Patent ID: 12212358

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary embodiment, in accordance with the present invention, introduces the changes necessary on higher level signaling (UEAssistanceInformation), e.g., includes a novel UEAssistanceInformation message, to report IDC issues with WiGig to the gNB in Rel-17. The gNB may, and sometimes does, respond to the UE by moving NR operation to a new frequency using existing or new mechanisms.FIG.8is a drawing800illustrating format of an exemplary novel UEAssistanceInformation message. UEAssistanceInformation message includes new information802for reporting with respect to the 52.6 GHz-71 GHz and include new victim type wigig804.

In a further aspect of some embodiments, the UE may, and sometimes does, also indicate preferred new frequencies of operation, e.g. for its NR PSCell/SCells. The UE may, and sometimes does, also provide characteristics of its power amplifier(s) (e.g., power coefficient and harmonic frequencies) to assist a network control device, e.g. a gNB, in determining a new NR operating frequency. In some embodiments a list of preferred new frequencies of operation and/or characteristics of the power amplifier(s) are further included in the UE Assistance information message which reports IDC. In some other embodiments a list of preferred new frequencies of operation and/or characteristics of the power amplifier(s) are reported separately, e.g., in one or more additional messages, to the network control device, e.g. gNB, in addition to the UE Assistance information message which reports IDC, e.g., as supplement information to be used in selecting the new frequencies.

FIG.9is a drawing of a flowchart900of an exemplary method of operating a user equipment (UE) device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Operation starts in step902in which the UE is powered on and initialized. Operation proceeds from start step902to step904. In step904the UE monitors for an in-device coexistence issues in frequencies above 52.6 GHz. Step may, and sometimes does, include step906, in which the UE detects an in-device coexistence issue in frequencies above 52.6 GHz. Operation proceeds from step906to step908.

In step908the UE determines if the UE can resolve the IDC issue by itself. If the UE determines that it can resolve the IDC issue by itself, then operation proceeds from step908to step910, in which the UE performs operations to resolve the IDC issue by itself. However, if the UE determines that it cannot resolve the IDC issue by itself, then operation proceeds from step908to step912.

In step912the UE generates and IDC assistance message. Step912includes step914, and may, and sometimes does, include one or both of steps916and918. In step914the UE device includes UE assistance information including: an affected carrier list and victim system type information identifying Wi-Gig (alternatively known as 60 GHz WiFi), e.g. UEAssistanceInformation-v1700 including: affectedCarrierCombList-r17, victimSystemType-r17 (wigig-r17), in the IDC assistance message. In step916the UE includes, in the IDC assistance message, information indicating preferred new frequencies of operation for its New Radio Primary Secondary Cell Group (SCG) Cell/Secondary Cells (NR PSCell/SCells). In step918the UE includes, in the IDC assistance message, characteristics of the UE's power amplifier, e.g. power coefficients and harmonic frequencies. Operation proceeds from step912to step920.

In step920the UE sends the generated IDC assistance message to a network control device, e.g. a gNB. Step920includes step922in which the UE transmits the generated message over a wireless link. Operation proceeds from step920to step924, in which the network control device, e.g. gNB, receives the IDC assistance message and recovers the communicated information. Operation proceeds from step924to step926. In step936the network control device, e.g. gNB, determines a new NR operating frequency. In some embodiments, step926includes one or both of steps928and930. In step928the network control device, e.g. gNB, uses the received indicated preferred new frequencies of operation for the UE's NR PSCell/SCells, in determining the new NR operating frequency to be used by UE. In step930the network control device, e.g. gNB, uses the received characteristics of the UE's power amplifier in determining the new NR operating frequency to be used by UE. Operation proceeds from step932to step934.

In step934the network control device, e.g. gNB, sends the generated response message to the UE. Operation proceeds from step934to step936. In step936the UE device monitors for a response message. Step936may, and sometimes does, include step938, in which the UE device receives a response message to the previously sent IDC assistance message, said response message including instructions, e.g. information indicating the new frequency to be used by the UE with regard to NR uplink signaling, and information indicating when the switch is to occur. Operation proceeds from step938to step940. In step940the UE device follows the instructions in the received response message from the network control device, e.g. the UE switches to the indicated new frequency for NR operation at the indicated time.

Operation proceeds from step910or step940, via connecting node A942, to the input of step904.

A second exemplary embodiment includes a new mechanism for combating IDC for a multi-panel UE. The UE request the network to move its transmissions/receptions to one or more new UL panels. This is a space division multiplexing (SDM) approach, in addition to the time division multiplexing (TDM) and frequency division multiplexing (FDM) techniques supported in LTE and NR. The UE may, and sometimes does, further provide the suggested panel IDs of the new panels. The network responds by initiating activation of a new UL panel(s). The net effect is to resolve IDC through increased antenna isolation. An example with a two-panel UE1002, which includes antenna panel A1004and antenna panel B1006, is shown in drawing1000ofFIG.10. Drawing1001illustrates a first step1052in which the UE1002, which is using panel A1004, as indicated by dotted shading, detects an in-device coexistence (IDC) issue with regard to using panel A1004. Drawing1003illustrates a second step1054in which the UE1002requests the network to move it to a new UL panel, as indicated by arrow1010. Drawing1005illustrates a third step1056in which the network moves the UE1002to panel B1006, as indicated by dotted shading of panel B1006, and the IDC issue is resolved.

FIG.11a flowchart1100of an exemplary method of operating a multi-panel UE in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In step1102the UE is powered on and initialized. Operation proceeds from start step1102to step1104. In step1104, which is performed repetitively on an ongoing basis, the UE monitors for an in-device coexistence issue in the frequencies above 52.6 GHz. Step1104, may, and sometime does include step1106, in which the UE detects an in-device coexistence (IDC) issue in frequencies above 52.6 GHz. Operation proceeds from step1106to step1108.

In step1108the UE determines if the UE can resolve the IDC panel issue by itself. If the UE determines that it can resolve the IDC panel issue by itself, then operation proceeds from step1108to step1110, in which the UE performs one or more operation to resolve the panel IDC issue by itself. In some embodiments, step1110includes operating the UE to switch the antenna panel used for Wi-Gig to another antenna panel.

However, if the UE determines that it cannot resolve the panel IDC issue by itself, then operation proceeds from step1108to step1112, in which the UE generates a panel switch request message. Operation proceeds from step1112to step1114.

In step1114the UE device sends the generated panel switch request message to a network control device, e.g., a gNB. In some embodiments, step1114includes step1116in which the UE transmits the generated panel switch request message over a wireless link. Operation proceeds from step1114to step1118.

In step1118the network control device, e.g. gNB, receives the panel switch request message and recovers the communicated information, e.g. a request for a panel switch and optionally information indicated a UE preferred panel or preferred set of panels to be used. Operation proceeds from step1118to step1120. In step1120the network device generates a response message, said response message being a response to the panel switch request message. The response message includes, e.g., information identifying a new panel or new set of panels to be used by the UE and optionally information, indicating when the panel switch is to be implemented by the UE. Operation proceeds from step1120to step1122. In step1122the network control device sends the generated response message to the UE. Operation proceeds from step1122to step1124.

In step1124the UE device monitors for a response message. Step1124may, and sometimes does, include step1126, in which the UE device receives a response message in response to the previously sent panel switch request message and recovers the information communicated in the response message, e.g. information indicating that the switch request is being granted and instructions for implementing the switch including information identifying the new panel or panels to be used and information identifying when to implement the switch. Operation proceeds from step1126to step1128.

In step1128the UE device follows the instructions in the received panel switch response message from the network control device, e.g. switching to the new panel or panels at the appropriate time. Subsequently, the new antenna panel or panels are used by the UE for uplink NR signaling. Operation proceeds from step1110or1128, via connecting node A1130, to step1104.

FIG.12, comprising the combination ofFIG.12A,FIG.12B,FIG.12CandFIG.12D, is a flowchart1200, of an exemplary method of operating a communications system, e.g., a communications system supporting communications within the frequency range of 52.6-71 GHz and in which multiple different communications networks, e.g., a WiGig network and a NR cellular network may operate concurrently, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Operation starts in step1202, in which the communications system is powered on and initialized. Operation proceeds from start step1202to step1204.

In step1204a first communications device, e.g., a first user equipment (UE), detects an in-device coexistence (IDC) problem. The first communications device includes multiple radio transceivers, and at least one of the multiple radio transceivers is capable of operating at one or more frequencies within a first frequency band, e.g., a frequency band with the range of 52.6 GHz-71 GHz. In some embodiments, at least two of the multiple radio transceivers in the first communications device are capable of operating at one or more frequencies within the first frequency band. Operation proceeds from step1204to step1206.

In step1206the first communications device generates a first in-device coexistence (IDC) assistance message. Step1206includes step1208, in which the first communications device includes, in the first IDC assistance message, information indicating a wigig victim type. In some embodiments, step1206includes one or both of steps1210and1212. In step1210the first communications device includes, in the first IDC assistance message, information indicating one or more new frequencies that the first communications device would prefer to use in a first frequency band (e.g., within a 52.6 to 71 GHz frequency band). In step1212the first communications device includes, in the first IDC assistance message, UE power amplifier (PA) characteristic information indicating one or more new characteristics of a power amplifier included in the first communications device. Operation proceeds from step1206to step1214.

In step1214the first communications device transmits the generated first IDC assistance message to a network control device, e.g. a gNB. Operation proceeds from step1214to step1215. In step1215the network control device, e.g., gNB, is operated to monitor for messages. Operation proceeds from step1215to step1216.

In step1216the network control device, e.g. a gNB, receives the first IDC assistance message from the first communications device, e.g. first UE, which detected an in-device coexistence problem, said first IDC assistance message indicating a wigig victim type. Step1216may, and sometimes does, include one or both of steps1218and1220. In step1218the network control device receives, in said first IDC assistance message, information indicating one or more new frequencies the first communications device would prefer to use in a first frequency bane (e.g., within a 52.6-71 GHz frequency band.) In step1220the network control device receives, in said first IDC assistance message, UE power amplifier (PA) characteristic information indicating one or more characteristics of a power amplifier included in the first communications device. Operation proceeds from step1216to step1222.

In step1222the network control device selects one or more new frequencies to be used by the first communications device based on information included in the first IDC assistance message, said one or more new frequencies differing in at least one frequency from one or more frequencies in said first communications band that were being used by the first communications device when the first communications device detected said in-device coexistence problem. In some embodiments, step1222includes one or both of steps1224and1226. In step1224the first communications device selects at least one frequency indicates in the first IDC assistance message as a preferred frequency, as one of said new frequencies. In step1226the first communications device selects at least some of the one or more frequencies to be included in the new frequencies based on the power amplifier information included in the first IDC assistance message. Operation proceeds from step1222, via connecting node A1228, to step1230.

In step1230the network control device generates, a response message to the first communications device indicating the selected one or more new frequencies in the first frequency band to be used by the first communications device. Operation proceeds from step1230to step1232.

In step1232the network control device transmits the generated response message to the first communications device, said response message indicating the selected one or more new frequencies in the first communications band to be used by the first communications device. Operation proceeds from step1232to step1234.

In step1234the first communications device receives the response message sent from the network control device and recovers the communicated information, said response message being a response to the first IDC assistance message. Operation proceeds from step1234to step1236.

In step1236the first communications device transmits data using the one or more frequencies to the network control device, e.g., gNB, for forwarding to another communications device, e.g. a second UE, as part of a communications session between the first communications device, e.g., the first UE, and the another communications device, e.g., the second UE. Operation proceeds from step1236to step1238.

In step1238the network control device, e.g., gNB, receives the data transmitted by the first communications device and forwards, e.g. sends, the received data, e.g. via a communications network, e.g. a backhaul network and/or the Internet (e.g., first and second UE are coupled to different gNBs), or over the air (e.g., first UE and second UE are coupled to the same gNB), to another communications device, e.g., the second UE. Operation proceeds from step1238, via connecting node B1240to step1242.

In step1242a second communications device, e.g., a UE including a plurality of antenna panels, detects an IDC problem which can be resolved by changing an antenna panel or panels used for uplink communications. Operation proceeds from step1242to step1244. In step1244the second communications device generates a panel switch message. In some embodiments, step1244includes steps1246and1248. In step1246the second communications device determines, e.g. based on knowledge of the available antenna panels at the second communications device and/or knowledge of the direction or sources of interference causing the IDC problem, one or more alternative antenna panels which can be used for uplink communications to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem. Operation proceeds from step1246to step1248, in which the second communications device includes in the panel switch message information indicating one or a set of antenna panels which can be used by the second communications device to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem.

In some embodiments, step1244includes step1250in which the second communications device includes, in the panel switch message, information indicating one or a set of antenna panels that second communications device is recommending switching to (e.g., the second device makes panel switch recommendations but the ultimate decision to perform a panel switch is made by the network control device). In some embodiments, step1244includes step1252in which the second communications device includes, in the panel switch message, information indicating one or a set of antenna panels that second communications device is switching to (e.g., the second communications device, which has the authority to make and implement panel switch decisions, is notifying the network control device that it is performing a panel switch operation). Operation proceeds from step1244to step1254.

In step1254the second communications device transmits the generated panel switch message from the second communications device to the network control device. Operation proceeds from step1254to step1256.

In step1256the network control device, e.g. gNB, receives the panel switch message from the second communications device, e.g. second UE, that supports space division via the use of multiple antenna panels, said panel switch message including: i) a request that the network control device switch the antennal being used by the second communications device for uplink communications between the second communications device and the network control device or ii) a notification that the second communications device is switching the antenna panel being used by the second communications device for uplink communication between the second communications device and the network control device, to a second communications device selected antenna panel. In some embodiments, step1256includes one of step1258and1260. In step1258the network control device receives, in the panel switch message, information indicating one or a set of antenna panels that the second communications device is recommending switching to (e.g., the second communications device has sent a recommendation of a panel switch to the network control device, but the network control device is the device with the authority to make panel switch decisions and may, and sometimes does, act on the recommendation). In step1260the network control device receives, in the panel switch message, information indicating one or a set of antenna panels that the second communications device is switching to (e.g., the second communications device, which has the authority, has made a panel switch decision and notifies the network control device of the impending panel switch).

In some embodiments, e.g., an embodiment, in which the network control device is the device with the authority to make panel switch decisions, operation proceeds from step1256, via connecting node C1262to step1264. In some embodiments, e.g., an embodiment, in which the second communications device has the authority to make and implement panel switch decisions, operation proceeds from step1256, via connecting node C1262to step1272.

Returning to step1264, in step1264the network control device, in response to receiving the panel switch request, decides to switch the second communications device to a different antenna panel for uplink communications. Step1264may, and sometimes does, includes step1266in which the network control device selects the antenna panel, to which the second communications device is to switch, from one or more of the antennal panels identified by the second communications device (as candidates for the antenna panel switch), in said panel switch message. Operation proceeds from step1264to step1268.

In step1268the network control device transmits, to the second communications device, a switch instruction with an indication of the antenna panel to which the UE is to switch for uplink communications. Operation proceeds from step1268to step1270.

In step1270the second communications device, receives the switch instruction with an indication of the antenna panel to which the second UE is to switch for uplink communications. Operation proceeds from step1270to step1272.

In step1272the second communications device switches to one or more new antenna panels, e.g., in accordance with its decision as to which antenna panel to switch to, or in accordance with information in the received switch instruction from the network control device, e.g., gNB. Operation proceeds from step1272to step1274. In step1274the second communications device transmits uplink data to the network control device, e.g., the gNB, using the one or more new antenna panels. For example, the transmitted uplink data is data intended for another communications device, which is in a communications session with the second communications device, and the network control device, e.g. gNB, is to forward the data toward the another communications device via a backhaul network and/or the Internet, or via a wireless downlink signal to the another communications device.

FIG.13is a drawing of an exemplary communications system1300in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Exemplary communications system1300includes a plurality of base station (NR base station11302, e.g., gNB1using NR-U spectrum, . . . , NR base station N1304, e.g., gNB N using NR-U spectrum), each with a corresponding wireless coverage areas (1303, . . . ,1305), respectively, and a plurality network nodes (network node1, e.g. a gateway node, . . . , network node M1308, a core node), coupled together via backhaul network1310and coupled to the Internet. The base stations (1302, . . . ,1304) are sometimes referred to as network control devices. Exemplary communications system1300further includes a plurality of WI-Gig access points (Wi-Gig AP11312, Wi-Gig AP21314, Wi-Gig AP31316, Wi-Gig AP41318, . . . , WiGig AP M1320), each with a corresponding wireless coverage area (1313,1315,1317,1319, . . . ,1321) respectively. The Wi-Gig APs (1312,1314,1316,1318, . . . ,1320) are coupled to the Internet via communications links (1340,1342,1344,1346, . . . ,1348), respectively. Exemplary communications system1300further includes a plurality of user equipment devices (UE11322, UE21324, UE31326, UE41328, UE51330, UE61332, UE71334, . . . , UE n1336).

The communications system100further includes a plurality of IAB nodes with UE functionality (IAB node11350, . . . , IAB node x1352), which are coupled to the Internet via communications links (1351, . . . ,1353), respectively.

At least some of the UEs are mobile devices which may move throughout the communications system100and attach to different base stations and/or different APs at different times. At least some of the UEs support concurrent communications with both a base station and an AP, and may, and sometimes do, experience an in-device co-existence problem, e.g., with regard to new radio-unlicensed (NR-U) 60 GHz communications and Wi-Gig (60 GHz WiFi) communications. At least some of the IABs support concurrent communications with both a base station and an AP, and may, and sometimes do, experience an in-device co-existence problem, e.g., with regard to new radio-unlicensed (NR-U) 60 GHz communications and Wi-Gig (60 GHz WiFi) communications.

In some embodiments, a communications device, e.g. a UE, which detects an IDC problem with regard to Wi-Gig, e.g., which it can not handle on its own, generates and sends an IDC assistance message to a network control device, e.g., a gNB, said IDC assistance message including: i) information identifying the problem frequency or frequencies, ii) information identifying the victim system as wigig, iii) (optionally including) information identifying UE selected preferred frequencies, and iv) (optionally including) UE power amplifier characteristic information. The network control device, e.g., gNB, responds to the IDC assistance message with a response message indicating one or more new frequencies to be used by the UE. The UE implements the change and uses the new frequencies for UL NR signaling to the NR base station, thus reducing or eliminating the IDC problem.

In some embodiments, a communications device, e.g. a UE, including multiple switchable antenna panels (e.g., for UL NR transmissions in 60 GHz NR spectrum) which detects an IDC problem with regard to Wi-Gig (60 GHz WiFi), e.g., which it can not handle on its own, generates and sends an panel switch request message to a network control device, e.g., a gNB. In some embodiments, the panel switch request message includes information identifying a recommended panel or panels to which the UE would like to be switched to. The network control device, e.g. gNB, receives the panel switch request message and sends a response, e.g., a panel switch instruction message, notifying the UE that the panel switch request is being granted, identifying the antenna panel or panels to be used following the switch, and indicating when the switch is to be implemented. The UE implements the panel switch in accordance with the received instructions and uses the newly designated antenna panel(s) for UL NR signaling to the NR base station, thus reducing or eliminating the IDC problem.

FIG.14is a drawing of an exemplary network control device1400, e.g. a NR base station, e.g. a gNB, supporting communications in frequency range of 52.6 GHz-71 GHz, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Network control device1400, is, e.g. any of the base stations (base station11302, . . . , base station N1304) ofFIG.13, and/or a network control device, e.g. gNB, implementing steps of any of the methods of flowchart900ofFIG.9, flowchart1000ofFIG.11, and/or flowchart1200ofFIG.12.

Network control device1400includes a processor1402, e.g., a CPU, a plurality of wireless interfaces (wireless interface11404, . . . , wireless interface N1405), a network interface1406, e.g., a wired or optical interface, an assembly of hardware components1408, e.g. assembly of circuits, and memory1410coupled together via a bus1411over which the various elements may interchange data and information. Wireless interface11404, which supports NR-U spectrum communications in a frequency range of 52.6 GHz-71 GHz, includes a wireless receiver1412coupled to a plurality of receive antennas (1426, . . . ,1426) and a wireless transmitter1414coupled to a plurality of transmit antennas (1430, . . . ,1432). Wireless interface N1405includes a wireless receiver1413coupled to a plurality of receive antennas (1427, . . . ,1429) and a wireless transmitter1415coupled to a plurality of transmit antennas (1431, . . . ,1433). Network interface1406includes a receiver1416and a transmitter1418, which coupled to network control device1400to other network nodes, e.g., other gNB, gateway devices, core network nodes, etc. and/or the Internet, e.g. via a backhaul network.

Memory1410includes a control routine1420, e.g., for controlling basic network control device functionality, and an assembly of components1422, e.g. assembly of software components, software routines, software modules, APPs, etc., and data/information1424. Data/information1424includes a received IDC assistance message1434, e.g., from a first UE experiencing an IDC problem, e.g., with regard to NR-U communications and WiGig communications, a generated response message1436, e.g., to be communicated to the first UE in response to the received IDC assistance message, a received antenna panel switch request1438, e.g. from a second UE, and a generated panel switch instruction message1440, e.g., to be sent to the second UE in response to the received panel switch request message from the second UE. Received IDC assistance message1434includes UE ID information1442, a list1444of problem frequencies, and victim type information1446, e.g., information identifying WiGig. In some embodiments, the received IDC assistance message1434further includes one or both of information1448identifying preferred new frequencies for operation and power amplifier characteristics information1450, e.g. power coefficients and/or harmonic frequencies. Generated response message1436includes information1452identifying a new frequency or new frequencies to be used by the UE, e.g. for UL NR-U transmissions, and instruction1545for implementing the change to the new frequency or frequencies, e.g. information indicating the time or the point in the timing structure in which to implement the changeover.

Received antenna panel switch request message1438includes UE ID information1456, information1458identifying the antenna panel being used by the UE to which the detected IDC problem corresponds, and information1460identifying UE recommended antenna panel or panels to switch to. Generate panel switch instruction message1440includes information1462identifying the selected antenna panel(s) that the UE is to switch to, and instructions1464for implementing the change to the new antenna panel or panels, e.g. information identifying the time or point in a timing structure when the transmit antenna panel change is to be implemented by the UE.

FIG.15is a drawing of an exemplary communications device1500, e.g., a user equipment (UE) device or an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node with UE functionality, e.g., a stationary or mobile UE using unlicensed spectrum and using new radio-unlicensed (NR-U) spectrum and supporting NR-U and W-Gig communications. Exemplary communications device1500is, e.g., any of the UEs (1322,1324,1326,1328,1330,1332,1334, . . . ,1336) of system1300ofFIG.13or any of the IAB nodes with UE functionality (IAB node11350, . . . IAB node x1352) of system1300ofFIG.13.

Exemplary communications device1300includes a processor1502, e.g., a CPU, a 1st wireless interface1504, e.g., NR-U 60 GHz wireless interface, and a 2nd wireless interface1506, e.g., a Wi-FIG.60wireless interface sometimes referred to as a GHz WiFi interface, e.g. supporting IEEE 802.11 ad/802.11ay, a network interface1507, an input/output (I/O) interface1508, an assembly of hardware components1510, e.g., assembly of circuits, and memory1512coupled together via a bus1514via which the various elements may interchange data and information.

The 1st wireless interface1504, e.g., a NR-U 60 GHz wireless interface, includes a wireless receiver1516, antenna panel switch circuitry1520, and a plurality of antennal panels (antenna panel1A1524, . . . , antenna panel NA1526). The antenna panel switch circuitry1520allows different panel(s) to be connected to the wireless receiver1516at different times, e.g. under control of processor1502. The 1st wireless interface1504, e.g., a NR-U 60 GHz wireless interface, further includes a wireless transmitter1518, antenna panel switch circuitry1522, and a plurality of antennal panels (antenna panel1B1528, . . . , antenna panel NB1530). The antenna panel switch circuitry1522allows different panel(s) to be connected to the wireless transmitter1518at different times, e.g. under control of processor1502. In some embodiments, the 1st wireless interface1504is a NR-U 60 GHz transceiver including switchable antenna panels.

The 2nd wireless interface1506, e.g., a Wi-Gig wireless interface, includes a wireless receiver1532, antenna panel switch circuitry1536, and a plurality of antennal panels (antenna panel1C1540, . . . , antenna panel NC1542). The antenna panel switch circuitry1536allows different panel(s) to be connected to the wireless receiver1532at different times, e.g. under control of processor1502. The 2nd wireless interface1506, e.g., a Wi-Gig wireless interface, further includes a wireless transmitter1534, antenna panel switch circuitry1534, and a plurality of antennal panels (antenna panel1D1544, . . . , antenna panel ND1546). The antenna panel switch circuitry1538allows different panel(s) to be connected to the wireless transmitter1534at different times, e.g. under control of processor1502. In some embodiments, the 2nd wireless interface1506is a Wi-Gig transceiver including switchable antenna panels.

Network interface1507, e.g., a wired or optical interface1507, which includes a receiver158and transmitter1570, allows the communications device to connect to a backhaul via a wired on optical connection, when available.

Exemplary communications device1500further includes a plurality of input/output devices (speaker1548, switches1560, display1562, e.g., a touch screen display, keypad1564, mouse1566, camera1568and microphone1560), which are coupled to the bus1514, via I/O interface1508, allowing the various I/O devices to communicate with other elements within communications device1500.

Memory1512includes a control routine1562, an assembly of components1564, e.g., assembly of software components, software modules, software routines, APPs, etc., and data/information1566. Exemplary data/information1566includes, e.g., a generated IDC assistance message to be sent to a network control device, e.g. gNB, said IDC assistance message indicating: affected frequencies, wigig as the victim system, optionally including recommended frequencies to be switch to, and optionally including UE power amplifier characteristic information, a received response message from the network control device indicating new frequencies to be switched to and optionally includes instructions for performing the switch. Exemplary data/information1566also includes, e.g., a generated antenna panel switch request message to be sent to a network control device, e.g. indicating that the UE is requesting the network control device to instruct the UE to switch an antennal panel being used by the UE for NR-U transmissions to another panel, e.g. to reduce of eliminate an IDC problem with regard to Wi-Gig communications, and a received instruction message from the network control device instructing the UE to switch to a new panel or new set of panels identified in the instruction message, e.g. for UL transmissions to the gNB using the NR-U.

FIG.16, comprising the combination ofFIG.16AandFIG.16B, is a drawing of an exemplary assembly of components1600, comprising Part A1601and Part B1603, which may be included in a network control device, e.g. a gNB, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Exemplary assembly of components1600is, e.g. included in base stations, e.g. gNBs,1302,1304ofFIG.13, network control device1400, e.g., a gNB ofFIG.14, and/or a network control device implementing steps of flowchart900ofFIG.9, flowchart1100ofFIG.11, and/or flowchart1200ofFIG.12.

The components in the assembly of components1600can, and in some embodiments are, implemented fully in hardware within a processor, e.g., processor1402, e.g., as individual circuits. The components in the assembly of components1600can, and in some embodiments are, implemented fully in hardware within the assembly of hardware components1408, e.g., as individual circuits corresponding to the different components. In other embodiments some of the components are implemented, e.g., as circuits, within processor1402with other components being implemented, e.g., as circuits within assembly of components1408, external to and coupled to the processor1402. As should be appreciated the level of integration of components on the processor and/or with some components being external to the processor may be one of design choice. Alternatively, rather than being implemented as circuits, all or some of the components may be implemented in software and stored in the memory1410of the network control device1400, e.g., a gNB, with the components controlling operation of the network control device to implement the functions corresponding to the components when the components are executed by a processor e.g., processor1402. In some such embodiments, the assembly of components1600is included in the memory1410as part of assembly of software components1422. In still other embodiments, various components in assembly of components1600are implemented as a combination of hardware and software, e.g., with another circuit external to the processor providing input to the processor which then under software control operates to perform a portion of a component's function.

When implemented in software the components include code, which when executed by a processor, e.g., processor1402, configure the processor to implement the function corresponding to the component. In embodiments where the assembly of components1600is stored in the memory1410, the memory1410is a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium comprising code, e.g., individual code for each component, for causing at least one computer, e.g., processor1402, to implement the functions to which the components correspond.

Completely hardware based or completely software based components may be used. However, it should be appreciated that any combination of software and hardware, e.g., circuit implemented components may be used to implement the functions. As should be appreciated, the components illustrated inFIG.16control and/or configure the network control device1400or elements therein such as the processor1402, to perform the functions of corresponding steps illustrated and/or described in the method of one or more of the flowcharts, signaling diagrams and/or described with respect to any of the Figures. Thus, the assembly of components1600includes various components that perform functions of corresponding one or more described and/or illustrated steps of an exemplary method, e.g., steps of the method of flowchart900of Figure, flowchart1100ofFIG.11and/or flowchart1200ofFIG.12.

Assembly of components1600includes a component1615configured to operate the network control device to monitor for messages, and a component1616configured to operate the network control device to receive a first in-device coexistence (IDC) assistance message from a first communication device, e.g. a first UE, that detected an in-device coexistence problem, said first IDC assistance message indicating a wigig victim type. Component1616includes a component1618configured to operate the network control device to receive, in said first IDC assistance message, information indicating one or more new frequencies the first communications device the first communications device would prefer to use in a first frequency band (e.g., within a 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz frequency band), and a component1620configured to operate the network control device to receive, in said first IDC message, communications device (e.g. UE) power amplifier (PA) characteristic information indicating one or more characteristics of a power amplifier included in the first communications device.

Assembly of components1600further includes a component1622configured to select one or more new frequencies to be used by the first communications device, said one or more new frequencies differing in at least one frequency from one or more frequencies in said first communications band that were being used by the first communications device when the first communications device detected said in-device coexistence problem. Component1622includes a component1624configured to select at least one frequency, indicated in the first IDC message as a preferred frequency, as one of said new frequencies, and a component1626configured to select at least some of the one or more frequencies to be included in the new frequencies based on the power amplifier information included in the first IDC assistance message.

Assembly of components1600further includes a component1630configured to generate a response message to the first communications device indicating the selected one or more new frequencies in the first frequency band to be used by the first communications device, a component1632configured to operate the network control device to transmit a response message to the first communications device indicating the selected one or more new frequencies in the first frequency band to be used by the first communications device, and a component1638configured to operate the network control device, e.g. gNB, to receive data transmitted by the first communications device and forward the received data, e.g. via a backhaul communications network or via transmission over the air, e.g., to another communications device, e.g., a second UE.

Assembly of components1600further includes a component1656configured to operate the network control device to receive a panel switch message from a second communications device, e.g., a second UE, that supports space division multiplexing via the use of multiple antenna panels, said panel switch message including: i) a request that the network control device switch the antenna panel being used by the second communications device, for uplink communications between the second communications device and the network control device or ii) a notification that the second communications device is switching the antenna panel being used, by the second communications device for uplink communications between the second communications device and the network control device, to a second communications device selected antenna panel. Component1656includes a component1658configured to operate the network control device to receive, in the panel switch message, information indicating one or a set of antennas panes that the second communications device is recommending switching to and a component1660configured to operate the network control device to receive, in the panel switch message, information indicating one or a set of panels that the second communications device is switching to.

Assembly of components1600further includes a component1664configured to decide, in response to receiving the panel switch request, to switch the second communications device to a different antenna panel for uplink communications. Component1664includes a component1666configured to select the antenna panel, to which the second communications device is to switch, from one or more of the antenna panels identified by the second communications device in said panel switch message. Assembly of components1600further includes a component1668configured to operate the network control device to transmit, to the second communications device, a switch instruction with an indication of the antenna panel to which the second communications device, e.g. second UE, is to switch for uplink communications.

FIG.17, comprising the combination ofFIG.17AandFIG.17B, is a drawing of an exemplary assembly of components1700, comprising Part A1701and Part B1703, which may be included in an exemplary communications device, e.g., a first communications device (first UE) or a second communications device (second UE), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Assembly of components1700is, e.g., include in any of the UEs (1322,1324,1326,1328,1332,1334, . . . ,1336) or any of the IAB nodes with UE functionality (1350, . . . ,1352) of system1300ofFIG.1300or communications device1500, e.g., a UE, ofFIG.15, or a communications device implementing steps of a method of flowchart900ofFIG.9, flowchart1100ofFIG.11and/or flowchart1200ofFIG.12.

The components in the assembly of components1700can, and in some embodiments are, implemented fully in hardware within a processor, e.g., processor1502, e.g., as individual circuits. The components in the assembly of components1700can, and in some embodiments are, implemented fully in hardware within the assembly of hardware components1510, e.g., as individual circuits corresponding to the different components. In other embodiments some of the components are implemented, e.g., as circuits, within processor1502with other components being implemented, e.g., as circuits within assembly of components1510, external to and coupled to the processor1502. As should be appreciated the level of integration of components on the processor and/or with some components being external to the processor may be one of design choice. Alternatively, rather than being implemented as circuits, all or some of the components may be implemented in software and stored in the memory1512of the communications device, e.g., UE device,1500, with the components controlling operation of the communications device to implement the functions corresponding to the components when the components are executed by a processor e.g., processor1502. In some such embodiments, the assembly of components1700is included in the memory1512as part of assembly of software components1564. In still other embodiments, various components in assembly of components1700are implemented as a combination of hardware and software, e.g., with another circuit external to the processor providing input to the processor which then under software control operates to perform a portion of a component's function.

When implemented in software the components include code, which when executed by a processor, e.g., processor1502, configure the processor to implement the function corresponding to the component. In embodiments where the assembly of components1700is stored in the memory1512, the memory1512is a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium comprising code, e.g., individual code for each component, for causing at least one computer, e.g., processor1502, to implement the functions to which the components correspond.

Completely hardware based or completely software based components may be used. However, it should be appreciated that any combination of software and hardware, e.g., circuit implemented components may be used to implement the functions. As should be appreciated, the components illustrated inFIG.17control and/or configure the communications device, e.g., UE device,1500or elements therein such as the processor1502, to perform the functions of corresponding steps illustrated and/or described in the method of one or more of the flowcharts, signaling diagrams and/or described with respect to any of the Figures. Thus, the assembly of components1700includes various components that perform functions of corresponding one or more described and/or illustrated steps of an exemplary method, e.g., steps of the method of flowchart900ofFIG.9, the method of flowchart1100ofFIG.11, and/or the method of flowchart1200ofFIG.12.

Assembly of components1700includes a component1704configured to operate the communications device to detect an in-device coexistence (IDC) problem, said communications device including multiple radio transceivers (e.g., a NR-U 60 GHz transceiver and a WiGig (60 GHz WiFi) transceiver), at least one of the multiple radio transceiver being capable of operating at one or more frequencies in a first frequency band (e.g., 52.6 GHz-71 GHz), and a component1706configured to generate a first IDC assistance message. Component1706includes a component1708configured to include, in the first IDC assistance message, information indicating a wigig victim type, a component1710configured to include, in said first IDC assistance message, information indicating one or more new frequencies that the communications device would prefer to used in a first frequency band (e.g., within a 52.6 to 71 GHz frequency band) and a component1712configured to include, in said first IDC assistance message, communications device, e.g. UE device, power amplifier (PA) characteristic information indicating one or more characteristics of a power amplifier included in the communications device. Assembly of components1700further includes a component1714configured to operate the communications device to transmit the generated first IDC assistance message to a network control device, e.g. a gNB, a component1734configured to operate the communications device to receive a response message in response to the first IDC assistance message, and a component1736configured to operate the communications device to transmit data using one or more new frequencies to the network control device, e.g. gNB, for forwarding to another communications device, as part of a communications session between the communications device and the another communications device.

Assembly of components1700further includes a component1742configured to detect an IDC problem which can be resolved by changing an antenna panel or panels used for uplink communications, and a component1744configured to generate a panel switch message. Component1744includes a component1746configured to determine, e.g. based on knowledge of the available antenna panels at the communications device and/or knowledge of the direction or source of interference causing the IDC problem, one or more alternative antenna panels which can be used for uplink communications to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem, a component1748configured to include in the panel switch message an indication of at least one antenna panel which can be used by the communications device to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem, a component1750configured to include in the panel switch message information indicating one or a set of antenna panels that the communications device is recommending switching to, and a component1752configured to include, in the panel switch message, information indicating one or a set of antenna panels that the communications device is switching to.

Assembly of components1700further includes a component1754configured to operate the communications device to receive a switch instruction with an indication of the antenna panel to which the communications device is to switch to for uplink communications, a component1772configured to operate the communications device to switch to one or more new antenna panels, and component1774configured to operate the communications device to transmit uplink data using the one or more new antenna panels.

In the following numbered lists of exemplary embodiments references to a previous numbered embodiment refers to an embodiment in the same numbered list in which the reference is made. For example, references to other numbered embodiments in the first numbered list refer to a numbered embodiment in the first numbered list and a reference to another numbered embodiment in the second list refers a numbered embodiment in the second list.

First Numbered List of Exemplary Method Embodiments:

Method Embodiment 1 A communications method, the method comprising: operating (1215) a network control device (e.g. gNB) to monitor for messages; and receiving (1216), at the network control device (e.g., gNB), a first in-device coexistence (IDC) assistance message from a first communications device (e.g., first UE) that detected an in-device coexistence problem, the first IDC assistance message indicating a wigig victim type.

Method Embodiment 2 The method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein the wigig victim type indicator indicates a victim type in the NR frequency band.

Method Embodiment 3 The method of Method Embodiment 2, wherein said NR frequency band is within a frequency range of 52.6-71 GHz and is NR unlicensed.

Method Embodiment 4 The method of Method Embodiment 3, wherein the wigig victim type indicator indicates there is a in-device coexistence problem between a channel being used by the first communications device for Wi-Gig (sometimes referred to as 60 GHz WiFi or IEEE 802.11ad and/or 802.11ay) and a channel being used by the first communications device for NR (52.6-71 GHz) (sometimes referred to as 60 GHz NR).

Method Embodiment 5 The method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein the first IDC assistance message further indicates one or more of: i) preferred new frequency information indicating one or more new frequencies the first communicates device would prefer to use in a first frequency band (e.g., within a 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz frequency band) to which the detected IDC problem relates; or ii) UE power amplifier characteristic information indicating one or more characteristics of a power amplifier included in the first communications device; and wherein the method further includes: selecting (1216) (e.g., determining) at the network control device, one or more new frequencies to be used by the first communications device based on information included in said first IDC assistance message, said one or more new frequencies differing in at least one frequency from one or more frequencies in said first communications band that were being used by said first communications device when said first communications device detected said in-device coexistence problem; and transmitting (1232) a response message to the first communications device indicating the selected one or more new frequencies in the first frequency band to be used by the first communications device.

Method Embodiment 6 The method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein the first frequency band is a New Radio (NR) frequency band that includes 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz.

Method Embodiment 7 The method of Method Embodiment 5, wherein the first IDC assistance message includes preferred new frequency information; and wherein said step of selecting (1222) said one or more new frequencies includes selecting (1224) at least one frequency indicated in the first IDC assistance message as a preferred frequency as one of said new frequencies.

Method Embodiment 8 The method of Method Embodiment 7, wherein the first IDC assistance message further includes UE power amplifier characteristic information (e.g. harmonic information indicating harmonics which may be generated and/or which frequencies in the first frequency band can amplified by the first communications device with less distortion than other frequencies in the first frequency band); and wherein said step of selecting (1222) said one or more new frequencies further includes selecting (1226) at least some of the one or more frequencies in the first frequency band to be included in the new frequencies, based on the power amplifier information included in the first IDC message.

Method Embodiment 9 The method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein the first IDC assistance message includes UE power amplifier characteristic information (e.g. harmonic information indicating harmonics which may be generated and/or which frequencies in the first frequency band can amplified by the first communications device with less distortion than other frequencies in the first frequency band); and wherein said step of selecting (1222) said one or more new frequencies further includes selecting (1226) at least some of the one or more frequencies in the first frequency band to be included in the new frequencies, based on the power amplifier information included in the first IDC message.

Method Embodiment 10 The method of Method Embodiment 1, further comprising, prior to the network control device receiving (1216) the first IDC assistance message: detecting (1204), performed by the first communications device (e.g., first UE) said in-device coexistence problem, said first UE including multiple radio transceivers, at least one of the multiple radio transceivers being capable of operating at one or more frequencies in the first frequency band; generating (1206), in the first communications device, said first IDC assistance message; and transmitting (1214) the first IDC assistance message to the network control device (e.g., a gNB).

Method Embodiment 11 The method of Method Embodiment 10, further comprising: operating (1236) the first communications device to transmit data, using the one or more new frequencies, to the first network control device (e.g., gNB) for forwarding to another communications device (e.g., second UE) as part of a communications session between the first communications device and the another communications device.

Method Embodiment 12 The method of Method Embodiment 10, further comprising: operating (1238) the network control device (e.g., gNB) to receive the data transmitted by the first communications device (e.g. first UE) using the one or more new frequencies, from the first communications device, and forward it (e.g., via a communications network or via transmission over the air) to the another communications device (e.g., second UE).

Method Embodiment 13 The method of Method Embodiment 1, further comprising: receiving (1256), at the network control device (e.g., gNB), a panel switch message from a second communications device (e.g., UE) that supports space division multiplexing via the use of multiple antenna panels, said panel switch message including: i) a request that the network control device switch the antenna panel being used, by the second communications device, for uplink communications between the second communications device and the network control device or ii) a notification that the second communications device is switching the antenna panel being used, by the second communications device, for uplink communications between the second communications device and the network control device.

Method Embodiment 14 The method of Method Embodiment 13, wherein the panel switch message is a second in-device co-exitance (IDC) assistance message sent by the second communications device in response to determining that said second communications device (e.g., second UE) is suffering an in-device coexistence issue in frequencies above 52.6 GHZ.

Method Embodiment 15 The method of Method Embodiment 13, wherein the panel switch message includes information indicating one or a set of antenna panels that the second communications device is recommending switching to.

Method Embodiment 16 The method of Method Embodiment 15, further comprising: deciding (1264), at the network control device, in response to receiving the switch panel switch message including a request, to switch the second communications device to a different antenna panel for uplink communications (e.g., to the network control node, e.g., gNB); and transmitting (1268) to the second UE a switch instruction with an indication of the antenna panel to which the second UE is to switch for uplink communications.

Method Embodiment 17 The method of Method Embodiment 16, further comprising, selecting (1266) the antenna panel to which the second communications device is to switch from one or more antennal panels identified by the second communications device in said panel switch message.

Method Embodiment 18 The method of Method Embodiment 13, further comprising, prior to the network control device (e.g., gNB), receiving (1256) the panel switch message from the second communications device: detecting (1242), at the second communications device, an IDC problem which can be resolved by changing an antenna panel or panels used for uplink communications; generating (1244), at the second communications device, said panel switch message; and transmitting (1254) the panel switch message from the second communications device to the network control device.

Method Embodiment 19 The method of Method Embodiment 18, wherein generating (1244) said panel switch message includes: determining (1246), at the second communications device, (e.g., based on knowledge of the available antenna panels at the second communications device and/or knowledge of the direction or source of interference causing the IDC problem) one or more alternative antennal panels which can be used for uplink communication to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem; and including (1248) in the panel switch message an indication of at last one panel which can be used by the second communications device to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem.

Second Numbered List of Exemplary Method Embodiments:

Method Embodiment 1 A communications method, the method comprising: operating (1215) a network control device (e.g. gNB) to monitor for messages; and receiving (1256), at the network control device (e.g., gNB), a panel switch message from a communications device (e.g., UE) that supports space division multiplexing via the use of multiple antenna panels, said panel switch message including: i) a request that the network control device switch the antenna panel being used, by the communications device, for uplink communications between the communications device and the network control device or ii) a notification that the communications device is switching the antenna panel being used, by the communications device, for uplink communications between the communications device and the network control device.

Method Embodiment 2 The method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein the panel switch message is an in-device co-existence (IDC) assistance message sent by the communications device in response to determining that said communications device (e.g., UE) is suffering an in-device coexistence issue in frequencies above 52.6 GHZ.

Method Embodiment 3 The method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein the panel switch message includes information indicating one or a set of antenna panels that the communications device is recommending switching to.

Method Embodiment 4 The method of Method Embodiment 3, further comprising: deciding (1264), at the network control device, in response to receiving the switch panel switch message including a request, to switch the communications device to a different antenna panel for uplink communications (e.g., to the network control node, e.g., gNB); and transmitting (1268) to the communications device (e.g., UE) a switch instruction with an indication of the antenna panel to which the communications device (e.g. UE) is to switch for uplink communications.

Method Embodiment 5 The method of Method Embodiment 4, further comprising, selecting (1266) the antenna panel to which the communications device (e.g. UE) is to switch from one or more antennal panels identified by the communications device in said panel switch message.

Method Embodiment 6 The method of Method Embodiment 1, further comprising, prior to the network control device (e.g., gNB), receiving (1256) the panel switch message from the communications device (e.g. UE): detecting, (1242) at the communications device, an IDC problem which can be resolved by changing an antenna panel or panels used for uplink communications; generating, (1244) at the communications device, said panel switch message; and transmitting (1254) the panel switch message from the communications device to the network control device.

Method Embodiment 7 The method of Method Embodiment 6, wherein generating (1244) said panel switch message includes: determining, (1246) at the communications device, (e.g., based on knowledge of the available antenna panels at the communications device and/or knowledge of the direction or source of interference causing the IDC problem) one or more alternative antennal panels which can be used for uplink communication to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem; and including (1248) in the panel switch message an indication of at last one panel which can be used by the communications device to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem.

Third Numbered List of Exemplary Method Embodiments:

Method Embodiment 1 A communications method, the method comprising: receiving, at a network control device (e.g., a gNB), a first in-device coexistence (IDC) assistance message from a first communications device (e.g., a first UE) that detected an in-device coexistence problem, the first IDC assistance message indicating one or more of: i) preferred new frequency information indicating one or more new frequencies that first communications device would prefer to use in a first frequency band (e.g., within a 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz frequency band) to which the detected IDC problem relates; or ii) communications device (e.g., UE) power amplifier characteristic information indicating one or characteristics of a power amplifier include in the first communications device; selecting (e.g., determining) at the network control device one or more new frequencies to be used by the first communications device based on information included in said first IDC message, said one or new frequencies selected to be used by the first communications device differing in at least one frequency from one or more frequencies in said first communications band that were being used by said first communications device when said first communications device detected said in-device coexistence problem; and transmitting a response message to the first communications device indicating the selected one or more new frequencies in the first frequency band to be used by the first communications device.

Method Embodiment 2 The communications method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein said first frequency band is a New Radio (NR) frequency band that includes 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz.

Method Embodiment 3 The communications method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein said first IDC assistance message includes preferred new frequency information; and wherein said step of selecting said one or more new frequencies includes selecting at least one frequency indicated in the first IDC assistance message as a preferred frequency as one of said new frequencies.

Method Embodiment 4 The communications method of Method Embodiment 3, wherein said first IDC assistance message further includes communications device (e.g., UE) power amplifier characteristic information (e.g., harmonic information indicating harmonics which may be generated and/or frequencies in the first frequency band which can be amplified by the first communications device with less distortion than other frequencies in the first frequency band); and wherein said step of selecting one or more new frequencies further includes selecting at least some of the one or more frequencies in the first frequency band to be included in the new frequencies based on the power amplifier information included in the first IDC assistance message.

Method Embodiment 5 The communications method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein said first IDC assistance message further includes communications device (e.g., UE) power amplifier characteristic information (e.g., harmonic information indicating harmonics which may be generated and/or frequencies in the first frequency band which can be amplified by the first communications device with less distortion than other frequencies in the first frequency band); and wherein said step of selecting one or more new frequencies further includes selecting at least some of the one or more frequencies in the first frequency band to be included in the new frequencies based on the power amplifier information included in the first IDC assistance message.

Method Embodiment 6 The communications method of Method Embodiment 1, further comprising, prior to the network control device receiving the first IDC assistance message: detecting, performed by the first communications device (e.g., first UE), said in-device coexistence problem, said first communications device including multiple radio transceivers, at least one of the multiple radio transceivers being capable of operating at one or more frequencies in the first frequency band; generating, in the first communications device, said first IDC assistance message; and transmitting the first IDC assistance message to the network control device (e.g., a gNB).

Method Embodiment 7 The communications method of Method Embodiment 6, further comprising: operating the first communications device to transmit data, using the one or more new frequencies, to the first control device (gNB) for forwarding to a second communications device (e.g., second UE), as part of a communications session between the first communications device and the second communications device.

Method Embodiment 8 The communications method of Method Embodiment 6, further comprising: operating the network control device (e.g., gNB) to receive data transmitted by the first communications device, using the one or more new frequencies, from the first the first communications device and forward the data (e.g., via a communications network or via transmission over the air) to the second communications device.

Method Embodiment 9 The communications method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein the first IDC assistance message includes victim type indicating a wigig victim type.

Method Embodiment 10 The communications method of Method Embodiment 9, wherein the wigig victim type indicator indicates a victim type in the NR frequency band.

Method Embodiment 11 The communications method of Method Embodiment 1, further comprising: receiving, at the network control device (e.g., gNB), a panel switch message from a second communications device (e.g., another UE) that support space division multiplexing via the use of multiple transmission panels, said panel switch message including a request that the network control device switch the transmission panel being used for uplink communications between the second communications device and the network control device.

Method Embodiment 12 The communications method of Method Embodiment 11, wherein the panel switch method is a second in-device coexistence (IDC) assistance message send by the second communications device in response to the second communications device determining that the second communications device is suffering an in-device coexistence issue in frequencies above 52.6 GHz.

Method Embodiment 13 The communications method of Method Embodiment 11, wherein the panel switch message includes information indicating one or a set of panels that the second communications device (e.g. second UE) is recommending switching to.

Method Embodiment 14 The communications method of Method Embodiment 13, further comprising: deciding, at the network control device, in response to receiving the panel switch request, to switch the second communications device to a different antenna panel for uplink communications (e.g., to the network control node, e.g., gNB); and transmitting (from the network control device (e.g. gNB) to the second communications device (e.g. second UE) a switch instruction with an indication of the antenna panel to which the second communications device is to switch to for uplink communications.

Method Embodiment 15 The communications method of Method Embodiment 14 further comprising: selecting the antenna panel to which the second communications device is to switch to from one or more antenna panels identified by the second communications device in said panel switch message.

Method Embodiment 16 The communications method of Method Embodiment 11, further comprising, prior to the network control device (e.g. gNB), receiving the panel switch message from the second communications device: detecting, at the second communications device, and IDC problem which can be resolved by changing an antenna panel of panels used for uplink communications; generating, at the second communications device, said panel switch message; and transmitting the panel switch message from the second communications device to the network control device.

Method Embodiment 17 The communications method of Method Embodiment 16, wherein generating said panel switch message includes: determining, at the second communications device, (e.g., based on knowledge of the available antenna panels at the second communications device and/or knowledge of the direction or source of interference causing the IDC problem) one or more alternative antenna panels which can be used for uplink communication to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem; and including in the panel switch message an indication of at least one panel which can be used by the second communications device to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem.

First Numbered List of Exemplary System Embodiments:

System Embodiment 1 A communications system (1300) comprising: a network control device (e.g. a gNB) (1302or1400) including: a wireless receiver (1412); and a first processor (1402) configured to: operate the wireless receiver (1412) to receive (1216), at the network control device (e.g., gNB), a first in-device coexistence (IDC) assistance message from a first communications device (e.g., first UE) (1322or1500) that detected an in-device coexistence problem, the first IDC assistance message indicating a wigig victim type.

System Embodiment 2 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 1, wherein the wigig victim type indicator indicates a victim type in the NR frequency band.

System Embodiment 3 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 2, wherein said NR frequency band is within a frequency range of 52.6-71 GHz and is NR unlicensed.

System Embodiment 4 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 1, wherein the wigig victim type indicator indicates there is a in-device coexistence problem between a channel being used by the first communications device for Wi-Gig (sometimes referred to as 60 GHz WiFi or IEEE 802.11ad and/or 802.11ay) and a channel being used by the first communications device for NR (52.6-71 GHz) (sometimes referred to as 60 GHz NR).

System Embodiment 5 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 1, wherein the first IDC assistance message further indicates one or more of: i) preferred new frequency information indicating one or more new frequencies the first communicates device would prefer to use in a first frequency band (e.g., within a 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz frequency band) to which the detected IDC problem relates; or ii) UE power amplifier characteristic information indicating one or more characteristics of a power amplifier included in the first communications device; wherein said network control device (1302or1400) further includes: a wireless transmitter (1414); and wherein said first processor (1402) is further configured to: select (1216) (e.g., determining) at the network control device, one or more new frequencies to be used by the first communications device based on information included in said first IDC assistance message, said one or more new frequencies differing in at least one frequency from one or more frequencies in said first communications band that were being used by said first communications device when said first communications device detected said in-device coexistence problem; and operate the wireless transmitter (1414) to transmit (1232) a response message to the first communications device (1322) indicating the selected one or more new frequencies in the first frequency band to be used by the first communications device (1322).

System Embodiment 6 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 1, wherein the first frequency band is a New Radio (NR) frequency band that includes 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz.

System Embodiment 7 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 5, wherein the first IDC assistance message includes preferred new frequency information; and wherein said first processor (1402) is configured to: select (1224) at least one frequency indicated in the first IDC assistance message as a preferred frequency as one of said new frequencies, as part of being configured to select (1222) said one or more new frequencies.

System Embodiment 8 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 7, wherein the first IDC assistance message further includes UE power amplifier characteristic information (e.g. harmonic information indicating harmonics which may be generated and/or which frequencies in the first frequency band can amplified by the first communications device (1322) with less distortion than other frequencies in the first frequency band); and wherein said first processor (1402) is configured to: select (1226) at least some of the one or more frequencies in the first frequency band to be included in the new frequencies, based on the power amplifier information included in the first IDC message, as part of being configured to select (1222) said one or more new frequencies.

System Embodiment 9 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 1, wherein the first IDC assistance message includes UE power amplifier characteristic information (e.g. harmonic information indicating harmonics which may be generated and/or which frequencies in the first frequency band can amplified by the first communications device (1322) with less distortion than other frequencies in the first frequency band); and wherein said first processor (1402) is configured to: select (1226) at least some of the one or more frequencies in the first frequency band to be included in the new frequencies, based on the power amplifier information included in the first IDC message, as part of being configured to select (1222) said one or more new frequencies.

System Embodiment 10 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 1, further comprising: said first communications device (1322), said first communications device (1322) including: a second wireless transmitter (1518); and a second processor (1502); and wherein said second processor (1502) is configured to: prior to the network control device receiving (1216) the first IDC assistance message, operate the first communications device (e.g., first UE) (1322) to detect (1204) said in-device coexistence problem, said first communications device including multiple radio transceivers, at least one of the multiple radio transceivers being capable of operating at one or more frequencies in the first frequency band; generate (1206), in the first communications device (1322), said first IDC assistance message; and operate the second wireless transmitter (1534) to transmit (1214) the first IDC assistance message to the network control device (e.g., a gNB).

System Embodiment 11 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 10, wherein said second processor (1502) is further configured to: operate (1236) the first communications device (1322) to transmit data, using the one or more new frequencies, to the first network control device (e.g., gNB) for forwarding to another communications device (e.g., second UE) (1324or1336) as part of a communications session between the first communications device (1322) and the another communications device (1324or1336).

System Embodiment 12 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 10, wherein said first processor (1402) is further configured to: operate (1238) the network control device (e.g., gNB) (1302) to receive the data transmitted by the first communications device (e.g. first UE) (1322) using the one or more new frequencies, from the first communications device (1322), and forward it (e.g., via a communications network or via transmission over the air) to the another communications device (e.g., second UE) (1324or1336).

System Embodiment 13 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 1, wherein said first processor (1402) is further configured to: operate the first receiver (1412) to receive (1256), at the network control device (e.g., gNB) (1302), a panel switch message from a second communications device (e.g., UE) (1324) that supports space division multiplexing via the use of multiple antenna panels, said panel switch message including: i) a request that the network control device (1322) switch the antenna panel being used, by the second communications device (1324), for uplink communications between the second communications device (1324) and the network control device (1302) or ii) a notification that the second communications device (1324) is switching the antenna panel being used, by the second communications device (1324), for uplink communications between the second communications device (1324) and the network control device (1302).

System Embodiment 14 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 13, wherein the panel switch message is a second in-device co-existence (IDC) assistance message sent by the second communications device (1324) in response to determining that said second communications device (e.g., second UE) (1324) is suffering an in-device coexistence issue in frequencies above 52.6 GHZ.

System Embodiment 15 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 13, wherein the panel switch message includes information indicating one or a set of antenna panels that the second communications device (1324) is recommending switching to.

System Embodiment 16 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 15, wherein said network control device (1302) further includes a wireless transmitter (1414); and wherein said first processor (1402) is further configured to: decide (1264), at the network control device (1302), in response to receiving the switch panel switch message including a request, to switch the second communications device (1324) to a different antenna panel for uplink communications (e.g., to the network control node, e.g., gNB); and operate the wireless transmitter (1414) to transmit (1268) to the second communications device (e.g., second UE) (1324) a switch instruction with an indication of the antenna panel to which the second communications device (e.g., second UE) (1324) is to switch for uplink communications.

System Embodiment 17 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 16, wherein said first processor (1402) is further configured to: select (1266) the antenna panel to which the second communications device is to switch from one or more antennal panels identified by the second communications device (1324) in said panel switch message.

System Embodiment 18 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 13, further comprising: said second communications device (1324or1500); said second communications device (1324) including: a wireless transmitter (1518); and a second processor (1502); and wherein said second processor (1502) is configured to: prior to the network control device (e.g., gNB) (1302), receiving (1256) the panel switch message from the second communications device (1324), operate the second communications device (1324) to detect (1242) an IDC problem which can be resolved by changing an antenna panel or panels used for uplink communications; generate (1244), at the second communications device (1324), said panel switch message; and operate the wireless transmitter (1518) to transmit (1254) the panel switch message from the second communications device (1324) to the network control device (1302).

System Embodiment 19 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 18, wherein said second processor (1502) is configured to: determine (1246), at the second communications device (1324), (e.g., based on knowledge of the available antenna panels at the second communications device (1324) and/or knowledge of the direction or source of interference causing the IDC problem) one or more alternative antenna panels which can be used for uplink communication to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem;and include (1248) in the panel switch message an indication of at last one panel which can be used by the second communications device (1324) to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem, as part of being configured to generate (1244) said panel switch message.
Second Numbered List of Exemplary System Embodiments:

System Embodiment 1 A communications system (1300) comprising: a network control device (e.g., gNB) (1302or1400) including: a wireless receiver (1412); and a first processor (1402) configured to operate the wireless receiver (1412) to receive (1256), at the network control device (e.g., gNB), a panel switch message from a communications device (e.g., UE) (1324or1500) that supports space division multiplexing via the use of multiple antenna panels, said panel switch message including: i) a request that the network control device (1302) switch the antenna panel being used, by the communications device (1324), for uplink communications between the communications device (1324) and the network control device (1302) or ii) a notification that the communications device (1324) is switching the antenna panel being used, by the communications device (1324), for uplink communications between the communications device (1324) and the network control device (1302).

System Embodiment 2 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 1, wherein the panel switch message is an in-device co-existence (IDC) assistance message sent by the communications device (1324) in response to determining that said communications device (e.g., UE) is suffering an in-device coexistence issue in frequencies above 52.6 GHZ.

System Embodiment 3 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 1, wherein the panel switch message includes information indicating one or a set of antenna panels that the communications device (1324) is recommending switching to.

System Embodiment 4 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 3, wherein said network control device (1302) further includes a wireless transmitter (1414); and wherein said first processor (1402) is further configured to: decide (1264), at the network control device (1302), in response to receiving the switch panel switch message including a request, to switch the communications device (1324) to a different antenna panel for uplink communications (e.g., to the network control node, e.g., gNB); and operate the wireless transmitter (1414) to transmit (1268) to the communications device (e.g., UE) (1324) a switch instruction with an indication of the antenna panel to which the communications device (e.g., UE) (1324) is to switch for uplink communications.

System Embodiment 5 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 4, wherein said first processor (1402) is further configured to: select (1266) the antenna panel to which the communications device (e.g., UE) (1324) is to switch from one or more antennal panels identified by the communications device (1324) in said panel switch message.

System Embodiment 6 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 1, wherein said communications system (1300) further comprises: said communications device (e.g. UE) (1324) including: a second processor (1502); and a second transmitter (1518); and wherein said second processor (1502) is configured to: prior to the network control device (e.g., gNB) (1302), receiving (1256) the panel switch message from the communications device (e.g., UE) (1324), operate the communications device (1324) to detect (1242) an IDC problem which can be resolved by changing an antenna panel or panels used for uplink communications; generate, (1244) said panel switch message; and operate the second transmitter (1518) to transmit (1254) the panel switch message from the communications device (1524) to the network control device (1302).

System Embodiment 7 The communications system (1300) of System Embodiment 6, wherein said second processor (1502) is configured to: determine, (1246) at the communications device (1324), (e.g., based on knowledge of the available antenna panels at the communications device and/or knowledge of the direction or source of interference causing the IDC problem) one or more alternative antenna panels which can be used for uplink communication to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem; and include (1248) in the panel switch message an indication of at last one panel which can be used by second communications device (1324) to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem, as part of being configured to generate (1244) said panel switch message.

Third Numbered List of Exemplary System Embodiments:

System Embodiment 1 A communications system comprising: a network control device including: a first processor; a first wireless receiver; and a first wireless transmitter; and wherein said first processor is configured to: operate the network control device to receive (via the first wireless receiver) a first in-device coexistence (IDC) assistance message from a first communications device (e.g., a first UE) that detected an in-device coexistence problem, the first IDC assistance message indicating one or more of: i) preferred new frequency information indicating one or more new frequencies that first communications device would prefer to use in a first frequency band (e.g., within a 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz frequency band) to which the detected IDC problem relates; or ii) communications device (e.g., UE) power amplifier characteristic information indicating one or characteristics of a power amplifier include in the first communications device; select (e.g., determine) one or more new frequencies to be used by the first communications device based on information included in said first IDC message, said one or new frequencies selected to be used by the first communications device differing in at least one frequency from one or more frequencies in said first communications band that were being used by said first communications device when said first communications device detected said in-device coexistence problem; and operate the network control device to transmit (via the first wireless transmitter) a response message to the first communications device indicating the selected one or more new frequencies in the first frequency band to be used by the first communications device.

Method Embodiment 2 The communications system of System Embodiment 1, wherein said first frequency band is a New Radio (NR) frequency band that includes 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz.

Method Embodiment 3 The communications system of System Embodiment 1, wherein said first IDC assistance message includes preferred new frequency information; and wherein said first processor is configured to select at least one frequency indicated in the first IDC assistance message as a preferred frequency as one of said new frequencies, as part of being configured to select said one or more new frequencies.

Method Embodiment 4 The communications system of System Embodiment 3, wherein said first IDC assistance message further includes communications device (e.g., UE) power amplifier characteristic information (e.g., harmonic information indicating harmonics which may be generated and/or frequencies in the first frequency band which can be amplified by the first communications device with less distortion than other frequencies in the first frequency band); and wherein said first processor is configured to select at least some of the one or more frequencies in the first frequency band to be included in the new frequencies based on the power amplifier information included in the first IDC assistance message, as part of being configured to select one or more new frequencies.

System Embodiment 5 The communications system of System Embodiment 1, wherein said first IDC assistance message further includes communications device (e.g., UE) power amplifier characteristic information (e.g., harmonic information indicating harmonics which may be generated and/or frequencies in the first frequency band which can be amplified by the first communications device with less distortion than other frequencies in the first frequency band); and wherein said first processor is configured to select at least some of the one or more frequencies in the first frequency band to be included in the new frequencies based on the power amplifier information included in the first IDC assistance message, as part of being configured to select one or more new frequencies.

System Embodiment 6 The communications system of System Embodiment 1, further comprising: said first communications device, said first communications device including a second processor and a second wireless transmitter, and wherein said second processor is configured to: prior to the network control device receiving the first IDC assistance message, detect at the first communications device (e.g., first UE), said in-device coexistence problem, said first communications device including multiple radio transceivers, at least one of the multiple radio transceivers being capable of operating at one or more frequencies in the first frequency band; generate, in the first communications device, said first IDC assistance message; and operate the first communications device to transmit (via the second wireless transmitter) the first IDC assistance message to the network control device (e.g., a gNB).

System Embodiment 7 The communications system of System Embodiment 6, wherein said second processor is further configured to: operate the first communications device to transmit data, (via the second wireless transmitter) using the one or more new frequencies, to the first control device (gNB) for forwarding to a second communications device (e.g., second UE), as part of a communications session between the first communications device and the second communications device.

System Embodiment 8 The communications system of System Embodiment 6, wherein said first process is further configured to: operate the network control device (e.g., gNB) to receive (via the first wireless transmitter) data transmitted by the first communications device, using the one or more new frequencies, from the first the first communications device and forward the data (e.g., via a communications network or via transmission over the air) to the second communications device.

System Embodiment 9 The communications system of System Embodiment 1, wherein the first IDC assistance message includes victim type indicating a wigig victim type.

System Embodiment 10 The communications system of System Embodiment 9, wherein the wigig victim type indicator indicates a victim type in the NR frequency band.

System Embodiment 11 The communications system of System Embodiment 1, wherein said first processor is further configured to: operate the network control device (e.g., gNB) to receive (via the first wireless receiver) a panel switch message from a second communications device (e.g., another UE) that supports space division multiplexing via the use of multiple transmission panels, said panel switch message including a request that the network control device switch the transmission panel being used for uplink communications between the second communications device and the network control device.

System Embodiment 12 The communications system of System Embodiment 11, wherein the panel switch method is a second in-device coexistence (IDC) assistance message send by the second communications device in response to the second communications device determining that the second communications device is suffering an in-device coexistence issue in frequencies above 52.6 GHz.

System Embodiment 13 The communications system of System Embodiment 11, wherein the panel switch message includes information indicating one or a set of panels that the second communications device (e.g. second UE) is recommending switching to.

System Embodiment 14 The communications system of System Embodiment 13, wherein said first processor is further configured to: decide, at the network control device, in response to receiving the panel switch request, to switch the second communications device to a different antenna panel for uplink communications (e.g., to the network control node, e.g., gNB); and operate the network control device to transmitting (via the first wireless transmitter) (from the network control device (e.g. gNB) to the second communications device (e.g. second UE) a switch instruction with an indication of the antenna panel to which the second communications device is to switch to for uplink communications.

System Embodiment 15 The communications system of System Embodiment 14 wherein said first processor is further configured to: select the antenna panel to which the second communications device is to switch to from one or more antenna panels identified by the second communications device in said panel switch message.

System Embodiment 16 The communications system of System Embodiment 11, wherein said second processor is further configured to, prior to the network control device (e.g. gNB), receiving the panel switch message from the second communications device, operate the second communications device to detect, at the second communications device, and IDC problem which can be resolved by changing an antenna panel of panels used for uplink communications; generate, at the second communications device, said panel switch message; and operate the second wireless transmitter to transmit the panel switch message from the second communications device to the network control device.

System Embodiment 17 The communications system of System Embodiment 16, wherein said second processor is configured to: determine, at the second communications device, (e.g., based on knowledge of the available antenna panels at the second communications device and/or knowledge of the direction or source of interference causing the IDC problem) one or more alternative antenna panels which can be used for uplink communication to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem, as part of being configured to generate said panel switch message includes; and include in the panel switch message an indication of at least one panel which can be used by the second communications device to avoid or reduce the detected IDC problem.

Numbered List of Exemplary Non-Transitory Computer Readable Medium Embodiments

Non-Transitory Computer readable medium Embodiment 1 A non-transitory computer readable medium including computer executable instruction which when executed by a processor of a network control device (e.g. gNB) cause the network control device to perform the steps of: operating (1215) the network control device (e.g. gNB) to monitor for messages; and receiving (1216), at the network control device (e.g., gNB), a first in-device coexistence (IDC) assistance message from a first communications device (e.g., first UE) that detected an in-device coexistence problem, the first IDC assistance message indicating a wigig victim type.

Non-Transitory Computer readable medium Embodiment 2 A non-transitory computer readable medium including computer executable instruction which when executed by a processor of a network control device (e.g. gNB) cause the network control device to perform the steps of: operating (1215) a network control device (e.g. gNB) to monitor for messages; and receiving (1256), at the network control device (e.g., gNB), a panel switch message from a communications device (e.g., UE) that supports space division multiplexing via the use of multiple antenna panels, said panel switch message including: i) a request that the network control device switch the antenna panel being used, by the communications device, for uplink communications between the communications device and the network control device or ii) a notification that the communications device is switching the antenna panel being used, by the communications device, for uplink communications between the communications device and the network control device.

Non-Transitory Computer readable medium Embodiment 3 A non-transitory computer readable medium including computer executable instruction which when executed by a processor of a network control device (e.g. gNB) cause the network control device to perform the steps of: receiving, at a network control device (e.g., a gNB), a first in-device coexistence (IDC) assistance message from a first communications device (e.g., a first UE) that detected an in-device coexistence problem, the first IDC assistance message indicating one or more of: i) preferred new frequency information indicating one or more new frequencies that first communications device would prefer to use in a first frequency band (e.g., within a 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz frequency band) to which the detected IDC problem relates; or ii) communications device (e.g., UE) power amplifier characteristic information indicating one or characteristics of a power amplifier include in the first communications device; selecting (e.g., determining) at the network control device one or more new frequencies to be used by the first communications device based on information included in said first IDC message, said one or new frequencies selected to be used by the first communications device differing in at least one frequency from one or more frequencies in said first communications band that were being used by said first communications device when said first communications device detected said in-device coexistence problem; and transmitting a response message to the first communications device indicating the selected one or more new frequencies in the first frequency band to be used by the first communications device.

Various embodiments are directed to apparatus, e.g., user devices such as a user equipment (UE) device, e.g., a UE including multiple wireless transceivers and supporting communications in the frequency range of 52.6 GHz-71 GHz and/or including multiple antenna panels, base stations (macro cell base stations and small cell base stations) such as a gNB, eNB, or ng-eNB, Integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes with UE functionality, CBSDs, network control devices, e.g., gNBs, nodes, HSS devices, relay devices, e.g. MMEs, a SAS, an AMF device, servers, customer premises equipment devices, cable systems, network nodes, gateways, cable headend/hubsites, network monitoring node/servers, cluster controllers, cloud nodes, production nodes, cloud services servers and/or network equipment devices.

Various embodiments are also directed to methods, e.g., method of controlling and/or operating user devices (UEs), IAB nodes, network control devise, e.g., gNBs, base stations, e.g., gNB, eNB and CBSDs, gateways, servers (HSS server), MMEs, SAS, cable networks, cloud networks, nodes, servers, cloud service servers, customer premises equipment devices, controllers, network monitoring nodes/servers and/or cable or network equipment devices. Various embodiments are directed to and well suited for communications systems and/or communications networks using licensed and/or unlicensed spectrum, e.g. at or above 52.6 GHz such as in the frequency range of 52.6 GHz-71 GHz, in which communications devices e.g., new radio (NR) UEs equipped with two transceivers such as IEEE 802.11 ad/ay radio and NR cellular operating in 52.6 GHz-71 GHz may perceive IDC issues. Various embodiments are directed to and well suited for communications systems and/or communications networks using unlicensed spectrum, e.g. communications systems which support Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) communications and/or ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC). Various embodiments are directed to communications network which are partners, e.g. a MVNO network and a MNO network. Various embodiments are also directed to machine, e.g., computer, readable medium, e.g., ROM, RAM, CDs, hard discs, etc., which include machine readable instructions for controlling a machine to implement one or more steps of a method. The computer readable medium is, e.g., non-transitory computer readable medium.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes and methods disclosed is an example of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes and methods may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. In some embodiments, one or more processors are used to carry out one or more steps of the each of the described methods.

In various embodiments each of the steps or elements of a method are implemented using one or more processors. In some embodiments, each of elements are steps are implemented using hardware circuitry.

In various embodiments nodes and/or elements described herein are implemented using one or more components to perform the steps corresponding to one or more methods, for example, message reception, message generation, signal generation, signal processing, sending, comparing, determining and/or transmission steps. Thus, in some embodiments various features are implemented using components or in some embodiments logic such as for example logic circuits. Such components may be implemented using software, hardware or a combination of software and hardware. Many of the above described methods or method steps can be implemented using machine executable instructions, such as software, included in a machine readable medium such as a memory device, e.g., RAM, floppy disk, etc. to control a machine, e.g., general purpose computer with or without additional hardware, to implement all or portions of the above described methods, e.g., in one or more nodes. Accordingly, among other things, various embodiments are directed to a machine-readable medium, e.g., a non-transitory computer readable medium, including machine executable instructions for causing a machine, e.g., processor and associated hardware, to perform one or more of the steps of the above-described method(s). Some embodiments are directed to a device, e.g., UE, a IAB node, a network control device such as a base station, e.g. a gNB, a MVNO base station such as a CBRS base station, e.g. a CBSD, an device such as a cellular base station e.g., a gNB, an eNB, a HSS server, a relay device, e.g. a MME, SAS, etc., said device including a processor configured to implement one, multiple or all of the steps of one or more methods of the invention.

In some embodiments, the processor or processors, e.g., CPUs, of one or more devices, e.g., communications nodes such as e.g., a UE, a IAB node, a network control device, e.g. a base station such as a gNB, MVNO base station such as a CBRS base station, e.g. a CBSD, an device such as a cellular base station e.g., a gNB, eNB, a HSS device server, a relay device, e.g. a MME, a SAS, are configured to perform the steps of the methods described as being performed by the communications nodes, e.g., controllers. The configuration of the processor may be achieved by using one or more components, e.g., software components, to control processor configuration and/or by including hardware in the processor, e.g., hardware components, to perform the recited steps and/or control processor configuration. Accordingly, some but not all embodiments are directed to a device, e.g., communications node such as e.g., a network control device, a MVNO base station such as a CBRS base station, e.g. a CBSD, an device such as a cellular base station e.g., a gNB, eNB, a HSS server, a HSS device server, a UE device, a IAB node, a relay device, e.g. a MME, includes a component corresponding to each of one or more of the steps of the various described methods performed by the device in which the processor is included. In some but not all embodiments a device, e.g., as e.g., a MVNO base station such as a CBRS base station, e.g. a CBSD, an device such as a cellular base station e.g., a gNB, an eNB, a MNO HSS server, a MVNO HSS device server, a UE device, a relay device, e.g a MME, includes a controller corresponding to each of the steps of the various described methods performed by the device in which the processor is included. The components may be implemented using software and/or hardware.

Some embodiments are directed to a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium, e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium, comprising code for causing a computer, or multiple computers, to implement various functions, steps, acts and/or operations, e.g. one or more steps described above.

Depending on the embodiment, the computer program product can, and sometimes does, include different code for each step to be performed. Thus, the computer program product may, and sometimes does, include code for each individual step of a method, e.g., a method of controlling a controller or node. The code may be in the form of machine, e.g., computer, executable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory) or other type of storage device. In addition to being directed to a computer program product, some embodiments are directed to a processor configured to implement one or more of the various functions, steps, acts and/or operations of one or more methods described above. Accordingly, some embodiments are directed to a processor, e.g., CPU, configured to implement some or all of the steps of the methods described herein. The processor may be for use in, e.g., a communications device such as a network control device, e.g., a gNB, a UE, a IAB node, a MNVO base station, e.g., a CBSD, a MNO cellular base station, e.g., an eNB or a gNB, a HSS server, a UE device, a SAS or other device described in the present application. In some embodiments components are implemented as hardware devices in such embodiments the components are hardware components. In other embodiments components may be implemented as software, e.g., a set of processor or computer executable instructions. Depending on the embodiment the components may be all hardware components, all software components, a combination of hardware and/or software or in some embodiments some components are hardware components while other components are software components.

Numerous additional variations on the methods and apparatus of the various embodiments described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above description. Such variations are to be considered within the scope. Numerous additional embodiments, within the scope of the present invention, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the above description and the claims which follow. Such variations are to be considered within the scope of the invention.