identify at least one AN associated with the base station that may be capable of providing assistance to the UE602. The base station604may identify the at least one AN regardless of whether a desired AN or an AN is identified in the AR transmitted by the UE602. In some aspects, the base station604may activate the AN608in the resources that have been allocated to the UE602for the sidelink transmission. The base station604may transmit an activation signal to the AN608via a connection616. The base station604may transmit a grant to the UE602with resources allocated that schedule the sidelink transmission. In some aspects, the base station604may inform the UE602whether the AN608(e.g., desired or identified in the AR) or the desired incoming/outgoing signal directions will be available on the allocated resources. In some instances, the desired AN may not be available to the UE602, for example, due to the desired AN serving other UEs or links.

The UE602may transmit the sidelink transmission based on the allocated resources in the grant from the base station604. The UE602may transmit the sidelink transmission in a direction618towards the AN608. For example, the UE602may form a beam towards the AN608and may select a higher MCS. In some aspects, the UE602may transmit the sidelink transmission towards the AN608based on the grant indicating that the AN608will be activated during the allocated resources. For example, the sidelink transmission beam direction may be different for an active AN and for a deactivated AN.

The AN may support multiple incoming and outgoing signal direction pairs. For example, with reference to example700ofFIG.7, the AN may comprise a RIS that may be configured to tune its signal phase such that the RIS may reflect a signal towards one of multiple directions (e.g.,702,704,706,708). The example700ofFIG.7shows that the RIS may reflect the signal towards four different directions, however, in some aspects, the RIS may be configured to reflect the signal towards more than four different directions and the disclosure is not intended to be limited to four different directions. In some aspects, the AN may be stationary, such that the configuration of the AN may be based on location information of the AN and the one or more UEs. For example, in instances where the transmitting UE has line of sight with the AN, the incoming signal direction of the AN that should be activated may be based on the location of the transmitting UE and the location of the AN, or the relative position between the transmitting UE and the AN. The location information of the AN, transmitting UE, or receiving UE may be utilized to determine which incoming/outgoing signal direction combination should be used, which may reduce AN beam training overhead. In some instances, when exchanging location information between the base station and the transmitting UE, the location information may be geographical coordinates, zone identifier (ID), or even coarser (e.g., AN located at a street intersection, the four road directions around the intersection abstracted as four zones). For example, with reference to example800ofFIG.8, the transmitting UE802may be within a Zone 1810while the receiving UE804may be within a Zone 2812. The AN806(e.g., RIS or smart repeater) may assist in sidelink communication between UE802and UE804that are in zones (e.g., Zone 1810, Zone 2812) that have a connection with AN806. Zone 1810and Zone 2812may be within incoming/outgoing beam directions of the AN806, such that the AN806may provide sidelink transmission assistance. In some aspects, the base station may include the zone information within the AN configuration. The transmitting UE may request AN assistance based at least on which zone the transmitting UE and the receiving UE are located.

In some aspects, the AN may be co-located with a road side unit (RSU), such that the AN is stationary and co-located with the RSU at street intersections. In some aspects, the AN may be deployed as a stand-alone device, but may have a sidelink or V2X transceiver and capable of sidelink or V2X communication. In some aspects, the AN may be deployed as a stand-alone device and may be capable of communicating with a network entity (e.g., base station) via a Uu link, cabled backhaul, or other connection means. The AN may be controlled by a controller or by the network. The controller may be a co-located RSU or another entity (e.g., integrated or co-located with the AN). In some aspects, the controller may be the base station that the AN is capable of communicating with. In some aspects, the controller may be able to activate or deactivate the AN or change the incident signal direction or receiving beam direction for incoming signal and reflected signal direction or transmitting beam direction for the outgoing signal.

In some aspects, the determination of the desired incoming/outgoing signal directions may be determined by the transmitting UE. For example, the base station may transmit to the transmitting UE supported combinations of AN incoming/outgoing signal directions. The UE may determine the desired combination based on its location and the location of the receiving UE. The UE may provide the desired incoming/outgoing signal directions within the AR transmitted to the base station. In some aspects, the determination of the desired incoming/outgoing signal directions may be determined by the base station. For example, the base station may signal the AN capability within a broadcast signal to at least one UE. The transmitting UE may report its location, as well as the location of the receiving UE to the base station within the AR. The base station may determine whether the AN or beam direction combination is available to assist the transmitting UE, based at least on the locations of the transmitting UE, receiving UE, and the AN. The base station may indicate to the transmitting UE whether the AN is available or whether the direction combination is available.

In some aspects, the AN may assist the reverse link from the receiving UE to the transmitting UE. The transmitting UE may report an ID for the receiving UE (e.g., layer 2 ID) to the base station, within the AR. The base station may associate the ID of the receiving UE with its Uu ID (e.g., RNTI), such that when the base station schedules the sidelink transmission from the receiving UE to the transmitting UE, the base station may activate or configure the AN to assist the sidelink transmission from the receiving UE to the transmitting UE based at least on the earlier transmitting UE request.

FIG.9is a call flow diagram900of signaling between a first UE902, a base station904, a second UE906, and an AN908. The base station904may be configured to provide at least one cell. The UE902,906may be configured to communicate with the base station904. The AN908may be configured to communicate with the base station904or the UE902,906. For example, in the context ofFIG.1, the base station904may correspond to base station102/180and, accordingly, the cell may include a geographic coverage area110in which communication coverage is provided and/or small cell102′ having a coverage area110′. Further, the UE902,906may correspond to at least UE104, and the AN908may correspond to the AN103. In another example, in the context ofFIG.3, the base station904may correspond to base station310and the UE902,906may correspond to UE350.

As illustrated at910, the base station904may transmit an AN configuration. The base station may transmit the AN configuration to at least a first UE902. The first UE902may receive the AN configuration from the base station904. The AN configuration may be for one or more ANs (e.g.,908) associated with the base station904. In some aspects, the AN configuration may comprise an amount of ANs associated with the base station, location information for each of the one or more ANs, or signal directions supported by each of the one or more ANs. The signal directions supported may comprise pairs of transmission and/or reception beams that may be supported by the one or more ANs. In some aspects, the AN configuration may be transmitted via RRC signaling.

As illustrated at912, the first UE902may identify at least one AN (e.g.,908) that may be capable of providing assistance to communicate with a second UE906. In some aspects, the at least one AN may be capable of providing assistance based at least on position location information of the first UE or the second UE. For example, the first UE may not have line of sight or a strong connection with the second UE, but the AN may have line of sight or a strong connection with the second UE. In such instances, the AN may be capable of providing assistance in the sidelink communication between the first and second UE. In some aspects, the at least one AN may be capable of providing assistance with the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE if the first UE and the second UE are in different location zones. In such instances, the different location zones may have a connection with the at least one AN that allows for the at least one AN to relay sidelink transmissions between the first and second UEs. In some aspects, at least one incoming signal direction of the at least one AN may support transmission from the first UE, and at least one outgoing signal direction of the at least one AN may support transmission to the second UE.

As illustrated at914, the first UE902may transmit an AR to request assistance with communication with the second UE906. The first UE902may transmit the AR to the base station904. The base station904may receive the AR from the first UE902. The first UE902may transmit the AR to request assistance with communication with the second UE906from at least one AN (e.g.,908) associated with the base station904. In some aspects, the AR may comprise at least one of a desired incoming signal direction, an outgoing signal direction, or a desired AN. In some aspects, the AR may be transmitted in at least one of a MAC-CE, an SR, or a BSR. In some aspects, the AR may comprise location information for at least one of the first UE or the second UE. In some aspects, the at least one AN identified as capable of providing assistance may be indicated in the AR.

As illustrated at916, the base station904may identify at least one AN (e.g.,908) that may be capable of providing assistance with the sidelink communication between the first UE902and the second UE906. The base station904may identify the at least one AN that may be capable of providing assistance with the sidelink communication between the first UE902and the second UE906in instances where the AR transmitted by the first UE902does not include a desired AN or does not indicate an AN identified by the first UE as being capable of providing assistance. In some aspects, the base station904may identify the at least one AN capable of providing assistance regardless of whether the AR includes a desired AN or includes an AN identified by the first UE as being capable of providing assistance. In some aspects, the at least one AN may be capable of providing assistance based at least on position location information of the first UE or the second UE. For example, the first UE may not have line of sight or a strong connection with the second UE, but the AN may have line of sight or a strong connection with the second UE. In such instances, the AN may be capable of providing assistance in the sidelink communication between the first and second UE. In some aspects, the at least one AN may be capable of providing assistance with the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE if the first UE and the second UE are in different location zones. In such instances, the different location zones may have a connection with the at least one AN that allows for the at least one AN to relay sidelink transmissions between the first and second UEs. In some aspects, at least one incoming signal direction of the at least one AN may support transmission from the first UE, and at least one outgoing signal direction of the at least one AN may support transmission to the second UE.

As illustrated at918, the base station904may activate the at least one AN (e.g.,908). The base station may activate the at least one AN to assist in the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE. In some aspects, the at least one AN may be configured, by the base station, to assist in the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE in response to the AR. In some aspects, the base station may configure the at least one AN to activate incoming signal direction beams or outgoing signal direction beams based at least on location information of the first UE or the second UE and the at least one AN. In some aspects, the base station may configure the at least one AN to activate one or more incoming or outgoing signal direction beam pairs. The at least one AN may support multiple incoming and outgoing signal direction pairs. For example, the at least one AN may comprise an RIS that may be able to tune signal phase such that the RIS may reflect signals towards one of multiple directions. The RIS may be able to tune its phase towards an incident signal direction so the RIS may cover multiple directions.

As illustrated at920, the base station904may transmit a grant to schedule sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE. The base station may transmit the grant, to the first UE902, to schedule the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE. The first UE902may receive the grant to schedule the sidelink transmission from the base station904. The sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE may be assisted (e.g., relayed) by at least one AN (e.g.,908) of the one or more ANs associated with the base station. In some aspects, the grant may indicate at least one of an incoming signal direction or an outgoing signal direction of the at least one AN. In some aspects, the grant may indicate whether the at least one AN is available to assist the sidelink transmission of the first UE. In some instances, the at least one AN may not be available to assist in the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE. In some instances, the at least one AN may be available to assist in the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE and the grant may provide allocated resources for the sidelink transmission. In some aspects, the at least one AN may comprise at least one of a smart repeater or a RIS. In some aspects, the one or more ANs may be configured to support one or more incoming or outgoing signal direction pairs.

As illustrated at922, the first UE902may communicate with the second UE906. The first UE902may communicate with the second UE906using allocated resources of the grant from the base station. The UE may communicate with the second UE via the at least one AN (e.g.,908). For example, the at least one AN may relay the sidelink transmission from the first UE902to the second UE906. In some aspects, the at least one AN may assist in sidelink communications between the second UE906and the first UE902.

FIG.10is a flowchart1000of a method of wireless communication. The method may be performed by a UE or a component of a UE (e.g., the UE104; the apparatus1202; the cellular baseband processor1204, which may include the memory360and which may be the entire UE350or a component of the UE350, such as the TX processor368, the RX processor356, and/or the controller/processor359). One or more of the illustrated operations may be omitted, transposed, or contemporaneous. The method may allow a UE to request assistance with sidelink communication with at least another UE.

At1002, the UE may receive an AN configuration. For example,1002may be performed by configuration component1240of apparatus1202. The UE may receive the AN configuration from the base station. The AN configuration may be for one or more ANs associated with the base station. In some aspects, the AN configuration may comprise an amount of ANs associated with the base station, location information for each of the one or more ANs, or signal directions supported by each of the one or more ANs. The signal directions supported may comprise pairs of transmission and/or reception beams that may be supported by the one or more ANs. In some aspects, the AN configuration may be transmitted via RRC signaling.

At1004, the UE may transmit an AR to request assistance with communication with a second UE. For example,1004may be performed by request component1244of apparatus1202. The UE may transmit the AR to the base station. The UE may transmit the AR to request assistance with communication with the second UE from at least one AN associated with the base station. In some aspects, the AR may comprise at least one of a desired incoming signal direction, an outgoing signal direction, or a desired AN. In some aspects, the AR may be transmitted in at least one of a MAC-CE, an SR, or a BSR. In some aspects, the AR may comprise location information for at least one of the first UE or the second UE.

At1006, the UE may receive a grant to schedule sidelink transmission with the second UE. For example,1006may be performed by grant component1246of apparatus1202. The UE may receive the grant to schedule the sidelink transmission with the second UE from the base station. The sidelink transmission with the second UE may be assisted by at least one AN of the one or more ANs associated with the base station. In some aspects, the grant may indicate at least one of an incoming signal direction or an outgoing signal direction of the at least one AN. In some aspects, the grant may indicate whether the at least one AN is available to assist the sidelink transmission of the first UE. In some aspects, the atleast one AN may comprise atleast one of a smart repeater or a RIS. In some aspects, the one or more ANs may be configured to support one or more incoming or outgoing signal direction pairs.

At1008, the UE may communicate via sidelink communication with the second UE. For example,1008may be performed by communication component1248of apparatus1202. The UE may communicate via sidelink communication with the second UE using allocated resources of the grant from the base station. The UE may communicate with the second UE via the at least one AN.

FIG.11is a flowchart1100of a method of wireless communication. The method may be performed by a UE or a component of a UE (e.g., the UE104; the apparatus1202; the cellular baseband processor1204, which may include the memory360and which may be the entire UE350or a component of the UE350, such as the TX processor368, the RX processor356, and/or the controller/processor359). One or more of the illustrated operations may be omitted, transposed, or contemporaneous. The method may allow a UE to request assistance with sidelink communication with at least another UE.

At1102, the UE may receive an AN configuration. For example,1102may be performed by configuration component1240of apparatus1202. The UE may receive the AN configuration from the base station. The AN configuration may be for one or more ANs associated with the base station. In some aspects, the AN configuration may comprise an amount of ANs associated with the base station, location information for each of the one or more ANs, or signal directions supported by each of the one or more ANs. The signal directions supported may comprise pairs of transmission and/or reception beams that may be supported by the one or more ANs. In some aspects, the AN configuration may be transmitted via RRC signaling.

At1104, the UE may identify at least one AN that may be capable of providing assistance to communicate with a second UE. For example,1104may be performed by identification component1242of apparatus1202. In some aspects, the at least one AN may be capable of providing assistance based at least on position location information of the first UE or the second UE. For example, the first UE may not have line of sight or a strong connection with the second UE, but the AN may have line of sight or a strong connection with the second UE. In such instances, the AN may be capable of providing assistance in the sidelink communication between the first and second UE. In some aspects, the at least one AN may be capable of providing assistance with the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE if the first UE and the second UE are in different location zones. In such instances, the different location zones may have a connection with the at least one AN that allows for the at least one AN to relay sidelink transmissions between the first and second UEs. In some aspects, at least one incoming signal direction of the at least one AN may support transmission from the first UE, and at least one outgoing signal direction of the at least one AN may support transmission to the second UE.

At1106, the UE may transmit an AR to request assistance with communication with a second UE. For example,1106may be performed by request component1244of apparatus1202. The UE may transmit the AR to the base station. The UE may transmit the AR to request assistance with communication with the second UE from at least one AN associated with the base station. In some aspects, the AR may comprise at least one of a desired incoming signal direction, an outgoing signal direction, or a desired AN. In some aspects, the AR may be transmitted in at least one of a MAC-CE, an SR, or a BSR. In some aspects, the AR may comprise location information for at least one of the first UE or the second UE. In some aspects, the at least one AN identified as capable of providing assistance may be indicated in the AR.

At1108, the UE may receive a grant to schedule sidelink transmission with the second UE. For example,1108may be performed by grant component1246of apparatus1202. The UE may receive the grant to schedule the sidelink transmission with the second UE from the base station. The sidelink transmission with the second UE may be assisted by at least one AN of the one or more ANs associated with the base station. In some aspects, the grant may indicate at least one of an incoming signal direction or an outgoing signal direction of the at least one AN. In some aspects, the grant may indicate whether the at least one AN is available to assist the sidelink transmission of the first UE. In some aspects, the atleast one AN may comprise atleast one of a smart repeater or a RIS. In some aspects, the one or more ANs may be configured to support one or more incoming or outgoing signal direction pairs.

At1110, the UE may communicate via sidelink communication with the second UE. For example,1110may be performed by communication component1248of apparatus1202. The UE may communicate via sidelink communication with the second UE using allocated resources of the grant from the base station. The UE may communicate with the second UE via the at least one AN.

FIG.12is a diagram1200illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an apparatus1202. The apparatus1202may be a UE, a component of a UE, or may implement UE functionality. In some aspects, the apparatus1202may include a cellular baseband processor1204(also referred to as a modem) coupled to a cellular RF transceiver1222. In some aspects, the apparatus1202may further include one or more subscriber identity modules (SIM) cards1220, an application processor1206coupled to a secure digital (SD) card1208and a screen1210, a Bluetooth module1212, a wireless local area network (WLAN) module1214, a Global Positioning System (GPS) module1216, or a power supply1218. The cellular baseband processor1204communicates through the cellular RF transceiver1222with the UE104, an AN103, and/or BS102/180. The cellular baseband processor1204may include a computer-readable medium/memory. The computer-readable medium/memory may be non-transitory. The cellular baseband processor1204is responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on the computer-readable medium/memory. The software, when executed by the cellular baseband processor1204, causes the cellular baseband processor1204to perform the various functions described supra. The computer-readable medium/memory may also be used for storing data that is manipulated by the cellular baseband processor1204when executing software. The cellular baseband processor1204further includes a reception component1230, a communication manager1232, and a transmission component1234. The communication manager1232includes the one or more illustrated components. The components within the communication manager1232may be stored in the computer-readable medium/memory and/or configured as hardware within the cellular baseband processor1204. The cellular baseband processor1204may be a component of the UE350and may include the memory360and/or at least one of the TX processor368, the RX processor356, and the controller/processor359. In one configuration, the apparatus1202may be a modem chip and include just the baseband processor1204, and in another configuration, the apparatus1202may be the entire UE (e.g., see350ofFIG.3) and include the additional modules of the apparatus1202.

The communication manager1232includes a configuration component1240that is configured to receive an AN configuration, e.g., as described in connection with1002ofFIG.10or1102ofFIG.11. The communication manager1232further includes an identification component1242that is configured to identify at least one AN that may be capable of providing assistance to communicate with a second UE, e.g., as described in connection with1104ofFIG.11. The communication manager1232further includes a request component1244that is configured to transmit an AR to request assistance with communication with a second UE, e.g., as described in connection with1004ofFIG.10or1106ofFIG.11. The communication manager1232further includes a grant component1246that is configured to receive a grant to schedule sidelink transmission with the second UE, e.g., as described in connection with1006ofFIG.10or1108ofFIG.11. The communication manager1232further includes a communication component1248that is configured to communicate via sidelink communication with the second UE, e.g., as described in connection with1008ofFIG.10or1110ofFIG.11.

The apparatus may include additional components that perform each of the blocks of the algorithm in the flowcharts ofFIG.10or11. As such, each block in the flowcharts ofFIG.10or11may be performed by a component and the apparatus may include one or more of those components. The components may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to carry out the stated processes/algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to perform the stated processes/algorithm, stored within a computer-readable medium for implementation by a processor, or some combination thereof.

As shown, the apparatus1202may include a variety of components configured for various functions. In one configuration, the apparatus1202, and in particular the cellular baseband processor1204, includes means for receiving, from a base station, an AN configuration for one or more ANs associated with the base station. The apparatus includes means for transmitting, to the base station, an AR to request assistance with communication with a second UE from at least one AN associated with the base station. The apparatus includes means for receiving, from the base station, a grant to schedule sidelink transmission with the second UE. The sidelink transmission with the second UE is assisted by at least one AN of the one or more ANs associated with the base station. The apparatus includes means for communicating via sidelink communication with the second UE, via the at least one AN, using allocated resources of the grant from the base station. The apparatus further includes means for identifying at least one AN that is capable of providing assistance to communicate with the second UE. The at least one AN identified as capable of providing assistance is indicated in the AR. The means may be one or more of the components of the apparatus1202configured to perform the functions recited by the means. As described supra, the apparatus1202may include the TX Processor368, the RX Processor356, and the controller/processor359. As such, in one configuration, the means may be the TX Processor368, the RX Processor356, and the controller/processor359configured to perform the functions recited by the means.

FIG.13is a flowchart1300of a method of wireless communication. The method may be performed by a base station or a component of a base station (e.g., the base station102/180; the apparatus1502; the baseband unit1504, which may include the memory376and which may be the entire base station310or a component of the base station310, such as the TX processor316, the RX processor370, and/or the controller/processor375). One or more of the illustrated operations may be omitted, transposed, or contemporaneous. The method may allow a base station to configure a UE to request assistance with sidelink communication with at least another UE.

At1302, the base station may transmit an AN configuration. For example,1302may be performed by configuration component1540of apparatus1502. The base station may transmit the AN configuration to at least a first UE. The AN configuration may be for one or more ANs associated with the base station. In some aspects, the AN configuration may comprise an amount of ANs associated with the base station, location information for each of the one or more ANs, or signal directions supported by each of the one or more ANs. The signal directions supported may comprise pairs of transmission and/or reception beams that may be supported by the one or more ANs. In some aspects, the AN configuration may be transmitted via RRC signaling.

At1304, the base station may receive an AR to request assistance with communication with a second UE. For example,1304may be performed by request component1542of apparatus1502. The base station may receive the AR from the first UE. The base station may receive the AR to request assistance with communication with the second UE from at least one AN associated with the base station. In some aspects, the AR may comprise at least one of a desired incoming signal direction, an outgoing signal direction, or a desired AN. In some aspects, the AR may be transmitted in at least one of a MAC-CE, an SR, or a BSR. In some aspects, the AR may comprise location information for at least one of the first UE or the second UE.

At1306, the base station may transmit a grant to schedule sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE. For example,1306may be performed by grant component1548of apparatus1502. The base station may transmit the grant, to the first UE, to schedule the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE. The sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE may be assisted by at least one AN of the one or more ANs associated with the base station. In some aspects, the grant may indicate at least one of an incoming signal direction or an outgoing signal direction of the at least one AN. In some aspects, the grant may indicate whether the at least one AN is available to assist the sidelink transmission of the first UE. In some aspects, the at least one AN may comprise at least one of a smart repeater or a RIS. In some aspects, the one or more ANs may be configured to support one or more incoming or outgoing signal direction pairs.

FIG.14is a flowchart1400of a method of wireless communication. The method may be performed by a base station or a component of a base station (e.g., the base station102/180; the apparatus1502; the baseband unit1504, which may include the memory376and which may be the entire base station310or a component of the base station310, such as the TX processor316, the RX processor370, and/or the controller/processor375). One or more of the illustrated operations may be omitted, transposed, or contemporaneous. The method may allow a base station to configure a UE to request assistance with sidelink communication with at least another UE.

At1402, the base station may transmit an AN configuration. For example,1402may be performed by configuration component1540of apparatus1502. The base station may transmit the AN configuration to at least a first UE. The AN configuration may be for one or more ANs associated with the base station. In some aspects, the AN configuration may comprise an amount of ANs associated with the base station, location information for each of the one or more ANs, or signal directions supported by each of the one or more ANs. The signal directions supported may comprise pairs of transmission and/or reception beams that may be supported by the one or more ANs. In some aspects, the AN configuration may be transmitted via RRC signaling.

At1404, the base station may receive an AR to request assistance with communication with a second UE. For example,1304may be performed by request component1542of apparatus1502. The base station may receive the AR from the first UE. The base station may receive the AR to request assistance with communication with the second UE from at least one AN associated with the base station. In some aspects, the AR may comprise at least one of a desired incoming signal direction, an outgoing signal direction, or a desired AN. In some aspects, the AR may be transmitted in at least one of a MAC-CE, an SR, or a BSR. In some aspects, the AR may comprise location information for at least one of the first UE or the second UE.

At1406, the base station may identify at least one AN that may be capable of providing assistance with the sidelink communication between the first UE and the second UE. For example,1406may be performed by identification component1544of apparatus1502. In some aspects, the at least one AN may be capable of providing assistance based at least on position location information of the first UE or the second UE. For example, the first UE may not have line of sight or a strong connection with the second UE, but the AN may have line of sight or a strong connection with the second UE. In such instances, the AN may be capable of providing assistance in the sidelink communication between the first and second UE. In some aspects, the at least one AN may be capable of providing assistance with the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE if the first UE and the second UE are in different location zones. In such instances, the different location zones may have a connection with the at least one AN that allows for the at least one AN to relay sidelink transmissions between the first and second UEs. In some aspects, at least one incoming signal direction of the at least one AN may support transmission from the first UE, and at least one outgoing signal direction of the at least one AN may support transmission to the second UE.

At1408, the base station may activate the at least one AN. For example,1408may be performed by activation component1546of apparatus1502. The base station may activate the at least one AN to assist in the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE. In some aspects, the at least one AN may be configured, by the base station, to assist in the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE in response to the AR.

At1410, the base station may transmit a grant to schedule sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE. For example,1306may be performed by grant component1548of apparatus1502. The base station may transmit the grant, to the first UE, to schedule the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE. The sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE may be assisted by at least one AN of the one or more ANs associated with the base station. In some aspects, the grant may indicate at least one of an incoming signal direction or an outgoing signal direction of the at least one AN. In some aspects, the grant may indicate whether the at least one AN is available to assist the sidelink transmission of the first UE. In some aspects, the at least one AN may comprise at least one of a smart repeater or a RIS. In some aspects, the one or more ANs may be configured to support one or more incoming or outgoing signal direction pairs. In some aspects, the at least one AN identified as capable of providing assistance may be indicated in the grant.

FIG.15is a diagram1500illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an apparatus1502. The apparatus1502may be a base station, a component of a base station, or may implement base station functionality. In some aspects, the apparatus1502may include a baseband unit1504. The baseband unit1504may communicate through a cellular RF transceiver1522with the UE104and/or the AN103. The baseband unit1504may include a computer-readable medium/memory. The baseband unit1504is responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on the computer-readable medium/memory. The software, when executed by the baseband unit1504, causes the baseband unit1504to perform the various functions described supra. The computer-readable medium/memory may also be used for storing data that is manipulated by the baseband unit1504when executing software. The baseband unit1504further includes a reception component1530, a communication manager1532, and a transmission component1534. The communication manager1532includes the one or more illustrated components. The components within the communication manager1532may be stored in the computer-readable medium/memory and/or configured as hardware within the baseband unit1504. The baseband unit1504may be a component of the base station310and may include the memory376and/or at least one of the TX processor316, the RX processor370, and the controller/processor375.

The communication manager1532includes a configuration component1540that may transmit an AN configuration, e.g., as described in connection with1302ofFIG.13or1402ofFIG.14. The communication manager1532further includes a request component1542that may receive an AR to request assistance with communication with a second UE, e.g., as described in connection with1304ofFIG.13or1404ofFIG.14. The communication manager1532further includes an identification component1544that may identify at least one AN that may be capable of providing assistance with the sidelink communication between the first UE and the second UE, e.g., as described in connection with1406ofFIG.14. The communication manager1532further includes an activation component1546that may activate the at least one AN, e.g., as described in connection with1408ofFIG.14. The communication manager1532further includes a grant component1548that may transmit a grant to schedule sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE, e.g., as described in connection with1306ofFIG.13or1410ofFIG.14.

The apparatus may include additional components that perform each of the blocks of the algorithm in the flowcharts ofFIG.13or14. As such, each block in the flowcharts ofFIG.13or14may be performed by a component and the apparatus may include one or more of those components. The components may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to carry out the stated processes/algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to perform the stated processes/algorithm, stored within a computer-readable medium for implementation by a processor, or some combination thereof.

As shown, the apparatus1502may include a variety of components configured for various functions. In one configuration, the apparatus1502, and in particular the baseband unit1504, includes means for transmitting, to at least a first UE, an AN configuration for one or more ANs associated with the base station. The apparatus includes means for receiving, from the first UE, an AR to request assistance with communication with a second UE from at least one AN associated with the base station. The apparatus includes means for transmitting, to the first UE, a grant to schedule sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE. The sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE is assisted by at least one AN of the one or more ANs associated with the base station. The apparatus further includes means for identifying at least one AN that is capable of providing assistance with the sidelink communication between the first UE and the second UE. The apparatus further includes means for activating the at least one AN to assist in the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE. The means may be one or more of the components of the apparatus1502configured to perform the functions recited by the means. As described supra, the apparatus1502may include the TX Processor316, the RX Processor370, and the controller/processor375. As such, in one configuration, the means may be the TX Processor316, the RX Processor370, and the controller/processor375configured to perform the functions recited by the means.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes/flowcharts disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes/flowcharts may be rearranged. Further, some blocks may be combined or omitted. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various blocks in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Terms such as “if,” “when,” and “while” should be interpreted to mean “under the condition that” rather than imply an immediate temporal relationship or reaction. That is, these phrases, e.g., “when,” do not imply an immediate action in response to or during the occurrence of an action, but simply imply that if a condition is met then an action will occur, but without requiring a specific or immediate time constraint for the action to occur. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” include any combination of A, B, and/or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” may be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, where any such combinations may contain one or more member or members of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. The words “module,” “mechanism,” “element,” “device,” and the like may not be a substitute for the word “means.” As such, no claim element is to be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

The following aspects are illustrative only and may be combined with other aspects or teachings described herein, without limitation.

Aspect 1 is an apparatus for wireless communication at a first UE including at least one processor coupled to a memory and a transceiver and configured to receive, from a base station, an AN configuration for one or more ANs associated with the base station; transmit, to the base station, an AR to request assistance with communication with a second UE from at least one AN associated with the base station; receive, from the base station, a grant to schedule sidelink transmission with the second UE, wherein the sidelink transmission with the second UE is assisted by at least one AN of the one or more ANs associated with the base station; and communicate via sidelink communication with the second UE, via the at least one AN, using allocated resources of the grant from the base station.

Aspect 2 is the apparatus of aspect 1, further includes that the AN configuration comprises an amount of ANs associated with the base station, location information for each of the one or more ANs, or signal directions supported by each of the one or more ANs.

Aspect 3 is the apparatus of any of aspects 1 and 2, further includes that the AN configuration is transmitted via RRC signaling.

Aspect 4 is the apparatus of any of aspects 1-3, further includes that the at least one processor further configured to identify at least one AN that is capable of providing assistance to communicate with the second UE, wherein the at least one AN identified as capable of providing assistance is indicated in the AR.

Aspect 5 is the apparatus of any of aspects 1-4, further includes that the at least one AN is capable of providing assistance based at least on position location information of the first UE or the second UE.

Aspect 6 is the apparatus of any of aspects 1-5, further includes that the at least one AN is capable of providing assistance with the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE if the first UE and the second UE are in different location zones.

Aspect 7 is the apparatus of any of aspects 1-6, further includes that at least one incoming signal direction of the at least one AN supports transmission from the first UE, and at least one outgoing signal direction of the at least one AN supports transmission to the second UE.

Aspect 8 is the apparatus of any of aspects 1-7, further includes that the AR comprises at least one of a desired incoming signal direction, an outgoing signal direction, or a de sired AN.

Aspect 9 is the apparatus of any of aspects 1-8, further includes that the AR is transmitted in at least one of a MAC-CE, an SR, or a BSR.

Aspect 10 is the apparatus of any of aspects 1-9, further includes that the AR comprises location information for at least one of the first UE or the second UE.

Aspect 11 is the apparatus of any of aspects 1-10, further includes that the grant indicates at least one of an incoming signal direction or an outgoing signal direction of the at least one AN, or whether the at least one AN is available to assist the sidelink transmission of the first UE.

Aspect 12 is the apparatus of any of aspects 1-11, further includes that the at least one AN comprises at least one of a smart repeater or an RIS.

Aspect 13 is the apparatus of any of aspects 1-12, further includes that the one or more ANs are configured to support one or more incoming or outgoing signal direction pairs.

Aspect 14 is a method of wireless communication for implementing any of aspects 1-13.

Aspect 15 is an apparatus for wireless communication including means for implementing any of aspects 1-13.

Aspect 16 is a computer-readable medium storing computer executable code, where the code when executed by a processor causes the processor to implement any of aspects 1-13.

Aspect 17 is an apparatus for wireless communication at a base station including at least one processor coupled to a memory and a transceiver and configured to transmit, to at least a first UE, an AN configuration for one or more ANs associated with the base station; receive, from the first UE, an AR to request assistance with communication with a second UE from at least one AN associated with the base station; and transmit, to the first UE, a grant to schedule sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE, wherein the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE is assisted by at least one AN of the one or more ANs associated with the base station.

Aspect 18 is the apparatus of aspect 17, further includes that the AN configuration comprises an amount of ANs associated with the base station, location information for each of the one or more ANs, or signal directions supported by each of the one or more ANs.

Aspect 19 is the apparatus of any of aspects 17 and 18, further includes that the AN configuration is transmitted via RRC signaling.

Aspect 20 is the apparatus of any of aspects 17-19, further includes that the at least one processor further configured to identify at least one AN that is capable of providing assistance with the sidelink communication between the first UE and the second UE, wherein the at least one AN identified as capable of providing assistance is indicated in the grant.

Aspect 21 is the apparatus of any of aspects 17-20, further includes that the at least one AN is capable of providing assistance based at least on position location information of the first UE or the second UE.

Aspect 22 is the apparatus of any of aspects 17-21, further includes that the at least one AN is capable of providing assistance with the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE if the first UE and the second UE are in different location zones.

Aspect 23 is the apparatus of any of aspects 17-22, further includes that at least one incoming signal direction of the at least one AN supports transmission from the first UE, and at least one outgoing signal direction of the at least one AN supports transmission to the second UE.

Aspect 24 is the apparatus of any of aspects 17-23, further includes that the at least one processor further configured to activate the at least one AN to assist in the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE.

Aspect 25 is the apparatus of any of aspects 17-24, further includes that the at least one AN is configured, by the base station, to assist in the sidelink transmission between the first UE and the second UE in response to the AR.

Aspect 26 is the apparatus of any of aspects 17-25, further includes that the AR comprises at least one of a desired incoming signal direction, an outgoing signal direction, or a desired AN.

Aspect 27 is the apparatus of any of aspects 17-26, further includes that the AR is received in at least one of a MAC-CE, an SR, or a BSR.

Aspect 28 is the apparatus of any of aspects 17-27, further includes that the AR comprises location information for at least one of the first UE or the second UE.

Aspect 29 is the apparatus of any of aspects 17-28, further includes that the grant indicates at least one of an incoming signal direction or an outgoing signal direction of the at least one AN, or whether the at least one AN is available to assist the sidelink transmission of the first UE.

Aspect 30 is the apparatus of any of aspects 17-29, further includes that the at least one AN comprises at least one of a smart repeater or a RIS.

Aspect 31 is the apparatus of any of aspects 17-30, further includes that the one or more ANs are configured to support one or more incoming or outgoing signal direction pairs.

Aspect 32 is a method of wireless communication for implementing any of aspects 17-31.

Aspect 33 is an apparatus for wireless communication including means for implementing any of aspects 17-31.

Aspect 34 is a computer-readable medium storing computer executable code, where the code when executed by a processor causes the processor to implement any of aspects 17-31.