Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing system information message transmission in a distribution network (e.g., a wireless network such as one compliant with 3GPP 5G NR-U). In one embodiment, transmission of multiple SI (System Information) messages with overlapping SI-windows is enabled but with no soft-combining support. In another embodiment, transmission of multiple SI-messages with overlapping SI-windows is enabled with soft-combining support. In yet another embodiment, aperiodic OSI transmission is enabled. Moreover, the present disclosure provides mechanisms for notifying UE of an SI change.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for prioritizing spectrum and controlling data traffic steering within a wireless network. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide enhanced wireless services which allow network operators to prioritize utilization of spectrum for their subscribers. In one variant, an enhanced 3GPP UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) framework is provided for a UE connected to 5G wireless network, which allows the UE to use one or more prioritized 3GPP spectrum Band Class(es) based on one or more selection criterion or preconditions. In another variant, UE location information is used to dynamically update a data traffic steering mode or other functionality of an enhanced ATSSS (Access Traffic Steering, Switching, and Splitting) rule framework is described for dynamic control of steering or routing functionality, including between 3GPP- and non-3GPP network accesses for the data traffic.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for physical cell identification within one or more wireless networks. In one embodiment, conflicts in PCI values which may exist within two or more mobile networks (e.g., PLMNs) of respective different operators when unlicensed spectrum is utilized (e.g., according to 3GPP 5G NR-U technology) are resolved. In one implementation, this functionality is provided by specifying one or more mobility-related parameters associated with various UE, such that serving gNBs can determine whether a given UE requires a mobility context, and as such whether it should conduct subsequent RF measurement reporting to report back potential conflicts in PCI it may encounter to the gNB. In one variant, the measurement reporting is configured to comply with 5G NR-U required “listen-before-talk” or LBT protocols; i.e., to measure parameters consistent with the LBT protocols to detect any such PCI-based conflicts.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting wireless medium sharing in wireless communications systems, e.g., various 802.11 wireless communications systems, are described. A novel shared transmission type of trigger frame is implemented, which allows a wireless station, acting as a host station, to make available transmission resources, which have been acquired by the wireless station, to one or more guest stations. A shared transmission type of trigger frame, generated and transmitted by the host station communicates information identifying the attributes of a corresponding trigger based (TB) frame, information identifying resources of the TB frame to be used by the host station and information identifying one or more set of shared resources which may be used by guest station(s). The trigger based (TB) frame, corresponding to the transmitted shared transmission type trigger frame, is used by the host station and one or more guest stations to transmit data to an access point.

Abstract: A user equipment (UE) receives time division duplexing (TDD) configuration information from a master node (MN), with which the UE is communicating using a first band of unlicensed spectrum and receives TDD configuration information from a secondary node (SN), which is being added to support communications with the UE using a second band of unlicensed spectrum. The UE compares the two TDD structures, identifying DL and UL slots in SN TDD structure which correspond to DL and UL time intervals in the MN TDD structure, designating at least some of those SN slots as preferred DL slots and preferred UL slots. The UE communicates information indicating its preferred DL slots and preferred UL slots in an assistance message to the SN. The SN using UE slot preference information, selects DL and UL slots to be used for UE communications and implements a TDD structure, which avoids an IDC problem.

Abstract: A master node (MN) communicating with a UE using resource of a first band of unlicensed spectrum sends an addition request to a selected secondary node, to request resources for supporting the UE in a second band of unlicensed spectrum. The addition request includes minimum frequency separation information and optionally a baseline reference frequency. The minimum frequency separation information communicated in the addition request, indicates a minimum amount of frequency separation to be maintained between the communication resources in the first band of unlicensed spectrum used for communications with the UE and communication resource in the second band of unlicensed spectrum to be used for communications with the UE. The secondary node selects a channel within the second band of unlicensed spectrum to use for communications with the UE, which will satisfy the minimum frequency separation requirement communicated in the addition request and avoid IDC problems for the UE.

Abstract: A master node (MN) communicating with a UE using resources of a first band of unlicensed spectrum sends an addition request to a selected secondary node, to request resources for supporting the UE in a second band of unlicensed spectrum. The addition request includes timing information including one or more of: i) information indicating a start time for the MN time division duplexing (TDD) timing structure with respect to the UE, or ii) information indicating a reference clock being used by the MN. The secondary node uses the received timing information from the MN to perform timing alignment at the secondary node. The adjusted timing alignment of the secondary node allows the UE to achieve slot-boundary and/or symbol boundary alignment with regard to MN communications using the first unlicensed spectrum and SN communications using the second unlicensed spectrum. Due to the achieved synchronization, an in-device coexistence (IDC) problem is avoided.

Abstract: A network control device, e.g., a gNB, receives a message from a communications device, e.g. a UE, indicating that the communications device is experiencing an in-device coexistence (IDC) problem, e.g. in the 52.6 GHz-71 GHz frequency range with respect to NR-U and WiGig. The message is one of: i) an IDC assistance message indicating that the victim system is Wi-Gig or ii) an antenna panel switch message requesting that the network control device instruct the communications device to change the antenna panel that it uses for uplink NR signaling. The network control device generates and sends a response message to the communications device including: a selected new frequency to be used by the communications device for uplink NR signaling or a selected different antenna panel to be used by the communications device for uplink NR signaling. The communications device implements the change reducing or avoiding the IDC problem.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for operating wireless devices using unlicensed frequency ranges with minimal transmission interruptions. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide a mechanism for redirecting idle or inactive wireless devices to different frequencies in response to interference detection such as by 5 GHz-band radar. In one variant, the present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for allowing user device (UEs) using 5G NR-U spectrum to continue to operate upon radar detection by successfully switching the UEs to one or more frequencies that are free of radar operation. In one variant, a gNB controlling the UEs informs the AMF (access and mobility function) of a radar detection event, and the AMF initiates a paging towards idle UEs in order to allow the gNB to move the UEs to a frequency without radar operations. In another variant, a gNB switches its UEs to a different frequency without relying on the AMF.

Abstract: Various embodiments comprise systems, methods, architectures, mechanisms and apparatus for automatically coordinating time domain duplex (TDD) configurations and transmission parameters among wireless network providers operating on adjacent TDD channels and/or bands in proximity of each other to avoid cross link interference (CLI).

Abstract: A user equipment has been allocated uplink resources, e.g. interlaced uplink channel resources, e.g. interlaced physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) resources, and non-interlaced uplink channel resources. The UE receives cancellation indication (CI) information which rescinds the allocation for a portion of the previous granted resources. CI is communicated using different formats for resources which are in blocks and resources which are interlaced. The CI for the interlaced resources uses a more efficient format with less overhead to communicate frequency information corresponding to the cancellation for the interlaced channel.

Abstract: Various embodiments comprise systems, methods, architectures, mechanisms and apparatus providing improved National Security and Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) Priority Services mechanisms within the context of IEEE 802.11-type networks.

Abstract: Various embodiments comprise systems, methods, architectures, mechanisms and apparatus configured to enable wireless stations to use their shared spectrum grants proximate a priority/incumbent user of the shared spectrum by generating a propagation model of the priority/incumbent user, determining a potential interference therewith by each of at least one group of similarly located wireless stations proximate the priority user, determining a modification to a spectrum grant for each wireless station group that would avoid interference with the priority/incumbent user by the respective wireless stations of the group, and updating the spectrum grants of each wireless station in a wireless station group using the determined spectrum grant modification associated with the wireless station group.

Abstract: A network control device, e.g., a gNB, receives a message from a communications device, e.g. a UE, indicating that the communications device is experiencing an in-device coexistence (IDC) problem, e.g. in the 52.6 GHz-71 GHz frequency range with respect to NR-U and WiGig. The message is one of: i) an IDC assistance message indicating that the victim system is Wi-Gig or ii) an antenna panel switch message requesting that the network control device instruct the communications device to change the antenna panel that it uses for uplink NR signaling. The network control device generates and sends a response message to the communications device including: a selected new frequency to be used by the communications device for uplink NR signaling or a selected different antenna panel to be used by the communications device for uplink NR signaling. The communications device implements the change reducing or avoiding the IDC problem.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing an enriched content services over a network. In one embodiment, the exemplary apparatus and methods leverage extant high-bandwidth capabilities of a managed network for delivering content downstream, as well as standards-compliant ultra-low latency and high data rate services (e.g., 5G NR services) for uploading content. In one embodiment, the exemplary apparatus and methods are implemented to synchronize content delivered of extant HFC architectures and DOCSIS protocols with user-generated or other content uploaded to a network entity (e.g., server apparatus) via an IP connection established utilized 5G NR services. Additional features include, among other, enhancements which enable user participation individually, or with other subscribers, in live or recorded content-based activities (such as e.g., auctioning, broadcasting, interactive commentary/gaming, exercising, etc.).

Abstract: Various embodiments comprise systems, methods, architectures, mechanisms and apparatus for automatically coordinating time domain duplex (TDD) configurations and transmission parameters among wireless network providers operating on adjacent TDD channels and/or bands in proximity of each other to avoid cross link interference (CLI).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for multi-cell broadcast access channel utilization in a wireless network. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide random access channel (RACH) procedure for a 3GPP-compliant user device (e.g., an enhanced UE or UEe) which attempts to connect to multiple cells simultaneously. In one variant, the UEe employs a multi-step (e.g., 4-step) RACH procedure to connect to the multiple cells. This significantly increases the likelihood of RACH procedure success and UEe access. In another variant, a 2-step RACH process is utilized. Variants of the apparatus and methods utilizing unlicensed spectrum and LBT (listen-before-talk) protocols are also described.

Abstract: Various embodiments comprise systems, methods, architectures, mechanisms and apparatus providing improved National Security and Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) Priority Services mechanisms within the context of IEEE 802.11-type networks.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for multi-carrier or multi-band utilization in an unlicensed wireless network. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide enhanced wireless services which provide enhanced bandwidth capability to 5G NR-U entities such as gNodeB and UE devices across two heterogeneous unlicensed bands having different medium access mechanism and protocols. In one variant, LBT (listen before talk) protocols are used to detect the presence or absence of users within the respective bands of interest. When two or more unoccupied carriers or bands are identified, aggregated operation is used ti enhance the downlink/uplink (DL/UL) transmission bandwidth for the device(s).

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a (CBSD) base station for a (CBRS) radio system transmits new information elements in an existing capability exchange message to a spectrum access system (SAS) informing the SAS as to whether the SAS should transmit a channel-change message to the base station either (i) directly (and despite of domain proxy being present in the communication path) or (ii) via a domain proxy. If and when the SAS subsequently receives notification of incumbent activity from an Environmental Sensing Capability system, the SAS transmits either a new channel-change message or includes new information elements in an existing heartbeat message to the base station either (i) directly or (ii) via the domain proxy per the capability exchange message.