BLOCK COMBINATION

TECHNICAL FIELD:

The teachings in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention relate generally to Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request improvements and, more specifically, relate to Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request improvements using (Quasi) feedback-less retransmissions and transport block combination for use in networks such as non-terrestrial Networks.

BACKGROUND:

This section is intended to provide a background or context to example embodiments of the invention that is recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

Certain abbreviations that may be found in the description and/or in the Figures are herewith defined as follows:

DCI Downlink Control Information

GEO Geostationary Earth Orbit

gNB 5G Base Station

GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System

HAPS High-Altitude Platform Systems

HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request

IoT Internet of Things

LEO Low Earth Orbit

LMF Location Management Function

LMU Location Measurement Unit

NR New Radio (5G)

NRPPa New Radio Positioning Protocol A

NTN Non Terrestrial Network

OTDOA Observed Time Difference of Arrival

RAT Radio Access Technology RS Reference Signal

RTD Round Trip Delay

RTT Round Trip Time

SRS Sounding Reference Signal

TA Timing Advance

TOA Time of Arrival

UE User Equipment

TDOA Time Difference of Arrival

UTDOA Uplink Time Difference of Arrival

At the time of this application 3 GPP is studying how to enable non-terrestrial networks (NTN) using New Radio (NR). Some of this effort is detailed in 3GPP TR 38.821 (Solutions for NR to support non-terrestrial networks) in which a focus includes how to provide coverage everywhere on the globe. At the time of this application multiple architecture solutions are under study for the 3 satellite categories; Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), and High- Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS).

Example embodiments of this invention work to improve at least operation associated with Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request Transmissions to improve on at least these New Radio network implementations.

SUMMARY:

In an example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a network side apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, where the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: establish, by a network node, procedures with a network device for reception of at least one signaling process comprising a multiple of transmissions; and based on the establishing, determine the at least one signaling process comprising the multiple of transmissions, wherein at least one of the multiple of transmissions is using more than one encoded transport block combination; and communicate towards the network device the signaling comprising the multiple of transmissions of the processes for use to at least perform the at least one signaling process.

In another example aspect of the invention, there is a method, which can be performed by the apparatus as disclosed above, comprising: establishing, by a network node, procedures with a network device for reception of at least one signaling process comprising a multiple of transmissions; and based on the establishing, determining the at least one signaling process comprising the multiple of transmissions, wherein at least one of the multiple of transmissions is using more than one encoded transport block combination; and communicating towards the network device the signaling comprising the multiple of transmissions of the processes for use to at least perform the at least one signaling process.

A further example embodiment is a method comprising the method of the previous paragraph, which can be performed by the apparatus as disclosed above or herein, wherein the establishing comprises establishing at least one of: capabilities of the network device comprising at least one of a capability of combining the more than one encoded transport block; or a number of process available for quasi-feedback-less reception of the multiple of the transmissions of the signaling processes, wherein the establishing comprises determining capability of the network device for at least one of combining or performing XOR operations including elimination of transport blocks of the more than one encoded transport block combination for the more than one encoded transport block combination, wherein the establishing comprises: identifying for the network device a rate of the multiple of the transmissions in regards to the at least one signaling process, and identifying for the network device a number of transport blocks for each of the multiple of the transmissions in regards to the at least one signaling process, wherein the rate of the multiple of the transmissions in regards to the at least one signaling process is one of: preassigned by the communication network based on at least one of quality of service information or a class associated with the network device, based on radio channel measurements, based on a prior ack/nack ratio, or based on a current modulation coding scheme and a transmission power of the network device, wherein the establishing comprises: sending towards the network device information comprising: a sequence of the more than one encoded transport block combination to be communicated, and a sequence of the network device for the at least one signaling process comprising the multiple of transmissions, wherein the information comprises a multiple version used for each original transport block of the more than one encoded transport block combination, wherein the determining signaling comprises: performing XOR operations with original transport blocks for network device to combine original transport blocks for the network device to create the more than one transport block combination, wherein the operations comprise performing a parity check and high-rate channel encoding over each of the more than one encoded transport block combination, wherein the determining signaling comprises: determining a size of each transport block of the more than one encoded transport block combination, wherein it is determined that at least one transport block of the more than one transport block is a different size; and based on the determining, extending sizes of the at least one transport block with extra bits to match a size of a largest size transport block of the more than one transport block, wherein the extending sizes is using at least one of: padding bits with a sequence of 1 or 0, a known specific sequence; repetition of an initial part of a smaller encoded transport block version, or parts of a next version sequence, wherein the multiple of transmissions is related to a redundancy of at least one transmission of signaling processes in one of a downlink or an uplink, wherein the at least one signaling process results in error detection and correction processes, wherein the at least one signaling process comprises a sequence which includes the multiple of transmissions and terminates with a sequence that results in the error detection and correction processes, wherein the error detection and correction processes comprises hybrid automatic repeat request processes, wherein the network node comprises one of a user equipment and a base station associated with at least one satellite, and/or wherein the network device comprises another one of the user equipment and the base station associated with at least one satellite.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code, the program code executed by at least one processor to perform at least the method as described in the paragraphs above.

In another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: means for establishing, by a network node, procedures with a network device for reception of at least one signaling process comprising a multiple of transmissions; and means, based on the establishing, for determining the at least one signaling process comprising the multiple of transmissions, wherein at least one of the multiple of transmissions is using more than one encoded transport block combination; and means for communicating towards the network device the signaling comprising the multiple of transmissions of the processes for use to at least perform the at least one signaling process.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, at least the means for establishing, determining, and communicating comprises a network interface, and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

A further example embodiment is an apparatus comprising the apparatus of the previous paragraphs, wherein the establishing comprises establishing at least one of: capabilities of the network device comprising at least one of a capability of combining the more than one encoded transport block; or a number of process available for quasi-feedback-less reception of the multiple of the transmissions of the signaling processes, wherein the establishing comprises determining capability of the network device for at least one of combining or performing XOR operations including elimination of transport blocks of the more than one encoded transport block combination for the more than one encoded transport block combination, wherein the establishing comprises: identifying for the network device a rate of the multiple of the transmissions in regards to the at least one signaling process, and identifying for the network device a number of transport blocks for each of the multiple of the transmissions in regards to the at least one signaling process, wherein the rate of the multiple of the transmissions in regards to the at least one signaling process is one of: preassigned by the communication network based on at least one of quality of service information or a class associated with the network device, based on radio channel measurements, based on a prior ack/nack ratio, or based on a current modulation coding scheme and a transmission power of the network device, wherein the establishing comprises: sending towards the network device information comprising: a sequence of the more than one encoded transport block combination to be communicated, and a sequence of the network device for the at least one signaling process comprising the multiple of transmissions, wherein the information comprises a multiple version used for each original transport block of the more than one encoded transport block combination, wherein the determining signaling comprises: performing XOR operations with original transport blocks for network device to combine original transport blocks for the network device to create the more than one transport block combination, wherein the operations comprise performing a parity check and high-rate channel encoding over each of the more than one encoded transport block combination, wherein the determining signaling comprises: determining a size of each transport block of the more than one encoded transport block combination, wherein it is determined that at least one transport block of the more than one transport block is a different size; and based on the determining, extending sizes of the at least one transport block with extra bits to match a size of a largest size transport block of the more than one transport block, wherein the extending sizes is using at least one of: padding bits with a sequence of 1 or 0, a known specific sequence; repetition of an initial part of a smaller encoded transport block version, or parts of a next version sequence, wherein the multiple of transmissions is related to a redundancy of at least one transmission of signaling processes in one of a downlink or an uplink, wherein the at least one signaling process results in error detection and correction processes, wherein the at least one signaling process comprises a sequence which includes the multiple of transmissions and terminates with a sequence that results in the error detection and correction processes, wherein the error detection and correction processes comprises hybrid automatic repeat request processes, wherein the network node comprises one of a user equipment and a base station associated with at least one satellite, and/or wherein the network device comprises another one of the user equipment and the base station associated with at least one satellite.

In another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a user equipment side apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, where the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: establish, by a network device, procedures with a network node for reception of at least one signaling process comprising a multiple of transmissions, wherein at least one of the multiple of transmissions is using more than one encoded transport block combination; and based on the establishing, receive from the network node the at least one signaling process comprising the multiple of transmissions for use to at least perform the at least one signaling process.

In another example aspect of the invention, there is a method, which can be performed by the apparatus as disclosed above or herein, comprising: establishing, by a network device, procedures with a network node for reception of at least one signaling process comprising a multiple of transmissions, wherein at least one of the multiple of transmissions is using more than one encoded transport block combination; and based on the establishing, receiving from the network node the at least one signaling process comprising the multiple of transmissions for use to at least perform the at least one signaling process.

A further example embodiment is a method comprising the method of the previous paragraph, which can be performed by the apparatus as disclosed above or herein, wherein the receiving comprises: storing in at least one buffer each packet of the received signaling, wherein the at least two buffers comprises more than one buffer, and wherein each buffer of the more than one buffer is assigned to a different signaling process of the at least one signaling process, wherein each buffer is corresponding to a process identification associated with the different signaling process, wherein the more than one encoded transport block combination are using XOR operations with original transport blocks for network device to create the more than one encoded transport block combination, wherein the operations comprises: performing a parity check of each of the more than one encoded transport block combination; eliminating transport blocks of the more than one encoded transport block combination that pass the parity check for every other encoded transport block combination received or to be received by an XOR operation; and decoding the remaining encoded transport block combinations received, wherein for a case at least one transport block corresponding to a same original transport block for the network device fails the parity check due to the XOR operations, wherein the at least two buffers comprises more than one buffer, the method comprising: performing a soft-combining between two buffer memories of the more than one buffer, enabling a recombination to be resubmitted to a channel decoding process for the network device, wherein the establishing comprises determining a number of processes associated with signaling comprising the at least one signaling process that can be communicated to the network device less feedback, wherein the establishing comprises determining capability of the network device for at least one of combining or eliminating the more than one encoded transport block combination, wherein the establishing comprises: identifying a rate of the multiple of the transmissions the at least one signaling process, and identifying a number of transport blocks for each of the multiple of the transmissions the at least one signaling process, wherein the rate of the multiple of the transmissions of the at least one signaling process is one of: preassigned by the communication network based on at least one of quality of service information or a class associated with the network device, based on radio channel measurements, based on a prior ack/nack ratio, or based on a current modulation coding scheme and a transmission power of the network device, wherein the establishing comprises: receiving by the network device information comprising: a sequence of the more than one encoded transport block combination to be communicated, and a sequence of the network device for the multiple of transmissions of at least one signaling process, wherein the information comprises a version used for each original transport block of the more than one encoded transport block combination, wherein the multiple of transmissions is related to a redundancy of at least one transmission of signaling processes in one of a downlink or an uplink, wherein the at least one signaling process results in error detection and correction processes, wherein the at least one signaling process comprises a sequence which includes the multiple of transmissions and terminates with a sequence that results in the error detection and correction processes, wherein the error detection and correction processes comprises hybrid automatic repeat request processes, wherein the network device comprises one of a user equipment and a base station associated with at least one satellite, and/or wherein the network node comprises another one of the user equipment and the base station associated with at least one satellite.

In another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: means for establishing, by a network device, procedures with a network node for reception of at least one signaling process comprising a multiple of transmissions, wherein at least one of the multiple of transmissions is using more than one encoded transport block combination; and means, based on the establishing, for receiving from the network node the at least one signaling process comprising the multiple of transmissions for use to at least perform the at least one signaling process.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, at least the means for establishing and receiving comprises a network interface, and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

A further example embodiment is an apparatus comprising the apparatus of the previous paragraphs, wherein the receiving comprises: storing in at least one buffer each packet of the received signaling, wherein the at least two buffers comprises more than one buffer, and wherein each buffer of the more than one buffer is assigned to a different signaling process of the at least one signaling process, wherein each buffer is corresponding to a process identification associated with the different signaling process, wherein the more than one encoded transport block combination are using XOR operations with original transport blocks for network device to create the more than one encoded transport block combination, wherein the operations comprises: performing a parity check of each of the more than one encoded transport block combination; eliminating transport blocks of the more than one encoded transport block combination that pass the parity check for every other encoded transport block combination received or to be received by an XOR operation; and decoding the remaining encoded transport block combinations received, wherein for a case at least one transport block corresponding to a same original transport block for the network device fails the parity check due to the XOR operations, wherein the at least two buffers comprises more than one buffer, the method comprising: performing a soft-combining between two buffer memories of the more than one buffer, enabling a recombination to be resubmitted to a channel decoding process for the network device, wherein the establishing comprises determining a number of processes associated with signaling comprising the at least one signaling process that can be communicated to the network device less feedback, wherein the establishing comprises determining capability of the network device for at least one of combining or eliminating the more than one encoded transport block combination, wherein the establishing comprises: identifying a rate of the multiple of the transmissions the at least one signaling process, and identifying a number of transport blocks for each of the multiple of the transmissions the at least one signaling process, wherein the rate of the multiple of the transmissions of the at least one signaling process is one of: preassigned by the communication network based on at least one of quality of service information or a class associated with the network device, based on radio channel measurements, based on a prior ack/nack ratio, or based on a current modulation coding scheme and a transmission power of the network device, wherein the establishing comprises: receiving by the network device information comprising: a sequence of the more than one encoded transport block combination to be communicated, and a sequence of the network device for the multiple of transmissions of at least one signaling process, wherein the information comprises a version used for each original transport block of the more than one encoded transport block combination, wherein the multiple of transmissions is related to a redundancy of at least one transmission of signaling processes in one of a downlink or an uplink, wherein the at least one signaling process results in error detection and correction processes, wherein the at least one signaling process comprises a sequence which includes the multiple of transmissions and terminates with a sequence that results in the error detection and correction processes, wherein the error detection and correction processes comprises hybrid automatic repeat request processes, wherein the network device comprises one of a user equipment and a base station associated with at least one satellite, and/or wherein the network node comprises another one of the user equipment and the base station associated with at least one satellite. A communication system comprising the network side apparatus and the user equipment side apparatus performing operations as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

The above and other aspects, features, and benefits of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference signs are used to designate like or equivalent elements. The drawings are illustrated for facilitating better understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale, in which:

FIG. 1 shows NTN with transparent payload (left side of FIG. 1) and regenerative payload (right side of FIG. 1);

FIG. 2A shows Table 1 Platform altitude and orbit definition (3GPP TR 38.821);

FIG. 2B shows Table 2 NTN scenario satellite-earth distance and round trip time (3GPP TR 38.821);

FIG. 3 shows Example of expiration of number of HARQ Processes available in DF (at the UE side) considering a very long Round Trip Delay and a maximum of 16 HARQ processes;

FIG. 4 shows a high level block diagram of various devices used in carrying out various aspects of the example embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows example of the sequential flow of FT codes used for transmitting 2 symbols. In this example 3 symbols are used for encoding. At the detection phase the packet elimination is performed by XOR operations to recover the transmitted symbols;

FIG. 6 shows an example of the (Quasi)-HARQ Feed-backless call flow for DF in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows an example of Specified Table for sequence of TB Combinations based on the PHY redundancy rate chosen for N_HARQ=8 in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows an example of simplified transmitter flow diagram in the proposed solution for a TB Combination between Original TB0 and TB1 in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows operations associated with a first four packets that are moved to the buffer regardless of the CRC Check result in accordance with example embodiments of the invention; FIG. 10 shows an operation of receiving and decoding an XOR packet in accordance with example embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 11A and FIG. l ib each show a method that may be performed by ab apparatus in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

In this invention, we propose a sequence design Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request improvements using (Quasi) feedback-less retransmissions and transport block combinations for use in networks such as non-terrestrial Networks.

Example embodiments of the invention are related to the usage of HARQ in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) deployments, specifically when the connectivity to UEs on the ground is provided by satellites. But it can also be extended to other applications in cellular networks, such as networks that are latency constrained.

The NTN topic has been driving recent attention on 3 GPP discussions being present as a Study Item (SI) in Release 15 (TR 38.811) and in Release 16 (TR 38.821) and likely to become a work item in Release 17. In current 3GPP discussions, there are different deployment scenarios regarding the satellite altitude. The assumptions are that the satellites can either be deployed using GEO (geostationary earth orbit) or LEO (low earth orbit) satellites. This can be seen with FIG. 2A which represents Table 1, from 3GPP TR 38.821 at the time of this application.

As shown in FIG. 2A there is indicated altitude 210 and Orbit 230 for a Platform 200 in each of a Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite, a Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite, and a Geostationary Earth Orbit satellite. In FIG. 2A, for the LEO satellite the Altitude range 210 is 300-1500 km and the Orbit 230 is circular around the earth. In FIG. 2A, for the MEO satellite the Altitude range 210 is 7000-25000 km and the Orbit 230 is similarly circular around the earth. Further, in FIG. 2A, for the GEO satellite the Altitude range 35 768 KM and the Orbit 230 is rotational station keeping position fixed in terms of elevation/azimuth with respect to a given earth point.

Observe that the satellites, which may implement one or more 5G cells, are far away from the earth surface, which can lead to significant latency relative to the air interface propagation. The coverage area provided by a satellite in NTN, is defined by the area where the elevation angle between a UE and the satellite exceeds 10 degrees. FIG. 2B includes Table 2 showing the maximum coverable distance for NTN satellites according to the assumptions presented in the TR 38.821 and the respective round trip time latency associated to it. Note the LEO and GEO based scenarios both include scenarios where the gNB is on-board the satellite (regenerative payload) and on earth (transparent payload).

FIG. 2B shows Table 2 NTN scenario satellite-earth distance and round trip time (3GPP TR 38.821). In FIG. 2B there is shown an Altitude 250 coinciding with GEO based non-terrestrial access network (Scenario A and B) at 35,786 km 270, and LEO based non-terrestrial access network (Scenario C and D) at 600 km-1,200 km 280. As shown in FIG. 2B when the Altitude 250 has a Max distance between satellite and user equipment at a minimum elevation angle 255 for the GEO 270 scenarios A and B 40,586 km. Also as shown in FIG. 2B when the Altitude 250 has a Max distance between satellite and user equipment at a minimum elevation angle 255 the LEO 280 scenarios are 1,932 km (600 km altitude) and 3,131 km (1,200 km altitude). Here, for Scenario C: (transparent payload: service and feeder links) Max distance between satellite and user equipment at a minimum elevation angle 255 are 25.76ms (600 km) and 41.75ms (1200 km) 285. Also as shown in FIG. 2B for the Max Round Trip Delay (propagation delay only) 260 for GEO 270 Scenario A there is 541.14ms (service and feeder links) and for GEO 270 Scenario B 271.57ms (service link only). Further, for the Max Round Trip Delay (propagation delay only) 260 for LEO 280 Scenario D: (regenerative payload service link only) Max distance between satellite and user equipment at a minimum elevation angle 255 are 12.88ms (600 km) and 20.87ms (1200 km) 290.

This entails the user payload must move from UE to the satellite via the service link and then further on the ground station (including the gNB) via the feeder link and back again for the acknowledgment (i.e. two times the round trip time of the regenerative payload).

Differently from most services implemented in current cellular deployments, the RTT estimated for NTN networks is very high (between 12.88 and 541 ms). This means, for example, that between a first transmission originated from either of the link nodes (either the UE or the gNb) the minimum elapsed time until this same node receives an ACK/NACK feedback will correspond to several 5G NR TTIs or even multiple frames FIG. 1 provides an example of the issue.

As shown in FIG. 1 there is shown a scenario with a transparent (bent-pipe) satellite and high altitude platforms (HAPS) 100 providing new radio (NR) frequency fl 105 a UE 110 in a network of cells, while providing NR via frequency f2 115 towards Gateway 120 for communication by 5G RAN 125 with 5G CN 130. Further, in FIG. 1 there is shown another scenario where a Non-Transparent (On Board Processor) satellite and high altitude platforms (HAPS) 140 providing new radio (NR) frequency fl 105 a UE 110 in a network of cells towards Gateway 160 for communication with 5G CN 165.

According to current specifications in 3GPP [TS 38.331] the maximum number of HARQ processes available in the UE is 16. Each transmission, either downlink or uplink, has a HARQ process ID associated to it, numbered from 0 to 15. The high latency in the air interface described in Section 2, has become a problem for the management of the HARQ. With such high latency, it is possible that all the HARQ processes available in the transmitter are used before the first ACK/NACK is received, assuming that one process can be used at every TTI or every few TTIs (one TTI corresponds to 0.25 to 1ms, depending on the subcarrier spacing). Therefore, when this happens, the HARQ process ID used for the next transmission shall reuse one of the HARQ process IDs, who have not yet been terminated by an ACK. In the UE side, this will cause confusion about how to decide whether the process ID represents a HARQ retransmission or a new transmission reusing the same ID.

One clear way of solving this problem is to increase the number of HARQ processes available in the specifications. However, UE vendors have raised concerns about doing so (see email discussion on delay tolerant retransmission mechanisms in NR-NTN). Such HARQ type of memory buffers are expensive and complex to implement at the UE side and while it may be doable for some UEs, for others, like cheap IoT devices, it should be avoided. Another problem concerns the HARQ Process ID signalling, which is now defined as a 4-bit message. Increasing the number of processes would require modifications in the DCI with a new (larger) format being proposed to the specifications. Moreover, this will limit the NTN solutions to those users whose number of HARQ processes can go beyond the 16 defined in the NR release 15 specifications. Finally, the starting point for the NTN SI is that the impact on 5G New Radio specifications shall be limited as much as possible and thus significant changes to UE hardware are not desirable (Study Item Description: RP-190710).

Because of this, disabling the HARQ processes for some NTN applications have become a “trending” topic in recent 3GPP meetings and it is also mentioned in the SI description (RP- 190710). Although feasible, with some modifications in the specifications, this clearly impacts the reliability of the connection. It also limits the maximum achievable throughputs and overall system capacity, as it favours a more conservative approach (in terms of modulation and coding scheme and allocated resources) in the first transmission.

The usage of HARQ feedback may delay the retransmissions beyond the acceptable for some latency constrained services. In the literature, there are a few options to overcome this issue and perform retransmissions without the need of HARQ feedback. For example:

RLC Retransmisisons:

They are less efficient and much slower than HARQ retransmissions; TTI Bundling:

The TTI bundling is a solution typically deployed for VoLTE in uplink. The idea is to minimize the latency between the transmission and the rightful reception of a given message. In this concept, when the MCS used by a given user cannot be“downgrade”, i.e., the UE is already at the most robust level of MCS transmission, and the power cannot be elevated anymore, the TTI bundling is triggered. In the TTI bundling, an UL grant corresponds to 4 consecutive TTIs, where the UE must (re-)transmit the same information 4 times, each using a different RV. Therefore, the TTI bundling triggers 4-repetitions of the information on advance, improving the reliability at the expense of a possible overuse of physical resources. A similar method is used for range extension in NB-IoT and eMTC;

Proactive K-repetitions:

In this scheme, firstly introduced by 3 GPP Release 15, a high-reliability is enforced in latency constrained transmission by means of proactive K-retransmissions. The concept is that for every packet of information to be transmitted, the user sends K-retransmissions of it, regardless of any HARQ feedback. This has tremendous potential to improve reliability, but it tends to overload the physical air interface. For example, when K=1 , at least twice as many resources are expend in the air interface, i.e., 20 physical resource allocations are needed to transmit 10 Transport Blocks; an

Satellite networks are expected to cover very large areas, with cell ranges that can go above 500 km and they have limited link budget due to the very large distances between users and satellites. Therefore, it is possible that, in certain situations, there are scarce resources available in the PHY to be distributed among the UEs, and if K-repetitions are applied to most of them, there may be insufficient resources in the network.

RLC retransmissions:

When the number of HARQ retransmissions have elapsed, the RLC depending on the configured mode for the transmission (namely Acknowledged Mode) can trigger a RLC level retransmission. Whenever a RLC retransmission occurs, the HARQ process is re-initiated.

Luby Transform (LT) Codes:

LT Codes are one code from the class of erasure, rateless codes.

• Erasure Codes: in these codes, each packet (or symbol) transmitted is either received successfully (which may be decided by means of CRC or other parity check) or is discarded. There is no packet which are“received with errors”. • Rateless codes: The code rate is not defined initially, rather, the code rate is adapted online to be as low as required to get a specific packet trough the link, rightfully decoded. This means the number of transmissions can be as high as required to ensure the packet is be correctly decoded.

The LT codes divide the message in“symbols”, which are combined using XOR operations, in the transmission Phase.

FIG. 3 shows an example of expiration of number of HARQ Processes available in DL (at the UE side) considering a very long Round Trip Delay and a maximum of 16 HARQ processes As shown in FIG. 3 there is a satellite or high altitude platforms (HAPS) 300 and the UE 310 are communicating HARQ processes. FIG. 3 shows the encoding and decoding process summarized for one example where two symbols 320 are transmitted using 3 encoded symbols (code rate = 2/3).

In the first phase, the symbols are“encoded”, i.e., XOR operations are performed to combine these symbols. In this example, there are two encoded symbols of degree 1 (SO and SI) and 1 symbol of degree 2 (S0+S1, where + represents the XOR operation). In this example, two packets are received with success, while one of them must be discarded because it is received with error. In the decoding phase, the packets of degree 1 effectively received are assumed to have been decoded and become the“ripple”. In the next phase the packets in the“ripple” are used to perform packet elimination (via XOR) with the other successfully received codes. The process continues until all packets are decoded or all packets in the ripple have been eliminated from the others.

Choice of Symbol degree: It follows a random distribution, that must be designed to avoid too many symbols with degree 1 (lower redundancy) or too few symbols with degree 1 (quasi-empty ripple). This information has to be conveyed to the receiver, or the random generator seed has to be agreed by receiver and transmitter previously.

Choice of Symbols to be combined: It follows a random distribution. It also has to be known by both, receiver and transmitter. In LT codes, AT LEAST, N encoded symbols must be successfully received for a total of N source symbols to be successfully received.

Depending on how the message flow is designed one may end up with a lot of transmitted messages in the air, before you receive an ACK (due to propagation delay). The number of encoded symbols that can be combined with others keeps growing until the transmitter receives an ACK for some of these packets. The ACK informs the source symbols that were effectively received and which requires no additional retransmissions.

In example embodiments of the invention, thee is addressed at least the problem of the HARQ feedback delay for NTN (and for other latency constrained scenarios) by repurposing the HARQ Processes’ soft buffers available at the UE side. In the description of the features associated to example embodiments of the invention the following terminology is adopted:

A. Original Transport Block (Original TB): A transport block as defined in current 3GPP specs. It can correspond to a MAC PDU or apart of a MAC PDU. It is a“new” piece of data to be transmitted.

B. Transport Block Combinations (TB Combinations): The replication of an encoded Original TB for TB Combinations of degree 1 (TB Combination of degree 1 = one original TB), or the result of XOR operation between multiple encoded Original TBs for TB Combinations of degree at least equal to 2. This corresponds to the TBs that will be transmitted in the air interface. A modified version of Luby Transform (LT) Codes are used to generate the required combinations.

However, before describing the example embodiments of the invention in detail, reference is made to FIG. 4 for illustrating a simplified block diagram of various electronic devices that are suitable for use in practicing the example embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting exemplary system in which the example embodiments of the invention may be practiced. In FIG. 4, a user equipment (UE) 10 is in wireless communication with a wireless network 1. A UE is a wireless, typically mobile device that can access a wireless network. The UE 10 includes one or more processors DP 10A, one or more memories MEM 10B, and one or more transceivers TRANS 10D interconnected through one or more buses. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 10D includes a receiver and a transmitter. The one or more buses may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, and the like. The one or more transceivers TRANS 10D are connected to one or more antennas for communication 11 and 18 to NN 12 and NN 13, respectively. The one or more memories MEM 10B include computer program code PROG IOC. The UE 10 communicates with NN 12 and/or NN 13 via a wireless link 111. The NN 12 (NR/5G Node B, an evolved NB, or LTE device) is a network node such as a master or secondary node base station (e.g., for NR or LTE long term evolution) that communicates with devices such as NN 13 and UE 10 of FIG. 4. The NN 12 provides access to wireless devices such as the UE 10 to the wireless network 1. The NN 12 includes one or more processors DP 12 A, one or more memories MEM 12C, and one or more transceivers TRANS 12D interconnected through one or more buses. In accordance with the example embodiments these TRANS 12D can include X2 and/or Xn interfaces for use to perform the example embodiments of the invention. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 12D includes a receiver and a transmitter. The one or more transceivers TRANS 12D are connected to one or more antennas for communication over at least link 11 with the UE 10. The one or more memories MEM 12B and the computer program code PROG 12C are configured to cause, with the one or more processors DP 12 A, the NN 12 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The NN 12 may communicate with another gNB or eNB, or a device such as the NN 13. Further, the link 11 and or any other link may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, e.g., an X2 or Xn interface. Further the link 11 may be through other network devices such as, but not limited to an NCE/MME/SGW device such as the NCE 14 of FIG. 4.

The NN 13 can comprise a mobility function device such as an AMF or SMF, further the NN 13 may comprise a NR/5G Node B or possibly an evolved NB a base station such as a master or secondary node base station (e.g., for NR or LTE long term evolution) that communicates with devices such as the NN 12 and/or UE 10 and/or the wireless network 1. The NN 13 includes one or more processors DP 13 A, one or more memories MEM 13B, one or more network interfaces, and one or more transceivers TRANS 12D interconnected through one or more buses. In accordance with the example embodiments these network interfaces of NN 13 can include X2 and/or Xn interfaces for use to perform the example embodiments of the invention. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 13D includes a receiver and a transmitter connected to one or more antennas. The one or more memories MEM 13B include computer program code PROG 13C. For instance, the one or more memories MEM 13B and the computer program code PROG 13 C are configured to cause, with the one or more processors DP 13 A, the NN 13 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The NN 13 may communicate with another mobility function device and/or eNB such as the NN 12 and the UE 10 or any other device using, e.g., link 11 or another link. These links maybe wired or wireless or both and may implement, e.g., an X2 or Xn interface. Further, as stated above the link 11 may be through other network devices such as, but not limited to an NCE/MME/SGW device such as the NCE 14 of FIG. 4.

The one or more buses of the device of FIG. 4 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, and the like. For example, the one or more transceivers TRANS 12D, TRANS 13D and/or TRANS 10D may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH), with the other elements of the NN 12 being physically in a different location from the RRH, and the one or more buses 157 could be implemented in part as fiber optic cable to connect the other elements of the NN 12 to a RRH.

It is noted that although FIG. 4 shows a network nodes Such as NN 12 and NN 13. Any of these nodes may can incorporate or be incorporated into an eNodeB or eNB or gNB such as for LTE and NR, and would still be configurable to perform example embodiments of the invention.

Also it is noted that description herein indicates that“cells” perform functions, but it should be clear that the gNB that forms the cell and/or a user equipment and/or mobility management function device that will perform the functions. In addition, the cell makes up part of a gNB, and there can be multiple cells per gNB.

The wireless network 1 may include a network control element (NCE) 14 that may include MME (Mobility Management Entity)/SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality, and which provides connectivity with a further network, such as a telephone network and/or a data communications network (e.g., the Internet). The NN 12 and the NN 13 are coupled via a link 13 and/or link 14 to the NCE 14. In addition, it is noted that the operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention, as performed by the NN 13, may also be performed at the NCE 14.

The NCE 14 includes one or more processors DP 14A, one or more memories MEM 14B, and one or more network interfaces (N/W I/F(s)), interconnected through one or more buses coupled with the link 13 and/or 14. In accordance with the example embodiments these network interfaces can include X2 and/or Xn interfaces for use to perform the example embodiments of the invention. The one or more memories MEM 14B include computer program code PROG 14C. The one or more memories MEM14B and the computer program code PROG 14C are configured to, with the one or more processors DP 14A, cause the NCE 14 to perform one or more operations which may be needed to support the operations in accordance with the example embodiments of the invention.

The wireless Network 1 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as either external, combining many networks, or parts of networks, into a virtual unit, or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities that result from the network virtualization are still implemented, at some level, using hardware such as processors DP 10, DP12A, DP 13 A, and/or DP14A and memories MEM 10B, MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and/or MEM 14B, and also such virtualized entities create technical effects.

The computer readable memories MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and MEM 14B may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The computer readable memories MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and MEM 14B may be means for performing storage functions. The processors DP10, DP12A, DP13A, and DP14A may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The processors DP 10, DP12A, DP 13 A, and DP14A may be means for performing functions, such as controlling the UE 10, NN 12, NN 13, and other functions as described herein.

The present invention is comprised of the following implementation and specification aspects:

A. Implementation (UE and gNb):

1. A method for utilizing the different RVs over erroneously received TB Combinations to enhance the detection probability. In previous implementations, LT packets that failed the parity check would be discarded, while in this example embodiment of the invention they are kept on different buffers. After subsequent packet eliminations, different buffer IDs may contain different erroneous versions of the same original TB. Then a cross-buffer operation is enabled, performing soft-combining between two buffer memories, enabling the recombination to be resubmitted to the channel decoding process.

B. Specification:

1. New signaling messages (RRC, Broadcast, etc.), where the gNb sends to the UE one or more of the following information:

i. Activation/Deactivation commands for this feature.

ii. The expected redundancy rate in the PHY usages (# of TB Combinations / # of original TBs transmitted). iii. The sequence of original TBs to be used in the TB Combinations

i. The sequence of RVs used for each original TBs in the TB Combinations ii. An index for a table that defines the items described in items ii-iv.

2. A table and method for combining two encoded_TBs using an XOR operation following a predefined sequence using a modified LT Code

3. A method and signalling for adapting the redundancy rate based on change of dynamic conditions (e.g. load, channel quality, RRC conditions).

4. A method for repurposing the HARQ Processes’ soft buffers available at the UE side. In what each of the HARQ processes are no longer associated to a HARQ process id, but rather they are sequentially assigned to a combination of TBs sequence transmitted in the PHY.

5. A method for combining two encoded_TBs with different sizes

6. A new“trigger” condition for flushing the HARQ buffer.

Assuming that there is a UE attached to a NTN gNb. The UE has capabilities for up to K HARQ processes (K = 8, in this example, for simplicity). And assuming that HARQ processes must be disabled, because of the very high latency on the PHY. Example embodiments of the invention are triggered and then the MAC processes are altered at UE and gNb according to the steps 1-11 described in Fig. 3 and detailed below.

Fig. 5 shows an example of the sequential flow of LT codes used for transmitting 2 symbols. In this example 3 symbols are used for encoding. At the detection phase the packet elimination is performed by XOR operations to recover the transmitted symbols. As shown in FIG. 5 there is a simplified flow diagram at the transmitting end that implements this solution. In this example, there are only two Original TB to be combined (TB0 and TB1). It is important to note, without the loss of generality, that the“transport” procedures defined in 3GPP specifications for LTE and 5G may include additional blocks in the diagram (e.g. code block segmentation and concatenation, LDPC base graph selection, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 5 there is the encoding includes Input Symbols 500 including So and Si to Encoded Symbols 510 of So ₊ Si. Then to Received Symbols 520 where So and Si fail, and So ₊ Si are Ok and are passed to Decoding Phase (I) 530 where decoded symbols include Si, _{and where} So ₊ Si are stored symbols, such as stored in a buffer in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. Then to the Decoding Phase (II) 540 where decoded symbols include Si, and where So ₊ Si are add Si to result in So. In FIG. 6 there is shown operations between a UE 10 and a gNB 12, such as the UE 10 and a gNB 12 as in FIG. 4, in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. As shown in step 605 of FIG. 6 the gNB 12 communicates with the UE 10 information regarding capabilities of the UE 10 for Quasi-feedbackless HARQ Capable.

In this step 605 there is an exchange of UE capabilities, which can occur in the initial connection setup. This configuration includes the capabilities of the UE in reference to the proposed quasi feedback-less HARQ, including:

a. The capability of combining (the XOR process at the TX) and elimination (the XOR process at the Rx) of TBs;

b. The number of process available for quasi-feedback-less HARQ.

As shown in FIG. 6, steps 610, 615, 620, and 625 as described below are part of a setup Phase 607.

In step 610 of FIG. 6 the gNB 12 communicates with the UE 10 to Activate (Quasi) Feedbackless HARQ features. In this subsequent step 610 the gNb sends signalling to the UE informing the feature must be activated (the HARQ buffers must be repurposed). This signaling may be an RRC message or broadcasted to several NTN users.

In step 615 of FIG. 6 a PHY Redundant Use Rate is Set. In regards to this step 615 the gNb 12 scheduler assigns the redundancy rate to be used.

In regards to this step 615 of FIG. 6 there is in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention new signaling from the gNb toward the UE to inform the number of Original TBs to be effectively transmitted for every /v _{¾ 5?} transmissions in DL and/or UL:

• Example: The gNB may inform that 6 TBs are expected for a UE with 8HARQ Processes available, introducing a redundancy rate of 6/8 usages of the air interface; and

• This information may be dynamically modified upon feedback information about the radio channel conditions.

In addition, selection of the physical channel redundancy rate may be, for example,

• pre-assigned, depending on the QoS information, UE Class or other;

• dependent on UE Channel Quality estimation or other radio channel measurements;

• Dependent on past ACK.NACK ratio; and/or • Based on current MCS and UE Tx Power

The UL and DL physical channel redundancy rate may be the same or independently assigned.

In step 620 of FIG. 6 in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention TB Combinations Sequence(s) are Set. In regards to this step 620 of FIG. 6 the gNb informs the UE about the sequence of TB combinations to be used.

A new signaling from the gNb toward the UE to inform the sequence of“TBs combinations” to be transmitted in DL and/or UL. The sequence contains the information of the degrees and the Original TBs present in each of the TB Combinations transmitted in the air interface.

In step 625 of FIG. 6 Original TBs Redundancy Version Sequence is Set. In regards to this step 625 of FIG. 6 the gNb 12 informs the UE about the sequence of RVs used for each TB combination.

New signalling from the gNb toward the UE informing the redundancy version for each of the Original TBs present in a TB Combination in DL and/or UL. The information contains the redundancy version (RV) used for each of the Original TBs within a TB combination, as defined in the specifications for RVs.

In the present example, steps 620 and 625 of FIG. 6 can be condensed and transmitted by the gNb 12 via an index to a Table, in order to minimize the overhead of signaling messages. Such a table can be pre-defined in specifications. The index may be implicitly defined by the choice of the redundancy rate.

The Table as shown in FIG. 7 shows an example where the choice of the redundancy rate defines the sequence of TB Combinations to be transmitted when = S. The table as shown in FIG. 7 also defines the Redundancy version (vO, vl, v2, v3) as defined in 3GPP specifications. As shown in FIG. 7 there is shown relationships between PHY Redundancy Rates / PHY Channel Usages 810 and Sequence of TB Combinations to be Transmitted 820.

In this example, a redundancy rate of 8/6 is chosen, which means every 8 transmissions over the physical interface will transmit a total of 6 original TBs.

As shown in step 627 of FIG. 6 TB Combinations and TB Size Matching is performed by the gNB 12. In regards to step 627 of FIG. 6 the transmitting end performs TB combinations. After UE and gNb agree on the sequence of TB Combinations to be transmitted, an XOR operation must be performed prior to transmission, which is a new operation for the current standards. It is noted that:

• This does not require any modification on previous established procedures in the MAC layer, but it is added to the flowchart of the legacy MAC operation;

• In a different embodiment a new parity check and high-rate channel coding may be performed over the TB Combination; and

• Contrarily to previous LT implementations, this example embodiment of the invention does not require a parity check at the reception/transmission of every TB Combination.

As shown in step 630 of FIG. 6 a 1 ^st DL Transmission with a 1 ^st TB Combination is communicated between the gNB 12 and the UE 10. Then as shown in step 640 of FIG. 6 the UE 10 performs TB Combination Reception and Packet Elimination for this 1 ^st DL transmission.

In step 645 of FIG. 6 there is a 2 ^nd DL Transmission with a 2 ^nd TB Combination communicated between the gNB 12 and the UE 10. Then in step 650 of FIG. 6 there is at the UE 12 TB Combination Reception and Packet Elimination for this 2 ^nd DL transmission.

In step 655 of FIG. 6 there is a kth DL Transmission communicated with a kth TB Combination communicated between the gNB 12 and the UE 10. Then in step 660 of FIG. 6 there is at the UE 12 TB Combination Reception and Packet Elimination for this kth DL transmission, where k is an integer.

As shown in step 665 of Fig. 6 in accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is Soft Combining of Erroneous TBs of Degree 1. In step 670 of FIG. 6 there is optionally HARQ Feedback communicated between the UE 10 and the gNB 12. In step 675 and step 677 of FIG. 6 the UE 10 and the gNB 12, respectively, may flush its buffer, such as buffers where signaling associated with HARQ processes are stored. Then at step 680 of FIG. 6 there can be a Re-start of at least some of the processes as described above in accordance with example embodiments of the invention.

In accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is Size Matching in the TB Combinations (Transmitter). In the case two original TBs have different sizes (because of difference in the MAC PDU sizes or other reason), the smallest original TB is“filled” with extra bits to match the size of the largest original TBs. In accordance with example embodiments of the invention the resource allocation for the TB Combinations must respect the size of the largest original TB.

TB Size Matching: The smaller TB requires extension to match the size of the largest encoded TB. The extension sequence may be:

• Dummy bits (for example sequence of“0” or sequence of“1”);

• Known specific sequence;

• Repetition of the initial of part of the smaller encoded TB version (adding more redundancy) or; preferably

• Parts of the“next redundancy version sequence” (adding more redundancy to the information).

If specified in the standards, the“size matching” sequence may be used to improve the reception capabilities (repeating information) by using, for example, soft combining of the repeated versions of the information. If not, it is left for implementation how the transmitter fill the sequence of dummy bits.

Further, it can be noted that for steps 630, 645, and 655 of FIG. 6 as stated above there can be Transmission of the TB combinations according with selected configuration(s).

These transmissions may entail changes in how to read current DCI formats. There are flexible ways to perform this operation that should be an object of specifications.

The receiving end reverse the operations performed by the transmitting end.

Every received TB Combination is stored into a buffer previously assigned to different HARQ processes. Processes in accordance with example embodiments of the invention can include:

• The first received packet is stored in the buffer corresponding to the HARQ Process ID 0, the second is stored in the buffer corresponding to the HARQ Process ID 1, etc.;

• TB Combinations of degree 1 are decoded as in the legacy process; and

• If the received TB passes the parity check after step B, it can be“eliminated” for every other TB Combinations received or to be received by an XOR operation. In order to describe the steps at the receiving end, in this example, it can be assumed the first four transmissions are received as depicted in FIG. 6. All the first four transmissions are TB Combinations of first degree. Those can be directly decoded and have their parity checked.

Regardless of the result of the CRC Check all received packets must be moved to buffer positions.

FIG. 8 shows an example of simplified transmitter flow diagram in the proposed solution for a TB Combination between Original TB0 and TB1 in accordance with example embodiments of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 8 there is shown operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention the Original TBO 800 and the Original TB1 850. As shown in FIG. 8 forthe operations of the Original TBO 800 there is a Parity Check 805, Channel Coding 810, and Rate Matching / RV Assignment(s) 815. As shown in FIG. 8 for the operations of the Original TB 1 850 there is a Parity Check 855, Channel Coding 860, and Rate Matching / RV Assignment(s) 870. Both these Original TBO 800 and Original TB1 850 operations lead to step 880 of FIG. 8 where TB Combination results. Then to step 890 of FIG. 8 where optionally there is Outer Encoding(s) / Parity Check(s) 890.

FIG. 9 shows operations associated with a first four packets that are moved to the buffer regardless of the CRC Check result in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. As shown with FIG. 9 there is shown an association between each of TBo, TBi, TB2, andTB3910 and related ones of Buffer ID 0 (TBo), Buffer ID 1 (TBi), Buffer ID 2 (TB ₂ ), and Buffer ID 3 (TB3) of Buffer 920. As shown in FIG. 9 there is a CRC fail for Buffer ID 1 (TBi) and Buffer ID 2 (TB ₂ ); and a CRC Ok for Buffer ID 0 (TBo) and Buffer ID 3 (TB ₃ ) of Buffer 920. Then as shown in step 925 of FIG. 9 there is Successfully Received Original TBs: TBo and TB3.

The next received piece of information carries T¾(:i¾) 4· TB^n^. If there is an outer parity check, this can be used to flag if the whole TB Combination have been received rightfully. Otherwise, the TB Combination cannot be decoded until its degree is decomposed to degree 1.

In a present case, the Buffer ID 0 contains one version of TBO rightfully decoded, which can be used to perform an XOR operation to the contents in the Buffer ID 4 (FIG. 8). This corresponds to:

This is at least to:

• Perform this operation the receiver must“puncture” the TB0 stored in Buffer ID 0, to obtain the sequence of bits“1” and“0” corresponding to the vl; and/or

• In the soft-bit domain the XOR operation corresponds to change the sign of the soft-bits for every bit known to be a“1” in T¾f> _s )

After this the packet decomposition, the content in Buffer ID 4 equals the TB4 (FIG. 8). As it becomes a degree 1 TB Combination, the decoding and CRC check can be applied over this information.

FIG. 10 shows an operation of receiving and decoding an XOR packet in accordance with example embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows an association between each of TBo (vo), TBi (V _I ), TB ₂ (V2), andTB ₃ (v ₃ ) lOlO and related ones of Buffer ID 0 (TBo), Buffer ID 1 (TBi), Buffer ID 2 (TB2), and Buffer ID 3 (TB3) of Buffer 1020. As shown in FIG. 10 there is a CRC fail for Buffer ID 1 (TBi) and Buffer ID 2 (TB2); and a CRC Ok for Buffer ID 0 (TBo) and Buffer ID 3 (TB3) of Buffer 1020. Then as shown for the TB4 (vo) + TBO (vi) 1010 it is associated with Buffer ID 4, where +TBo is added for Packet Elimination and sent to Buffer ID 4 (TB4) and has a CRC Ok 1030.

At least some of these processes as described above can go on until all the TB Combinations is transmitted. If the next three packets are received correctly, it is possible to demonstrate that all the 6 original TBs can be decoded, in spite of the two transmission failures.

If the last transmitted TB Combination TB5 (vO) +TB2 (vl) +TB3 (vl)) fails, it is easy to demonstrate that, there will be“degree 1” wrong versions of TB2 (in Buffer ID 7 and in Buffer ID 2).

Perform soft-combining on erroneous versions of TB Combinations of degree 1\

In accordance with example embodiments of the invention TB Combinations of degree 1 who have failed the parity check and correspond to the same original TB, may be recombined for adding more redundancy, before submitting it to the decoder again. For example, as mentioned for TB2 in the last example (erroneous versions in Buffer ID 7 and Buffer ID 2). In case a packet of degree 1 , due to the TB Size matching feature, has being repeated more than once within a TB Combination, the received may attempt to perform soft combining of the received information (implementation).

The soft-combining operation may be performed at any time, given the conditions are met. It does not need to be at the end of the kth transmission as depicted in FIG. 5.

Optionally provide joint ACK to the transmitter. This should provide to the transmitter the information of the TBs that were successfully decoded.

The new ACK/NACK feedback requires specification. There are multiple options for this information: for example:

o One ACK/NACK for the whole sequence;

o One ACK/NACK per TB Combination; and/or

o One ACK/NACK per original TB.

After the last transmission, the buffer is flushed, and the sequence restarts.

The usage of this feature implies that after the Kth transmission, in the example case the 8-th transmission, the buffer is flushed and re-started.

Dynamic modification of number of original TBs per N transmissions

If one or more of the input parameters used by the scheduler to define the redundancy rate changes, the rate may be dynamically modified and signaled to the receiver.

It is possible, for example, to downgrade the current sequence by removing all original TBs that have not appeared in the combinations from future transmissions. For example, at least with regards to the Table of FIG. 7:

If the current redundancy rate is 6/8 and 4 TB Combinations have been transmitted, before the network decides to reduce the redundancy rate to 5/8;

o The original TB4 and TB5 will not have been transmitted yet; or

o TB4 can still be transmitted, but not TB5. TB5 is then suppressed (assumed to be 0) of all TB Combinations where it appears. FIG. 11 A illustrates operations which may be performed by a device such as, but not limited to, a device associated with the UE 10, NN 12, and/or NN 13 as in FIG. 4. As shown in step 1110 of FIG. 11A there is establishing, by a network node, procedures with a network device for reception of at least one signaling process comprising a multiple of transmissions. As shown in step 1120 of FIG. 11A there is, based on the establishing, determining the at least one signaling process comprising the multiple of transmissions, wherein at least one of the multiple of transmissions is using more than one encoded transport block combination. Then as shown in step 1130 of FIG. 11A there is communicating towards the network device the signaling comprising the multiple of transmissions of the processes for use to at least perform the at least one signaling process.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein the establishing comprises establishing at least one of: capabilities of the network device comprising at least one of a capability of combining the more than one encoded transport block; or a number of process available for quasi-feedback-less reception of the multiple of the transmissions of the signaling processes.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the establishing comprises determining capability of the network device for at least one of combining or performing XOR operations including elimination of transport blocks of the more than one encoded transport block combination for the more than one encoded transport block combination.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the establishing comprises: identifying for the network device a rate of the multiple of the transmissions in regards to the at least one signaling process, and identifying for the network device a number of transport blocks for each of the multiple of the transmissions in regards to the at least one signaling process.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the rate of the multiple of the transmissions in regards to the at least one signaling process is one of: preassigned by the communication network based on at least one of quality of service information or a class associated with the network device, based on radio channel measurements, based on a prior ack/nack ratio, or based on a current modulation coding scheme and a transmission power of the network device. In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the establishing comprises: sending towards the network device information comprising: a sequence of the more than one encoded transport block combination to be communicated, and a sequence of the network device for the at least one signaling process comprising the multiple of transmissions.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the information comprises a multiple version used for each original transport block of the more than one encoded transport block combination.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the determining signaling comprises: performing XOR operations with original transport blocks for network device to combine original transport blocks for the network device to create the more than one transport block combination.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the operations comprise performing a parity check and high-rate channel encoding over each of the more than one encoded transport block combination.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the determining signaling comprises: determining a size of each transport block of the more than one encoded transport block combination, wherein it is determined that at least one transport block of the more than one transport block is a different size; and based on the determining, extending sizes of the at least one transport block with extra bits to match a size of a largest size transport block of the more than one transport block.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the extending sizes is using at least one of: padding bits with a sequence of 1 or 0, a known specific sequence; repetition of an initial part of a smaller encoded transport block version, or parts of a next version sequence.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the multiple of transmissions is related to a redundancy of at least one transmission of signaling processes in one of a downlink or an uplink. In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one signaling process results in error detection and correction processes.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one signaling process comprises a sequence which includes the multiple of transmissions and terminates with a sequence that results in the error detection and correction processes.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the error detection and correction processes comprises hybrid automatic repeat request processes.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the network node comprises one of a user equipment and a base station associated with at least one satellite.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the network device comprises another one of the user equipment and the base station associated with at least one satellite.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium (MEM 12B and/or MEM 13B as in FIG. 4) storing program code (PROG IOC, PROG 12C, and/or PROG 13C as in FIG. 4), the program code executed by at least one processor (DP 10A, DP 12A, and/or DP 13A as in FIG. 4) to perform the operations as at least described in the paragraphs above.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means for establishing (TRANS 10D, TRANS 12D, and/or TRANS 13D; MEM 10 A, MEM 12B, and/or MEM 13B; PROG IOC, PROG 12C, and/or PROG 13C; and DP 10A, DP 12A, and/or DP 13 A as in FIG. 4), by a network node (UE 10, NN 12, and/or NN 13 as in FIG. 4), procedures with a network device (UE 10, NN 12, and/or NN 13 as in FIG. 4) for reception of at least one signaling process comprising a multiple of transmissions; means, based on the establishing, for determining (TRANS 10D, TRANS 12D, and/or TRANS 13D; MEM 10 A, MEM 12B, and/or MEM 13B; PROG IOC, PROG 12C, and/or PROG 13C; and DP 10A, DP 12A, and/or DP 13A as in FIG. 4) the at least one signaling process comprising the multiple of transmissions, wherein at least one of the multiple of transmissions is using more than one encoded transport block combination; and means for communicating (TRANS 10D, TRANS 12D, and/or TRANS 13D; MEM 10A, MEM 12B, and/or MEM 13B; PROG IOC, PROG 12C, and/or PROG 13C; and DP 10A, DP 12A, and/or DP 13A as in FIG. 4) towards the network device the signaling comprising the multiple of transmissions of the processes for use to at least perform the at least one signaling process.

In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein at least the means for establishing, configuring, and sending comprises transceiver [TRANS 10D, TRANS 12D, and/or TRANS 13D as in FIG. 4] a non-transitory computer readable medium [MEM 10A, MEM 12B, and/or MEM 13B] encoded with a computer program [PROG IOC, PROG 12C, and/or PROG 13C as inn FIG. 4] executable by at least one processor [DP 10A, DP 12A, and/or DP 13A as in FIG. 4]

FIG. 1 IB illustrates operations which may be performed by a device such as, but not limited to, a device associated with the UE 10, NN 12, and/or NN 13 as in FIG. 4. As shown in step 1150 of FIG. 11B there is establishing, by a network device, procedures with a network node for reception of at least one signaling process comprising a multiple of transmissions, wherein at least one of the multiple of transmissions is using more than one encoded transport block combination. As shown in step 1160 of FIG. 1 IB there is, based on the establishing, receiving from the network node the at least one signaling process comprising the multiple of transmissions for use to at least perform the at least one signaling process.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraph above, the receiving comprises: storing in at least one buffer each packet of the received signaling.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the at least two buffers comprises more than one buffer, and wherein each buffer of the more than one buffer is assigned to a different signaling process of the at least one signaling process.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein each buffer is corresponding to a process identification associated with the different signaling process.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the more than one encoded transport block combination are using XOR operations with original transport blocks for network device to create the more than one encoded transport block combination.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the operations comprises: performing a parity check of each of the more than one encoded transport block combination; eliminating transport blocks of the more than one encoded transport block combination that pass the parity check for every other encoded transport block combination received or to be received by an XOR operation; and decoding the remaining encoded transport block combinations received.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein for a case at least one transport block corresponding to a same original transport block for the network device fails the parity check due to the XOR operations, wherein the at least two buffers comprises more than one buffer, the method comprising: performing a soft- combining between two buffer memories of the more than one buffer, enabling a recombination to be resubmitted to a channel decoding process for the network device.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the establishing comprises determining a number of processes associated with signaling comprising the at least one signaling process that can be communicated to the network device less feedback.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the establishing comprises determining capability of the network device for at least one of combining or eliminating the more than one encoded transport block combination.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the establishing comprises: identifying a rate of the multiple of the transmissions the at least one signaling process, and identifying a number of transport blocks for each of the multiple of the transmissions the at least one signaling process.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the rate of the multiple of the transmissions of the at least one signaling process is one of: preassigned by the communication network based on at least one of quality of service information or a class associated with the network device, based on radio channel measurements, based on a prior ack/nack ratio, or based on a current modulation coding scheme and a transmission power of the network device. In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the establishing comprises: receiving by the network device information comprising: a sequence of the more than one encoded transport block combination to be communicated, and a sequence of the network device for the multiple of transmissions of at least one signaling process.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the information comprises a version used for each original transport block of the more than one encoded transport block combination.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the multiple of transmissions is related to a redundancy of at least one transmission of signaling processes in one of a downlink or an uplink.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one signaling process results in error detection and correction processes.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one signaling process comprises a sequence which includes the multiple of transmissions and terminates with a sequence that results in the error detection and correction processes.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the error detection and correction processes comprises hybrid automatic repeat request processes.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the network device comprises one of a user equipment and a base station associated with at least one satellite.

In an example aspect of example embodiments of the invention according to the paragraphs above, wherein the network node comprises another one of the user equipment and the base station associated with at least one satellite.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium (MEM 12B and/or MEM 13B as in FIG. 4) storing program code (PROG IOC, PROG 12C, and/or PROG 13C as in FIG. 4), the program code executed by at least one processor (DP 10A, DP 12A, and/or DP 13A as in FIG. 4) to perform the operations as at least described in the paragraphs above.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means for establishing (TRANS 10D, TRANS 12D, and/or TRANS 13D; MEM 10 A, MEM 12B, and/or MEM 13B; PROG IOC, PROG 12C, and/or PROG 13C; and DP 10A, DP 12A, and/or DP 13A as in FIG. 4), by a network device (UE 10, NN 12, and/or NN 13 as in FIG. 4), procedures with a network node (UE 10, NN 12, and/or NN 13 as in FIG. 4) for reception of at least one signaling process comprising a multiple of transmissions; means, based on the establishing, for receiving (TRANS 10D, TRANS 12D, and/or TRANS 13D; MEM 10A, MEM 12B, and/or MEM 13B; PROG IOC, PROG 12C, and/or PROG 13C; and DP 10A, DP 12A, and/or DP 13A as in FIG. 4), from the network node the at least one signaling process comprising the multiple of transmissions for use to at least perform the at least one signaling process.

In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein at least the means for establishing and receiving comprises transceiver [TRANS 10D, TRANS 12D, and/or TRANS 13D as in FIG. 4] a non-transitory computer readable medium [MEM 10A, MEM 12B, and/or MEM 13B] encoded with a computer program [PROG IOC, PROG 12C, and/or PROG 13C as inn FIG. 4] executable by at least one processor [DP 10A, DP 12A, and/or DP 13A as in FIG. 4]

Advantages of the example embodiments of the invention includes that: o HARQ Buffers are repurposed when those are expected to be disabled by lack of functionality; and

o PHY resources are saved as compared to the K-repetitions, with improved performance. The K-repetitions require K*N uses of the air interface. For example, considering a 10% BLER on the PHY. Therefore, the final BLER obtained by the codebook presented in the table of FIG. 7 is:

o 8/8: 10% (no redundancy),

o 8/7: 6.11%,

o 8/6: 2,05%,

o 8/5: 0.66%

o 8/4: 0.12% The above is at least not considering the combination of different encoded versions, just the successfully decoded degree 1 TBs. Note that even better results may be obtained for 16 HARQ processes and the same redundancy rate.

Further, in accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is circuitry for performing operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein. This circuitry can include any type of circuitry including content coding circuitry, content decoding circuitry, processing circuitry, image generation circuitry, data analysis circuitry, etc.). Further, this circuitry can include discrete circuitry, application-specific integrated circuitry (ASIC), and/or field-programmable gate array circuitry (FPGA), etc. as well as a processor specifically configured by software to perform the respective function, or dual-core processors with software and corresponding digital signal processors, etc.). Additionally, there are provided necessary inputs to and outputs from the circuitry, the function performed by the circuitry and the interconnection (perhaps via the inputs and outputs) of the circuitry with other components that may include other circuitry in order to perform example embodiments of the invention as described herein.

In accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed in this application this application, the“circuitry” provided can include at least one or more or all of the following:

(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry);

(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):

(i) a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit(s) with software/firmware; and

(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions, such as functions or operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein); and

(c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g. , firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.” As used in this application, the term 'circuitry' refers to all of the following:

(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry); and

(b) to combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) to a combination of processor(s) or (ii) to portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions); and

(c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present.

This definition of 'circuitry' applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term "circuitry" would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other network device.

In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

Embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the embodiments described in this Detailed Description are exemplary embodiments provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims.

The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the best method and apparatus presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention.

It should be noted that the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements, and may encompass the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" together. The coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As employed herein two elements maybe considered to be "connected" or "coupled" together by the use of one or more wires, cables and/or printed electrical connections, as well as by the use of electromagnetic energy, such as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency region, the microwave region and the optical (both visible and invisible) region, as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

Furthermore, some of the features of the preferred embodiments of this invention could be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, and not in limitation thereof.