WO2022073580A1

WO2022073580A1 - Apparatuses and methods for providing reliability assistance cast for sidelink

Info

Publication number: WO2022073580A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/077838
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kalle Petteri Kela; Hans Thomas HÖHNE; Ling Yu; Ping-Heng Kuo; Dawid Koziol
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2020-10-05
Filing date: 2020-10-05
Publication date: 2022-04-14

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing reliability assistance cast(s) for sidelink (SL) are provided. One method may include receiving, at a user equipment (UE), a first cast of a sidelink communication from a sidelink transmitting user equipment (UE), and receiving at least one second assisting cast of the sidelink communication. The at least one second assisting cast comprises coded packets generated from the first cast of the sidelink communication.

Description

TITLE:

APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING RELIABILITY ASSISTANCE CAST FOR SIDELINK

FIELD:

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology, or other communications systems. For example, certain embodiments may relate to systems and/or methods for providing reliability assistance cast for sidelink (SL).

BACKGROUND:

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, and/or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology. 5G wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architecture. A 5G system is mostly built on a 5G new radio (NR), but a 5G (or NG) network can also build on the E-UTRA radio. It is estimated that NR provides bitrates on the order of 10-20 Gbit/s or higher, and can support at least service categories such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency-communication (URLLC) as well as massive machine type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extreme broadband and ultra-robust, low latency connectivity and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT). With loT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication becoming more widespread, there will be a growing need for networks that meet the needs of lower power, low data rate, and long battery life. The next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) represents the RAN for 5G, which can provide both NR and LTE (and LTE-Advanced) radio accesses. It is noted that, in 5G, the nodes that can provide radio access functionality to a user equipment (i.e., similar to the Node B, NB, in UTRAN or the evolved NB, eNB, in LTE) may be named next-generation NB (gNB) when built on NR radio and may be named nextgeneration eNB (NG-eNB) when built on E-UTRA radio.

SUMMARY:

[0003] An embodiment is directed to a method, which may include receiving, at a user equipment (UE), a first cast of a sidelink communication from a sidelink transmitting user equipment (UE). The method may also include receiving at least one second assisting cast of the sidelink communication. The at least one second assisting cast comprises coded packets generated from the first cast of the sidelink communication.

[0004] Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus that may include at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code. The at least one memory and computer program code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to receive a first cast of a sidelink communication from a sidelink transmitting user equipment (UE), and to receive at least one second assisting cast of the sidelink communication. The at least one second assisting cast comprises coded packets generated from the first cast of the sidelink communication.

[0005] Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus that may include means for receiving a first cast of a sidelink communication from a sidelink transmitting user equipment (UE), and means for receiving at least one second assisting cast of the sidelink communication. The at least one second assisting cast comprises coded packets generated from the first cast of the sidelink communication. [0006] Another embodiment is directed to a method that may include transmitting, subsequent to a first cast of a sidelink communication, at least one second assisting cast of the sidelink communication to a user equipment (UE). The at least one second assisting cast comprises coded packets generated from the first cast of the sidelink communication.

[0007] Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus, which may include at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code. The at least one memory and computer program code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to transmit, subsequent to a first cast of a sidelink communication, at least one second assisting cast of the sidelink communication to a user equipment (UE). The at least one second assisting cast comprises coded packets generated from the first cast of the sidelink communication.

[0008] Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus that may include means for transmitting, in addition to a first cast of a sidelink communication, at least one second assisting cast of the sidelink communication to a user equipment (UE). The at least one second assisting cast comprises coded packets generated from the first cast of the sidelink communication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0009] For proper understanding of example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0010] Fig. 1 illustrates an example diagram depicting options for device- to-device (D2D) communication, according to one example;

[0011] Fig. 2 illustrates an example scenario of a UE transmitting a cast to other UEs, according to an embodiment;

[0012] Fig. 3 illustrates an example signaling diagram, according to an embodiment;

[0013] Fig. 4 illustrates an example diagram of assistance cast utilizing network XOR coding, according to an embodiment; [0014] Fig. 5 illustrates an example signaling diagram, according to an embodiment;

[0015] Fig. 6 illustrates an example diagram depicting the transmission of an assistance cast, according to an embodiment;

[0016] Fig. 7 illustrates one example diagram in which a cast receivers may generate coded packets to provide assistance casts with different coding methods, according to an embodiment;

[0017] Fig. 8 illustrates one example diagram in which a cast receivers may generate coded packets to provide assistance casts, according to an embodiment;

[0018] Fig. 9 illustrates an example diagram depicting alternating relaying of coding packets, according to an embodiment;

[0019] Fig. 10 illustrates a signaling flow diagram, according to an embodiment;

[0020] Fig. 11 illustrates an example diagram depicting a system in which an assisting network node may provide assisting transmissions to a UE, according to an embodiment;

[0021] Fig. 12 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to an embodiment;

[0022] Fig. 13 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to an embodiment;

[0023] Fig. 14a illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus, according to an embodiment;

[0024] Fig. 14b illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus, according to an embodiment; and

[0025] Fig. 14c illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION: [0026] It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing reliability assistance cast(s) for sidelink (SL), is not intended to limit the scope of certain embodiments but is representative of selected example embodiments.

[0027] The features, structures, or characteristics of example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable maimer in one or more example embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “certain embodiments,” “some embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. In addition, the phrase “set of’ refers to a set that includes one or more of the referenced set members. As such, the phrases “set of,” “one or more of,” and “at least one of,” or similar phrases, may be used interchangeably. Further, the term “or” is intended to mean “and/or,” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0028] Additionally, if desired, the different functions or procedures discussed below may be performed in a different order and/or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the described functions or procedures may be optional or may be combined. As such, the following description should be considered as illustrative of the principles and teachings of certain example embodiments, and not in limitation thereof. [0029] Certain example embodiments described herein may relate to 3^rd generation partnership project (3GPP) NR sidelink (SL). An objective of NR SL may include, in part, providing high-reliability and low-latency communication (HRLLC), for example, in order to support advanced vehicle- to-everything (V2X) use cases.

[0030] It is noted that certain embodiments can also be, for instance, mapped to the wireless local area network (WLAN) standard, where the network nodes and UEs may be access points or stations. Some embodiments may also be applicable to future versions of 3 GPP unlicensed access, such as license assisted access (LAA) or NR in unlicensed spectrum (NR-U). Certain embodiments may be further applicable to 3 GPP integrated access and backhaul (I AB).

[0031] For 4G-LTE and 5G-NR, SL specifies device-to-device (D2D) communication. Fig. 1 illustrates an example diagram of vehicles or UEs depicting options for D2D communication including unicast, groupcast and broadcast. Unicast may refer to transmission (Tx)/reception (Rx) of user data between a pair of UEs. Groupcast may refer to Tx/Rx of user data within a group of UEs. Broadcast may refer to Tx/Rx of user data among all UEs using SL.

[0032] Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) URLLC has also been considered to be a valid use case for LTE/NR SL. In such scenarios, traffic may be periodical or aperiodical, and the reliability requirement may be, for example, as high as 99.999% with a maximum latency of 3 ms. In addition, SL based relaying for UE-to-UE or UE-to-network (NW) relay is also being considered. [0033] For example, in the case of broadcast or groupcast, a subset of UEs may not be able to meet the reliability target. Fig. 2 illustrates an example of such a scenario in which a UE 200 may send a cast to other UEs 202, 204, 206, 210, but one of the UEs, e.g., UE 210, is not reaching the reliability target. For instance, this may be due to poor channel quality between the cast transmitter and certain receiver(s). Hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) repetition or retransmission and/or packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) duplication are examples of technologies that may be applied in an effort to improve the reliability of communication also for broadcast and groupcast type of communication. However, the reliability enhancement may be achieved at the cost of using more resources for repetition, retransmission or duplication even when only one of the receivers among the broadcast/groupcast receivers experiences the channel quality problem.

[0034] In addition, if the channel condition between a transmitter and receivers changes rapidly due to, for example, fast fading, then one receiver may have packet reception error for one individual packet but successfully receive the previous and next packet, while another receiver may have packet reception error for another individual packet but has correctly received the rest of packets. In this case, the transmitter may need to retransmit/repeat all the packets that are not received by at least one receiver in order to ensure all receivers receive them correctly. Thus, more resources are required for providing reliable broadcast/groupcast to the whole group. Certain example embodiments may be directed to solving at least the problem of excessive usage of resources for reliable broadcast or groupcast communication by introducing cast assistance using network coding technology.

[0035] An example embodiment may be configured to establish at least one secondary assisting cast that can be used for boosting the reliability of the original cast for certain UEs. In one embodiment, the UE being assisted: may be configured to receive an original cast of a SL broadcast and/or groupcast from a SL transmitting UE. In addition to the original cast, the UE being assisted may be configured to receive at least one second assisting cast of a SL broadcast and/or groupcast. According to one example, the second assisting cast may include at least the coded packets generated from the original cast of the SL broadcast and/or groupcast.

[0036] According to some example embodiments, the secondary assisting cast(s) may include: (1) a transmission of coded packets from the SL transmitting UE; (2) a transmission of coded packets from one or more assisting UE(s), where the assisting UEs are receivers of the same original cast; (3) multiple assisting cast transmissions, where different assisting casts are using different coding methods and/or different set of original packets for generating coded packets; and/or (4) a transmission of coded packets, where assisting cast(s) is provided by a network node, such as a serving gNB.

[0037] As a result, an advantage of certain embodiments is providing greatly enhanced reliability of D2D broadcasts/groupcasts when compared to conventional methods such as repetitive transmissions, data duplication, and retransmissions.

[0038] Accordingly, example embodiments can provide different options for providing assistance cast(s). One embodiment may be directed to providing resources assistance cast to boost reliability. In this example embodiment, assistance data is transmitted on separate resources, e.g., such that assisting data is not concatenated with the original data. Fig. 3 illustrates an example signaling diagram depicting the transmitting of original data and assisting data over SL. It is noted that, according to certain embodiments, assisting transmissions should not cause interference or take resources from original transmissions.

[0039] As illustrated in the example of Fig. 3, at 300, a gNB may provide SL configuration to a source UE and, at 305, may provide SL configuration to a destination UE. In an embodiment, the gNB may schedule (in cast of SL mode 1) or may assign (in case of SL mode 2) a separate resource pool for assistance cast use. As also illustrated in the example of Fig. 3, at 310, the source UE may transmit, to the destination UE, sidelink control information (SCI) over physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) allocation for original data and, at 315, may transmit data over physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH). In the example of Fig. 3, at 320, the source UE may transmit, to the destination UE, SCI over PSCCH allocation for assistance data and, at 325, may transmit data over PSSCH. In case of SL mode 2, assisting transmissions may be transmitted if SL channel sensing indicates that channel occupancy during the sensing window is below a defined threshold. If channel occupancy level is over the limit, then assisting casts are not sent. Optionally, in case of SL mode 2, the source UE may be configured to deliberately select a resource that is more de-correlated with respect to the resource for original data, e.g., a different physical resource block (PRB) and/or a different beam.

[0040] In some example embodiments, assisting transmission may utilize network coding. According to an embodiment, coded packets may be transmitted with a different packet error rate (PER) target than the original packets, e.g., in order to optimize additional load and/or keep interference to a minimum. For instance, different PER may be obtained by adjusting modulation and coding scheme (MCS) based on, e.g., channel measurements to yield a desired PER target. Fig. 4 illustrates an example diagram of assistance cast utilizing network XOR coding, according to an embodiment. As illustrated in the example of Fig. 4, a source UE or device 400 may initiate a V2X broadcast or groupcast. However, this broadcast or groupcast does not reach the desired reliability target for UE 410. As a result, an additional assisting reliability boost cast is provided from UE 400 to UE 410. In the example of Fig. 4, for every two consecutive packets one additional XOR coded reliability boost packet may be transmitted. This can provide, for instance, the same or similar reliability boost as data duplication but with halved or significantly reduced radio resource usage for the assisting cast.

[0041] Certain example embodiments may include utilizing an assisting transmitter for a single cast. Fig. 5 illustrates an example signaling diagram depicting a relay node or assisting UE providing assisting cast, according to one embodiment. In an embodiment, as illustrated in the example of Fig. 5, at 510, an assisting UE may receive a plurality of packets (e.g., burst of packets or consecutive periodical packets) from a source UE. Then, at 515, the assisting relay UE may code the plurality of packets together using a desired or appropriate coding method, such as XOR or Reed-Solomon methods. After performing the coding, at 520, the assisting relay UE may transmit coded packets to the assisted destination UE on resources allocated for assisting cast or sense the SL channel occupancy and determine available resources and whether there is room for assisting cast, as outlined above.

[0042] Fig. 6 illustrates an example diagram depicting a relay node receiving the cast coding packets and transmitting an assistance cast to a subset of UEs to be assisted, according to one embodiment. As illustrated in the example of Fig. 6, a source UE or device 600 may initiate a V2X broadcast or groupcast. However, this broadcast or groupcast does not reach the desired reliability target for at least UE 610. According to the example of Fig. 6, an assisting relay node or UE 605 may generate coded packets from correctly received packets and may transmit them through a D2D link to one or more assisted devices, such as UE 610. This transmission may be via unicast or groupcast, for instance. In the example of Fig. 6, XOR coding may be utilized to generate coded packets AB and CD. By sending packets AB and CD, PER of broadcast or unicast can be increased significantly. As such, the D2D link can be used for boosting the reliability to a required or desired level. As discussed above, the utilization of network coding can reduce the amount of needed radio resources for the D2D link. It should be noted that XOR coding and any specific reliability values discussed herein are just examples for illustrating the gain potential with respect to conventional methods of sending duplicated data.

[0043] Some example embodiments may include utilizing two or more assisting transmitters for a single cast. In certain embodiments, in order to further increase reliability when relay nodes are used, multiple receivers of the original cast may utilize different coding methods for providing the assistance cast. Fig. 7 illustrates one example diagram in which a plurality of original cast receivers may generate coded packets in order to provide assistance casts with different coding methods, according to an embodiment. As illustrated in the example of Fig. 7, a broadcast or groupcast pool may be formed and UE 700 may transmit original packets to UEs in the pool. In the example of Fig. 7, a receiver of the original cast, e.g., UE 705, may utilize XOR for coding relayed data and may provide the coded data to UE 710. As further illustrated in the example of Fig. 7, another receiver of the original cast, e.g., UE 707, may utilize RS for coding the relayed data and may provide the coded data to UE 710. In such a scenario, the amount of traffic is duplicated but reliability may be greatly improved. As an example, if PER for each illustrated link is 0.01, then duplication yields -0.9998 reliability while proposed coding provides -0.9999995 reliability. It is noted that this reliability measure is just one example for purposes of illustration. Furthermore, if one of the three paths shown in Fig. 7 is completely blocked, transmissions can be still received with high probability because original packets may be reconstructed if both XOR and RS versions are successfully received.

[0044] Another embodiment for using multiple relays for coded packets may include, for example, two or more different relay nodes may code every other two consecutive packets together. Fig. 8 illustrates one example diagram in which a plurality of original cast receivers may generate coded packets to provide assistance casts, according to this embodiment. As illustrated in the example of Fig. 8, a UE 800 may broadcast or groupcast original packets to UEs 805, 807, 810. In the example of Fig. 8, a receiver of the original cast, e.g., UE 805, may utilize XOR for coding a certain sequence of packets and may provide the coded packets to UE 810. As further illustrated in the example of Fig. 8, another receiver of the original cast, e.g., UE 807, may utilize XOR for coding a different sequence of packets and may provide the coded packets to UE 810. For example, one assisting node, e.g., UE 805, may code two consecutive packets starting from each even sequence number and another assisting node, e.g., UE 807 may code two consecutive packets starting from each odd sequence number. This results in reliability that is manifold when compared to duplicated data, obtains more diversity, and distributes power requirements for sending relayed packets between assisting nodes. In an embodiment, the original cast source may configure different coded versions for UEs that are determined to be assisting relay nodes.

[0045] In another embodiment, two different relays share the load of sending coded packets by alternating the sending. Fig. 9 illustrates an example diagram depicting the alternating relaying of coding packets, according to an embodiment. For instance, in the example of Fig. 9, relay UE 905 may send, e.g., XOR(AB), XOR(EF); while relay UE 907 may send XOR(CD), XOR(GH). Using the scheme mentioned above, the original transmitting UE 900 may configure relay UE 905 and relay UE 907 to code packets (counter mod 4) < 2, and may send a start counter signal to relay UE 905 with packet A, and may send a start counter signal to relay UE 907 with packet C, as depicted in the example of Fig. 9.

[0046] Fig. 10 illustrates a signaling flow diagram depicting an example for using multiple relaying nodes for coded packets, according to an embodiment. As illustrated in the example of Fig. 10, at 1, groupcast may be initiated by higher layers. At 2, as part of the configuration for the relays UE2 and UE3, a message, from UE1, may comprise configuration to code packets satisfying (counter modulo 3) < 2 and a signal sent by UE 1 to UE 2 to start counter with packet A. Also, at 3, UE1 may initiate configuration of relay UE3. For instance, the configuration or relay UE 3 may include code packets satisfying (counter modulo 3) < 2, and a signal sent by UE1 to UE3 to start counter with packet B. As also illustrated in the example of Fig. 10, at 4, original packets may be groupcast to UE2 and, at 5, original packets may be groupcast to UE3 and/or UE4. At 6, coded packets may be transmitted by UE2 to receiving UE4 and, at 7, coded packets may be transmitted by UE3 to receiving UE4.

[0047] A further embodiment may be configured to provide a reliability boost through an assisting network node. Fig. 11 illustrates an example diagram depicting a system in which an assisting network node 111, such as a gNB, may provide assisting transmissions to a UE 110, according to an embodiment. In the example of Fig. 11, in addition to D2D transmissions, a network node 111 (such as a gNB) may receive broadcast or groupcast in order to generate coded packets and schedule assisting transmissions to certain or subset of UEs, such as UE 110.

[0048] Fig. 12 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method for providing reliability assistance cast(s) for SL, according to one example embodiment. In certain example embodiments, the flow diagram of Fig. 12 may be performed by a network entity or network node in a communications system, such as LTE or 5G NR. For instance, in some example embodiments, the network entity performing the method of Fig. 12 may include a UE, such as a SL UE (e.g., SL TX UE or SL RX UE), mobile station, loT device, or the like. For example, according to certain embodiments, the method of Fig. 12 may be performed by one or more of the source UE, assisting UE(s), or gNB illustrated in the examples of Figs. 2-11 discussed above.

[0049] In an embodiment, the method of Fig. 12 may optionally include, at 120, coding packets from a first cast of a SL communication to generate coded packets for at least one second assisting cast. For example, the SL communication may include a SL broadcast or groupcast. According to an embodiment, the method may include, at 122, transmitting, subsequent to a first cast of the SL communication, the at least one second assisting cast of the SL communication to a UE (i.e., destination UE), where the at least one second assisting cast may include at least coded packets generated from the first cast of the SL communication.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the method may include transmitting, from a SL transmitting UE, the first cast of the SL communication, and the transmitting 122 of the at least one second assisting cast may include transmitting the at least one second assisting cast from the SL transmitting UE. For instance, in some embodiments, the at least one second assisting cast may be transmitted subsequent to or concurrently with the first cast. [0051] In some embodiments, the method may include receiving, at a SL receiving UE, the first cast of the SL communication, and the transmitting 122 of the at least one second assisting cast may include transmitting the at least one second assisting cast from the SL receiving UE. According to certain embodiments, the transmitting 122 of the at least one second assisting cast may include transmitting the at least one second assisting cast from a network node or serving gNB.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the coded packets of the at least one second assisting cast may be generated using at least one coding method, such as XOR coding and/or RS coding. In one embodiment, the transmitting 122 of the at least one second assisting cast may include transmitting at least one assisting cast on resources separate from the first cast. In some embodiments, the transmitting 122 of the at least one second assisting cast may include transmitting the at least one second assisting cast when SL channel sensing indicates that channel occupancy during the sensing window is below a predefined threshold. According to an embodiment, the transmitting 122 of the at least one second assisting cast may include transmitting at least one assisting cast with a different packet error rate (PER) target from packets of the first cast.

[0053] Fig. 13 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method for providing reliability assistance cast(s) for SL, according to one example embodiment. In certain example embodiments, the flow diagram of Fig. 13 may be performed by a network entity or network node in a communications system, such as LTE or 5G NR. For instance, in some example embodiments, the network entity performing the method of Fig. 13 may include a UE, such as a SL UE (e.g., SL RX UE or destination UE), mobile station, loT device, or the like. For example, according to certain embodiments, the method of Fig. 13 may be performed by one or more of the destination UE(s) illustrated in the examples of Figs. 2-11 discussed above. [0054] According to certain embodiments, the method of Fig. 13 may include, at 130, receiving a first cast of a SL communication from a SL transmitting UE. For example, the SL communication may include a SL broadcast or groupcast. In an embodiment, the method may include, at 132, receiving at least one second assisting cast of the SL communication. The at least one second assisting cast may include coded packets generated from the first cast of the SL communication. In certain embodiments, the receiving 132 of the at least one second assisting cast may include receiving the at least one second assisting cast when channel sensing indicates that channel occupancy during the sensing window is below a predefined threshold.

[0055] In one embodiment, the receiving 132 of the at least one second assisting cast may include receiving at least one assisting cast from the SL transmitting UE. According to an embodiment, the receiving 132 of the at least one second assisting cast may include receiving at least one assisting cast from one or more assisting UEs. In an embodiment, the one or more assisting UEs may be receivers of the first cast.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the receiving 132 of the at least one second assisting cast may include receiving at least two assisting casts that are respectively coded using different coding methods. For example, one of the at least two assisting casts may be coded using XOR coding and another of the at least two assisting casts may be coded using RS coding. In a further embodiment, the receiving 132 of the at least one second assisting cast may include receiving at least two assisting casts that are respectively coded using a different set of packets from the first cast.

[0057] In some embodiments, the receiving 132 of the at least one second assisting cast may include receiving at least one assisting cast from a network node or gNB. According to an embodiment, the receiving 132 of the at least one second assisting cast may include receiving at least one assisting cast on resources separate from the first cast. In one embodiment, wherein the receiving 132 of the at least one second assisting cast may include receiving at least one assisting cast with a different PER target from packets of the first cast.

[0058] Fig. 14a illustrates an example of an apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, apparatus 10 may be a node, host, or server in a communications network or serving such a network. For example, apparatus 10 may be a UE, mobile equipment (ME), mobile station, mobile device, stationary device, loT device, TSN device, or other device. As described herein, UE may alternatively be referred to as, for example, a mobile station, mobile equipment, mobile unit, mobile device, user device, subscriber station, wireless terminal, tablet, smart phone, loT device, sensor or NB-IoT device, or the like. As one example, apparatus 10 may be implemented in, for instance, a wireless handheld device, a wireless plug-in accessory, or the like. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 10 may include components or features not shown in Fig. 14a.

[0059] As illustrated in the example of Fig. 14a, apparatus 10 may include a processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 12 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. In fact, processor 12 may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. While a single processor 12 is shown in Fig. 14a, multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments. For example, it should be understood that, in certain embodiments, apparatus 10 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing. In certain embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster). [0060] Processor 12 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 10, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain/phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 10, including processes related to management of communication resources. In certain examples, processor 12 may be configured as a processing means or controlling means for executing any of the procedures described herein.

[0061] Apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to a memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 12, for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 12. Memory 14 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and/or removable memory. For example, memory 14 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 12, enable the apparatus 10 to perform tasks as described herein. In certain example embodiments, memory 14 may be configured as a storing means for storing any information or instructions for execution as discussed elsewhere herein.

[0062] In an embodiment, apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processor 12 and/or apparatus 10.

[0063] In some embodiments, apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for transmitting and receiving signals and/or data to and from apparatus 10. Apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to a transceiver 18 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 18 may include, for example, a plurality of radio interfaces that may be coupled to the anteima(s) 15. The radio interfaces may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, NB- loT, LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, radio frequency identifier (RFID), ultrawideband (UWB), MulteFire, and the like. The radio interface may include components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to- analog converters and the like), mappers, a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module, and the like, to generate symbols for a transmission via one or more downlinks and to receive symbols (for example, via an uplink).

[0064] As such, transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the anteima(s) 15 and demodulate information received via the anteima(s) 15 for further processing by other elements of apparatus 10. In other embodiments, transceiver 18 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. In certain example embodiments, transceiver 18 may be configured as a transceiving means for transmitting or receiving information as discussed elsewhere herein. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, apparatus 10 may include an input and/or output device (I/O device) or means.

[0065] In an embodiment, memory 14 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 10. The components of apparatus 10 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0066] According to some embodiments, processor 12 and memory 14 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some embodiments, transceiver 18 may be included in or may form a part of transceiver circuitry.

[0067] As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to hardware-only circuitry implementations (e.g., analog and/or digital circuitry), combinations of hardware circuits and software, combinations of analog and/or digital hardware circuits with software/firmware, any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processors) that work together to case an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10) to perform various functions, and/or hardware circuit(s) and/or processor(s), or portions thereof, that use software for operation but where the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation. As a further example, as used herein, the term “circuitry” may also cover an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors), or portion of a hardware circuit or processor, and its accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry may also cover, for example, a baseband integrated circuit in a server, cellular network node or device, or other computing or network device.

[0068] As introduced above, in certain embodiments, apparatus 10 may be or may include a UE (e.g., SL UE), TSN device, mobile device, mobile station, ME, loT device and/or NB-IoT device, for example. For example, in some embodiments, apparatus 10 may be configured to perform one or more of the processes depicted in any of the flow charts or signaling diagrams described herein. In some embodiments, as discussed herein, apparatus 10 may be configured to perform a procedure relating to providing reliability assistance cast(s) for SL, for instance.

[0069] According to certain embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit a first cast of a SL communication. For example, the SL communication may include a SL broadcast or groupcast. In an embodiment, apparatus 10 may optionally be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit at least one second assisting cast of the SL communication. For instance, in some embodiments, the at least one second assisting cast may be transmitted subsequent to or concurrently with the first cast. In an embodiment, the at least one second assisting cast may include at least coded packets generated from the first cast of the SL communication. [0070] In an embodiment, the coded packets of the at least one second assisting cast may be generated using at least one coding method, such as XOR coding and/or RS coding. In one embodiment, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit the at least one second assisting cast on resources separate from the first cast. In some embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit the at least one second assisting cast when channel sensing indicates that channel occupancy during the sensing window is below a predefined threshold. According to an embodiment, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit the at least one second assisting cast with a different packet error rate (PER) target from packets of the first cast. [0071] Fig. 14b illustrates an example of an apparatus 20 according to another embodiment. In an embodiment, apparatus 20 may be a node or element in a communications network or associated with such a network, such as a UE, mobile equipment (ME), mobile station, mobile device, stationary device, loT device, TSN device, or other device. As described herein, UE may alternatively be referred to as, for example, a mobile station, mobile equipment, mobile unit, mobile device, user device, subscriber station, wireless terminal, tablet, smart phone, loT device, sensor or NB-IoT device, or the like. As one example, apparatus 20 may be implemented in, for instance, a wireless handheld device, a wireless plug-in accessory, or the like. In another embodiment, apparatus 20 may be a satellite, base station, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), 5G Node B or access point, next generation Node B (NG-NB or gNB), and/or WLAN access point, associated with a radio access network, such as a LTE network, 5G or NR.

[0072] It should be understood that, in some example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be comprised of an edge cloud server as a distributed computing system where the server and the radio node may be stand-alone apparatuses communicating with each other via a radio path or via a wired connection, or they may be located in a same entity communicating via a wired connection. For instance, in certain example embodiments where apparatus 20 represents a gNB, it may be configured in a central unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU) architecture that divides the gNB functionality. In such an architecture, the CU may be a logical node that includes gNB functions such as transfer of user data, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, and/or session management, etc. The CU may control the operation of DU(s) over a front-haul interface. The DU may be a logical node that includes a subset of the gNB functions, depending on the functional split option. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 20 may include components or features not shown in Fig. 14b.

[0073] In some example embodiments, apparatus 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage medium (for example, memory, storage, or the like), one or more radio access components (for example, a modem, a transceiver, or the like), and/or a user interface. In some embodiments, apparatus 20 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and/or any other radio access technologies. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 20 may include components or features not shown in Fig. 14b.

[0074] As illustrated in the example of Fig. 14b, apparatus 20 may include or be coupled to a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 22 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. In fact, processor 22 may include one or more of general- purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. While a single processor 22 is shown in Fig. 14b, multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments. For example, it should be understood that, in certain embodiments, apparatus 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processor 22 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing. In certain embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0075] Processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 20 including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain/phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 20, including processes related to management of communication resources.

[0076] Apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to a memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 22, for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 22. Memory 24 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and/or removable memory. For example, memory 24 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 22, enable the apparatus 20 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0077] In an embodiment, apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processor 22 and/or apparatus 20.

[0078] In some embodiments, apparatus 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for receiving a downlink signal and for transmitting via an uplink from apparatus 20. Apparatus 20 may further include a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 28 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 25. The radio interface may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, and the like. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to-analog converters and the like), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) module, and the like, to process symbols, such as OFDMA symbols, carried by a downlink or an uplink.

[0079] For instance, transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the anteima(s) 25 and demodulate information received via the anteima(s) 25 for further processing by other elements of apparatus 20. In other embodiments, transceiver 28 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, apparatus 20 may include an input and/or output device (I/O device). In certain embodiments, apparatus 20 may further include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or touchscreen.

[0080] In an embodiment, memory 24 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 20. The components of apparatus 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to an example embodiment, apparatus 20 may optionally be configured to communicate with apparatus 10 or apparatus 30 via a wireless or wired communications link or interface 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0081] According to some embodiments, processor 22 and memory 24 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry/means or control circuitry/means. In addition, in some embodiments, transceiver 28 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry or transceiving means. [0082] As discussed above, according to some embodiments, apparatus 20 may be a UE (e.g., SL UE), TSN device, mobile device, mobile station, ME, loT device and/or NB-IoT device, for example. According to certain embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to perform the functions associated with example embodiments described herein. For example, in some embodiments, apparatus 20 may be configured to perform one or more of the processes depicted in any of the flow charts or signaling diagrams described herein, such as those illustrated in Figs. 3, 5, 10, 12 or 13. In certain embodiments, apparatus 20 may include or represent a UE, such as one or more of the assisting UE(s) illustrated in the figures and discussed elsewhere herein. According to an embodiment, apparatus 20 may be configured to perform a procedure relating to providing reliability assistance cast(s) for SL, for instance. [0083] In certain embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to code packets from a first cast of a SL communication to generate coded packets for at least one second assisting cast. For example, the SL communication may include a SL broadcast or groupcast. According to an embodiment, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit, subsequent to a first cast of the SL communication, the at least one second assisting cast of the SL communication to a UE (i.e., destination UE). The at least one second assisting cast may include at least the coded packets generated from the first cast of the SL communication.

[0084] According to one embodiment, apparatus 20 may be a SL transmitting UE and apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit the first cast of the SL broadcast or groupcast. For instance, in some embodiments, the at least one second assisting cast may be transmitted subsequent to or concurrently with the first cast.

[0085] In another embodiment, apparatus 20 may be a SL receiving UE and/or network node and/or serving gNB, and apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive the first cast of the SL communication, and to transmit the at least one second assisting cast.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the coded packets of the at least one second assisting cast may be generated using at least one coding method, such as XOR coding and/or RS coding. In one embodiment, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit the at least one second assisting cast on resources separate from the first cast. In some embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit the at least one second assisting cast when channel sensing indicates that channel occupancy during the sensing window is below a predefined threshold. According to an embodiment, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit the at least one second assisting cast with a different packet error rate (PER) target from packets of the first cast. [0087] Fig. 14c illustrates an example of an apparatus 30 according to another example embodiment. In an example embodiment, apparatus 30 may be a node or element in a communications network or associated with such a network, such as a UE, mobile equipment (ME), mobile station, mobile device, stationary device, loT device, TSN device, or other device. As described herein, UE may alternatively be referred to as, for example, a mobile station, mobile equipment, mobile unit, mobile device, user device, subscriber station, wireless terminal, tablet, smart phone, loT device or NB- loT device, a connected car, or the like. As one example, apparatus 30 may be implemented in, for instance, a wireless handheld device, a wireless plug-in accessory, or the like.

[0088] In some example embodiments, apparatus 30 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage medium (for example, memory, storage, or the like), one or more radio access components (for example, a modem, a transceiver, or the like), and/or a user interface. In some example embodiments, apparatus 30 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, MulteFire, and/or any other radio access technologies. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 30 may include components or features not shown in Fig. 14c.

[0089] As illustrated in the example of Fig. 14c, apparatus 30 may include or be coupled to a processor 32 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 32 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. In fact, processor 32 may include one or more of general- purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. While a single processor 32 is shown in Fig. 14c, multiple processors may be utilized according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 30 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processor 32 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing. In certain example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0090] Processor 32 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 30 including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain/phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 30, including processes related to management of communication resources.

[0091] Apparatus 30 may further include or be coupled to a memory 34 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 32, for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 32. Memory 34 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and/or removable memory. For example, memory 34 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memory 34 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 32, enable the apparatus 30 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0092] In an example embodiment, apparatus 30 may further include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processor 32 and/or apparatus 30.

[0093] In some example embodiments, apparatus 30 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 35 for receiving a downlink signal and for transmitting via an uplink from apparatus 30. Apparatus 30 may further include a transceiver 38 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 38 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 35. The radio interface may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, BT-LE, RFID, UWB, and the like. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to- analog converters and the like), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) module, and the like, to process symbols, such as OFDMA symbols, carried by a downlink or an uplink.

[0094] For instance, transceiver 38 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the anteima(s) 35 and demodulate information received via the anteima(s) 35 for further processing by other elements of apparatus 30. In other example embodiments, transceiver 38 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, apparatus 30 may include an input and/or output device (I/O device). In certain example embodiments, apparatus 30 may further include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or touchscreen.

[0095] In an example embodiment, memory 34 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 32. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 30. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 30. The components of apparatus 30 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to an example embodiment, apparatus 30 may optionally be configured to communicate with apparatus 10 via a wireless or wired communications link 71 and/or to communicate with apparatus 20 via a wireless or wired communications link 72, according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0096] According to some example embodiments, processor 32 and memory 34 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceiver 38 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry.

[0097] As discussed above, according to some example embodiments, apparatus 30 may be a UE (e.g., SL UE), mobile device, mobile station, ME, loT device, TSN device and/or NB-IoT device, for example. According to certain example embodiments, apparatus 30 may be controlled by memory 34 and processor 32 to perform the functions associated with example embodiments described herein. For instance, in some example embodiments, apparatus 30 may be configured to perform one or more of the processes depicted in any of the diagrams or signaling flow diagrams described herein, such as the process illustrated in the example of Fig. 13. As an example, apparatus 30 may correspond to or represent a UE, such as one or more of the destination UE(s) illustrated in the examples of Figs. 2-11. According to certain example embodiments, apparatus 30 may be configured to perform a procedure relating to providing reliability assistance cast(s) for SL, for instance.

[0098] In some embodiments, apparatus 30 may be controlled by memory 34 and processor 32 to receive a first cast of a SL communication from a SL transmitting UE. For example, the SL communication may include a SL broadcast or groupcast. In an embodiment, apparatus 30 may be controlled by memory 34 and processor 32 to receive at least one second assisting cast of the SL communication. The at least one second assisting cast may include coded packets generated from the first cast of the SL communication. In certain embodiments, apparatus 30 may be controlled by memory 34 and processor 32 to receive the at least one second assisting cast when channel sensing indicates that channel occupancy during the sensing window is below a predefined threshold.

[0099] In one embodiment, apparatus 30 may be controlled by memory 34 and processor 32 to receive the at least one second assisting cast from the SL transmitting UE. According to an embodiment, apparatus 30 may be controlled by memory 34 and processor 32 to receive the at least one second assisting cast from one or more assisting UEs. In an embodiment, the one or more assisting UEs may be receivers of the first cast.

[00100] According to some embodiments, apparatus 30 may be controlled by memory 34 and processor 32 to receive at least two assisting casts that are respectively coded using different coding methods. For example, one of the at least two assisting casts may be coded using XOR coding and another of the at least two assisting casts may be coded using RS coding. In a further embodiment, apparatus 30 may be controlled by memory 34 and processor 32 to receive at least two assisting casts that are respectively coded using a different set of packets from the first cast.

[00101] In some embodiments, apparatus 30 may be controlled by memory 34 and processor 32 to receive the at least one second assisting cast from a network node or gNB. According to an embodiment, apparatus 30 may be controlled by memory 34 and processor 32 to receive the at least one second assisting cast on resources separate from the first cast. In one embodiment, apparatus 30 may be controlled by memory 34 and processor 32 to receive the at least one second assisting cast with a different PER target from packets of the first cast.

[00102] In some embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and/or apparatus 20 and/or apparatus 30) may include means for performing a method or any of the procedures or variants discussed herein, e.g., a method described with reference to Figs. 12 or 13. Examples of the means may include one or more processors, memory, and/or computer program code for causing the performance of the operation.

[00103] Therefore, certain example embodiments provide several technological improvements, enhancements, and/or advantages over existing technological processes and constitute an improvement at least to the technological field of wireless network control and management. For example, as discussed in detail in the foregoing, certain example embodiments provide reliability assistance cast(s) for SL. As a result, an advantage of certain embodiments is providing greatly enhanced reliability of D2D broadcasts/groupcasts when compared to conventional methods such as repetitive transmissions, data duplication, and retransmissions. Accordingly, the use of certain example embodiments results in improved functioning of communications networks and their nodes, such as base stations, eNBs, gNBs, and/or loT devices, UEs or mobile stations.

[00104] In some example embodiments, the functionality of any of the methods, processes, signaling diagrams, algorithms or flow charts described herein may be implemented by software and/or computer program code or portions of code stored in memory or other computer readable or tangible media, and may be executed by a processor.

[00105] In some example embodiments, an apparatus may include or be associated with at least one software application, module, unit or entity configured as arithmetic operation(s), or as a program or portions of programs (including an added or updated software routine), which may be executed by at least one operation processor or controller. Programs, also called program products or computer programs, including software routines, applets and macros, may be stored in any apparatus-readable data storage medium and may include program instructions to perform particular tasks.

[00106] A computer program product may include one or more computerexecutable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out some example embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of code. Modifications and configurations required for implementing the functionality of an example embodiment may be performed as routine(s), which may be implemented as added or updated software routine(s). In one example, software routine(s) may be downloaded into the apparatus.

[00107] As an example, software or computer program code or portions of code may be in source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers may include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectrical and/or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and/or software distribution package, for example. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[00108] In other example embodiments, the functionality of example embodiments may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in an apparatus, for example through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functionality of example embodiments may be implemented as a signal, such as a non-tangible means, that can be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network. [00109] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus, such as a node, device, or a corresponding component, may be configured as circuitry, a computer or a microprocessor, such as single-chip computer element, or as a chipset, which may include at least a memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operation(s) and/or an operation processor for executing the arithmetic operation(s).

[00110] Example embodiments described herein may apply to both singular and plural implementations, regardless of whether singular or plural language is used in connection with describing certain embodiments. For example, an embodiment that describes operations of a single network node equally applies to embodiments that include multiple instances of the network node, and vice versa.

[00111] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the example embodiments as discussed above may be practiced with procedures in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although some embodiments have been described based upon these example embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of example embodiments.

Claims

34 We Claim:

1. A method, comprising: receiving, at a user equipment (UE), a first cast of a sidelink communication from a sidelink transmitting user equipment (UE); receiving at least one second assisting cast of the sidelink communication, wherein the at least one second assisting cast comprises coded packets generated from the first cast of the sidelink communication.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the receiving of the at least one second assisting cast comprises receiving at least one assisting cast from the sidelink transmitting user equipment (UE).

3. The method according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the receiving of the at least one second assisting cast comprises receiving at least one assisting cast from one or more assisting user equipment (UEs).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the one or more assisting user equipment (UEs) are receivers of the first cast.

5. The method according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the receiving of the at least one second assisting cast comprises receiving at least two assisting casts that are respectively coded using different coding methods.

6. The method according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the receiving of the at least one second assisting cast comprises receiving at least two assisting casts that are respectively coded using a different set of packets from the first cast.

7. The method according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the receiving of the at 35 least one second assisting cast comprises receiving at least one assisting cast from a network node.

8. The method according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the receiving of the at least one second assisting cast comprises receiving at least one assisting cast on resources separate from the first cast.

9. The method according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the receiving of the at least one second assisting cast comprises receiving the at least one second assisting cast when channel sensing indicates that channel occupancy during the sensing window is below a predefined threshold.

10. The method according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the sidelink communication comprises at least one of a sidelink broadcast or groupcast.

11. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to receive a first cast of a sidelink communication from a sidelink transmitting user equipment (UE); receive at least one second assisting cast of the sidelink communication, wherein the at least one second assisting cast comprises coded packets generated from the first cast of the sidelink communication.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least one memory and computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to receive the at least one second assisting cast from the sidelink transmitting user equipment (UE).

13. The apparatus according to claims 11 or 12, wherein the at least one memory and computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to receive the at least one second assisting cast from one or more assisting user equipment (UEs).

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the one or more assisting user equipment (UEs) are receivers of the first cast.

15. The apparatus according to any of claims 11-14, wherein the received at least one second assisting cast comprises at least two assisting casts that are respectively coded using different coding methods.

16. The apparatus according to any of claims 11-15, wherein the received at least one second assisting cast comprises at least two assisting casts that are respectively coded using a different set of packets from the first cast.

17. The apparatus according to any of claims 11-16, wherein the at least one memory and computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to receive the at least one second assisting cast from a network node.

18. The apparatus according to any of claims 11-17, wherein the at least one memory and computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to receive the at least one second assisting cast on resources separate from the first cast.

19. The apparatus according to any of claims 11-18, wherein the at least one memory and computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to receive the at least one second assisting cast when channel sensing indicates that channel occupancy during the sensing window is below a predefined threshold.

20. The apparatus according to any of claims 11-19, wherein the sidelink communication comprises at least one of a sidelink broadcast or groupcast.

21. An apparatus, comprising: means for receiving a first cast of a sidelink communication from a sidelink transmitting user equipment (UE); means for receiving at least one second assisting cast of the sidelink communication, wherein the at least one second assisting cast comprises coded packets generated from the first cast of the sidelink communication.

22. A method, comprising: transmitting, subsequent to a first cast of a sidelink communication, at least one second assisting cast of the sidelink communication to a user equipment (UE), wherein the at least one second assisting cast comprises coded packets generated from the first cast of the sidelink communication.

23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising: coding packets from the first cast of the sidelink communication to generate the coded packets of the at least one second assisting cast.

24. The method according to claims 22 or 23, further comprising: transmitting, from a sidelink transmitting user equipment (UE), the first cast of the sidelink communication, and wherein the transmitting of the at least one second assisting cast 38 comprises transmitting the at least one second assisting cast from the sidelink transmitting user equipment (UE).

25. The method according to any of claims 22-24, further comprising: receiving, at a sidelink receiving user equipment (UE), the first cast of the sidelink communication, and wherein the transmitting of the at least one second assisting cast comprises transmitting the at least one second assisting cast from the sidelink receiving user equipment (UE).

26. The method according to any of claims 22-25, wherein the coded packets of the at least one second assisting cast are generated using at least one coding method, and wherein the at least one coding method is different from a coding method used to generate at least one second assisting cast from another receiving user equipment.

27. The method according to any of claims 22-26, further comprising: receiving, at a network node, the first cast of the sidelink communication, and wherein the transmitting of the at least one second assisting cast comprises transmitting the at least one second assisting cast from the network node.

28. The method according to any of claims 22-27, wherein the transmitting of the at least one second assisting cast comprises transmitting at least one assisting cast on resources separate from the first cast.

29. The method according to any of claims 22-28, wherein the transmitting of the at least one second assisting cast comprises transmitting the at least one second assisting cast when channel sensing indicates that channel occupancy 39 during the sensing window is below a predefined threshold.

30. The method according to any of claims 22-29, wherein the sidelink communication comprises at least one of a sidelink broadcast or groupcast.

31. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to transmit, subsequent to a first cast of a sidelink communication, at least one second assisting cast of the sidelink communication to a user equipment (UE), wherein the at least one second assisting cast comprises coded packets generated from the first cast of the sidelink communication.

32. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein, to generate the coded packets, the at least one memory and computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: code packets from the first cast of the sidelink communication to generate the coded packets of the at least one second assisting cast.

33. The apparatus according to claims 31 or 32, wherein the apparatus comprises a sidelink transmitting user equipment (UE), and the at least one memory and computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: transmit the first cast of the sidelink communication.

34. The apparatus according to any of claims 31-33, wherein the apparatus comprises a sidelink receiving user equipment (UE), and the at least one 40 memory and computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: receive the first cast of the sidelink communication.

35. The apparatus according to any of claims 31-34, wherein the coded packets of the at least one second assisting cast are generated using at least one coding method, and wherein the at least one coding method is different from a coding method used to generate at least one second assisting cast from another receiving user equipment.

36. The apparatus according to any of claims 31-35, wherein the apparatus comprises a network node), and the at least one memory and computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: receive the first cast of the sidelink communication.

37. The apparatus according to any of claims 31-36, wherein the at least one memory and computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to transmit the at least one second assisting cast on resources separate from the first cast.

38. The apparatus according to any of claims 31-37, wherein the at least one memory and computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to transmit the at least one second assisting cast when channel sensing indicates that channel occupancy during the sensing window is below a predefined threshold.

39. The apparatus according to any of claims 31-38, wherein the sidelink communication comprises at least one of a sidelink broadcast or groupcast. 41

40. An apparatus, comprising: means for transmitting, in addition to a first cast of a sidelink communication, at least one second assisting cast of the sidelink communication to a user equipment (UE), wherein the at least one second assisting cast comprises coded packets generated from the first cast of the sidelink communication.

41. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing a method according to any of claims 1-10 or 22-30.