WO2018058562A1

WO2018058562A1 - Autonomous uplink in multefire

Info

Publication number: WO2018058562A1
Application number: PCT/CN2016/101172
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peng Cheng; Vinay Chande; Arumugam Chendamarai Kannan; Chirag Patel
Original assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
Priority date: 2016-09-30
Filing date: 2016-09-30
Publication date: 2018-04-05
Also published as: WO2018059528A1

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A user equipment (UE) operating in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band may transmit autonomously (e.g., without a resource assignment) to a base station. For example, a base station may indicate a periodic resource allocation to the UE using radio resource control (RRC) messaging. The UE may then perform a listen-before talk (LBT) procedure and transmit physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or other messages using the periodic resource allocation. Thus, the UE may transmit uplink messages without receiving an assignment of uplink resources from the base station. The UE may transmit identification and synchronization information in a scheduling request (SR) resource of the autonomous PUCCH. For example, the UE may indicate a start time and duration of an autonomous uplink transmit opportunity (TxOP) using resources designated for SR transmission.

Description

AUTONOMOUS UPLINK IN MULTEFIRE

BACKGROUND

The following relates generally to wireless communication and more specifically to autonomous uplink in a system that supports MulteFire or other communications in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band.

Wireless communications systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and so on. These systems may be capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing the available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power) . Examples of such multiple-access systems include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, (e.g., a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system) . A wireless multiple-access communications system may include a number of base stations, each simultaneously supporting communication for multiple communication devices, which may be otherwise known as user equipment (UE) .

In some wireless systems, a UE may operate in an unlicensed radio frequency band (e.g., along with devices operating in a wireless local area network (WLAN)) . A UE operating in unlicensed spectrum may rely on a base station to perform a contention procedure prior to transmitting uplink information. However, this may result in situations where the UE may be disadvantaged in accessing the transmission medium in comparison to other devices operating in the same spectrum, which may reduce the uplink performance of the UE.

SUMMARY

A user equipment (UE) operating in unlicensed spectrum may transmit autonomously to a base station. For example, a base station may indicate a periodic resource allocation to the UE using radio resource control (RRC) messaging. The UE may then perform a listen-before talk (LBT) procedure and transmit physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or other messages using the periodic resource allocation. Thus, the UE may transmit uplink messages without receiving an assignment of uplink resources from the base station. The UE may transmit identification and synchronization information in a scheduling request (SR) resource of the autonomous PUCCH. For example, the UE may indicate a start time and duration of an autonomous uplink transmit opportunity (TxOP) using resources designated for SR transmission. In some cases, the base station may semi-statically configure a time division duplex (TDD) configuration for autonomous uplink transmission. In other cases, the UE may dynamically select the TDD configuration and indicate the selection to the base station. The UE may also include modulation and coding scheme (MCS) , hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) , or other information in an autonomous PUCCH message.

A method of wireless communication is described. The method may include receiving a radio resource control (RRC) message from a base station indicating a periodic resource allocation for uplink transmissions in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, selecting an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling based at least in part on receiving the RRC message, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation, and transmitting an uplink message to the base station using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode.

An apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include means for receiving a radio resource control (RRC) message from a base station indicating a periodic resource allocation for uplink transmissions in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, means for selecting an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling based at least in part on receiving the RRC message, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation, and means for transmitting an uplink message to the base station using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode.

Another apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include a processor, memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be operable by the processor to cause the apparatus to receive a radio resource control (RRC) message from a base station indicating a periodic resource allocation for uplink transmissions in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, select an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling based at least in part on receiving the RRC message, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation, and transmit an uplink message to the base station using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode.

A non-transitory computer readable medium for wireless communication is described. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may include instructions operable to cause a processor to receive a radio resource control (RRC) message from a base station indicating a periodic resource allocation for uplink transmissions in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, select an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling based at least in part on receiving the RRC message, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation, and transmit an uplink message to the base station using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode.

Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for identifying a clear channel assessment (CCA) format for the autonomous uplink mode. Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for performing a CCA prior to transmitting the uplink message using the identified CCA format.

Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for determining that at least a portion of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band may be available based at least in part on the CCA. Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting a signal indicating that the portion of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band may be reserved for transmission of the uplink message.

In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein , the message comprises an indication of a time division duplexing (TDD) configuration for the autonomous uplink mode.

Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for determining a time division duplexing (TDD) configuration for the uplink message. Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting an indication of the TDD configuration to the base station.

Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for receiving a grant that assigns resources of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for a subsequent uplink message. Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting the subsequent uplink message using the assigned resources based at least in part on receiving the grant. In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein, the subsequent uplink message comprises downlink hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information, a physical random access channel (PRACH) message, channel state information (CSI) , or any combination thereof.

In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein, the uplink message may be transmitted based at least in part on a latest available modulation and coding scheme (MCS) . In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein, the periodic resource allocation comprises a frequency domain allocation or a periodic time resource, or both. In some examples, the frequency domain allocation may hop across subframes. In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein, the uplink message comprises a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) message.

In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein, the PUCCH message comprises a scheduling request (SR) indication, a channel quality indicator (CQI) update, an uplink modulation and coding scheme (MCS) , a duration of an uplink transmission opportunity (TxOP) , an uplink hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information, or a downlink HARQ information, or any combination thereof.

In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein, the PUCCH message may be transmitted using an enhanced transmission power level that may be based at least in part on the autonomous uplink mode. In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein, the PUCCH message may be transmitted using a user equipment (UE) specific SR resource. In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein, the PUCCH message may be transmitted using a SR resource common to a plurality of user equipment (UE) .

In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein, the PUCCH message comprises a user equipment (UE) radio network temporary identity (RNTI) . In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein, the uplink message comprises a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) that includes a user equipment (UE) radio network temporary identity (RNTI) .

In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein, a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) of the uplink message may be scrambled with a RNTI common to a plurality of user equipment (UE) . In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein, the uplink HARQ information comprises a HARQ identifier, a redundancy version (RV) indicator, or a new data indicator (NDI) , or any combination thereof.

In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein, a payload size of a HARQ identifier or an RV indicator, or any combination thereof, may be reduced based on a correlation with a consecutive subframe. In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein, the PUCCH message may have a same format or waveform as an enhanced PUCCH (ePUCCH) . In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein, the PUCCH message may be multiplexed with a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) message.

Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) message a number of subframes after the PUCCH message, wherein the number of subframes may be configured based at least in part on the RRC message.

In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein, the autonomous uplink mode may be selected from a set of modes comprising a grant-based uplink mode and the autonomous uplink mode, wherein the grant-based mode supports uplink transmissions using resources assigned by a grant. In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein, the uplink message comprises a user equipment (UE) specific demodulation reference signal (DMRS) transmitted using an enhanced transmission power level based at least in part on the autonomous uplink mode.

Another method of wireless communication is described. The method may include transmitting a radio resource control (RRC) message to a user equipment (UE) indicating a periodic resource allocation for an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation and receiving an uplink message from the UE using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode.

Another apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include means for transmitting a radio resource control (RRC) message to a user equipment (UE) indicating a periodic resource allocation for an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation and means for receiving an uplink message from the UE using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode.

Another apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include a processor, memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be operable to cause the processor to transmit a radio resource control (RRC) message to a user equipment (UE) indicating a periodic resource allocation for an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation and receive an uplink message from the UE using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode.

Another non-transitory computer readable medium for wireless communication is described. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may include instructions operable to cause a processor to transmit a radio resource control (RRC) message to a user equipment (UE) indicating a periodic resource allocation for an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation and receive an uplink message from the UE using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode.

Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for receiving an indication of a time division duplexing (TDD) configuration from the UE, wherein the uplink message may be received based at least in part on the TDD configuration.

Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting a grant that assigns resources of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for a subsequent uplink message. Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for receiving the subsequent uplink message using the assigned resources based at least in part on transmitting the grant.

Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for identifying the UE based at least in part on a radio network temporary identity (RNTI) in the uplink message.

Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described above herein may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for identifying the UE based at least in part on the resources used to transmit the uplink message. In some examples, the uplink message may include an SR indicator, and identifying the UE may be based on the SR indicator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGs. 1 and 2 illustrate examples of a system for wireless communication that supports autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate examples of grant-based and autonomous uplink communication in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a process flow diagram that supports autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a downlink hybrid automated repeat request (HARQ) procedure that supports autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGs. 6 through 8 show block diagrams of a device or devices that support autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of a system, including a device (e.g., a UE) , that supports autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGs. 10 through 12 show block diagrams of a device or devices that support autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of a system, including a device (e.g., a base station) , that supports autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGs. 14 through 18 illustrate methods for autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some wireless systems, a UE may operate in an unlicensed radio frequency band. For example, a UE may be configured to operate according to the MulteFire radio access technology. To avoid disadvantages in medium access of relying on a base station to perform a contention procedure prior to transmitting uplink information, the UE may autonomously transmit uplink messages.

By way of example, relying on scheduled wireless communication (e.g., grant-based transmission) may reduce efficiency when operating in a contention based wireless system. Thus, according to the present disclosure a UE operating in unlicensed spectrum may transmit autonomously (e.g., unscheduled or without an uplink resource assignment) to a base station. For example, a base station may indicate a periodic resource allocation to the UE using radio resource control (RRC) messaging. The UE may then perform a listen-before talk (LBT) procedure and transmit physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or other messages using the periodic resource allocation. The UE may transmit identification and synchronization information in a scheduling request (SR) resource of the autonomous PUCCH. For example, the UE may indicate a start time and duration of an autonomous uplink transmit opportunity (TxOP) using resources designated for SR transmission.

In some cases, the base station may semi-statically configure a time division duplex (TDD) configuration for autonomous uplink transmission. The semi-static TDD configuration for autonomous uplink may indicate a number and location of uplink subframes. In other cases, the UE may dynamically select the TDD configuration and indicate the selection to the base station. The UE may also include modulation and coding scheme (MCS) , hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) , or other information in an autonomous PUCCH message.

Aspects of the disclosure introduced above are described below in the context of a wireless communications system. A timing diagram and a process flow for autonomous uplink are then described. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to autonomous uplink in MulteFire or other communications using unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system 100 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system 100 includes base stations 105, UEs 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communications system 100 may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) /LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network. Additionally or alternatively, wireless communications system 100 may include a wireless local area network (WLAN) (also known as a Wi-Fi network) or a MulteFire network. Wireless communications system 100 may support autonomous uplink operations for UEs 115 operating in contention based spectrum.

In some cases, wireless communications system 100 may utilize both licensed and unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands. For example, wireless communications system 100 may employ LTE License Assisted Access (LTE-LAA) or LTE Unlicensed (LTE U) radio access technology in an unlicensed band, such as the 5GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. When operating in unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands, wireless devices such as base stations 105 and UEs 115 may employ LBT procedures to ensure the channel is clear before transmitting data. In some cases, operations in unlicensed bands may be based on a carrier aggregation (CA) configuration in conjunction with component carriers (CCs) operating in a licensed band. Operations in unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, or both. Duplexing in unlicensed spectrum may be based on frequency division duplexing (FDD) , time division duplexing (TDD) or a combination of both.

A UE 115 may also be referred to as a mobile station, a subscriber station, a remote unit, a wireless device, an access terminal (AT) , a handset, a user agent, a client, or like terminology. A UE 115 may be a cellular phone, a wireless modem, a handheld device, a personal computer, a tablet, a personal electronic device, a machine type communication (MTC) device, or the like. UEs 115 may be wireless stations, mobile stations, personal digital assistant (PDAs) , other handheld devices, netbooks, notebook computers, tablet computers, laptops, display devices (e.g., TVs, computer monitors, etc. ) , printers. UEs 115 may support autonomous uplink transmissions as described herein.

A MulteFire network may include APs and/or base stations 105 communicating in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band without a licensed frequency anchor carrier. For example, the MulteFire network may operate without an anchor carrier in the licensed spectrum. Wireless communications system 100 may support reference signal transmissions and decoding techniques that may increase the efficiency of MulteFire communications within system 100. Aspects of system 100 configured as a MulteFire network with MulteFire eNB as base stations 105 and may include WLAN access points (APs) . For example, wireless communications system 100 may include aspects of an LTE/LTE-Anetwork, a Wi-Fi network, a MulteFire network, a neutral host small cell network, or the like, operating with overlapping coverage areas.

Base stations 105 may wirelessly communicate with UEs 115 via one or more base station antennas. Each base station 105 may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area 110. Communication links 125 shown in wireless communications system 100 may include uplink transmissions from a UE 115 to a base station 105, or downlink transmissions, from a base station 105 to a UE 115. UEs 115 may be dispersed throughout the wireless communications system 100, and each UE 115 may be stationary or mobile.

Base stations 105 may communicate with the core network 130 and with one another. For example, base stations 105 may interface with the core network 130 through backhaul links 132 (e.g., S1, etc. ) . Base stations 105 may communicate with one another over backhaul links 134 (e.g., X2, etc. ) either directly or indirectly (e.g., through core network 130) . Base stations 105 may perform radio configuration and scheduling for communication with UEs 115, or may operate under the control of a base station controller (not shown) . In some examples, base stations 105 may be macro cells, small cells, hot spots, or the like. Base stations 105 may also be referred to as eNodeBs (eNBs) 105. Base stations 105 may also be MulteFire base stations 105, which may have limited or non-ideal backhaul links 134 with other base stations 105. In some cases, base station 105 may refer to an AP of a WLAN. Base stations 105 may support autonomous uplink transmissions from UEs 115.

In some cases, a UE 115, access point or base station 105 may operate in a shared or unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band. These devices may perform an LBT procedure, such as a clear channel assessment (CCA) , prior to communicating in order to determine whether the channel is available. A CCA may include an energy detection procedure to determine whether there are any other active transmissions. For example, the device may infer that a change in a reference signal strength indication (RSSI) of a power meter indicates that a channel is occupied. Specifically, signal power is that is concentrated in a certain bandwidth and exceeds a predetermined noise floor may indicate another wireless transmitter. A CCA may also include detection of specific sequences that indicate use of the channel. For example, another device may transmit a specific preamble prior to transmitting a data sequence. In some cases, a base station 105 may perform the LBT operations for both uplink and downlink communications. However, according to the present disclosure, a UE 115 may perform an LBT procedure prior to transmitting autonomous uplink messages and without a prior LBT procedure by a base station 105.

UEs 115 and base stations 105 may utilize hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) to ensure that data is received correctly over a wireless communication link 125. HARQ may include a combination of error detection (e.g., using a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) , forward error correction (FEC) , and retransmission (e.g., automatic repeat request (ARQ) ) . HARQ may improve throughput at the MAC layer in poor radio conditions (e.g., signal-to-noise conditions) . In Incremental Redundancy HARQ, incorrectly received data may be stored in a buffer and combined with subsequent transmissions to improve the overall likelihood of successfully decoding the data. In some cases, redundancy bits are added to each message prior to transmission. This may be useful in poor conditions. In other cases, redundancy bits are not added to each transmission, but are retransmitted after the transmitter of the original message receives a NACK indicating a failed attempt to decode the information. The chain of transmission, response and retransmission may be referred to as a HARQ process. In some cases, a limited number of HARQ processes may be used for a given communication link 125.

Bidirectional communications may use FDD (e.g., using paired spectrum resources) or TDD operation (e.g., using unpaired spectrum resources) . Frame structures for FDD (e.g., frame structure type 1) and TDD (e.g., frame structure type 2) may be defined. For TDD frame structures, each subframe may carry UL or DL traffic, and special subframes may be used to switch between DL and UL transmission. Allocation of UL and DL subframes within radio frames may be symmetric or asymmetric and may be statically determined or may be reconfigured semi-statically. Special subframes may carry DL or UL traffic and may include a Guard Period (GP) between DL and UL traffic. Switching from UL to DL traffic may be achieved by setting a timing advance at the UE 115 without the use of special subframes or a guard period. UL-DL configurations with switch-point periodicity equal to the frame period (e.g., 10 ms) or half of the frame period (e.g., 5 ms) may also be supported. For example, TDD frames may include one or more special frames, and the period between special frames may determine the TDD DL-to-UL switch-point periodicity for the frame.

Use of TDD may offer flexible deployments without requiring paired UL-DL spectrum resources. In some TDD network deployments, interference may be caused between UL and DL communications (e.g., interference between UL and DL communication from different base stations, interference between UL and DL communications from base stations and UEs, etc. ) . For example, where different base stations 105 serve different UEs 115 within overlapping coverage areas according to different TDD UL-DL configurations, a UE 115 attempting to receive and decode a DL transmission from a serving base station 105 may experience interference from UL transmissions from other, proximately located UEs 115. In some examples, a UE 115 may determine a TDD configuration and indicate the TDD configuration to a base station 105 in an autonomous PUCCH message. In other examples, the base station 105 may determine the TDD configuration and indicate the TDD configuration to the UE 115 in an RRC message.

As discussed above, UEs 115 operating in a shared radio frequency spectrum band may be unable to readily determine a frame structure used in the system without some indication of timing and the like. Time intervals in system 100 may be expressed in multiples of a basic time unit (e.g., the sampling period, Ts＝ 1/30, 720, 000 seconds) . Time resources may be organized according to radio frames of length of 10ms (Tf ＝ 307200Ts) , which may be identified by an SFN ranging from 0 to 1023.

Each frame may include ten 1ms subframes numbered from 0 to 9, but as discussed below, other subframe structures may be employed. A subframe may be further divided into two . 5ms slots, each of which contains 6 or 7 modulation symbol periods (depending on the length of the cyclic prefix prepended to each symbol) . A resource element consists of one symbol period and one subcarrier (a 15 KHz frequency range) . A resource block may contain 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and, for a normal cyclic prefix in each OFDM symbol, 7 consecutive OFDM symbols in the time domain (1 slot) , or 84 resource elements.

Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol may contain 2048 sample periods. In some cases, the subframe may be the smallest scheduling unit, also known as a TTI. In other cases, a TTI may be shorter than a subframe or may be dynamically selected (e.g., in short TTI bursts or in selected component carriers using short TTIs) . A subframe may have different structures depending on the type and direction of information to be transmitted. A subframe type may be an uplink (UL) subframe, a downlink (DL) subframe, or a special subframe. Special subframes may facilitate a switch from downlink to uplink transmission. Further, the structure of a subframe may vary in terms of length.

Other frame structures may also be employed in system 100. In some cases, system 100 may be organized by transmission opportunities (TxOPs) , which may be organized according to the frame structure described above and which a may be separated by periods of time during which the wireless medium may be unavailable for devices (e.g., UEs 115 or base stations 105) within wireless communications system 100. In some examples, a UE may determine a duration of a TxOP and transmit the duration of the TxOP to a base station 105 in an autonomous PUCCH message. In other examples, the base station 105 may determine the TxOP duration and indicate the TxOP duration to the UE 115 in an RRC message.

Thus, UEs 115 operating in unlicensed spectrum may transmit autonomously (e.g., unscheduled) to a base station 105. For example, a base station 105 may indicate a periodic resource allocation to the UE 115 using RRC messaging. The UE 115 may then perform an LBT procedure and transmit PUCCH or other messages using the periodic resource allocation. Thus, the UE 115 may transmit uplink messages without receiving an uplink grant from the base station. The UE 115 and base station 105 may transmit identification and synchronization information in an SR resource of the autonomous PUCCH.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a wireless system 200 for autonomous uplink in MulteFire. Wireless system 200 may include UE 115-a and base station 105-a, which may be examples of a UE 115 and a base station 105 of FIG. 1 respectively. UE 115-a may autonomously transmit uplink information 205 to base station 105-b in cases when UE 115-a operates in contention based spectrum. For example, UE 115-a may contend for access to the wireless spectrum with WLAN devices, such as an AP 210, or other mobile devices (not shown) .

UE 115-a may transmit both control data and user data using autonomous uplink procedures. For example, UE 115-a may transmit the uplink information 205 on an autonomous PUCCH. An autonomous PUCCH message may include control information such as an SR indication, uplink HARQ information, or uplink MCS information. Autonomous PUCCH may use a similar waveform and payload as enhanced PUCCH (ePUCCH) . In some cases, autonomous PUCCH may have similar multiplexing capacity and payload size as ePUCCH.

Autonomous PUCCH may not depend on a grant (i.e., an assignment of resources) from base station 105-a. Instead, base station 105-a may configure a periodic PUCCH resource through radio resource control (RRC) signaling. Base station 105-a may configure a frequency domain allocation in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band of the autonomous PUCCH resource. For example, base station 105-a may configure individual resource blocks within the frequency domain. Base station 105-a may utilize frequency hopping the autonomous PUCCH resource across the subframe to reduce interference and improve detectability. Base station 105-a may also configure time domain subframe patterns and periodicity through RRC signaling. For example, base station 105-a may configure a periodicity of the autonomous PUCCH resource. The repetition may improve detectability. An autonomous physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) may be multiplexed with autonomous PUCCH. Autonomous PUCCH may include a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) for UE 115-a or a TxOP duration.

Base station 105-a may identify UE 115-a based on an autonomous PUCCH message transmitted using resources for an SR. UE 115-a may transmit the autonomous PUCCH message using SR resources specific to UE 115-a or SR resources allocated for a group of UEs 115. After performing an LBT procedure and gaining access to the transmission medium, UE 115-a may transmit the autonomous PUCCH message. Base station 105-a may determine the UE 115 identity based on the autonomous PUCCH message. In other examples, UE 115-a may transmit its identity to base station 105-a in a DMRS specific to UE 115-a specific DMRS.

UE 115-a may transmit an autonomous PUCCH message to base station 105-a on a SR resource specific to UE 115-a. Base station 105-a may allocate SR PUCCH resources for each UE 115 and map the allocated SR PUCCH resources to the UEs 115. Base station 105-a may identify UE 115-a based on the mapping. In some examples, UE 115-a may start an uplink TxOP in the same uplink subframe as the autonomous PUCCH message transmitted in the UE specific resources. In other examples, UE 115-a may include a delay at the beginning of the uplink TxOP following the autonomous PUCCH message. Base station 105-a may indicate the delay to UE 115-a in an RRC message. In other examples, UE 115-a may implicitly determine the delay based on the autonomous uplink TDD configuration.

In other examples, UE 115-a may transmit an autonomous PUCCH message using SR resources common to multiple UEs 115. For example, base station 105-a may configure (e.g., in an RRC message) at least one UE common PUCCH resource in each uplink subframe. UE 115-a may transmit the autonomous PUCCH message in the common SR resource. However, base station 105-a may receive the autonomous PUCCH message and not know the identity of the sender due to the resource being shared among multiple UEs 115. In some cases, UE 115-a may include a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) specific to UE 115-a in the PUCCH message. Base station 105-a may identify UE 115-a that sent the autonomous PUCCH message based on the RNTI in the PUCCH message. In other examples, groups of UEs 115 may share a group RNTI, and UE specific RNTIs may be transmitted in a medium access control (MAC) layer control element (CE) . Base station 105-a may allocate the group RNTI for autonomous uplink UEs 115 for scrambling and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) in a first subframe of an autonomous uplink TxOP. After decoding the group RNTI, base station 105-a may determine the identity of specific UEs 115 for following subframes based on the UE specific RNTIs included in MAC CEs. The UE common PUCCH resource may reduce signaling latency.

In some cases, base station 105-a may semi-statically adjust a TTD configuration for an autonomous uplink TxOP through RRC signaling. Base station 105-a may set the TDD configuration to include a number of uplink, downlink, and special subframes. If UE 115-a gains access to the transmission medium after performing an LBT procedure, UE 115-a may use the TDD configuration specified in an RRC message from base station 105-a. Base station 105-a may semi-statically change the TDD configuration autonomous uplink transmission during RRC reconfiguration.

In other cases, UE 115-a may dynamically select a TDD configuration for an autonomous uplink TxOP. UE 115-a may determine the TDD configuration and transmit an indication of the TDD configuration to base station 105-a. UE 115-a may indicate base station 105-a in an autonomous PUCCH message. In some cases, UE 115-a may include a number of bits to indicate the TDD configuration. For example, UE 115-a may transmit 2 or 3 additional bits in the autonomous PUCCH message to indicate the TDD configuration.

Either UE 115-a or base station 105-a may determine an MCS for autonomous uplink transmission. That is, in some cases, UE 115-a may simply select the latest available MCS indicated by base station 105-a. A long CQI delay may reduce the accuracy of the latest available MCS. In other examples, UE 115-a may autonomously transmit a CQI update to base station 105-a. UE 115-a may transmit the CQI update on autonomous PUCCH. Base station 105-a may determine an MCS based on the CQI update information. One MCS report may be sufficient for an entire autonomous uplink TxOP if the MCS is subframe invariant during the autonomous uplink TxOP (e.g., UE 115-a may use the previous MCS) .

UE 115-a may transmit uplink or downlink HARQ information on autonomous PUCCH. An autonomous PUCCH message may include a number of bits for uplink HARQ information. The uplink HARQ information may include the HARQ ID, redundancy version (RV) , and new data indicator (NDI) . For example, the uplink HARQ information may include 7 bits: 4 bits for the HARQ ID, 2 bits for the RV, and 1 bit for the NDI. In some cases, UE 115-a may have the opportunity to reduce a payload size of uplink HARQ information. For example, UE 115-a may report the HARQ ID and RV in one subframe of the autonomous uplink TxOP, and base station 105-a may implicitly determine the ID and RV for subsequent subframes. Therefore, UE 115-a may not transmit the ID and RV in the subsequent subframes, effectively reducing the payload size. Autonomous PUCCH may also include other uplink information. For example, UE 115-a may include an autonomous uplink TxOP duration in an autonomous PUCCH message. A few bits (e.g., three bits) in the autonomous PUCCH message may identify the uplink TxOP duration. In some examples, an autonomous PUCCH message may include uplink MCS information. For example, 5 bits in the autonomous PUCCH message may be used identify the MCS. One report of the TxOP duration and MCS may be sufficient for the entire autonomous uplink TxOP.

In some cases, base station 105-a may request uplink HARQ information in addition to any information transmitted via autonomous uplink. Thus, base station 105-a may transmit an uplink grant to UE 115-a, operating in an autonomous uplink mode, to receive ACK/NAK feedback. If UE 115-a has ACK/NAK feedback but no data to transmit, UE 115-a may not gain access to the autonomous uplink transmission medium. Base station 105-a may request UE 115-a to transmit an ACK/NAK report, and UE 115-a may transmit the ACK/NAK in a shortened PUCCH or an ePUCCH granted by base station 105-a. Base station 105-a may configure a TDD configuration with uplink subframes for ACK/NAK feedback from UE 115-a. For example, base station 105-a may configure the TDD to include at least one uplink subframe or special subframe and several downlink subframes. Base station 105-a may request ACK/NAK feedback from UE 115-a with a downlink HARQ transmission during the downlink subframes. Base station 105-a may include the downlink HARQ information in a PDCCH message.

In some examples, UE 115-a may transmit the ACK/NAK feedback during the special subframe in shortened PUCCH. In other examples, UE 115-a may transmit the ACK/NAK feedback during the uplink subframe in ePUCCH. In some examples, base station 105-a may trigger UE 115-a to include a physical random access channel (PRACH) message in a shortened PUCCH message. Base station 105-a may use the PRACH message for uplink timing. Base station 105-a may also trigger UE 115-a to report uplink control information (UCI) . UE 115-a may transmit the UCI in a shortened PUCCH message or an ePUCCH message. For example, UE 115-a may transmit channel state information (CSI) to base station 105-a in the ePUCCH message. Base station 105-a may adjust downlink transmission based on the CSI.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example of grant based communication 300-a in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Grant-based communication 300-a may include UE 115-b and base station 105-b, which may be examples of or may represent aspects of techniques performed by a UE 115 or a base station 105 as described with reference to FIGs 1-2. In FIG. 3A, base station 105-b is in communication with UE 115-b. In grant based communication 300-a, base station 105-b may initiate a CCA procedure 305 to determine whether the channel is available for communication. If the channel is available, base station 105-b may transmit a preamble 315.

The preamble 315 may include a reservation signal (e.g., a clear-to-send (CTS) message) to reserve the medium for a transmission opportunity. For example, the preamble 315 may reserve the transmission medium for uplink transmissions from UE 115-b. The TxOP may occur for a number of subframes following the preamble 315. For example, the illustrated TxOP may last the following 9 ms (i.e., 9 consecutive 1 ms subframes) . Based on the preamble 315, UE 115-b may initiate CCA procedure at 320-a and transmit a busy signal 325-a indicating that the channel is reserved. This process may occur during a special subframe 310. UE 115-b may be cable of both grant-based and autonomous uplink transmissions, and UE 115-b may be configured for either grant-based or autonomous uplink transmissions.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example of an autonomous uplink mode communication 202 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Autonomous uplink mode communication 300-b may include UE 115-c and base station 105-c, which may be examples of or may represent aspects of techniques performed by a UE 115 or a base station 105 as described with reference to FIGs 1-2.

Base station 105-b may allocate a periodic resource to UE 115-c in an RRC message. In some examples, the RRC message may include a duration of an uplink autonomous TxOP and a TDD configuration of the TxOP. In contrast to the grant-based communication 300-a, base station 105-c may not initiate a CCA or transmit a preamble, but may instead transmit according to the TDD configuration. In some examples, UE 115-c may indicate the TDD configuration to base station 105-c.

In some cases, base station 105-c may not allocate special subframes in the TxOP, as UE 115-c may not detect and decode a preamble from base station 105-c. Therefore, an additional subframe to be allocated for uplink transmission, as shown. Prior to the autonomous uplink transmission, UE 115-c may initiate CCA procedure 320-b to determine whether the transmission medium is available. If the channel is available, the UE 115-c may transmit busy signal 325-b to indicate that the channel is reserved for the TxOP. Based on CCA procedure 320-b, UE 115-c may initiate an uplink transmission without base station 105-c transmitting a grant to UE 115-c (e.g., initiating a CCA or transmitting a preamble indicating that UE 115-c has been granted access to the channel) .

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a process flow 400 for autonomous uplink in MulteFire. Process flow 400 may include UE 115-d and base station 105-d, which may be respective examples of a UE 115 and base station 105 as described herein with reference to FIGs. 1-3.

At step 405, base station 105-d may transmit an RRC message to UE 115-c. The RRC message may indicate a periodic resource allocation for uplink transmissions in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band. In some examples, the RRC message may configure a TDD formation for uplink transmissions in the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band.

At step 410, UE 115-d may identify uplink control or user data for transmission to base station 105-d. Then at step 415, UE 115-d may select a mode for autonomous uplink transmission. The autonomous uplink mode may be used for control signaling in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band. The autonomous uplink mode may be selected from a set of modes including a grant-based uplink mode and the autonomous uplink mode, where the grant-based mode supports uplink transmissions using resources assigned by a grant.

At step 420, UE 115-d may perform an LBT procedure. For example, UE 115-d may identify a clear channel assessment (CCA) format for the autonomous uplink mode and perform the CCA prior to transmitting an uplink message using the identified CCA format. UE 115-c may identify that at a portion of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band is available based on the CCA and transmit a signal indicating that the portion of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band is reserved for transmission of the uplink message.

At step 425, UE 115-d may transmit a PUCCH message (as illustrated) or other uplink information to base station 105-d. The PUCCH message may include an SR indication, a CQI update, an uplink MCS, a duration of an uplink TxOP, uplink HARQ information, or downlink HARQ information, or any combination thereof. The PUCCH message may be transmitted using a UE specific SR resource or a SR resource common to multiple UEs 115. In some examples, the PUCCH message may have the same format as ePUCCH. In some examples, the PUCCH message may be multiplexed with a PUSCH message. In other examples, a PUSCH message may be transmitted a number of subframes after the PUCCH message.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a downlink HARQ procedure 500 for autonomous uplink in MulteFire. Base station 105-d may grant uplink resources to UE 115-d configured for autonomous uplink transmission in order for UE 115-d to report feedback such as an ACK/NAK. Downlink HARQ procedure 500 illustrates an example in which base station 105-d may send a grant and request UE 115-d report additional HARQ feedback even though UE 115-d is configured for autonomous uplink.

Base station 105-d may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) 505 to determine if the transmission medium is available. The CCA 505 may have a configurable duration based on a contention window. Base station 105-d may then transmit a clear-to-send to self (CTS2S) message 510. The CTS2S message may reserve the transmission medium for base station 105-d for a duration specified in the CTS2S message 510. Other UEs 115 and base stations 105 which detect the CTS2S message 510 may refrain from transmitting for the duration.

Base station 105-d may reserve the transmission medium for the duration of TxOP 515. Base station 105-d may configure a TDD configuration of TxOP 515. For example, base station 105-d may configure the TDD configuration to include a number of downlink, uplink, and special subframes. If base station 105-d is expecting uplink information from UE 115-d, base station 105-d may include one or more uplink subframes or special subframes in the TxOP.

During downlink subframe 520, base station 105-d may transmit a downlink HARQ to UE 115-d. The downlink HARQ information and uplink grant may be transmitted in a PDCCH message to trigger UE 115-d to transmit an ACK/NAK. UE 115-d may then transmit an ACK/NAK during a special subframe 525 using shortened PUCCH. Base station 105-d may trigger UE 115-d to transmit a PRACH message during the special subframe 525. In some examples, UE 115-d may transmit UCI in a shortened PUCCH message during the special subframe 525.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram 600 of a wireless device 605 that supports autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device 605 may be an example of aspects of a UE 115 as described with reference to FIG. 1. Wireless device 605 may include receiver 610, UE autonomous uplink manager 615, and transmitter 620. Wireless device 605 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses) .

Receiver 610 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to autonomous uplink in MulteFire, etc. ) . Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver 610 may be an example of aspects of the transceiver 935 described with reference to FIG. 9.

UE autonomous uplink manager 615 may be an example of aspects of the UE autonomous uplink manager 915 described with reference to FIG. 9. UE autonomous uplink manager 615, in combination with receiver 610, may receive an RRC message from a base station indicating a periodic resource allocation for uplink transmissions in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, select an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling based on receiving the RRC message, where the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation, and, in combination with transmitter 620, transmit an uplink message to the base station using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode.

Transmitter 620 may transmit signals generated by other components of the device. In some examples, the transmitter 620 may be collocated with a receiver 610 in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 620 may be an example of aspects of the transceiver 935 described with reference to FIG. 9. The transmitter 620 may include a single antenna, or it may include a set of antennas.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram 700 of a wireless device 705 that supports autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device 705 may be an example of aspects of a wireless device 605 or a UE 115 as described with reference to FIGs. 1 and 6. Wireless device 705 may include receiver 710, UE autonomous uplink manager 715, and transmitter 720. Wireless device 705 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses) .

Receiver 710 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to autonomous uplink in MulteFire, etc. ) . Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver 710 may be an example of aspects of the transceiver 935 described with reference to FIG. 9.

UE autonomous uplink manager 715 may be an example of aspects of the UE autonomous uplink manager 915 described with reference to FIG. 9. UE autonomous uplink manager 715 may also include resource allocation component 725, uplink mode component 730, and uplink message component 735.

Resource allocation component 725 may receive a RRC message from a base station indicating a periodic resource allocation for uplink transmissions in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band and receive a grant that assigns resources of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for a subsequent uplink message. In some cases, the RRC message includes an indication of a time division duplexing (TDD) configuration for the autonomous uplink mode. In some cases, the periodic resource allocation includes a frequency domain allocation or a periodic time resource, or both.

Uplink mode component 730 may select an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling based on receiving the RRC message, where the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation. In some cases, the autonomous uplink mode is selected from a set of modes including a grant-based uplink mode and the autonomous uplink mode, where the grant-based mode supports uplink transmissions using resources assigned by a grant.

Uplink message component 735 may transmit an uplink message to the base station using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode, transmit the subsequent uplink message using the assigned resources based on receiving the grant, transmit a signal indicating that the portion of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band is reserved for transmission of the uplink message, and transmit a PUSCH message a number of subframes after the PUCCH message, where the number of subframes is configured based on the RRC message.

In some cases, the uplink message includes a UE specific DMRS transmitted using an enhanced transmission power level based on the autonomous uplink mode. In some cases, the subsequent uplink message includes downlink HARQ information, a PRACH message, CSI, or any combination thereof. In some cases, the uplink message is transmitted based on a latest available MCS. In some cases, the uplink message includes a PUCCH message. In some cases, the PUCCH message includes an SR indication, a channel CQI update, an uplink MCS, a duration of an uplink TxOP, an uplink HARQ information, or a downlink HARQ information, or any combination thereof. In some cases, the PUCCH message is transmitted using an enhanced transmission power level that is based on the autonomous uplink mode.

In some cases, the PUCCH message is transmitted using a UE specific SR resource. In some cases, the PUCCH message includes a UE RNTI. In some cases, the uplink message includes a medium access control MAC CE that includes a UE RNTI. In some cases, a CRC of the uplink message is scrambled with a RNTI common to a set of UE. In some cases, a payload size of a HARQ identifier or an RV indicator, or any combination thereof, is reduced based on a correlation with a consecutive subframe. In some cases, the PUCCH message has a same format or waveform as ePUCCH. In some cases, the PUCCH message is multiplexed with a PUSCH message. In some examples, a PUSCH message is transmitted a number of subframes after the PUCCH message, where the number of subframes is configured based at least in part on the RRC message. In some cases, the PUCCH message is transmitted using a SR resource common to a set of UE.

Transmitter 720 may transmit signals generated by other components of the device. In some examples, the transmitter 720 may be collocated with a receiver 710 in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 720 may be an example of aspects of the transceiver 935 described with reference to FIG. 9. The transmitter 720 may include a single antenna, or it may include a set of antennas.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram 800 of a UE autonomous uplink manager 815 that supports autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The UE autonomous uplink manager 815 may be an example of aspects of a UE autonomous uplink manager 615, a UE autonomous uplink manager 715, or a UE autonomous uplink manager 915 described with reference to FIGs. 6, 7, and 9. The UE autonomous uplink manager 815 may include resource allocation component 820, uplink mode component 825, uplink message component 830, clear channel assessment CCA component 835, TDD configuration component 840, and uplink component 845. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses) .

Resource allocation component 820 may receive a RRC message from a base station indicating a periodic resource allocation for uplink transmissions in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band and receive a grant that assigns resources of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for a subsequent uplink message. In some cases, the RRC message includes an indication of a TDD configuration for the autonomous uplink mode. In some cases, the periodic resource allocation includes a frequency domain allocation or a periodic time resource, or both.

Uplink mode component 825 may select an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling based on receiving the RRC message, where the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation. Uplink message component 830 may transmit an uplink message to the base station using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode, transmit the subsequent uplink message using the assigned resources based on receiving the grant, transmit a signal indicating that the portion of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band is reserved for transmission of the uplink message, and transmit a PUSCH message a number of subframes after the PUCCH message, where the number of subframes is configured based on the RRC message.

CCA component 835 may identify a CCA format for the autonomous uplink mode, perform a CCA prior to transmitting the uplink message using the identified CCA format, and determine that at least a portion of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band is available based on the CCA. TDD configuration component 840 may determine a TDD configuration for the uplink message and transmit an indication of the TDD configuration to the base station.

FIG. 9 shows a diagram of a system 900, including a device 905, that supports autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Device 905 may be an example of or include the components of wireless device 605, wireless device 705, or a UE 115 as described above, e.g., with reference to FIGs. 1, 6 and 7. Device 905 may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including UE autonomous uplink manager 915, processor 920, memory 925, software 930, transceiver 935, antenna 940, and I/O controller 945. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more busses (e.g., bus 910) . Device 905 may communicate wirelessly with one or more base stations 105.

Processor 920 may include an intelligent hardware device, (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP) , a central processing unit (CPU) , a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) , an field-programmable gate array (FPGA) , a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof) . In some cases, processor 920 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into processor 920. Processor 920 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting autonomous uplink in MulteFire) .

Memory 925 may include random access memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM) . The memory 925 may store computer-readable, computer-executable software 930 including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 925 may contain, among other things, a basic input/output system (BIOS) which may control basic hardware and/or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

Software 930 may include code to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including code to support autonomous uplink in MulteFire. Software 930 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other memory. In some cases, the software 930 may not be directly executable by the processor but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

Transceiver 935 may communicate bi-directionally, via one or more antennas, wired, or wireless links as described above. For example, the transceiver 935 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 935 may also include a modem to modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets to the antennas for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the antennas.

In some cases, the wireless device may include a single antenna 940. However, in some cases the device may have more than one antenna 940, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

I/O controller 945 may manage input and output signals for device 905. I/O controller 945 may also manage peripherals not integrated into device 905. In some cases, I/O controller 945 may represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral. In some cases, I/O controller 945 may utilize an operating system such as

or another known operating system.

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram 1000 of a wireless device 1005 that supports autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device 1005 may be an example of aspects of a base station 105 as described with reference to FIG. 1. Wireless device 1005 may include receiver 1010, base station autonomous uplink manager 1015, and transmitter 1020. Wireless device 1005 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses) .

Receiver 1010 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to autonomous uplink in MulteFire, etc. ) . Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver 1010 may be an example of aspects of the transceiver 1335 described with reference to FIG. 13.

Base station autonomous uplink manager 1015 may be an example of aspects of the base station autonomous uplink manager 1315 described with reference to FIG. 13. Base station autonomous uplink manager 1015 may, in combination with transmitter 1020, transmit a RRC message to a UE indicating a periodic resource allocation for an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, where the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation and, in combination with receiver 1010, receive an uplink message from the UE using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode.

Transmitter 1020 may transmit signals generated by other components of the device. In some examples, the transmitter 1020 may be collocated with a receiver 1010 in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 1020 may be an example of aspects of the transceiver 1335 described with reference to FIG. 13. The transmitter 1020 may include a single antenna, or it may include a set of antennas.

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram 1100 of a wireless device 1105 that supports autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device 1105 may be an example of aspects of a wireless device 1005 or a base station 105 as described with reference to FIGs. 1 and 10. Wireless device 1105 may include receiver 1110, base station autonomous uplink manager 1115, and transmitter 1120. Wireless device 1105 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses) .

Receiver 1110 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to autonomous uplink in MulteFire, etc. ) . Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver 1110 may be an example of aspects of the transceiver 1335 described with reference to FIG. 13.

Base station autonomous uplink manager 1115 may be an example of aspects of the base station autonomous uplink manager 1315 described with reference to FIG. 13. Base station autonomous uplink manager 1115 may also include resource allocation component 1125 and uplink message component 1130.

Resource allocation component 1125 may transmit a RRC message to a UE indicating a periodic resource allocation for an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, where the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation and transmit a grant that assigns resources of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for a subsequent uplink message.

Uplink message component 1130 may receive an uplink message from the UE using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode and receive the subsequent uplink message using the assigned resources based on transmitting the grant.

Transmitter 1120 may transmit signals generated by other components of the device. In some examples, the transmitter 1120 may be collocated with a receiver 1110 in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 1120 may be an example of aspects of the transceiver 1335 described with reference to FIG. 13. The transmitter 1120 may include a single antenna, or it may include a set of antennas.

FIG. 12 shows a block diagram 1200 of a base station autonomous uplink manager 1215 that supports autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The base station autonomous uplink manager 1215 may be an example of aspects of a base station autonomous uplink manager 1315 described with reference to FIGs. 10, 11, and 13. The base station autonomous uplink manager 1215 may include resource allocation component 1220, uplink message component 1225, TDD configuration component 1230, and UE identification component 1235. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses) .

Resource allocation component 1220 may transmit a RRC message to a UE indicating a periodic resource allocation for an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, where the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation and transmit a grant that assigns resources of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for a subsequent uplink message.

Uplink message component 1225 may receive an uplink message from the UE using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode and receive the subsequent uplink message using the assigned resources based on transmitting the grant. TDD configuration component 1230 may receive an indication of a TDD configuration from the UE, where the uplink message is received based on the TDD configuration. UE identification component 1235 may identify the UE based on an RNTI in the uplink message and identify the UE based on the resources used to transmit the uplink message. In some examples, the uplink message may include an SR indicator, and identifying the UE may be based on the SR indicator.

FIG. 13 shows a diagram of a system 1300, including a device 1305, that supports autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Device 1305 may be an example of or include the components of base station 105 as described above, e.g., with reference to FIG. 1. Device 1305 may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including base station autonomous uplink manager 1315, processor 1320, memory 1325, software 1330, transceiver 1335, antenna 1340, network communications manager 1345, and base station communications manager 1350. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more busses (e.g., bus 1310) . Device 1305 may communicate wirelessly with one or more UEs 115.

Processor 1320 may include an intelligent hardware device, (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof) . In some cases, processor 1320 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into processor 1320. Processor 1320 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting autonomous uplink in MulteFire) .

Memory 1325 may include RAM and ROM. The memory 1325 may store computer-readable, computer-executable software 1330 including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 1325 may contain, among other things, a BIOS which may control basic hardware and/or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

Software 1330 may include code to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including code to support autonomous uplink in MulteFire. Software 1330 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other memory. In some cases, the software 1330 may not be directly executable by the processor but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

Transceiver 1335 may communicate bi-directionally, via one or more antennas, wired, or wireless links as described above. For example, the transceiver 1335 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1335 may also include a modem to modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets to the antennas for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the antennas.

In some cases, the wireless device may include a single antenna 1340. However, in some cases the device may have more than one antenna 1340, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

Network communications manager 1345 may manage communications with the core network (e.g., via one or more wired backhaul links) . For example, the network communications manager 1345 may manage the transfer of data communications for client devices, such as one or more UEs 115.

Base station communications manager 1350 may manage communications with other base station 105, and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with UEs 115 in cooperation with other base stations 105. For example, the base station communications manager 1350 may coordinate scheduling for transmissions to UEs 115 for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, base station communications manager 1350 may provide an X2 interface within an LTE/LTE-Awireless communication network technology to provide communication between base stations 105.

FIG. 14 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1400 for autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method 1400 may be implemented by a UE 115 or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method 1400 may be performed by a UE autonomous uplink manager as described with reference to FIGs. 6 through 9. In some examples, a UE 115 may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE 115 may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block 1405 the UE 115 may receive a RRC message from a base station indicating a periodic resource allocation for uplink transmissions in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band. The operations of block 1405 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1405 may be performed by a resource allocation component as described with reference to FIGs. 6 through 9.

At block 1410 the UE 115 may select an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling based at least in part on receiving the RRC message, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation. The operations of block 1410 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1410 may be performed by a uplink mode component as described with reference to FIGs. 6 through 9.

At block 1415 the UE 115 may transmit an uplink message to the base station using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode. The operations of block 1415 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1415 may be performed by a uplink message component as described with reference to FIGs. 6 through 9.

FIG. 15 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1500 for autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method 1500 may be implemented by a UE 115 or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method 1500 may be performed by a UE autonomous uplink manager as described with reference to FIGs. 6 through 9. In some examples, a UE 115 may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE 115 may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block 1505 the UE 115 may receive a RRC message from a base station indicating a periodic resource allocation for uplink transmissions in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band. The operations of block 1505 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1505 may be performed by a resource allocation component as described with reference to FIGs. 6 through 9.

At block 1510 the UE 115 may select an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling based at least in part on receiving the RRC message, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation. The operations of block 1510 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1510 may be performed by a uplink mode component as described with reference to FIGs. 6 through 9.

At block 1515 the UE 115 may identify a CCA format for the autonomous uplink mode. The operations of block 1515 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1515 may be performed by a CCA component as described with reference to FIGs. 6 through 9.

At block 1520 the UE 115 may perform a CCA prior to transmitting the uplink message using the identified CCA format. The operations of block 1520 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1520 may be performed by a CCA component as described with reference to FIGs. 6 through 9.

At block 1525 the UE 115 may transmit an uplink message to the base station using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode. The operations of block 1525 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1525 may be performed by a uplink message component as described with reference to FIGs. 6 through 9.

FIG. 16 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1600 for autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method 1600 may be implemented by a UE 115 or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method 1600 may be performed by a UE autonomous uplink manager as described with reference to FIGs. 6 through 9. In some examples, a UE 115 may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE 115 may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block 1605 the UE 115 may receive a RRC message from a base station indicating a periodic resource allocation for uplink transmissions in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band. The operations of block 1605 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1605 may be performed by a resource allocation component as described with reference to FIGs. 6 through 9.

At block 1610 the UE 115 may select an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling based at least in part on receiving the RRC message, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation. The operations of block 1610 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1610 may be performed by a uplink mode component as described with reference to FIGs. 6 through 9.

At block 1615 the UE 115 may transmit an uplink message to the base station using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode. The operations of block 1615 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1615 may be performed by a uplink message component as described with reference to FIGs. 6 through 9.

At block 1620 the UE 115 may receive a grant that assigns resources of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for a subsequent uplink message. The operations of block 1620 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1620 may be performed by a resource allocation component as described with reference to FIGs. 6 through 9.

At block 1625 the UE 115 may transmit the subsequent uplink message using the assigned resources based at least in part on receiving the grant. The operations of block 1625 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1625 may be performed by a uplink message component as described with reference to FIGs. 6 through 9.

FIG. 17 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1700 for autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method 1700 may be implemented by a base station 105 or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method 1700 may be performed by a base station autonomous uplink manager as described with reference to FIGs. 10 through 13. In some examples, a base station 105 may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the base station 105 may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block 1705 the base station 105 may transmit a RRC message to a UE indicating a periodic resource allocation for an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation. The operations of block 1705 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1705 may be performed by a resource allocation component as described with reference to FIGs. 10 through 13.

At block 1710 the base station 105 may receive an uplink message from the UE using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode. The operations of block 1710 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1710 may be performed by a uplink message component as described with reference to FIGs. 10 through 13.

FIG. 18 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1800 for autonomous uplink in MulteFire in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method 1800 may be implemented by a base station 105 or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method 1800 may be performed by a base station autonomous uplink manager as described with reference to FIGs. 10 through 13. In some examples, a base station 105 may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the base station 105 may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block 1805 the base station 105 may transmit a RRC message to a UE indicating a periodic resource allocation for an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation. The operations of block 1805 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1805 may be performed by a resource allocation component as described with reference to FIGs. 10 through 13.

At block 1810 the base station 105 may receive an indication of a TDD configuration from the UE, wherein the uplink message is received based at least in part on the TDD configuration. The operations of block 1810 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1810 may be performed by a TDD configuration component as described with reference to FIGs. 10 through 13.

At block 1815 the base station 105 may receive an uplink message from the UE using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode. The operations of block 1815 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1815 may be performed by a uplink message component as described with reference to FIGs. 10 through 13.

At block 1820 the base station 105 may identify the UE based at least in part on the resources used to transmit the uplink message. The operations of block 1820 may be performed according to the methods described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 5. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block 1820 may be performed by a UE identification component as described with reference to FIGs. 10 through 13.

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

Techniques described herein may be used for various wireless communications systems such as code division multiple access (CDMA) , time division multiple access (TDMA) , frequency division multiple access (FDMA) , orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) , single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) , and other systems. The terms “system” and “network” are often used interchangeably. A code division multiple access (CDMA) system may implement a radio technology such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) , CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards. IS-2000 Releases may be commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1X, 1X, IS-856 (TIA-856) is commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD) , UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. A time division multiple access (TDMA) system may implement a radio technology such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) .

An orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system may implement a radio technology such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) , Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA) , Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi) , IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX) , IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, UTRA and E-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunications system (UMTS) . 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE- Advanced (LTE-A) are releases of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, and Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) are described in documents from the organization named “3rd Generation Partnership Project” (3GPP) . CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization named “3rd Generation Partnership Project 2” (3GPP2) . The techniques described herein may be used for the systems and radio technologies mentioned above as well as other systems and radio technologies. While aspects an LTE system may be described for purposes of example, and LTE terminology may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein are applicable beyond LTE applications.

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

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

A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with the network provider. A small cell is a lower-powered base station, as compared with a macro cell, that may operate in the same or different (e.g., licensed, unlicensed, etc. ) frequency bands as macro cells. Small cells may include pico cells, femto cells, and micro cells according to various examples. A pico cell, for example, may cover a small geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with the network provider. A femto cell may also cover a small geographic area (e.g., a home) and may provide restricted access by UEs having an association with the femto cell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG) , UEs for users in the home, and the like) . An eNB for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro eNB. An eNB for a small cell may be referred to as a small cell eNB, a pico eNB, a femto eNB, or a home eNB. An eNB may support one or multiple (e.g., two, three, four, and the like) cells (e.g., component carriers) . A UE may be able to communicate with various types of base stations and network equipment including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, relay base stations, and the like.

The wireless communications system or systems described herein may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, the base stations may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, the base stations may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations may not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for either synchronous or asynchronous operations.

The downlink transmissions described herein may also be called forward link transmissions while the uplink transmissions may also be called reverse link transmissions. Each communication link described herein—including, for example,

wireless communications system

100 and 200 of FIGs. 1 and 2—may include one or more carriers, where each carrier may be a signal made up of multiple sub-carriers (e.g., waveform signals of different frequencies) .

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

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

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

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

The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, functions described above can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations. Also, as used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (for example, a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of” ) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (e.g., A and B and C) . Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on. ”

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

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

Claims

A method for wireless communication, comprising:

receiving a radio resource control (RRC) message from a base station indicating a periodic resource allocation for uplink transmissions in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band；

selecting an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling based at least in part on receiving the RRC message, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation； and

transmitting an uplink message to the base station using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode.
The method of claim 1, further comprising:

identifying a clear channel assessment (CCA) format for the autonomous uplink mode； and

performing a CCA prior to transmitting the uplink message using the identified CCA format.
The method of claim 2, further comprising:

determining that at least a portion of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band is available based at least in part on the CCA； and

transmitting a signal indicating that the portion of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band is reserved for transmission of the uplink message.
The method of claim 1, wherein the RRC message comprises an indication of a time division duplexing (TDD) configuration for the autonomous uplink mode.
The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining a time division duplexing (TDD) configuration for the uplink message； and

transmitting an indication of the TDD configuration to the base station.
The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a grant that assigns resources of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for a subsequent uplink message； and

transmitting the subsequent uplink message using the assigned resources based at least in part on receiving the grant.
The method of claim 6, wherein the subsequent uplink message comprises downlink hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information, a physical random access channel (PRACH) message, channel state information (CSI) , or any combination thereof.
The method of claim 1, wherein the uplink message is transmitted based at least in part on a latest available modulation and coding scheme (MCS) .
The method of claim 1, wherein the periodic resource allocation comprises a frequency domain allocation or a periodic time resource, or both.
The method of claim 9, wherein the frequency domain allocation hops across subframes.
The method of claim 1, wherein the uplink message comprises a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) message.
The method of claim 11, wherein the PUCCH message comprises a scheduling request (SR) indication, a channel quality indicator (CQI) update, an uplink modulation and coding scheme (MCS) , a duration of an uplink transmission opportunity (TxOP) , an uplink hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information, or a downlink HARQ information, or any combination thereof.
The method of claim 12, wherein the PUCCH message is transmitted using an enhanced transmission power level that is based at least in part on the autonomous uplink mode.
The method of claim 12, wherein the PUCCH message is transmitted using a user equipment (UE) specific SR resource.
The method of claim 12, wherein the PUCCH message is transmitted using a SR resource common to a plurality of user equipment (UE) .
The method of claim 15, wherein the PUCCH message comprises a user equipment (UE) radio network temporary identity (RNTI) .
The method of claim 15, wherein the uplink message comprises a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) that includes a user equipment (UE) radio network temporary identity (RNTI) .
The method of claim 17, wherein a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) of the uplink message is scrambled with a RNTI common to a plurality of user equipment (UE) .
The method of claim 12, wherein the uplink HARQ information comprises a HARQ identifier, a redundancy version (RV) indicator, or a new data indicator (NDI) , or any combination thereof.
The method of claim 19, wherein a payload size of a HARQ identifier or an RV indicator, or any combination thereof, is reduced based on a correlation with a consecutive subframe.
The method of claim 11, wherein the PUCCH message has a same format or waveform as an enhanced PUCCH (ePUCCH) .
The method of claim 11, wherein the PUCCH message is multiplexed with a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) message.
The method of claim 11, further comprising:

transmitting a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) message a number of subframes after the PUCCH message, wherein the number of subframes is configured based at least in part on the RRC message.
The method of claim 1, wherein the autonomous uplink mode is selected from a set of modes comprising a grant-based uplink mode and the autonomous uplink mode, wherein the grant-based uplink mode supports uplink transmissions using resources assigned by a grant.
The method of claim 1, wherein the uplink message comprises a user equipment (UE) specific demodulation reference signal (DMRS) transmitted using an enhanced transmission power level based at least in part on the autonomous uplink mode.
A method for wireless communication, comprising:

transmitting a radio resource control (RRC) message to a user equipment (UE) indicating a periodic resource allocation for an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation； and

receiving an uplink message from the UE using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode.
The method of claim 26, further comprising:

receiving an indication of a time division duplexing (TDD) configuration from the UE, wherein the uplink message is received based at least in part on the TDD configuration.
The method of claim 26, further comprising:

transmitting a grant that assigns resources of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for a subsequent uplink message； and

receiving the subsequent uplink message using the assigned resources based at least in part on transmitting the grant.
The method of claim 26, further comprising:

identifying the UE based at least in part on a radio network temporary identity (RNTI) in the uplink message.
The method of claim 26, further comprising:

identifying the UE based at least in part on the resources used to transmit the uplink message.
The method of claim 30, wherein the uplink message comprises an SR indicator, and identifying the UE is based at least in part on the SR indicator.
An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising:

means for receiving a radio resource control (RRC) message from a base station indicating a periodic resource allocation for uplink transmissions in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band；

means for selecting an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling based at least in part on receiving the RRC message, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation； and

means for transmitting an uplink message to the base station using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode.
The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising:

means for identifying a clear channel assessment (CCA) format for the autonomous uplink mode； and

means for performing a CCA prior to transmitting the uplink message using the identified CCA format.
The apparatus of claim 33, further comprising:

means for determining that at least a portion of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band is available based at least in part on the CCA； and

means for transmitting a signal indicating that the portion of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band is reserved for transmission of the uplink message.
The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the RRC message comprises an indication of a time division duplexing (TDD) configuration for the autonomous uplink mode.
The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising:

means for determining a time division duplexing (TDD) configuration for the uplink message； and

means for transmitting an indication of the TDD configuration to the base station.
The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising:

means for receiving a grant that assigns resources of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for a subsequent uplink message； and

means for transmitting the subsequent uplink message using the assigned resources based at least in part on receiving the grant.
The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the subsequent uplink message comprises downlink hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information, a physical random access channel (PRACH) message, channel state information (CSI) , or any combination thereof.
The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the uplink message is transmitted based at least in part on a latest available modulation and coding scheme (MCS) .
The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the periodic resource allocation comprises a frequency domain allocation or a periodic time resource, or both.
The method of claim 40, wherein the frequency domain allocation hops across subframes.
The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the uplink message comprises a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) message.
The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the PUCCH message comprises a scheduling request (SR) indication, a channel quality indicator (CQI) update, an uplink modulation and coding scheme (MCS) , a duration of an uplink transmission opportunity (TxOP) , an uplink hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information, or a downlink HARQ information, or any combination thereof.
The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the means for transmitting is operable to transmit the PUCCH message using an enhanced transmission power level that is based at least in part on the autonomous uplink mode.
The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the means for transmitting is operable to transmit the PUCCH message using a user equipment (UE) specific SR resource.
The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the means for transmitting is operable to transmit the PUCCH message using a SR resource common to a plurality of user equipment (UE) .
The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the PUCCH message comprises a user equipment (UE) radio network temporary identity (RNTI) .
The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the uplink message comprises a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) that includes a user equipment (UE) radio network temporary identity (RNTI) .
The apparatus of claim 48, wherein a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) of the uplink message is scrambled with a RNTI common to a plurality of user equipment (UE) .
The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the uplink HARQ information comprises a HARQ identifier, a redundancy version (RV) indicator, or a new data indicator (NDI) , or any combination thereof.
The apparatus of claim 50, wherein a payload size of a HARQ identifier or an RV indicator, or any combination thereof, is reduced based on a correlation with a consecutive subframe.
The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the PUCCH message has a same format or waveform as an enhanced PUCCH (ePUCCH) .
The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the PUCCH message is multiplexed with a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) message.
The apparatus of claim 42, further comprising:

means for transmitting a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) message a number of subframes after the PUCCH message, wherein the number of subframes is configured based at least in part on the RRC message.
The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the means for selecting the autonomous uplink mode is operable to select from a set of modes comprising a grant-based uplink mode and the autonomous uplink mode, wherein the grant-based uplink mode supports uplink transmissions using resources assigned by a grant.
The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the uplink message comprises a user equipment (UE) specific demodulation reference signal (DMRS) transmitted using an enhanced transmission power level based at least in part on the autonomous uplink mode.
An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising:

means for transmitting a radio resource control (RRC) message to a user equipment (UE) indicating a periodic resource allocation for an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation； and

means for receiving an uplink message from the UE using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode.
The apparatus of claim 57, further comprising:

means for receiving an indication of a time division duplexing (TDD) configuration from the UE, wherein the means for receiving the uplink message is operable based at least in part on the TDD configuration.
The apparatus of claim 57, further comprising:

means for transmitting a grant that assigns resources of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for a subsequent uplink message； and

means for receiving the subsequent uplink message using the assigned resources based at least in part on transmitting the grant.
The apparatus of claim 57, further comprising:

means for identifying the UE based at least in part on a radio network temporary identity (RNTI) in the uplink message.
The apparatus of claim 57, further comprising:

means for identifying the UE based at least in part on the resources used to transmit the uplink message.
The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the uplink message comprises an SR indicator, and identifying the UE is based at least in part on the SR indicator.
An apparatus for wireless communication, in a system comprising:

a processor；

memory in electronic communication with the processor； and

instructions stored in the memory and operable, when executed by the processor, to cause the apparatus to:

receive a radio resource control (RRC) message from a base station indicating a periodic resource allocation for uplink transmissions in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band；

select an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling based at least in part on receiving the RRC message, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation； and

transmit an uplink message to the base station using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode.
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

identify a clear channel assessment (CCA) format for the autonomous uplink mode； and

perform a CCA prior to transmitting the uplink message using the identified CCA format.
The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

determine that at least a portion of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band is available based at least in part on the CCA； and

transmit a signal indicating that the portion of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band is reserved for transmission of the uplink message.
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the RRC message comprises an indication of a time division duplexing (TDD) configuration for the autonomous uplink mode.
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

determine a time division duplexing (TDD) configuration for the uplink message； and

transmit an indication of the TDD configuration to the base station.
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

receive a grant that assigns resources of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for a subsequent uplink message； and

transmit the subsequent uplink message using the assigned resources based at least in part on receiving the grant.
The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the subsequent uplink message comprises downlink hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information, a physical random access channel (PRACH) message, channel state information (CSI) , or any combination thereof.
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

transmit the uplink message based at least in part on a latest available modulation and coding scheme (MCS) .
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the periodic resource allocation comprises a frequency domain allocation or a periodic time resource, or both.
The apparatus of claim 71, wherein the frequency domain allocation hops across subframes.
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the uplink message comprises a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) message.
The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the PUCCH message comprises a scheduling request (SR) indication, a channel quality indicator (CQI) update, an uplink modulation and coding scheme (MCS) , a duration of an uplink transmission opportunity (TxOP) , an uplink hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information, or a downlink HARQ information, or any combination thereof.
The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

transmit the PUCCH message using an enhanced transmission power level that is based at least in part on the autonomous uplink mode.
The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

transmit the PUCCH message using a user equipment (UE) specific SR resource.
The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

transmit the PUCCH message using a SR resource common to a plurality of user equipment (UE) .
The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the PUCCH message comprises a user equipment (UE) radio network temporary identity (RNTI) .
The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the uplink message comprises a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) that includes a user equipment (UE) radio network temporary identity (RNTI) .
The apparatus of claim 79, wherein a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) of the uplink message is scrambled with a RNTI common to a plurality of user equipment (UE) .
The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the uplink HARQ information comprises a HARQ identifier, a redundancy version (RV) indicator, or a new data indicator (NDI) , or any combination thereof.
The apparatus of claim 81, wherein a payload size of a HARQ identifier or an RV indicator, or any combination thereof, is reduced based on a correlation with a consecutive subframe.
The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the PUCCH message has a same format or waveform as an enhanced PUCCH (ePUCCH) .
The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

multiplex the PUCCH message with a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) message.
The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

transmit a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) message a number of subframes after the PUCCH message, wherein the number of subframes is configured based at least in part on the RRC message.
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

select the autonomous uplink mode from a set of modes comprising a grant-based uplink mode and the autonomous uplink mode, wherein the grant-based uplink mode supports uplink transmissions using resources assigned by a grant.
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the uplink message comprises a user equipment (UE) specific demodulation reference signal (DMRS) transmitted using an enhanced transmission power level based at least in part on the autonomous uplink mode.
An apparatus for wireless communication, in a system comprising:

a processor；

memory in electronic communication with the processor； and

instructions stored in the memory and operable, when executed by the processor, to cause the apparatus to:

transmit a radio resource control (RRC) message to a user equipment (UE) indicating a periodic resource allocation for an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation； and

receive an uplink message from the UE using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode.
The apparatus of claim 88, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

receive an indication of a time division duplexing (TDD) configuration from the UE； and

receive the uplink message based at least in part on the TDD configuration.
The apparatus of claim 88, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

transmit a grant that assigns resources of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for a subsequent uplink message； and

receive the subsequent uplink message using the assigned resources based at least in part on transmitting the grant.
The apparatus of claim 88, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

identify the UE based at least in part on a radio network temporary identity (RNTI) in the uplink message.
The apparatus of claim 88, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

identifying the UE based at least in part on the resources used to transmit the uplink message.
The apparatus of claim 92, wherein the uplink message comprises an SR indicator, and identifying the UE is based at least in part on the SR indicator.
A non-transitory computer readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code comprising instructions executable to:

receive a radio resource control (RRC) message from a base station indicating a periodic resource allocation for uplink transmissions in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band；

select an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling based at least in part on receiving the RRC message, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation； and

transmit an uplink message to the base station using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode.
A non-transitory computer readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code comprising instructions executable to:

transmit a radio resource control (RRC) message to a user equipment (UE) indicating a periodic resource allocation for an autonomous uplink mode for control signaling in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, wherein the autonomous uplink mode supports unscheduled uplink transmissions using the periodic resource allocation； and

receive an uplink message from the UE using resources of the periodic resource allocation according to the autonomous uplink mode.