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Apple patents method for devices to share data over unlicensed radio bands

Apple describes a way for devices to communicate directly with each other using unlicensed radio frequencies, such as those used by Wi-Fi. The system checks if the channel is clear before sending data and adjusts its timing to avoid interruptions caused by other users of the same frequency.

Why it mattersThis filing outlines a technical method to make direct device-to-device communication more reliable on crowded, shared radio bands.

In the filing’s own words

Some aspects of the present description relate to techniques of mode 2 resource selection for sidelink communication on an unlicensed bands (SL-U) based on a CCA operation. A transmitting UE performs the CCA operation and then select resources using a mode 2 sensing and resource selection procedure. The sensing algorithm starts by identifying potential candidate resources within a selection window. In some aspects, the selection window is bounded by an expected CCA time for a Type 1 CCA operation, such that the potential candidate resources are limited to time slots after an expected completion time of the Type 1 CCA operation. Thereby, transmission success rate of the SL-U transmission can be improved, since less transmission failure of incomplete CCA operation would occur.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An apparatus for a User Equipment (UE), comprising: a memory configured to store instructions; and a processor coupled to the memory configured to execute the instructions to cause the UE to: select resources, for a sidelink unlicensed band (SL-U) communication on an unlicensed band, by obtaining an initial set of candidate resources and adjusting the set based on an indication of consistent listen-before-talk (LBT) failures; perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) operation on the selected resources for the SL-U communication; and send data to another UE using the selected resources for the SL-U_communication.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
RESOURCE SELECTION FOR SIDELINK COMMUNICATION ON UNLICENSED BAND (SL-U)
Publication number
US20260282047A1
Application number
19472142
Filed
Apr 7, 2023
Published
Sep 17, 2026
Inventors
5
Claims
20

Classified under

H04W 72/25 Electricity & electronicsH04W 74/0866 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.