WO2018057600A1 - Discovery reference signal for unlicensed internet of things - Google Patents

Abstract

DRS subframes can be configured, generated, or processed with IoT devices that operate in unlicensed and unanchored bands for co-existence according to various aspects. Downlink (DL) communications can be generated that comprise a discovery reference signal (DRS) that configures an Internet of Things (IoT) device to determine a measurement in an unlicensed carrier and enable a cell detection and synchronization for unlicensed narrowband (U-NB) IoT communications. The DL communication can be transmitted via a radio frequency front-end module, or received / processed at the IoT device. DRS symbols of the DRS can be repeated within a subframe of the DL communication to configure at least two Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) symbols and at least two Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) symbols within the subframe of the DL communication, for example.

Description

DISCOVERY REFERENCE SIGNAL FOR UNLICENSED INTERNET OF THINGS

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Numbers 62/398,345 filed September 22, 2016, entitled "DISCOVERY REFERENCE SIGNAL (DRS) FOR UNLICENSED INTERNET OF THINGS (loT)", and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Numbers 62/431 ,294 filed December 7, 2016, entitled

"DISCOVERY REFERENCE SIGNAL FOR UNLICENSED INTERNET OF THINGS", the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to wireless technology, and more specifically to techniques for signaling discovery reference signal (DRS) transmissions for internet of things (loT) communication.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Wireless mobile communication technology uses various standards and protocols to transmit data between a node (e.g., a transmission station) and a wireless device (e.g., a mobile device), or a user equipment (UE). Some wireless devices communicate using orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) in a downlink (DL) transmission and single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC- FDMA) in an uplink (UL) transmission. Standards and protocols that use orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) for signal transmission include the third generation partnership project (3GPP) long term evolution (LTE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.16 standard (e.g., 802.16e, 802.16m), which is commonly known to industry groups as WiMAX (Worldwide interoperability for Microwave Access), and the IEEE 802.1 1 standard, which is commonly known to industry groups as WiFi.

[0004] In 3GPP radio access network (RAN) LTE systems, the access node can be an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) Node Bs (also commonly denoted as evolved Node Bs, enhanced Node Bs, eNodeBs, or eNBs) with or without one or more Radio Network Controllers (RNCs), which can communicate with the UE. The DL transmission can be a communication from an access point / node or base station (e.g., a macro cell device, an eNodeB, an eNB, WiFi node, or other similar network device) to the UE, and the UL transmission can be a communication from the wireless network device to the node.

[0005] Additionally, the Internet of Things (loT) is beginning to grow significantly, as consumers, businesses, and governments recognize the benefit of connecting devices to the internet. A significant segment of this industry is intended to operate over vast areas under the initiative low-power wide-area networking (LP-WAN), which is supposed to provide a global solution for both licensed and unlicensed spectrum. The following cellular technologies recently standardized in 3GPP are meant to operate in licensed spectrum: enhanced coverage global system for mobile communication (GSM) based on general packet radio service (GPRS) standard in the context of Rel-13; the evolution of the LTE machine type communication (MTC) solution (commonly called Cat M1 ) which is based on an evolution of the legacy Cat 0; and narrowband (NB) IOT, a new non backward compatible radio access technology which is specifically optimized in order to satisfy the requirements required for typical loT solutions (commonly called Cat NB1 ).

[0006] In the recent years several proprietary technologies have been developed to operate in the unlicensed spectrum. These technologies, however, do not allow operators to leverage the investments done for the deployment of LTE, as many of them cannot easily interwork with existing networks and require separate deployments. loT is envisioned as a significantly important technology component, which has huge potential and may change our daily life entirely by enabling connectivity between tons of devices. loT has wide applications in various scenarios, including smart cities, smart

environment, smart agriculture, and smart health systems.

[0007] 3GPP has standardized two designs to support loT services - enhanced Machine Type Communication (eMTC) and NarrowBand loT (NB-loT). As eMTC and NB-loT UEs will be deployed in huge numbers, lowering the cost of these UEs is a key enabler for implementation of loT. Also, low power consumption is desirable to extend the life time of the battery. In addition, there is a substantial use cases of devices deployed deep inside buildings which would require coverage enhancement in comparison to the defined LTE cell coverage footprint. In summary, eMTC and NB-loT techniques are designed to ensure that the UEs have low cost, low power consumption and enhanced coverage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example user equipment (UE) useable in connection with various network component according to various aspects (embodiments) described herein.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating example components of a device that can be employed in accordance with various aspects discussed herein.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating example interfaces of baseband circuitry that can be employed in accordance with various aspects discussed herein.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a system employable at a UE that enables greater power efficiency for generating DRS communications in one or more

DRS subframe configurations according to various aspects / embodiments described herein according to various aspects described herein.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a system employable at a base station (BS) / evolved NodeB (eNB)/ new radio / next generation NodeB (gNB) that enables greater power efficiency for generating a DRS communications in one or more DRS subframe configurations according to various aspects / embodiments described herein, according to various aspects described herein.

[0013] FIGs. 6-21 illustrates transmission configuration / structures according to various aspects or embodiments described herein.

[0014] FIG. 22 illustrates a process flow of processing or generating DRS

communications in one or more DRS subframe configurations according to various aspects / embodiments described herein according to various aspects or embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout, and wherein the illustrated structures and devices are not necessarily drawn to scale. As utilized herein, terms "component," "system," "interface," and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, hardware, software (e.g., in execution), and/or firmware. For example, a component can be a processor (e.g., a microprocessor, a controller, or other processing device), a process running on a processor, a controller, an object, an executable, a program, a storage device, a computer, a tablet PC and/or a user equipment (UE) (e.g., mobile / wireless phone, etc.) with a processing device. By way of illustration, an application running on a server and the server can also be a component. One or more components can reside within a process, and a component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. A set of elements or a set of other components can be described herein, in which the term "set" can be interpreted as "one or more."

[0016] Further, these components can execute from various computer readable storage media having various data structures stored thereon such as with a module, for example. The components can communicate via local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network, such as, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, or similar network with other systems via the signal).

[0017] As another example, a component can be an apparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric or electronic circuitry, in which the electric or electronic circuitry can be operated by a software application or a firmware application executed by one or more processors. The one or more processors can be internal or external to the apparatus and can execute at least a part of the software or firmware application. As yet another example, a component can be an apparatus that provides specific functionality through electronic components without mechanical parts; the electronic components can include one or more processors therein to execute software and/or firmware that confer(s), at least in part, the functionality of the electronic components.

[0018] Use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "including", "includes", "having", "has", "with", or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term

"comprising." OVERVIEW

[0019] In consideration of the above, various aspects / embodiments are disclosed for generating and processing communications with one or more configurations of a discover reference signal (DRS) for loT devices operating in unlicensed bands. For example, an apparatus can be configured to be employed in an evolved NodeB (eNB) or a next generation NodeB (gNB) with one or more processors. The one or more processors can be configured to generate a DRS of a downlink (DL) communication burst (e.g., a set of subframes with DRS subframes within a DRS measurement timing configuration (DMTC)). The DRS can configure the loT device to determine a measurement in an unlicensed carrier and enable a cell detection and a synchronization for unlicensed narrowband (U-NB) loT communications to be performed. A radio frequency front-end module of the loT device can configured to transmit the DRS of the DL communication to the loT device.

[0020] Both Rel-13 eMTC and NB-loT operates in the licensed spectrum. On the other hand, the scarcity of licensed spectrum in low frequency band results in a deficit in the data rate boost. Thus, there are emerging interests in the operation of LTE systems in unlicensed spectrum.

[0021] Potential LTE operation in unlicensed spectrum includes, but not limited to, the Carrier Aggregation based LAA/eLAA systems, LTE operation in the unlicensed spectrum via dual connectivity (DC), and the standalone LTE system in the unlicensed spectrum, where LTE-based technology solely operates in unlicensed spectrum without requiring an "anchor" in licensed spectrum - called MulteFire, a form or standard of LTE deployment in unlicensed frequency bands. MulteFire contrasts with licensed assisted access (LAA) / LTE unlicensed that leverages both licensed and unlicensed spectrums in that it exclusively uses the unlicensed spectrums and allows MulteFire to be deployed by anyone, anywhere in a similar manner to Wi-Fi hotspots.

[0022] To extend the benefits of LTE loT designs into unlicensed spectrum,

MulteFire 1 .1 is expected to specify the design for Unlicensed-loT (U-loT). As such, aspects / embodiments herein relate to U-loT systems and devices.

[0023] The unlicensed frequency band of interest is the sub-1 GHz band and the ~2.4GHz band for U-loT, which has spectrum with global availability. The regulations are different for different regions and bands, e.g. different maximal channel bandwidth, LBT, duty cycling, frequency hopping and power limitations may be required. For example, in Europe, it is required to have either LBT or <0.1 % duty cycle for Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) modulation with channel BW no less than 1 00kHz within 863-870MHz, and for Digital Modulation with channel BW no greater than 100kHz within 863-870MHz. Either LBT or frequency hopping can be used for coexistence with one or more other unlicensed carriers / bands / transmissions. Embodiments herein can specifically relate to scenarios where the U-loT discovery signal design using either LBT or frequency hopping, for example.

[0024] In the LTE system, if a small cell is considered as the secondary cell (SCell) by all UEs served by it, this small cell may perform state transition between ON/OFF. The Rel-12 discovery reference signal (DRS) was designed to facilitate fast transition from OFF state to ON state, by transmitting minimal signals for RRM measurement and report during OFF state. Rel-1 2 DRS may include primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), cell-specific reference signal (CRS) and optionally the channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS). DRS measurement timing configuration (DMTC) is configured by eNB, which has occasion of 6ms and periodicity of 40ms, 80ms or 160ms. The UEs or loTs generally expect DRS to be received only within DMTC. Additional aspects and details of the disclosure are further described below with reference to figures.

[0025] Embodiments described herein can be implemented into a system using any suitably configured hardware and/or software. FIG. 1 illustrates an architecture of a system 1 00 of a network in accordance with some embodiments for generating DRS communications in one or more DRS subframe configurations according to various aspects / embodiments described herein. The system 100 is shown to include a user equipment (UE) 101 and a UE 102. The UEs 101 and 102 are illustrated as

smartphones (e.g., handheld touchscreen mobile computing devices connectable to one or more cellular networks), but can also comprise any mobile or non-mobile computing device, such as Personal Data Assistants (PDAs), pagers, laptop computers, desktop computers, wireless handsets, or any computing device including a wireless

communications interface.

[0026] In some embodiments, any of the UEs 101 and 102 can comprise an Internet of Things (loT) UE, which can comprise a network access layer designed for low-power loT applications utilizing short-lived UE connections, and can be distinguished from cellular UEs or wireless cell devices alone as low power network devices as eMTC or NB-loT UEs utilizing a low power network, for example, or MulteFire standards for communication. An loT UE can utilize technologies such as machine-to-machine (M2M) or machine-type communications (MTC) for exchanging data with an MTC server or device via a public land mobile network (PLMN), Proximity-Based Service (ProSe) or device-to-device (D2D) communication, sensor networks, or loT networks. The M2M or MTC exchange of data can be a machine-initiated exchange of data. An loT network describes interconnecting loT UEs, which can include uniquely identifiable embedded computing devices (within the Internet infrastructure), with short-lived connections. The loT UEs can execute background applications (e.g., keep-alive messages, status updates, etc.) to facilitate the connections of the loT network.

[0027] The UEs 101 and 102 can be configured to connect, e.g., communicatively couple, with a radio access network (RAN) 1 10— the RAN 1 10 can be, for example, an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), a NextGen RAN (NG RAN), or some other type of RAN. The UEs 101 and 102 utilize connections 103 and 104, respectively, each of which comprises a physical communications interface or layer (discussed in further detail below); in this example, the connections 103 and 104 are illustrated as an air interface to enable communicative coupling, and can be consistent with cellular communications protocols, such as a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) protocol, a code-division multiple access (CDMA) network protocol, a Push-to-Talk (PTT) protocol, a PTT over Cellular (POC) protocol, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) protocol, a 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) protocol, a fifth generation (5G) protocol, a New Radio (NR) protocol, and the like.

[0028] In this embodiment, the UEs 101 and 1 02 can further directly exchange communication data via a ProSe interface 105. The ProSe interface 105 can

alternatively be referred to as a sidelink interface comprising one or more logical channels, including but not limited to a Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH), a Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH), a Physical Sidelink Discovery Channel (PSDCH), and a Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH).

[0029] The UE 102 is shown to be configured to access an access point (AP) 106 via connection 107. The connection 107 can comprise a local wireless connection, such as a connection consistent with any IEEE 802.1 1 protocol, wherein the AP 106 would comprise a wireless fidelity (WiFi®) router. In this example, the AP 1 06 is shown to be connected to the Internet without connecting to the core network of the wireless system (described in further detail below). [0030] The RAN 1 1 0 can include one or more access nodes that enable the connections 1 03 and 104. These access nodes (ANs) can be referred to as base stations (BSs), NodeBs, evolved NodeBs (eNBs), next Generation NodeBs (gNB), RAN nodes, and so forth, and can comprise ground stations (e.g., terrestrial access points) or satellite stations providing coverage within a geographic area (e.g., a cell). The RAN 1 1 0 can include one or more RAN nodes for providing macrocells, e.g., macro RAN node 1 1 1 , and one or more RAN nodes for providing femtocells or picocells (e.g., cells having smaller coverage areas, smaller user capacity, or higher bandwidth compared to macrocells), e.g., low power (LP) RAN node 1 12.

[0031] Any of the RAN nodes 1 1 1 and 1 12 can terminate the air interface protocol and can be the first point of contact for the UEs 101 and 102. In some embodiments, any of the RAN nodes 1 1 1 and 1 12 can fulfill various logical functions for the RAN 1 1 0 including, but not limited to, radio network controller (RNC) functions such as radio bearer management, uplink and downlink dynamic radio resource management and data packet scheduling, and mobility management.

[0032] In accordance with some embodiments, the UEs 101 and 102 can be configured to communicate using Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) communication signals with each other or with any of the RAN nodes 1 1 1 and 1 1 2 over a multicarrier communication channel in accordance various communication techniques, such as, but not limited to, an Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) communication technique (e.g., for downlink communications) or a Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) communication technique (e.g., for uplink and ProSe or sidelink communications), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. The OFDM signals can comprise a plurality of orthogonal subcarriers.

[0033] In some embodiments, a downlink resource grid can be used for downlink transmissions from any of the RAN nodes 1 1 1 and 1 12 to the UEs 101 and 1 02, while uplink transmissions can utilize similar techniques. The grid can be a time-frequency grid, called a resource grid or time-frequency resource grid, which is the physical resource in the downlink in each slot. Such a time-frequency plane representation is a common practice for OFDM systems, which makes it intuitive for radio resource allocation. Each column and each row of the resource grid corresponds to one OFDM symbol and one OFDM subcarrier, respectively. The duration of the resource grid in the time domain corresponds to one slot in a radio frame. The smallest time-frequency unit in a resource grid is denoted as a resource element. Each resource grid comprises a number of resource blocks, which describe the mapping of certain physical channels to resource elements. Each resource block comprises a collection of resource elements; in the frequency domain, this can represent the smallest quantity of resources that currently can be allocated. There are several different physical downlink channels that are conveyed using such resource blocks.

[0034] The physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) can carry user data and higher-layer signaling to the UEs 101 and 102. The physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) can carry information about the transport format and resource allocations related to the PDSCH channel, among other things. It can also inform the UEs 101 and 102 about the transport format, resource allocation, and H-ARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) information related to the uplink shared channel. Typically, downlink scheduling (assigning control and shared channel resource blocks to the UE 102 within a cell) can be performed at any of the RAN nodes 1 1 1 and 1 12 based on channel quality information fed back from any of the UEs 101 and 102. The downlink resource assignment information can be sent on the PDCCH used for (e.g., assigned to) each of the UEs 101 and 1 02.

[0035] The PDCCH can use control channel elements (CCEs) to convey the control information. Before being mapped to resource elements, the PDCCH complex-valued symbols can first be organized into quadruplets, which can then be permuted using a sub-block interleaver for rate matching. Each PDCCH can be transmitted using one or more of these CCEs, where each CCE can correspond to nine sets of four physical resource elements known as resource element groups (REGs). Four Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) symbols can be mapped to each REG. The PDCCH can be transmitted using one or more CCEs, depending on the size of the downlink control information (DCI) and the channel condition. There can be four or more different PDCCH formats defined in LTE with different numbers of CCEs (e.g., aggregation level, L=1 , 2, 4, or 8).

[0036] Some embodiments can use concepts for resource allocation for control channel information that are an extension of the above-described concepts. For example, some embodiments can utilize an enhanced physical downlink control channel (EPDCCH) that uses PDSCH resources for control information transmission. The EPDCCH can be transmitted using one or more enhanced the control channel elements (ECCEs). Similar to above, each ECCE can correspond to nine sets of four physical resource elements known as an enhanced resource element groups (EREGs). An ECCE can have other numbers of EREGs in some situations.

[0037] The RAN 1 1 0 is shown to be communicatively coupled to a core network (CN) 1 20— via an S1 interface 1 1 3. In embodiments, the CN 120 can be an evolved packet core (EPC) network, a NextGen Packet Core (NPC) network, or some other type of CN. In this embodiment the S1 interface 1 13 can be split into two parts: the S1 -U interface 1 14, which carries traffic data between the RAN nodes 1 1 1 and 1 12 and the serving gateway (S-GW) 122, and the S1 -mobility management entity (MME) interface 1 1 5, which is a signaling interface between the RAN nodes 1 1 1 and 1 12 and MMEs 121 .

[0038] In this embodiment, the CN 1 20 comprises the MMEs 121 , the S-GW 122, the Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (P-GW) 123, and a home subscriber server (HSS) 124. The MMEs 121 can be similar in function to the control plane of legacy Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Nodes (SGSN). The MMEs 121 can manage mobility aspects in access such as gateway selection and tracking area list management. The HSS 124 can comprise a database for network users, including subscription-related information to support the network entities' handling of

communication sessions. The CN 120 can comprise one or several HSSs 124, depending on the number of mobile subscribers, on the capacity of the equipment, on the organization of the network, etc. For example, the HSS 124 can provide support for routing/roaming, authentication, authorization, naming/addressing resolution, location dependencies, etc.

[0039] The S-GW 122 can terminate the S1 interface 1 13 towards the RAN 1 1 0, and routes data packets between the RAN 1 10 and the CN 120. In addition, the S-GW 122 can be a local mobility anchor point for inter-RAN node handovers and also can provide an anchor for inter-3GPP mobility. Other responsibilities can include lawful intercept, charging, and some policy enforcement.

[0040] The P-GW 123 can terminate an SGi interface toward a PDN. The P-GW 123 can route data packets between the EPC network 123 and external networks such as a network including the application server 130 (alternatively referred to as application function (AF)) via an Internet Protocol (IP) interface 125. Generally, the application server 130 can be an element offering applications that use IP bearer resources with the core network (e.g., UMTS Packet Services (PS) domain, LTE PS data services, etc.). In this embodiment, the P-GW 123 is shown to be communicatively coupled to an application server 130 via an IP communications interface 125. The application server 130 can also be configured to support one or more communication services (e.g., Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) sessions, PTT sessions, group communication sessions, social networking services, etc.) for the UEs 1 01 and 102 via the CN 120.

[0041] The P-GW 123 can further be a node for policy enforcement and charging data collection. Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCRF) 126 is the policy and charging control element of the CN 120. In a non-roaming scenario, there can be a single PCRF in the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) associated with a UE's Internet Protocol Connectivity Access Network (IP-CAN) session. In a roaming scenario with local breakout of traffic, there can be two PCRFs associated with a UE's IP-CAN session: a Home PCRF (H-PCRF) within a HPLMN and a Visited PCRF (V-PCRF) within a Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN). The PCRF 126 can be communicatively coupled to the application server 130 via the P-GW 123. The application server 130 can signal the PCRF 1 26 to indicate a new service flow and select the appropriate Quality of Service (QoS) and charging parameters. The PCRF 126 can provision this rule into a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) (not shown) with the appropriate traffic flow template (TFT) and QoS class of identifier (QCI), which commences the QoS and charging as specified by the application server 130.

[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates example components of a device 200 in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the device 200 can include application circuitry 202, baseband circuitry 204, Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry 206, front-end module (FEM) circuitry 208, one or more antennas 21 0, and power management circuitry (PMC) 21 2 coupled together at least as shown. The components of the illustrated device 200 can be included in a gNB, eNB, UE, a RAN node or other network device incorporating one or more various aspects / embodiments herein. In some embodiments, the device 200 can include less elements (e.g., a RAN node could not utilize application circuitry 202, and instead include a processor/controller to process IP data received from an EPC). In some embodiments, the device 200 can include additional elements such as, for example, memory/storage, display, camera, sensor, or input/output (I/O) interface. In other embodiments, the components described below can be included in more than one device (e.g., said circuitries can be separately included in more than one device for Cloud-RAN (C-RAN) implementations). [0043] The application circuitry 202 can include one or more application processors. For example, the application circuitry 202 can include circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processor(s) can include any combination of general-purpose processors and dedicated processors (e.g., graphics processors, application processors, etc.). The processors can be coupled with or can include memory/storage and can be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory/storage to enable various applications or operating systems to run on the device 200. In some embodiments, processors of application circuitry 202 can process IP data packets received from an EPC.

[0044] The baseband circuitry 204 can include circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The baseband circuitry 204 can include one or more baseband processors or control logic to process baseband signals received from a receive signal path of the RF circuitry 206 and to generate baseband signals for a transmit signal path of the RF circuitry 206. Baseband processing circuity 204 can interface with the application circuitry 202 for generation and processing of the baseband signals and for controlling operations of the RF circuitry 206. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 204 can include a third generation (3G) baseband processor 204A, a fourth generation (4G) baseband processor 204B, a fifth generation (5G) baseband processor 204C, or other baseband processor(s) 204D for other existing generations, generations in development or to be developed in the future (e.g., second generation (2G), sixth generation (6G), etc.). The baseband circuitry 204 (e.g., one or more of baseband processors 204A-D) can handle various radio control functions that enable communication with one or more radio networks via the RF circuitry 206. In other embodiments, some or all of the functionality of baseband processors 204A-D can be included in modules stored in the memory 204G and executed via a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 204E. The radio control functions can include, but are not limited to, signal modulation/demodulation, encoding/decoding, radio frequency shifting, etc. In some embodiments, modulation/demodulation circuitry of the baseband circuitry 204 can include Fast-Fourier Transform (FFT), precoding, or constellation mapping/demapping functionality. In some embodiments,

encoding/decoding circuitry of the baseband circuitry 204 can include convolution, tail- biting convolution, turbo, Viterbi, or Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) encoder/decoder functionality. Embodiments of modulation/demodulation and encoder/decoder functionality are not limited to these examples and can include other suitable

functionality in other embodiments.

[0045] In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 204 can include one or more audio digital signal processor(s) (DSP) 204F. The audio DSP(s) 204F can be include elements for compression/decompression and echo cancellation and can include other suitable processing elements in other embodiments. Components of the baseband circuitry can be suitably combined in a single chip, a single chipset, or disposed on a same circuit board in some embodiments. In some embodiments, some or all of the constituent components of the baseband circuitry 204 and the application circuitry 202 can be implemented together such as, for example, on a system on a chip (SOC).

[0046] In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 204 can provide for

communication compatible with one or more radio technologies. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 204 can support communication with an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN) or other wireless metropolitan area networks (WMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN). Embodiments in which the baseband circuitry 204 is configured to support radio communications of more than one wireless protocol can be referred to as multi-mode baseband circuitry.

[0047] RF circuitry 206 can enable communication with wireless networks

using modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. In various embodiments, the RF circuitry 206 can include switches, filters, amplifiers, etc. to facilitate the communication with the wireless network. RF circuitry 206 can include a receive signal path which can include circuitry to down-convert RF signals received from the FEM circuitry 208 and provide baseband signals to the baseband circuitry 204. RF circuitry 206 can also include a transmit signal path which can include circuitry to up- convert baseband signals provided by the baseband circuitry 204 and provide RF output signals to the FEM circuitry 208 for transmission.

[0048] In some embodiments, the receive signal path of the RF circuitry 206 can include mixer circuitry 206a, amplifier circuitry 206b and filter circuitry 206c. In some embodiments, the transmit signal path of the RF circuitry 206 can include filter circuitry 206c and mixer circuitry 206a. RF circuitry 206 can also include synthesizer circuitry 206d for synthesizing a frequency for use by the mixer circuitry 206a of the receive signal path and the transmit signal path. In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 206a of the receive signal path can be configured to down-convert RF signals received from the FEM circuitry 208 based on the synthesized frequency provided by synthesizer circuitry 206d. The amplifier circuitry 206b can be configured to amplify the down- converted signals and the filter circuitry 206c can be a low-pass filter (LPF) or bandpass filter (BPF) configured to remove unwanted signals from the down-converted signals to generate output baseband signals. Output baseband signals can be provided to the baseband circuitry 204 for further processing. In some embodiments, the output baseband signals can be zero-frequency baseband signals, although this is not a requirement. In some embodiments, mixer circuitry 206a of the receive signal path can comprise passive mixers, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0049] In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 206a of the transmit signal path can be configured to up-convert input baseband signals based on the synthesized frequency provided by the synthesizer circuitry 206d to generate RF output signals for the FEM circuitry 208. The baseband signals can be provided by the baseband circuitry 204 and can be filtered by filter circuitry 206c.

[0050] In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 206a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 206a of the transmit signal path can include two or more mixers and can be arranged for quadrature downconversion and upconversion, respectively. In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 206a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 206a of the transmit signal path can include two or more mixers and can be arranged for image rejection (e.g., Hartley image rejection). In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 206a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 206a can be arranged for direct downconversion and direct upconversion, respectively. In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 206a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 206a of the transmit signal path can be configured for super-heterodyne operation.

[0051] In some embodiments, the output baseband signals and the input baseband signals can be analog baseband signals, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. In some alternate embodiments, the output baseband signals and the input baseband signals can be digital baseband signals. In these alternate embodiments, the RF circuitry 206 can include analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuitry and the baseband circuitry 204 can include a digital baseband interface to communicate with the RF circuitry 206. [0052] In some dual-mode embodiments, a separate radio IC circuitry can be provided for processing signals for each spectrum, although the scope of the

embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0053] In some embodiments, the synthesizer circuitry 206d can be a fractional-N synthesizer or a fractional N/N+1 synthesizer, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect as other types of frequency synthesizers can be suitable. For example, synthesizer circuitry 206d can be a delta-sigma synthesizer, a frequency multiplier, or a synthesizer comprising a phase-locked loop with a frequency divider.

[0054] The synthesizer circuitry 206d can be configured to synthesize an output frequency for use by the mixer circuitry 206a of the RF circuitry 206 based on a frequency input and a divider control input. In some embodiments, the synthesizer circuitry 206d can be a fractional N/N+1 synthesizer.

[0055] In some embodiments, frequency input can be provided by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), although that is not a requirement. Divider control input can be provided by either the baseband circuitry 204 or the applications processor 202 depending on the desired output frequency. In some embodiments, a divider control input (e.g., N) can be determined from a look-up table based on a channel indicated by the applications processor 202.

[0056] Synthesizer circuitry 206d of the RF circuitry 206 can include a divider, a delay-locked loop (DLL), a multiplexer and a phase accumulator. In some embodiments, the divider can be a dual modulus divider (DMD) and the phase accumulator can be a digital phase accumulator (DPA). In some embodiments, the DMD can be configured to divide the input signal by either N or N+1 (e.g., based on a carry out) to provide a fractional division ratio. In some example embodiments, the DLL can include a set of cascaded, tunable, delay elements, a phase detector, a charge pump and a D-type flip- flop. In these embodiments, the delay elements can be configured to break a VCO period up into Nd equal packets of phase, where Nd is the number of delay elements in the delay line. In this way, the DLL provides negative feedback to help ensure that the total delay through the delay line is one VCO cycle.

[0057] In some embodiments, synthesizer circuitry 206d can be configured to generate a carrier frequency as the output frequency, while in other embodiments, the output frequency can be a multiple of the carrier frequency (e.g., twice the carrier frequency, four times the carrier frequency) and used in conjunction with quadrature generator and divider circuitry to generate multiple signals at the carrier frequency with multiple different phases with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the output frequency can be a LO frequency (fLO). In some embodiments, the RF circuitry 206 can include an IQ/polar converter.

[0058] FEM circuitry 208 can include a receive signal path which can include circuitry configured to operate on RF signals received from one or more antennas 210, amplify the received signals and provide the amplified versions of the received signals to the RF circuitry 206 for further processing. FEM circuitry 208 can also include a transmit signal path which can include circuitry configured to amplify signals for transmission provided by the RF circuitry 206 for transmission by one or more of the one or more antennas 21 0. In various embodiments, the amplification through the transmit or receive signal paths can be done solely in the RF circuitry 206, solely in the FEM 208, or in both the RF circuitry 206 and the FEM 208.

[0059] In some embodiments, the FEM circuitry 208 can include a TX/RX switch to switch between transmit mode and receive mode operation. The FEM circuitry can include a receive signal path and a transmit signal path. The receive signal path of the FEM circuitry can include an LNA to amplify received RF signals and provide the amplified received RF signals as an output (e.g., to the RF circuitry 206). The transmit signal path of the FEM circuitry 208 can include a power amplifier (PA) to amplify input RF signals (e.g., provided by RF circuitry 206), and one or more filters to generate RF signals for subsequent transmission (e.g., by one or more of the one or more antennas 21 0).

[0060] In some embodiments, the PMC 212 can manage power provided to the baseband circuitry 204. In particular, the PMC 21 2 can control power-source selection, voltage scaling, battery charging, or DC-to-DC conversion. The PMC 212 can often be included when the device 200 is capable of being powered by a battery, for example, when the device is included in a UE. The PMC 21 2 can increase the power conversion efficiency while providing desirable implementation size and heat dissipation

characteristics.

[0061] While FIG. 2 shows the PMC 212 coupled only with the baseband circuitry 204. However, in other embodiments, the PMC 2 12 can be additionally or alternatively coupled with, and perform similar power management operations for, other components such as, but not limited to, application circuitry 202, RF circuitry 206, or FEM 208.

[0062] In some embodiments, the PMC 212 can control, or otherwise be part of, various power saving mechanisms of the device 200. For example, if the device 200 is in an RRC_Connected state, where it is still connected to the RAN node as it expects to receive traffic shortly, then it can enter a state known as Discontinuous Reception Mode (DRX) after a period of inactivity. During this state, the device 200 can power down for brief intervals of time and thus save power.

[0063] If there is no data traffic activity for an extended period of time, then the device 200 can transition off to an RRCJdle state, where it disconnects from the network and does not perform operations such as channel quality feedback, handover, etc. The device 200 goes into a very low power state and it performs paging where again it periodically wakes up to listen to the network and then powers down again. The device 200 can not receive data in this state, in order to receive data, it must transition back to RRC_Connected state.

[0064] An additional power saving mode can allow a device to be unavailable to the network for periods longer than a paging interval (ranging from seconds to a few hours). During this time, the device is totally unreachable to the network and can power down completely. Any data sent during this time incurs a large delay and it is assumed the delay is acceptable.

[0065] Processors of the application circuitry 202 and processors of the baseband circuitry 204 can be used to execute elements of one or more instances of a protocol stack. For example, processors of the baseband circuitry 204, alone or in combination, can be used execute Layer 3, Layer 2, or Layer 1 functionality, while processors of the application circuitry 204 can utilize data (e.g., packet data) received from these layers and further execute Layer 4 functionality (e.g., transmission communication protocol (TCP) and user datagram protocol (UDP) layers). As referred to herein, Layer 3 can comprise a radio resource control (RRC) layer, described in further detail below. As referred to herein, Layer 2 can comprise a medium access control (MAC) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, and a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, described in further detail below. As referred to herein, Layer 1 can comprise a physical (PHY) layer of a UE/RAN node, described in further detail below.

[0066] FIG. 3 illustrates example interfaces of baseband circuitry in accordance with some embodiments. As discussed above, the baseband circuitry 204 of FIG. 2 can comprise processors 204A-204E and a memory 204G utilized by said processors. Each of the processors 204A-204E can include a memory interface, 304A-304E, respectively, to send/receive data to/from the memory 204G. [0067] In addition, the memory 204G (as well as other memory components discussed herein, such as memory 430, memory 530 or the like) can comprise one or more machine-readable medium / media including instructions that, when performed by a machine or component herein cause the machine to perform acts of the method or of an apparatus or system for concurrent communication using multiple communication technologies according to embodiments and examples described herein. It is to be understood that aspects described herein can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, functions can be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer- readable medium (e.g., the memory described herein or other storage device).

Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media or a computer readable storage device can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and/or non-transitory medium, that can be used to carry or store desired information or executable

instructions. Also, any connection can also be termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium.

[0068] The baseband circuitry 204 can further include one or more interfaces to communicatively couple to other circuitries/devices, such as a memory interface 312 (e.g., an interface to send/receive data to/from memory external to the baseband circuitry 204), an application circuitry interface 314 (e.g., an interface to send/receive data to/from the application circuitry 202 of FIG. 2), an RF circuitry interface 316 (e.g., an interface to send/receive data to/from RF circuitry 206 of FIG. 2), a wireless hardware connectivity interface 31 8 (e.g., an interface to send/receive data to/from Near Field Communication (NFC) components, Bluetooth® components (e.g., Bluetooth® Low Energy), Wi-Fi® components, and other communication components), and a power management interface 320 (e.g., an interface to send/receive power or control signals to/from the PMC 212).

[0069] Referring to FIG. 4, illustrated is a block diagram of a system 400 employable at a UE (User Equipment) that facilitates enables greater power efficiency for generating a DRS communication in one or more DRS subframe configurations according to various aspects / embodiments described herein. System 400 can include one or more processors 41 0 (e.g., one or more baseband processors such as one or more of the baseband processors discussed in connection with FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 3) comprising processing circuitry and associated memory interface(s) (e.g., memory interface(s) discussed in connection with FIG. 3), transceiver circuitry 420 (e.g., comprising one or more of transmitter circuitry or receiver circuitry, which can employ common circuit elements, distinct circuit elements, or a combination thereof), and a memory 430 (which can comprise any of a variety of storage mediums and can store instructions and/or data associated with one or more of processor(s) 410 or transceiver circuitry 420). In various aspects, system 400 can be included within a user equipment (UE) or loT device, for example, a MTC / loT UE. As described in greater detail below, system 400 can process / receive DRS communications in one or more DRS subframe

configurations according to various aspects / embodiments described herein

[0070] In various aspects discussed herein, signals and/or messages can be generated and output for transmission, and/or transmitted messages can be received and processed. Depending on the type of signal or message generated, outputting for transmission (e.g., by processor(s) 410, processor(s) 510, etc.) can comprise one or more of the following: generating a set of associated bits that indicate the content of the signal or message, coding (e.g., which can include adding a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) and/or coding via one or more of turbo code, low density parity-check (LDPC) code, tailbiting convolution code (TBCC), etc.), scrambling (e.g., based on a scrambling seed), modulating (e.g., via one of binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), or some form of quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), etc.), and/or resource mapping (e.g., to a scheduled set of resources, to a set of time and frequency resources granted for uplink transmission, etc.). Depending on the type of received signal or message, processing (e.g., by processor(s) 410, processor(s) 51 0, etc.) can comprise one or more of: identifying physical resources associated with the signal/message, detecting the signal/message, resource element group deinterleaving, demodulation, descrambling, and/or decoding. [0071] Referring to FIG. 5, illustrated is a block diagram of a system 500 employable at a BS (Base Station), gNB, eNB or other network device / component that facilitates enables improved coverage enhancement and opportunity for loT devices to operate in the unlicensed spectrum with LTE and coexist with other carriers (licensed or unlicensed) with respect to DRS and broadcast communications. System 600 can include one or more processors 510 (e.g., one or more baseband processors such as one or more of the baseband processors discussed in connection with FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 3) comprising processing circuitry and associated memory interface(s) (e.g., memory interface(s) discussed in connection with FIG. 3), communication circuitry 520 (e.g., which can comprise circuitry for one or more wired (e.g., X2, etc.) connections and/or transceiver circuitry that can comprise one or more of transmitter circuitry (e.g., associated with one or more transmit chains) or receiver circuitry (e.g., associated with one or more receive chains), wherein the transmitter circuitry and receiver circuitry can employ common circuit elements, distinct circuit elements, or a combination thereof), and memory 530 (which can comprise any of a variety of storage mediums and can store instructions and/or data associated with one or more of processor(s) 510 or communication circuitry 520). In various aspects, system 500 can be included within an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) Node B (Evolved Node B, eNodeB, or eNB), next generation Node B (gNodeB or gNB) or other base station in a wireless communications network. In some aspects, the processor(s) 510,

communication circuitry 520, and the memory 530 can be included in a single device, while in other aspects, they can be included in different devices, such as part of a distributed architecture. As described in greater detail below, system 500 can facilitate / enable communications for DRS with loT or eMTC devices.

[0072] In LTE systems, if a small cell is considered / treated as the secondary cell (SCell) by all devices (e.g., UEs or loTs) served by it, this small cell can perform operating state transitions between ON/ OFF. The Release 12 (Rel-12) 3GPP standards DRS was designed to facilitate fast transition from OFF state to ON state, by

transmitting minimal signals for radio resource management (RRM) measurement and report during OFF state. Rel-1 2 DRS can include primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), cell-specific reference signal (CRS) and optionally the channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS). DRS measurement timing configuration (DMTC) is configured by gNB / eNB, which has an occasion of 6ms and periodicity of 40ms, 80ms or 1 60ms. The UEs can expect DRS to be received only within DMTC.

[0073] Rel-13 eMTC configurations of DRS with normal cyclic prefix (CP) can include symbols carrying master information block (MIB) that are repeated compared to Rel-12 LTE in order to enhance the coverage. PSS / SSS however will follow the Rel-12 LTE design with no additional repetitions.

[0074] FIG. 6 illustrates an example DRS structure / configuration 600 for MulteFire that enables loT devices to operate for cell detection and synchronization with unlicensed networks based on measurements / detections associated with the DRS.

[0075] In an aspect, additional orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols (symbols 4 and 1 1 ) can be configured for MIB transmission. For example, more OFDM symbols associated with MIB can be configured than Rel-12 LTE or other releases. This additional repetition can improve the MIB detection performance in unlicensed spectrum.

[0076] In additional aspects, as different from Rel-13 eMTC, the symbols are not just repeated, but rate matching is performed to map the modulation symbols to more resource elements (REs) within physical resource blocks (PRBs) of a subframe of a transmission burst or downlink (DL) communication of a frame or multiple frames. In addition, PSS / SSS can repeated within each subframe, where each DRS can include two or more PSS symbols. Alternatively, or additionally, each DRS subframe can include two or more SSS symbols as well. The motivation to increase the number of PSS / SSS symbols can result from listen before talk (LBT) operations, where the PSS / SSS is not necessarily transmitted as frequently as legacy LTE, and thus, more symbols can help improve the cell detection and synchronization performance for particular receiving loT devices in particular.

[0077] Embodiments herein can relate to the DRS design / configuration / structure for U-loT devices, considering both the aspects of coverage enhancement and LBT impact. More specifically, embodiments can relate to the DRS design for U-loT, where DRS can span over one or multiple subframes, in which the DRS within a subframe within the DRS duration can have at least one of different configuration structures. Alternatively, or additionally, the DRS configuration among the various subframes can be the same or different according to the aspects / embodiments being disclosed.

[0078] In embodiment, the DRS on the considered subframe can include PSS / SSS / CRS / PBCH, where the PSS / SSS (where / connotes either one, both or a combination thereof) can be similar as the PSS / SSS in LAA DRS, i.e. PSS presents or is configured at symbol 6 and SSS presents at symbol 5 along a subframe structure with about fourteen symbols within the subframe with locations indexed zero to thirteen (0 to 13) symbols. CRS can also be configured similarly as CRS in Rel-12 DRS. MIB can be transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols within the set {7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 1 1 , 12, 13}. As such, the PSS / SSS can be repeated within a subframe, with symbols 2 and 3 repeating SSS and PSS, respectively for MulteFire (MF)

communication in particular with a different configuration seed function (or root sequence) generating these resources than the SSS and PSS at symbol locations 5 and 6, respectively. In particular, the SSS can be scrambled according to or based on the PSS, and thus, the MF-SSS will also be different from the SSS based on the differences between the PSS and MF-PSS.

[0079] In another embodiment, DRS on the considered subframe 600 can include PSS / SSS / CRS / PBCH, and, in addition to the PSS / SSS (which can be similar as the PSS / SSS as in LAA DRS (i.e. PSS at symbol 6 and SSS at symbol 5)), additional PSS / SSS can be added to symbol 2 and/or 3 as distinguished, for example, as MF- PSS/ MF-SSS. The CRS as well can be similar to the CRS in the Rel-12 DRS. Further, the MIB can be transmitted in one or more OFDM symbols within the set of symbols located / indexed {7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 4, 1 1 , 12, 13} if symbols 2 and 3 are used for additional PSS / SSS. Alternatively, or additionally, the MIB can be transmitted in one or more OFDM symbols within the set of symbols located / indexed {7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 2, 4, 1 1 , 12, 13} if symbol 3 is used for additional PSS / SSS, or {7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 3, 4, 1 1 , 12, 13} if symbol 2 is used for additional PSS / SSS.

[0080] In yet another embodiment, the DRS on the considered subframe 600 can include CRS / physical broadcast channel (PBCH), where CRS is as CRS in Rel-1 2 DRS. MIB can be transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols within the set of symbols located / indexed {7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1 1 , 12, 13}.

[0081] For any or all aspects / embodiments, when MIB is transmitted over symbols in addition to symbols 7, 8, 9, and 10, the various additional subframe configurations / structures to carry MIB can also be generated in the downlink (DL) transmissions for DRS. For example, the PBCH symbols can be additionally repeated multiple times in the same subframe, in a similar configuration as in Rel-1 3 eMTC. In another example, the MIB can be additionally rate matched to these symbols in the subframe, similar to DRS in MulteFire 1 .0. In other aspects, when the DRS has a duration of no more than one subframe, the DRS structure can be any one of the above described alternatives / aspects / embodiments herein.

[0082] Further, when DRS is generated by the eNB / gNB or process / received by the loT with a duration of more than one subframe, combinations of described alternatives / aspects / embodiments in different subframes can be considered. For example, DRS can be repeated over multiple subframes, where DRS in one subframe follows one the above described structures. DRS in the first subframe can also follow one described structure of configuration as described herein, while a DRS in the next, following or subsequent subframe to the next subframe can follow or be generated according to another different described configuration / structure that is different from the first.

[0083] For DRS transmission, various other aspects / embodiments are envisioned for systems adopting LBT or frequency hopping, together or individually. For example, in a system where LBT is used as the basic technique for coexistence, LBT can be applied before enabling / processing / providing the DRS transmission. The LBT duration and sensitivity can be based on different regulations. In an aspect, single-shot LBT can be performed before transmission by the eNB / gNB or by the loT at reception or before processing. When frequency hopping is used for coexistence, the DRS can be transmitted on one or more anchor channels. Within one anchor channel during the dwell time, DRS can be sent periodically with a fixed periodicity (e.g. 5ms).

[0084] Further aspects / embodiments, can relate to DRS design for U-loT and the DRS physical channel design, where DRS can spans over one or multiple subframes. DRS in one subframe within the DRS duration can have various structures as further illustrated herein.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 7, illustrated is an example DRS physical channel design configuration or subframe structure 700 in accordance with various aspects / embodiments described.

[0086] In one embodiment, DRS in one subframe can include PSS / SSS / CRS / PBCH, where PSS / SSS can be generated or configured as following legacy LTE. Here, PSS / SSS can be as the PSS / SSS in LAA DRS, in which the PSS can be configured at symbol 6, and SSS can be configured at symbol 5. CRS can be configured similar to CRS in Rel-12 DRS. The MIB can be transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols within the set of DRS OFDM symbols {7, 8, 9, 1 0, 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 1 1 , 12, 13}. [0087] FIGs. 7 and 8 illustrated examples the DRS structure, where the PBCH can be transmitted on symbols {2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 1 0, 1 1 , 12, 13} in example configured 700 of FIG. 7, and in FIG. 8 the PBCH can be transmitted on symbols {0 and 1 }. As such, four or more the OFDM symbols can transmit PBCH on a subframe a configuration 700.

[0088] FIG. 9 illustrates an example DRS subframe configuration or structure that can have more than two PSS/ SSS symbols or at least two PSS or SSS symbols in a subframe. In particular, DRS in one subframe includes PSS / SSS/CRS/PBCH, where additional PSS / SSS can be present in symbols 2 and/or 3.

[0089] In this design, in addition to the PSS / SSS which are the PSS / SSS in LAA DRS (i.e. PSS at symbol 6 and SSS at symbol 5), additional PSS / SSS can be added to symbol 2, or 3, for example. CRS can be similar to CRS in Rel-12 DRS. The MIB can be transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols within the set {7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 4, 1 1 , 12, 13} of symbol locations / indices, if symbols 2 and 3 are used for additional PSS / SSS. Alternatively, or additionally, the MIB can be transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols within the set of symbols {7, 8, 9, 1 0, 0, 1 , 2, 4, 1 1 , 1 2, 13} if symbol 3 is used for additional PSS / SSS, or {7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 3, 4, 1 1 , 12, 13} if symbol 2 is used for additional PSS / SSS as shown in FIG. 10 with configuration 10000.

[0090] In an aspect, symbols 0 and 1 may or may not carry physical broadcast channel (PBCH) on the configuration 1000 depending on whether PDCCH is generated / transmitted on the central 6 physical resource blocks (PRBs) thereat. If PDCCH is being transmitted thereat, PBCH would not be transmitted, but if it is not then additional PBCH could be transmitted in lieu of PDCCH in the subframe configuration, for example.

[0091] The subframe configurations discussed herein can vary from subframe to subframe within a frame, or be the same. Further, the additional PSS / SSS can be legacy PSS / SSS, or be different (e.g., MF-PSS, MF-SSS). If the additional PSS / SSS are different (e.g., MF-PSS, MF-SSS) and not legacy, these symbols can correspond to different protocols in their subframe configuration structures with respect any one particular symbol, and can enable DRS communications with cellular LTE devices with legacy and loT devices with the other different PSS / SSS, respectively. PSS and MF- PSS can be generated, for example, based on a different root sequence. SSS can be scrambled from or as a function of PSS. Thus, the MF-SSS can be different from the SSS as a result. [0092] Alternatively, or additionally, the DRS 1000 can be similar to the DRS in MulteFire 1 .0, as illustrated in example configuration 600 of FIG. 6 (e.g., with the MF- PSS and MF-SSS at symbols 3 and 2, respectively, or 2 and 3, respectively).

[0093] Referring to FIG. 11 illustrated is an example further alternative aspect of FIG. 6 with a DRS subframe configuration that switches the legacy with the different (e.g., MulteFire) DRS (e.g., with the MF-PSS and MF-SSS at symbols 3 and 2, respectively, or 2 and 3, respectively). Alternatively, or additionally, for example, DRS in one subframe configuration 1 100 can include legacy PSS and SSS in symbols 3 and 2, respectively, and additional PSS and SSS (e.g. MF-PSS and MF-SSS) in symbols 6 and 5, respectively. In other words, PSS and MF-PSS, and SSS and MF-SSS can be switched, in which FIG. 11 provides an example of this. The switching can be generated in the configuration from among different subframes, or be switched with respect to FIG. 6 and be consistent among subframes of a frame or DL transmission, for example.

[0094] The motivation for this configuration 1 100 can be to enable UEs or loTs to differentiate which subframe is the first repetition of a DRS subframe, in cases where DRS spans over multiple subframes and there are at least 2 subframes that contain PSS / SSS and additional PSS / SSS being repeated in each subframe.

[0095] In another embodiment, the DRS subframe configuration can include PSS / SSS in symbol 3/2 and no legacy PSS / SSS in symbol 6/5. The PSS / SSS in symbol 3/2 can be legacy PSS / SSS or different (e.g. as MF-PSS/MF-SSS in MulteFire 1 .0).

[0096] In an aspect, symbols 0 and 1 may or may not carry physical broadcast channel (PBCH) on the configuration 1 1 00 depending on whether PDCCH is generated / transmitted on the central six physical resource blocks (PRBs) thereat. If PDCCH is being transmitted thereat, PBCH would not be transmitted, but if it is not then additional PBCH could be transmitted in lieu of PDCCH in the subframe configuration, for example.

[0097] FIGs. 12 and 13 illustrate a DRS subframe configurations 1200 and 1300 where the DRS in one subframe includes CRS/PBCH, and no PSS / SSS can present.

[0098] In these embodiments, DRS on the considered subframe 1200 includes CRS / PBCH, where CRS can be similar to CRS in Rel-12 DRS. No PSS / SSS is generated in these subframes 1 200 and 1300. MIB can be transmitted in one or a multiple OFDM symbols within the set of symbols {7, 8, 9, 1 0, 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1 1 , 12, 1 3}.

[0099] In an aspect, symbols 0 and 1 may or may not carry physical broadcast channel (PBCH) on the subframe configurations 1200 or 1300 depending on whether PDCCH is generated / transmitted on the central six physical resource blocks (PRBs) thereat. Subframe 1200 symbols 0 and 1 do not carry additional PBCH, for example, while the configuration of subframe 1300 does carry additional PBCH at symbols 0 and 1 .

[00100] Referring to FIGs. 14 and 15, illustrated are further subframe configurations 1400 and 1500 for MIB transmission in additional symbols. For all the above

configurations discussed herein, when MIB is transmitted over symbols in addition to symbols 7, 8, 9, and 10, the various embodiments / aspects can be included to carry MIB.

[00101 ] For example, different PBCH symbols can be repeated within the same subframe 1400. For example, the symbols 7, 8, 9 and 10 can be additionally repeated in symbols 4, 1 1 , 1 2, and 13, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 14, as an loT DRS subframe configuration as with PBCH in frequency division duplex (FDD) with eMTC systems also.

[00102] In an embodiment, the CRS in symbols 7 and 8 can be copied together when repeating these two symbols in a subframe configuration, and configured in one or more subframes of the transmission as repetitions. As such, the PBCH symbol 1 or first PBCH symbol that is located at symbol 7 (or symbol index 7) can be repeated at symbol index / location 4. The PBCH symbol 2 or second PBCH symbol that is located at symbol 8 can be repeated at symbol index / location 1 1 . The PBCH symbol 3 or third PBCH symbol that is located at symbol 9 can be repeated at symbol index / location 12. The PBCH symbol 4 or fourth PBCH symbol that is located at symbol 10 can be repeated at symbol index / location 13.

[00103] In another embodiment, the CRS could not be copied when symbols 7 and 8 are repeated. The REs which carry the CRS in these two symbols can be left empty in repeated symbols, or be used to transmit MIB, for example.

[00104] Referring to FIG. 15, illustrated is another example subframe configuration 1500 for MIB transmission in additional symbols. The MIB can be rate matched to these symbols, similar to DRS in MulteFire 1 .0, as illustrated in FIG. 15 with the subframe configuration 1500. For example, when MIB is transmitted over more than 4 symbols, i.e. symbols other than 7, 8, 9, and 10, the MIB is rate matched to all the symbols carrying MIB. Rate matching operates to match the number of bits in transport block(TB) to the number of bits that can be transmitted in the given allocation. Rate matching involves many things including sub-block interleaving, bit collection and pruning. Rate matching can be performed over code blocks and performed after the code blocks have undergone turbo encoding. A turbo encoder, for example, can perform a 1 /3 rate encoding, i.e. for every single input bit, it can give 3 output bits in which the first bit is the original input bit called as a systematic bit and the remaining two bits are an interleaved version of the input bit can be called parityl and parity2 bits, for example. These three streams of systematic, partityl and parity2 bits can be fed as input to a rate matching module. In rate matching, information bits can be first channel- coded with a turbo code of mother rate of 1/3 before being adapted by a rate matching process for a final suitable code rate.

[00105] Referring to FIG. 16, illustrated is another example of DRS subframe configurations 1600 spanning over multiple subframes that can be generated / processed. When DRS has duration of more than one subframe, any combinations of the above described designs in different subframes can also be considered.

[00106] In one embodiment, DRS can be repeated over multiple subframes, where DRS in one subframe follows one the above described structures. FIG. 16 provides an example of this design, where the DRS on any one of the subframe follows for an alternative second design such that the DRS on the considered subframe includes PSS/SSS/CRS/PBCH, where in addition to the PSS/SSS which are at symbol 6 as PSS and symbol 5 as SSS, additional PSS/SSS can be added to at least one of symbol 2 or

3. MIB can be transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols within the set {7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 4, 1 1 , 12, 13} if symbols 2 and 3 are used for additional PSS/SSS, or {7, 8, 9, 1 0, 0, 1 , 2, 4, 1 1 , 12, 1 3} if symbol 3 is used for additional PSS/SSS, or {7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 3,

4, 1 1 , 12, 1 3} if symbol 2 is used for additional PSS/SSS.

[00107] As such, the configurations 1600 at SF n and SF n+1 , where n is any positive integer of a subframe index within a frame, transmission burst, or DL transmission, for example. Here, the multiple subframes that DRS occupies can have the same structure, and the MIB can be rate matched to / among all the symbols carrying the MIB.

[00108] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of DRS occupying multiple subframes 1700 where the DRS in a first subframe follows one of the described structures above (e.g., DRS subframe configuration 1500 of FIG. 15 or the like), while DRS in the next subframe follows another different described structure (e.g., DRS subframe

configuration 1500 of FIG. 15). FIG. 17 provides an example of this technique, where first subframe is based on the second alternative design (as discussed above or variations of configuration 1500 of FIG. 15 where in addition to the PSS/SSS which are at symbol 6 as PSS and symbol 5 as SSS, additional PSS/SSS can be added to at least one of symbol 2 or 3), and the next subframe is based on a third alternative design configuration such as DRS subframe configurations 1200 or 1300. Here, as the third alternative design configuraiton, the DRS on the second considered subframe (e.g., SF n+1 ) includes CRS/PBCH, where CRS can be similar to CRS in Rel-1 2 DRS, and MIB can be transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols within the set {7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1 1 , 12, 1 3} and no PSS / SSS.

[00109] FIG. 18 provides other examples of the DRS subframe configurations 1800 (subframe n, and subframe n+1 ), where PSS and MF-PSS, SSS and MF-SSS can be switched in second repetitions, or only 1 repetition contains two PSS and two SSS symbols. Further, symbols 0 and 1 can also contain additional PBCH as an alternative to symbols 0 and 1 in configuration 1700 of FIG. 17. Again, the DRS occupies more than one subframe, in which each subframe can comprise different configurations or structures. The symbols carrying MIB can either be repeated, or the MIB can be rate matched on these symbols.

[00110] In this embodiment, UE or loT can perform blind detection, and based on the PSS / SSS structure 1800, the UE or loT can tell which repetitions the current received DRS subframe is. The UE or loT can determine the subframe index based on the subframe index indication carried in MIB + the number of repetitions - 1 as the MIB and the number of repetitions minus one.

[00111 ] FIGs. 19-21 provide illustration of a DRS subframe configuration design examples, where DRS occupies two subframes, which have different structures (e.g. different PSS / SSS locations). The symbols carrying MIB can either be repeated, or the MIB can be rate matched on these symbols. Different PSS / SSS subframe

configuration structures in different DRS repetitions can enable differentiation on the number of DRS repetitions, and avoid confusion on the subframe index by the UE or loT as state above. In an aspect, the first n symbols can carry, or not carry MIB, depending on if PDCCH is transmitted in these symbols, where n can be 0, 1 , 2, 3.

[00112] FIG. 19 in particular illustrates an example configuration 1900 where a first subframe (SF n) can be similar to the configuration 1000 of FIG. 10, where symbols 2 and 3 occupy MF-SSS and MF-PSS, respectively, and the additional subframe (SF n+1 ) spanning DRS is similar but where SSS and PSS are switched in location with MF-SSS and MF-PSS, in comparison. Thus, legacy SSS and PSS can occupy symbol locations 2 and 3, respectively, and MF-SSS and MF-PSS can occupy symbol locations 5 and 6, respectively.

[00113] FIG. 20 in particular illustrates an example of configuration 2000 where a first subframe (SF n) can be similar to the configuration 1000 of FIG. 10, where symbols 2 and 3 occupy MF-SSS and MF-PSS, respectively, and the additional subframe (SF n+1 ) spanning DRS comprises no repetition of SSS and PSS for the MF-SSS and MF-PSS. Instead, symbols 2 and 3 provide for additional PBCH such as for MIB, for example, and additional repeated legacy SSS and PSS occupies symbols 5 and 6 on the second subframe.

[00114] FIG. 21 in particular illustrates an example of a subframe configuration 2100 where a first subframe (SF n) can be similar to the configuration 1000 of FIG. 10, where symbols 2 and 3 occupy MF-SSS and MF-PSS, respectively, and the additional subframe (SF n+1 ) spanning DRS comprises no repetition of SSS and PSS for the legacy SSS and PSS. Instead, symbols 2 and 3 provide for additional PBCH such as for MIB, for example, and additional MF-SSS and MF-PSS is repeated at symbols 2 and 3 on the second subframe (subframe n+1 ), for example.

[00115] In another embodiment, the DRS following the designs above (e.g., as in FIGs. 19-21 ) can be repeated N times, e.g. N=2. For example, DRS occupying 2 subframes can be repeated twice (i.e. in total DRS spans 4 subframes).

[00116] In other aspects / embodiments herein, DRS transmission can be performed with LBT. In systems where LBT is used as the basic technique for coexistence, LBT can be applied before DRS transmission. In one embodiment, DRS transmission can be subject to single-shot LBT rather than a category 4 LBT that is longer. In a single-shot LBT referred to herein, a category 4 LBT protocol / procedure can be longer than a single interval LBT (single-shot LBT) or just a clear channel assessment, and further include a backoff operation or procedure. For example, the category 4 LBT protocol can further include a random backoff procedure (e.g., an exponential random backoff procedure) as opposed to a clear channel assessment alone that can comprise a single interval LBT (or short Cat 4 LBT / single-shot LBT) operation whereby a puncturing of the first symbol of PUSCH transmission occurs as part of the channel assessment to determine a busy channel or an idle / available channel / band.

[00117] In other aspects / embodiments herein, DRS transmission can be performed in frequency hopping systems. When frequency hopping is used for coexistence, DRS can be transmitted on one or multiple anchor channels. Within one anchor channel during the dwell time, DRS can be send periodically with a fixed periodicity (e.g. 5ms). The hopping pattern is derived either from PCI that is carried by PSS / SSS, or from the SIB-MF which is scheduled by MIB-MF. UE will listen to the anchor channel during initial access procedure.

[001 18] In a first set of examples to the various aspects / embodiments herein, the below examples are envisioned further.

[001 19] Example 1 can include the method of DRS design for unlicensed-loT (U-loT).

[00120] Example 2 can include the method of example 1 and/or some other example herein, wherein DRS includes PSS / SSS/CRS/PBCH, and can span over one or multiple subframes.

[00121 ] Example 3 can include the method of example 2 and/or some other example herein, wherein DRS in one subframe includes PSS / SSS/CRS/PBCH, where: a. PSS presents at symbol 6; b. SSS presents at symbol 5; c. CRS can be CRS in Rel-12 DRS which presents in symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8 and/or 1 1 depending on CRS ports; or d. MIB is transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols within the set {7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 1 1 , 12, 13}.

[00122] Example 4 can include the method of example 2 and/or some other example herein, wherein DRS in one subframe includes PSS / SSS/CRS/PBCH, where a. A PSS presents at symbol 6; b. A SSS presents at symbol 5, c. Additional PSS / SSS can present at symbols 2 and/or 3 which can be legacy PSS / SSS or be different; d. CRS can be CRS in Rel-12 DRS which presents in symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8 and/or 1 1 depending on CRS ports; or e. MIB is transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols which is not used for PSS / SSS within the set {7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 1 1 , 12, 13}.

[00123] Example 5 can include the method of example 4 and/or some other example herein, wherein DRS can be DRS in MulteFire 1 .0, specifically, a. a PSS presents at symbol 6; b. a SSS presents at symbol 5; c. additional PSS and SSS present at symbol 3 and 2, respectively, which can be legacy PSS / SSS or be different (e.g., MF-PSS, MF-SSS); d. CRS is the CRS in Rel-12 DRS which presents in symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8 and/or 1 1 depending on CRS ports; or e. MIB is transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols which is not used for PSS / SSS within the set {7, 8, 9, 1 0, 4, 1 1 }.

[00124] Example 6 can include the method of examples 4 and 5 and/or some other example herein, where PSS and SSS in symbol 6 and 5 respectively are legacy PSS and SSS. [00125] Example 7 can include the method of example 2 and/or some other example herein, wherein DRS in one subframe includes PSS / SSS/CRS/PBCH, where a. a PSS presents at symbol 3, which can be legacy PSS or be different (e.g. be MF-PSS in MulteFire 1 .0); b. a SSS presents at symbol 2, which can be legacy SSS or be different (e.g. as MF-SSS in MulteFire 1 .1 ); c. additional PSS / SSS can or can not present at symbols 5 and/or 6 (if PSS / SSS presents at symbols 5 and/or 6, PSS / SSS can be the different from legacy PSS / SSS (e.g. MF-PSS/MF-SSS in MulteFire 1 .1 )); d. CRS is the CRS in Rel-12 DRS which presents in symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8 and/or 1 1 depending on CRS ports; or e. MIB is transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols which does not used for PSS / SSS within the set {7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 1 1 , 12, 13}.

[00126] Example 8 can include the method of example 2 and/or some other example herein, wherein DRS in one subframe includes CRS/PBCH without PSS / SSS, where a. CRS is the CRS in Rel-12 DRS which presents in symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8 and/or 1 1 depending on CRS ports; or MIB is transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols within the set {7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13}.

[00127] Example 9 can include the method of example 2 and/or some other example herein, wherein when MIB is transmitted over more than 4 symbols, i.e. symbols other than 7, 8, 9, and 10, the PBCH symbols on symbols 7, 8, 9, and 10 can be repeated in the additional symbols, e.g. one of multiple symbols within set {7, 8, 9, 10} can be repeated once or multiple times on symbols within the set {0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1 1 , 12, 13}.

[00128] Example 10 can include the method of example 9 and/or some other example herein, wherein the CRS in symbols 7 and 8 can be copied along with other REs in symbols 7 and 8 when they are repeated.

[00129] Example 1 1 can include the method of example 9 and/or some other example herein, wherein the CRS in symbols 7 and 8 is not copied along with other REs in symbols 7 and 8 when they are repeated, e.g. the REs carrying CRS can be left empty or be used for MIB transmission.

[00130] Example 12 can include the method of example 2 and/or some other example herein, wherein when MIB is transmitted over more than 4 symbols, i.e. symbols other than 7, 8, 9, and 10, the MIB is rate matched to all the symbols carrying MIB.

[00131 ] Example 13 can include the method of example 2 and/or some other example herein, wherein DRS spans over multiple subframes, and each of the subframes has the same structure. [00132] Example 14 can include the method of example 13 and/or some other example herein, wherein DRS on each subframe can have the following structure: a. one PSS presents at symbol 6, and an additional PSS presents at symbol 3; b. one SSS presents at symbol 5, and an additional SSS presents at symbol 2; c. CRS presents at symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8 and/or 1 1 depending on CRS ports, as CRS in legacy LTE (e.g. in Rel-12 DRS); or d. MIB is transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols within the set {7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 0, 1 , 4, 12, 13}.

[00133] Example 15 can include the method of example 2 and/or some other example herein, wherein DRS spans over multiple subframes, and some of the subframes can have different structures.

[00134] Example 16 can include the method of example 15 and/or some other example herein, wherein DRS on some subframes can have the following structure: a. one PSS presents at symbol 6, and an additional PSS presents at symbol 3; b. one SSS presents at symbol 5, and an additional SSS presents at symbol 2; c. CRS presents at symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8 and/or 1 1 depending on CRS ports, as CRS in legacy LTE (e.g. in Rel-12 DRS); d. MIB is transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols within the set {7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 0, 1 , 4, 12, 13}, and DRS on other subframes can have the following structure: a. CRS presents at symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8 and/or 1 1 depending on CRS ports, as CRS in legacy LTE (e.g. in Rel-12 DRS); or b. MIB is transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols within the set {7, 8, 9, 1 0, 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1 1 , 12, 13}.

[00135] Example 17 can include the method of example 15 and/or some other example herein, wherein DRS on some subframes can have the following structure: a. one PSS (as legacy PSS) presents at symbol 6, and an additional PSS (different from legacy PSS, e.g. as MF-PSS in MulteFire 1 .0) presents at symbol 3; b. one SSS (as legacy SSS) presents at symbol 5, and an additional SSS presents (different from legacy SSS, e.g. as MF-SSS in MulteFire 1 .0) at symbol 2; c. CRS presents at symbols

0, 1 , 4, 7, 8 and/or 1 1 depending on CRS ports, as CRS in legacy LTE (e.g. in Rel-12 DRS); or d. MIB is transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols within the set {7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 0, 1 , 4, 12, 13}; and DRS on other subframes can have the following structure: a. one PSS (different from legacy PSS, e.g. as MF-PSS in MulteFire 1 .0) presents at symbol 6, and an additional PSS (as legacy PSS) presents at symbol 3; b. one SSS (different from legacy SSS, e.g. as MF-SSS in MulteFire 1 .0) presents at symbol 5, and an additional SSS (as legacy SSS) presents at symbol 2; c. CRS presents at symbols 0,

1 , 4, 7, 8 and/or 1 1 depending on CRS ports, as CRS in legacy LTE (e.g. in Rel-12 DRS); or d. MIB is transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols within the set {7, 8, 9,

10, 1 1 , 0, 1 , 4, 12, 13}.

[00136] Example 18 can include the method of example 15 and/or some other example herein, wherein DRS on some subframes can have the following structure: a. one PSS (as legacy PSS) presents at symbol 6, and an additional PSS (different from legacy PSS, e.g. as MF-PSS in MulteFire 1 .0) presents at symbol 3; b. one SSS (as legacy SSS) presents at symbol 5, and an additional SSS presents (different from legacy SSS, e.g. as MF-SSS in MulteFire 1 .0) at symbol 2; c. CRS presents at symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8 and/or 1 1 depending on CRS ports, as CRS in legacy LTE (e.g. in Rel-12 DRS); d. MIB is transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols within the set {7, 8, 9, 10,

1 1 , 0, 1 , 4, 12, 13}; and DRS on other subframes can have the following structure: e. one PSS (different from legacy PSS, e.g. as MF-PSS in MulteFire 1 .0) presents at symbol 3; f. one SSS (different from legacy SSS, e.g. as MF-SSS in MulteFire 1 .0) presents at symbol 2; f. CRS presents at symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8 and/or 1 1 depending on CRS ports, as CRS in legacy LTE (e.g. in Rel-12 DRS); h. MIB is transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols within the set {7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 0, 1 , 4, 12, 13}.

[00137] Example 19 can include the method of example 15 and/or some other example herein, wherein DRS on some subframes can have the following structure: a. one PSS (as legacy PSS) presents at symbol 6, and an additional PSS (different from legacy PSS, e.g. as MF-PSS in MulteFire 1 .0) presents at symbol 3; b. one SSS (as legacy SSS) presents at symbol 5, and an additional SSS presents (different from legacy SSS, e.g. as MF-SSS in MulteFire 1 .0) at symbol 2; c. CRS presents at symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8 and/or 1 1 depending on CRS ports, as CRS in legacy LTE (e.g. in Rel-12 DRS); d. MIB is transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols within the set {7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 0, 1 , 4, 12, 13}; and DRS on other subframes can have the following structure: e. One PSS (as legacy PSS) presents at symbol 6; f. one SSS (as legacy SSS) presents at symbol 5; g. CRS presents at symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8 and/or 1 1 depending on CRS ports, as CRS in legacy LTE (e.g. in Rel-12 DRS); h. MIB is transmitted in one or multiple OFDM symbols within the set {7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 0, 1 , 4, 12, 13}.

[00138] Example 20 can include the method of example 1 and/or some other example herein, wherein DRS can be transmitted after one shot LBT when LBT is used as coexistence method. [00139] Example 21 can include the method of example 1 and/or some other example herein, wherein DRS can be transmitted over one or multiple anchor channels when frequency hopping is used.

[00140] 'Example 22 can include the method of example 21 and/or some other example herein, wherein DRS is transmitted periodically on anchor channel, e.g., during allowed dwell time only.

[00141 ] Example 23 can include the method of example 1 and/or some other example herein, wherein the first n symbols in DRS subframe(s) can carry MIB or can not carry MIB, depending on if PDCCH is transmitted on these symbols, where n can be 0, 1 , 2, 3 and can be configured via a control format indicator (CFI).

[00142] Example 24 can include an apparatus comprising means to perform one or more elements of a method described in or related to any of examples 1 -23, or any other method or process described herein.

[00143] Example 25 can include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media comprising instructions to cause an electronic device, upon execution of the instructions by one or more processors of the electronic device, to perform one or more elements of a method described in or related to any of examples 1 -23, or any other method or process described herein.

[00144] Example 26 can include an apparatus comprising logic, modules, and/or circuitry to perform one or more elements of a method described in or related to any of examples 1 -23, or any other method or process described herein.

[00145] Example 27 can include a method, technique, or process as described in or related to any of examples 1 -23, or portions or parts thereof.

[00146] Example 28 can include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer readable media comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method, techniques, or process as described in or related to any of examples 1 -23, or portions thereof.

[00147] Example 29 can include a method of communicating in a wireless network as shown and described herein.

[00148] Example 30 can include a system for providing wireless communication as shown and described herein.

[00149] Example 31 can include a device for providing wireless communication as shown and described herein. [00150] While the methods described within this disclosure are illustrated in and described herein as a series of acts or events, it will be appreciated that the illustrated ordering of such acts or events are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. For example, some acts can occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events apart from those illustrated and/or described herein. In addition, not all illustrated acts can be required to implement one or more aspects or embodiments of the description herein. Further, one or more of the acts depicted herein can be carried out in one or more separate acts and/or phases.

[00151 ] Referring to FIG. 22, illustrated is an example process flow 2200 for transmitting / receiving / processing / generating DRS transmissions with DRS subframes of one or more DL transmissions.

[00152] At 2202, the method comprises generating / processing a downlink (DL) communication comprising a discovery reference signal (DRS) that configures an Internet of Things (loT) device to determine a measurement in an unlicensed carrier and enable a cell detection and synchronization for unlicensed narrowband (U-NB) loT communications.

[00153] At 2204, the method further comprises transmitting / receiving the DL communication via a radio frequency front-end module.

[00154] In one or more embodiments, the process flow can include repeating DRS symbols of the DRS within a subframe of the DL communication to configure at least two Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) symbols and at least two Secondary

Synchronization Signal (SSS) symbols within the subframe of the DL communication.

[00155] The unlicensed carrier can comprise about 2.4GHz, and the process flow further include generating the at least two SSS symbols in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol 5 and at least one of OFDM symbol 2 or OFDM symbol 3, and the at least two PSS symbols at OFDM symbol 6 and the least one of OFDM symbol 2 or OFDM symbol 3, within the subframe of the DL communication.

[00156] In one example, the at least two SSS symbols can comprises a legacy SSS symbol and a MulteFire SSS symbol, and the at least two PSS symbols comprise a legacy PSS symbol and a MulteFire PSS symbol.

[00157] In one or more other embodiments, the process flow can include switching between configuring the legacy SSS symbol in OFDM symbol 5 and the MulteFire SSS symbol in OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and configuring the legacy SSS symbol in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and the MulteFire SSS symbol in the OFDM symbol 5, among different subframes of the DL transmission; and switching between configuring the legacy PSS symbol in OFDM symbol 6 and the MulteFire SSS symbol in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and configuring the legacy PSS symbol in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and the MulteFire PSS symbol in the OFDM symbol 6, among the different subframes of the DL transmission.

[00158] In one or more other embodiments, the process flow can include generating a cell-specific reference signal (CRS) located in at least one symbol of a CRS group consisting of OFDM symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8, or 1 1 based on CRS antenna port locations, and a master information block (MIB) located in at least one OFDM symbol from an MIB group consisting of OFDM symbols 7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 4, 1 1 , 12, or 13.

[00159] In one or more other embodiments, the process flow can include generating the DRS symbols of the DRS in another subframe of the DL communication that follows the subframe of the DL communication and comprises a different configuration than the subframe of the DL communication. The different configuration can comprise a cell- specific reference signal (CRS) located in at least one symbol of a CRS group consisting of OFDM symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8, or 1 1 based on CRS antenna port locations, and a master information block (MIB) located in at least one OFDM symbol from an MIB group consisting of OFDM symbols 7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 1 1 , 12, or 13.

[00160] In one or more other embodiments, the process flow can include generating a MIB in at least four OFDM symbols of a subframe of the DL communication and rate matching the MIB to the at least four OFDM symbols of the subframe.

[00161 ] In one or more other embodiments, the process flow can include frequency hopping the DRS on one or more multiple anchor carriers for coexistence with one or more other unlicensed carriers while transmitting the DL communication.

[00162] In one or more other embodiments, the process flow can include generating a single-shot listen before talk (LBT) operation of the unlicensed carrier for coexistence with one or more other unlicensed carriers, wherein the transmitting the DL

communication is based on the single-shot LBT.

[00163] In one or more other embodiments, the process flow can include generating physical broadcast channel (PBCH) symbols in a subframe of the DL communication at OFDM symbols 0 and 1 based on whether a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) is within a central six physical resource blocks (PRBs) of the OFDM symbols 0 and 1 . [00164] As used herein, the term "circuitry" can refer to, be part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group), and/or memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality. In some embodiments, the circuitry can be implemented in, or functions associated with the circuitry can be implemented by, one or more software or firmware modules. In some embodiments, circuitry can include logic, at least partially operable in hardware.

[00165] As it employed in the subject specification, the term "processor" can refer to substantially any computing processing unit or device including, but not limited to including, single-core processors; single-processors with software multithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software multithread execution capability; multi-core processors with hardware multithread technology;

parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a processor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array, a programmable logic controller, a complex programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions and/or processes described herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhance performance of mobile devices. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

[00166] In the subject specification, terms such as "store," "data store," data storage," "database," and substantially any other information storage component relevant to operation and functionality of a component and/or process, refer to "memory

components," or entities embodied in a "memory," or components including the memory. It is noted that the memory components described herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory.

[00167] By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory, for example, can be included in a memory, non-volatile memory (see below), disk storage (see below), and memory storage (see below). Further, nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory, programmable read only memory, electrically programmable read only memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, or flash memory.

Volatile memory can include random access memory, which acts as external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, random access memory is available in many forms such as synchronous random access memory, dynamic random access memory, synchronous dynamic random access memory, double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory, enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory, Synchlink dynamic random access memory, and direct Rambus random access memory. Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methods herein are intended to include, without being limited to including, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[00168] Examples can include subject matter such as a method, means for performing acts or blocks of the method, at least one machine-readable medium including instructions that, when performed by a machine cause the machine to perform acts of the method or of an apparatus or system for concurrent communication using multiple communication technologies according to embodiments and examples described herein.

[00169] In a second set of examples to the various aspects / embodiments herein, the below examples are envisioned further

[00170] Example 1 is a computer-readable storage medium storing executable instructions that, in response to execution, cause one or more processors of an evolved NodeB (eNB) or a next generation NodeB (gNB) to perform operations, comprising: generating a downlink (DL) communication comprising a discovery reference signal (DRS) that configures an Internet of Things (loT) device to determine a measurement in an unlicensed carrier and enable a cell detection and synchronization for unlicensed narrowband (U-NB) loT communications; and transmitting the DL communication via a radio frequency (RF) interface or a RF front end module.

[00171 ] Example 2 includes the subject matter of Example 1 , wherein the operations further comprise: repeating DRS symbols of the DRS within a subframe of the DL communication to configure at least two Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) symbols and at least two Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) symbols within the subframe of the DL communication.

[00172] Example 3 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 -2, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the unlicensed carrier comprises about 2.4GHz, and wherein the operations further comprise: generating the at least two SSS symbols in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol 5 and at least one of OFDM symbol 2 or OFDM symbol 3, and the at least two PSS symbols at OFDM symbol 6 and the least one of OFDM symbol 2 or OFDM symbol 3, within the subframe of the DL communication.

[00173] Example 4 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 -3, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the at least two SSS symbols comprises a legacy SSS symbol and a MulteFire SSS symbol, and the at least two PSS symbols comprises a legacy PSS symbol and a MulteFire PSS symbol.

[00174] Example 5 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 -4, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the operations further comprise: switching between configuring the legacy SSS symbol in OFDM symbol 5 and the MulteFire SSS symbol in OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and configuring the legacy SSS symbol in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and the MulteFire SSS symbol in the OFDM symbol 5, among different subframes of the DL transmission; and switching between configuring the legacy PSS symbol in OFDM symbol 6 and the MulteFire SSS symbol in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and configuring the legacy PSS symbol in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and the MulteFire PSS symbol in the OFDM symbol 6, among the different subframes of the DL transmission.

[00175] Example 6 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 -5, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the operations further comprise:

generating a cell-specific reference signal (CRS) located in at least one symbol of a CRS group consisting of OFDM symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8, or 1 1 based on CRS antenna port locations, and a master information block (MIB) located in at least one OFDM symbol from an MIB group consisting of OFDM symbols 7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 4, 1 1 , 1 2, or 13.

[00176] Example 7 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 -6, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the operations further comprise:

generating the DRS symbols of the DRS in another subframe of the DL communication that follows the subframe of the DL communication and comprises a different configuration than the subframe of the DL communication.

[00177] Example 8 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 -7, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the different configuration comprises a cell-specific reference signal (CRS) located in at least one symbol of a CRS group consisting of OFDM symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8, or 1 1 based on CRS antenna port locations, and a master information block (MIB) located in at least one OFDM symbol from an MIB group consisting of OFDM symbols 7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 1 1 , 12, or 13.

[00178] Example 9 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 -8, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the operations further comprise:

generating a MIB in at least four OFDM symbols of a subframe of the DL

communication and rate matching the MIB to the at least four OFDM symbols of the subframe.

[00179] Example 10 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 -9, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the operations further comprise:

frequency hopping the DRS on one or more multiple anchor carriers for coexistence with one or more other unlicensed carriers while transmitting the DL communication.

[00180] Example 1 1 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 -10, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the operations further comprise: generating a single-shot listen before talk (LBT) operation to the unlicensed carrier for coexistence with one or more other unlicensed carriers, wherein the transmitting the DL communication is based on the single-shot LBT.

[00181 ] Example 12 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 -2, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the operations further comprise:

generating physical broadcast channel (PBCH) symbols in a subframe of the DL communication at OFDM symbols 0 and 1 based on whether a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) is within a central six physical resource blocks (PRBs) of the OFDM symbols 0 and 1 .

[00182] Example 13 is an apparatus configured to be employed in an evolved NodeB (eNB) or a next generation NodeB (gNB) comprising: one or more processors configured to: generate a discovery reference signal (DRS) of a downlink (DL) communication, wherein the DRS configures an Internet of Things (loT) device to determine a measurement in an unlicensed carrier and enable a cell detection and a synchronization for unlicensed narrowband (U-NB) loT communications; and a radio frequency (RF) interface configured to transmit the DRS of the DL communication.

[00183] Example 14 includes the subject matter of Example 13, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: provide a plurality of Primary

Synchronization Signal (PSS) symbols at a first plurality of symbol locations in at least one subframe of the DRS of the DL communication and a plurality of Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) symbols at a second plurality of symbol locations in the at least one subframe of the DRS of the DL communication.

[00184] Example 15 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 13-14, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: repeat orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols corresponding to a master information block (MIB) in a plurality of subframes of the DRS, wherein at least one of the plurality of subframes comprises more than four OFDM symbol locations comprising the MIB.

[00185] Example 16 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 13-15, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: provide physical broadcast channel (PBCH) symbols with the MIB in the at least one subframe at symbol locations 7, 8, 9 and 10 and repeat the PBCH symbols in other symbol locations of the more than four OFDM symbol locations in the at least one subframe; and rate matching the MIB in the at least one subframe to the more than four OFDM symbol locations.

[00186] Example 17 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 13-16, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: frequency hop the DRS on one or more multiple anchor carriers for coexistence with one or more other unlicensed carriers while transmitting the DL communication; or generate a single-shot listen before talk (LBT) operation to the unlicensed carrier for coexistence with one or more other unlicensed carriers, wherein the transmitting the DL communication is based on the single-shot LBT.

[00187] Example 18 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 13-17, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein other subframes of the plurality of subframes comprise different symbol locations or a different number of symbol locations of the MIB, wherein at least one subframe comprise a plurality of PSS symbols at different symbol locations and different SSS symbols at other different symbol locations.

[00188] Example 19 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 13-18, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: generate a first n symbols of a subframe of the DRS with MIB based on whether a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) is present within the first n subframes and a configuration via a control format indicator (CFI), wherein n comprises 1 , 2, 3, or 4. [00189] Example 20 is an apparatus configured to be employed in an Internet of Things (loT) device comprising: one or more processors configured to: process a DRS of a DL communication; and determine a measurement of an unlicensed carrier to detect an unlicensed cell and synchronize with unlicensed narrowband (U-NB) loT communications based on the DRS of the DL communication; and a radio frequency (RF) interface configured to receive or process the DL communication.

[00190] Example 21 includes the subject matter of Example 20, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: determine DRS symbols of the DRS within a DRS including at least two Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) symbols and at least two Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) symbols within the subframe of the DL communication.

[00191 ] Example 22 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 20-21 , including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the at least two SSS symbols comprises a legacy SSS symbol and a MulteFire SSS symbol, and the at least two PSS symbols comprises at least one of: a legacy PSS symbol or a MulteFire PSS symbol.

[00192] Example 23 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 20-22, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the at least two SSS symbols comprises a legacy SSS symbol and a MulteFire SSS symbol, and the at least two PSS symbols comprises a legacy PSS symbol and a MulteFire PSS symbol.

[00193] Example 24 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 20-23, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the DL communication alters configurations from among DRS subframes of the DL communication between the legacy SSS symbol being in OFDM symbol 5 and the MulteFire SSS symbol being in OFDM symbols 2 or 3, and with the legacy SSS symbol being in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and the MulteFire SSS symbol being in the OFDM symbol 5, and wherein the DL communication in the DRS subframes further alters between the legacy PSS symbol being in OFDM symbol 6 and the MulteFire PSS symbol in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and with the legacy PSS symbol being in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and the MulteFire PSS symbol being in symbol 6.

[00194] Example 25 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 20-24, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: determine a subframe index of the DRS based on a subframe index indication in a master information block of the DL communication plus a number of repetitions minus one. [00195] Example 26 is a computer-readable storage medium storing executable instructions that, in response to execution, cause one or more processors of an Internet of Things (loT) device to perform operations, comprising: processing a DRS of a DL communication; and determining a measurement of an unlicensed carrier to detect an unlicensed cell and synchronize with unlicensed narrowband (U-NB) loT

communications based on the DRS of the DL communication.

[00196] Example 27 includes the subject matter of Example 26, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the operations further comprise: determining DRS symbols of the DRS within a DRS including at least two Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) symbols and at least two Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) symbols within the subframe of the DL communication.

[00197] Example 28 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 26-27, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the at least two SSS symbols comprises a legacy SSS symbol and a MulteFire SSS symbol, and the at least two PSS symbols comprises at least one of: a legacy PSS symbol or a MulteFire PSS symbol.

[00198] Example 29 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 26-28, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the at least two SSS symbols comprises a legacy SSS symbol and a MulteFire SSS symbol, and the at least two PSS symbols comprises a legacy PSS symbol and a MulteFire PSS symbol.

[00199] Example 30 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 26-29, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the DL communication alters configurations from among DRS subframes of the DL communication between the legacy SSS symbol being in OFDM symbol 5 and the MulteFire SSS symbol being in OFDM symbols 2 or 3, and with the legacy SSS symbol being in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and the MulteFire SSS symbol being in the OFDM symbol 5, and wherein the DL communication in the DRS subframes further alters between the legacy PSS symbol being in OFDM symbol 6 and the MulteFire PSS symbol in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and with the legacy PSS symbol being in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and the MulteFire PSS symbol being in symbol 6.

[00200] Example 31 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 26-30, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the operations further comprise: determine a subframe index of the DRS based on a subframe index indication in a master information block of the DL communication plus a number of repetitions minus one. [00201 ] Example 32 is an apparatus of an evolved NodeB (eNB) or a next generation NodeB (gNB), comprising: means for generating a downlink (DL)

communication comprising a discovery reference signal (DRS) that configures an Internet of Things (loT) device to determine a measurement in an unlicensed carrier and enable a cell detection and synchronization for unlicensed narrowband (U-NB) loT communications; and means for transmitting the DL communication via a radio frequency (RF) front-end module or a radio frequency (RF) interface.

[00202] Example 33 includes the subject matter of Example 32, further comprising: means for repeating DRS symbols of the DRS within a subframe of the DL

communication to configure at least two Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) symbols and at least two Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) symbols within the subframe of the DL communication.

[00203] Example 34 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 32-33, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the unlicensed carrier comprises about 2.4GHz, and further comprising: means for generating the at least two SSS symbols in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol 5 and at least one of OFDM symbol 2 or OFDM symbol 3, and the at least two PSS symbols at OFDM symbol 6 and the least one of OFDM symbol 2 or OFDM symbol 3, within the subframe of the DL communication.

[00204] Example 35 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 32-34, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the at least two SSS symbols comprises a legacy SSS symbol and a MulteFire SSS symbol, and the at least two PSS symbols comprises a legacy PSS symbol and a MulteFire PSS symbol.

[00205] Example 36 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 32-35, including or omitting any elements as optional, further comprising: means for switching between configuring the legacy SSS symbol in OFDM symbol 5 and the MulteFire SSS symbol in OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and configuring the legacy SSS symbol in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and the MulteFire SSS symbol in the OFDM symbol 5, among different subframes of the DL transmission; and means for switching between configuring the legacy PSS symbol in OFDM symbol 6 and the MulteFire SSS symbol in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and configuring the legacy PSS symbol in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and the MulteFire PSS symbol in the OFDM symbol 6, among the different subframes of the DL transmission.

[00206] Example 37 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 32-36, including or omitting any elements as optional, further comprising: means for generating a cell-specific reference signal (CRS) located in at least one symbol of a CRS group consisting of OFDM symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8, or 1 1 based on CRS antenna port locations, and a master information block (MIB) located in at least one OFDM symbol from an MIB group consisting of OFDM symbols 7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 4, 1 1 , 12, or 13.

[00207] Example 38 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 32-37, including or omitting any elements as optional, further comprising: means for generating the DRS symbols of the DRS in another subframe of the DL communication that follows the subframe of the DL communication and comprises a different configuration than the subframe of the DL communication.

[00208] Example 39 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 32-38, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the different configuration comprises a cell-specific reference signal (CRS) located in at least one symbol of a CRS group consisting of OFDM symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8, or 1 1 based on CRS antenna port locations, and a master information block (MIB) located in at least one OFDM symbol from an MIB group consisting of OFDM symbols 7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 1 1 , 12, or 13.

[00209] Example 40 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 32-39, including or omitting any elements as optional, further comprising: means for generating a MIB in at least four OFDM symbols of a subframe of the DL communication and rate matching the MIB to the at least four OFDM symbols of the subframe.

[00210] Example 41 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 32-40, including or omitting any elements as optional, further comprising: means for frequency hopping the DRS on one or more multiple anchor carriers for coexistence with one or more other unlicensed carriers while transmitting the DL communication.

[00211 ] Example 42 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 32-41 , including or omitting any elements as optional, further comprising: means for generating a single-shot listen before talk (LBT) operation to the unlicensed carrier for coexistence with one or more other unlicensed carriers, wherein the transmitting the DL

communication is based on the single-shot LBT.

[00212] Example 43 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 32-42, including or omitting any elements as optional, further comprising: means for generating physical broadcast channel (PBCH) symbols in a subframe of the DL communication at OFDM symbols 0 and 1 based on whether a physical downlink control channel

(PDCCH) is within a central six physical resource blocks (PRBs) of the OFDM symbols 0 and 1 .

[00213] Example 44 is an apparatus of an Internet of Things (loT) device, comprising: means for processing a DRS of a DL communication; and means for determining a measurement of an unlicensed carrier to detect an unlicensed cell and synchronize with unlicensed narrowband (U-NB) loT communications based on the DRS of the DL communication.

[00214] Example 45 includes the subject matter of Example 44, further comprising: means for determining DRS symbols of the DRS within a DRS including at least two Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) symbols and at least two Secondary

Synchronization Signal (SSS) symbols within the subframe of the DL communication.

[00215] Example 46 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 44-45, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the at least two SSS symbols comprises a legacy SSS symbol and a MulteFire SSS symbol, and the at least two PSS symbols comprises at least one of: a legacy PSS symbol or a MulteFire PSS symbol.

[00216] Example 47 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 44-46, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the at least two SSS symbols comprises a legacy SSS symbol and a MulteFire SSS symbol, and the at least two PSS symbols comprises a legacy PSS symbol and a MulteFire PSS symbol.

[00217] Example 48 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 44-47, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the DL communication alters configurations from among DRS subframes of the DL communication between the legacy SSS symbol being in OFDM symbol 5 and the MulteFire SSS symbol being in OFDM symbols 2 or 3, and with the legacy SSS symbol being in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and the MulteFire SSS symbol being in the OFDM symbol 5, and wherein the DL communication in the DRS subframes further alters between the legacy PSS symbol being in OFDM symbol 6 and the MulteFire PSS symbol in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and with the legacy PSS symbol being in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and the MulteFire PSS symbol being in symbol 6.

[00218] Example 49 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 44-48, including or omitting any elements as optional, wherein the operations further comprise: means for determining a subframe index of the DRS based on a subframe index indication in a master information block of the DL communication plus a number of repetitions minus one.

[00219] It is to be understood that aspects described herein can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, functions can be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media or a computer readable storage device can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD- ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and/or non-transitory medium, that can be used to carry or store desired information or executable instructions. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.

Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer- readable media.

[00220] Various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with aspects disclosed herein can be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other

programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform functions described herein. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but, in the alternative, processor can be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Additionally, at least one processor can comprise one or more modules operable to perform one or more of the s and/or actions described herein. [00221 ] For a software implementation, techniques described herein can be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform functions described herein. Software codes can be stored in memory units and executed by processors. Memory unit can be implemented within processor or external to processor, in which case memory unit can be communicatively coupled to processor through various means as is known in the art. Further, at least one processor can include one or more modules operable to perform functions described herein.

[00222] Techniques described herein can be used for various wireless communication systems such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. A CDMA system can implement a radio technology such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), CDMA1800, etc. UTRA includes Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA) and other variants of CDMA. Further, CDMA1800 covers IS-1800, IS-95 and IS-856 standards. A TDMA system can implement a radio technology such as Global System for Mobile

Communications (GSM). An OFDMA system can implement a radio technology such as Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.1 1 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.18, etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS). 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a release of UMTS that uses E-UTRA, which employs OFDMA on downlink and SC- FDMA on uplink. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE and GSM are described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP). Additionally, CDMA1800 and UMB are described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). Further, such wireless communication systems can additionally include peer-to-peer (e.g., mobile-to-mobile) ad hoc network systems often using unpaired unlicensed spectrums, 802. xx wireless LAN,

BLUETOOTH and any other short- or long- range, wireless communication techniques.

[00223] Single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA), which utilizes single carrier modulation and frequency domain equalization is a technique that can be utilized with the disclosed aspects. SC-FDMA has similar performance and essentially a similar overall complexity as those of OFDMA system. SC-FDMA signal has lower peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) because of its inherent single carrier structure. SC-FDMA can be utilized in uplink communications where lower PAPR can benefit a mobile terminal in terms of transmit power efficiency.

[00224] Moreover, various aspects or features described herein can be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media. For example, computer-readable media can include but are not limited to magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips, etc.), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., EPROM, card, stick, key drive, etc.). Additionally, various storage media described herein can represent one or more devices and/or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" can include, without being limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and/or carrying instruction(s) and/or data. Additionally, a computer program product can include a computer readable medium having one or more instructions or codes operable to cause a computer to perform functions described herein.

[00225] Communications media embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructured data in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery or transport media. The term "modulated data signal" or signals refers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in one or more signals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media include wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

[00226] Further, the actions of a method or algorithm described in connection with aspects disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or a combination thereof. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium can be coupled to processor, such that processor can read information from, and write information to, storage medium. In the alternative, storage medium can be integral to processor. Further, in some aspects, processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Additionally, ASIC can reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, processor and storage medium can reside as discrete components in a user terminal. Additionally, in some aspects, the s and/or actions of a method or algorithm can reside as one or any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on a machine-readable medium and/or computer readable medium, which can be incorporated into a computer program product.

[00227] The above description of illustrated embodiments of the subject disclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possible that are considered within the scope of such embodiments and examples, as those skilled in the relevant art can recognize.

[00228] In this regard, while the disclosed subject matter has been described in connection with various embodiments and corresponding Figures, where applicable, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can be used or modifications and additions can be made to the described embodiments for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitute function of the disclosed subject matter without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below.

[00229] In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, circuits, systems, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a "means") used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component or structure which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the disclosure. In addition, while a particular feature can have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature can be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as can be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A computer-readable storage medium storing executable instructions that, in response to execution, cause one or more processors of an evolved NodeB (eNB) or a next generation NodeB (gNB) to perform operations, comprising:

generating a downlink (DL) communication comprising a discovery reference signal (DRS) that configures an Internet of Things (loT) device to determine a measurement in an unlicensed carrier and enable a cell detection and synchronization for unlicensed narrowband (U-NB) loT communications; and

transmitting the DL communication via a radio frequency (RF) interface or a radio frequency front-end module.

2. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 1 , wherein the operations further comprise:

repeating DRS symbols of the DRS within a subframe of the DL communication to configure at least two Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) symbols and at least two Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) symbols within the subframe of the DL communication.

3. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 2, wherein the unlicensed carrier comprises about 2.4GHz, and wherein the operations further comprise:

generating the at least two SSS symbols in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol 5 and at least one of OFDM symbol 2 or OFDM symbol 3, and the at least two PSS symbols at OFDM symbol 6 and the least one of OFDM symbol 2 or OFDM symbol 3, within the subframe of the DL communication.

4. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 2, wherein the at least two SSS symbols comprises a legacy SSS symbol and a MulteFire SSS symbol, and the at least two PSS symbols comprises a legacy PSS symbol and a MulteFire PSS symbol.

5. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 4, wherein the operations further comprise:

switching between configuring the legacy SSS symbol in OFDM symbol 5 and the MulteFire SSS symbol in OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and configuring the legacy SSS symbol in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and the MulteFire SSS symbol in the OFDM symbol 5, among different subframes of the DL transmission; and

switching between configuring the legacy PSS symbol in OFDM symbol 6 and the MulteFire SSS symbol in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and configuring the legacy PSS symbol in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and the MulteFire PSS symbol in the OFDM symbol 6, among the different subframes of the DL transmission.

6. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 3, wherein the operations further comprise:

generating a cell-specific reference signal (CRS) located in at least one symbol of a CRS group consisting of OFDM symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8, or 1 1 based on CRS antenna port locations, and a master information block (MIB) located in at least one OFDM symbol from an MIB group consisting of OFDM symbols 7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 4, 1 1 , 12, or 13.

7. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 2, wherein the operations further comprise:

generating the DRS symbols of the DRS in another subframe of the DL communication that follows the subframe of the DL communication and comprises a different configuration than the subframe of the DL communication.

8. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 7, wherein the different configuration comprises a cell-specific reference signal (CRS) located in at least one symbol of a CRS group consisting of OFDM symbols 0, 1 , 4, 7, 8, or 1 1 based on CRS antenna port locations, and a master information block (MIB) located in at least one OFDM symbol from an MIB group consisting of OFDM symbols 7, 8, 9, 10, 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 1 1 , 12, or 13.

9. The computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 1 -8, wherein the operations further comprise:

generating a MIB in at least four OFDM symbols of a subframe of the DL communication and rate matching the MIB to the at least four OFDM symbols of the subframe.

10. The computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 1 -9, wherein the operations further comprise:

frequency hopping the DRS on one or more multiple anchor carriers for coexistence with one or more other unlicensed carriers while transmitting the DL communication.

1 1 . The computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 1 -10, wherein the operations further comprise:

generating a single-shot listen before talk (LBT) operation to the unlicensed carrier for coexistence with one or more other unlicensed carriers, wherein the transmitting the DL communication is based on the single-shot LBT.

12. The computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 1 -1 1 , wherein the operations further comprise:

generating physical broadcast channel (PBCH) symbols in a subframe of the DL communication at OFDM symbols 0 and 1 based on whether a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) is within a central six physical resource blocks (PRBs) of the OFDM symbols 0 and 1 .

13. An apparatus configured to be employed in an evolved NodeB (eNB) or a next generation NodeB (gNB) comprising:

one or more processors configured to:

generate a discovery reference signal (DRS) of a downlink (DL) communication, wherein the DRS configures an Internet of Things (loT) device to determine a measurement in an unlicensed carrier and enable a cell detection and a synchronization for unlicensed narrowband (U-NB) loT communications; and

a radio frequency (RF) interface configured to transmit the DRS of the DL communication.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:

provide a plurality of Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) symbols at a first plurality of symbol locations in at least one subframe of the DRS of the DL communication and a plurality of Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) symbols at a second plurality of symbol locations in the at least one subframe of the DRS of the DL communication.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 13-14, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:

repeat orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols

corresponding to a master information block (MIB) in a plurality of subframes of the DRS, wherein at least one of the plurality of subframes comprises more than four OFDM symbol locations comprising the MIB.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 13-15, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:

provide physical broadcast channel (PBCH) symbols with the MIB in the at least one subframe at symbol locations 7, 8, 9 and 10 and repeat the PBCH symbols in other symbol locations of the more than four OFDM symbol locations in the at least one subframe; and

rate matching the MIB in the at least one subframe to the more than four OFDM symbol locations.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 13-16, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:

frequency hop the DRS on one or more multiple anchor carriers for coexistence with one or more other unlicensed carriers while transmitting the DL communication; or generate a single-shot listen before talk (LBT) operation to the unlicensed carrier for coexistence with one or more other unlicensed carriers, wherein the transmitting the DL communication is based on the single-shot LBT.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein other subframes of the plurality of subframes comprise different symbol locations or a different number of symbol locations of the MIB, wherein at least one subframe comprise a plurality of PSS symbols at different symbol locations and different SSS symbols at other different symbol locations.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 13-18, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:

generate a first n symbols of a subframe of the DRS with MIB based on whether a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) is present within the first n subframes and a configuration via a control format indicator (CFI), wherein n comprises 1 , 2, 3, or 4.

20. An apparatus configured to be employed in an Internet of Things (loT) device comprising:

one or more processors configured to:

process a DRS of a DL communication; and

determine a measurement of an unlicensed carrier to detect an unlicensed cell and synchronize with unlicensed narrowband (U-NB) loT communications based on the DRS of the DL communication; and

a radio frequency (RF) interface configured to receive or process the DL communication.

21 . The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:

determine DRS symbols of the DRS within a DRS including at least two Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) symbols and at least two Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) symbols within the subframe of the DL communication.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the at least two SSS symbols comprises a legacy SSS symbol and a MulteFire SSS symbol, and the at least two PSS symbols comprises at least one of: a legacy PSS symbol or a MulteFire PSS symbol.

23. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the at least two SSS symbols comprises a legacy SSS symbol and a MulteFire SSS symbol, and the at least two PSS symbols comprises a legacy PSS symbol and a MulteFire PSS symbol.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the DL communication alters configurations from among DRS subframes of the DL communication between the legacy SSS symbol being in OFDM symbol 5 and the MulteFire SSS symbol being in OFDM symbols 2 or 3, and with the legacy SSS symbol being in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and the MulteFire SSS symbol being in the OFDM symbol 5, and wherein the DL communication in the DRS subframes further alters between the legacy PSS symbol being in OFDM symbol 6 and the MulteFire PSS symbol in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and with the legacy PSS symbol being in the OFDM symbols 2 or 3 and the MulteFire PSS symbol being in symbol 6.

25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:

determine a subframe index of the DRS based on a subframe index indication in a master information block of the DL communication plus a number of repetitions minus one.