WO2024205565A1

WO2024205565A1 - Service continuity for common channel scheduling by a base station

Info

Publication number: WO2024205565A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/016364
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vijayakumar YALAMALLI; Vihang KAMBLE; Nirav Salot; Raghavendra Ramakrishna; Pallavi Srinivasa ALSE; Sourav SASIDHARAN
Original assignee: Rakuten Symphony, Inc.; Rakuten Mobile Usa Llc
Priority date: 2023-03-27
Filing date: 2023-03-27
Publication date: 2024-10-03

Abstract

Service continuity for common channel scheduling is provided by a base station. A scheduling list identifying transmissions. A Power Restriction is determined for a predetermined time window. For a plurality of slots in the predetermined time window, a reserved power useable to transmit mandatory transmissions a power available to transmit a non-mandatory transmissions are set. A determination is made whether a first transmission in a first of the plurality of slots is for a mandatory transmission or a non-mandatory transmission. In response to the first transmission being for the mandatory transmission. A mandatory transmission is transmitted using the reserved power. In response to power being available for non-mandatory transmissions, non-mandatory transmission is made and a move is made to a next transmission. Else, a move is made to a next of the plurality of slots.

Description

SERVICE CONTINUITY FOR COMMON CHANNEL SCHEDULING BY A BASE STATION

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This description relates to providing service continuity for common channel scheduling by a base station, and method of using the same.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Deployment of the fifth generation (5G) wireless communication services requires the installation of 5G base stations, such as next-generation Node-B Base Stations (gNBs). The 5G base stations emit Radio Frequency (RF) emissions that present potential health risks from exposure to ElectroMagnetic Fields (EMFs). When any radio equipment is to be deployed, regulatory RF EMF exposure guidelines are given consideration. These RF EMF exposure guidelines from 5G equipment are based on international guidelines and standards from, for example, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as well as national regulations in more than 220 countries.

[0003] 5G base stations and other radio equipment are equipped with advanced antenna systems (AAS). These antenna systems increase the capacity and / or coverage compared to traditionally used antenna systems by the addition of one or more antenna arrays. AAS enable the simultaneous transmission of parallel data streams between a base station on the network side and a terminal device at the user-side through the use of Multiple-Input- Multiple-Output (MIMO) transmission. 5G base stations and other radio equipment that use AAS systems with a large number of transmitters to provide high directivity rely on a large beam forming gain. A consequence of increasing beamforming gain is that the radiated energy is concentrated in directional beams, in which the Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP), i.e., the power radiated from an antenna with unity antenna gain in all directions, is increased as compared to the situation without AAS systems. The RF EMF exposure limits are expressed in terms of power density (e.g., Watts/m²). EIRP, and the power density at a given distance from the antenna, is higher in a beam generated by an AAS system with beam forming gain, than without such an AAS system.

[0004] The ICNIRP and other RF EMF exposure limitations are commonly expressed as an average power density over a specified time interval. The momentary power density can be significantly higher during a shorter time period, however the time-averaged power density over any time period must be below the specified limit. The power density varies inversely with distance from the transmitter. The distance from the transmitter at which the specified limit is met is referred to as the "compliance distance". To maintain a certain RF exposure compliance distance, which is shorter than that obtained using the maximum momentary EIRP of the AAS, the time-averaged power is to be maintained at or below a pre-determined threshold, or a set of pre-defined thresholds for different beam directions. In response to the power density exceeding a predetermined time-averages power density threshold, the transmitted power is able to be decreased to reduce incident EMF.

[0005] There are various ways of meeting a predetermined time-averages power density threshold. For example, the power emitted by a 5dG base station is able to be reduced so that a lower level of energy is absorbed by a user. However, this leads to lower performance of the communication system since less energy will be received by the target device. A certain power is used for some mandatory transmissions and some retransmissions. The mandated transmission and retransmission are to occur as scheduled without power being constrained.

SUMMARY

[0006] In at least embodiment, a method for providing service continuity for common channel scheduling by a base station includes determining a Power Restriction for a predetermined time window, for a plurality of slots in the predetermined time window, setting a reserved power useable to transmit mandatory transmissions, and setting, based on the power restriction, a power available to transmit a non-mandatory transmissions, determining whether a first transmission in a first of the plurality of slots is for a mandatory transmission or a non-mandatory transmission, in response to the first transmission being for the mandatory transmission, transmitting the mandatory transmission using the reserved power, in response to the first transmission being for the non-mandatory transmission, determining whether the power available to transmit the non-mandatory transmission is greater than 0, and in response to the power available for the first of the plurality of slots being greater than 0, transmitting the non-mandatory transmission and moving to a next transmission, else go to a next of the plurality of slots.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, a base station, includes a memory storing computer- readable instructions, and a processor connected to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to perform operations to determine a Power Restriction for a predetermined time window, for a plurality of slots in the predetermined time window, set a reserved power useable to transmit mandatory transmissions, and set, based on the power restriction, a power available to transmit a nonmandatory transmissions, determine whether a first transmission in a first of the plurality of slots is for a mandatory transmission or a non-mandatory transmission, in response to the first transmission being for the mandatory transmission, transmit the mandatory transmission using the reserved power, in response to the first transmission being for the non-mandatory transmission, determine whether the power available to transmit the non-mandatory transmission is greater than 0, and in response to the power available for the first of the plurality of slots being greater than 0, transmit the non-mandatory transmission and moving to a next transmission, else go to a next of the plurality of slots.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-readable instructions stored thereon, which when executed by a processor causes the processor to perform operations including determining a Power Restriction for a predetermined time window, for a plurality of slots in the predetermined time window, setting a reserved power useable to transmit mandatory transmissions, and setting, based on the power restriction, a power available to transmit a non-mandatory transmissions, determining whether a first transmission in a first of the plurality of slots is for a mandatory transmission or a non-mandatory transmission, in response to the first transmission being for the mandatory transmission, transmitting the mandatory transmission using the reserved power, in response to the first transmission being for the non-mandatory transmission, determining whether the power available to transmit the non-mandatory transmission is greater than 0, and in response to the power available for the first of the plurality of slots being greater than 0, transmitting the non-mandatory transmission and moving to a next transmission, else go to a next of the plurality of slots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features are able to be increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a diagram of a 5G telecommunications system according to at least one embodiment.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a comparison of an isotropic antenna and a high gain antenna according to at least one embodiment. [0012] Fig. 3 illustrates a Massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna system according to at least one embodiment.

[0013] Fig. 4 illustrates data flows between the 5G protocol layers according to at least one embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 5 illustrates a 5G Frame structure for a 5G air interface according to at least one embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 6 illustrates beam sweeping using SSB according to at least one embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 7 illustrates a comparison of a broad beam and SSB Beams according to at least one embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a method for service continuity and common channel scheduling with smart power according to at least one embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 9 is a high-level functional block diagram of a processor-based system according to at least one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Embodiments described herein describes examples for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Examples of components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, or the like, are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, examples and are not intended to be limiting. Other components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, or the like, are contemplated. For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact and include embodiments in which additional features are formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features are unable to make direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure repeats reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

[0020] Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, are used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus is otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein likewise are interpreted accordingly. [0021] Terms like “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,” “mobile device,”

“subscriber station,” “subscriber equipment,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” and similar terminology, refer to a wireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wireless communication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming, or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. The foregoing terms are utilized interchangeably in the subject specification and related drawings. The terms “access point,” “base station,” “Node B,” “evolved Node B (eNode B),” next generation Node B (gNB), enhanced gNB (en-gNB), home Node B (HNB),” “home access point (HAP),” or the like refer to a wireless network component or apparatus that serves and receives data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming, or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream from UE. [0022] In at least one embodiment, a method for providing service continuity for common channel scheduling by a base station includes determining a Power Restriction for a predetermined time window, for a plurality of slots in the predetermined time window, setting a reserved power useable to transmit mandatory transmissions, and setting, based on the power restriction, a power available to transmit a non-mandatory transmissions, determining whether a first transmission in a first of the plurality of slots is for a mandatory transmission or a non-mandatory transmission, in response to the first transmission being for the mandatory transmission, transmitting the mandatory transmission using the reserved power, in response to the first transmission being for the non-mandatory transmission, determining whether the power available to transmit the non-mandatory transmission is greater than 0, and in response to the power available for the first of the plurality of slots being greater than 0, transmitting the non-mandatory transmission and moving to a next transmission, else go to a next of the plurality of slots.

[0023] Embodiments described herein provide method that provides one or more advantages. For example, operation of the base station is ensured to meet the regulatory requirements while ensuring the service to the users. A power restriction is determined for a predetermined time period (e.g., a moving average). Power is reserved for Mandatory Transmissions. A remaining power for a slot is used for Non-Mandatory Transmissions. Available power for Non-Mandatory Transmissions is reduced for the slot in response to a Non-Mandatory Transmissions. In response to no power being available for Non-Mandatory Transmissions, a next slot is considered for transmissions.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, a scheduling list identifying transmissions to schedule for N UEs is prepared, and a Power Restriction for a predetermined time window is set. The Power Restriction is based on an average Total Power Density allowable for transmissions over a predetermined time window. For a plurality of slots in the predetermined time window, a reserved power useable to transmit mandatory transmissions is set, and based on the power restriction, a power available to transmit a non-mandatory transmissions is set. A determination is made whether a first transmission in a first of the plurality of slots is for a mandatory transmission or a non-mandatory transmission. In response to the first transmission being for the mandatory transmission, the mandatory transmission is made using the reserved power. In response to the first transmission being for the non-mandatory transmission, a determination is made whether the power available to transmit the non- mandatory transmission is greater than 0. In response to the power available for the slot being greater than 0, the non-mandatory transmission is made and a move is made to a next transmission. Else, a move is made to a next slot. A time used for the first of the plurality of slots is updated in a power database for calculating the power restriction. The mandatory transmission is made by transmitting at least one of a common channel signal or a control channel signal, wherein the common channel signal or the control channel signal includes transmitting at least one of a Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIBs), System Information (SI), a paging message, a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element, a Radio Link Control (RLC) status Packet Data Unit (PDU), tracking reference symbols, or phase tracking reference symbols. After the non-mandatory transmission is made, the power available for the slot is reduced by the power used to transmit the non-mandatory transmission, wherein the reduced power identifies a new power available to transmit a next non-mandatory transmission in the slot. The non-mandatory transmission includes transmitting at least one of a broad beam transmission, a SSB transmission, or a data beam transmission.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a diagram of a 5G telecommunications system 100 according to at least one embodiment.

[0026] In Fig. 1, User 110 uses User Equipment (UE) 120, such as a mobile phone. UE 120 is connected to 5G Mobile Network 130 that includes 5G RAN 132 and Core Network 140.

[0027] RAN 132 is responsible for managing radio resources, including strategies and algorithms for controlling power, channel allocation and data rate. RAN 132 is able to be implemented according to different technologies and configurations, such as Centralized/Cloud RAN (CRAN), Virtualized RAN (VRAN), and Open RAN (ORAN). In a 5G network, cell sites are implemented using one of two types of RANs: Next Generation Node B (gNodeB) and Next Generation Evolved Node B (ng-eNB). The ng-eNB is an enhanced version of 4G eNodeB and connects UE 120 (e.g., 4G LTE UE) to a 5G type of Core Network 140 using 4G LTE radio interface. The gNB allows UE 120 (e.g., 5G UE) to connect with a 5G NG core 140 using a 5G NR air interface.

[0028] Core Network (CN) 140 connects RAN 132 to networks 150, such as a Public Landline Mobile Network (PLMN), a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and a Packet Data Network (PDN). CN 140 provides high-level traffic aggregation, routing, call control/switching, user authentication and charging.

[0029] 5G Network 130 is managed by the Network Management System (NMS) 160, which provides Provider Services 162 associated with network management functionalities. According to at least one embodiment, the NMS monitors network elements in 5G Network 130 and logs data regarding the performance of the network elements. NMS 160 includes tools and applications that support a network manager in monitoring and controlling the network. A network management system can detect, configure, monitor, and troubleshoot network devices, mitigating the need for a lot of manual work. Among other functions fault management, configuration management, administration, performance management, and security management.

[0030] Fault management includes the detection of problems, isolation of the problem, determination of what is causing the problem, troubleshooting and resolution of the problem, and documenting the process used to resolve the problem. Configuration management includes monitoring and documenting network and device configurations. Network managers use the NMS 160 to set, maintain, organize, and update configuration information for the network and network devices. Administration includes administering network users with passwords and permissions, backing up software, and performing accounting functions, such as billing. Performance management includes maintaining the efficiency of the network through measurement of metrics, such as throughput, uptime and downtime, error rates, percentage utilization, response time, and latency. Performance events and devices are monitored and changes are tracked. Security management includes the prevention, detection, and responses to prevent security threats. Storage 170 is used to store Data 172. Data 172 includes subscriber records of User 110 and other information associated with provisioning of Provider Services 162.

[0031] In 5G network 130, there are incoming calls and outgoing calls. Every subscriber has an identifier and the Mobile Phones 120 include other identifiers. For example, IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) is a unique number associated with a SIM card. IMSI doesn't change, even in response to a user swapping a SIM card into a different phone. IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique number identifying a particular phone. The IMEI changes whenever a different phone is used. ESN (Equipment Serial Number) uniquely identifies equipment and is embedded electronically by the manufacturer. Mobile Subscriber ID (MSID) (also referred to as Mobile Identification Number (MIN)) is a number to identify mobile subscribers within a mobile carrier network. The MSIN is part of the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number. These identifiers allow User 110 to be identified within a network 130 by the telecom provider at NMS 160.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a comparison of an isotropic antenna and a high gain antenna 200 according to at least one embodiment.

[0033] In Fig. 2, a Broad Beam 210, such as transmitted from an ideal Isotropic Antenna or an antenna array, transmits and receives energy uniformly in a wide angle of direction. While Broad Beam 210 is shown covering 360°, a Broad Beam 210 is able to cover a portion of a cell. For example, transmission in the absence of channel state information (CSI), often referred to as broad beam transmission. Such transmission is suitable for public channels, such as, e.g., Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) and Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH), for broadcasting cell-specific reference and synchronization signals. Such transmissions use a broad radiation pattern and equal power is transmitted per antenna or antennae in an antenna array. Transmission of a common PDCCH transmitted in downlink broad beam covers a sector of a cell, e.g., 120°, 60° etc. of the cell, or the entire cell.

[0034] For transmitting antennas, numeric gain may be used in lieu of dBi to calculate the field intensity an antenna is likely to produce. For a transmitting antenna, gain describes the antenna’s ability to convert input power to radio waves sent in a specified direction. In a receiving antenna, gain describes the antenna’s ability to convert radio waves (incoming from a specified direction) into electrical power.

[0035] Gain of an antenna transmitting Broad Beam 210 varies across the frequency range. For example, a broadband antenna is either tuned to one part of frequency range or another, or a multitude of antennas may be combined in an array.

[0036] High Gain/Directional Antenna 220 has a direct correlation to both directivity and beamwidth. Higher gain antennas achieve extra power by focusing power on a reduced area. Gain 222 and beamwidth 224 for High Gain/Directional Antenna 220 are inversely proportional. Focusing directivity reduces the beamwidth 224, and consequently, the coverage provided by High Gain/Directional Antenna 220 is reduced. This scenario represents increasing Gain 222. Gain 222 varies across the frequency range of High Gain/Directional Antenna 220, which means coverage is not consistent across that frequency range. [0037] Radio Frequency (RF) propagation is defined as the travel of electromagnetic waves through or along a medium. For RF propagation between approximately 100 MHz and 10 GHz, radio waves travel very much as they do in free space and travel in a direct line of sight. There is a very slight difference in the dielectric constants of space and air. In all but the highest precision calculations, the slight difference is neglected.

[0038] A uniform power density (power per unit area) in all directions or a portion of a cell is characteristic of a Broad Beam 210. For example, for an isotropic antenna, the power density at any distance is simply the transmitter power divided by the surface area of a sphere (47tr2) at that distance. The surface area of the sphere increases by the square of the radius, therefore the power density, watts/ square meter, decreases by the square of the radius.

[0039] High Gain/Directional Antenna 220 channels radiate power in a particular direction. The Gain 222 of High Gain/Directional Antenna 220 is the ratio of power radiated in the desired direction as compared to the power radiated from an isotropic antenna. The power density at a distant point from High Gain/Directional Antenna 220 with an antenna Gain 222 is the power density from an isotropic antenna multiplied by the Gain 222. National regulatory authorities set RF-EMF exposure limits for mobile network sites, which are able to be based on a measurement of power density. Such policies are often based on international RF-EMF exposure guidelines for human exposure limits developed by the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). However, national regulatory authorities in different countries uses differing approaches to regulating compliance with RF- EMF limits. Further, national regulatory authorities do not define the methods/process to ensure the service continuity and scheduling common channels while meeting the smart port/ EMF radiations control requirements.

[0040] Fig. 3 illustrates a Massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna system 300 according to at least one embodiment.

[0041] In Fig. 3, a Base Station 310 is shown communicating with UEs 320, 322, 324, 326, 328. In 5G networks, Base Station 310 uses a Massive MIMO Array 330 to communicate with UEs 320, 322, 324, 326, 328. 5G mobile networks use a range of technologies to provide a much better experience to customers than 4G LTE networks. Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) is an antenna technology that is used in 4G LTE networks. Massive MIMO Array 330 is used in 5G New Radio (NR) network and is an enhanced/expanded version of 4G MIMO that includes a much higher number of antennas on the base station. Massive MIMO Array 330 enhances spectral efficiency, network capacity, coverage and achievable data rates. Massive MIMO Array 330 uses a large number of antenna elements within the transmitter and receiver antenna panels to simultaneously support multiple UEs 320, 322, 324, 326, 328.

[0042] In Fig. 3, for simplicity of representation, Massive MIMO Array 330 is shown as an 8x8 antenna array. However, in at least one embodiment, Massive MIMO Array 330 is a 64 x 64 antenna array, but other configurations are able to be implemented including a 256 x 256 antenna array. Massive MIMO Array 330 includes a large number of antenna elements, and provides multi-user capability within the Massive MIMO Array 330. Thus, the number of antenna elements is certainly a key aspect for Massive MIMO Array 330, the other aspect that differentiates it from standard MIMO is the multi-user capability that allows it to support multiple user devices simultaneously.

[0043] Massive MIMO Array 330 uses spatial multiplexing, diversity and beamforming to increase network capacity, throughput and radio link quality. The transmitter and receiver diversity, spatial multiplexing and beamforming of Massive MIMO Array 330 provide the foundation for improving signal reliability and data throughput whilst reducing interference. [0044] Diversity provided by Massive MIMO Array 330 reduces the impact of signal fading. A radio signal can take many paths to travel between a transmitter and receiver. Some paths are without any obstructions, e.g. high-rise buildings, but other paths may have obstacles in the way. As a result, the different versions of the signal travelling through the various paths may fade at different rates. Diversity exploits this nature of the signal by introducing multiple antennas to capture the different versions of the signal so that they can be combined to improve the overall signal quality. Diversity provided by Massive MIMO Array 330 makes the signal more robust by improving the reliability of the radio link. However, it does not improve the radio channel capacity, so the data rate or throughput is not impacted by diversity.

[0045] Spatial multiplexing provided by Massive MIMO Array 330 improves the efficiency of the frequency channel. The improvement in spectral efficiency provided by Massive MIMO Array 330 leads to higher overall capacity and, therefore, higher data rates. In Massive MIMO Array 330, a large number of antenna elements are separated physically in space with the ability to transmit and receive different data streams simultaneously. The overall data stream intended for a specific user can be sent over multiple individual data streams. At the receiving end, these data streams are picked up by an array of receiving antenna elements to put the various individual data streams back together as a single data stream. This process improves the data rates for an individual user.

[0046] Spatial multiplexing provided by Massive MIMO Array 330 also uses frequency and time resources to improve network capacity and, therefore, bit rates. The different signal paths created by multiple antennas in Massive MIMO are used as sub-channels for sending and receiving data streams for multiple users. The use of multiple data streams through spatial multiplexing by Massive MEMO Array 330 allows UEs 320-328 to obtain higher overall bit rates. In addition, due to the large number of antenna elements in Massive MEMO Array 330, additional capacity is created, enabling higher throughput for multiple users simultaneously.

[0047] Beamforming provided by Massive MEMO Array 330 is an advanced antenna technology that is based on targeted the signal transmission through multiple antenna elements in a particular direction instead of broadcasting the signal in all directions. Beamforming makes efficient use of the available transmission power to point the different beams of the signal in the desired direction. In Massive MEMO Array 330, beamforming is three dimensional (3D beamforming), so the beams can be horizontal and vertical to improve the data rates for users, even if users are in high-rise buildings. Beamforming provided by Massive MEMO Array 330 extends the range of the signal by shaping the transmission such that the desired beam gets most of the transmission power to become longer whilst suppressing the other beams that are in the non-desired direction.

[0048] Massive MEMO Array 330 efficiently utilizes the radio network resources to improve network capacity leading to a higher throughput and multi-user support. Massive MEMO Array 330 uses the beamforming technique to focus the transmission power in specific directions which extends the network coverage whilst minimizing interference.

[0049] However, as mentioned above, human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) is a concern. EMF is dependent on the peak Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP). Due to large number of antenna elements and the beamforming used in Massive MEMO Array 330, the peak EIRP is high compared to the traditional 4 Transmit/4 Receive (4T4R) antenna systems in 4G LTE, e.g., EIRP of 4T4R of 52 dBm vs EIRP of 32T32R of 69 dBm. Large EIRP results in greater EMF radiation as defined by the following equation:

[0050] where (p is the elevation angle of the main lobe and 0 is the azimuth angle of the main lobe generated by Base Station 310.

[0051] To protect the human body from the harmful effect of EMF, regulatory bodies in a country set the EMF exposure limit based on the EIRP. However, network services are impacted in response to common and broadcast channel transmissions, and Layer 2 Level Message/ Protocol Data Units (PDUs) transmissions being constrained due to power limitations. For example, service of UEs 320-328 are impacted in response to not being able to schedule transmission of Media Access Control (MAC) Control Elements (CEs) and status Protocol Data Units (PDUs). There are multiple beam transmissions that the base station is capable of using. Some channels are on broad beams, which have lesser EIRP because broad beams have a broader beam width where the power is spread out. Some transmissions will use a narrow beam, e.g., SSB Beams, which results in more EIRP per unit area. The number of resource blocks that are allocated are known for the Broad Beam and for the SSB Beams. Thus, the EIRP used in a particular slot is known. The power density is able to be determined by looking at the distance. Once the numbers are available, a predetermined time window (such as a moving average), e.g., 6 minutes, is able to be used to determine the power density. At least one embodiment described herein reserves power for common and broadcast channel transmissions, and Layer 2 Level Message/PDUs transmissions by Base Station 310. The reservable power is able to be set using a configurable power reservation parameter. Thus, some power is reserved for mandatory transmissions that exceeds the average power density threshold by certain value (e.g., set by a regulatory body). However, non-mandatory transmissions are able to be halted while mandatory transmissions are allowed to continue. For example, Radio Link Control (RLC) Level acknowledgment is used to signal packets not being received correctly and triggering a retransmission. In response to the current level acknowledgment not going through, the service of the UE is impacted. The continuation of RLC acknowledgement in a manner that meets regulatory specifications based on the reserved power ensures that UE services are maintained.

[0052] Fig. 4 illustrates data flows between the 5G protocol layers 400 according to at least one embodiment.

[0053] In Fig. 4, the 5G protocol layers 400 include the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer 410, the Media Access Control (MAC) Layer 412, and the Physical (PHY) Layer 414. Data flows between the RLC Layer 410, MAC Layer 412, and PHY Layer 414 of the stack through channels.

[0054] In 5G networks, RRC and NAS messages functions are used to exchange the signaling between UEs 402, 403, 404, 405 and Base Station 406 (e.g., a gNodeB). But there are several communication paths at the Media Access Control (MAC) Layer 412 that carry special control information. These special MAC structures carrying the control information are referred to as MAC Control Elements (MAC CEs). MAC CE at the MAC Layer 412 works between UEs 402, 403, 404, 405 and gNodeB 406 for FAST Signaling Communication Exchange without involving upper layers. MAC CE is sent as a part of a MAC PDU and is placed before MAC SDUs.

[0055] A Radio Link Control (RLC) Status Packet Data Unit (PDU) is used to carry various RLC control information, such as acknowledging receipt of RLC Service Data Units (SDUs) and RLC SDU segments. SDUs are packets handed to a lower layer by an upper layer. For example, a PDU is a SDU with an additional header or trailer that carries information used by that layer's protocol. The SDU is said to be encapsulated in the PDU.

[0056] Logical Channels 420 are between the RLC Layer 410 and the MAC Layer 412. These channels define the type of data that can be transferred. Transport Channels 450 carry information from the MAC Layer 412 to the PHY Layer 414. Transport Channels 450 define how the information will be carried to the PHY Layer 414 and the characteristics of the data. PHY Layer 414 communicates directly with User Equipment (UE) equipment through the Physical Channels 480. Characteristics of the Physical Channels 480 include timing, access protocols, and data rates.

[0057] Logical Channels 420, Transport Channels 450, and Physical Channels 480 carry 5G New Radio information on the air interface between a UE and a 5G base station. These channels carry User Plane (UP) or Control Plane (CP) information. Logical Channels 420, Transport Channels 450, and Physical Channels 480 are used to organize and simplify the design and development of the stack. Logical Channels 420, Transport Channels 450, and Physical Channels 480 are able to be prioritized and optimized differently, and Downlink (DL) channels are distinct from Uplink (UL) channels, though some channel names may be the same.

[0058] There are several different Logical Channels 420 that are used within the 5G NR radio access network. Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) 422 is used within the Downlink, and is used for sending broadcast style information to the UE within that cell. The system information transmitted by the 5G NR BCCH 422 is divided into different blocks: Master Information Block (MIB) 423, and System Information Block (SIBs) 424. There are several SIBs 424 that provide information for configuring communication channels.

[0059] In LTE, the system information (SI) is periodically broadcast to UEs 402, 403, 404, 405. In 5G NR networks, SI includes a Master Information Block (MIB) 423 and a number of System Information Blocks (SIBs) 424 to improve the utilization of wireless resources and the latency of SI acquisition. SIBs 424 are divided into Minimum SI and Other SI. Minimum SI carries basic information required for initial access and for acquiring any other SI.

[0060] MIB 423 is system information that is broadcasted by the Base Station 406 at a set periodicity. For UEs 402, 403, 404, 405 to camp on a cell, UEs 402, 403, 404, 405 acquire the contents of the Minimum SI from that cell. Other SI includes SIBs not broadcast in the Minimum SI. UEs 402, 403, 404, 405 do not need to receive these SIBs before accessing the cell. Other SI is also known as On-Demand SI because Base Station 406 transmits/broadcasts these SIBs in response to being explicitly requested by UEs 402, 403,

404, 405. This approach enhances network energy performance and reduces signaling overhead in the Base Station 406 by transmitting SI in response to explicitly being requested by UEs 402, 403, 404, 405. The Base Station 406 is able to completely avoid transmitting other SI in response to there being no UE in the cell.

[0061] Paging Control Channel (PCCH) 426 is a Downlink channel, and is used to page the UEs 402, 403, 404, 405 whose location at the cell level is not known to the 5G network. As a result, a paging message is sent using PCCH 426 by multiple base stations 406. For example, in response to UE 402 not having any ongoing data transmissions, UE 402 enters an IDLE state in order to preserve battery. If new data arrives for UE 402, the network probes the IDLE UE by sending the paging message from the Base Station 406, and UE 402 correspondingly responds.

[0062] Common Control Channel (CCCH) 428 is a 5G channel that is used on both the downlink and uplink for transmitting control information to and from the UEs 402, 403, 404,

405. CCCH 428 is used for initial access, i.e. mobiles that do not have a radio resource control (RRC) connection.

[0063] Dedicated Control Channel (DCCH) 430 is used within the uplink and downlink to carry dedicated control information between UEs 402, 403, 404, 405 and Base Station 406. DCCH 430 is used by UEs 402, 403, 404, 405 and Base Station 406 after an RRC connection has been established.

[0064] Dedicated Traffic Channel(DTCH) 432 is 5G channel that is present in both the uplink and downlink. DTCH 432 is dedicated to one of UEs 402, 403, 404, 405 and is used for carrying user information to and from a specific UE and Base Station 406.

[0065] There are five 5G NR Transport Channels 450. Broadcast Channel (BCH) 452 is used in the downlink for transmitting the BCCH system information and specifically the MIB information.

[0066] Paging Channel (PCH) 454 is used for carrying paging information from the PCCH logical channel 426. The PCH 454 supports discontinuous reception (DRX) to enable UEs 402, 403, 404, 405 to save battery power by waking up at a specific time to receive the PCH 454. In order that the PCH 454 is received by UEs 402, 403, 404, 405, PCH 454 is broadcast over the entire cell as a single message, or where beam forming is used, this can be done using several different instances of PCH 454.

[0067] Downlink Shared Channel (DL-SCH) 456 is a downlink channel. DL-SCH 456 is the main Transport Channel 450 used for transmitting downlink data and supports 5G NR features, such as dynamic rate adaptation; HARQ, channel aware scheduling, and spatial multiplexing. DL-SCH 456 is also used for transmitting parts of the BCCH system information, specifically the SIB. UEs 402, 403, 404, 405 has a DL-SCH 456 for each connection to cell UEs 402, 403, 404, 405.

[0068] 5G Physical Channels 480 are used to transport information over the radio interface. Physical Channels 480 have the Transport Channels 450 mapped into them, but they also include various physical layer data required for the maintenance and optimization of the radio communications link between the UEs 402, 403, 404, 405 and Base Station 406.

[0069] There are three Physical Channels 480 for the downlink: Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) 482, Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) 484, and Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) 486.

[0070] Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) 482 carries data sharing the capacity on a time and frequency basis. PDSCH 482 carries a variety of items of data, such as user data, UE-specific higher layer control messages mapped down from higher channels, system information blocks (SIBs); & paging. PDSCH 482 uses an adaptive modulation format dependent upon the link conditions, i.e., signal to noise ratio. PDSCH 482 also uses a flexible coding scheme. The combination of these means that there is a flexible coding and data rate.

[0071] Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) 484 carries downlink control data. PDCCH 484 is used for scheduling the downlink transmissions on the PDSCH 482. PDCCH 484 uses QPSK modulation and polar coding, except for small packets of data.

[0072] Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) 486 forms part of the synchronization signal block (SSB). PBCH 486 provides UEs 402, 403, 404, 405 with the MIB. A further function of the PBCH 486 in conjunction with the control channel is to support the synchronization of time and frequency, which aids with cell acquisition, selection and re-selection. PBCH 486 uses a fixed data format and there is one block that extends over a Transmission Time Interval (TTI) of 80 ms. 5G NR allows for different transmission time durations based on the parameters of a class of traffic, creating differentiated classes of service, similar to those found on an IP network. 5G includes scalable TTI, corresponding to slot durations from 62.5ps to 1ms. TTI is composed of consecutive OFDM symbols in the time domain in a particular transmit direction. By combining a different number of symbols, different TTI durations are possible. PBCH uses QPSK modulation and transmits a cell specific Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) pattern that is used with beamforming.

[0073] According to at least one embodiment, to reduce the power emitted by a 5G base station, transmission power is managed using a time-averaged power over a predetermined time period. The time-averaged power is to be maintained at or below a pre-determined threshold so that a lower level of energy is absorbed by a user. A Scheduling List 490 is used to provide service continuity and common channel scheduling with smart power according to at least one embodiment. In at least one embodiment, the Scheduling List 490 is determined according to a scheduling algorithm based on various parameters. Various Parameters 492 of Scheduling List 490 are used to make decisions regarding scheduling that impacts the EIRP. For example, according to at least one embodiment, Parameters 492 includes Slot Number, Total Available Power For A Slot, UE Power, Common/UE Control Channel, Broad Beam, SSB Beam, Data Beam, etc. For example, a data beam includes a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) beam.

[0074] The process for making decisions regarding scheduling that impacts the EIRP is described in detail with respect to Fig. 8.

[0075] Fig. 5 illustrates a 5G Frame structure 500 for a 5G air interface according to at least one embodiment.

[0076] In Fig. 5, a radio frame 510 of 10 ms includes 10 subframes 512 of 1 ms 514. In 5G NR, multiple numerologies(waveform configuration like subframe spacing) are supported with different subcarrier spacing 516, and the structure of a radio frame 510 is different depending on the type of the numerology. According to the numerology, a subframe 512 has a different number of slots, e.g., 1 slot/subframe 522, 8 slots/subframe 552, etc. .

[0077] For Normal CP, Numerology = 0 520, a subframe has 1 slot 522. Accordingly, radio frame 510 includes 10 slots. The number of symbols within a slot does not change with the numerology. The number of symbols changes with slot configuration type. For normal CP, there are 14 OFDM symbols 524 within lot 522. In 5G NR, the symbols within a slot can be configured in various ways. Every symbol within a slot may or may not be used. A single slot is also capable of being divided into multiple segments of consecutive symbols that can be used for DL, UL, or Flexible. Predefined symbol allocation of a slot is called Slot Format. [0078] For Normal CP, Numerology = 1 530, a subframe has 2 slots 532. Accordingly, radio frame 510 includes 20 slots. There are 14 OFDM symbols 524 within the 2 slots 532.

[0079] For Normal CP, Numerology = 2 540, a subframe has 4 slots 542. Accordingly, radio frame 510 includes 40 slots. There are 14 OFDM symbols 524 within the 4 slots 542.

[0080] For Normal CP, Numerology = 3 550, a subframe has 8 slots 552. Accordingly, radio frame 510 includes 80 slots. There are 14 OFDM symbols 524 within the 8 slots 552.

[0081] For Normal CP, Numerology = 4 560, a subframe has 16 slots 562. Accordingly, radio frame 510 includes 160 slots. There are 14 OFDM symbols 524 within the 16 slots 562.

[0082] For Normal CP, Numerology = 5 570, a subframe has 32 slots 572. Accordingly, radio frame 510 includes 320 slots. There are 14 OFDM symbols 524 within the 32 slots 572.

[0083] For Normal CP, Numerology = 6 580, a subframe has 64 slots 582. Accordingly, radio frame 510 includes 640 slots. There are 14 OFDM symbols 524 within the 64 slots 582.

[0084] For Extended CP, Numerology = 2 590, a subframe has 4 slots 592. Accordingly, radio frame 510 includes 40 slots. There are 12 OFDM symbols 594 within the 4 slots 592.

[0085] Table 1 shows the supported transmission numerologies along with additional information.

Table 1

[0086] Table 2 shows the OFDM Symbol Duration for the different supported transmission numerologies.

Table 2

[0087] Fig. 6 illustrates beam sweeping using SSB 600 according to at least one embodiment. [0088] Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) Beam Sweeping is used to transmit the beams in predefined directions in a burst in a regular interval. For example, Base Station 610 transmits SSB 612 to a UE .

[0089] The SSB 612 includes a Synchronization Signal 614 that includes the PSS (Primary Synchronization Signal) 616 and the SSS (Secondary Synchronization Signal) 618. The SSB 612 also includes the PBCH 620, which includes Demodulation Reference Signals (DMRSs) together with PBCH information symbols that carry the Master Information Block (MIB). The SSB 612 is repeated in predefined directions (beams) in the time domain in 5ms window 622, this is called a SS burst, and the SS burst is typically repeated every 20ms 630. Synchronization Signal 614 and PBCH channel 620 are packed as a single block that always moves together.

[0090] The Base Station 612 transmits the SSB in a direction that reaches the receiver of UEs 640, 642 with the best signal quality. The Base Station 612 determines the direction that provides the best signal quality by evaluating the quality of a specific reference signal of multiple beams the UE sends the Base Station 612. The UE uses NR Synchronization Signal 614 and PBCH 620 to derive the necessary information required to access the Base Station 612. The Base Station 612 evaluates the quality of the reference signal from the multiple beam sent by UE 640, 642 and chooses the direction that provides the base quality.

[0091] In Fig. 6, multiple SSBs 612 are transmitted within a certain interval. SSB 612 is identified by a unique number called SSB index 650. SSB 612 is transmitted via a specific beam radiated in a certain direction. Multiple UEs 640, 642 are located at various places around Base Station 612. UEs 640, 642 measure the signal strength of SSB 612 that the UEs 640, 642 detected for a certain period (a period of one SSB Set).

[0092] From the measurement result, UEs 640, 642 identify the SSB index 650 with the strongest signal strength. This SSB 612 with the strongest signal strength 660, 662 is selected as the beam for the UE1 640 and UE2 642, respectively. For example, from Signal Strength at UE1 plot, Beam #1 664 provides the highest Signal Strength for UE1 640, and from Signal Strength at UE3 plot, Beam#7 666 provides the highest Signal Strength for UE2 642.

[0093] The number of beams that are transmitted is determined by how many SSBs 612 are being transmitted within a SSB Burst Set. The parameter defining the maximum number of SSBs 612 within a SSB set is called Lmax. In sub 6 Ghz, Lmax is 4 or 8, and in mmWave Lmax is 64. In other words, in sub6 Ghz, a maximum of 4 or 8 different beams are able to be used and the beams sweep in one dimension (horizontal or vertical). In mmWave, a maximum of 64 different beams are able to be used and the beams sweep in two dimensions (horizontal and vertical directions).

[0094] Fig. 7 illustrates a comparison 700 of a broad beam and SSB Beams according to at least one embodiment.

[0095] In Fig. 7, a Base Station Antenna 710 provides signals to UE 720. Antennae 710 radiate in one Broad Beam 730, e.g., 60°. Synchronization and PBCH uses a broadcast mode and thus propagate over angle of Broad Beam 730, e.g., 60°. Broad Beam 730 is suitable for public channels, such as, e.g., Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) and Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH), for broadcasting cell-specific reference and synchronization signals. Such transmissions use a broad radiation pattern and equal power per antenna. Broad Beam 730 has lower directivity and is used to transmit signals of interest to the UEs, as PSS, SSS and PBCH.

[0096] Massive MIMO-also enables 5G networks to radiate in a spatial channel for a user. Pre-coding techniques are used to alter the radio signal’s amplitude and phase, allowing beams to be steered in specific directions. In comparison to Broad Beam 730, Antennae 710 is able to radiate in a spatial channel for a user as Synchronization Signal Beams (SSB) Beams 740, 741, 742, 743, 744, 745, 746, 747.

[0097] In NR, narrow beams are used for Synchronization and PBCH. To cover a cell area, multiple beams are used, e.g., SSB Beans 740-747. In at least one embodiment, SSB Beans 740-747 are used to cover 60°. More or less than eight antennae are also possible. As shown in Fig. 7, SSB Beams 740-747 are swept at different angles. UE 720 scans for one of the beam to select as an optimal beam.

[0098] Fig. 8 is a flowchart 800 of a method for service continuity and common channel scheduling with smart power according to at least one embodiment.

[0099] In Fig. 8, the method 800 begins S802 and a scheduling list is prepared, slot power is reset, and User Equipment (UE) Power is reset (e.g., power available for slot = Total Power - (x - l)Slot Power) S810, where “x” is the number of slots over a predetermined time period. Referring to Fig. 5, a subframe 512 has a different number of slots, e.g., 1 slot/subframe 522, 8 slots/subframe 552, etc. For example, the Total Power for allocation is initially set at “X” dBm and the power for a UE for a determined slot is subtracted from the Total Power. The Total Power “X” represents a configurable parameter (e.g., amount of power to allocate) for Mandatory Transmission in a slot, e.g., common or UE control channels. Thus, network services are not impacted by power limitations to common/broadcast and UE control channel transmission. For example, the reservation of power for transmission for common channels (e.g., broadcast channels) and UE control channels ensures that transmission of MIBs, SIB 1, SI, paging message, CSI-RS, MAC CE and status PDUs are not affected by power constraints to meet an average power density over the predetermined time period. To avoid impact to UEs, power is split into power held in reserve, and power for data transmission. The reserved power is allocated for the Mandatory Transmissions, such as common scheduling. A common channel is a channel that is not dedicated to a specific UE. The common channel is used for broadcast messages. Power used for the common channel scheduling uses the common reserved power. For example, according to at least one embodiment, an average power is measured over a predetermined time window, such as 6 minutes. A Power Restriction is set for an Average Total Power Density allowable for transmissions over the predetermined time window. The scheduling list identifies UEs for consideration. In response to the scheduling being for a mandatory transmission, such as the common channel, the reserved power is used, and the additional power that is left over for the other UEs is calculated. The power density is set so that a predetermined average power density does not exceed a predetermined threshold over a set period of time (e.g., a moving average).

[0100] Power Available for Slot = Power Available For Slot - UE Power, UE Power is reset, the next UE in the scheduling list is considered S814. Referring to Fig. 4, to reduce the power emitted by a 5G base station, transmission power is managed using a time-averaged power over a predetermined time period. The time-averaged power is to be maintained at or below a pre-determined threshold so that a lower level of energy is absorbed by a user. A Scheduling List 490 is used to provide service continuity and common channel scheduling with smart power according to at least one embodiment. The Scheduling List 490 uses various Parameters 492 for making decisions regarding scheduling that impacts the EIRP. For example, according to at least one embodiment, Parameters 492 includes Slot Number, Total Available Power For A Slot, UE Power, Common/Broadcast/UE Control Channel, Broad Beam, SSB Beam, Data Beam, etc. The Slot Power (available) is maintained based on the scheduling for common/broadcast/UE Control Channel, UE Power For SSB Beam Allocation, For SSB Beam Allocation, or For Data Beam Allocation. Thus, power is reserved for common/broadcast/UE Control Channels, before allocating power for Broad Beams, SSB Beams, or For Data Beams. There is a certain power used for some mandatory transmissions and some retransmissions which occur regardless of whether the transmission is able to be delayed. So the mandated transmission and retransmission is to occur as scheduled. The remaining available Total Power is recalculated after an allocation. Thus, the power available for a slot is reduced by the power used to transmit the Non-Mandatory Transmission to identify a new power that is available to transmit a next non-mandatory transmission in the slot.

[0101] A determination is made whether the Scheduling List is empty S818. In response to the Scheduling List being empty S822, The X minutes per Slot Power database is updated with the Current Slot S826. The entry of (x Min - l)th Slot is deleted from the database S830. The process returns to the Power Scheduling List S834.

[0102] In response to the Scheduling List not being empty S838, a determination is made whether Schedule is for Mandatory Transmission, e.g., Common or UE Control Channel S842. In response to the Schedule being for Mandatory Transmission, e.g., Common or UE Control Channel S846, the Mandatory Transmission, e.g., Common/UE Control Channel, is scheduled S850. The process returns to the Power Scheduling List S854.

[0103] In response to Mandatory Transmission, e.g., Common/UE Control Channel, not being schedule S858, a determination is made whether the power available for the slot is greater than 0 S862. This determines whether the power restriction has been reached.

[0104] In response to power not being available for a slot S866, power is not allocated, scheduling is stopped for that slot, and the power database is updated to provide a rolling time average of power density, i.e., the average power density is a moving average. In any slot, the average power density is able to exceed the limit. However, over a predetermined time window, e.g., 6 minutes, the power emitted is constrained to not exceed the mandated power density, e.g., the power density set by the regulatory body. Thus, power is reserved for Mandatory Transmission, e.g., Common/UE Control Channels, before providing consideration of power allocation to the UE for other types of allocations as discussed below, and the average power density (e.g., EIRP) over a set period of time is maintained below a predetermined threshold.

[0105] In response to the power available for the slot not being greater than 0 S866, the X minutes per Slot Power database is updated with the Current Slot S826. The entry of (x Min - l)th Slot is deleted from the database S830. Thus, the scheduling for the current slot is halted, and the time used for the current slot is updated in a power database for calculating an average power density used by the base station over the predetermined time. The process returns to the Power Scheduling List and the scheduling for the next slot is analyzed S854..

[0106] In response to the power available for the slot being greater than 0 S870, the NonMandatory Transmission for the UE is scheduled S874. In response to power being available for the slot S866, and the UE being scheduled S870, the type of transmission is determined, e.g., broad beam, SSB beam, data beam. Each type of beam has a different power allocation based on the beam character. The power allocated for the UE in the slot is then subtracted from the power available for the slot as described above S814. Thus, the power available for Non-Mandatory Transmissions in a slot is reduced by the power used to transmit the beam to identify a new power that is available to transmit a next Non-Mandatory Transmission in the slot.

[0107] A determination is made whether the UE is scheduled on a broad beam S878. In response to the UE being scheduled on a broad beam S882, Slot Power = Slot Power + UE Power = UE Power For Broad Beam Allocation S884. Transmission in the absence of channel state information (CSI), is often referred to as broad beam transmission. Such transmission is suitable for public channels, such as, e.g., Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) and Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH), for broadcasting cell-specific reference and synchronization signals. Such transmissions use a broad radiation pattern and equal power per antenna in an array. For example, transmission of a common PDCCH transmitted in downlink broad beam covers a sector of a cell, e.g., 120°, 60° etc. of the cell, or the entire cell. The process returns to the Power Scheduling List S854.

[0108] In response to the UE not being scheduled on a broad beam S886, a determination is made whether the UE is scheduled on a SSB Beam S890. In response to the UE being scheduled on a SSB Beam S894, Slot Power = Slot Power + UE Power = UE Power For SSB Beam Allocation S896. The process returns to the Power Scheduling List S854.

[0109] In response to the UE not being scheduled on a SSB Beam S897, the Slot Power = Slot Power + UE Power = UE Power For Data Beam Allocation S898. The process returns to the Power Scheduling List S854.

[0110] At least one embodiment of the method for providing service continuity for common channel scheduling by a base station includes determining a Power Restriction for a predetermined time window, for a plurality of slots in the predetermined time window, setting a reserved power useable to transmit mandatory transmissions, and setting, based on the power restriction, a power available to transmit a non-mandatory transmissions, determining whether a first transmission in a first of the plurality of slots is for a mandatory transmission or a non-mandatory transmission, in response to the first transmission being for the mandatory transmission, transmitting the mandatory transmission using the reserved power, in response to the first transmission being for the non-mandatory transmission, determining whether the power available to transmit the non-mandatory transmission is greater than 0, and in response to the power available for the first of the plurality of slots being greater than 0, transmitting the non-mandatory transmission and moving to a next transmission, else go to a next of the plurality of slots.

[0111] Fig. 9 is a high-level functional block diagram of a processor-based system 900 according to at least one embodiment.

[0112] In at least one embodiment, processing circuitry 900 provides service continuity and common channel scheduling with smart power. Processing circuitry 900 implements service continuity and common channel scheduling with smart power using Processor 902. Processing circuitry 500 also includes a Non-Transitory, Computer-Readable Storage Medium 904 that is used to implement service continuity and common channel scheduling with smart power. Storage Medium 904, amongst other things, is encoded with, i.e., stores Instructions 906, i.e., computer program code that are executed by Processor 902 causes Processor 902 to perform operations for service continuity and common channel scheduling with smart power. Execution of instructions 906 by Processor 902 represents (at least in part) an application which implements at least a portion of the methods described herein in accordance with one or more embodiments (hereinafter, the noted processes and/or methods). [0113] Processor 902 is electrically coupled to Computer-Readable Storage Medium 904 via a bus 908. Processor 902 is electrically coupled to an Input/Output (VO) Interface 910 by bus 908. A Network Interface 912 is also electrically connected to Processor 902 via bus 908. Network Interface 912 is connected to a Network 914, so that processor 902 and Computer- Readable Storage Medium 904 connect to external elements via Network 914. Processor 902 is configured to execute Instructions 906 encoded in Computer-Readable Storage Medium 904 to cause processing circuitry 900 to be usable for performing at least a portion of the processes and/or methods. In one or more embodiments, Processor 902 is a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a multi-processor, a distributed processing system, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and/or a suitable processing unit.

[0114] Processing circuitry 900 includes VO Interface 910. VO Interface 910 is coupled to external circuitry. In one or more embodiments, VO Interface 910 includes a keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, trackpad, touchscreen, and/or cursor direction keys for communicating information and commands to Processor 902.

[0115] Processing circuitry 900 also includes Network Interface 912 coupled to Processor 902. Network Interface 912 allows processing circuitry 900 to communicate with Network 914, to which one or more other computer systems are connected. Network Interface 912 includes wireless network interfaces such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), or Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA); or wired network interfaces such as Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), or Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 864.

[0116] Processing circuitry 900 is configured to receive information through VO Interface 910. The information received through VO Interface 910 includes one or more of instructions, data, design rules, libraries of cells, and/or other parameters for processing by Processor 902. The information is transferred to Processor 902 via bus 908. Processing circuitry 900 is configured to receive information related to a Scheduling User Interface (UI) 932 through VO Interface 910, and which is able to be displayed on Display Device 930.

[0117] In one or more embodiments, one or more Non-Transitory Computer-Readable Storage Media 904 having stored thereon instructions (in compressed or uncompressed form) that may be used to program a computer, processor, or other electronic device) to perform processes or methods described herein. The one or more Non-Transitory Computer-Readable Storage Media 904 include one or more of an electronic storage medium, a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, a quantum storage medium, or the like.

[0118] For example, the computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to, hard drives, floppy diskettes, optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), erasable programmable ROMs (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable ROMs (EEPROMs), flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, solid-state memory devices, or other types of physical media suitable for storing electronic instructions. In one or more embodiments using optical disks, the one or more Non-Transitory Computer- Readable Storage Media 904 includes a Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), a Compact Disk-Read/Write (CD-R/W), and/or a Digital Video Disc (DVD).

[0119] In one or more embodiments, Non-Transitory, Computer-Readable Storage Medium 904 stores Computer Program Code/Instructions 906 configured to cause Processor 902 to perform at least a portion of the processes and/or methods for providing service continuity and common channel scheduling with smart power. In one or more embodiments, Non- Transitory, Computer-Readable Storage Medium 904 also stores a Scheduling List 920 for providing service continuity and common channel scheduling with smart power. Processor 902 executes Instructions 906 to implement the process for providing service continuity and common channel scheduling with smart power by a base station by preparing a scheduling list identifying transmissions to schedule for N UEs, and setting a Power Restriction for a predetermined time window. The Power Restriction is based on an average Total Power Density allowable for transmissions over a predetermined time window. For a plurality of slots in the predetermined time window, Processor 902 executes Instructions 906 to set a reserved power useable to transmit mandatory transmissions, and to set, based on the power restriction, a power available to transmit a non-mandatory transmissions. Processor 902 executes Instructions 906 to determine whether a first transmission in a first of the plurality of slots is for a mandatory transmission or a non-mandatory transmission, in response to the first transmission being for the mandatory transmission, transmit the mandatory transmission using the reserved power, in response to the first transmission being for the non-mandatory transmission, determine whether the power available to transmit the non-mandatory transmission is greater than 0, and in response to the power available for the first of the plurality of slots being greater than 0, transmit the non-mandatory transmission and moving to a next transmission, else go to a next of the plurality of slots. Processor 902 executes Instructions 906 to update a time used for the first of the plurality of slots in a power database for calculating the power restriction. Processor 902 executes Instructions 906 transmits the mandatory transmission by transmitting at least one of a common channel signal or a control channel signal. The transmitting at least one of the common channel signal or the control channel signal includes transmitting at least one of a Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIBs), System Information (SI), a paging message, a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element, a Radio Link Control (RLC) status Packet Data Unit (PDU), tracking reference symbols, or phase tracking reference symbols. Processor 902 executes Instructions 906 to transmit the non-mandatory transmission by reducing the power available for the slot by the power used to transmit the non-mandatory transmission to identify a new power available to transmit a next non-mandatory transmission in the slot. Processor 902 executes Instructions 906 to transmit the non-mandatory transmission by transmitting at least one of a broad beam transmission, a SSB transmission, or a data beam transmission. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, Processor 902 executes Instructions 908 stored on the one or more Non- Transitory, Computer-Readable Storage Medium 906 to implement providing service continuity for common channel scheduling by a base station. [0120] Embodiments described herein provide a method that provides one or more advantages. For example, operation of the base station is ensured to meet the regulatory requirements while ensuring the service to the users. A power restriction is determined for a predetermined time period (e.g., a moving average). Power is reserved for Mandatory Transmissions. A remaining power for a slot is used for Non-Mandatory Transmissions. Available power for Non-Mandatory Transmissions is reduced for the slot in response to a Non-Mandatory Transmissions. In response to no power being available for Non-Mandatory Transmissions, a next slot is considered for transmissions.

[0121] An aspect of this description is directed to a method [1] for providing service continuity for common channel scheduling by a base station includes determining a Power Restriction for a predetermined time window, for a plurality of slots in the predetermined time window, setting a reserved power useable to transmit mandatory transmissions, and setting, based on the power restriction, a power available to transmit a non-mandatory transmissions, determining whether a first transmission in a first of the plurality of slots is for a mandatory transmission or a non-mandatory transmission, in response to the first transmission being for the mandatory transmission, transmitting the mandatory transmission using the reserved power, in response to the first transmission being for the non-mandatory transmission, determining whether the power available to transmit the non-mandatory transmission is greater than 0, and in response to the power available for the first of the plurality of slots being greater than 0, transmitting the non-mandatory transmission and moving to a next transmission, else go to a next of the plurality of slots.

[0122] The method described in [1], wherein the determining the Power Restriction includes determining an average Total Power Density allowable for transmissions over a predetermined time window.

[0123] The method described in [1] to [2] further includes updating a time used for the first of the plurality of slots in a power database for calculating the power restriction.

[0124] The method described in [1] to [3], wherein the transmitting the mandatory transmission further includes transmitting at least one of a common channel signal or a control channel signal.

[0125] The method described in [4], wherein the transmitting at least one of the common channel signal or the control channel signal includes transmitting at least one of a Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIBs), System Information (SI), a paging message, a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element, a Radio Link Control (RLC) status Packet Data Unit (PDU), tracking reference symbols, or phase tracking reference symbols.

[0126] The method described in [1] to [5], wherein the transmitting the non-mandatory transmission further includes reducing the power available for the first of the plurality of slots by the power used to transmit the non-mandatory transmission to identify a new power available to transmit a next non-mandatory transmission in the first of the plurality of slots.

[0127] The method described in [1] to [6], wherein the transmitting the non-mandatory transmission further includes transmitting at least one of a broad beam transmission, a SSB transmission, or a data beam transmission.

[0128] An aspect of this description is directed to a base station [8], including a memory storing computer-readable instructions, and a processor connected to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to perform operations to determine a Power Restriction for a predetermined time window, for a plurality of slots in the predetermined time window, set a reserved power useable to transmit mandatory transmissions, and set, based on the power restriction, a power available to transmit a non-mandatory transmissions, determine whether a first transmission in a first of the plurality of slots is for a mandatory transmission or a non-mandatory transmission, in response to the first transmission being for the mandatory transmission, transmit the mandatory transmission using the reserved power, in response to the first transmission being for the non-mandatory transmission, determine whether the power available to transmit the non-mandatory transmission is greater than 0, and in response to the power available for the first of the plurality of slots being greater than 0, transmit the non-mandatory transmission and moving to a next transmission, else go to a next of the plurality of slots.

[0129] The base station described in [8], wherein the processor is further configured to determine the Power Restriction by determining an average Total Power Density allowable for transmissions over a predetermined time window.

[0130] The base station described in [8] to [9], wherein the processor is further configured to update a time used for the first of the plurality of slots in a power database for calculating the power restriction.

[0131] The base station described in [8] to [10], wherein the processor is further configured to transmit the mandatory transmission by transmitting at least one of a common channel signal or a control channel signal.

[0132] The base station described in [8] to [11], wherein the processor is further configured to transmit at least one of the common channel signal or the control channel signal by transmitting at least one of a Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIBs), System Information (SI), a paging message, a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element, a Radio Link Control (RLC) status Packet Data Unit (PDU), tracking reference symbols, or phase tracking reference symbols.

[0133] The base station described in [8] to [12], wherein the processor is further configured to transmit the non-mandatory transmission by reducing the power available for the first of the plurality of slots by the power used to transmit the non-mandatory transmission to identify a new power available to transmit a next non-mandatory transmission in the first of the plurality of slots.

[0134] The base station described in [8] to [13], wherein the processor is further configured to transmit the non-mandatory transmission by transmitting at least one of a broad beam transmission, a SSB transmission, or a data beam transmission.

[0135] An aspect of this description is directed to a non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-readable instructions stored thereon [15}, which when executed by a processor causes the processor to perform operations including determining a Power Restriction for a predetermined time window, for a plurality of slots in the predetermined time window, setting a reserved power useable to transmit mandatory transmissions, and setting, based on the power restriction, a power available to transmit a non-mandatory transmissions, determining whether a first transmission in a first of the plurality of slots is for a mandatory transmission or a non-mandatory transmission, in response to the first transmission being for the mandatory transmission, transmitting the mandatory transmission using the reserved power, in response to the first transmission being for the non-mandatory transmission, determining whether the power available to transmit the non-mandatory transmission is greater than 0, and in response to the power available for the first of the plurality of slots being greater than 0, transmitting the non-mandatory transmission and moving to a next transmission, else go to a next of the plurality of slots.

[0136] The non-transitory computer-readable media described in [15], wherein the determining the Power Restriction includes determining an average Total Power Density allowable for transmissions over a predetermined time window.

[0137] The non-transitory computer-readable media described in [15] to [16] further includes updating a time used for the first of the plurality of slots in a power database for calculating the power restriction.

[0138] The non-transitory computer-readable media described in [15] to [17], wherein the transmitting the mandatory transmission further includes transmitting at least one of a common channel signal or a control channel signal, wherein the transmitting at least one of the common channel signal or the control channel signal includes transmitting at least one of a Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIBs), System Information (SI), a paging message, a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element, a Radio Link Control (RLC) status Packet Data Unit (PDU), tracking reference symbols, or phase tracking reference symbols.

[0139] The non-transitory computer-readable media described in [15] to [18], wherein the transmitting the non-mandatory transmission further includes reducing the power available for the first of the plurality of slots by the power used to transmit the non-mandatory transmission to identify a new power available to transmit a next non-mandatory transmission in the first of the plurality of slots.

[0140] The non-transitory computer-readable media described in [15] to [19], wherein the transmitting the non-mandatory transmission further includes transmitting at least one of a broad beam transmission, a SSB transmission, or a data beam transmission.

[0141] Separate instances of these programs can be executed on or distributed across any number of separate computer systems. Thus, although certain steps have been described as being performed by certain devices, software programs, processes, or entities, this need not be the case. A variety of alternative implementations will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.

[0142] Additionally, those having ordinary skill in the art readily recognize that the techniques described above can be utilized in a variety of devices, environments, and situations. Although the embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features or methodological acts, the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for providing service continuity for common channel scheduling by a base station, comprising: determining a Power Restriction for a predetermined time window; for a plurality of slots in the predetermined time window, setting a reserved power useable to transmit mandatory transmissions, and setting, based on the power restriction, a power available to transmit a non-mandatory transmissions; determining whether a first transmission in a first of the plurality of slots is for a mandatory transmission or a non-mandatory transmission; in response to the first transmission being for the mandatory transmission, transmitting the mandatory transmission using the reserved power; in response to the first transmission being for the non-mandatory transmission, determining whether the power available to transmit the non-mandatory transmission is greater than 0; and in response to the power available for the first of the plurality of slots being greater than 0, transmitting the non-mandatory transmission and moving to a next transmission, else go to a next of the plurality of slots.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining the Power Restriction includes determining an average Total Power Density allowable for transmissions over a predetermined time window.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising: updating a time used for the first of the plurality of slots in a power database for calculating the power restriction.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitting the mandatory transmission further includes transmitting at least one of a common channel signal or a control channel signal.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the transmitting at least one of the common channel signal or the control channel signal includes transmitting at least one of a Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIBs), System Information (SI), a paging message, a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element, a Radio Link Control (RLC) status Packet Data Unit (PDU), tracking reference symbols, or phase tracking reference symbols.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitting the non-mandatory transmission further includes reducing the power available for the first of the plurality of slots by the power used to transmit the non-mandatory transmission to identify a new power available to transmit a next non-mandatory transmission in the first of the plurality of slots.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitting the non-mandatory transmission further includes transmitting at least one of a broad beam transmission, a SSB transmission, or a data beam transmission.

8. A base station, comprising: a memory storing computer-readable instructions; and a processor connected to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to perform operations to: determine a Power Restriction for a predetermined time window; for a plurality of slots in the predetermined time window, set a reserved power useable to transmit mandatory transmissions, and set, based on the power restriction, a power available to transmit a non-mandatory transmissions; determine whether a first transmission in a first of the plurality of slots is for a mandatory transmission or a non-mandatory transmission; in response to the first transmission being for the mandatory transmission, transmit the mandatory transmission using the reserved power; in response to the first transmission being for the non-mandatory transmission, determine whether the power available to transmit the non-mandatory transmission is greater than 0; and in response to the power available for the first of the plurality of slots being greater than 0, transmit the non-mandatory transmission and moving to a next transmission, else go to a next of the plurality of slots.

9. The base station of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the Power Restriction by determining an average Total Power Density allowable for transmissions over a predetermined time window.

10. The base station of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to update a time used for the first of the plurality of slots in a power database for calculating the power restriction.

11. The base station of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to transmit the mandatory transmission by transmitting at least one of a common channel signal or a control channel signal.

12. The base station of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to transmit at least one of the common channel signal or the control channel signal by transmitting at least one of a Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIBs), System Information (SI), a paging message, a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element, a Radio Link Control (RLC) status Packet Data Unit (PDU), tracking reference symbols, or phase tracking reference symbols.

13. The base station of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to transmit the non-mandatory transmission by reducing the power available for the first of the plurality of slots by the power used to transmit the non-mandatory transmission to identify a new power available to transmit a next non-mandatory transmission in the first of the plurality of slots.

14. The base station of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to transmit the non-mandatory transmission by transmitting at least one of a broad beam transmission, a SSB transmission, or a data beam transmission.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-readable instructions stored thereon, which when executed by a processor causes the processor to perform operations comprising: determining a Power Restriction for a predetermined time window; for a plurality of slots in the predetermined time window, setting a reserved power useable to transmit mandatory transmissions, and setting, based on the power restriction, a power available to transmit a non-mandatory transmissions; determining whether a first transmission in a first of the plurality of slots is for a mandatory transmission or a non-mandatory transmission; in response to the first transmission being for the mandatory transmission, transmitting the mandatory transmission using the reserved power; in response to the first transmission being for the non-mandatory transmission, determining whether the power available to transmit the non-mandatory transmission is greater than 0; and in response to the power available for the first of the plurality of slots being greater than 0, transmitting the non-mandatory transmission and moving to a next transmission, else go to a next of the plurality of slots.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 15, wherein the determining the Power Restriction includes determining an average Total Power Density allowable for transmissions over a predetermined time window.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 15 further comprising: updating a time used for the first of the plurality of slots in a power database for calculating the power restriction.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 15, wherein the transmitting the mandatory transmission further includes transmitting at least one of a common channel signal or a control channel signal, wherein the transmitting at least one of the common channel signal or the control channel signal includes transmitting at least one of a Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIBs), System Information (SI), a paging message, a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element, a Radio Link Control (RLC) status Packet Data Unit (PDU), tracking reference symbols, or phase tracking reference symbols.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 15, wherein the transmitting the non-mandatory transmission further includes reducing the power available for the first of the plurality of slots by the power used to transmit the non-mandatory transmission to identify a new power available to transmit a next non-mandatory transmission in the first of the plurality of slots.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 15, wherein the transmitting the non-mandatory transmission further includes transmitting at least one of a broad beam transmission, a SSB transmission, or a data beam transmission.